SEScoops

Category: AEW

  • AEW Trios Titles Have Already Been Created

    AEW Trios Titles Have Already Been Created

    As expected, AEW will likely be introducing trios titles in the future.

    Taking to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that fans can expect AEW to roll out the championships sometime in the future. He says the titles have already been created. Here’s a quote from Dave courtesy of Bodyslam.net:

    “Trios titles have been made so now it’s just a matter of when they pull the trigger.”

    AEW Trios Titles: Who Is In Contention?

    • Kyle O'Relly Adam Cole Bobby Fish
      Kyle O’Relly, Adam Cole & Bobby Fish

    While some believe having too many titles dilutes things, trios gold in AEW seems to make sense. After all, the promotion has a slew of factions and puts on plenty of trios tag team matches. The seeds may have already been planted in that regard.

    As far as exactly when AEW fans will get to see the trios titles, while there isn’t an exact timeframe many feel it won’t happen until Kenny Omega returns. Having Omega and The Young Bucks hold the trios gold seems too good for AEW to pass up.

    Omega is currently healing from multiple injuries. The “Best Bout Machine” had surgery on his knee and was dealing with a sports hernia. He had also been pretty banged up in other areas.

    Of course, there are plenty of other worthy options for the trios titles as well. One can’t rule out the Blackpool Combat Club, which features Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley, and Wheeler Yuta. There’s also Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, and Bobby Fish.

  • WWE Hall of Famer Wants AEW To Sign Dakota Kai

    WWE Hall of Famer Wants AEW To Sign Dakota Kai

    One WWE Hall of Famer thinks Tony Khan should be rushing to the phone to call Dakota Kai.

    WWE has been known for having waves of talent releases. The promotion’s most recent one took place in late April. In total, 10 members of the NXT roster were cut. Among the names released was Dakota.

    DDP Urges AEW To Sign Dakota Kai

    During an appearance on SportsKeeda‘s The Bro Show, WCW legend DDP explained why he thinks AEW President Tony Khan should reach out to Dakota Kai.

    “I was surprised they got rid of Dakota [Kai]. She’s good-looking, her work is really good, I was expecting to see her up there, but she never got that shot. If I was Tony Khan, I’d pick her a** up.

    “They have some good talent there with the women now. WWE’s women’s talent is off the charts. Most of the girls are better than the guys.

    “If I was Tony, I’d pick her up. But it’s a different world now bro.”

    AEW hasn’t been afraid to snag former WWE talent. Some feel that Kai could be at the top of Khan’s list as far as female talent is concerned.

    During her time in WWE, Dakota became a two-time NXT Tag Team Champion alongside Raquel Gonzalez, now known as Raquel Rodriguez.

    Kai also won the 2021 Dusty Rhodes Classic with Raquel. In 2019, Dakota won the NXT Year-End Award for “Future Star of NXT.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CdM28iNKsdC
  • Malakai Black Reveals Darius Martin Was In “Nasty” Car Accident, Sidelined For 6-9 Months

    Malakai Black Reveals Darius Martin Was In “Nasty” Car Accident, Sidelined For 6-9 Months

    Darius Martin, one-half of the tag team Top Flight, is injured and is sidelined from in-ring action.

    He previously missed a year of action when he tore his ACL. Darius returned on AEW Dynamite as part of the AEW World Tag Team Title Number One Contendership Casino Tag Team Royale. The Young Bucks won the match to head into AEW Revolution as Martin was eliminated last.

    Martin performed short of a dozen matches since his return, only to suffer another injury. There were reports of him suffering from a leg injury and missing significant ring time. Martin cleared up the air and said that his injury has nothing to do with wrestling by writing on Twitter, “What I’m currently dealing with had NOTHING to do with wrestling but I’m glad everyone else out there seems to know more about my health than I do.”

    There was still no other information available about his injury until Malakai Black finally gave us an update about him.

    Appearing on The Universal Wrestling Podcast, Black said (as transcribed by SEScoops): “I’ve wrestled Dante Martin, but his brother, unfortunately–I wish him a speedy recovery–he had a really nasty car accident. He’s out for another, like, six to nine months.”

    Malakai Black was speaking about working with young talent and when speaking of working with Dante Martin, he gave an update on Darius’ health.

  • Former ROH TV Champion Holder Debuts for AEW (Spoiler)

    Former ROH TV Champion Holder Debuts for AEW (Spoiler)

    Ahead of last night’s Dynamite broadcast on TBS AEW taped several matches for their weekly Youtube episodic Dark: Elevation, which featured a new debut for the men’s division.

    That man was indie sensation and former Ring of Honor Television champion Tony Deppen, who wrestled John Silver from the Dark Order. Reports had surfaced earlier in the day that Deppen had been spotted backstage, but it was not certain what his role would be at that time. You can see a photo from his matchup below. (Thanks to @darbygargano for sharing)

    https://twitter.com/darbygargano/status/1521994613405495297

    Deppen made his debut for ROH in 2020 in their Pure title tournament, where he would eventually be eliminated by PJ Black. This was right in the middle of the COVID-19 outbreak so ROH was running taped shows in front of zero fans.

    He would unsuccessfully challenge for the ROH TV title several times before finally dethroning Tracy Williams. Aside from ROH Deppen has wrestled for Chikara, CZW, PWG, and has become a regular for the very popular, GCW.

    Deppen’s match with Silver will most likely air on next Monday’s AEW Dark: Elevation. As of this writing it is not known whether Deppen will continue appearing for AEW, or if he has possibly signed with ROH now that they are owned by Tony Khan. We will keep you updated on Deppen’s status in the competitive wrestling market.

  • AEW Dark: Elevation Taping Altered Due To Power Failure

    AEW Dark: Elevation Taping Altered Due To Power Failure

    A recent taping for AEW Dark: Elevation was hindered due to issues with power.

    Ahead of the May 4 episode of Dynamite, AEW taped matches for Dark: Elevation. The matches included Max Caster vs. Cheeseburger, Keith Lee & Swerve Strickland vs. QT Marshall & Nick Comoroto, Abandon vs. Emi Sakura, and Sonny Kiss vs. Peter Avalon. The Dark Order was also in action.

    Power Struggles At AEW Dark: Elevation

    There was one match on the Dark: Elevation tapings that won’t be airing on May 9. Nyla Rose took on Skye Blue but AEW couldn’t film the match due to a power failure.

    Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline shared the details:

    “The entrance and the announcing place all of a sudden went dark. So, they did the match, Max Caster won, and then they did another match that they announced which was Skye Blue and Nyla Rose and they just said, ‘This match is only for you fans in the arena, it will never air.’ Because they couldn’t tape it because they had the power failure, or whatever it was. Luckily, they got the thing fixed by eight o’clock and there was no problem with Dynamite.”

    As Meltzer mentioned, you wouldn’t know there were power issues watching Dynamite live. The situation cleared up before the live airing.

    Time will tell if AEW rebooks Nyla Rose vs. Skye Blue so that the match can air. For those wondering, Nyla won the match as one might’ve guessed.

    The Lee & Strickland vs. QT & Comoroto match was taped after Dynamite.

  • CM Punk Responds To Hangman Page’s ‘Bret Hart Tribute’ Dig

    CM Punk Responds To Hangman Page’s ‘Bret Hart Tribute’ Dig

    CM Punk has responded to Hangman Page’s “Bret Hart tribute” dig during this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite.

    Page cut a promo on Punk ahead of their match at Double Or Nothing, saying that their match isn’t going to be a “masturbatory Bret Hart tribute.” In fact, he plans to “destroy” the Straight Edge grappler once and for all. He also mocked Punk for missing this week’s Dynamite.

    Punk later responded on Twitter, teasing he’s going to put Page in the Sharpshooter.

    Over his past several matches, CM Punk has been paying homage to Bret Hart with various spots. His match against Darby Allin in his AEW debut was almost an exact remake of Hart’s match against The 1-2-3 Kid on a 1994 episode of RAW.

    Also, during Punk’s dog-collar match with MJF at AEW Revolution, Punk used the same finish from Hart’s match with Roddy Piper at WrestleMania 8. Earlier this year, Punk’s match with Wardlow was also very similar to Hart’s match with Diesel at the 1995 Survivor Series.

    Most recently, Punk’s match with Dustin Rhodes on Dynamite was very similar to Hart’s match with Goldust on an episode of RAW in 1997. It will be interesting to see if Punk does pay tribute to Hart again with some more cool spots during his match with Page at Double Or Nothing.

    AEW Double Or Nothing will go down live on pay-per-view (PPV) from Las Vegas on May 29.

  • Dolph Ziggler’s Hilarious Response To His Brother Getting AEW Merchandise

    Dolph Ziggler’s Hilarious Response To His Brother Getting AEW Merchandise

    Dolph Ziggler is having some fun after his brother, Ryan Nemeth, received AEW merchandise.

    Dolph performs under the WWE banner, while Ryan works for AEW. The two have been known for roasting each other on social media and the antics certainly haven’t shown signs of slowing down.

    Dolph Ziggler Roasts His Brother

    AEW has rolled out some new merchandise for Ryan Nemeth and it’s available on ShopAEW. It’s a big deal for Ryan and he made sure he let Dolph know about it.

    https://twitter.com/ryrynemnem/status/1521914433093648384

    “Ha! @HEELZiggler you see this?”

    Dolph responded and as expected, he had some fun with it.

    “Wow!!! Big Patty Mayonnaise meets Don Martin, vibes.”

    Dolph also had one more brotherly jab for the road.

    “DESTROY IT!”

    Dolph Ziggler has had a long career with WWE. He signed a contract with the company back in 2004, developing under Ohio Valley Wrestling. He made his main roster debut as Chavo Guerrero’s caddie. Chavo had undergone a gimmick change and was known as Kerwin White.

    The ball started to get rolling with Dolph when he joined the Spirit Squad. Eventually, Dolph became a singles competitor and captured multiple championships in WWE. This included a brief World Heavyweight Title run.

    More recently, Ziggler became the NXT Champion. The reign fell short of lasting a full month as Dolph was pinned by Bron Breakker on the post-WrestleMania episode of Raw.

  • (Spoilers) AEW Rampage Taping Results For May 6th

    (Spoilers) AEW Rampage Taping Results For May 6th

    The May 6, edition of AEW Rampage was taped last night after Dynamite went off the air at the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena in Baltimore, Maryland.

    Here are the results for that show, courtesy of Ryan Schultz:

    Toni Storm and Ruby Soho defeated Britt Baker and Jamie Hayter. Storm pinned Baker for the finish, and post-match, a graphic was shown for the Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament match between Storm and Hayter.

    Hook defeated JD Drake in a short bout. Post-match, Danhausen greeted Hook to loud ‘Hookhausen’ chants from the crowd. Hook is still not interested in aligning with Danhausen. Tony Nese appeared to challenge Danhausen to a match at a later date.

    Shawn Spears came out carrying a steel chair with “Giant Killer” on it. Spears said Wardlow might be the real giant of pro wrestling, but he’s the Giant Killer.

    AEW TNT Champion Scorpio Sky, Ethan Page, and Dan Lambert had an in-ring promo. Lambert insulted the Baltimore fans after talking about being from the area and said the fans ruined Baltimore so he moved to Miami. Page cut a babyface promo on Tay Conti and Sammy Guevara. Sky spoke about bringing prestige back to the TNT Championship so Lambert must return his version to the ATT trophy case. Frankie Kazarian appeared and challenged Sky to a title match next week.

    Riho defeated Yuka Sakazaki to qualify for The Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament in a good match given plenty of time.

    FTW Champion Ricky Starks and AEW World Tag Team Champion Jungle Boy brawled on the stage to build to their FTW Title match that’ll happen on next week’s Dynamite.

    Jay Lethal defeated Konosuke Takeshita in the main event of the show. Post-match, Lethal, and Sonjay Dutt double-teamed Takeshita until Orange Cassidy, Chuck Taylor and Trent Beretta made the save. Satnam Singh arrived and beat up Best Friends while Cassidy avoided him. Ring of Honor World Television Champion Samoa Joe ran down with a steel pipe but security and officials stopped him on the ramp.

  • AEW Star Says Triple H Refused To Let Him Follow Scripted Promos In NXT

    AEW Star Says Triple H Refused To Let Him Follow Scripted Promos In NXT

    AEW star Shane ‘Swerve’ Strickland has said that Triple H refused to let him follow scripted word-for-word promos as part of WWE NXT.

    Strickland joined WWE’s third brand in 2019, becoming a one-time NXT North American Champion, but was released weeks into his main-roster call up in November 2021.

    Speaking on Talk is Jericho this week, Strickland discussed working with the Game, saying:

    “We did Great American Bash and we [Strickland and Leon Ruff] had a blow-off match. That’s when Hit Row was introduced. I was cutting promos in the studio backstage and Triple H was like ‘Nope – take away the script. Don’t let him use the script anymore.’ So I was like ‘cool’.”

    WWE’s policy is for promos to be written ahead of time by the creative team and for Superstars to recite these promos verbatim.

    The company has been heavily criticized for this approach, with fans and wrestlers alike arguing that this stifles the creativity of the Superstars.

    Triple H ran NXT until the show’s rebrand as NXT 2.0 in September 2021 and has recently been recovering from a cardiac event.

    Strickland joined AEW at Revolution 2022 in March and most recently faced Darby Allin on last week’s Rampage in a losing effort.

    In addition to WWE and AEW, Strickland has worked for Lucha Underground and MLW, and is a former World Heavyweight Champion of the latter.

  • Women’s Title Match Announced For AEW Double Or Nothing

    Women’s Title Match Announced For AEW Double Or Nothing

    AEW Women’s Champion Thunder Rosa’s next challenger has been revealed.

    Rosa is approaching the two-month mark of her AEW Women’s Championship reign. She captured the title during the St. Patrick’s Day Slam edition of Dynamite, defeating Britt Baker.

    Thunder Rosa made her way out to the stage during the May 4 episode of Dynamite. Serena Deeb saw it as a perfect opportunity to address the champion. We then learned that Rosa vs. Deeb is now official for the Double or Nothing PPV set for May 29 in Las Vegas.

    Here is the confrontation between Rosa and Deeb:

    Here is what the card is looking like for Double or Nothing so far:

    • Hangman Page (c) vs. CM Punk – AEW World Championship
    • Thunder Rosa (c) vs. Serena Deeb – AEW Women’s World Championship
    • Men’s Owen Hart Cup finals
    • Women’s Owen Hart Cup finals
  • AEW Fight Forever: New Gameplay Footage, Characters Revealed

    AEW Fight Forever: New Gameplay Footage, Characters Revealed

    AEW has revealed more footage from their upcoming video game ‘AEW: Fight Forever‘ which is rumored to release later this year.

    AEW: Fight Forever will be the promotion’s first console video game, and the third game overall, following on from mobile titles ‘AEW Elite GM‘ and ‘AEW Casino: Double or Nothing.‘

    On social media, the official AEW Games account shared development footage, confirming that Nyla Rose and Kris Statlander will be in the game as playable characters.

    This will mark both women’s first appearance in any console video game.

    AEW Referee Aubrey Edwards was also confirmed in the videos, officiating a match between the two.

    The AEW Games account also confirmed that AEW: Fight Forever will also be available on PC.

    The audience character models have also been updated as confirmed by the AEW Games division.

    Initially reported as a 2023 title, its since been noted that AEW plans on releasing the game this year, possibly as soon as September.

    In June 2021, it was reported that AEW was operating ‘in the red’ due to an “eight-figure investment” (at least $10 million) into their games department.

    All footage captured from the game is still in development and can be watched below.

  • Jim Cornette Says AEW Knows The House Of Black Sucks

    Jim Cornette Says AEW Knows The House Of Black Sucks

    Wrestling personality Jim Cornette has blasted AEW’s House of Black, saying that the stable sucks and that the company knows it.

    The House of Black debuted in January 2022 and originally consisted of Malakai Black and Brody King, with Buddy Matthews being added the following month.

    While speaking on his podcast, Jim Cornette Experience, Cornette made the claim that AEW believes the stable sucks, but are pushing them regardless. He added:

    “Maybe this is why they’re constantly in the dark, because they know that it sucks and they don’t want people to get a good close look at it so that’s why they’re always in the dark. Let’s cover that sh*t up, don’t. Here you’re trying to sell this sub-standard product, control the lighting, subdued lighting. Just do not let anyone get a close look at it.”

    The House of Black is feuding with Death Triangle, with a six-man-tag match between the two stables expected for AEW Double or Nothing 2022.

    Double or Nothing 2022 will take place on May 29, 2022 from the T-Mobile Arena, in Paradise, Nevada.

  • AEW Faces Legal Action Over Inaccessible Website For The Visually Impaired

    AEW Faces Legal Action Over Inaccessible Website For The Visually Impaired

    All Elite Wrestling is facing legal action over their AEW Shop website for being inaccessible to visually impaired people.

    A plaintiff named Luigi Abreu has brought the class action complaint against the promotion on May 4 in the Southern District of New York. The plaintiff is visually impaired and legally blind who depends on screen reading software to browse the internet. According to the complaint, shopaew.com does not have any features to make it accessible to people with visual impairments.

    “Plaintiff LUIGI ABREU (“Plaintiff”) brings this class action both on an individual basis and, on behalf of all others similarly situated, for declaratory relief, injunctive relief, and compensatory damages-including statutory and punitive damages-against defendant named herein, and alleges based upon the personal knowledge of Plaintiff, the investigation of counsel, and upon information and belief,” the complaint reads (via Brandon Thurston).

    The complaint argues that AEW’s lack of accessibility features for visually impaired people violates their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

    “Plaintiff is a visually-impaired and legally blind person who brings this civil rights class action against defendant ALL ELITE WRESTLING, LLC for its failure, design, construct, maintain, and operate its website to be fully accessible to-and independently used by-Plaintiff and other blind or visually-impaired people who use screen-reading software,” the lawsuit continues.

    The lawsuit argues that due to the lack of these features, visually impaired and legally blind people are denied access to the “equal enjoyment of goods/and or services offered on the website during the past three years.”

    Abreu is seeking a jury trial and is also asking for their legal costs to be covered.

    In 2020, WWE also faced legal action for its WWEShop.com website for not being equally accessible to blind and visually-impaired consumers. WWE reportedly settled the lawsuit for an undisclosed amount.

  • Scorpio Sky Lays Out Plan For Second TNT Title Run

    Scorpio Sky Lays Out Plan For Second TNT Title Run

    Last week’s AEW Dynamite concluded with Scorpio Sky recapturing the TNT championship from Sammy Guevara in a brutal ladder match that fittingly headlined the promotion’s flagship program.

    This began Sky’s second run with the TNT title after his first reign only lasted 31 days. The former SCU member tells Miesha Tate and Renee Paquette on their Throwing Down podcast that his first goal is to get past that previous 31 day length.

    “I didn’t get to do too much in my first run, I lost the title in like 31 days and only had one title defense, unfortunately, but I did regain the championship in the shortest period of time in AEW history; 12 days. Now, we have a new start and the first thing I want to do is hold on to it for at least 32 days [laughs].”

    Sky later expands on his goals as champion, which he hopes includes some memorable matchups, ones that he remembers loving as a kid.

    “If I can run with this title for six months, a year, or longer and really get in the ring with everyone and have some memorable championship matches that I used to like watching when I grew up, that was the goal.”

    Sky has not been announced for this evening’s edition of AEW Dynamite, but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t appear in some form to cut a promo. He did promise his old tag partner Frankie Kazarian a title shot at some point as the Elite Hunter stepped back as a challenger so Sky could reclaim the gold.

    (Quotes via Fightful.)

  • Kenny Omega Frustrated With Yuke’s During AEW Fight Forever Development (Report)

    Kenny Omega Frustrated With Yuke’s During AEW Fight Forever Development (Report)

    It appears things aren’t exactly rosy between Kenny Omega and developer Yuke’s.

    Omega has played a big role in the AEW Games division. Many credit him with pushing AEW to release the upcoming Fight Forever title.

    While Kenny has shown great enthusiasm publicly, as Kofi Kingston used to say, “Looks like there’s trouble in paradise.”

    Kenny Omega Not Pleased With Yuke’s?

    • Kenny Omega AEW game

    Sports Gamers Online is reporting that throughout the making of AEW Fight Forever, Kenny Omega and Yuke’s haven’t been on the same page.

    The report notes that the feeling is Yuke’s has been taking advantage of Kenny due to his inexperience in the video game business.

    The report also notes that Omega has gone as far as “hating” working with the developer. It’s been said that the game is “way over budget” and even needed an extra investment.

    Issues with the budget have reportedly led to some features being scaled back or removed entirely.

    As far as the relationship between AEW, specifically Omega, and Yuke’s is concerned, sources told SGO there is a chance it can be repaired. With that said, some people on both sides wouldn’t be surprised if this is a “one and done” deal.

    Yuke’s had been the longtime developer of WWE games until the two parted ways back in 2019. Omega initially wanted the team who made the WWF No Mercy game for the N64 but ultimately, Yuke’s got the call.

    The AEW Fight Forever roster is expected to feature around 50 playable characters, which means there will inevitably be some disappointing omissions from the core roster.

  • GRAPHIC: AEW Star Has One-Inch Hole On His Neck Following Procedure

    GRAPHIC: AEW Star Has One-Inch Hole On His Neck Following Procedure

    A member of the AEW roster has dealt with a nightmare mouth infection.

    In late April, Fuego Del Sol revealed that he was hospitalized due to the infection. The medical issue was bad enough that he needed to undergo surgery. The good news for Fuego is that he was eventually released from the hospital but the aftermath is gnarly.

    Poor Fuego

    Fuego Del Sol took to his Twitter account and shared that he has been left with a one-inch hole on his neck following the procedure.

    https://twitter.com/FuegoDelSol/status/1521556674061996033

    “Had a drainage tube taken out of my neck this morning and now I have an unstitched 1-inch hole in my neck… it’s wild!”

    Of course, some requested an image of the hole. Among those asking for a pic was AEW referee Aubrey Edwards. That old saying, “be careful what you wish for” couldn’t ring more true than now.

    Below is a photo of the unstitched hole but BE WARNED it is graphic.

    https://twitter.com/FuegoDelSol/status/1521559451068768257

    Surely, there are better days ahead for Fuego following this less-than-ideal experience.

    Del Sol nabbed an AEW contract following a match with Miro back in 2021. He’s mostly been used to put over the bigger stars of AEW but he’s shown flashes of what he’s capable of in the ring.

  • Riho Returns On AEW Rampage, Set To Compete In Owen Hart Memorial Qualifier

    Riho Returns On AEW Rampage, Set To Compete In Owen Hart Memorial Qualifier

    Tony Khan took to Twitter today and announced a new matchup for this Friday’s edition of AEW Rampage.

    The company president revealed that former AEW women’s champion Riho will be taking on Yuka Sakazaki in singles-action, where the winner will officially qualify for the first-ever Owen Hart Memorial tournament.

    Friday on #AEWRampage on @TNTdrama in an Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament qualifier,@YukaSakazaki returns to battle former Women’s World Champion @riho_gtmv!

    Yuka Sakazaki vs Riho

    Don’t miss Friday Rampage at a special start time:
    5:30pm ET/4:30pm CT/3:30pm MT/2:30pm PT pic.twitter.com/Q7AnE08KhS— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) May 3, 2022

    This will be Riho’s first matchup since her loss to Britt Baker at Battle of the Belts back in January. She had been sidelined with an injury and was back in Japan recovering.

    The Owen Hart tournament will begin its opening round on next week’s AEW programming, and will conclude at the May 29th Double or Nothing pay-per-view from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can check out Rampage’s updated lineup below.

    -Hook will be in action against an unknown opponent

    -Riho vs. Yuka Sakazaki Qualifying Match for the Owen Hart Tournament

    -Britt Baker & Jaime Hayter vs. Ruby Soho & Toni Storm

  • AEW Console Game Roster Size Revealed, New Names Confirmed

    AEW Console Game Roster Size Revealed, New Names Confirmed

    It looks like we now know what the roster size will be for the upcoming AEW console game.

    AEW Games and Yuke’s are hard at work with the AEW Fight Forever title. Back in April, Fightful Select reported that the timeframe for the game’s release is late September.

    In a new report, Fightful Select says the game will feature around 50 playable characters. The report noted that there will be some “disappointing omissions.” With that said, DLC has been discussed.

    On top of that, CM Punk, Bryan Danielson, Sting, Adam Cole, and Ruby Soho have all been confirmed for AEW’s debut console game.

    Here is a list of wrestlers confirmed for AEW Fight Forever so far:

    • Kenny Omega
    • Chris Jericho
    • Darby Allin
    • Hikaru Shida
    • Jungle Boy
    • The Young Bucks
    • Owen Hart (reported by BodySlam.net)
    • Thunder Rosa
    • CM Punk
    • Bryan Danielson
    • Sting
    • Adam Cole
    • Ruby Soho
  • Dante Martin vs. Rey Fenix Owen Hart Qualifier Set for Dynamite

    Dante Martin vs. Rey Fenix Owen Hart Qualifier Set for Dynamite

    Rey Fenix will make his in-ring return to challenge Dante Martin for the first time ever on May. 5.

    Since the Mar. 30 episode of AEW Dynamite, All Elite Wrestling has featured matches for men and women to qualify for The Owen Hart Foundation Cup Tournament. The inaugural tournament will begin its first round on May. 11.

    AEW already shared last week that Jeff Hardy would compete against Bobby Fish in a Men’s qualifier match. Now AEW President Tony Khan has announced that Rey Fenix will take on Dante Martin in another The Owen Hart Foundation Cup Qualifier match.

    Rey Fenix vs. Dante Martin Preview

    Fenix will have his first match in AEW since he suffered an arm injury in the Jan. 5 episode of AEW Dynamite episode. His gruesome-looking injury occurred when he took a chokeslam from Luchasaurus through a table. Although it looked brutal on TV, Fenix wasn’t expected to be sidelined for too long. He returned on the Apr. 27 episode of AEW Dynamite to help Penta El Zero Miedo and PAC attack the House of Black. A win for Fenix gets him back in the win column and reminds fans just how good he can be healthy.

    Martin will try to get his first win on AEW Dynamite since Jan. 12. His last win on the show happened against Powerhouse Hobbs, but since he has only won matches on AEW Dark. He also began teaming with his brother Darius Martin, which halted his singles run. However, Martin has an opportunity to defeat Fenix in their first-ever match and get a win on AEW’s premier weekly TV show.

    Full Card for the 5/4 Episode of AEW Dynamite

    The May. 4 episode of AEW Dynamite takes place at the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena in Baltimore, Maryland. The card is expected to have six matches.

    • Rey Fenix vs. Dante Martin
    • Jeff Hardy vs. Bobby Fish
    • Wardlow vs. MJF’s Mystery Opponent
    • Chris Jericho vs. Santana in a Grudge Match
    • The Butcher, Blade and Angelico vs. Blackpool Combat Club
    • (C) Deonna Purrazzo vs. (IC)Mercedes Martinez for the Undisputed Ring of Honor Women’s Championship
  • Nyla Rose Says Forbidden Door is “Wide Open” for Stardom Talent

    Nyla Rose Says Forbidden Door is “Wide Open” for Stardom Talent

    All Elite Wrestling talent Nyla Rose hopes to see wrestlers from Stardom walk through the “Forbidden Door.”

    Since introducing the “Forbidden Door,” AEW has worked with other wrestling organizations like Impact Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling. However, most of the cross-over interactions have been with men, leaving the AEW women’s division out of the picture.

    On the Apr. 20 episode of AEW Dynamite, AEW and NJPW announced they would partner for a Pay-Per-View event called Forbidden Door on Jun. 26. As of now, NJPW’s affiliate, the all-women wrestling promotion Stardom, isn’t involved. Solitaire Rose Radio’s Cory interviewed Rose and asked who she’d like to face from NJPW. Rose responded that NJPW doesn’t have a women’s division but shared that she hopes to wrestle someone from Stardom and see them walk through the “Forbidden Door.”

    “…Unfortunately, New Japan themselves do not have a women’s division. However, they do work very closely with Stardom, said Rose. She continued, “…I have not really had the experience, the pleasure to work with anyone in Stardom. So for me, that Forbidden Door is wide open. I would call it a Forbidden Archway. I would welcome anyone to walk through that, just to say that I’ve done that. Check that box off.”

    AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door

    Will The AEW Women’s Division be Involved at Forbidden Door

    While wrestling fans are excited about the announcement, the news may exclude talent from the AEW Women’s division from taking part. The Forbidden Door event may have talent from AEW and NJPW compete against each other. Although it’s unclear what the format of the show will be yet. Stardom also has an event planned for Jun. 26, which puts any involvement in doubt.

    AEW may somehow feature the women’s division in the show, but not against wrestlers from a different promotion. While it may be disappointing to fans, Wrestling Observers Dave Meltzer shared on Saturday Night Main Event Podcast that Stardom is interested in working with AEW. It may not happen at Forbidden Door, but Rose may get the opportunity to challenge a Stardom opponent in the future.

  • Tino Sabbatelli Responds To Accusations Of Leaking AEW Spoilers

    Tino Sabbatelli Responds To Accusations Of Leaking AEW Spoilers

    Pro-wrestling star Sabatino Piscitelli, who fans will remember as Tino Sabbatelli in WWE, was the latest guest on Insight With Chris Van Vilet to discuss his temporary run in AEW back in 2020, which came at the heels of his first release from WWE’s NXT brand.

    Sabbatelli began the interview by revealing that he unknowingly burned his bridge with AEW President Tony Khan, stating that he thinks it’s because he decided to return to WWE after his debut match on Dark.

    “So here’s the thing. I don’t know what happened or where it went wrong, this is the truth, that bridge was burned, and I don’t know how. Tony Khan knows me from football, and when WWE offered me that contract, I actually texted Billy Gunn about it. They [AEW] hadn’t offered me anything, Triple H was the one who offered me something. I sent a nice text to Billy Gunn to thank me for the opportunity and I thought it was all good. But when I got released again, someone reached out to AEW and said to Tony Khan ‘Tino is a free agent and he’s going to be a star.”

    He adds that Andrade El Idolo at one pointed wanted him in a group but Khan said no.

    3 months ago, Andrade approaches me and said that he wanted me to be in a group with him. Me and Andrade have always had a good relationship. But he texted me personally and we shot a vignette together. He wanted to bring a group like Evolution to AEW. We shot the video and spent the whole day in Miami. He texted me back and said ‘Tony Khan likes the idea but no Tino.’ I’m like what do you mean? I would love to sit and talk to Tony.”

    Shortly after Sabbatelli’s AEW run a rumor had circulated that he was the cause of several AEW spoilers being released to the public, an accusation that the former NFL star now laughs off as he admits that he is an internet dummy and doesn’t even use social media.

    “Oh man I had to laugh. If anybody knows me, I don’t know where to begin with this. I am an internet dummy, I don’t know what a dirt sheet is, I am not on Twitter and I don’t use Instagram. So when someone tagged me and said ‘You hear what Chris Jericho said about you.’ What was it, NXT reject? At first I ignored it but people started to bring it up more and more, so I started to look into it. I’m like what is this dude talking about? For me to go on the internet and speak on something that I know nothing about? No disrespect, I don’t care about that much.”

    Sabbatelli credits WWE Hall of Famer Billy Gunn for getting him through the AEW door, but it appears his one match on Dark caught the attention of Triple H, who reached out to him after the bout had aired.

    “So then AEW comes into play, AEW calls me. Billy Gunn calls me and says ‘Sabby, show up to Jacksonville.’ They don’t tell me anything, I show up and I see my name on the board. I’m like wow, I have a match? I mean OK I will do it. So I had this match on AEW Dark, it was a tag team match, but they didn’t tell me anything. They didn’t offer me anything, it was a vague trip. But that same week coach Bloom texted me and said congratulations. I shot him a text back saying ‘Thank you but I didn’t sign anything.’ The next day Triple H reaches out to me.

    Later in the interview Sabbatelli reflects on his time in WWE, and whether he thinks he would ever return if called upon.

    (Thanks to Chris Van Vilet for sending us quotes)

  • MJF Reveals WWE Hall of Famer As All Time Dream Opponent

    MJF Reveals WWE Hall of Famer As All Time Dream Opponent

    Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) has an all-time dream opponent, and it just so happens to be a WWE Hall Of Famer.

    Recently, MJF took part in a Q&A during the For The Love Of Wrestling convention in Liverpool, England. During the Q&A, MJF was asked about his all-time dream opponent. The All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star answered with WWE Hall Of Famer Rowdy Roddy Piper.

    “Roddy Piper,” MJF said. “I feel the only person that in the modern who can hold a candle to me on the stick, whether I want to admit it or not, is CM Punk. Even though I beat him in his hometown of Chicago, verbally. Absolutely bent him over with my mic skills.

    “Do I think Roddy Piper is the only person that could go toe-to-toe with me on the stick in the history of professional wrestling? The answer’s yes. Was the man absolutely insane, and do I think we would have a barbaric match as well that would stand the test of time? Yes.

    “I got a lot of people tell me that I remind of the Rowdy one, and I think that would be one hell of a match. So, that is my answer.”

    Sadly, Piper passed away in 2015. However, MJF could find his way to WWE in the near future. In January of 2024, MJF’s contract with AEW is set to expire, and he has been very open about possibly journeying over to WWE.

    The 26-year-old has stated that, if Vince McMahon is willing to shell out the cash, he’ll happily jump ship. This would be a pretty big move, as only one notable star has left AEW for WWE. That being Cody Rhodes, who left AEW earlier this year and re-debuted in WWE at WrestleMania 38 against Seth Rollins.

    It will be interesting to see if MJF ultimately decides to depart to WWE in 2024, or if he’ll stick around with AEW for the foreseeable future.

    Quotes via Wrestling Inc.

  • AEW Teases Signing Willow Nightingale?

    AEW Teases Signing Willow Nightingale?

    AEW may be on the verge of signing Willow Nightingale if they haven’t already.

    Nightingale has made several appearances for AEW. For the most part, she has been eating pinfalls to more established stars but she hasn’t exactly been presented as an enhancement talent.

    Nightingale is quite active in her matches and even picked up a win on AEW Dark this week. Following the victory, AEW seemingly dropped a big hint regarding the future of Willow Nightingale.

    Willow Nightingale Off The Market?

    After Nightingale picked up her first AEW win, the camera zoomed in on a fan sign calling for her to be signed.

    Back in April, Nightingale was asked about potentially signing with AEW or even ROH. She shared her positive outlook (h/t Fightful).

    “It’s looking positive. I don’t have anything solid that I can tell anyone, but things are looking good. I’ve wrestled there and had nine matches and there were definitely moments on that journey where I was like, ‘what is going on?’ Moments of frustration, but especially the last couple of weeks, I’ve been re-affirmed, ‘trust the process, keep going.’ Stay on this journey folks.”

    Many feel it’s only a matter of time before Nightingale puts pen to paper but we’ll keep you posted once something concrete surfaces.

  • Matt Hardy is Tired of Seeing Toxic WWE & AEW Fanboys Online

    Matt Hardy is Tired of Seeing Toxic WWE & AEW Fanboys Online

    Matt Hardy has had enough of the toxicity.

    The wrestling world certainly isn’t immune from tribalism. Ever since AEW was formed back in 2019, there have been some mind-numbing fanboy wars on social media. Even though Matt currently represents AEW, he sees conversations going south on both sides.

    Matt Hardy Sends Message To Keyboard Warriors

    During an edition of The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy, Matt said there’s nothing wrong with supporting the company you prefer. With that said, he doesn’t understand why fans work themselves up over brand loyalty (via Wrestling Inc).

    “One thing I would like to say is the tribalism between WWE and AEW fans, like, you don’t have to do this. I don’t know if you enjoy it, the people that do it online on social media, it just creates such a toxic environment in the big scheme of things.

    “You love WWE, go hard for WWE, and support WWE. I love WWE and you know I’ve said that since day one, and I’ll never say anything differently. Obviously, when I work somewhere else, I’m going to go hard for AEW because they’re the people paying my bills at the end of the day, but just like a pro wrestling match, you take shots at your opponent, and you talk sh** about them.

    “That’s what AEW is going to do to WWE, that’s what WWE, in theory, is going to do to AEW although they don’t mention AEW in the big scheme of things, they may take shots in other ways behind the scenes. That’s part of the game, part of the business, and don’t take that too seriously.

    “If you have a guy in WWE taking shots at an AEW guy, don’t sweat it. If you have an AEW guy taking shots at a WWE guy, don’t sweat it, it’s all part of the game, baby. It’s all a part of the game and the whole promotion, and the whole fun of pro wrestling. As a fan, don’t work yourself into a shoot, especially with other fans online. Enjoy whatever you enjoy and be proud of it, and don’t let anybody take it differently.”

    AEW star Bryan Danielson also spoke about tribalism in wrestling during an interview with Sports Illustrated back in Sept. 2021. He doesn’t believe the issue solely rests within the industry.

  • New AEW Reality Show Coming Soon to TBS

    New AEW Reality Show Coming Soon to TBS


    All Elite Wrestling is bringing additional AEW programming to TBS.

    On Tuesday, select AEW fans received a survey announcing details of the show.

    The reality series will follow AEW talent and document their lives on the road. The official synopsis reads:

    “AEW’s top performers are ushering in a new behind-the-scenes wrestling series like no other… Every episode will track our core cast on the road at AEW events as they try to hold onto the titles they have or win back the ones they’ve lost, with everything culminating at the biggest Pay-Per-View event of the year.

    They all hope to walk away champions, but there aren’t enough belts for everybody. Heroes will rise, villains will fall, champions will be crowned… and with more access, more star talent, and more drama than ever before, we’ll see it all through the eyes of the biggest names in the company.”

    AEW is asking for feedback on what the show should be title. Suggested names for the new AEW reality show on TBS include:

    • AEW: FRIENDS AND ENEMIES
    • AEW: FIGHT TO THE FINISH
    • AEW: TO THE MAT
    • AEW: TO THE TOP
    • AEW: ROAD TO THE BELT
    • AEW: BREAKOUT
    • AEW: GRIT AND GLORY
    • AEW: All Access
    • AEW: THE CLIMB
    • AEW: ON THE ROPES
    • AEW: UPRISE