In July 2021, Chris Jericho fought death-match veteran Nick Gage at the company’s Fight for the Fallen event, in a match that would go on to live in infamy.
Using staples of death-match wrestling, the bout saw the inclusion of panes of glass, baseball bats and light tubes, making it one of the most graphic AEW bouts in the promotion’s history.
The most infamous weapon in the match was a Pizza cutter, which Gage used to slice Jericho’s biceps and later on his forehead.
Clearing the Air
After the Pizza cutter was used, reports came out that many big names were furious at the spot being shown on TNT programming.
At the time, it was claimed that Domino’s had threatened to pull their advertising from all AEW shows, as the spot with the Pizza cutter aired during an ad for their deep-dish treats.
Speaking on the latest Talk is Jericho, the former AEW World Champion recalled the spot, and said that despite what was reported, nothing happened between AEW and the veteran pizza chain.
“So right when Nick is carving my forehead with the pizza cutter, there is a Domino’s Pizza commercial where the guy is cutting the pizza with what? A pizza cutter. Apparently, Domino’s was furious. [Everyone was] like ‘AEW’s gonna lose all their sponsors. This is it. This is the end of the line.’ Nothing ever happened.”
Jericho added that rather than be furious about the spot, Domino’s should have capitalised on a potential advertising idea.
“I was like ‘If I was the Domino’s guy I would have filmed a Chris Jericho – Nick gage commercial the next f*cking day.’ I mean it’s right there. Pizza cutters – Domino’s. They go hand in hand.”
It was later reported after the match that WWE had allegedly called wrestling media outlets, encouraging them to pick up the story.
In 2020, two years after his return, EC3 was released from WWE for the second time.
After his departure, EC3 went on to co-found ‘Control Your Narrative,’ which encourages talent to take the reins of their careers and relies on stories booked by the wrestlers.
Braun Strowman
Earlier this month, Adam Scherr returned to WWE as Braun Strowman, over a year after his release from the company.
Scherr had been a large part of CYN, but of course will no longer be able to appear for the promotion.
Following Strowman’s return, Control Your Narrative issued a statement saying the “immediate future” of the promotion is unknown.
Speaking to SEScoops correspondent Steve Fall of NBC Sports Boston, EC3 spoke about the company’s unknown future and said he’s happy for his friend.
“Life is flux. Life is interesting. Life is wild. Life is unexpected, and what I really wanted to press home with that press release and Adam’s return is that everything you ever want, is when you go beyond the unknown. So obviously, I’m a close personal friend. Obviously, I’m super happy if he’s happy he’s back. There’s a lot of unfinished business. I know how that motivated me for a long time to go back there. Hopefully he has better luck than I did.”
NWA
While CYN’s future may be unclear, they have formed a partnership with the NWA.
At last month’s NWA 74 event, EC3 competed on both nights of the show, and members of the CYN roster invaded on the second night.
In the interview, EC3 had praise for Billy Corgan, who he sees as a ‘kindred spirit.’
“Billy and I are kind of like-minded, kindred souls and spirits in a way. And having the opportunity now to finally be able to do something with him… He’s committed to his vision. And few are because it’s so much easier to fall back into what we think we have to do as opposed to what we should do. What we should do is follow our intuition and let us see if it succeeds or fails.”
Given that CYN’s appearance at NWA 74 came before their statement about Scherr and their future, it is unclear if plans have changed.
WWE’s new Era
Control Your Narrative’s immediate future is unclear, especially with Adam Scherr and Karrion Kross returning to WWE.
Since Vince McMahon’s retirement, several ex-Superstars have returned, including Dexter Lumis, Johnny Gargano and Hit Row.
When asked about the returns, EC3 didn’t state if he wanted to come back, but had praise for WWE’s new Head of Talent Relations: Triple H.
“What I noticed about Paul, Triple H, he’s a real leader, and I got a lot from watching him work as much as conversations he’s very open to having and how hands-on he was with the talent from NXT. Really, watching him work and lead and address rooms and address people as people as opposed to just objects, I had a lot of respect for it.”
EC3 added that he believes WWE is in “very good hands” with Triple H running talent and creative.
Please credit Steve Fall with a link to SEScoops if you use any of the quotes from this article.
WWE isn’t exactly panicking over this week’s dip in the ratings for WWE Monday Night Raw.
According to numbers obtained by Wrestlenomics, this week’s show averaged 1.71 million viewers across the three hours, down significantly from the previous week’s 2.054 million.
Ever since Vince McMahon’s retirement, Raw has seen a sharp uptake in ratings, with the show averaging over 2 million viewers an episode over the past month.
The Reaction
While this week’s Raw saw a sharp decline, this isn’t a cause for concern for WWE.
According to sources who spoke to Fightful Select, many within WWE expected the drop, given that Raw was going up against the season premiere of Monday Night Football.
Raw was also up against the 2022 Emmy Awards, and those within WWE expected the viewership to fall under 1.7 million.
Since the post-Summerslam 2022 episode of Raw, the red brand has had a consistent viewership between 1.9 and 2.2 million viewers.
This week’s episode saw Damage CTRL capture the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships and Edge compete in the main event.
Last year’s Monday Night Football premiere saw an even worse result for Raw, which dropped to 1.67 million for the September 13, 2021, episode of the red brand.
Bouncing Back
The dip in ratings this week may not be seen as a huge problem, but WWE will hope to bounce back.
Next week’s Raw will see United States Champion Bobby Lashley defend against Seth Rollins, with the Visionary hoping to win his first title in three years.
Kevin Owens Vs. Mr. Money in the Bank Austin Theory has also been announced for the show.
In wrestling, fewer chants have stood the test of time quite like the simple word ‘What.’
While most synonymous with WWE Hall of Famer ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin fans have used the chant over the years, often disrupting promos from faces and heels.
The Tribal Chief
Roman Reigns knows all about the ‘What’ chant, having heard it both during his time as a babyface and since turning heel.
Speaking on Logan Paul’s ‘Impaulsive‘ podcast, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion gave his advice for Superstars (via Sportskeeda.)
“It’s an old Stone Cold Steve Austin gimmick and they still hold on to it. So they’ll hit you with those and that’s when you can hear the more experienced performers and talkers where they’ll change their cadence.
“I have to machine gun then I’ll machine gun them but as soon as I know I’ve stopped that or I have a gauge on what’s happening I don’t mind sitting and letting them chant.”
Origins of the What
Speaking on the Pat McAfee Show in December 2020, Austin recalled how arguably his most iconic catchphrase began.
Austin said that the chant began when he was traveling on the road and rang Chrisitan, who didn’t pick up the phone.
The Texas Rattlesnake decided to prank call Christian, leaving a series of lengthy voicemails, in which he would list several points with the term ‘What’ repeated throughout the message.
AEW star Andrade El Idolo has plenty of moves at his disposal, but don’t expect him to bust out a spinning elbow in the ring.
After years of working in WWE, where he became NXT Champion and United States Champion, Andrade was released last year, after having his initial request to be let go denied.
When a fan tweeted a clip of El Idolo using the spinning elbow on Johnny Gargano, the former NXT Champion said he is not allowed to use the move anymore.
While Andrade didn’t give a reason, it’s likely that the move has been banned for him, due to the spinning elbow bearing a striking resemblance to Chris Jericho’s Judas Effect finisher.
Andrade’s most recent match for AEW came at All Out, where he lost in the Casino Ladder Match to the Joker, later revealed to be MJF.
His most recent non-Pay Per View match was a month ago on the August 17, 2022 Dynamite, where he, Dragon Lee and Rush lost to the Elite.
Leaving AEW?
Andrade has been with AEW for over a year now, but his tenure with the company could be coming to an end.
In August, fans were critical of his booking in the company, with one tweet claiming that both he and Miro have been booked worse than when they were in WWE.
This tweet was liked by El Idolo, which came at a time where reports of talent being unhappy were becoming more common in the company.
This culminated in a talent-wide meeting prior to August 24, episode of AEW Dynamite, where Tony Khan addressed communications issues within the promotion.
From his decades in wrestling, working in WCW, WWE and TNA/Impact Wrestling, Eric Bischoff knows about coming up with creative ideas.
It was Bischoff who played a pivotal role in the forming of the New World Order in WCW, the effects of the group still being felt to this day.
Years later, Bischoff would be credited as the mind behind the Elimination Chamber: a cross of several stipulation matches including Hell in a Cell and War Games.
Ending the Viper
Bischoff isn’t tied to any one promotion at the moment but is ready to return to WWE if he gets the call.
During an episode of his 83 Weeks podcast, Bischoff was asked about which Superstar he’d like to write for and didn’t hesitate in choosing Randy Orton (via Sportskeeda.)
“I would like to be on the team to write Randy Orton’s retirement story, like there’s going to be a point in time when Randy’s ready to cash it in.
“I’d love to be on the team to write that one Randy Orton you know we haven’t seen a lot of them lately, you know he kind of comes in and comes out.”
Orton has been out since May recovering from an injury, and is expected to be out for the rest of the year.
The End of Orton’s Career
Earlier this year, Randy Orton reached 20 years since his main roster debut on the April 25, 2002 SmackDown.
In that time, Orton has become a multi-time World Champion, Grand Slam winner, two-time Royal Rumble winner, and Money in the Bank winner.
Kenny Omega won’t be appearing on AEW programming anytime soon, but the former World Champion can be found in Japan.
Omega is currently off AEW TV serving a suspension for his involvement with the All Out media scrum post-show fight.
Tokyo
Prior to his suspension, Omega had been announced as one of the names set to appear at the Tokyo Games Show.
Omega may be barred from AEW programming, but it appears that the Cleaner is still set to appear at the event.
In a tweet from HAOMING, a Japanese wrestling apparel company, Omega can be seen having fun at their offices.
Yuka Sakazaki, the AEW/Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling star who was recruited to the promotion by Omega when AEW was formed in 2019, was happy to see the Canadian wrestler, tweeting “Yeah yeah yeah yeah!?”
The Tokyo Game Show convention is scheduled to begin this Thursday and will feature a presentation on AEW: Fight Forever.
AEW: Fight Forever
AEW: Fight Forever will be the promotion’s first console video game, following the release of AEW: Elite GM and AEW Casino: Double or Nothing for mobile devices.
The game was recently featured at the Gamescon in Cologne, Germany, where it won an award for being the Best Sports/Racing game featured at the event.
With AEW investing an eight-figure amount in their gaming department (at least $10 million) a lot is riding on the new game, which may explain why they’re allowing the suspended Omega to appear in Tokyo.
Omega’s appearance also implies that his punishment will not be severe, especially compared to CM Punk, who’s future with AEW remains uncertain.
Since returning to WWE in 2017, Drew McIntyre spoke of plans for a Premium Live Event in the UK.
The last PLE in the UK that was broadcast internationally was Summerslam 2022, but McIntyre’s years of work paid off.
Earlier this month, WWE hosted Clash at the Castle, which was a huge success for the company.
Where Next?
Drew McIntyre headlined WWE Clash at the Castle, but the Scottish Warrior isn’t taking things easy now that he’s had his UK show.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, McIntyre praised the Indian fans, and hopes to bring WWE back to the sub-continent soon.
“I talked about the UK show for a long time. It’s happening right now and I’m telling you I’m going to keep talking to people to bring it back to India.”
Drew McIntyre
Professional wrestling, especially WWE, is immensely popular in India, which boasts a popular of over one billion people.
In 2021, WWE hosted their ‘Superstar Spectacle’ to coincide with India’s Republic Day, but the event took place inside the WWE Thunderdome in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Record Breaker
WWE Clash at the Castle was a huge event for the promotion, breaking several records.
In a graphic shared by WWE’s Head of Creative & Talent Relations Triple H, it was reported that the show had the highest gate of any European WWE event.
In terms of merchandise, the Cardiff show sold the most of any non-WrestleMania event by WWE, while the post-show press conference had the highest concurrent views on YouTube of any non-pre-show event.
Malakai Black may be gone from AEW, but the influence of the former NXT Champion isn’t going with him.
The Dutch wrestler parted ways with AEW earlier this month, after being granted a conditional release from the promotion.
The Trademark
On September 8, AEW filed a new trademark for the term ‘House of Black.’
The group that Black led until his AEW departure now consists of Brody King, Buddy Matthews, and Julia Hart.
There have been no words on what AEW has planned for the faction, other than this trademark filing.
The filing allows AEW the use of the term for merchandise for “beanies; Hats; Shirts; T-shirts.”
Black’s final match came at AEW All Out 2022, where he, King and Matthews lost to Darby Allin, Sting, and Miro.
Black’s Departure
Malakai Black joined AEW last year, but his tenure with the company has been short-lived.
Black requested his release earlier this year, which was reportedly denied by Tony Khan.
Despite talks between the two going well, Khan has agreed to the release, though with conditions that are believed to be similar to WWE’s non-compete clause.
It has been reported that a personal issue has been having a toll on Black’s mental health, and that he has been considering a lengthy, possibly permanent break from wrestling.
Black is the latest prominent name to leave AEW, after Cody Rhodes departed in February and Bobby Fish decided recently not to renew his contract.
Fans of AEW won’t be seeing the likes of Kenny Omega or the Young Bucks in the ring, and they won’t be seeing the trio on the popular Being the Elite YouTube series either.
The hit series follows the Elite, among other wrestlers in their lives outside of the ring, which often includes skits related to the world of pro wrestling.
The YouTube channel boasts over half a million subscribers and close to 100 million views.
The Hiatus
Being the Elite has proven to be a hit with fans for years, but now the show is on an indefinite break.
In a tweet from the official Being the Elite Twitter account, it was confirmed that there will be no new episode this week, and that the show is on a hiatus until further notice.
No #BeingTheElite this week. On hiatus until further notice.
While no reason was given as to why the show is on an indefinite break, it is believed to be related to the ongoing suspension the Elite are dealing with.
The Young Bucks and Omega have been suspended due to their involvement in the All Out media scrum fight, which came after explosive comments by then-World Champion CM Punk.
While the Bucks and Omega have been suspended, it is unclear what Punk’s status is with AEW, with rumors that he could be fired, or possibly has already been fired, along with his trainer Ace Steel.
The Elite have been stripped of the AEW Trios Tag Titles won at All Out, with the Death Triangle winning the vacant championships on last week’s Dynamite.
Mick Foley would have shaken off the thumbtacks and barbed wire to speak to the media if he had been given the opportunity during the Attitude Era.
Both WWE and AEW used press conferences recently following Clash at the Castle and All Out respectively, with differing results.
While Triple H and Roman Reigns spoke at WWE’s conference about the biggest WWE UK event in 30 years, CM Punk’s fiery comments and post-show fight have brought an abrupt end to his second reign as AEW World Champion.
Foley’s Comments
Press conferences have been common in sports for decades, but the world of pro wrestling is only catching up now.
Speaking to SESccoops correspondent Steve Fall, Foley spoke about the idea of post-show interviews, and how he wishes the idea was around during his time in the ring.
“I would have loved to have had the opportunity to address the media after matches. I think it’s something that’s been missing. Of course, the latest one at AEW turned out a little unusual in a way that might not be good for business, but I like the idea. Y’know, Roman Reigns talking to the press after a big victory I think it gives that added touch to what we do.”
Meeting Fans
Mick Foley’s days in the ring are over, but the three-time World Champion still has a huge fanbase.
Nowadays, fans can find Foley doing one-man comedy shows, or get the chance to meet the Hardcore Legend at a convention.
In the interview, Foley discussed the differences between the two experiences.
“When you’re doing the meet-and-greet, which is the favorite part of the show for a lot of people, by the nature of the meet-and-greet lasting only 90 minutes or so after a show you can’t spend too much time with any one person.
“Whereas over the course of three days [at a convention] especially if I see someone who needs a little extra attention, I’m pretty good at figuring that out being an autism dad, I can spend a little more time.”
“I can do what I need to do to make people feel the time they’re spending in that line, and hopefully it’s not a very big line. Hopefully, it’s just a steady flow… I can do what I think needs to be done to make that person feel like the time they spent in that line and the money they’ve paid is worth it.”
Please credit Steve Fall with a link to SEScoops if you use any of the quotes from this article.
At WWE Clash at the Castle, Dominik Mysterio turned heel on his father Rey and Edge, who had won their match with The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor and Damian Priest.
For many, Dominik’s heel turn had been a long-time coming, having been teased all the way back in 2020 during Rey’s feud with Seth Rollins.
On last week’s Raw Dominik was welcomed as an official member of The Judgment Day.
Monday Night Raw
Tonight, Dominik will have his first official match since turning heel, when he faces Edge on Monday Night Raw.
According to a report from PW Insider, a match may not be all from Dominik, as an angle could be shown from Edge’s home (via Cageside Seats.)
“PW Insider notes Rey & Dominik Mysterio were both in Asheville, North Carolina this past weekend, leading to speculation they may have shot an angle, or filmed something, at Edge’s house because that’s where he lives.”
The Rated-R Home
Edge, who ironically invaded John Cena’s home in 2006, is having to get used to uninvited guests in his domain.
Last October, Seth Rollins invaded Edge’s home during their feud, with the Rated-R Superstar rushing from SmackDown.
Edge even referenced AEW tag-team FTR, using the real names of Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood on a phone call to his wife Beth Phoenix.
In a recent interview, Rollins said that the idea for the home invasion came from Edge, and that this too was filmed in Asheville, North Carolina.
Dolph Ziggler is aware that he can’t wrestle forever, but the Show-Off has no plans to stop anytime soon.
Ziggler debuted on WWE’s main roster in 2005 as the caddy for Kerwin White (Chavo Guerrero.)
After being repackaged as Nicky, one-fifth of the Spirit Squad the following year, Dolph would get the Ziggler name in 2008 which he has used ever since.
Retirement
Having worked on WWE’s main roster for close to two decades, Ziggler is one of WWE’s most veteran performers competing today.
“It really depends. The healthiest people in the world, sometimes it doesn’t work. Some people have re-occurring injuries. I’ve been very lucky. Going on 18 years, no major surgeries.
“I don’t want to stop. One day I’ll have to but it sure as hell won’t be now.”
Dolph Ziggler.
“Any kind of surgery I got, it was from wrestling in college. I’ve been lucky. I don’t ever want to stop. One day I’ll have to, but it sure as hell won’t be now.”
Turning Face
After a reign as NXT Champion earlier this year, Ziggler returned from a break in June this year, attacking MVP and turning face for the first time in 2017.
In recent weeks, Ziggler feuded with Austin Theory, culminating in a match on the August 15, 2022 episode of Raw.
Theory defeated Ziggler in the match, ending their feud, and Dolph has had a handful of matches with the Judgment Day since then.
Wrestlers from both WWE and All Elite Wrestling were able to put their differences aside last weekend to strut their stuff as part of a fashion runway.
During a celebrity fashion show in Pittsburgh, PA, stars from both companies walked the runway, wearing outfits from David Alan Clothing.
AEW TNT Champion Wardlow was on hand to show off the clothes and removed them on the runway.
Shawn Spears gave fans a little dance during his performance, while AEW’s lawyer and manager ‘Smart’ Mark Sterling had someone play an electric violin for his walk.
Sterling also handed out business cards to those in the audience.
As for WWE, Braun Strowman walked the runway and was also billed under his real name Adam Scherr.
The event also featured former WWE Superstar Mojo Rawley.
This is the latest public appearance by the former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, who haven’t been seen since walking out of Monday Night Raw during the May 16, 2022, episode.
Despite belief that the pair were set to leave WWE, there has been reports that Banks and Naomi have agreed to return under the company’s new regime.
Mercedes Varnado is no stranger to playing characters, both in and out of the ring.
In WWE, she’s known as Sasha Banks, the multi-time Women’s Champion, while outside of wrestling, Varnado is perhaps best known for her character Koska Reeves in Disney Plus hit ‘The Mandalorian.
Controlling her Characters
Recently, Sasha Banks spoke about wanting to branch out into other forms of entertainment, including music.
While it may be a while before the Boss is on the Top 40 charts, Banks plans on ensuring that what she does is her own property.
Speaking to the Ahch-To podcast, Banks spoke about her media plans, and how she wishes to own the Intellectual Property of her characters (via Fightful.)
“We’re always portraying different characters in every different moment of our time. For me, it’s really just owning my own IP [Intellectual Property] and owning the character behind the character and really defining, who is the character that is playing the character. It’s really just finding yourself. When it comes to even wrestling, that’s a character that I come up with.”
At this time, there’s no word on any other characters Banks hopes to portray in the future, though she has told fans to “stay tuned.”
Returning to WWE?
Sasha Banks is still with WWE, but hasn’t been seen since walking out of the May 16, 2022, episode of Raw.
Despite the belief that she and Naomi were done with the company, there has been renewed hope that the pair will return in this post-Vince McMahon era of the company.
If AEW has made any mistakes, it certainly hasn’t been many, at least according to Chris Jericho.
Jericho has been with AEW since the beginning, joining the promotion during a press conference in January 2019.
That same year, Jericho would become the first AEW World Champion, and has been prominently featured in AEW for years.
One or Two Things
Like many in AEW, Jericho is intensely passionate about the company.
Sitting down with Inside the Ropes, Jericho spoke about the company, and what he perceives as a lack of mistakes (via Wrestling Inc.)
“We’ve been doing this for three years now and continuing to grow, and this is a big-time corporate business. We are run and paid for by a giant television corporation.”
“We’ve done nine things right and maybe one thing wrong or two things wrong.”
Chris Jericho on AEW
“So, there’s always gonna be growing pains when you start a company. I think we’ve done nine things right and maybe one thing wrong or two things wrong. So we learn from that and we continue to build our brand and continue to improve.”
Fans
AEW has a deeply loyal fan base, but its programming still falls behind WWE in terms of viewers.
Speaking about his former employer, Jericho said that AEW is in this for the long game.
“WWE has a lot of [fans], but they’ve also been around for 50 years. Give us another 47 years to see where we’re at. I guarantee we’ll still be here.”
The Next World Champion?
Following CM Punk’s actions at AEW All Out, the Chicago Made wrestler has been stripped of the AEW World Championship.
Jericho is part of the tournament to crown the next AEW World Champion, with the new champion to be crowned at the Grand Slam Dynamite on September 21.
Jericho will face Bryan Danielson on next week’s AEW Dynamite, with the winner advancing to the finals.
Roman Reigns has dominated WWE for over two years as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
Reigns’ tenure as the Tribal Chief has seen him defeat plenty of WWE’s biggest stars, including Bray Wyatt, John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Edge to name just a few.
Now, the leader of the Bloodline has another impressive accolade.
Pinfall
Reigns has retained against every opponent he’s faced so far, and it’s been a very long time since the Tribal Chief suffered defeat.
This week, Reigns reached 1,000 days since being pinned, which took place at the WWE: Tables Ladders and Chairs event in December 2019.
At the show, Reigns, then a babyface, loss to Baron Corbin in a TLC match.
It’s worth mentioning that Corbin had significant help in the match, with Dolph Ziggler and the Revival (now FTR in AEW) helping him get the win.
Who’s Next?
Reigns has gone 1,000 days since last being pinned, but this streak will have to end eventually.
It was recently reported that the Tribal Chief won’t be competing at next month’s Extreme Rules, and his next title defense will be at the Crown Jewel show in November.
Despite Kevin Owens teasing confronting Reigns, it’s also been noted that he won’t be facing Reigns, nor will long-time rival Seth Rollins.
Braun Strowman has been rumored by fans to be next to step up to the Head of the Table, given his return to WWE earlier this month.
There has also been speculation that Cody Rhodes could be the one to break Reigns’ tenure as Champion, as well as reports of Roman facing his cousin The Rock at WrestleMania 39.
Kenny Omega has been suspended from All Elite Wrestling, meaning fans won’t be seeing him on TV, and they won’t be hearing from him either.
Omega had been scheduled to be on Swerve Strickland’s Swerve City podcast, but that isn’t going ahead at this time.
Strickland, one-half of the reigning AEW World Tag Team Champions, took to Twitter to say that the interview has been postponed due to what’s being described as “unfortunate circumstances.”
Omega’s appearance on the show was announced last month, and Strickland said that a replacement guest will be confirmed tomorrow.
Strickland also promised that the former AEW World Champion and former World Trios Tag Champion will appear when the time is right.
Due to unfortunate circumstances the interview with Kenny Omega, has been postponed to a later date. Stay tuned for a rescheduled appearance in the future.
Strickland didn’t confirm what the ‘unfortunate circumstances’ are that led to Omega being postponed, but it is believed to be as a result of his ongoing suspension.
Omega, along with the Young Bucks, has been suspended from AEW due to their actions during the All Out 2022 post-show fight.
This decision also led to Tony Khan stripping the Elite of the AEW Trios Tag Titles, and the Death Triangle won the gold on this week’s Dynamite.
While the Bucks and Omega have been suspended, there’s been no talks of them being fired by AEW, unlike CM Punk and Ace Steel.
Punk is reported to have instigated the fight backstage after last week’s Pay Per View, while Steel is reported to have bit Omega and pulled his hair.
Punk has been stripped of the AEW World Championship, but it is unclear at this time whether he’s been suspended or fired by the company.
Sasha Banks is one of WWE’s most recognizable stars in recent years, but fans haven’t seen much of her as of late.
Banks and Naomi were suspended in May following their walk-out during Raw, citing creative differences with the planned main event, and long-term plans for both women.
With Vince McMahon’s retirement, it is believed that Banks and Naomi will be back on WWE TV soon, but ‘the Boss’ has plans for outside the company.
Outside the Ring
Sasha Banks is already an established name in WWE, and she’s been looking to make her name in other forms of entertainment.
Banks’ best-known non-WWE role is as Koska Reeves on Disney Plus hit ‘The Mandalorian’ set in the Star Wars universe.
Speaking to Ahch-To Radio, Banks discussed her work outside the ring and teased big plans for the future.
“There is so much that I’m creating right now. It’s all under an umbrella. I’m an actor, writer, producer, and extraordinaire entertainer. All within those realms, I’m doing something. You just have to stay tuned. You have a microphone, that’s something big I want to do. Not podcasting, but music. I don’t know if that’s the number one next thing because acting.”
“You just have to stay tuned.”
Sasha Banks
“There are a lot of things coming up acting right now. I’m really starting to focus my mind around music and the music realm and being kind of a director in that space of creating a musical video piece.”
Banks recently appeared at the premiere for Marvel’s She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, and walked the runway for the New York Fashion Week.
As founding members of AEW, it’s hard to imagine that the Young Bucks would be willing to join any other promotion, especially WWE. On the F4W Message Board, a fan claimed that Matt and Nick Jackson have signed new deals with AEW, but that isn’t the case.
The Wrestling Observer’s Ryan Frederick corrected the fan, saying that their current deals were renewed. “They didn’t sign new deals. Their options were picked up. They did reach out to a talent to send feelers that they would be interested in talking about coming in when their deals are up.”
When Cody Rhodes returned to WWE in April 2022, fans speculated on who could be next to join him. Since returning, the three-time AEW TNT Champion has been treated very well, and is expected by many to hold the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion when he’s back from injury. WWE has also got their eye on certain AEW talent, with reports of reigning AEW TNT Champion Wardlow and MJF being on their radar.
Young Bucks to WWE?
With a budding tag-team division in WWE, including teams like The Usos, the Street Profits, and RK-Bro, there’s no shortage of fans who hope to see the Young Bucks join the company.
Frederick explained that while the Bucks may not have spoken to WWE directly, they did try and gauge what it’s like to work there.
“I can’t say they talked to anyone direct at WWE, but that would fall under tampering and this came at the same time the legal letters were being sent about tampering.
“They talked to other WWE talent about coming in.”
Ryan Fredrick on the Young Bucks joining WWE.
“Can’t confirm they actually talked to WWE people themselves, but they talked to other WWE talent about coming in, which they can do (much like WWE talent can send feelers thru AEW talent, which has happened and happens on both sides often).”
The Bucks are currently serving a suspension for their role in the All Out post-show fight.
This week’s AEW Dynamite came hot off the heels of All Out 2022, and the explosive media scrum and backstage fight that has overshadowed the Pay Per View.
During the scrum, CM Punk had harsh words for the Elite, Colt Cabana and ‘Hangman’ Adam Page, and fought with the Elite backstage, in a brawl that included Punk’s trainer Ace Steel.
The Elite have since been suspended from AEW, and there are talks that Punk and Steel could be fired, if not already.
The Meeting
Mere weeks after hosting a talent-wide meeting to discuss reports of conflict in AEW, another meeting was held prior to this week’s Dynamite.
Instead of Tony Khan, this was led by Bryan Danielson, Chris Jericho and Jon Moxley.
Fightful reports that talents were complimentary of the meeting, noting that Danielson, Moxley, and Jericho were the right people to lead.
What was said?
Talent were told to “keep their personal issues personal” and solve their problems backstage instead of leaking news.
The issue of stories of problems getting out to the media was also a topic of discussion during the previous meeting in August.
Wrestlers were encouraged to leave AEW All Out 2022 in the past and move on.
One source noted that it was the “best backstage meeting” the talent have had
CM Punk
A large topic of discussion during the meeting was CM Punk, who’s future with AEW is unclear at this time.
The meeting was said to be not “anti-Punk,” and that wrestlers left in a better mood than the day before.
Danielson was commended as a “calming” presence during the meeting, while Jericho has been praised for his professionalism throughout his time in AEW and especially during this recent period.
Moxley was said to be “adored” during the meeting, with wrestlers agreeing with his promo about being “the answer” to AEW’s problems.
AEW may have more than its fair share of problems at the moment, but money certainly isn’t one of them.
Since launching in 2019, the promotion has won fans over with its alternative style to WWE, and Tony Khan’s promotion is paying dividends.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that AEW is on track to gross over $100 million this calendar year, the first company in two decades to do so, not named WWE.
While it’s an impressive figure, it is dwarfed by WWE, which is projected to gross $1.1 billion.
All Out
Speaking at the now-infamous All Out post-show media scrum, AEW President Tony Khan spoke about the show’s buy rate, which he believes will be affected by WWE.
The opposition produced not one but two shows to run the same weekend as All Out, WWE Clash at the Castle, and NXT Worlds Collide.
Khan considers the actions by WWE a ‘predatory’ move by running multiple events in competition during Labor Day weekend.
Regardless of WWE’s ‘interference’ All Out has proven to be a financial success.
All Out drew a gate of just over $1 million from the 9,100 fans in attendance (8,800 paid.)
The show marks the third consecutive AEW Pay Per View to surpass $1 million.
Dynamite
Tony Khan isn’t just pleased with the numbers for All Out, but has been impressed by the figures for this week’s Dynamite.
In a tweet, Khan noted that this week’s show surpassed one million viewers, the third week in a row Dynamite has done so well, and the first time since October 2021 that this streak has been reached.
This week’s Dynamite had a lot of intrigue ahead of going live, as fans tuned in to see what Khan would do regarding the post-All Out comments by CM Punk and the fight backstage which saw Punk and Ace Steel fight the Elite.
This week’s DYnamite marked the 15th Wednesday in a row that the show has been in cable’s top two shows in the 18-49 demographic.
Bobby Fish isn’t done sharing his opinions about CM Punk.
Fish was released by WWE on August 6, 2021 after four years with the promotion. He spent his entirety of that run in NXT, where he was part of the Undisputed Era faction. By October, he was wrestling for All Elite Wrestling. He’s since left AEW after two sides failed to come to terms over a new deal.
He was gone from Tony Khan’s promotion by the time Punk melted down at the All Out post-show media scrum, but that didn’t stop Fish from challenge Punk to a fight during the latest episode of his Undisputed Podcast. He had more to say about the self-proclaimed “Best in the World” during a new interview.
Bobby Fish’s Harsh Words for CM Punk
Bobby Fish spoke with SEScoops correspondent Steve Fall for NBC Sports Boston earlier this week. As a lifelong martial artist, he feltwas personally insulted having to ‘sell’ for Punk’s “bunk-ass martial arts” during their match on the October 27, 2021 edition of AEW Dynamite.
“Phil is not a bad pro-wrestling, but what Phil is not is a martial artist,” said Fish. “I’ve been doing martial arts since I was eight years old so I take a lot of pride in it… You are insulting the audience’s intelligence. It’s honestly insulting for you as one of my co-workers. As a martial artist you’re asking me to go out and sell, put over your bunk-ass martial arts. It’s insulting to the audience. It’s insulting to me. At the same time, I’m working for AEW. They’re the ones paying my check. You asked me to go out and put my shoulders down for Phil Brooks. I go out and I do it.”
“Phil, after the match, was a c***.”
Bobby Fish on his October 27, 2021 AEW Dynamite match with CM Punk.
Instead of thanking him for a good match, as is customary, Fish says Punk was bent out of shape over a blown spot. Fish says Punk was salty after he executed his Go to Sleep finisher poorly, a move that Fish reminds everybody was lifted from NJPW star KENTA.
“Phil, after the match, was a c*nt. Frankly as a martial artist, I laid my shoulders down for you. You should be grateful that I did, because on national TV if I decided I wanted to ‘Haku’ your ass, I could have. You’re that little of a threat in my world. I’m not Jon Jones or Anderson Silva, but like, I’ve been doing martial arts since I was young and I can handle myself enough to where I will fold you like a wet-nap, Phil Brooks.”
“So for you to be c*nt afterwards because of a mistake that you made, it doesn’t it doesn’t wear well, not to mention the move that he finished me with, it’s not even his finish. It was Kenta’s. Phil, you took a man’s finishing move, which anybody who knows pro wrestling knows like, that’s kind of fu*ed up, and you weren’t even decent enough to change the name.”
“So yeah, I mean, it goes back. It wasn’t a challenge. It was an invitation like Phil, if you want to throw hands with The Young Bucks, who are on a short list of people that are my friends when it comes to this business, I’m happy to oblige. I wasn’t there, so I don’t know what exactly went on. But like, if you’re feeling froggy, man, come on. Let’s jump together.”
As seen below, Fish does kick out of Punk’s finisher at the “3.1” second mark of the pinfall, so that might be a factor in Punk’s post-match frustration.
Watch: CM Punk vs. Bobby Fish (AEW Dynamite, 10/27/21)
Open to All Options
When asked about the possibility of going back to work for WWE, Fish said he’s open to the possibility.
“I don’t know. I’m open to all options and offers at the moment. I do know that there have been quite a few people who have come back through those doors. And I’m happy for you know, the people, that I know were left there after I had left.
“Things were weird there for a bit. So for them to be back in the direction of some normalcy and some positivity, working for Hunter. I know I enjoyed it.”
Speaking about his relationship with Triple H, Fish praised the WWE Head of Creative and Talent Relations as “awesome” and “down to earth.” Last month, while still under contract with AEW, Fish was quoted saying that he would go to war for Triple H.
Watch Bobby Fish’s interview with Steve Fall for NBC Sports Boston:
During the AEW All Out 2022 post-show media scrum, CM Punk had some explosive comments for Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks.
Punk criticized the management skill of the AEW EVPs and also accused them of spreading false information about him.
The two-time AEW World Champion also fought with the Bucks and Omega, in a brawl that also involved Punk’s trainer Ace Steel.
Return to WWE?
Due to his comments and involvement in the fight (in addition to an injury) Punk has been removed from AEW programming and stripped of the AEW World title.
It has been reported that Punk could be fired (if not already) or could choose to leave AEW, especially if Steel is fired as expected. Speaking to WrestlingInc, Booker T discussed a possible WWE return for the ‘Best in the World.
“It would be hard, it would be really hard for him just to swallow his pride and go back to that.”
Booker T on CM Punk.
Booker added that while Punk’s time on WWE Backstage provided an opportunity, he believes that ship has sailed.
The two-time WWE Hall of Famer also questions what Punk’s “positioning” would be in WWE’s current roster.
Is a Deal Possible?
Punk walked out of WWE after the 2014 Royal Rumble Pay Per View, citing injuries and frustrations with the company.
Though Punk was part of WWE Backstage in 2019, the former Champion never returned to WWE, signing a deal with FOX instead.
AEW Rampage is set to go live for the next two months, according to the schedule for the show.
While Rampage airs on Fridays, the show is traditionally taped on Wednesday’s following the live AEW Dynamite.
According to the schedule, the majority of episodes after September 28, will be live rather than taped.
The exception to this is the October 13, taping of Rampage in Toronto, Canada, which will be aired on Thursday instead of Wednesday or Friday.
It has been speculated that the delay will be due to international travel from the United States to Canada.
This pattern will continue until the November 4, episode of AEW Rampage.
Making the Show Important
While AEW Rampage started strong last year, with Christian Cage beating Kenny Omega for the Impact World Championship on the debut episode, the show has lot a lot of steam since then.
During a media call leading up to the All Out pay-per-view, Tony Khan said that the fall of momentum was down to several stars being out of action (via Comicbook.com)
“A lot of the biggest stars in AEW have been out and the stars that I do have, I’ve had to put them on Dynamite every single week.”
Tony Khan on AEW Rampage losing momentum.
Khan added that Rampage will pick up momentum again with many stars coming back from injuries as of late.
It’s worth pointing out that Khan made these comments prior to All Out and before Kenny Omega, the Young Bucks, CM Punk, Ace Steel and others were removed due to their involvement in the post-show media scrum fight.
