During Saturday’s Heroes Inmortales XIV event, AAA announced that Cain Velasquez will be returning to the promotion. The former UFC Heavyweight Champion will return on AAA’s December 4th show. No opponent has been announced for him thus far.

Velasquez was one of several WWE contracted talent released on April 28th, 2020 following the onset of the global pandemic. The 39-year-old only wrestled twice for the promotion. His first match was at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia on October 31st, 2019. He challenged Brock Lesnar unsuccessfully for the WWE Championship on that show. The match came 9 yers after Velasquez had defeated Lesnar for the UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 121.

Velasquez’s second and final match with WWE came in November of 2019 on a house show from Mexico City. He teamed with Humberto Carrillo and defeated Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows.

Prior to signing with WWE, Velasquez wrestled twice for AAA in 2019 as well. At AAA TripleMania XXVII, he teamed with Cody Rhodes and Psycho Clown and defeated Los Mercenarios (El Texano Jr. & Taurus) & Killer Kross. His second match came the following month when AAA presented an “Invading NY” show at the Hulu theatre. He teamed with Brian Cage & Psycho Clown to defeat Los Mercenarios (El Texano Jr., Rey Escorpion & Taurus)

On February 8, 2016 Bryan Danielson, then known as Daniel Bryan, announced his retirement. The next day on ESPN, Bryan revealed that he’d had 10 documented concussions during his career. Bryan recently spoke with WDEL in Delaware about his time away from wrestling. He revealed that lying to WWE about his medical status played a role in him having to step away from the ring.

“One of the reasons I was forced to retire was not because of the concussions, but because I lied about that,” Danielson said. “You have to understand from WWE’s point of view, I had been wrestling for them for six years, but then all of a sudden they opened this Pandora’s box about lying about his medical history, and now we can’t trust him.”

Danielson would be cleared to return in March of 2018. This followed him visiting with several independent neurosurgeons, neurologists, and concussion experts.

“A lot of that was building the trust back, but they were also legitimately looking after my health. Going to see doctor after doctor, and doing everything that I could to improve brain function to show above and beyond that my brain was healthy.”

Bryan’s first match back in 2018 was at WrestleMania 34. He teamed with Shane McMahon and defeated Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. In November of 2018, he defeated AJ Styles to win the WWE Championship for a 4th time. He’d hold the title for 145 days before losing it to Kofi Kingston at WrestleMania 35.

Impact Wrestling on 10/7 featured future opponents Christian Cage and Josh Alexander team up in the main event against Ace Austin and Madman Fulton. This was also the go-home show for this weekend’s Knockouts Knockdown event.

Impact 10/7 Quick Results:

1. Bullet Club (Chris Bey, HIKULEO, & El Phantasmo) defeated Chris Sabin and FinJuice (David Finlay & Juice Robinson)
2. Tasha Steelz, Savannah Evans & Mercedes Martinez defeated Lady Frost, Kimber Lee & Brandi Lauren
3. X-Division Title Match Qualifier
   Steve Maclin defeated Petey Williams and Black Taurus
4. Rich Swann & Willie Mack defeated The Learning Tree (Zicky Dice & Manny Lemons)
5. Christian Cage & Josh Alexander defeated Ace Austin & Madman Fulton

Bullet Club Picks Up Win In Trios Action

Impact’s Bullet Club faction of Chris Bey, HIKULEO, and El Phantasmo picked up a win in the opening contest against Chris Sabin and FinJuice. The finish of the match came when Sabin had Bey set for the Cradle Shock but HIKULEO attempted to enter the ring with a chair and distracted the ref. This allowed ELP to hit what appeared to be a low blow on Sabin, and Bey then hit the Art of Finesse for the win.

Meanwhile, Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson were shown in the back watching the match. They’ll face one of FinJuice or Bullet Club with their titles on the line at Bound For Glory.

Heath Addresses The Impact Zone

Heath came out and talked about his long recovery from injury. He noted that during that time he lost his best friend Rhino. Heath said Rhino never called him, never returned his messages, all the time he was with Violent By Design. Eric Young and VBD then came out, but Rhino was not with them. Young said Rhino belongs to him and then VBD attacked Heath. The fans chanted for Rhino but he never came out. VBD draped their flag over top of Heath to end the segment.

Knockouts Knockdown Preview In Trios Action

In a preview of this weekend’s Knockouts Knockdown tournament, Tasha Steelz, Savannah Evans and Mercedes Martinez and took on Lady Frost and Su Yung’s minions of Kimber Lee and Brandi Lauren. The finish fo the match came when Mercedes entered the match illegally and took out Kimber Lee with a big knee but the ref wouldn’t allow her to make the pin because she wasn’t the legal competitor. This allowed Tasha Steelz to cradle Kimber Lee for the win. Steelz refused to tag in Martinez throughout the match and the two ended up jawing at each other after.

Alisha Edwards then hit the ring with a kendo stick (Kendra) and took out Su Yung’s minions. She was doing this out of revenge for Lauren and Kimber attacking one of the Swingerellas in the back recently. Later on, Alisha challenged Kimber Lee. Gail Kim entered the picture and told Alisha she’ll be in the Monster’s Ball match at Knockouts Knockdown and she can get her revenge there.

Steve Maclin Qualifies For X-Division Title Match At Bound For Glory

In the second triple threat qualifying match for the triple threat X-division title match at Bound For Glory, Steve Maclin defeated Petey Williams and Black Taurus. He now joins Trey Miguel as the second person to qualify for the match. The finish of the match saw Williams deliver a Canadian Destroyer to Taurus but then get caught in Maclin’s Mayhem for All finisher.

Christopher Daniels Challenges Christian Cage

Christian Cage was being interviewed backstage when he was confronted by Christopher Daniels. The Fallen Angel told Cage that he wants a shot at his title and it doesn’t matter to him if it is in an Impact or AEW ring. Daniels then told Christian he’d give him some time to consider his challenge.

The Learning Tree Use Numbers Advantage To Beat Down Willie Mack and Rich Swann

Rich Swann and Willie Mack teamed up to defeat the Learning Tree team of Zicky Dice & Manny Lemons this week. After the match, however, Brian Myers and the rest of his faction attacked and beat down both Swann and Mack.

Mickie James To Pick Deonna Purrazzo’s Opponent At Knockouts Knockdown

Mickie James and Deonna Purrazzo got in a backstage altercation this week. Scott D’Amore then announced there is a no-contact clause in their Bound For Glory contract. Gail Kim then announced that they will each have the opportunity to pick the others’ upcoming opponents beginning at Knockouts Knockdown this weekend when James will choose who Purrazzo faces.

Christian Cage & Josh Alexander Defeat Ace Austin & Madman Fulton

Christian Cage and Josh Alexander teamed up this week ahead of their title match at Bound For Glory. The finish of the match came when Alexander seemed to have everything in control against Austin, he landed Chaos Theory suplex but Christian tagged himself in and gave Austin the Killswitch while looking at Alexander for the win. The two future opponents jawed at each other a little at the end of the show as Alexander was frustrated, saying he had Austin where he wanted him.

Coming Up In Impact Wrestling

Knockouts Knockdown airs on 10/9. The lineup for the show is below. Veda Scott and Mickie James will be on commentary.

Knockouts Knockdown 10/9:

• Knockouts Knockdown Tournament (1st Round)
  Tasha Steelz vs. Jamie Senegal
• Knockouts Knockdown Tournament (1st Round)
  Chelsea Green vs. Renee Michelle
• Knockouts Knockdown Tournament (1st Round)
  Lady Frost vs. Rachael Ellering
• Knockouts Knockdown Tournament (1st Round)
  Brandi Lauren vs. Mercedes Martinez.
• Daffney Memorial Monster’s Ball Match
  Alisha Edwards vs Kimber Lee vs Jordynne Grace vs Savannah Evans
• Knockouts Tag Team Championships
  Decay (Rosemary & Havok) vs The Influence (Madison Rayne & Tenille Dashwood)
• Knockouts Championship
  Deonna Purrazzo vs TBD (Mickie James’ choice)

Bound For Glory (October 23rd)

• Impact World Championship
  Christian Cage (c) vs Josh Alexander
• Knockouts Championship
  Deonna Purrazzo (c) vs Mickie James
• X-Division Championship (Vacant)
  Trey Miguel vs Steve Maclin vs TBD

AEW star PAC recently suffered a concussion, according to AEW broadcaster Mark Henry on Thursday’s edition of Busted Open Radio.

Henry was expressing concern over PAC taking a big bump off the ladder on this week’s Dynamite when he noted that the Death Triangle member had suffered a concussion a month and a half ago.

“I would not have had a guy that was injured recently take a big bump off the top of the ladder to the floor on his back,” Henry said about PAC’s big bump in the Casino Ladder match. “I watched PAC, I watched his head snap back and hit the mat and he just had a concussion like a month and a half ago.”

PAC went from August 20th to September 8th, 2021 without wrestling. It’s not clear if this is the time period that Henry is referring to, however. PAC and Andrade were supposed to wrestle on the All Out PPV on September 5th but it ended up being postponed to the following week’s Rampage.

“I mean I’m probably breaking HIPAA laws but everybody saw that,” Henry continued.

“Maybe he’s the one that called it, I don’t know, but it scared me because I’m concerned about the guys and girls.”

PAC’s rival Andrade also commented recently on the big spot from the ladder match.

Major League Wrestling presents FIGHTLAND tonight at 10 PM est on VICE TV following an all-new episode of Dark Side of the Ring. The show was filmed on October 2nd from Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena.

Two title matches will air on tonight’s 1-hour special. In a title for title match, MLW World Champion Jacob Fatu will face MLW National Openweight Champion Alexander Hammerstone. MLW is billing this as the biggest fight in league history. SEScoops was on hand for the taping and this match is a must-see. Spoilers from the full show are available here.

The MLW World Middleweight Championship will also be on the line when champion Myron Reed defends against Yoshihiro Tajiri, Arez, and Aramis in a 4-way bout.

Court Bauer has also announced that a new big talent acquisition will be revealed on tonight’s show.

MLW has been getting mainstream attention ahead of Fightland. The Washington Post also sent a correspondent to the show. Their coverage of the event is available here.

“We’ve been the best-kept secret in wrestling for a long time,” Alexander Hammerstone said to the Washington Post. “It’s time to get in front of more eyes, and if tonight is any indication of what we’re going to do moving forward, it’s going to be some pretty big things.”

Court Bauer also spoke to the Washington Post about losing talent to other promotions recently. He noted that his promotion is essentially a “free agent” in terms of a big-league television rights deal.

“We couldn’t afford to keep them,” Bauer said about departing talent. “But as our rights deals get better, we’ll pay the talent. We always tell the talent, we’ll grow with you. If you believe in the system, trust the process. This is why all the promoters want you, because we’ve got you.”

ECW original The Blue Meanie took part in the show. He also spoke to the Washington Post about MLW and the promotion’s future.

“The thing that bums me out is that everyone is so focused on AEW and WWE right now, but here you have MLW, who’s putting on just as good, or maybe even a better product than the two big two,” Meanie said. “I think MLW is definitely more intriguing than WWE right now. Hopefully, this next venture they’re doing with Vice TV leads to more growth.”

Tonight’s episode of Dark Side of the Ring is on the life and career of Johnny K9.

EC3’s second Free the Narrative PPV aired this weekend on FITE. In the main event, he faced Adam Scherr, the former Braun Strowman. It was Scherr’s first match since being released by WWE this spring. His last match was a triple threat for the WWE Championship against Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania Backlash in May.

Free the Narrative II Results:

1. Fodder defeated Jake Logan
2. John Skyler defeated Westin Blake
3. Parrow defeated Gentleman Jervis
4. William defeated Stanley
5. Matt Taven defeated William
6. Adam Scherr defeated EC3

Scherr took to social media after the event.

“All I can say is thank you EC3 you set me free from so many things I had locked inside me that I never thought I’d be able to over come!!! You wanna see a monster become more than he thought he was capable of!!!”

“Free The Narrative” is completely independent of any wrestling promotion. Set to an original score, FTN blends professional wrestling, cinema, and harsh reality in what will become the true definition of “creative freedom” for an industry that desperately needs it, and any performer that truly seeks it,” reads a description of EC3’s series. 

At the first Free the Narrative event, EC3 defeated Matt Cardona in the main event. That show aired on PPV in July.

At MLW: Fightland last night from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, MLW World Champion Jacob Fatu faced MLW National Openweight Champion Alexander Hammerstone in a title vs title match. The show is set to air as a 1-hour special on Vice TV Thursday night after a new episode of Dark Side of the Ring.

Alexander Hammerstone defeated Jacob Fatu to win the MLW World Title and also retain his MLW National Openweight Championship. The win ends Fatu’s 819 day reign with the title. He originally won the belt at Kings of the Colosseum on July 6th, 2019.

Yoshihiro Tajiri is the new MLW World Middleweight Champion. He won a 4-way match featuring Arez, Aramis and former champ Myron Reed.

Los Parks defeated 5150 in tag-team action. Homicide joined the LAX-inspired 5150 faction as well during the event. Currently, 5150 consists of Konnan, Slice Boogie, Danny Rivera, Julius Smokes, and now Homicide.

Nicole Savoy defeated Holidead on the show but suffered an injury. She was taken to hospital and is believed to have suffered a rib injury.

Karlee Leilani Perez, aka Catrina from Lucha Underground, debuted for the promotion. She accompanied King Muertes to the ring.

Opera Cup Results

Opening round:

• Calvin Tankman defeated Matt Cross
• Bobby Fish defeated Lee Moriarty
• Davey Richards defeated Tom Lawlor
• TJP defeated Alex Shelley

** TJP was injured and replaced in the semi-finals.

Semi-Finals:

• Calvin Tankman defeated Alex Kane
• Davey Richards defeated Bobby Fish

Calvin Tankman will face Davey Richards in the finals at a later date.

Other MLW: Fightland results:

• MLW Caribbean Championship
  Mil Muertes w/Catrina defeated Tom Lawlor
• Mads Krugger defeated Dr. Dax.
• Alex Kane defeated Warhorse

MLW World Champions

With the win at MLW: Fightland, Hammerstone becomes the 9th wrestler to ever win the MLW World Championship. No wrestler has ever held the title more than once. Hammerstone earned the right to challenge Fatu for the belt after winning the Battle Riot event this summer.

MLW 2002-2004

1. Shane Douglas (90 days, 0 title defenses)
2. Satoshi Kojima (267 days, 8 title defences)
3. Mike Awesome (0 full days, 0 title defences)
4. Steve Corino (265 days, 2 title defences)

MLW 2018 – Present

1. Shane Strickland (91 days, 1 title defence)
2. Low-Ki (205 days, 7 title defences)
3. Tom Lawlor (154 days, 3 title defences)
4. Jacob Fatu (819 days, 10 title defences)

AEW appears to have another surprise in store next week when it presents the Casino Ladder match on the special 2-year Anniversary episode of Dynamite.

Company President Tony Khan appeared on Busted Open Radio Friday morning to promote tonight’s edition of Rampage. TK revealed the Casino Ladder Match will feature a “Joker” mystery entrant similar to what we’ve seen in the Casino Battle Royale matches.

Khan will announce the Casino Ladder Match participants on Rampage. Also scheduled for the show:

• Bryan Danielson vs. Nick Jackson
• Thunder Rosa vs. Nyla Rose vs Jade Cargill
• Hair vs Hair: Jack Evans vs. Orange Cassidy

Dynamite Anniversary Preview (10/6)

Next week’s show will take place from the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA. In addition to the Casino Ladder Match, 3 other matches have been signed:

• Serena Deeb will face Hikaru Shida in singles action. This will be Deeb’s first match since July.
• Sammy Guevara will also defend his newly won TNT Championship next week. He’ll face Bobby Fish, who will be wrestling in his first match for AEW.
• An 8-man tag-team match is also scheduled for next week pitting Bryan Danielson, Christian Cage & The Jurassic Express against The Elite (Kenny Omega Adam Cole & The Young Bucks)

Renowned sportscaster Jackie Redmond has signed with WWE. She’ll join Matt Camp as the new co-host for Talking Smack and RAW Talk.

Redmond previously served as an on-air host for the NHL and MLB Networks. She has also covered hockey for Turner Sports.

“As someone who grew up on Stone Cold Stunners and Rock Bottoms, I cannot even begin to explain how excited I am to join WWE,” said Redmond.s

“There is nothing quite like the WWE Universe and I am so grateful for the opportunity to engage with the most passionate and dedicated fans in sports entertainment every week on Raw Talk and Talking Smack.”

Jackie Redmond’s Road to WWE

The Toronto native has previously worked for Sportsnet, which is the Canadian broadcast partner for the WWE. In 2011, Redmond won the “Gillette DRAFTED 3: The Search for Canada’s Next Sportscaster” competition.

Redmond joins the world’s premiere sports entertainment organization just in time for the 2021 WWE Draft. The Draft kicks off tonight on Smackdown and continues this Monday on RAW.

“Gotta love draft day,” she wrote on Twitter. “There is no Fanbase more passionate than the WWE universe and I am so THRILLED for the opportunity to hang out and talk all things WWE every week! Let’s freaking go!!!!”

Congratulations are in order for WWE Superstar Toni Storm and NJPW star Juice Robinson. The happy couple are now engaged to be married.

The couple went public with their relationship in the summer of 2020.

Storm announced the big news on her Instagram page. Juice popped the question and now it’s time to pop a little bit of the bubbly to celebrate.

“Pop the champagne I’m changing my last name.”

– Toni Storm

Toni Storm & Juice Robinson

Storm recently returned to WWE Smackdown after being off TV for several weeks. She teamed with Liv Morgan and defeated Zelina Vega and Carmella by count-out on the 9/17 show from Knoxville, Tennessee. It was her first match since she defeated Zelina Vega in singles action on the 7/23 show from Cleveland, Ohio.

Robinson has been wrestling for NJPW of America and Impact Wrestling since the spring. The last time he was in Japan was on the New Japan Cup tour in March. He’s scheduled to be on Impact Wrestling next week as FinJuice will take on Bullet Club’s HIKULEO and Chris Bey. The winning team will challenge the Good Brothers for the Impact World Tag Team Championships at Bound For Glory on 10/23.

Impact Wrestling on 9/30 featured the return of Christopher Daniels for the first time since 2014. It also saw Eddie Edwards face W. Morrissey in a main event street fight.

Impact 9/30 Quick Results:

1. X Division Championship Match Qualifier
   Trey Miguel defeated Alex Zayne & Laredo Kid
2. Knockouts Tag Team Championship #1 Contendership
   The Influence (Tenille Dashwood & Madison Rayne) (with Kaleb)  defeated Jordynne Grace & Rachael Ellering
3. Christopher Daniels defeated Madman Fulton
4. Street Fight
   Eddie Edwards defeated W. Morrissey

Trey Miguel Qualifies For Bound For Glory X-Division Title Match

With Josh Alexander having cashed in the X-Division title using Option C to face the World Champion at Bound For Glory, Scott D’Amore set up a tournament of sorts to crown a new champion. 3 triple threat matches will take place in the build up to the PPV, with the 3 winners meeting at BFG with the vacant title on the line.

Trey Miguel picked up the win here and qualified for the PPV by hitting a meteor on Laredo Kid.

Meanwhile, Drama King Matt was shown watching the match from the back. He would later cut a promo challenging Laredo Kid to a match.

The Influence Defeat Grace & Ellering, Advance To Knockouts Knockdown

Madison Rayne and Tenille Dashwood will move on to Knockouts Knockdown (October 9th) to take on the Knockouts Tag Team Champions, Havok & Rosemary. They defeated the former champions, Jordynne Grace and Rachael Ellering to earn that right this week.

The finish of the match saw Kaleb cause a distraction on the outside, which allowed Rayne and Dashwood to hit a double-team face slam on Ellering for the win.

Deonna Purrazzo Attacks Mickie James On Her Ranch

Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo traveled to Mickie James’ ranch this week and a massive brawl ensued. These two will meet at Bound For Glory but fought this week with rakes, water hoses, and various barn-related objects. Purrazzo got the upper hand in the melee.

Christopher Daniels Wrestles First Match In Impact Since 2014

After returning to the promotion last week, Christopher Daniels wrestled his first match for Impact since 2014 this week. He was up against Madman Fulton, who had a considerable size and strength advantage here. The story of the match was basically Daniels using his speed and skill to avoid the big man’s attacks.

Ace Austin attempted to get involved from the outside but this brought out Josh Alexander, who brawled with him to the back. This allowed Daniels to hit the Best Moonsault Ever on Fulton for the win.

Scott D’Amore would later book Ace Austin and Madman Fulton vs Christian Cage & Josh Alexander for next week.

Heath Returns, Attacks Violent By Design

Rhino was asked if he was with Violent By Design or against them after the recent dissension he’s shown with the faction. He wouldn’t give an answer this week, however. Instead, Heath returned from a long absence and brawled with the members of VOD. Meanwhile, Rhino didn’t get involved and gave no indication of which side he is on.

Digital Media Championship Is Introduced

Impact announced a new title belt this week. There will be a tournament to determine the 1st ever Impact Digital Media Champion. The first matches scheduled in the tournament are Zicky Dice vs John Skyler and Hernandez vs Crazzy Steve.

Eddie Edwards Defeats W. Morrissey, Attacked By Moose

After W. Morrissey power-bombed Alisha Edwards recently, Eddie Edwards has been on the war path to get revenge. In this week’s main event, he’d get a measure of revenge by picking up the win after delivering a barbed-wire chair assisted Boston Knee Party.

After the match, however, Moose hit the ring and speared Edwards through a table. Then Moose and W. Morrissey turned their attention to Alisha. They forced her to watch as they wrapped Eddie’s head in a chair and threw him into the steel post. Moose continued to hit Eddie with a chair before eventually him and Morrissey went to the back to close the show. The fans chanted for Eddie as the show went to black.

Coming Up In Impact Wrestling

Next Week:

• Christian Cage and Josh Alexander vs. Ace Austin and Madman Fulton
• Impact Tag Team Championships #1 Contendership
  FinJuice and Chris Sabin vs. Bullet Club (Hikuleo, Chris Bey, El Phantasmo)
• X Division Championship Match Qualifier
  Steve Maclin vs. Black Taurus vs. Petey Williams

Bound For Glory (October 23rd)

• Impact World Championship
  Christian Cage (c) vs Josh Alexander
• Knockouts Championship
  Deonna Purrazzo (c) vs Mickie James
• X-Division Championship (Vacant)
  Trey Miguel vs TBD vs TBD

CM Punk was recently a guest on the AEW Unrestricted podcast and spoke about a variety of topics. Early in the discussion, Tony Schiavone asked Punk when he started to consider a return to pro-wrestling.

“At some point when I was free and clear of all the fugazi lawsuits that people filed against me,” Punk responded. “I think there is a point where that stops and I’m free and clear and I’m like ‘sweet’ and I think that the healing can begin and it kind of coincided with the rise of AEW.”

In June of 2018, CM Punk and Colt Cabana won a civil trial, successfully defending themselves from a defamation claim stemming from Punk’s appearance on Cobana’s podcast in 2014. The lawsuit was filed by WWE doctor Chris Amann, who said that Punk had defamed him on the show. Unfortunately, Punk and Cabana then ended up in a legal battle over attorney fees from that trial. They settled with each other in 2019.

Punk also noted that the Brodie Lee tribute show played a pivotal role in him deciding to sign with AEW.

“The Brody tribute show and the way the Brody stuff was handled was just so classy and not what I’m used to. So, it made me raise an eyebrow,” Punk continued.

CM Punk On Joining AEW

Punk also spoke about his debut being the “worst kept secret” and also that he didn’t actually sign his AEW contract until minutes before his debut.

“I feel like we got the best of both worlds. I feel like it was maybe leaked or somebody found out, but there was still a giant question mark or a cloud of mystery over it.”

Punk also noted that he did not actually sign with AEW until the night he debuted.

“I read a report that I had signed, I never signed my contract until I was in the United Center maybe 90 or 30 minutes before I walked out,” Punk said. He joked that if he was a “carny guy” he could have gone to the “other Khan” and asked for money not to go to AEW.

“Props to Tony Khan because I don’t know anyone else who would do handshake deals like that. I wasn’t signed, and he had (Tony Schiavone) go out there and announce the United Center.”

WWE legend Shane McMahon is rarely seen on television these days. He last competed at WrestleMania 37, losing to Braun Strowman in a steel cage match.

According to a report from Fightful, McMahon remains under contract with WWE. He does not have an active role in management, but instead is considered on-air talent. Sources at WWE headquarters indicate that he’s rarely seen around WWE offices anymore.

Aside from his work with WWE over the years, Shane McMahon has been successful outside the realm of professional wrestling. Former WWE Superstar The Godfather recently revealed that Shane McMahon has a cannabis co-op business based out of California.

Why Did Shane McMahon Leave WWE In 2009?

Shane McMahon appeared on WWE’s After the Bell podcast last fall and spoke about his decision to leave WWE in 2009. He’d later return in 2016, ending a 7-year hiatus.

“So I kind of really came out of the business for my boys, my kids, and it’s also the reason I really came back,” McMahon told Corey Graves. “I always had a longing for it. It’s in my blood, literally.”

He went on to say that his sons encouraged him to get back into wrestling.

“This goes back to WrestleMania 32 with Undertaker in Hell in a Cell. My boys have been saying to me prior to that for a couple years like, ‘Hey dad, you ever think about getting back in there?’ Because my sons never saw me live and they really saw me via DVD or YouTube or things like that.”

Cody Rhodes was interviewed by ESPN ahead of tonight’s big Dynamite event from Rochester, New York. During the interview, Rhodes was asked who out of CM Punk, Bryan Danielson, and Adam Cole he is most interested in facing in AEW.

“Adam Cole,” Rhodes answered without hesitation. “It’s an easy question for me to answer in terms of I feel Adam Cole is very well known by the hardcore wrestling audience and, of course, fans of the Elite and Bullet Club and that entire portion of this revolution. But I also think that casual fans or lapsed fans or just new fans have only seen just the tip of the iceberg of what he’s capable of.”

“I know Bryan Danielson is one of the best in the world, I know CM Punk even after a 7-year absence is one of the best in the world. They’re helping pull this wagon already and they’ve only been here a few days. Adam Cole gets to show a whole new audience and gets to interact and create a whole new brand for himself just because he has such a large platform to do it with AEW. He’s the one I’m most excited about getting in the ring with when and if that challenge presents itself.”

Cody Rhodes vs Bryan Danielson, CM Punk, and Adam Cole

Cody Rhodes and CM Punk shared the ring together often in WWE and OVW. They twice wrestled singles matches against each other on WWE’s main roster. Punk defeated Rhodes on the 9/22 RAW in 2008. Rhodes then defeated Punk via count-out later that year on the 12/19 RAW.

Rhodes also shared the ring with Bryan Danielson often while they were both in WWE. Including house shows, they wrestled each other in 15 singles matches from 2011-13. Rhodes leads their all-time series 8-7.

Adam Cole and Cody Rhodes teamed together on 4 occasions as members of Bullet Club, with all four matches taking place in Ring of Honor. Their only singles match against each other was on 5/26 in 2017 at a show for NorthEast Wrestling. Rhodes won and defended the NEW Heavyweight title successfully against Cole on that show.

Brian Cage recently appeared on Dan and Don’s Toxic Masculinity Podcast with Don Frye and Dan Severn. During the discussion, Cage said that Tony Khan is taking on the vast majority of the creative responsibilities in AEW.

“Creative team? No. It’s just Tony. Tony Khan who owns it [AEW] and he does so much anyway already, it’s literally just all him,” Cage said on the show (transcriptions via POST Wrestling). “He’ll have some help or input from other guys and some of the EVPs that you know helped start it like The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega, Cody Rhodes. They kind of help do their own stuff.”

Cage continued to say that Khan has the final and often only say on the majority of the product.

“Tony pretty much has the final and only say on majority of the entire product which is a little nuts. I do think that it could benefit with some of the people helping out on that.”

Cage also said that Tony Khan is always up for discussing creative ideas, something he doesn’t believe happens elsewhere. He also said the backstage environment in AEW “far exceeds” anywhere else he’s been. Cage also praised the way the company handles the laying out of matches.

“They don’t micromanage anything…it’s pretty easy going in that regard.”

Brian Cage clarifies Comments

Brian Cage took to Twitter to clarify that he was not speaking poorly of AEW’s creative process, just that Tony Khan takes on a lot of work with it.

“He could benefit from sharing some responsibility as in it’d take some weight off his shoulders, smh. I get enjoying it and wanting to over see everything, it’s just a lot of work for any one person, without other obligation on top of it. But didn’t say anything negative. Damn,” he Tweeted.

Cage hasn’t wrestled since September 1st. It was reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that he is currently dealing with his knees flaring up after a stem cell treatment.

The full episode of the podcast is available in the player below:

Kiera Hogan is All Elite. The former 2x Knockouts tag-team champion in Impact has officially signed with AEW. The news was announced on last night’s broadcast of AEW Dark by Excalibur as Hogan made her entrance for a match against Leila Grey.

Hogan had been with Impact Wrestling from 2017 up until this summer. She announced on her OnlyFans in July that she had finished up with the promotion at a set of tapings from Nashville.

“What’s up babies! I’m in Nashville for tapings and you guys will be the first to know that this is my last IMPACT tapings and I’m going to see what else is out there for me I’m so excited and scared but I know whatever I choose to do I’m gonna be the best and that’s on periodt,” she wrote.

Hogan made her AEW debut just 3 weeks after finishing up with Impact. She wrestled Hikaru Shida on Dark: Elevation taped on 8/11 from Pittsburgh. Two days later she would be defeated by Kris Statlander in a match taped for Dark. Her 3rd match with the promotion was live from the United Center at The First Dance. Hogan was defeated by Jade Cargill on that show. She was also in the Casino Battle Royale at AEW All Out.

Hogan also took part in the NWA’s recent PPV and tapings in St. Louis. She took part in the Women’s Invitation Cup at NWA Empowerrr and defeated Skye Blue on a recent episode of NWA Powerrr.

Ruby Soho has made an impact since her surprise debut at AEW All Out earlier this month. She had a competitive match against AEW Women’s Champion at Dynamite Grand Slam, but came up short against pro wrestling’s premiere dentist.

Soho recently spoke with Bleacher Report and discussed who she is excited to work with in AEW. “As far as people that I haven’t got a chance to step in the ring with, one of the people I noticed right off the bat is Nyla Rose,” she said. “Her presence in the ring is just astounding to me.”

Soho continued, “I am super-impressed by the work that she’s done here in AEW. She’s definitely somebody I would love to step into the ring with.”

Soho also looks forward to crossing paths with veteran performer Serena Deeb.

“Serena Deeb as well is somebody I have followed for the majority of my career, and she’s somebody I look up to quite a bit. So she’s somebody I would love to learn from,” she said.

Soho also spoke about Tay Conti, someone she was on the NXT roster with from 2016 until Soho and the Riott Squad were moved to the main roster in late 2017. At the time, Ruby had several years of experience but Conti was just starting her pro-wrestling career.

“Taynara [Conti] is somebody I’ve known since she started, and she’s someone who has continued to impress me each time she stepped into the ring,” Soho said of her.

Ruby Soho in AEW

Not wanting to leave anyone out, Soho said that she’s basically a fan of anyone on the AEW roster. She’s looking forward to getting in the ring with any of them.

“So any of those women, any of the women on the roster in general, are people that I’m a huge fan of, so I’m just excited about stepping into the ring with any of them.”

Soho has had 4 matches in her young AEW career thus far. She won the Casino Battle Royale at All Out after entering as the Joker card. Later that week she wrestled twice in Cincinnati. Her first match on the 9/8 show from the Fifth Third Arena saw her defeat Jamie Hayter. Then later that night she would wrestle on the Rampage tapings as well. She teamed with Kris Statlander and Riho and defeated Britt Baker, Jamie Hayter, and Rebel.

Multiple recent reports are stating that WWE is hoping to host a major PPV in the UK next year. A report by WhatCulture stated that WWE’s plan is to hold a PPV in the U.K next September.

A recent report from TalkSport is stating that WWE is hopeful to hold SummerSlam from the UK next year. The preferred venue is reportedly Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.

“Sources tell talkSPORT that although it’s WWE’s preferred venue, nothing is final right now,” wrote Alex McCarthy. “It’s even possible that WWE will hold a stadium show in the UK that isn’t SummerSlam.”

One of the main features of the venue that is appealing to WWE is the retractable roof. It holds 74,500 but has hosted as many as 78,000 for boxing.

This would be the first WWE main roster PPV in the U.K since Insurrextion in June 2003. If SummerSlam takes place in the UK next year, it would be the first time that event has taken place there since 1992.

SummerSlam 92 was held at London’s Wembley Stadium. “The British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith defeated his brother-in-law Bret Hart for the Intercontinental title in the main event. Randy Savage also faced the Ultimate Warrior and the Undertaker took on Kamala.

A documentary on the life of Jon Huber (aka Brodie Lee) will premiere tonight. A screening of the film will take place in his hometown of Rochester, New York. “This is Brodie Lee” was produced by Wrestlevision in association with Classy Wolf Media. The film will screen at the Movies 10 in Rochester and tickets are available online here.

A synopsis for the film reads as follows:

“Documentary movie on the life of Jon Huber, known worldwide as Brodie Lee/Luke Harper. Tells the story of his life in wrestling, from a backyard to the Western NY indy scene, to the big time in WWE and AEW – from the fellow wrestlers who shared the road with Brodie.”

It is not currently known who was interviewed for the film.

AEW will be in Rochester tomorrow night for AEW Dynamite from the Blue Cross Arena.

Huber spoke with News 8 anchor Adam Chodak in 2018 about what Rochester means to him.

“Rochester is a very special place for me, I love it here. Red Hots are my favorite thing in the world, garbage plates are wonderful, I have to be careful with them though,” he said. “To me, Rochester just has a different feel and you could go to Buffalo or Syracuse and it doesn’t feel the same as it does here.”

The Acclaimed’s Anthony Bowens recently took to social media to comment on the Dark Side of the Ring episode on Kanyon. Bowens said that he used to hide to read Kanyon’s book because he didn’t want anyone seeing him reading a book about a gay wrestler.

“Finally got around to watching this & it broke my heart. I use to hide in Barnes & Noble to read Kanyon’s book bc I didn’t want anyone to see me reading a book about a gay wrestler.”

Bowens continued to say that he felt many of the same fears Kanyon did.

“I felt his same fear. I wish he was alive to show him how far we’ve come & how much he was loved.”

“Wrestling Reality: The Life and Mind of Chris Kanyon, Wrestling’s Gay Superstar” is available on Amazon here.

In 2019, Bowens spoke about realizing his sexuality in a video posted to YouTube.

“I prefer to be labeled now as gay,” Bowens said.

“Most people who come out say they had a moment in their youth when they figured out something was different,” Bowens said. “They just knew they were gay. I never had one of those moments.”

Bowens originally said he was bisexual in 2017.

“I identified myself as bisexual because I really didn’t know much about the LGBTQ community,” he said. “I didn’t dive in that much because I was still closeted.”

Ronda Rousey and Travis Browne have announced the birth of their first child together. The baby girl’s name is La’akea Makalapuaokalanip Browne.

The ‘Baddest Woman on the Planet’ posted this photo on Instagram of her daughter:

Rousey is also step-mother to Browne’s two children from a previous marriage. She and Browne announced in April that Rousey was 4-months pregnant. Back in July, Rousey spoke about the challenges of pregnancy on Instagram.

“I wish I could say that pregnancy feels amazing, that I’ve never felt more powerful as a woman. But it feels more like my organs are being crushed by the miracle of life,” Rousey says in the post. “I’ve never felt more exhausted, unmotivated or aware of gravity. Some days I have to lay on my side for hours just to comfortably breathe.”

“This baby is gunna be some kind of superhero cause I swear she’s eating all my muscles.”

Will Ronda Rousey Return To WWE?

Ronda Rousey left WWE after WrestleMania 35 for what she referred to as an “impregnation vacation.” Triple H said in an interview to MMA Junkie in 2019 that Rousey had been pitching ideas for her return.

“I don’t think she understood that walking in the door, but when she got here, she said to me multiple times, ‘It’s like the family that I never knew I was missing, and the group of friends and the environment I never knew I was missing.’ I think she misses that greatly. She talks to everybody all the time, she’s constantly with us, and she’s constantly pitching her return. So, if I had to guess, it would be sooner than later, but who knows?”

The main event of Hell in a Cell 2019 is not fondly remembered by many. The match between Seth Rollins and the Fiend was voted “Worst Match of the Year” by the subscribers of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter and given the 2019 “Gooker Award” by WrestleCrap for worst gimmick, storyline, or event in wrestling as well.

The match ended via referee’s stoppage, although some at the time assumed a DQ had taken place. Rollins hit Wyatt with a sledgehammer and the ref decided to call for the bell. The Fiend then recovered from the move in time to attack Rollins before the show came to a close. The live fans in Sacramento were not happy and loudly expressed as much.

Seth Rollins Reflects On Hell in a Cell 2019

Seth Rollins recently stated on a clip from Broken Skull Sessions that he was not happy with what happened either.

“My vision for what that match was going to be was a lot different than what we had to go out there and do. We went out there and did what we were told to do to the best of our ability,” Rollins said (transcriptions via Fightful). “Obviously, as it was ongoing, I felt…you watch it back, it’s boos piled upon boos piled upon boos and at the end of it, the reaction when the audience didn’t get the result they wanted, that’s a real tough pill to swallow.”

Rollins continued to say that he was angry with Vince McMahon when he walked through the curtain after the match. They wouldn’t speak that night, however.

“I put a positive spin on it now because I can look back a year and a half later, but at the time, I came through that curtain and I was ready to strangle Vince McMahon. I’m not kidding you. TJ Wilson was there to hold me back. I stared right into Vince’s eyes, I looked at him, he looked at me, we didn’t say a single word to each other and he walked out.”

Rollins continued to say he spoke with Paul Heyman but the conversation didn’t really lead to much.

“The next day, I went into Vince’s office, I was much calmer, and I said, ‘Let’s talk about this. We need to figure out what we’re doing here because that can’t happen again.’ It was civil, but it took me a night. I was ready to go. If somebody wasn’t there making sure I was okay, my temper and the adrenaline.”

The former Slapjack, aka Shane Thorne, debuted a new gimmick recently in a dark match before Smackdown this week. Thorne came out to the ring wearing khaki shorts, and a hat similar to one worn by Outback Jack and Crocodile Dundee.

Fox’s Ryan Satin posted to social media about Thorne’s new gimmick:

Thorne responded to Satin’s post as well, noting that he has always been Australian.

Thorne would also take to social media to comment on this new gimmick.

“Just to let yous know what I’m trying now is all me and my ideas,” he wrote on Twitter. “A huge inspiration for me is Nikki ASH and you can’t deny that she is doing incredible! Wrestling can be fun! So relax mate and let’s have a good one.”

“Other inspirations 100% Paul Hogan, Steve Irwin and John Cena. And honorable mention to T-Bar for constantly nagging me to just go full Australian”

The 36-year-old Thorne has been with WWE since 2016. He was part of the TM-61 in the promotion until Mikey Nicholls left the company in late 2018. In March of 2020, he was called up to the main roster as part of the Retribution angle. He would be renamed Slapjack.

Chris Jericho has mentioned in numerous interviews and his own books that Owen Hart was a huge influence on him. Jericho has also spoken of how when he was growing up, he dreamed of being in a tag team with Owen. Unfortunately, their careers never crossed paths and Jericho never did get to wrestle with or against his childhood hero.

During a recent interview with Stephanie Chase, Jericho spoke of what AEW’s deal with the Owen Hart Foundation means to him.

“It was a passion project for me and obviously for Martha and Tony,” Jericho said (Transcriptions via Fightful). “We worked on it for a long time, about a year and a half, to put the deal together and figure out what we wanted to do. I just knew I wanted Owen’s legacy to be something positive and something great as far as wrestling goes, rather than just be dwelling on his death. That’s the main reason why we all wanted this to happen, so we can celebrate Owen Hart’s career and the contributions that he made. He was a pioneer.”

There have been some fans questioning what connection Owen Hart has to AEW. Jericho commented on that during the interview as well. Jericho noted that he was the first world champion in AEW and he is an Owen Hart disciple.

“‘What’s his connection to AEW?’ some people are saying. Well, one of the connections is that he’s specifically the reason I got into wrestling. Owen Hart was the guy. To an extent, Shawn Michaels and Ricky Steamboat, but Owen Hart, to me, I thought, ‘I want to be like that guy.’ There is your connection to AEW.”

Jericho also commented on how the Owen Hart Cup will allow fans of Owen’s to celebrate his life and career rather than focus on his death. The tournament is set to be an annual tradition.

“We’ll do the Owen Hart Cup and tournament and make people feel good about Owen rather than sad. We know what happened, but that was over 20 years ago. Let’s move forward remembering his amazing contributions and legacy in the ring that still resonate to this day.”

In addition to the Owen Hart Cup tournament, AEW’s agreement with the Owen Hart Foundation also permits them to use his likeness for merchandise. This includes the upcoming AEW console video game. Owen Hart apparel is currently available at Pro Wrestling Tees here.

Last night’s episode of Dark Side of the Ring focused on the life and career of Chris Kanyon. Diamond Dallas Page, James Mitchell, Brian Cage, and the Young Bucks were all interviewed for the piece. One person who played a notable role in Kanyon’s career was not interviewed, however, and this left a lot of fans asking, “What about Raven?”

This was not a case of Raven turning down the opportunity to be on the show. According to comments he would make on social media, Raven was not asked to take part.

“For those who are wondering, I was not contacted to be a part of Kanyon’s Dark Side of the Ring episode… yeah, I’m as puzzled as anyone else why not. Our friendship had a lot of depth to it & I feel like I would’ve had quite a bit to contribute, unique to my perspective..” Raven wrote.

Raven and Mitchell recorded a podcast in 2010 shortly after Kanyon’s funeral. It is available for purchase here.

Raven and Kanyon feuded and then aligned in WCW in 1998-99 during the dying days of the Flock angle. They would later both be members of the Alliance together during the Invasion storyline in WWE in 2001.

Raven hosts the Raven Effect podcast. A link to the show is in the below Tweet: