WWE Hall of Famer Abdullah the Butcher is reportedly dealing with health issues that have left the hardcore wrestling legend in hospital. Abdullah has been in hospital for a week in Georgia, PW Insider reports. The wrestling legend has reportedly been dealing with an intestinal issue. He has been promoted for The Gathering in North Carolina, a wrestling convention that will take place in Charlotte from August 1, to August 4. Of course, Abdullah’s status for the show will depend on his health and whether he will be discharged from the hospital in time.
Abdullah the Butcher amazed and horrified fans for years in the ring but now the WWE Hall is reportedly under considerable physical strain. We here at SE Scoops would like to wish Abdullah the very best at this time.
Shane Taylor will be on the sidelines for the foreseeable future after suffering an injury at ROH Death Before Dishonor 2024. The unfortunate news was shared by Tony Schiavone and came after Taylor competed in a Survival of the Fittest match for the ROH TV Championship. The match saw Atlantis retain the title against Taylor, Brian Cage, Lee Johnson, Johnny TV, and Lio Rush.
Despite this injury, Lee’s tag-team partner Brian Cage was still in action during the latest AEW Collision. The Machine teamed with Lee Moriarty, who won the ROH Pure Championship at Death Before Dishonor.
With Shane Taylor injured after #DBD2024, “The Machine” Brian Cage teams with the NEW #ROH Pure Champion “Taiga Style” Lee Moriarty in this Three Way Tag Team Match!
This November will mark a decade since Taylor debuted for Ring of Honor. In December 2022, Taylor returned to the promotion, now under the ownership of Tony Khan. Over his time with the company, he has held the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Titles (with Kaun and Moses) and the ROH World Television Championship.
We here at SE Scoops would like to wish Taylor a speedy recovery. Keep tuned in to SE Scoops for all the goings on in the world of Ring of Honor.
Giulia’s time competing in Japan will be coming to an end sooner than later, according to Marigold Wrestling founder Rossy Ogawa. Sitting down with Tokyo Sports, Ogawa addressed rumors and reports that Giulia is expected to join WWE.
“It’s true that Giulia doesn’t have that much time (in Japan). I’m not sure how many matches she has left, but it might be best to think of this as the last time you’ll see her at each venue.”
It has been reported that WWE’s current plan is for Giulia to debut at an NXT PLE over SummerSlam weekend. That will prove easier said than done, given that no such event is due to take place next weekend. NXT will host two weeks of its Great American Bash event over the next two weeks of TV, in a reported effort to combat being decimated in the ratings by the Olympics. WWE NXT’s next PLE will be No Mercy and take place at the Ball Arena in Denver, CO on September 1.
Jeff Hardy is in no hurry to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame after the company’s previous offer “didn’t feel right at all” to the legend.
In late 2021, Hardy’s actions during a WWE live event led the company to suspect that he was using substances and released him after he refused to go to rehab. A drugs test would later reveal that Hardy had not been under the influence of substances. WWE would try and coax Jeff back in early 2022 (an act that’d keep him from joining) AEW but to no avail.
Part of WWE’s efforts to win Hardy back after his release was the promise of a Hall of Fame induction. Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Jeff made clear that going in without his brother Matt (who was with AEW at the time) did not feel right.
“I cried after that phone call. I was just thinking about all the really cool moments I’ve given to the pro-wrestling world. I’m so proud of it, but it didn’t feel right at all. So, I just wanted to wait. If I did do this, I’m definitely doing that with Matt.”
Despite his lofty achievements on his own, include three reigns as a WWE World Champion, Jeff is not interested in a solo induction. In the interview, Hardy made clear that if he is inducted, it’ll be as one-half of the Hardy Boyz, adding “I just want one ring.”
Although Hardy has done more than enough to warrant two inductions, his dedication to his brother Matt trumps any accolade WWE may bestow on the Charismatic Enigma. These days, fans can find Jeff and Matt teaming once more in TNA Wrestling, though Jeff was recently written off TV with an attack by The System.
CM Punk and John Cena may have been fierce rivals, but the Best in the World is more interested in teaming with the 16-time World Champion soon.
Speaking at a San Diego Comic-Con panel, Punk was asked about who he’d like to team with now that he’s back in WWE. While Punk’s first choice was Larry, his dog who now has official merch, John Cena was his second pick.
“Everybody’s asking me because (John) Cena has announced his retirement that, you know, obviously they wanna see us fight each other. I think there’s something to me and him tagging. I think that can be pretty interesting.”
Cena and Punk feuded in 2011 as part of the acclaimed ‘Summer of Punk’ that included Punk’s scathing Pipebomb on the June 27, 2011, edition of Monday Night RAW. Punk would ‘leave’ WWE as WWE Champion at Money in the Bank that year only to return eight days later and continue his feud with John.
Teaming with Cena was one of the last acts Punk would perform during his first WWE run before walking out of the company in January 2014. The pair last teamed during the December 18, 2013, edition of WWE SmackDown and earned a (DQ) victory over the Shield.
John Cena’s Retirement Tour
Cena shared at Money in the Bank 2024 that 2025 will be his final year wrestling, ending what will be a legendary 23-year career on WWE’s main roster. Already, several names have put themselves forward as potential opponents. Cena’s WrestleMania 27 adversary The Miz has said he’d love to be part of John’s farewell tour, as does ex-WWE Superstar Matt Cardona. Cena has said he does not have (or wish to use) the backstage sway to pick matches for his tour.
A name change could be in store for Ring of Honor to benefit the brand, according to AEW President Tony Khan. Speaking on the post-Death Before Dishonor 2024 press conference, Khan was asked about the possibility of cohesion between the two entities. Khan said that AEW is “the very top of pro wrestling” and that ROH would benefit from being associated with the All-Elite company.
“I don’t think it’s out of the question to say or sacrilegious to say. I think it would only help grow the ROH brand if I were to license it, sublicense, if it were AEW ROH. I don’t think that’s a crazy thing or sacrilegious or bad. I think it would be good for everybody.”
Later on, Khan discussed the possibility of Ring of Honor being aired on a WBD network channel. Khan reiterated that ROH would “frankly have a lot more value” if a branding change took place.
Tony Khan and Ring of Honor
Khan was among those who launched AEW in 2019 while his acquisition of Ring of Honor was publicly confirmed on the March 2, 2022, edition of AEW Dynamite. Khan’s efforts successfully relaunched Ring of Honor which had gone on hiatus in late 2021 after its Final Battle pay-per-view.
Unlike AEW Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision, Ring of Honor does not have a presence on syndicated television. Instead, it was announced in late 2022 that ROH shows would air on the relaunched Honor Club streaming platform.
If people are unhappy with Khan’s handling of ROH so far, the stance that the company would do better by being known as an AEW division may do little to win back favor. Stay tuned to SE Scoops for the latest on AEW, Ring of Honor, and potential synergy between the two sides.
The Young Bucks recently sat down with The Takedown on SI to discuss this year’s Blood & Guts match. The fourth-ever bout in the violent double-cage structure saw Team AEW (Swerve Strickland, Darby Allin, Mark Briscoe & The Acclaimed) defeat Team Elite (The Bucks, Kazuchika Okada, Jack Perry, and ‘Hangman’ Adam Page.)
On The Chair Shot To Jack Perry
In one of the most shocking moments of the match, Jack Perry was struck in the head with a steel chair. Though once commonplace in wrestling, shots like these have been phased out given what is known today about long-term effects. In the interview, Nick Jackson said that Perry, like any AEW talent, is aware of the risks involved in being a wrestler.
Nick: “All I know is Jack is fine, and that’s all that matters. We know the risk we’re taking in the ring and it wouldn’t have happened if he wasn’t prepared for it.”
On The Backstage Feedback to the Match
Blood & Guts 4 certainly delivered the violence that fans have come to expect since the bout was introduced in 2021. Matt Jackson was pleased to share that this reception reflects how those felt backstage.
Matt: “I heard a lot of people in the back saying it was the best Blood & Guts ever, so that’s a huge compliment to the men who participated.”
Darby Allin wants his TNT Championship Match at #AEWAllIn and will set Jack Perry ON FIRE to get it!
This year’s Blood & Guts match was hardly the first time that the Young Bucks worked with Mark Briscoe as the tag team’s wars with The Briscoes are well-documented. Matt explained that while Jay is no longer with us, the chemistry of the Bucks and the Briscoes continued to shine in Blood & Guts.
Matt: I was reminded of the amazing chemistry we have. It’s like lightning in a bottle, a type of magic you only have with a very few select opponents.”
Matt was reminded of Jay Briscoe throughout the match and reflected on his passing while sitting in his hotel room after the show.
Matt: “I felt Jay out there with us. I couldn’t stop thinking about him. It was such an overpowering feeling.”
On Coming Up With Ideas
Blood & Guts 4 was always going to be violent and the Bucks, like all involved, paid the toll with their bodies in the name of entertainment. In the interview, Nick explained how the thought process came about for the match.
Nick: “At this point, coming up with the ideas is a lot more fun than executing them. It’s a really intense match.”
On Working with Kazuchika Okada
The match saw the Young Bucks once again team with AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada, who has replaced Kenny Omega in the Elite. Both Matt and Nick are thrilled to have the ‘Rainmaker’ on their side.
Matt: “I couldn’t be prouder to see him trying new things and learning a new style. He’s a movie star with perfect timing, an unbelievable sense of humor, and he just so happens to be the greatest wrestler alive.”
Nick: “He is performing so great and adapting to new matches he’s never been in as well as I’ve seen anyone be able to do it on the fly. It’s been so much fun working with him these last several months. There’s no one better.”
Former WWE World Champion Raj Dhesi once again has title gold around his waist after winning at Black Label Pro’s Old Habits event. Dhesi, who entered free agency earlier this month, defeated Dominic Garrini in the show’s main event to win the title in Dhesi’s first match since his release from WWE. Garrini defended the title in place of his Violence is Forever tag team partner Kevin Ku who has been out of action with an injury.
Much like Matt Cardona four years earlier, Dhesi appears poised to make an impact on the independent scene. Following his release, it was reported that promotions were eager to work with Dhesi, especially given that there is a gap for indie wrestling’s top heel since Cardona is out with an injury.
In WWE, Dhesi worked with top names such as Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre, and The Rock. While the independents don’t often quite the same names in terms of star power, Dhesi now has a much wider field of potential opponents to work with.
Fans may have been part of the ‘Don’t Hinder Jinder’ movement, but now the message is ‘Don’t Messi with Dhesi.’ Stay tuned to SE Scoops for the latest on Raj Dhesi’s journey outside the world of WWE.
WWE Superstar Meiko Satomura will hang up her boots for good in April 2025 in a journey that will see her compete outside the promotion.
In a press conference, Satomura confirmed her retirement plans, which will mark the 30th anniversary of her professional debut. Satomura’s final match will take place at the historic Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.
Despite being a WWE-contracted performer, Satomura said at the press event that she will compete in a number of Sendai Girls matches, starting this September. Sendai Girls, also known as Senjo, is a Joshi puroresu promotion founded in 2005 by Satomura and Kensuke Shinzaki, also known to WWE fans as Hakushi.
Satomura’s career in the ring has seen her work with some of wrestling’s biggest promotions including New Japan Pro Wrestling, WCW, STARDOM and others. In 2020, the ‘Final Boss’ joined WWE and competed in NXT UK and would win the NXT UK Women’s Championship. She would hold the title until WWE NXT UK’s demise in September 2022 and lost the title to Mandy Rose at that year’s Worlds Collide. After a lengthy hiatus, Satomura has returned to action as part of WWE’s tour of Japan.
WWE allowing Meiko Satomura the chance to compete for Senjo not only shows the company’s respect for her, but is the latest example of WWE working with another promotion. 2024 has already seen WWE work with TNA, Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport, Marigold Wrestling and Pro Wrestling NOAH. Hopefully, the 44-year-old Satomura receives a fitting send-off to mark the end of a legendary career in the ring.
The utterance of Joe Hendry’s name in Davenport, Florida this week resulted in the TNA Wrestling star making an appearance at a WWE NXT live event. In the hours leading up to the July 26, event, Hendry had suggested that he’d be at the show.
Looking for something to do.
Anything fun going on in Davenport, Florida tonight?
True to his word, Hendry appeared at the event to the surprise of the Davenport crowd after Mark Coffey inadvertently said his name. Hendry teamed with Je’Von Evans and Shiloh Hill to take on Gallus. Despite Hendry having Gallus’ number on WWE NXT TV in recent weeks, it was the heels who got the win.
Hendry has been a central part of the ongoing NXT-TNA crossover. After debuting as part of a battle royal, the viral TNA star has since headlined WWE NXT and worked alongside former NXT Champion Trick Williams. Much like the NXT-TNA partnership as a whole, Hendry’s work with the gold brand has proven exceptionally popular, leaving fans eager to see more of this working relationship.
Joe’s next NXT appearance will be this coming Tuesday when he performs a concert at Night One of the NXT Great American Bash. Hendry made sure fans at this week’s show were well aware of the upcoming performance as he gifted signed flyers promoting his segment in the parking lot. If Hendry’s previous concerts are any indicator, fans can expect another viral segment from the Scottish star who’ll have some choice barbs for those on the WWE NXT roster.
More has come to light about Beth Phoenix’s status with WWE after her profile was changed on the company’s official website. Fans noticed this week that Beth’s profile was removed from the ‘active’ talent section and now is exclusive to the ‘Hall of Fame’ portion of the site.
The Glamazon’s time with WWE has come to an end, PW Insider reports. Despite only recently being pulled from the ‘active’ portion of WWE.com, Phoenix hadn’t wrestled for WWE since February 2023. At the Elimination Chamber PLE in Montreal, Beth and her husband Edge (now AEW’s Adam Copeland) defeated The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor and Rhea Ripley.
Phoenix parted ways with WWE in 2012 but returned in 2017 to be inducted into that year’s Hall of Fame. The induction marked the shortest period of time for a female wrestler to be inducted after her retirement. It’s not just WWE’s Hall of Fame that recognizes the Glamazon’s achievements as in 2019, she became the first woman to be inducted in the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. In addition to being a wrestler, Phoenix was a commentator for WWE NXT from May 2019 to December 2021.
Beth Phoenix And AEW
Beth has been backstage at several AEW shows ever since her husband joined the promotion in October 2023. The topic of Phoenix appearing for the company has been broached backstage, Fightful Select reports. Sources indicated that Phoenix is in amazing condition and could likely compete in an AEW ring if she chose to. Phoenix has already made a cameo for AEW, as the ‘You Think You Know Him?’ lyric from Copeland’s entrance theme is provided by his wife.
Signing Beth Phoenix would be a huge score for Tony Khan who has brought in Mercedes Mone, Kamille, and Mariah May in 2024 alone. Keep tuned to SE Scoops for the latest on Beth Phoenix’s future in the world of professional wrestling.
SmackDown Superstar Blair Davenport and Chase U’s Riley Osborne have tied the knot after two years of dating, the couple confirmed this week. On Instagram, Davenport shared some photos from the couple’s special day. Several names from the world of wrestling took to the comments to share their excitement about the news.
Davenport and Osborne began dating in 2022 and in August, Davenport would comment on an Instagram post of her future husband, saying she’d “Met the love of my life.” Davenport announced on her Instagram page in December 2023 that she and Osborne were engaged.
The wedding of Osborne and Davenport comes during a landmark week for Riley’s allies in Chase U. At the ongoing San Diego Comic-Con, fans have caught their first glimpse of Chase U action figures from Mattel. The three figures include faction leader Andre Chase as well as Thea Hail.
Wrestling Couples
Love has certainly been in the air in 2024, with several wrestling couples taking massive leaps in their respective relationships. In May, AEW’s Ruby Soho and Angelo Parker tied the knot. Soho is currently out of action after sharing at an AEW event that she is pregnant. The following month, WWE and AEW collided as Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews in a black wedding. This month, Angelo Dawkins married his wife Grace in a ceremony officiated by none other than Montez Ford.
We here at SE Scoops would like to offer our congratulations to the happy couple.
Former WWE Superstars Mason Madden and Mansoor will make their All-Elite debut on tonight’s AEW Collision to face FTR. The news was shared on Twitter by AEW President Tony Khan.
After a successful ROH debut, MxM Collection will debut in AEW when they collide vs the returning FTR on Saturday #AEWCollision TOMORROW! pic.twitter.com/M0GD69Jkyj
The AEW debut of Madden and Mansoor, collectively known as the MxM Collection, comes after the pair debuted for Ring of Honor at Death Before Dishonor 2024. At ROH’s latest pay-per-view, MxM defeated the Spanish Announce Project (Serpentico and Angelico) on the kick-off show.
Earlier this month, the pair’s arrival was teased during an episode of ROH Wrestling. Madden was described as the “mahogany hunk” and the “height of fashion.” Meanwhile, Mansoor was deemed the “sultan of suave” and “the man who will make you sore.” During their arrival at Death Before Dishonor, Mansoor was also called the ‘Iron Chiq.’
AEW Collision – 7/27/2024
Tonight’s AEW Collision will take place at the Esports Stadium in Arlington, Texas, as part of a multi-week deal to host AEW events at the venue. Here is what has been confirmed for tonight’s AEW Collision:
FTR Vs. MxM (Mason Madden & Mansoor)
Orange Cassidy Vs. Johnny TV
The Beast Mortos Vs. Hologram
Immediately after AEW Collision, AEW will host its eleventh Battle of the Belts show. Matches announced include
‘Timeless’ Toni Storm (c) Vs. Taya Valkyrie (AEW Women’s World Championship Eliminatior Match)
The Undisputed Kingdom (Roderick Strong, Matt Taven, and Mike Bennett) vs. Dustin Rhodes and The Von Erichs (Marshall Von Erich and Ross Von Erich) (ROH World Six-Man Tag-Team Championship)
Willow Nightingale (c) vs. Deonna Purrazzo (CMLL Women’s World Championship Eliminator Match)
Keep tuned to SE Scoops for all the latest from tonight’s episode of AEW Collision as well as AEW Battle of the Belts XI.
Posted July 26th, 2024 in AEW. Tagged: FTR, Mansoor.
Cody Rhodes’ connection to his father is no secret, and the Undisputed WWE Champion was given a heartwarming gift at a recent event in Japan. On WWE’s second night of their ongoing tour, their first in Japan since 2019, Rhodes defeated AJ Styles in the show’s main event. Not only did Cody get the win, but he was gifted a robe and hat worn by his legendary father Dusty.
The robe had previously been on display at the ‘Super Inoki Exhibition‘ a public exhibition celebrating the life and career of Antonio Inoki. Dusty and Inoki met NJPW Toukon Series 1979 in a match for the NWF Heavyweight Championship that Inoki retained by disqualification.
This robe has great sentimental value to Cody, whose relationship with his father has proven to be pivotal to his WWE run. It was Cody’s desire to win a WWE World Championship (an accolade his father got close to but never achieved) that resulted in Rhodes returning to WWE at WrestleMania 38.
Cody’s ‘story’ would finish with his victory over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. Following his victory, Rhodes received a different, but equally sentimental gift: the watch his father had sold to help pay for Rhodes to take acting lessons.
Rhodes will be part of tomorrow’s live event, also in Tokyo, where he will defend against LA Knight, AJ Styles, and Shinsuke Nakamura. With a title match set for SummerSlam against Solo Sikoa, the American Nightmare continues to keep the spirit of his father alive as WWE’s very top Superstar.
A surprise meeting between WWE higher-ups and London Mayor Sadiq Khan has renewed hopes that WrestleMania could be hosted in the UK. Khan, who won re-election earlier this year, met with WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque and WWE President Nick Khan at London’s City Hall, the Daily Star reports. Mayor Khan confirmed the meeting and shared his excitement at WrestleMania coming to London.
“It’s exciting to be working with the WWE team. The meeting was really productive, and talks will continue about how we could turn our ambition into a reality.”
During his re-election campaign, Mayor Khan pledged to create a task force to encourage more international sports to the UK capital. Nick Khan added that it was “great to hear” about Khan’s “vision” for how WWE can support his plans for London.
WrestleMania in London
Fans in the UK have been rallying for a WrestleMania of their own for years, but interest in the idea skyrocketed following WWE Money in the Bank 2023. At the event, which took place in London, John Cena made a surprise appearance at the event and shared his goal to bring the Showcase of the Immortals to the city.
Despite WWE bringing more events overseas in recent years, WrestleMania could remain in the good ol’ U-S-of-A despite the wishes of fans. WWE President Nick Khan has stated that the company’s big four events (WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Survivor Series, and Royal Rumble) will remain in North America for the foreseeable future.
Ronda Rousey and her husband Travis Browne are celebrating after the ex-WWE star shared that the couple is expecting their second child. Rousey shared the joyous news while attending a panel at San Diego Comic-Con hosted by fellow WWE alum Dave Bautista.
Rousey’s appearance at SDCC was to promote her graphic novel debut ‘Expecting the Unexpected.’ Ironically, the protagonist, who bears a striking resemblance of the Rousey is codenamed ‘Mom’ and uses a fake pregnancy belly to carry weapons and other tools for her role as a hitman. The new comic is penned by Rousey, edited by Axel Alonso of AWA Comics, and has art from Mike Deodato, Jr. (Avengers, Not All Robots, The Flash.) A Kickstarter to support the project has already reached over $6,000 in donations.
The Baddest Mom On The Planet
Rousey and Browne, also a UFC alum, married in 2017 and welcomed their first child La’akea Makalapuaokalanip? into the world in September 2021. Rousey is also a stepmom to two of Browne’s sons from a previous marriage.
The former WWE Raw & SmackDown Women’s Champion has made no secret of her desire to be a mom. Following her loss at WrestleMania 35 in 2019, Rousey embarked on a multi-year hiatus from wrestling, during which she gave birth to La’akea. She returned as part of the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble match mere months after giving birth and won the 30-woman contest.
More recently, Rousey has shared her desire to have a large family. When asked by Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated about a potential UFC return, Rousey made clear her family plans take precedence.
“I want to have a whole basketball team full of kids, I can’t take any more detours. I’ve always wanted to be a mom with a lot of kids.
Rousey may still be a few players short of a basketball team, but the Baddest Woman On The Planet will soon become a mother yet again. We here at SE Scoops would like to offer our congratulations to Ronda and her family at this joyous time.
The war between WWE NXT and the Pat McAfee Show shows no signs of slowing down after Shawn Michaels warned of an a** kickin’ for the Raw announcer’s co-hosts.
The issues between NXT and McAfee’s co-hosts have been growing since the release of the ‘Pat McAfee Pack’ in WWE 2K24. The latest wave of DLC includes the Raw announcer, AJ Hawk, Boston Conner, Darius Butler, and Ty Schmit.
On Twitter, Michaels threw out the challenge to Schmit, Conner, Butler, and Hawk, inviting them to face off four Superstars from the Hall of Famer’s roster. Michaels was immensely confident in his NXT Superstars who’ll deliver an a** kickin’ if a match happens.
Michaels isn’t the only WWE NXT name with some choice words for McAfee’s co-hosts. In a tweet of her own, Karmen Petrovic shared her own idea as to why fans aren’t thrilled at non-wrestlers in WWE 2K24.
God forbid fans want to play with wrestlers in a wrestling game ?
While having McAfee’s co-hosts in the game may appeal to fans of the Raw commentator and his sports show, it has ruffled feathers with fans of WWE. Keep tuned to SE Scoops for the latest in this unlikely beef as it unfolds in WWE and beyond.
WWE’s first night of its ongoing tour of Japan saw the Superstars bring the action to Osaka, Japan. This tour marks WWE’s first tour of Japan since 2019 and will continue for two more nights in Tokyo.
Here are the results for WWE Live in Osaka, Japan:
Match:WWE Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) def. IYO SKY
This would be SKY’s first of two matches on the night and the Japanese Superstar got a big reaction in her home country. Morgan seemed very pleased for somebody whose heart was broken during this week’s WWE RAW.
Asuka made an appearance alongside her Damage CTRL allies to a huge pop from the crowd. This marked Meiko Satomura’s first match for WWE since February 2023. Tiffany Stratton had her Money in the Bank briefcase which was taped together after being destroyed by Bayley on a recent episode of SmackDown.
Meiko Satomura arrives in Osaka to team with Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill & Bayley to take on Damage CTRL & Tiffany Stratton!#WWEOsaka ?? pic.twitter.com/X9WS3PegEL
Match: WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Damian Priest (c) def. Jey Uso
In a rematch from WWE Backlash: France, Uso was unable to dethrone Priest. After the match ‘Main Event Jey’ bowed to the crowd in Oska in a sign of respect. Jey and Priest also share a ‘Yeet’ at the event.
— TheUso-Twinz.com | Fansite For The Usos (@theusotwinzcom) July 25, 2024
Match: GUNTHER def. Rey Mysterio
Mysterio wore a Hanshin Tigers uniform, acknowledging the Nippon Professional Baseball team. GUNTHER, who got a lot of cheers, defeated the WWE Hall of Famer with a powerbomb, according to a fan on Twitter who attended the show.
WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) def. AJ Styles & Shinsuke Nakamura
Cody shared his gratitude to the Osaka crowd after retaining the Undisputed WWE Championship in the show’s main event. He also invited a young Japanese fan to pose with him to end the night.
All Elite Wrestling’s Scorpio Sky recently sat down with Chris Van Vliet to reflect on his journey in wrestling and his time with the company. Sky has been a part of AEW since 2019 and is a two-time TNT Champion and one-half of the inaugural AEW World Tag Team Champions.
On His AEW Hiatus
Despite being an AEW original, Sky hasn’t appeared regularly in some time and his most recent AEW match was in September of 2023. On the podcast, Sky acknowledged that he’s “been in and out over the last couple of years.” While Sky said that some it has been down to injuries, he rejected the idea that he is ‘injury-prone.’
“I did get hurt about two years ago but I was okay within like a couple of weeks. But the problem is when you fall out of the rotation, we have so much talent, that it’s hard to get back in the rotation.”
During his absence, Sky has been working out and shared plans to get back on the independent scene. He said it’d be a “really fun thing” to go back to his roots and “have some banger matches.”
On Making an AEW Return
While Sky has the independents in his sight, his main goal right now is an AEW return. On the podcast, Sky said he feels ready to get back on TV.
“I’m ready. I think we’re just waiting for the right opportunity, for the right situation. Again, there are a lot of guys in the company and people coming in all the time… it’s just a little tough sometimes to work your way back.”
On Working With Sting
One of the biggest matches for Sky came at AEW Double or Nothing 2021 when he and Ethan Page faced Darby Allin and Sting. This would be the Icon’s first live match in AEW and his first match in front of a crowd since WWE Night of Champions 2015.
“That’s one of my favorite matches ever. I have two matches that are my favorite matches I’ve ever had and that’s one of them.”
The match was even more special as Sting had originally joined AEW under the proviso of only having cinematic matches. Sky added that Sting told himself and Page that he trusted them both to make sure he was okay in front of a live crowd.
“We just did the best we could to obviously protect him. But he’s a maniac and wants to do crazy things as well… He was in great shape. We had to talk him into not wearing a shirt.”
On Being Chris Jericho’s First AEW Loss
During the seventh episode of AEW Dynamite in 2019, Sky and Frankie Kazarian retained their World Tag Team Titles against Chris Jericho and Sammy Guevara. This match marked Jericho’s first defeat in AEW, an accolade that isn’t lost on Sky.
“He’s world champion and then I pinned him and then we did the whole face-to-face interview thing and then I wrestled him for the title. He ended up going off with Moxley after that, which was a good little transition.”
Jericho, in Sky’s view, legitimized AEW and helped television networks take an interest in the upstart promotion. On the podcast, Sky even went as far as to compare Jericho legitimizing AEW to a certain WWE Hall of Famer.
“I always think it’s similar to when Hulk Hogan went to WCW in the mid-90s. It’s just like, it puts that stamp, okay, we’re we’ve arrived.”
On WWE’s Anger Management
Long before he was All-Elite, Sky appeared as ‘Harold’ in WWE’s anger management segments featuring Kane and Daniel Bryan (now AEW’s Bryan Danielson.) Despite being an official WWE production, A lot of ‘Harold’s’ work was on the fly.
“A lot of it was improv. I think there was a line where I put my hand on Kane’s thigh. And that one, I just did it, it wasn’t planned. I think the line was something like, Thank you for sharing Kane, it was just one of those things I had fun with and I didn’t expect anything of it.”
Despite being a wrestler at the time, there were never any plans for Harold to compete in WWE. Sky shared that he’s never watched the anger management segments in question, and finds it funny that fans still remember him for those angles, 12 years later.
This week’s AEW Dynamite: Blood & Guts event was a successful night for Tony Khan’s promotion, even if things reportedly didn’t go as first planned. The July 24, edition of Dynamite marked the fourth-annual Blood & Guts match which saw Team AEW defeat The Elite in the violent double-cage structure.
This year’s Blood & Guts Dynamite took place at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN, a city AEW has hosted several events in since launching in 2019. This week’s show outsold AEW’s last trip to Dynamite, Fightful Select reports.
AEW Dynamite: Blood & Guts saw Britt Baker win her first match since returning to AEW TV by defeating fellow ex-Women’s Champion Hikaru Shida. Baker’s victory was short-lived however, as she was confronted by Mercedes Mone and blindsided by the debuting Kamille.
Kamille’s debut had been kept very quiet, the report adds, but she has been under contract and being paid since February of this year. Kamille was reportedly backstage at an AEW Dynamite back in January and graphics and materials for her debut have reportedly been ready for some time.
AEW’s Brian Cage is set to don the iconic loincloth once more to reprise his role as He-Man in the upcoming fan film ‘Fall Of Grayskull: Rise Of The Horde.’ Cage’s participation in the film was announced by Red Serial Films on Instagram this week.
The film serves as a sequel to the popular 2015 short film ‘Fall Of Grayskull’ in which Cage also played He-Man. A synopsis for the new movie via Kickstarter reads as follows:
“In the end credits of part one, we tease of Hordak preparing to invade Eternia..where this movie will pick up. Prince Adam/He-Man has to deal with taking over as king after the death of his father, the inner struggle of being forced to kill Skeletor in the previous film, and trying to protect Eternia from this new invading army. Like He-Man, Teela is also struggling with the loss of a parent and attempting to take on her new role as guardian of Grayskull. We also meet Adora who is contemplating the morality of her life in the Horde and discovering her destiny of becoming She-Ra.”
You can check out Cage in the first He-Man: Fall of Grayskull film down below.
Cage certainly has the build to once-again portray the iconic character of the 1980s that has seen a revival in recent years thanks to a Netflix adaptation and several comic projects. Although the former FTW Champion set to return to the world of Eternia, fans can expect to see plenty of Cage in AEW after signing a new contract last year.
MVP has appreciated the “ride” he’s been on since returning to WWE, even though many believe it could come to an end very soon. On Instagram, MVP shared a photo of the night he returned to WWE as part of the 2020 Men’s Royal Rumble match.
In the caption, the Hurt Business alum spoke of being brought back as a producer, which didn’t work out as the COVID-19 pandemic and lack of live events left WWE not needing him in the role. MVP also addressed his time as a commentator, an in-ring talent, and working with ‘Roberto’ Bobby Lashley in WWE.
MVP’s WWE Status
MVP’s reflections on his time in WWE since his 2020 return come amid reports that he and Bobby Lashley could soon be out of the company. It’s been reported that both men (alongside Tamina Snuka) have been removed from the promotion’s internal roster, signifying that there are no plans for them on TV. Lashley hasn’t competed on WWE TV since April of this year and MVP, the manager of Omos, has similarly vanished from shows.
Following reports that he had been removed from WWE’s internal roster, MVP shared a salute emoji online. Another report has claimed that MVP and Lashley are both considered to be ‘gone’ by those in WWE as both men’s contracts are said to expire soon. While an offer was reportedly made to Lashley, it’s said that this deal was one the All Mighty would be in no hurry to sign.
MVP has certainly done plenty since returning to WWE though a title reign has continued to allude the manager/commentator/Superstar/producer. Keep tuned to SE Scoops for all the latest on this ongoing situation.
The son of a true legend in the world of professional boxing will be part of the upcoming WWE tryouts that will take place over SummerSlam weekend. Elijah Holyfield, the son of Evander Holyfield, will be a part of the tryouts, PW Insider reports. The tryouts will take place on Friday, August 2, and for the first time ever, fans will be able to watch the tryouts and perhaps get their first glimpse at a future WWE Champion.
Despite being the son of one of the biggest names in boxing, Elijah Holyfield has focused is athletic career on football. The 26-year-old played college football in Georgia and has been signed by the Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals as a running back. Holyfield stands at 5-foot-10 and weighs 215lb.
On Twitter this week, the younger Holyfield gave a taste of his athletic prowess.
Should Elijah make it through the tryouts and sign a WWE contract, he wouldn’t be the first member of his family to compete in a wrestling ring. During an August 2007 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event, Evander Holyfield, subbing for the ‘injured’ MVP, boxed Matt Hardy. After Holyfield refused to do more damage to Hardy who was seemingly unable to fight back, MVP got in the face of the boxer and earned a right hand for his troubles.
WWE has held tryouts around several events in recent years with names like Nikkita Lyons, Tatum Paxley, Edris Enofe, Javier Bernal, and Monday Night Raw’s Maxxine Dupri all joining after a SummerSlam tryout. These tryouts have demonstrated that there is no one way to make it into WWE and an athletic background outside of the ring can often be as valuable as someone spending years on the independents.
WWE SummerSlam 2024
SummerSlam 2024 will take place on August 3, one day after the Priority Pass tryouts, from the Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. The show will be the second SummerSlam from Cleveland and currently has seven matches announced. In addition to in-ring action, SummerSlam weekend will see Damian Priest: Live, which will include the premiere of his WWE: 24 episode and a live panel from El Campeon.
Keep tuned to SE Scoops for all the latest from these upcoming talent tryouts as well as the Biggest Party of the Summer.
A new fan getting into All Elite Wrestling should check out five matches in particular, according to company President Tony Khan. Since launching in 2019, AEW has hosted some of the most unique, violent matches but there are some that stand out. Appearing on The Rich Eisen Show, Khan had the following matches to recommend as must-see viewing.
MJF Vs. Bryan Danielson (Revolution 2023)
Described by Khan as “among the very, very top,” AEW’s first-ever Iron Man match saw MJF retained the AEW World Championship against the American Dragon. The bout also raised questions as to whether MJF goes too far with his character after throwing a drink at a young fan.
The Young Bucks Vs. Omega/Page (Revolution 2020)
From the inaugural Revolution pay-per-view, this tag-team title match saw Omega and Page retain the gold against the AEW EVPs. On a night that also saw the second-ever AEW World Champion be crowned in Jon Moxley, it was this half-an-hour tag-team match that stole the show in Chicago.
Dr. Britt Baker Vs. Thunder Rosa (Dynamite 3/17/2021)
A “fantastic” Lights Out match, Thunder Rosa defeated Britt Baker in the main event of St. Patrick’s Day Slam in a bloody Lights Out match between the two. The match also marked the first time an AEW event was headlined by female wrestlers.
The Young Bucks Vs. Allin/Sting (Revolution 2024)
The final match in the legendary career of Sting, Khan called the Revolution 2024 main event “my greatest moment,” and the pay-per-view AEW’s “greatest show I think we’ve had here.” The match proved to be a fitting send off for The Icon as he and Allin bested the Bucks and ensured Sting finished his AEW career undefeated.
MJF Vs. Will Ospreay (Dynamite 250: 7/17/2024)
From the 250th episode of AEW Dynamite, MJF and Will Ospreay had a 59:58 war over the AEW International Championship. Despite a valiant effort by Ospreay, and a ‘terrorist’ attack in his favor, MJF won the gold with the use of the Dynamite Diamond Ring.
AEW has hosted some exceptional matches in the five-and-a-half years since its launch and that’s expected to continue in the months and years to come. While this list may be contained to just five examples, AEW has countless matches worth checking out in its ever-growing library of All-Elite content.
Team AEW was victorious over The Elite on this week’s edition of Dynamite in a brutal Blood and Guts match that left the heels with no choice but to forfeit.
Jack Perry and Darby Allin started the match for their respective teams and the TNT Champion maintained the advantage over Allin with a trash can and extension cord.
Jack Perry sends Darby Allin flying like a lawn dart!
Nick Jackson was the next arrival, giving the Elite a distinct advantage, and ROH World Champion Mark Briscoe was the first wrestler to bleed significantly after having his face scraped across the cage.
The #ROH World Champion Mark Briscoe has arrived to even the odds for #TeamAEW!
Matt Jackson was out next to join his brother but Anthony Bowens would change the complexion of the match. Bowens used scissors and stabbed Perry in the head, earning “You Sick F***” chants from the crowd.
The Scissor King, Anthony Bowens is here to reinforce #TeamAEW!
Kazuchika Okada, wielding a ‘Rainmaker’ street sign was next to enter the cage and Max Caster followed with a microphone and he retrieved a barbed-wire board from under the ring. This came back to haunt The Acclaimed as the Young Bucks sent Bowens into it, prompting “Holy S***” chants from the crowd.
In case things weren’t already violent enough, thumbtacks were introduced next and poured into Caster’s mouth. ‘Hangman’ Adam Page was supposed to arrive next but didn’t. Instead, the Cowboy waited for Swerve Strickland’s entrance so he could ambush the reigning AEW World Champion.
Hangman Adam Page only has his eyes on #AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland and now #AEWBLOODandGUTS begins!
Swerve was left locked out of the cage and Page, under the threat of being fired, got in the cage as demanded by Nick Jackson. Jeff Jarrett would help free Strickland’s trapped hand, allowing him to enter the cage.
Swerve and Hangman finally get their hands on each other!
Staple Guns were introduced via a briefcase that the Bucks had brought to the match. Despite this, Team AEW fought on with Darby Allin delivering a Coffin Drop to Jack Perry.
The finish of the match also involved Allin and Perry as the TNT Champion was handcuffed to the wall and took some kendo shots but refused to quit. Mark Briscoe followed with a chair shot to the head of Perry, but that still wasn’t enough. Allin then retrieved a gasoline can and threatened to see Perry ablaze. Fearing the loss of life of his ally, Matt Jackson gave in, awarding Allin a TNT title match at All In, and forfeiting Blood & Guts.
Darby Allin wants his TNT Championship Match at #AEWAllIn and will set Jack Perry ON FIRE to get it!
This year’s Blood & Guts certainly delivered the violence that fans have come to expect with the brutal stipulation. After months of having control, the Elite’s loss is a huge setback for the group, and could be a sign of things to come next month in Wembley Stadium.
