Powerhouse Hobbs has received valuable guidance from a Hall of Fame big man.
Hobbs is currently a member of Team Taz. Many have high hopes for Powerhouse and believe he can one day make a bid for the main event scene. He certainly has his supporters and one of them is Mark Henry.
Piece Of Advice
Powerhouse Hobbs (Photo: AEW)
Powerhouse Hobbs appeared as a guest on Tuesday Wrestling Tuesday and discussed who have been his biggest supporters in AEW.
“From the very first time I debuted on AEW until now, I’ve completely done a 180. Everything has changed. Cody Rhodes is a big influence on me. Mark Henry, that’s my wrestling dad.
“I have him on my phone as ‘Dad.’ FTR, Arn Anderson, Dustin Rhodes, obviously Taz, Billy Gunn. There are so many people that influence me, daily. There are so many people I can call and get advice from. It’s not just one.”
Hobbs then went on to reveal the key piece of advice given to him by Mark Henry.
“He let me know, like, ‘Hey, you need to change up the way you look. Stop eating carbs after 5 o’clock.’ Since then, my body has like, switched.”
Mark also works in AEW but he isn’t mixing it up inside the ring. He is known for his backstage interviews on Rampage these days but he also works behind the scenes.
Tony Khan has promised a “huge signing” to debut on AEW Dynamite this week. The new signing will also take on Isiah Kassidy in a Face of the Revolution Ladder Qualifying match.
Khan spoke to Sports Illustrated about the signing and doubled-down on the hype.
“It’s a huge signing for us,” said Khan. “I have created some debate about what it means to open the ‘Forbidden Door’ and that’s what we are going to do on this show. The fans are going to get a great night of wrestling, and I hope everyone is surprised—and comes back for the matches this sets up.”
The Element of Surprise
Tony Khan also spoke about the importance of keeping his roster fresh during the interview.
“I’m continually looking to improve the roster and bring in new stars and create fresh matchups, and that’s what you’re going to see this Wednesday,” Khan continued. “We now have such a strong roster of wrestlers under contract that we can put fresh, exciting matches on Dynamite every Wednesday on TBS and Rampage on TNT.”
The Forbidden Door can be opened for anyone from any wrestling promotion in the world, whether or not it’s a company @AEW is on good terms with, even if it’s someone from a company that’s open for business. They’re also welcome to slam the door in the face of their prior company.
Khan continued to tease the new signing and the impact they will have on AEW programming.
“It’s going to be a big reveal on Dynamite. It sets up this week’s Rampage and puts a lot of irons in our fire. We have created an environment in AEW where people routinely expect great wrestling matches, and we have the wrestlers to live up to those high expectations.”
Dynamite & Rampage Previews
AEW will present Dynamite this week from the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The venue hosted WrestleMania’s IV and V. The following matches are booked for the show:
AEW World Championship Texas Death Match Adam “Hangman” Page (c) vs Lance Archer
Face of the Revolution Qualifying Match Isiah Kassidy vs TBA
Chris Jericho will also an Inner Circle meeting on the show.
Then Rampage will be taped following the live edition of Dynamite. Matches booked for that show include:
AEW World Tag Team Championships Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus) (w/Christian Cage) (c) vs. The Gunn Club (Austin Gunn & Colten Gunn) (w/Billy Gunn)
Brandi Rhodes has championship gold in her sights.
Brandi is the Chief Brand Officer of AEW. She’s also a regular on AEW Dynamite and Rampage. As of late, Brandi has involved herself in a feud with Dan Lambert’s group. She nearly came to blows with former UFC fighter Paige VanZant on the Feb. 2 episode of Dynamite.
Title Run For Brandi?
Brandi Rhodes spoke with Sports Illustrated this week and said she’s putting in the time and effort to improve in the ring. She wants to be good enough to hold championship gold in AEW.
“I like to continue to evolve,” said Brandi. “I was just having this conversation with my husband, and I told him I don’t think I’m ever going to reach a point where I’m not striving for more. I am very driven, and I’ve always been. That was instilled in me by my parents, and that’s who I am.
“There is a lot more I’m seeking to accomplish. I have been in the wrestling business for about 10 years, and I’ve never held a championship. I don’t want it handed to me. I want to earn it, and I’m putting in the work to do that.”
Time will tell if Brandi can eventually get to that level. Even if she is able to improve significantly inside the ring, there will likely be skeptics. As it is, some have criticized Brandi’s involvement on TV and feel many of her programs have gone nowhere.
Do you think Brandi Rhodes will eventually win a title in AEW?
A free agent signing will debut on Wednesday’s edition of AEW Dynamite from Atlantic City. The AEW newcomer will wrestle Private Party member Isiah Kassidy in a Face of the Revolution Ladder Match qualifier.
The identity of Kassidy’s opponent is a mystery, but AEW President Tony Khan has teased this wrestler will walk through the “Forbidden Door.”
Khan noted on Twitter that the Forbidden Door competitor can come from any promotion in the world, whether that company is on good terms with AEW or not. He also teased this person could be from a company that’s “open for business” – a phrase Triple H has used about WWE on several occasions.
The Forbidden Door can be opened for anyone from any wrestling promotion in the world, whether or not it’s a company @AEW is on good terms with, even if it’s someone from a company that’s open for business. They’re also welcome to slam the door in the face of their prior company.
A number of former WWE superstars become free agents last week, so there’s no shortage of people who could show up this coming Wednesday. It could be Keith Lee, Johnny Gargano, Killer Kross or someone else entirely.
On Sunday, Isiah Kassidy commented on his to-be-announced Forbidden Door opponent. Kassidy says, “This better not be who I think it is… Y’all gonna force me to put this dude out for good.”
He also teased that his Hardy Family Office boss Matt Hardy was ignoring him, a sign that Hardy’s priorities might be shifting beyond Private Party.
I was good, but Sammy was better on Friday. Respect g.
But aye man, this better not be who I think it is… Y’all gonna force me to put this dude out for good ?
The Face Of The Revolution Ladder takes place at the upcoming AEW Revolution PPV on March 6th from Orlando, FL. The winner of the match earns the right to challenge the AEW World Champion at a future date.
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is headed to Atlantic City this week. The company will hold a live AEW Dynamite and Rampage taping on Wednesday, February 9th at Boardwalk Hall. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 17th at AEWTIX.com.
Opened in 1929, Boardwalk Hall has hosted countless sporting events, including WWE WrestleMania’s IV and V in 1988 and 1989.
The historic venue was also the site of several Mike Tyson boxing fights in the late 1980’s, UFC cards and several WWE Raw and SmackDown shows.
AEW has done strong business in the north east, with impressive gates at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ and Long Island’s UBS Arena.
According to Wrestletix, AEW has sold approximately 5,000 tickets for the Atlantic City show as of February 3rd. The venue will be set up to accommodate approximately 7,000 fans.
AEW Presents "Dynamite/Rampage" Wed • Feb 09 • 7:00 PM Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ
Available Tickets => 1,992 Current Setup/Capacity => 6,945 Tickets Distributed => 4,953 (71.3%)
Tama Tonga sent a message to Tony Khan on Twitter that may imply he’s hoping to walk through the forbidden door. The 39-year-old last performed for NJPW on the World Tag League tour in December. He did not perform on the Wrestle Kingdom shows on January 4th, 5th, or 8th.
“Hey @TonyKhan wanna burn bridges? I love burning bridges,” Tonga wrote on Twitter.
Tonga has been wrestling in Impact as of late. He made his Impact in-ring debut at the tapings in Florida recently. He’s scheduled to take part in Impact’s tapings in New Orleans coming up later this month. This includes the No Surrender PPV on February 19th where the Guerrillas of Destiny are scheduled to face The Good Brothers for the Impact World Tag Team Championships. The match continues the angle between Bullet Club and Anderson & Gallows that really kick-started this summer in NJPW of USA and continued in Impact.
Fundraising For Tonga
The island of Tonga, which has produced wrestlers such as Haku, the Barbarian, Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and HIKULEO, wad devastated recently by a volcanic eruption. NJPW has released a “Pray for Tonga” t-shirt to raise money for the region.
Recent events in Tonga were unexpected and devastating. And having a friend with family there gave me an extra insensitive to help out. One way was buying this sweet tee from NJPW wrestling. You can buy your own at the link in the comments. https://t.co/xaVQSn7r7O#PrayForTongapic.twitter.com/KuaSKFvcvs
Many believe the release of Hit Row was one of the biggest missed opportunities for WWE in recent times. B-Fab want to see the group reunite outside the company.
The former NXT star recently took part in a virtual signing for East Coast Autograph Auctions. She discussed things such as a potential WWE return and more.
During the session, she claimed that a Hit Row reunion is her biggest dream. B-Fab said that she would be super excited if they all can come together again:
“That is my biggest dream is that we [Hit Row] come back together and show up somewhere. I don’t know where, but if we can all come together and you know, debut again somewhere else or with a company, I would be super excited.”
One such place where we might see this reunion is AEW. B-Fab also discussed this possibility and a potential feud with The Acclaimed:
“Mhm, that’d be a hot feud. That would be a hot feud [Hit Row vs. The Acclaimed]. We had so many ideas and everything for Hit Row. I just really wish we would have been able to show everybody everything that we could’ve done. But it is what it is.”
B-Fab has already become a free agent due to her NXT contract. The other three members of Hit Row including Shane ‘Swerve’ Strickland, ‘Top Dolla’ A.J. Francis, and Tehuti Miles are expected to join her in free agency in a few weeks.
Would you like to see Hit Row reunite in AEW? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below
If MJF is known for one thing, it’s never breaking his character while on camera. Whether it be on TV, doing an interview, or wishing someone on their wedding.
Disney head writer Colonel Rob Fee recently got married. The All Elite Wrestling star was among the people who took the time to congratulate the couple.
Rob posted the video message he received from the wrestling star on Twitter as seen below. MJF wished Rob good luck on their ‘future endeavors’ and he didn’t forget to mention how he recently beat CM Punk:
The 25-year-old has recently been feuding with the Straight Edge Star. These two had a match during the February 2 episode of Dynamite.
MJF won this match after Wardlow handed the Dynamite Diamond Ring to The Pinnacle Leader. The heavyweight star also provided a distraction, allowing MJF to use the weapon.
This was CM Punk’s first loss in AEW since his debut for the company in August last year. Though it doesn’t appear to be the end of this feud.
AEW’s next PPV event in Revolution will be taking place from the Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Florida on March 6. It’s likely that we are going to see a rematch between the two at the show.
Danhausen is All Elite and Tony Khan says it’s the fans who are to thank.
When ROH announced that it was going on hiatus, it left many wondering about the future of the talent. Names such as Jay Lethal, Jonathan Gresham, and The Briscoes were left in limbo at the time of the announcement.
Lethal ended up signing with AEW, Gresham has started his own promotion along with Baron Black called, “Terminus,” and The Briscoes have been seen on GCW and many feel they could be AEW-bound, although Tony Khan hasn’t committed.
Very Evil Signing
Danhausen
While the future of some names was a question mark, fans had very little doubt about Danhausen’s future. Many were convinced that he was going to AEW and they were right.
Appearing on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio, Tony Khan explained why he jumped at the chance to sign Danhausen.
“He’s really a lot of fun and now, speaking of Orange Cassidy, Danhausen is gonna be closely associated with Orange Cassidy perhaps, we’ll see.
“But having seen them together in Wheeler Yuta’s corner and having seen Danhausen help Orange Cassidy in that great Lights Out match at Beach Break a couple of weeks ago on Dynamite, I definitely think the fans enjoy Danhausen and I’m happy to give them what they want.
“I love listening to the fans.”
Danhausen made his AEW debut on the Jan. 26 episode of Dynamite. Adam Cole went one-on-one with Orange Cassidy in the main event of that episode. Cole went to pull out a chair from under the ring but Danhausen popped out.
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AEW star Serena Deeb recently discussed how Tony Khan has “embraced” having deeper storytelling in the All Elite Women’s division.
Speaking to Tuesday Wrestling Tuesday, Deeb said that the Women’s division is much better in All Elite now that it is more than just “one-off” matches.
“That was the thing for a while where it was just one-off matches” Serena Deeb began. “And the fact that Tony embraced wanting to do more and wanted to put some, some deeper storytelling in there is really cool.
“Hopefully, that continues for other people as well. I think just from an emotional investment standpoint for the fans, one-off matches are great” Deeb noted.
Serena Deeb on
“Especially if they’re dream matches, right? Like Bryan Danielson versus Kenny Omega. Like that’s a dream match, people want to see that and even one time, these people are going to love it. But I think, historically speaking in wrestling, if you look back on the Attitude Era, for example, there were stories and feuds that went on for a year.
“And people stayed emotionally invested as long as there was something compelling to pay attention to. So I think it’s a great sign. I’ve seen it also across other stories in the women’s division and as of late and it’s great. I think a lot of wrestling fans appreciate that” the former WWE Superstar concluded.
The internet allows wrestling stars to showcase their talents to the whole world and reach a much wider audience. However, it can also be a toxic place for wrestlers who aren’t used to the relentless criticism and trolling.
CM Punk is one of the most polarizing figures of the whole industry who often finds himself being targeted by the trolls for one reason or the other. He has good advice for anyone who is not used to it.
The AEW star recently had an interview with Abe Kanan of Rock 95.5 in Chicago. Speaking of the internet trolls, Punk shared his advice for other wrestlers. He said that you can’t win from them and you should focus on finding inner peace instead:
“You can’t win. I implore all humans to understand that you cannot win [from internet trolls]. You cannot be beholden to what nameless, faceless people on the internet say about you. It doesn’t matter.” said CM Punk, “You have to find inner peace and be happy with what you’re doing. I 100% am that guy. I’m stoked to be where I am. I got a lot of cool projects coming up aside from AEW.
He continued, “And I get to go home to a very beautiful, smart, talented woman and my dog Larry every night. So it can’t be beat. Like Johnny 256969 on Twitter, trust me you could say whatever you want about me dude. I sucked in UFC? That’s cool, I get that video game money. So I am ok.”
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TBS Champion Jade Cargill has commented on why she decided to sign with AEW over WWE. Cargill was on the Talk is Jericho podcast and revealed she was offered a contract to sign with WWE prior to joining AEW.
“So they sent the contract, they wanted me to do it,” she explained. “AEW came about, and I came here, I got the experience, and I felt calm. I remember you and I had this conversation in the car. It made me feel at ease about the decision that I wanted to make, I didn’t have to relocate, I felt at home.”
Cargill said Tony Khan’s availability to talent made her feel comfortable in AEW.
“I could call the owner of our company and talk to him, you know, he knew my name and knew my purpose,” she said. “He knew that I wanted to do this and that I wasn’t just a number. He knew exactly who I was, so that made me feel comfortable.”
AEW Offered More Security
(via AEW)
Cargill related her experience with AEW to that of her friend, E. J. Nduka, in WWE. She noted that Nduka, who is now with MLW, gave up everything to commit to WWE but he was cut with no warning or reason.
“There’s more security, there’s a safety net here,” she said. “Like I said, I just named one of my friends [Nduka] who gave up everything he had, had a newborn baby, and got cut with no warning. He gave everything. I remember when I told him I was thinking about coming here, he couldn’t believe it. Why would you ever choose [AEW over WWE]? And I’m like, you don’t understand, I feel good here. I don’t want to be cut. I don’t want to have to worry.”
WWE cut over 80 wrestlers in 2021, including Nduka. WWE also announced that they brought in over $1 billion in profits last year, making it their most profitable year ever.
Jade Cargill is still undefeated in AEW and in her professional wrestling career. She holds a 26-0 record. In her most recent match, Cargill successfully defended her title against Julie Hart on last week’s AEW Rampage.
The person who I was talking about in the podcast was @EjTheJudge . Man is beyond committed to his craft! Keep your eyes on this man!!!
Tony Khan says some new faces will be appearing on AEW programming in the very near future.
The President of All Elite Wrestling appeared on Busted Open Radio Friday morning and addressed pro wresting’s hot free agent market. Khan says he plans to be “very active” with talent acquisitions in the short-term future.
“Just in the last several weeks, we’ve some big [signings] and I plan to make some more big signings. And not in the longterm future, I mean in the short-term future. I’ll still be very active in the free agent market and the Forbidden Door shall be opening again very soon.”
Khan guarantees there will be some news coming out of tonight’s AEW Rampage and also “next week.” He touted that AEW’s roster keeps getting better and Rampage allows for more opportunities to feature people.
Tony Khan prides himself on being a wrestling fan who listens to his audience. Looking at the free agent market, he knows there are wrestlers out there who can bring new fans to AEW.
“I have to say, I really really love listening to the wrestling fans. I love wrestling myself and I’m a fan. I believe that the fans give us the direction and it’s up to us to give great shows that the people want to see.
“Any time we can sign somebody that’s going to make the fans excited, that’s gonna come in here and give the fans big matches that they’re excited to watch, and somebody that’s going to bring new fans to AEW, it’s a great opportunity for us, so i will continue to explore the free agent market and the Forbidden Door will be opening again soon.”
The current free agent market is stacked with talent, including Jeff Hardy (available next month), Windham Rotunda, Johnny Gargano, Keith Lee, Adam Scherr, Karrion Kross, Athena, Toni Storm, Shane Strickland, Nixon Newell and The Briscoe Brothers.
Jon Moxley has announced the date that he will make his long awaited return to New Japan Pro Wrestling.
The former IWGP U.S. Champion is scheduled to be part of the NJPW event in suburban Chicago, Illinois on April 16th. Moxley filmed a promo video for the promotion where it was announced he will be making his return. Tickets for that event go on sale Friday.
“When I think of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, I think of concussions. I think of swollen red chests. I think bruises and swelling,” Moxley said. “I think of sweat flying. I think of individuals digging down deep into their souls to prove who’s the best on that blue mat. The men who call themselves the best in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Shingo, Okada, and Tanahashi.”
He continued, “One thing has not changed. I am the boogeyman in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and nobody can call themselves the best as long as I am lurking in the shadows. So I will be in Chicago on April 16. New Japan Pro-Wrestling, like you always do, bring your best.”
Will Ospreay, Jeff Cobb, Yuji Nagata, Tomohiro Ishii, Jay White, Juice Robinson, David Finlay, Tom Lawlor, Jonah, Fred Rosser, and Brody King have also been announced for the event.
After his victory over Yuta, Bryan Danielson made an appearance in the ring with Moxley. The pair had been scheduled to face each other at Full Gear last November until Moxley entered rehab for alcohol addiction and appear to be picking up where they left off.
Danielson proposed an alliance with Moxley, with the idea sounding as if the pair would train up and coming stars who aren’t taking wrestling seriously enough. Moxley thought about the offer in the ring and Danielson told him he could answer his offer at a later date.
And don’t forget to check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube.
Brian Kendrick was slated to make his debut for AEW on Wednesday night during Dynamite from Chicago. Instead, he was pulled from the show after some controversial statements he made in the past came to light.
Kendrick had previously asked for his release from WWE and was granted his request. He was then booked to face Jon Moxley this week on Dynamite until just hours before the show.
A video circulated on Twitter Wednesday of Kendrick making some reprehensible anti-semitic statements during a 2011 interview.
“We’ve been made aware of abhorrent & offensive comments made in the past by Brian Kendrick,” AEW President Tony Khan stated. “There’s no room in AEW for the views expressed by Brian. We think it’s best for all that Brian be pulled from tonight’s card as we gather more info. We’ll announce a replacement bout ASAP.”
Moxley ended up facing Wheeler Yuta in the opening match of AEW Dynamite. The two had a fantastic match, and after the bout, Moxley and Bryan Danielson had a face to face where Bryan pitched an idea for the pair to team.
As all this was going on, Kendrick took to his Twitter page to apologize for his comments from a decade ago.
I apologize for all the hurt and embarassment I have caused with my words. These are not my beliefs and never were beliefs of mine, and I crossed the line.
I spread the most vile comments without thinking of the damage it would cause. I will live with this regret for the rest of my life. I am truly sorry for the pain I have caused.
“I apologize for all the hurt and embarassment I have caused with my words. These are not my beliefs and never were beliefs of mine, and I crossed the line,” Kendrick said in his first statement.
He then posted a second which read, “I spread the most vile comments without thinking of the damage it would cause. I will live with this regret for the rest of my life. I am truly sorry for the pain I have caused.”
Kendrick’s comments consisted of a minimization of the Holocaust, some wild claims that the Rothschild and Rockefeller families were “interbreeding,” claims of a link between Zionists and the Illuminati, some strange conspiracy theory ideas about Jewish medics and a 2010 Haitian earthquake, and more.
You can read an article by Culture Crossfire from 2013 which covers some of this.
Check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube.
Brian Kendrick will not be appearing on the Feb. 2 episode of AEW Dynamite.
Kendrick requested his WWE release and had his wish granted. Wrestling fans rallied behind Kendrick and rejoiced after it was announced that he’d be making his AEW debut against Jon Moxley.
Oh how quickly things can change.
Past Comments Resurface
Twitter user Dan Pierce brought attention to a 2011 interview where Brian Kendrick expressed antisemitic views. David Bixenspan unearthed a lengthier version of the video and it has done Kendrick no favors.
“We’ve been made aware of abhorrent & offensive comments made in the past by Brian Kendrick. There’s no room in AEW for the views expressed by Brian. We think it’s best for all that Brian be pulled from tonight’s card as we gather more info. We’ll announce a replacement bout ASAP.”
The former WWE star claimed that the Rothschilds and Rockefellers were “interbreeding.” He also said that there was a link between Zionists and the Illuminati.
Near the end of the video, Kendrick suggested that “Jewish medics” were flown out to Haiti in response to the 2010 earthquake in order to remove bodies and eyeballs. In the interview, he also revealed he attended a lecture set up by a British conspiracy theorist known for having antisemitic views.
There’s a lot more to unpack in the video, which you can watch here. An article by Culture Crossfire from 2013 also covers more of Kendrick’s conspiracy theories.
All Elite Wrestling first signed trans wrestler Nyla Rose, shares her thoughts regarding a wrestling fan offensive sign aimed towards her.
On Dec. 22, 2021, Rose wrestled Ruby Soho on AEW Dynamite. A fan hoisted a transphobic sign for the AEW camera to see during the match. Rose responded by giving the middle finger, and her employers removed the male fan from the event. Sports Illustrated Justin Barrasso spoke with Rose about the incident that upset those that supported her and diversity.
Barrasso also transcribed the following quotes.
“For the most part, people understood why that sign was wrong,” Rose said. She continued, “Maybe that person didn’t quite understand the gravity of what they were doing. You want to boo, that’s cool. But there is a line. People might feel it’s a conflict of their beliefs by simply respecting someone else, but it’s not. You don’t have to understand or even agree with somebody’s situation to show them simple respect and kindness, like respecting their pronouns and respecting their way of life. I’d love for people to be cool with it, but if that’s not your thing, it’s not your thing. But shouldn’t people want to treat their fellow humans with a little respect and kindness?”
Nyla Rose’s on her Influence in AEW
As an African and Native American transgender wrestler in AEW, Rose is a role model for others. Although the article notes that Rose believes she is a wrestler and not a pioneer, the former AEW Women’s World Champion recognizes how influential she is.
“People from so many different walks of life have connected with me, and I think that’s wild,” Rose said. She continued, “I grew up a wrestling fan, and I found inspiration in my life from the things the wrestlers did. I’m going out there thinking, I’m just performing and putting on a show, but people have told me I’m a beacon for them. Black families have said they see me as someone who is so strong. As a Native person, I’ve heard from families that tell me it makes them so proud of their heritage that they’ve broken down in joy when they see themselves reflected in the Iroquois flag. The LGBTQ community has such a prominent figure [in Nyla Rose], and I understand the importance of that.”
All Elite Wrestling superstar Jade Cargill appreciates fans comparing her to wrestling legend Goldberg.
The State of Florida Sports Podcast’s Tim Walters interviewed Cargill about her successful run in AEW. She kept her undefeated streak alive and won her 26th match on Jan. 28 against Julia Hart. The booking of Cargill reminds fans of Goldberg’s undefeated streak in WCW. The AEW TBS Champion finds it flattering when asked about the Goldberg comparisons.
“It’s amazing. It feels great. Being that I have no type of wrestling background prior to my first match Mar. 3. It’s breathtaking. It feels amazing for me to be compared to somebody with such a stature, and I’m blessed. Our owner Tony Khan put me in a remarkable position, and I’m grateful. I work hard, but I’m very grateful,” said Cargill.
Jade Cargill’s Undefeated Streak
AEW has treated Cargill as a dominant force in the women’s division since her first match. She teamed with NBA legend Shaquille O’ Neal to defeat Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet in her debut match on Mar. 3, 2020. Since winning the tag team match, Cargill has defeated the likes of Santana Garrett, Leyla Hirsch, and Thunder Rosa. To become the TBS Champion, Cargill also defeated Ruby Soho at AEW Dynamite on Jan. 5. At 26-0, it is unclear how long her employers will extend her winning streak.
How Chyna Influenced Jade Cargill
Later in the interview, Cargill revealed that WWE legend Chyna inspired her before getting into professional wrestling. She praised Chyna for her presence on TV and making her feel comfortable about her body, as Cargill loved to exercise and be fit growing up.
“…Chyna made you put down whatever you were doing and watch her. Her presence was unmatched. I don’t think anybody else to me, to this day, made me sit down and focus on what she was doing,” said Cargill. She continued, “…She made me love my body more than anything. She was different. She looked different than everybody else that was in the divas’ era. So she looked totally different, her build was different, her confidence was different, and I grew up very muscular, and the fact that she loved herself, she loved what she was doing, she loved her body, it made me love myself more than anything. If anything, she helped my confidence rise to a remarkable chunk, and I felt good about myself growing up.”
The AEW TBS Champion hopes to continue her success and influence young girls as Chyna did.
Chris Jericho saw ‘money’ in Eddie Kingston the moment he set eyes on him.
Le Champion spoke with Freddie Prinze Jr. this week on the popular Wrestling with Freddie podcast. When asked about who he wants to work with AEW, Jericho heaped praise on the Mad King.
“That’s a guy from day one, the moment he walked in, I said ‘that’s a superstar, he’s gonna be a huge babyface I like his style, it’s very hard-hitting,” Jericho said of Eddie Kingston.
“He doesn’t look like a typical wrestler, he just looks like a tough guy at the bar, but his promos are above and beyond. That’s why I kind of pick and choose who I’m going to be working with.”
Jericho continued, “It has to fit in with plans that Tony Khan has and what the guys have. But the Eddie one was really something cool to me. I also deal in long-term stories, so nothing is set in stone, but that is one I’m really looking forward to that will happen.”
Kingston and Jericho seem destined for a match with one another. Kingston recently told Santana and Ortiz on AEW programming that Jericho is the reason they are not the AEW World Tag Team Champions. Last week on Dynamite, Jericho teamed with Santana and Ortiz but his Inner Circle stablemates refused to tag him in and seemed to want to handle things without him.
Eddie Kingston is currently out of action with a broken orbital bone. He is expected to return mid-February, however.
Listen to Chris Jericho’s appearance on the Wrestling With Freddie podcast:
AEW star Hook appeared on stage with rapper Action Bronson Saturday night in San Diego, California.
Hook uses Bronson’s song “The Chairman’s Intent” as his entrance theme music. Mid-way through his concert, Action Bronson brought out Hook for a special live performance of the song.
For Lyrics to The Chairman’s Intent, visit Genius.
Bronson “sent Hook” a big compliment by announcing him as the #1 prospect in wrestling.
Watch Hook join Action Bronson on stage for “The Chairman’s Intent”:
Lita has not only paid attention to WWE’s women’s division but also their rival in All Elite Wrestling.
The WWE Hall of Famer gave her take about the roster the promotion has put together during an appearance on the latest episode of Booker T’s Hall Of Fame podcast.
Lita stated that she thought for a while it was just all about AEW Women’s Champion Britt Baker. However, she sees them starting to add strength.
“I think they’re finally starting to add and strengthen that roster,” Lita said. “Because for a while, and this tends to happen a lot, something catches fire and then you go with it, and it ends up being a one-person show. So it was like the Britt Baker show for quite a bit there, and then they were like, ‘oh, wait we can’t just throw Nyla to the wayside after we’ve used her, we can’t throw Ruby.’ You’ve got to build everybody up and kind of keep it going.”
Lita continued by noting that the women were lacking, but now that the promotion has put some emphasis on that. She recalled seeing the lights out match between Thunder Rosa and Britt Baker thinking that really put the women’s division on the map for them.
As previously reported, Lita did have talks with AEW President Tony Khan regarding joining the company, but she returned to WWE and will be part of the Women’s Royal Rumble Match this Saturday night.
While some were expecting Johnny Gargano to make a surprise appearance in Cleveland this past Wednesday at AEW Dynamite, it ended up being independent star Danhausen who shocked the world with an appearance during the show.
It was later revealed that AEW has in fact signed the popular wrestler and YouTube star. On Friday, Danhausen himself reacted to his signing in a video published to the AEW Twitter account.
“Well, Danhausen’s good friends with Orange Cassidy, so he thought he could help him out by decimating Adam Cole. Which we saw he did, or he helped Orange Cassidy loosen Adam Cole up so he could decimate him up. Soften him up if you will. And one thing led to another, looks like Orange Cassidy got the job done. As Danhausen knew he would. Now, Danhausen’s very elite. Very evil,” he said.
Danhausen’s debut has already proven to be a winner for AEW. A quick glance at the AEW YouTube channel reveals that his debut this past Wednesday is by far the most viewed video on the channel from Wednesday night’s show. As of press time, his debut has done 850,000 views. The next closest video from Dynamite is the Cody Rhodes vs. Sammy Guevara ladder match at 625,000 views.
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Lio Rush is continuing to find success in the music world as he announced on Twitter that he has signed with Universal Music Group, Thump Records, and Virgin Music.
Rush released his debut single, “Scenic Lullaby,” in 2019, and his second single, “I Wonder”, was released soon thereafter. This past September, his second EP, “Not Found” was released.
Rush was released by WWE in 2020 along with several other wrestlers due to budget cuts during the COVID-19 pandemic. He continued his career by working for MLW and NJPW before making his promotional debut for AEW by being the mystery entrant in the Casino Battle Royale at the Double or Nothing pay-per-view event in 2021.
Rush previously announced his retirement from wrestling last August but continued wrestling. He later returned to AEW and last wrestled on AEW programming during the Dynamite Diamond Battle Royal on the December 8th, 2021 episode of Dynamite.
Charles Barkley dedicated a portion of his podcast recently to send a message to AEW’s Jon Moxley. Barkley said he’s proud of the former AEW World Champion for seeking out treatment for his issues with alcohol.
“I know you all don’t know this guy, his name is Jon Moxley. You guys know I’m a big wrestling fan,” Barkley said on the show.
“So Jon Moxley, he’s one of the biggest stars for AEW. He left three months ago for alcohol treatment. You know I had a younger brother who passed away so I know a lot about addiction, and he just came back this week and I just want him to know, we never met, I just want to say, man, I’m really proud of him.”
Barkley continued, “I wish him nothing but the best. I’ve been through it with my family and, man, it’s a tough situation. But I just want him to know that I’m really proud of him and just keep battling. It’s all you can do. So, shoutout to those guys.”
You can listen to Charles Barkley’s comments about Jon Moxley here:
Paul Heyman has shared his unique insight on CM Punk’s return to professional wrestling. According to Heyman, Punk is still riding the momentum of the excitement surrounding his return. He believes it will be at least a year until we can truly evaluate the impact of his current run.
Heyman appeared on The Ringer’s The Masked Man Show podcast this week to promote Saturday’s WWE Royal Rumble premium live event. He spoke with David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide about working closely with Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns, what it means to be a Paul Heyman Guy and much more.
CM Punk returned to wrestling last summer. He made his debut for All Elite Wrestling at AEW Rampage: The First Dance on August 20, 2021. Since then, Punk has worked memorable programs with Darby Allin and MJF. He appears to be thoroughly enjoying himself, a stark contrast from when he left WWE in 2014.
When asked what he thinks about the work CM Punk is doing in AEW, Paul Heyman says he’s not sure if Punk should be judged on the work he is currently doing.
“I think what will be interesting is what happens when the novelty that he’s back wears off, both for the audience and for him.”
– Paul Heyman on CM Punk’s return to wrestling
According to the mastermind behind ECW, it’s going to take some time before we can truly gauge Punk’s return to wrestling. Will Punk simply ride the wave of nostalgia, or will he revolutionize the business again?
“What happens a year from now? How’s he going to feel? How will the audience look at him and accept him in a year? If he can continue to drive himself to being a progressive, compelling, riveting character on the cutting edge that presents himself in a different manner than anybody else can present himself, herself, then he’s going to be fascinating character to watch.”
Heyman continued, “If he can’t, then he’s going to be someone that came back, rode a wave of nostalgia but didn’t progress into the future when he as a rebel was always looking forward in the business and never trying to live off what the business had already accomplished or what he had already accomplished in the business.”
What fascinates Paul Heyman most is the vision CM Punk has for his character. We are still in the “honeymoon period” of Punk being back in wrestling.
CM Punk & Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns & CM Punk
Heyman says Punk’s current situation is very similar to Roman Reigns’ transition from The Big Dog to The Tribal Chief. Before they joined forces on WWE television, Heyman had a heart-to-heart conversation with Reigns. He told Reigns that everything he had done up to that point was the “appetizer” of his career. Even though he had already main evented WrestleMania four times, that was practice.
“This is where your legacy gets crafted,” he told Reigns. “This is your Hall of Fame run. This is what you will be remembered for and everything before was just getting you here, including four WrestleMania main events.”
Heyman says CM Punk is still in the “warm up” phase of what could be an all-time great career. A year from now, when this current honeymoon phase is over, he’ll have a chance to solidify his legacy.
“Where does he take the CM Punk character in 2023, 2024, 2025? Can he make that character so progressive, so revolutionary, so evolutionary, so riveting, so compelling, so different and unique than anybody that’s out there that he truly defines himself as a transformative figure, a true disruptor in the professional wrestling/sports-entertainment game? That’s the interesting part to me.”
Heyman added that “momentum eventually stops” and Punk has to create the next wave of momentum to truly touch the audience in a meaningful way.
