Wrestling fans can expect to see plenty more of Buddy Matthews in AEW, even though he’s not currently appearing on programming. Matthews has reached a new contract with AEW, WrestlePurists reports. The Australian debuted in AEW in February 2022, eight months after his release from WWE in May 2021. Since arriving, Matthews has been part of the House of Black since his arrival and alongside Malakai Black and Brody King, is a former AEW World Trios Champion.
Matthews sticking with AEW will keep him separate from his wife Rhea Ripley who recently returned to WWE RAW programming and will compete at SummerSlam next month. The couple got engaged in August 2023 and tied the knot in April of this year. Despite being in different companies, the couple’s relationship is as strong as ever, and Ripley was spotted backstage at Double or Nothing 2024.
Malakai Black’s Contract Status
Matthews’ ally Malakai Black is another talent fans should expect to see in AEW for a long time to come. In July 2022, AEW President Tony Khan told Busted Open Radio that Black had “almost five years” left on his contract, which would put his expiration date at mid-2027.
Securing contracts is one of the most vital roles for those working behind the scenes in a wrestling company as promotions seek to lock down the best wrestlers working today. Although Black isn’t currently appearing for AEW after being written off TV in June, expect the Australian to bring the fight when he returns to programming.
Anthem Entertainment, the parent company of TNA, has expanded its partnership with Eurosport India, a premium sports channel owned by Warner Bros Discovery. Under the new agreement, Eurosport India viewers will gain access to over 200 hours of original TNA programming every year. This wealth of programming includes TNA iMPACT and pay-per-views.
Earlier this year, Eurosport agreed to carry eight new TNA+ Presents specials as well as new episodes of the Hindi-language series Pehlwani Patakha. Viewers will also be able to access the extensive library from TNA’s over two decades of content.
Ruchir Jain, Head of Distribution and Sports, South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery, was delighted at the partnership extension:
“Pro-Wrestling has been an integral part of childhood in India, creating a nostalgic connection for many. Cultivating this connection has been key to the growth of Eurosport’s passionate fan base. This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering top-tier sports entertainment.”
Warner Bros Discovery has been broadcasting TNA programming in the region since 2020 and is the #2 data-supported genre brand in India with over 2.5 million Facebook followers in the country.
TNA has made serious strides in 2024 with the recent Slammiversary event reportedly being the company’s highest gate for an event for a decade. India is a massive market that wrestling companies, including WWE, has tried to get a foothold to mixed levels of success. With this extension in an era where media rights deals are a primary revenue source, TNA continues to prove that the impact it is making isn’t just contained to viewers in North America.
WWE will continue its search for new talent with tryouts over SummerSlam weekend, and for the first time ever, fans will be able to watch the potential stars of tomorrow. On Twitter, Shawn Michaels, WWE SVP of Talent Development, shared that fans will be able to watch the tryouts via the WWE Priority Pass. Holders of the past will also be able to participate in a meet and greet with Tiffany Stratton and Jey Uso, and will participate in a Q&A with Michaels himself.
For the very first time, we're opening the doors for fans to witness the best athletes on the planet compete for a shot at becoming a @WWE Superstar
If you're #OnLocation in Cleveland, secure a WWE Priority Pass for the #SummerSlam WWE Tryout Experience!
WWE has hosted several tryouts over the years in its effort to fill the company’s roster with the best athletes in the world. In 2021, WWE held tryouts over SummerSlam weekend in Las Vegas. Several notable names were recruited following these tryouts including Nikkita Lyons, Tatum Paxley, Edris Enofe, Javier Bernal, and Monday Night Raw’s Maxxine Dupri.
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.
WWE’s Titus O’Neil is giving two pit bulls a second chance after they were abandoned near a middle school in Tampa, Florida. O’Neil and volunteers were at Sligh Middle School donating various school supplies when they found the two dogs, a statement from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared. O’Neil contacted the HSTB, a group he is a longtime supporter of and they agreed to take the dogs and help them find homes.
The two pit bulls, now named Biggie and Betha, are believed to have been part of a dog fighting ring, Sherry Silk, executive director of HSTB, told FOX 13 News. That’s because their ears have been clipped, a common experience for fighting dogs as it prevents other dogs from latching onto them.
Silk added that Bertha appears to have had puppies, which she believes may have been why she and Biggie were dumped. This is unfortunately a common occurrence that Silk called “awful.” Biggie and Betha have also been dealing with ear infections but have since found a space of their own inside the shelter.
Biggie and Bertha have been through an awful experience but thanks to Titus, the HSTB and other volunteers, they will hopefully have a new forever home very soon. Once again, the WWE Hall of Fame Warrior Award recipient has shown his immense kindness, as he continues to be an ambassador for WWE and a role model to all.
Fans of AJ Lee could see her back in the ring in the future, if Roxanne Perez and Lee’s husband CM Punk have anything to say about it. It’s been over nine years since the former WWE Divas Champion competed in WWE, with her final match being on the post-WrestleMania 31 RAW in 2015.
“I try (to talk to CM Punk about convincing A.J. Lee to return) but he tells me that he’s doing the same thing. He’s trying to get her to come back, he’s pulling her in but, I hope one day she decides to come back and have a match with me.”
In April, a rumor went around that WWE was actively working on recruiting AJ but that she wanted a memorable return rather than a one-off appearance. We later confirmed that this rumor was not true, and while she is well-liked and respected in WWE, her return was not a topic of discussion. At the WWE Money in the Bank post-show event, CM Punk also downplayed the idea of his wife’s return, saying he didn’t want to give fans false hope and is proud of AJ for “doing her own thing.”
If AJ Lee returns to WWE, there’ll be no shortage of delighted fans. Stay tuned to SE Scoops for all the latest from the world of WWE and beyond.
TNA Wrestling’s Joe Hendry will be back in WWE NXT as part of the first night of the Great American Bash special next week. On the July 23, episode of the gold brand, a vignette aired highlighting Hendry’s popularity and his career in wrestling so far. Hendry ended by revealing that he will perform a live concert next week on the show.
Hendry’s concert will be just one highlight of next week’s first night of the Great American Bash. The July 30, show will also see NXT Heritage Cup Champion Tony D’Angelo defend against Taivon Heights. NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez will defend against Thea Hail as the Prodigy looks to keep her reign alive and well.
NXT Champion Ethan Page and Oro Mensah will have a contract signing for their title match that will take place on the August 6, show. The WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles will be on the line next week as Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn will defend against Jakara Jackson & Lash Legend.
Some of the biggest names in wrestling will be part of Chris Jericho’s ‘Six on the Beach’ Cruise which will set sail in January 2025. The ‘Six on the Beach’ cruise will take guests from Miami to Puerto Plata, DR from January 31 to February 4. Only a select few cabins remain and can be purchased from ChrisJerichoCruise.com.
Wrestling Guests
Like previous years, the cruise will feature some huge names from the world of wrestling. This year’s cruise will see three guests of honor: Scott Steiner, Jushin Thunder Liger, and Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler. The trio of WWE Hall of Famers will be joined by names including Bull Nakano, Al Snow, Koko B. Ware, Juventud Guerrera, and many more stars of yesterday and today. New TNA World ChampionNic Nemeth will serve as the cruise’s guest host while Ash By Elegance will be the guest cruise director.
AEW In Action
Guests will also get to see some of All Elite Wrestling’s finest compete as part of the four-night cruise. AEW first hosted events on Jericho’s first cruise in October 2018 and matches from the 2020 cruise were broadcast on the January 22, episode of AEW Dynamite.
Music, Comedy, and More
If wrestling isn’t for you, despite being on a cruise ran by a wrestling legend, then there will be other activities on next year’s voyage. Comedy shows will be posted by Anya Zova, Jay Washington, and AEW’s RJ City. For music fans, there will be performances by Fozzy, Great White, Downstait and many more bands. Live editions of the Talk is Jericho and Paranormal 60 podcast, will also take place.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has shared her support for the Iron Sheik after Hulk Hogan publicly endorsed Donald Trump for President. At the 2024 Republican National Convention, Hogan called Trump his “hero” and endorsed the 78-year-old to be a “real American.”
Appearing in Lansing, Michigan, Whitmer was asked for her thoughts on Hogan’s endorsement of Trump. She joked “This was the question I was hoping not to get asked tonight” and threw her support behind the Iron Sheik. While Whitmer spoke of Sheik being from Lansing, Michigan, this was the original Sheik Ed Farhat. The Iron Sheik, who passed away in June 2023, was born in Iran.
Hogan isn’t the only notable name in wrestling backing the former President. WWE Hall of Famer Glenn Jacobs is backing Trump as he has done for years. On Twitter, Jacobs, the Mayor of Knox County, TN, argued that Joe Biden was not fit to serve as President after the Democrat leader announced he would not seek re-election this November. Jacobs was at the RNC, as was Linda McMahon who delivered a speech before Hogan and Trump himself.
Whitmer has thrown her support behind Kamala Harris for the November election. The Vice President has been endorsed by several names so far, including President Biden.
Dominik switched between English and Spanish during his comments to Liv and thanks to Oscar The WWE Nexus Shirt Guy, we know exactly what he said.
“I hate you Liv! Are you stupid? Are you deaf? Do you not understand what I’m telling you b***h? I don’t like you! You’ve ruined my life, over and over again. I can’t understand what goes on in your head!Are you a dumbass or what? I can’t stand you! You’ve ruined everything for me, and now– I hate you with all of my life!”
With all seemingly forgiven between Rhea and Dominik, Mami can now focus on WWE SummerSlam 2024 where she will challenge Liv Morgan for the WWE Women’s World Championship. It remains to be seen what headspace the champ will be in come August 3 after this brutal bi-lingual rejection by ‘Daddy Dominik’ on RAW.
PRIME, the beverage brand co-owned by WWE U.S. Champion Logan Paul, is facing legal action by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. The suit, which has been seen by CBS News, claims that PRIME is using trademarked phrases and symbols on a special edition of its drink featuring three-time Olympic gold medallist Kevin Durant. The beverage in question uses the terms ‘Olympic’ ‘Olympian,’ and ‘Team USA’, and also refers to ‘going for gold’ on its label.
The Olympic Committee, which also represents the Paralympic Games, claims in the suit that PRIME has acted “in bad faith.” The committee adds that it has sent a cease-and-desist to PRIME but the Durant-inspired product continues to be sold.
The suit states that consumers could be misled to believe there is an agreement between the Olympic and Paralympic Committee and PRIME. This year’s games will kick off this Friday in Paris, France.
Criticisms of PRIME
Earlier this month, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer called for an investigation into PRIME due to the high caffeine content of its energy drink. PRIME responded by stating that it companies with all requirements in the countries it operates in. As data from caffeineinformer.com shows, PRIME Energy has 56.3mg of caffeine per 100ml, more than Red Bull (32mg per 100ml) or Monster (33.8mg per 100ml).
Last year, a lawsuit was filed stating that PRIME’s grape-flavored drink contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances. In April 2024, Paul disclosed that PFAS were not listed ingredients but were detected in the product.
PRIME currently serves as the official sponsor of WWE PLEs and is the promotion’s first sponsor to receive branding on the ring mat. A ‘Hydration Station,’ complete with PRIME bottle can be found ringside at RAW and SmackDown events. In January 2023, UFC announced a partnership with PRIME that saw corroboration at UFC events.
Former WWE Superstar Donovan Dijak recently sat down with Chris Van Vliet to reflect on his journey in wrestling and his abrupt release from WWE earlier this year. Dijak was with the promotion for seven years and had runs in NXT and on the main roster. Dijak never held gold in WWE but has already won a championship now he’s back on the indies.
On Leaving WWE
When sharing that he’d be exiting WWE in a letter, Dijak claimed that the promotion had “stonewalled” attempts to negotiate a new deal. Now out of the company, Dijak is looking forward to what’s to come.
“[I’m feeling] Excited. Yeah, it took a little bit of time to get over the initial waves of emotions, mostly disappointment, frustration and fear. But now I’m in a really good spot because I’ve had a good solid week of let’s call it return on investment.”
On If He’s Burned Bridges With WWE
With his letter, Dijak made his views on WWE ‘stonewalling’ his attempts to sign a new deal crystal clear. When asked if his very public display may have hurt his chances at a return, Dijak argued that nothing he wrote was dishonest.
“If that letter burned a bridge with WWE, then they need to take a long hard look at themselves because everything in that letter is true and it’s what they did. So if me telling the truth about their actions, burns a bridge, then maybe they should consider changing their actions because that doesn’t reflect well on them. All I did was say what you did to me.”
Dijak pointed out that he didn’t scorn or badmouth anyone in WWE or throw out wild allegations against the company. Instead, he simply said “these are the facts” of what happened to him in the company.
Dijak: “I did not talk to Tony [Khan]… some phone calls were made, we saw where we could go and Steve [from Paragon] has enough connections at AEW where it was, I don’t know who’s in charge of green lighting who goes backstage, but in some capacity, I was approved to be backstage.
Dijak added that he was welcomed with “open arms” at Forbidden Door and he had great conversations with old friend. Dijak name-dropped reigning AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland as one of the individuals he spoke to.
On Retribution
During his WWE run, Dijak worked as Retribution T-Bar though the group struggled to make an impact on the main roster. According to the ex-Superstar, the idea for the group was agreed upon long before the wrestlers were picked.
“Retribution existed before the members of it were selected in any capacity. The original group of Retribution that you saw on Monday Night Raw was a bunch of writers and extras all wearing those head-to-toe blacks and throwing Molotov cocktails at a generator.
Dijak filmed a brief vignette in his basement and presented it to Vince McMahon who after watching spoke about the importance of professionalism to the Superstar.
“I made the pitch about Retribution. He was like ‘You need to have more respect you know for these board members, these CEOs’… it’s just a very confusing message and I’m like yes sir. Sounds good. Yeah, I’ll be more professional next time.
“I never heard that in an official capacity. I never saw a report that said that. But yes, that is the rumor I heard that Fox did not like Retribution, which for the record they had every right.”
Shortly after her exit from WWE, Becker shared that she had wrapped filming her scenes for a feature film, the first for the former ring announcer. Becker will be a part of Stranglehold, Deadline reports and will play Ashley, a dancer in a club that the lead characters intend to rob.
The film stars Justin Long (Dear David, Clerks 3), Ashley Benson (Mob Land, Pixels), and Jake Lacy (Rampage, Johnny English Strikes Again). A synopsis of the film provided by Deadline reads:
“Bailey (Benson) is an exotic dancer with big dreams. She and her Army vet husband Tim (Lacy) are fed up with their lives of barely getting by in small-town Arkansas, so they decide to rob the strip club that employs her.”
The film is being directed by Clark Duke (Hot Tub Time Machine 2), who co-wrote the screenplay with Chandler Duke (Arizona) and Billington Garrett (You Belong To Me.) On Twitter, Becker shared her excitement for the project.
Here’s the movie I got to be a part of! Working alongside these insanely talented people was surreal. I’ve been a fan of Justin Long forever and always dreamed of one day being in a movie with him, so the fact my first movie role was with him is nuts! Can’t wait for u to see it! pic.twitter.com/OaiM4nzZlP
This is a huge step for Becker who is ready to establish her name outside the world of WWE. Keep tuned into SE Scoops for all the latest on the former WWE broadcaster.
A decade-long record held by Xavier Woods was shattered on the latest episode of Raw when the former King of the Ring was in six-man action. During the July 22, show, Woods teamed with Akira Tozawa and Otis but came up short against The Final Testament.
This was Woods’ first tag-team match in over a decade in which the former King of the Ring did not team with at least one member of the New Day. The last instance of this came during the July 1, 2014, taping of WWE Main Event where Woods and R-Truth lost to Erick Rowan and Luke Harper.
H/T to @WWEStats for uncovering this stat. Stay tuned to SEScoops for more interesting wrestling facts and statistics.
The Future of the New Day
In recent weeks, The Final Testament has sought to split Woods from Kofi Kingston, an act that’d end the New Day as we know it in the process. Karrion Kross told Woods in May that “there’s always time left on the table” for him to join and leave the New Day behind. On a recent edition of the Getting Over podcast, Big E said that the faction is “at a crossroads” and that it’s an “interesting time” for the faction as a split continues to be teased.
It’s been years since CJ Perry worked as Lana in WWE, but the ex-Superstar revived the ‘Ravishing Russian’ for a recent video about Liv Morgan. On the July 22, episode of RAW, Liv Morgan’s efforts to win over Dominik Mysterio proved futile as ‘Dirty Dom’ officially got back together with Rhea Ripley. On Twitter, Perry shared her support for Morgan and often slipped into the Russian accent she often used during her time with WWE. Dressed in a Liv Morgan, Perry said that “Mother Russia” is going to win and encouraged fans to purchase Liv’s merchandise.
Perry’s revival of Lana comes mere weeks after she was removed from AEW’s roster and told USA Today that she was “gone” from the All-Elite promotion. Perry was reportedly part of cuts to AEW’s roster made in April but her removal from the roster website was only made recently.
In the past, Perry has suggested that a WWE return could happen, telling In The Kliq podcast last month that “I’m open to everything.” On the same podcast, Perry described WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque and Stephanie McMahon as geniuses and reiterated that “I’m always open to go back to WWE and tell compelling stories.”
CJ Perry & Liv Morgan
In late 2019, Liv returned to WWE programming and revealed that she was in love with Lana, suggesting that the pair had been in a relationship. This revelation came about during Lana’s on-screen wedding to Bobby Lashley, though the story between Liv and Lana was quickly dropped.
Outside of the ring, Morgan and Perry are close friends and can regularly be spotted hanging out on their respective social media accounts. Liv was recently invited to Perry’s birthday celebration and used some WWE-learned skills when a small fire broke out in Perry’s home.
MVP has suggested that his days in the ring are not over yet, amid rumors that his time with WWE will soon be coming to an end. On Instagram, the former United States Champion shared a photo of his wrestling boots with the caption “Dusted these off.” When a fan said that MVP’s boots “don’t look hung up to me” MVP responded by saying “They are NOT!!!”
MVP hasn’t competed in over two years, with his most recent match seeing himself and Omos lose via DQ to the Street Profits on the July 18, edition of Monday Night RAW. Since returning to WWE in January 2020, MVP has had 44 matches for the company, and boasts a win/loss/draw record of 16-27-1.
Fans of CM Punk can now showcase their love for his dog Larry, thanks to WWE Shop’s latest merchandise line featuring the charming pup. WWE Shop currently has two Larry-centric shirts for sale as seen in the images below.
Both shirts cost $32.99 (not including shipping) and range in sizes from small to 3XL. Larry has now stepped foot (or rather, paw) in the history books as the first WWE pet to have their own line of shirts.
Larry The Dog
Larry gets his name from Larry Talbot, the titular Wolf Man of the iconic 1941 Universal Monsters film and its subsequent sequels. While Larry has yet to appear on WWE TV alongside Punk, Drew McIntyre took aim at the “stupid-looking dog” during a June 2024 edition of RAW. The Scottish Warrior ridiculed CM Punk for wearing a bracelet with the name of his dog and wife, which earned a loud “Larry” chant from the Indianapolis crowd.
A WWE t-shirt isn’t the only way to show your Larry fandom, as he was recently immortalized as an action figure. Larry and Punk are part of a new line of wrestling figures created by Zombie Sailor’s Toys as part of their Heels and Faces line. AEW also released their own Larry shirt during Punk’s time with the company though it is no longer available to purchase.
CM Punk has been announced for tonight’s WWE Monday Night RAW, which will serve as the penultimate RAW before SummerSlam 2024. Fans are eager to hear what Punk has to say on tonight’s show and where his deeply personal feud with Drew McIntyre will go next.
Want to know more about all the latest updates in the world of wrestling merch? Make sure to check out our Wrestling Merchandise section for all the details.
The family of Johnny Gargano is recuperating after a fire destroyed the restaurant owned by the father of the reigning WWE Tag Team Champion. On Twitter, Gargano shared that his 82-year-old father was fortunately not in the restaurant at the time of the fire, but that his workplace for close to half a century is gone. Gargano was also sad to those fans who had planned to dine at the restaurant next month when WWE SummerSlam 2024 comes to Cleveland, Ohio.
I figured I should touch on this because people are finding out, and I know a lot of wrestling fans were looking forward to going to my Dad's restaurant when they were in Cleveland for Summerslam.
Last night, there was a fire, and my Dad's restaurant was badly damaged. I'm… pic.twitter.com/tQnWFATfR6
This awful situation has come during a time of career triumph for Johnny Gargano on WWE TV. On the July 5, edition of WWE SmackDown, DIY captured the WWE Tag Team Championships from A-Town Down Under, ending their reign that began at WrestleMania 40: Saturday at 90 days. DIY retained their titles against A-Town Down Under on the following week’s episode of SmackDown.
More has come to light regarding the fate of Bobby Lashley and MVP after the two Hurt Business alum were pulled from WWE’s internal roster. Lashley hasn’t competed for WWE since a May 2024 live event, while MVP, the manager of Omos, has similarly vanished from TV. Tamina Snuka’s name was also removed from the internal roster, and her most recent match came in February 2023.
Latest On Bobby Lashley & MVP
There is talk of Lashley and MVP heading to AEW, Dave Meltzer reported on the latest Wrestling Observer Radio. It was added that AEW and MVP/Lashley cannot enter direct talks at this time as both men are still under contract with WWE. The contracts of both men will expire “relatively soon” and WWE is under the assumption that a new deal won’t be reached.
“Their contracts are going to expire…as things stand right now, WWE is under the assumption that they are gone.”
The Hurt Business
WWE believes there will be an attempt to revive the Hurt Business should Lashley and MVP leave. Lashley and MVP want to revamp the group alongside Shelton Benjamin, who was released from WWE in September 2023. The group’s fourth member, Cedric Alexander, has been teaming with Ashante Thee Adonis as of late.
It would ultimately be Tony Khan’s call as to whether the Hurt Business reunites in AEW but the idea is “under consideration.” Meltzer made clear that things are not a “done deal” yet, but are currently “alive.” MVP has tried to register the Hurt Business name, but the USPTO states that the term is a WWE-owned trademark.
Bringing Lashley and MVP (as well as possibly Shelton) would be a huge coup for Tony Khan, one that WWE is currently under the assumption could very much happen. Keep tuned in to SE Scoops for the latest on this developing situation.
The chances of Sycho Sid taking his place in the WWE Hall of Fame may have improved now that Vince McMahon is gone, according to the former World Champion. Speaking to the Attitude Era podcast, Sid admitted that “Vince [McMahon] didn’t like me so much” and believes this is why he’s not been offered a Hall of Fame spot. With McMahon exiled due to Janel Grant’s lawsuit, however, Sid is hopeful that those still with WWE will be open to offering him an induction, and possibly more.
“If you get back in, you might want to do something like a part-time deal, [be a] manager, or special — I think I was pretty good at interviews, too. There’s always a lot of people having a hard time with that. If I could teach them, maybe I could help them do their interviews.”
Sid worked with some of the top names in WWE during his tenures with the company, including Hall of Famers such as Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker. It was against these two that Sid headlined WrestleManias 8 and 13 and he has the distinction of having only main event matches at the Showcase of the Immortals.
While Vince McMahon may not have liked Sid, the former WWE Champion was brought back in 2012 as part of the build towards the 1,000th episode of Monday Night RAW. He was later featured as DLC in WWE 2K17, his first WWE video game role since WWE WrestleMania Steel Cage Challenge in 1992.
Bringing Sid back would be a huge deal, but WWE has a history of welcoming back talent it appeared they’d never work with again. In 2013, Bruno Sammartino was brought back as part of that year’s Hall of Fame, and CM Punk’s return last November proved to never say never in wrestling. With that in mind, fans can’t count out Sycho Sid taking a giant step into the Hall of Fame, especially now that Triple H has full say on theinductions.
Hologram made an impact with his debut match in AEW and those behind the scenes liked what they saw from the masked wrestler. After a series of vignettes teasing his arrival, Hologram made his in-ring debut on the July 20, edition of Collision with a victory over Gringo Loco.
Hologram was praised backstage following his debut, Fightful Select reports, as officials felt it went very well. Gringo Loco also received recognition for being a solid ‘base’ for Hologram’s first match in AEW.
There are more elements to Hologram, including “technologically ambitious” ideas that will be rolled out as part of the character’s presentation moving forward. Hologram is signed to an AEW deal but Gringo Loco is not.
A Case Of Mistaken Identity
After AEW Collision went off the air, the latest ROH TV tapings were held which saw the return of Fuego Del Sol. Given that Del Sol appeared so suddenly after Hologram, some fans speculated that they were the same person, an idea Del Sol rejected on Twitter.
A bunch of people have tagged me, some joking and some serious, I am not Hologram. His debut was great, I’m a fan of his, also shoutout to Gringo Loco who’s the best base in the world.
Hologram is being portrayed by former AAA wrestler Aramis who has faced Gringo Loco numerous times in the past. Now with a new name and new presentation, the future looks bright for Hologram after his well-received arrival on Collision.
Wrestling legend Kevin Von Erich has shared the latest on his sons Ross and Marshall following their recent, impactful appearance on AEW Collision. During the July 20, show, the legendary family aligned with Dustin Rhodes and Kevin made clear that his boys could learn a lot from the former Goldust.
Speaking to Third League Radio, Kevin, the subject of the A24 biopic The Iron Claw, Kevin said he’d gotten “choked up” watching Ross and Marshall in the ring for their matches in AEW and Ring of Honor. Kevin was also asked whether fans can expect to see more of his son in Tony Khan’s company (h/t Fightful.)
“I don’t know what I can say or can’t say. I know they are in negotiations right now. They’re talking to different people… I really like AEW. That’s kind of where I’m leaning right now, but it’s up to the boys, so we’ll just see. We’ll find out.”
The Von Erichs in AEW/ROH
Across both AEW and Ring of Honor, Ross & Marshall Von Erich have six matches to their name and boast an impressive 6-0 record. The pair’s most recent match saw them defeat Alex Reynolds and John Silver during the latest ROH Honor Club TV taping and Kevin taught the Iron Claw to Katsuyori Shibata. Joining AEW/ROH full-time would be a huge step for Ross & Marshall, who are former MLW World Tag Team Champions, and add another incredibly talented tag team to Tony Khan’s roster.
Cody Rhodes will always appreciate the WWE fans who easily could’ve rejected the former AEW EVP upon his return at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022. Despite once being a driving force behind WWE’s chief competition, Rhodes has been accepted with open arms by the WWE Universe, in stark contrast to the often-hostile reactions he received in AEW.
Speaking to ‘Diamond’ Dallas Page, Rhodes said he had “nothing but positive things” to say about the fans and that he “can’t find a negative in anything that they do.” The Undisputed WWE Champion adds that fans could have “fully rejected me” when he returned two years ago.
“Here’s this guy, he went off and started his own company, he was real bitter about how he left, midcard, jobber, all of this, they really could’ve gone a different way with it and that wasn’t the case. Somebody asked me at Mania, why do you think [they’ve stuck with you] and the only thing I could tell them was that I think it resonated with them, my story is a real story.”
Rather than being rejected, Rhodes has become one of WWE’s top stars, a consistent merchandise-selling powerhouse, and the face of the company in this ‘new era.’ In an era of wrestling where discourse is incredibly tribal, Rhodes’ accomplishments across both AEW and WWE and his story have endeared him to fans across the wrestling landscape.
The Undisputed WWE Champion will next put his title on the line at WWE SummerSlam against Solo Sikoa. The August 3, show will take place from the Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio.
WWE U.S. Champion Logan Paul hasn’t completely closed the door on professional boxing, but he won’t fight unless there’s a good reason. Speaking to Fred Talks Fighting after his brother Jake’s fight with Mike Perry this week, Paul said he’d only return for “a fight that excites me” and he’d need to be inspired by the “dance.”
“I got a good thing going on in the WWE, bro. I’m the United States champion, and I’m much better at wrestling than I am at boxing.”
Logan Paul in Boxing
Paul has competed in several boxing matches, including against his PRIME Enegery co-owner and occasional WWE ally KSI. Paul’s most recent fight saw him defeat Dillon Danis last October. Mere weeks later, Paul would capture the United States Title, a championship he has held longer than anyone else over the past decade.
Although a return fight isn’t in his immediate future, don’t count out Paul making big waves in the ring outside WWE. Last year, Paul shared his ambition to hold gold in WWE, boxing, and UFC during an episode of his ImPaulsive podcast with fighter Israel Adesanya. Paul’s career in entertainment has been defined by defying expectations, so fans shouldn’t count out the Maverick making a return to boxing and beyond.
Alex Shelley has suggested that his days competing on the independents are coming to an end, amid rumors he is set to join WWE. Appearing at West Coast Pro Wrestling’s Untouchable event, Shelley indirectly addressed speculation that he and Chris Sabin are set to join the Stamford-based promotion. Shelley did not confirm or deny those reports but did tell fans “I might not come back here.” If that is the case, Shelley is pleased that “the future of pro wrestling is safe and sound is a West Coast Pro ring.”
Alex Shelley addresses the Motor City Machine Gun’s rumors of them heading to WWE tonight at West Coast Pro!
— The Wrestling Blog (@WrestlingBlog_) July 21, 2024
Alex Shelley WWE Rumors
Recent reports have suggested that Shelley and Sabin, collectively known as the Motor City Machine Guns, have been in talks with WWE. Reigning WWE Tag Team Champion Tommaso Ciampa added fuel to the speculation when he posted a photo of the duo on his Instagram Stories.
Shelley’s message at West Coast Pro Untouchable isn’t the first tease that he is leaving the indies, seemingly to join WWE. In a recent Instagram post, Shelley spoke about celebrating the 4th of July by possibly having his final match with Beyond Wrestling for a while.
Shelley stepping away from the independents has led many to believe he and Sabin will soon be joining WWE. After all, if the pair were heading to AEW, it’d be more likely that they’d be allowed to still compete on the independents as many All-Elite talent already do.
A world-renowned athlete who has held gold in TNA and beyond, Shelley would make an excellent addition to the WWE roster. If Sabin joins Shelley, then the Guns would be able to demonstrate their skills against some of the top tag-teams in wrestling today that can be found in WWE.
Alex Shelley’s WWE Past
Should Shelley join WWE, it won’t be his first time competing for the promotion. Shelley’s first match for the company came in June 2005 on Sunday Night Heat where he lost to Simon Dean. After establishing himself as one of the most talented wrestlers in the world, Shelley competed in a handful of matches in NXT in early 2020 where he teamed with Timesplitters ally KUSHIDA.
Speaking after TNA Slammiversary 2024 went off the air, Nemeth spoke about his 20-year journey in wrestling that has brought him to TNA. Nemeth admitted that he faced five of the very best TNA has to offer and on “any other night, you flip that coin and someone else wins.”
“Look in these eyes and tell me you don’t think this [the TNA World Championship] is the premier championship in this business. And if you don’t, you’re wrong. And if you don’t believe me, try me. Any day, anytime, any place, I will be there.”
These comments come at an interesting time for TNA, as the company has been enjoying a crossover with WWE NXT. Nemeth recently told ComicBook Nation’s Liam Crowley that he does not have “unfinished business” with the gold brand but should the main roster come calling, then “let’s talk.”
Nic Nemeth’s Championship Wins
Nemeth’s title victory at TNA Slammiversary 2024 is just the latest championship that the ‘Wanted Man’ has obtained post-WWE. One month after debuting in New Japan Pro Wrestling, Nemeth captured the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship in his debut match.
