SEScoops

Category: AEW

  • Rhodes To The Top Renewed For Second Season

    Rhodes To The Top Renewed For Second Season

    Brandi and Cody Rhodes’ “Rhodes to the Top” reality series has been renewed for a second season, according to a report from the Wrestling Observer. The first season consisted of 13 episodes and has a 48% approval rating currently on Rotten Tomatoes.

    The first season of the show averaged 360,000 viewers per episode and a 0.15 rating in the 18-49 demographic.

    Episodes of the show are also available for viewing on TNT’s website here.

    “Rhodes to the Top will take viewers behind-the-scenes as the powerhouse couple manage their ever-busier lives inside and outside the ring, all the while surrounded by a colorful and often hilarious motley crew of wrestlers, family and friends who both support and test them at every turn. Married in 2013, Cody and Brandi have been on an unprecedented path to wrestling greatness, but will now face their newest and possibly biggest challenge yet,” reads a description of the show on TNT’s website.

    In an interview with the Wrap, Cody explained how the show peels back the curtain on the wrestling industry.

    “Me, being an old-school wrester, that was always so taboo and almost scary to really pull the curtain back that far,” Rhodes explained. “But it’s almost insulting the audience’s intelligence not to do it this day and age because we have such a hardcore fan, a super fan that makes up the base of who watches AEW.”

  • Tony Khan Defends Adam Cole: “He’s Over AF” – Cole Replies

    Tony Khan Defends Adam Cole: “He’s Over AF” – Cole Replies

    Tony Khan has responded to social media hot takes criticizing Adam Cole’s booking in AEW.

    Adam Cole made his AEW debut at the end of the All Out PPV back in September. Since that time, he has realigned with Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks of The Elite.

    While Cole has been getting fantastic crowd reactions, some believe he isn’t being presented as a headliner.

    Over AF

    Tony Khan responded to someone on Twitter who expressed his belief that Cole isn’t being utilized to his fullest potential.

    “It’s false equivalence, Will. They try to move the line with ridiculous points aiming to dispute the credibility of something credible. Adam Cole is over af, he’s pushed & has many more young fans watching him than he did on Tuesdays. Would we argue if they said water wasn’t wet?”

    Adam Cole’s take

    Adam Cole addressed the banter about him. He wrote on Twitter, “No matter where I’ve gone…no matter how long it takes… I’ve always become “the guy.” Always.

    Adam Cole was seen in action at the Full Gear PPV. He teamed with The Young Bucks to take on Christian Cage and Jurassic Express. The Superkliq ended up losing the match.

    AEW was able to scoop Cole up once his WWE contract ended. Cole had competed on the NXT brand where he was the promotion’s main champion over a year.

    As of late, Cole has once again joined forces with Bobby Fish. Fans, however, have taken notice of Cole seemingly leaving Fish high and dry when things don’t go their way.

    Do you think Adam Cole is being underutilized by AEW?

  • Bully Ray Isn’t A Fan Of CM Punk’s ‘Needle Dick’ Line

    Bully Ray Isn’t A Fan Of CM Punk’s ‘Needle Dick’ Line

    Bully Ray had a lot to say about the CM Punk-MJF promo and he isn’t a fan of one zinger.

    On the Nov. 24 episode of Dynamite, fans got to witness the long-anticipated verbal battle between Punk and MJF. Both men hurled some digs that garnered big reactions from the crowd in Chicago.

    Bully Ray Criticizes CM Punk One-Liner

    On a new episode of Busted Open Radio, Bully Ray had a suggestion for Punk’s future promos with MJF and explained why he hated the “needle dick” line.

    “So, if I’m CM Punk you know what I’m gonna do? I’m gonna let MJF pile all those shots on me.

    “I’m gonna let him get in as much steam on me as I possibly can because I know I don’t have enough material to come back at him with.

    “He doesn’t have that much time in the business and the amount of time he does have he’s been doing so well.

    “If I’m Punk in that situation, and this is definitely a Monday morning quarterback call cause I haven’t thought about this until now, I think I might let him get the best of me for real.

    “Pile on so much heat that people are like, ‘Holy crap, Punk’s in a lot of trouble.’ And then have to do the one thing that you can beat him at, with your fists.

    “That’s why I thought the needle dick line was stupid. ‘I’d like to punch you right in your needle dick.’ You’re supposed to wanna punch him in the face.”

    Punk and MJF don’t have a matchup lined up officially but that definitely seems to be the plan. Both men competed in separate matches at Full Gear. Punk defeated Eddie Kingston, while MJF pinned Darby Allin.

    Please H/T SEScoops with a link if you use any quotes from this article

  • AEW’s Dante Martin Responds To Critics Of His Flashy In-Ring Style

    AEW’s Dante Martin Responds To Critics Of His Flashy In-Ring Style

    AEW star Dante Martin is aware of those who are critical of him due to his high-flying style. Very few wrestlers can get as much hang-time as Martin.

    His flashiness has left many in awe. With that said, you can’t please everyone. Some fans have been vocal about wanting to see Martin develop other skills, such as mic work, facial expressions and in-ring storytelling.

    During a recent chat with Jon Alba, the 20-year old Dante Martin was asked about people who are critical of his work.

    “I think to the critics, they’re gonna voice their opinion and as long as overall the people are happy and you’re doing your job to the best you can that’s all that really matters,” he said. “People are gonna say what they’re gonna say at the end of the day. Whether your back’s turned or facing them, you just gotta do you.”

    Assistance From Dean Malenko

    Dean Malenko is one of the most renowned cruiserweights in wrestling history. He currently serves as a senior producer for AEW and Martin hasn’t hesitated to pick his brain.

    “For sure. Just about every week I pull him to the side and we talk a little bit. He gives me an amazing amount of helpful tips, tricks, things he’s learned, different ways to set things up. He’s an amazing coach.”

    Martin turned some heads with a recent angle on AEW TV. He ditched Lio Rush in favor of signing a contract to be a part of Team Taz.

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  • Ric Flair Offered A Match Against Sammy Guevara in Israel

    Ric Flair Offered A Match Against Sammy Guevara in Israel

    Ric Flair says a wrestling promoter based out of Israel offered him a chance to get back in the ring against Sammy Guevara.

    During the latest episode of his WOOOOO! Nation Uncensored podcast, the Nature Boy says he’s open to lacing up the boots once again.

    However, he doesn’t work cheap. Flair told his co-host Mark Madden his asking price is a hundred grand.

    “$100,000 and two first-class tickets, I’m there.”

    – Ric Flair

    Ric Flair isn’t flying halfway around the world on a handshake. He would also require 50% of the payday up-front. He added, “50-percent down, 50-percent after I beat Sammy.”

    Flair called Sammy Guevara a “great” talent who could carry him to a 15-20 minute match. He’s still in the gym training, just in case.

    Ric Flair’s In-Ring Future

    A few weeks ago, the 72-year-old Flair said WWE is preventing him from “doing anything” at the moment.

    “WWE won’t let me do anything, even though I’m released,” he said. “I understand, they have so much liability and I told them I would sign anything, but nobody wants me to die on their watch. I’d rather die in the ring. If I have to go. I’d rather not jump off the 19th floor or spend another 31 days in the ICU.”

    Flair tweeted the following on Monday morning that if he’s going to die, it’s going to be “next to his hot wife” or in the ring next to Sammy Guevara.

    The reigning AEW TNT Champion replied, “Wrestling God vs. Spanish God”

    Listen to Ric Flair talking about receiving an offer to wrestle Sammy Guevara:

  • Update On AEW Looking To Re-Sign Talent With Expiring Contracts

    Update On AEW Looking To Re-Sign Talent With Expiring Contracts

    It was recently revealed that the Young Bucks have signed contract extensions with AEW that will take them into 2024. According to comments made by Wade Keller of PW Torch, some talent in the company with expiring contracts are wondering what type of deal they will get when their current contracts expire.

    “There are people I’ve talked to in AEW who are looking at their contracts and wondering what their deal is gonna be next time when their first deals come up,” Keller said. “And how much leverage they’re gonna have with WWE or New Japan or heck, GCW with their ticket sales these days or the indie scene as an option to book yourself. It’s gonna be interesting to watch.”

    With the Young Bucks now having re-signed, AEW reportedly wants to get the other 2 EVPs to re-sign as well. Keller continued to say that he’s heard Tony Khan wants to lock up Cody Rhodes and Kenny Omega for more years as well.

    “I have heard the intent and the hope is that Cody and Kenny and Tony all come to deals,” Keller said. “There’s not signs that any of them want to leave or are disgruntled to the point that they shouldn’t be able to come to an extension but I don’t know the situation.”

    “Maybe Cody and Kenny already signed extensions and they kept it quiet. Actually, I’m pretty sure that hasn’t happened now that I think about it from people I’ve talked to. I think Cody and Kenny might be next in terms of signing extensions.”

    The Elite Sign With AEW

    Cody Rhodes, Kenny Omega, and the Young Bucks were all named EVPs of the company in addition to signing as talent in early 2019/late 2018. The promotion was officially announced on New Year’s Day in 2019. The announcement was made in a video posted to the “Being the Elite” YouTube channel. Hangman Page signed with AEW as a talent only. Then-Elite member Marty Scurll was still under contract to Ring of Honor and would eventually re-sign with that promotion before being officially released in early 2021.

    H/T To Wrestling Inc. for transcriptions.

  • Backstage Reaction to the CM Punk vs. MJF Segment from Dynamite

    Backstage Reaction to the CM Punk vs. MJF Segment from Dynamite

    Mark Henry recently revealed the backstage reaction to the CM Punk – MJF segment which kicked off Dynamite last week. According to Henry, the promo battle got a big reaction from the AEW roster.

    Henry also said that he had to walk out to the crowd to feel the live reaction as well.

    “I started off at the monitor. I’m sitting at the monitor. There’s 30 wrestlers sitting around that area, and everybody is popping,” Henry said on Busted Open Radio.

    “If you’re popping wrestlers, you’ve done something in your life. You won. I had to get up, walk out to the crowd to feel it because that’s why people go to wrestling. People go to wrestling because of how you feel, not because you just want to be entertained.”

    Live reaction to CM Punk vs. MJF

    Mark Henry continued to speak on the reaction from the live crowd inside Chicago’s Wintrust Arena.

    “It felt like electricity moving my clothes one zinger to another one, one zinger back and forth. The city of Chicago, everybody that was there, will get to tell people for the rest of their lives, ‘I was at that show where CM Punk and MJF went toe to toe, a battle of wits, over 20 minutes, and not one punch connected.’ It was arguably the best verbal jousting that I’ve ever seen.”

    Amongst the many verbal shots that were taken in the promo was CM Punk referring to MJF as a “less famous version of The Miz.”

    MJF also took a shot at CM Punk’s short-lived UFC career.

    One of Punk’s lines that got a big reaction was when he said that the only way MJF will ever become the #1 guy is if Tony Khan has a daughter that he marries.

    AEW has posted the entire segment to YouTube. It is available in the player below:

    H/T to WrestlingNewsCO for transcriptions.

  • Bryan Danielson Reveals Which Younger AEW Talent He Wants to Work With

    Bryan Danielson Reveals Which Younger AEW Talent He Wants to Work With

    Former WWE Superstar and current AEW star Bryan Danielson recently revealed which younger talents he sees on the All Elite roster as people he would like to work with.

    Danielson has already been wrestling on most shows since he made his on-screen debut for the company at AEW All Out, but there are some names that he wants to get in the ring with/

    “As far as from the young guy perspective, I really like Daniel Garcia’s style. I think Dante Martin is incredible. So there’s those guys” Danielson began, speaking on the Casual Conversations podcast.

    Bryan Danielson on Younger AEW Talent

    “There’s Darby Allin, who I think is just fantastic. I worry about him physically about all the stuff he puts his body through. They’re all kind of different. Dante, who’s doing this incredible high-flying. Darby, he does stuff that seems a little reckless but I find him to be very psychologically sound and also this great character” Danielson added.

    “Daniel Garcia is an excellent technical wrestler. You got MJF, who is evolving what you would have called the standard heel act. But he’s evolving in a way that’s modern, and it doesn’t feel like he’s just out there being a heel, it feels like he’s an a**hole” Bryan continued, praising Maxwell Jacob Friedman.

    Who do you want to see Bryan Danielson face in AEW? Let us know in the comments

  • Bryan Danielson Excited to Work with CM Punk in AEW

    Bryan Danielson Excited to Work with CM Punk in AEW

    Bryan Danielson is eager to work with CM Punk in AEW, whether they are tag team partners or opponents.

    The American Dragon appeared on the Casual Conversations podcast this week and discussed the possibility of teaming with Punk against the Young Bucks or FTR.

    “Yeah I mean, I think both of those are really exciting to me,” he began. “You also mentioned 2 teams that I would love to do a serious program with not just a one-off thing.”

    Danielson knows people want to see him and Punk joining forces to battle AEW’s top tag teams. However, he’s also interested in working against the Chicago made cult hero. Danielson and Punk never got a chance to clash on a big stage like WrestleMania. In AEW, that could become a very real possibility.

    “Who better to team with than Punk,” Bryan continued. “Although, you know I always thought and said this even when I was in WWE. It felt to me like Punk and I were destined to do a WrestleMania match together and then it never happened. It felt like, man, it’s so perfect and it makes so much sense that we would have this WrestleMania match against each other, but it never happened.”

    Who is the Best in the World?

    CM Punk Bryan Danielson WWE

    It’s been years since Danielson and Punk shared a ring. Sooner or later, they may have to determine who is the Best in the World once and for all.

    “Given the time of how long it’s been since we’ve been in a ring against each other or even as a tag-team, like now I feel like when we do it, it’ll be big and big in a different way,” he added.”

    “That’s something I look forward to, I also like the idea of us battling each other over who the real ‘Best in the World’ is, I think that sounds like a lot of fun.”

    Listen to Bryan Danielson on Casual Conversations:

  • Thunder Rosa Praises Recent AEW Women’s Match

    Thunder Rosa Praises Recent AEW Women’s Match

    Thunder Rosa has heaped praise on a TBS Title Tournament match.

    Rosa has advanced to the semifinals of the tourney. She did so by defeating Jamie Hayter on the Nov. 24 episode of AEW Dynamite. Rosa is now due to meet Jade Cargill.

    Thunder Rosa Impressed By This Match

    A quarterfinal match between Nyla Rose and Hikaru Shida aired live on Nov. 17. Nyla picked up the win with assists from her manager Vickie Guerrero and Serena Deeb.

    Speaking to Dave LaGreca and Tommy Dreamer on Busted Open Radio, Thunder Rosa said she was highly invested in Nyla vs. Shida throughout.

    “One of the matches that I saw recently was Shida and Nyla. I know they’ve wrestled so many times but when it was over I was like, ‘This is exactly what I wanna watch on TV all the time.’

    “The level of intensity, the storytelling, like all that kind of stuff to me was really really good.”

    On the Full Gear Buy-In show, Rosa teamed with Shida to take on Nyla and Hayter. Thunder said she knew the match delivered while she was performing.

    “And then when we get the Buy-In, I was extremely nervous cause opening matches are so important cause that sets the tone for the whole entire show.

    “When I was there and we were all going at it I was like, ‘Holy crap this is good. This is a good feeling. We got the people and this is it. We are engaging our fans and they’re believing in what we’re doing in the women’s division.’”

    Thunder Rosa is in an interesting spot. While she’d probably be considered the favorite to win the TBS Title in most cases, many believe she’s primed to eventually take the AEW Women’s Championship from Britt Baker.

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  • Tony Khan Comments On Possible Bidding War For MJF In 2024

    Tony Khan Comments On Possible Bidding War For MJF In 2024

    During a recent promo, MJF noted that he is going to cause a bidding war to occur in 2024 when his AEW contract is up. AEW President Tony Khan recently appeared on Busted Open Radio and noted that he was aware MJF was going to make those statements and he’s also prepared to engage in such a bidding war.

    “Yes, I knew he was going to say that, he’s been saying it for a long time,” Khan said on the show. “I have no problem with it. I signed him to a five year contract two years ago, he has three years left. I’m totally fine. There may be a bidding war in 2024, I’m fine with that.”

    Khan continued to say during the conversation that anyone who signs with WWE these days is only signing a temporary arrangement, not a real contract.

    “Anyone who signs a contract (with WWE) these days, is not signing a real contract. It’s a temporary arrangement. People who come wrestle with me, a lot of these people are frankly lifers and they know that,” Khan said.

    Tony Khan: Anyone Signing With WWE Is Not Signing A Real Contract

    “There is a lot more security with a contract here. I can’t say I’m going to extend every contract or bring every person back, but I also haven’t been doing mass layoffs,” Khan continued.  

  • Young Bucks Sign New Long-Term Contracts With AEW

    Young Bucks Sign New Long-Term Contracts With AEW

    Matt & Nick Jackson have signed new contracts with AEW. News that the Young Bucks have signed new long-term deals with the company was reported in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

    Regarding the Young Bucks, Dave Melter wrote that they did “sign a new contract which will keep them with the company through at least 2026.”

    Update: It has since been revealed that their current contracts have only been extended until 2024.

    The Young Bucks are also EVPs with AEW as well. Their signing with the company in early 2019 was one of the catalysts of the promotion starting.

    The Young Bucks hold the record for the longest reign with the AEW World Tag Team Championships. Their 302 day reign lasted from Full Gear 2020 until All Out 2021. They are tied for the most title defenses as well with 9. Kenny Omega and Hangman Page also successfully defended the titles 9 times.

    During a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, the Young Bucks commented on what it is like to have Adam Cole in the AEW locker room.

    “I can’t fully express the happiness I currently have, sharing a ring with Adam Cole again,” Matt Jackson said. “His positivity and energy had really helped the morale in our locker room. I haven’t stopped smiling since he showed up. When he arrived, it felt like we finally found that missing piece of the puzzle. The whole gang is finally back together. We hadn’t worked together in five years, but the chemistry was still there. The dude is a star and getting some of the biggest reactions I’ve ever heard.”

    The Young Bucks Comment On Having Adam Cole In The AEW Locker Room
  • Cody Rhodes Deactivates Twitter, Then Gives It To AEW Community Outreach Team

    Cody Rhodes Deactivates Twitter, Then Gives It To AEW Community Outreach Team

    Earlier this month, Cody Rhodes deactivated his Twitter account @CodyRhodes. The account has since been reactivated but with some changes. The name now listed on the account is “AEW Community Outreach”.

    Several people on social media have noted that Rhodes took to Instagram stories to say that his Twitter account will be given to the AEW Community Outreach Team.

    “I know folks were upset I deactivated my Twitter – but I’ve decided to lend those followers and transition the account to The AEW COMMUNITY OUTREACH TEAM! Good people doing good things for each other. Happy Thanksgiving!”

    It’s possible Rhodes decided to leave Twitter in response to negativity from fans. That is just speculation, however. Rhodes has been receiving a negative reaction from fans as of late which was clear in Chicago on Wednesday night. The live crowd in the Wintrust Arena booed Cody throughout his main event match. When Rhodes tossed his weight belt into the crowd, the person who caught it ended up throwing it back. After the show went off the air, Rhodes teased exiting through the “heel” tunnel on the left as well. More on what happened with Cody and the live crowd in Chicago is available in the link below:

    Brandi Rhodes & Aubrey Edwards Comment On Fan Throwing Cody’s Belt Back
  • Ric Flair Wants To See Charlotte Wrestle Britt Baker

    Ric Flair Wants To See Charlotte Wrestle Britt Baker

    Ric Flair wants to see his daughter Charlotte mix it up with reigning AEW Women’s World Champion, Britt Baker.

    On the latest episode of his Wooooo Nation Uncensored podcast, Flair hyped up this potential dream match.

    “Britt Baker is definitely a very nice person but, you know, I wish her nothing but the best,” said Flair. “However, I would love to see her facing Charlotte.”

    As for if we will ever see that match, Flair says it all comes down to business.

    Charlotte & Britt Baker

    We’ll have to see if Charlotte Flair ever leaves WWE for AEW. However, if that were to happen, Charlotte vs. Britt Baker would be a no brainer.

    Britt Baker recently named Charlotte as one of the people who inspired her to get into pro wrestling, along with Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks and Bayley.

    Charlotte Flair also aware that many fans are clamoring for this dream match. During a live podcast with Renee Paquette that took place over the summer, Charlotte was showered with “DMD” chants. You can see how she reacted below:

    Charlotte Flair Showered With “DMD” Chants During Live Interview

    Ric Flair Done With WWE

    Flair has been making a lot of headlines with comments he’s made on the new podcast. Flair lashed out at the treatment he received towards the end of his latest WWE run.

    The Nature Boy so offended by the way he was treated by WWE President Nick Khan that he’s vowed to never work with the company again.

    “I could never work for Nick Khan in my entire life,” said Flair. “Vince McMahon, I could work for. Nick Khan [is] the guy who orchestrated taking me off the show. I’ve got my facts together, orchestrated taking the ‘wooo’ off – never in a million years.”

  • Jim Ross Stepping Away From AEW To Undergo Radiation Treatment

    Jim Ross Stepping Away From AEW To Undergo Radiation Treatment

    Jim Ross has announced he’s taking over a month off from AEW programming while he undergoes radiation treatment related to his recent skin cancer diagnosis.

    The Hall of Fame broadcaster got people wondering about his future with comments he made at the conclusion of AEW Dynamite. He signed off by saying, “I’ll see you again in the very near future.”

    Ross cleared things up with his latest tweet. He confirmed that he will begin a series of 22 radiation treatments starting this coming Monday. JR hopes to be back behind the announcer’s desk by the end of the year.

    He also thanked AEW President Tony Khan for supporting him and his decision to pursue this method of treatment for his skin cancer.

    “Due to my skin cancer care totaling 22 radiation treatments starting Monday, I will hopefully return to the announce desk on December 29 in Jacksonville. @TonyKhan supports me on this strategy which has been a blessing. My thanks for all your support.”

    Several pro wrestling personalities replied to Jim Ross’ tweet with support, including Tony Khan, CM Punk, Matt Hardy, James Storm and Rob Van Dam.

    https://twitter.com/LanceStorm/status/1464051636834213890

    Jim Ross’ Skin Cancer

    Jim Ross was diagnosed with skin cancer back in October. He had revealed that he was waiting for his radiologist to determine the best treatment for him.

    In November, the wrestling veteran confirmed that he won’t need to undergo chemotherapy. He will just need to do radiation treatments instead.

    This isn’t the first time Ross is dealing with skin cancer. He underwent a skin procedure back in 2016 and he had cancer removed from his shoulder in 2018.

    SEScoops wishes Jim Ross a complete and speedy recovery.

    Jim Ross Discusses “The Plane Ride From Hell”
  • Darby Allin Pays Tribute To Recently Deceased Punk Singer On Dynamite

    Darby Allin Pays Tribute To Recently Deceased Punk Singer On Dynamite

    This week on AEW Dynamite, Darby Allin’s facepaint was a little different than usual. There was a notable design change around his eye. The design is similar to the one often worn by Hank von Hell (Hans-Erik Dyvik Husby), who at one time was the lead singer of the Norwegian Death Punk band Turbonegro.

    Von Hell died on November 19th, 2021 and Allin’s facepaint change was a likely tribute to him. He was 49. No cause for his death has been revealed.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CWeavVjME2N/

    “It is with immense sadness we received the tragic news that Hans-Erik «Hertis» Dyvik Husby has passed away,” reads the band’s tribute to their singer on Instagram. “We are thankful for the times, the moments and the magic we shared with Hans-Erik in Turbonegro during the years 1993-2009.”

    Footage of Van Hell performing is available in the player below:

    Darby Allin appeared on AEW last night as him and Sting confronted The Gunn Club. Billy and Colten Gunn had just defeated Bear Country when Sting appeared on the ramp. On Rampage last week, Darby Allin had defeated Billy Gunn in single’s action before The Gunn Club attacked both him and Sting after the match.

    As Austin Gunn ran after Sting, Darby Allin came out of nowhere and took him out. Sting and Darby Allin then attempted to enter the ring but the remaining members of The Gunn Club bailed.

  • Thunder Rosa Says She’d Like To Face Ember Moon In AEW

    Thunder Rosa Says She’d Like To Face Ember Moon In AEW

    Thunder Rosa was a guest on Busted Open Radio recently and spoke about wrestlers she would like to face in AEW. She noted that Ember Moon, who was released by WWE earlier this month, is someone she’d like to get in the ring with.

    “Ember Moon. I have not had the opportunity to work with her. She’s one of the Dallas veterans, I mean Texas veterans,” Rosa said. “She worked for so long in NXT and I don’t think they gave her the platform she deserved. Because she’s so good and so underrated. So, hopefully, I get the opportunity to work with her. It would be a banger.”

    Rosa also spoke about how she is thankful to have Tony Khan’s support in AEW.

    “I just want to say I am really thankful that I found somebody like Tony Khan. To believe in what I can bring to a company like this. I don’t think that if he didn’t see what my team and my husband and everybody has seen. I wouldn’t be able to be where I am right now, I was given so many tools and so many opportunities and such a great platform,” Rosa said. “I am so blessed that I get to surround myself with positive people that want the best for me and want to see me succeed. I don’t think I would have done this by myself.”

    The entire interview with Thunder Rosa is available in the player below:

    Thunder Rosa was in action last night on Dynamite. She defeated Jamie Hayter in quarter-finals action from the TBS title tournament. Rosa will now face Jade Cargill in the tournament semi-finals.

  • Watch What Happened After AW Dynamite Went Off The Air

    Watch What Happened After AW Dynamite Went Off The Air


    Wrestling fans who were in attendance for Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite were treated to some post-show shenanigans after the cameras stopped rolling.

    Following the Dynamite and Rampage tapings, AEW President Tony Khan and CM Punk came out to the ring. Punk had Britt Baker’s red “leather” jacket with him, which actually fit better than you might expect.

    Punk thanked the Chicago crowd for coming out and once again being one of AEW’s most vocal and rowdy fanbases.

    They announced that AEW will return to Chicago on Wednesday, February 2nd for another live edition of Dynamite. Tickets for that show go on sale this Saturday.

    CM Punk said it’s still surreal to be able to perform in front of the best wrestling fans on earth.

    “The only thing I can really say that means the most is from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much,” said Punk. “It’s still surreal and still very, very good to be in front of the best professional wrestling fans in the world.”

    Check out this ringside footage of the post-show happenings, courtesy of super-fan Brock Lesnar Guy:

  • Austin Gunn Apologizes For Offensive Tweets From 2013

    Austin Gunn Apologizes For Offensive Tweets From 2013

    Austin Gunn has issued an apology after Tweets he posted in 2013 were brought to light recently.

    The Public Enemies Podcast posted a series of screenshots of Austin’s Tweets.

    Big Swole issues a brief comment on the Tweets as well.

    https://twitter.com/SwoleWorld/status/1463688415187197955

    Austin Gunn posted the following last night:

    “Extremely insensitive tweets/replies I made when I was 17 years old in 2013 have been brought to my attention. I don’t have the words to describe how I’m feeling right now. There is no excuse for it, and I am deeply sorry,” wrote Austin.

    “I am trying to become a better version of myself. For that reason, and to make progress towards being the man I want to be, I apologize to anyone I’ve hurt with these tweets. To the wrestlers in the back, to the fans around the world, to everyone, I am so sorry.”

    Gunn also noted that he has attended sensitivity training classes provided by AEW.

    “AEW regularly provides excellent sensitivity programs that I have attended multiple times. I want to continue to learn from my mistakes, improve my view on the world, and strive to be a person my parents would be proud of.”

    His full statement is available in the below Tweet:

    Austin Gunn was in the corner for his father and brother last night. Billy and Colten Gunn defeated Bear Country before being confronted by Darby Allin and Sting. Allin defeated Billy Gunn on Rampage last week.

  • Brandi Rhodes & Aubrey Edwards Comment On Fan Throwing Cody’s Belt Back

    Brandi Rhodes & Aubrey Edwards Comment On Fan Throwing Cody’s Belt Back

    Last night in the main event of AEW Dynamite, Cody Rhodes tossed his weight belt into the crowd as he often does. This time, however, the Chicago crowd chanted for the person who caught it to throw it back.

    The fan obliged and the belt landed on the apron of the ring.

    Brandi Rhodes was on Twitter and seemed to throw shade at the fans that were chanting for the belt to be tossed back in.

    Edwards would later confirm that the belt did not hit her, however.

    Apparently, Cody has given Aubrey advanced warning that the belt getting thrown back is something that could happen. She posted the following to Twitter last night:

    Aubrey also reacted to Brandi’s Tweet about the belt being tossed back in the ring:

    After the show went off the air, Cody teased going through the left tunnel (aka the “heel” tunnel) when leaving.

    Andrade would then put the belt under the ring for some reason. It would later be retrieved and given back to Rhodes. He put the belt back on and later tossed it back into the crowd, although this time it looked as though he was lobbing it at someone specific. It was not tossed back in a second time.

    Some have expressed that the belt getting tossed back in was similar what happened with John Cena and his shirt at ECW: One Night Stand 2006.

    Paul Heyman Reflects On John Cena’s ECW One Night Stand Performance
  • Britt Baker Reacts To CM Punk Saying She’s Replaced MJF In AEW’s 4 Pillars

    Britt Baker Reacts To CM Punk Saying She’s Replaced MJF In AEW’s 4 Pillars

    During the opening segment of last night’s AEW Dynamite, CM Punk told MJF he’s been replaced in the 4 pillars of the promotion by Britt Baker. The AEW Women’s World Champion responded to this recently on social media.

    A user on Twitter quickly put together updated art work for the 4 Pillars of AEW t-shirt:

    https://twitter.com/AllEliteCody/status/1463682619401510918

    Later in the night, after the cameras stopped rolling, CM Punk appeared wearing Britt Baker’s jacket for some reason. Baker also responded to this on social media.

    Mick Foley also commented on Britt Baker on social media last night. He noted that Baker always looks a tad jealous whenever Thunder Rosa is in the ring.

    “Is it just me, or can you see the envy in Britt Baker’s eyes when Thunder Rosa is in the ring?” Foley Tweeted.

    Baker responded to Foley as well.

    The last time Punk was in Chicago, he noted that the crowd sure knew how to make a guy feel like “Britt Baker in Pittsburgh.” Baker commented to ESPN on what that meant to her.

    “So you gotta remember I am a fan. I grew up watching CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Christian, Matt Hardy.” said Britt Baker, “So all these guys I get to work with now is surreal. It’s like a ‘pinch me’ moment. That my idols are my co-workers.”

    “So I am in the back at the screen watching as a fan, watching CM Punk and he says my name, I am like ‘Did everybody hear that?’ I mean it’s so cool. Sure, we share the stage and we are both stars but that’s somebody that I was a fan of. So that’s a very very cool feeling as a wrestler, as a wrestling fan, for someone you idolize to say your name.”

    Britt Baker On CM Punk Mentioning Her Name During His Debut Promo
  • Matt Hardy Reveals His Dream Retirement Match

    Matt Hardy Reveals His Dream Retirement Match

    Matt Hardy is currently enjoying his stint as a wrestler and manager in AEW. Though at the age of 47 years, the prospect of retirement is lingering around the back of his mind. The wrestling veteran has a couple of interesting scenarios for it. Hardy was asked about a dream retirement match during his latest appearance on AEW Unrestricted. Replying to it, he showed interest in a one on one match with Kenny Omega:

    “A dream retirement match would maybe be something against Kenny Omega. I can see that. I’ve never gotten to do a one on one with Kenny Omega and I think he is absolutely one of the most talented guys alive. Even more than that. I would maybe even say a better retirement would be myself and my brother, if that works out in the future, verses like The [Young] Bucks or one of the current tag teams [in AEW]. I would definitely like to end on that note, for sure. That’s how we came in and [I] would kind of like to go out that way.”

    Matt Hardy Wants To Be Remembered As A Fearless Wrestler

    The Hardy Boys have been wrestling for almost 3 dacades

    The other part of the question was what would he like to be remembered for once he has hanged his boots for good. In response, Matt Hardy explained that he would want to be remembered as one of the most fearless wrestlers of all time. Not only from the physical aspect of things but from a creative aspect as well:

    “I almost want to be remembered to be one of the most passionate wrestlers of all time, because I am. I’m one of those guys who love this. I grew up a huge fan and I was able to do it. I was able to achieve some success and I’ve always been very passionate [about] everything I’ve done. [I] also want to be remembered as being a fearless wrestler, not necessarily from aspect of taking chance and taking risks even though I have done my fair share of that.

    Fearless from a creative aspect about not being afraid to try different things and sometimes they work and they’re a huge success. Sometimes they don’t. And then you go back to the drawing board. So, I would like to be remembered for being a fearless competitor, especially from a creative aspect. I’ll take somewhat of the physical aspect too, athletically, but then also, just being a very passionate wrestler. One of the most passionate wrestlers of all time.”

    If you use any quotes from the article please credit SEScoops with a H/T for the transcription

    Matt Hardy On His First Interaction With Sting In AEW
  • Dante Martin Joins Team Taz, Baffles Darius Martin & Lio Rush

    Dante Martin Joins Team Taz, Baffles Darius Martin & Lio Rush

    Last night on AEW Dynamite, Dante Martin surprised everyone by officially signing a contract with Team Taz. This move seemed to surprise Lio Rush, who had been managing and teaming with the Top Flight Member as of late. It also seemed to surprise his brother, Darius.

    Both Darius and Lio Rush have commented on this development recently on social media.

    Dante Martin took to Twitter and simply posted the following:

    This led his brother to respond with the following:

    Lio Rush noted that he has been trying to reach Dante and has been unable to.

    https://twitter.com/TheLionelGreen/status/1463689242522103808
    https://twitter.com/TheLionelGreen/status/1463695613258780675

    “Don’t make me have to do this bro. I’ve been trying to call you all night.”

    https://twitter.com/TheLionelGreen/status/1463715745796341761

    Rush would continue to say he is now accepting submissions to be part of his team.

    https://twitter.com/TheLionelGreen/status/1463716540533067777

    Team Taz

    Brian Cage and Ricky Starks were announced as the first members of Team Taz on July 23rd, 2020. The faction would then spend several weeks recruiting Will “Powerhouse” Hobbs and were eventually successful that fall. Brian Cage would then leave the stable earlier this summer, and Ricky Starks defeated him for the FTW title. Taz’s son Hook would officially join the stable as well in December of 2020.

    Storylines involving Team Taz are often focussed on the FTW title. Brian Cage held the title for a year, defending it against Brian Pillman Jr., Brandon Cutler, and Will Hobbs before dropping it to Ricky Starks. Starks has defended the title once against Brian Cage and then twice on the Jericho Cruise against Sonny Kiss and Chuck Taylor.

  • Kurt Angle Compares AEW Star To AJ Styles: “They Have The It Factor”

    Kurt Angle Compares AEW Star To AJ Styles: “They Have The It Factor”

    While Kurt Angle has retired from active competition, the Olympic gold medallist still keeps an eye on the happenings of the wrestling world. The rise of AEW has been the biggest wrestling stories of the past few years and the former world champion has big praise for one of the stars that helped start the promotion.

    Chris Jericho interviewed Angle for an episode of Talk Is Jericho on Wrestling Rager At Sea Triple Whammy. The episode that was released recently saw the two long-time friends discussing a number of topics including Kurt’s TNA run. Speaking about his decision to join the company, Kurt Angle said wrestling with AJ Styles was one of the things that inspired him to join the promotion:

    “You know, I got to wrestle with AJ Styles. That was my inspiration coming into the company. I had my eyes set on AJ. He was one of the greatest overall performers I’ve ever seen. The stuff he can do in the ring. He was great at technical stuff. He was great at high-flying. He had the whole ball of wax.

    The great thing about AJ was you didn’t have to do any work. I mean, when you wrestled him it was like a night off. He did all the bumping. He did all the selling. He did all the flying around. All you did was catch him. And I could go an hour and a half with AJ and not even break a sweat.  But he’d be exhausted.”

    Angle Praises Kenny Omega

    Kurt Angle has long history with AJ Styles
    Kurt Angle has a long history with AJ Styles

    Kurt Angle also had some big praise for the former AEW world champion Kenny Omega. He said that Omega reminds him of the Phenomenal one. The former WWE star claimed that both these stars have the it factor:

    “Another wrestler that reminds me of AJ is Kenny Omega. Very much so. These guys are a step above everybody. For whatever reason. I don’t know what it is, but they have the it factor. These guys put on tremendous matches.

    I’m not buying all the six and seven star matches by Dave Meltzer, but the only person that gets like six, seven, eight, nine stars is Kenny Omega, and he deserves it. It’s really incredible how good he really is.”

    Apart from this, Kurt Angle talked about his feud with Samoa Joe. He revealed that he wanted to wait a few months after joining TNA and build the rivalry before finally having a match. Though the officials decided that they didn’t want to wait. Angle ended up facing Joe in his first PPV match for the organization at Genesis 2006.

    If you use any quotes from the article please credit SEScoops with a H/T for transcription

    Kurt Angle Reveals Most Dangerous Moonsault He Ever Landed
  • Rocky Romero Discusses WWE Contacting NJPW to Work Together

    Rocky Romero Discusses WWE Contacting NJPW to Work Together

    New Japan Pro Wrestling talent Rocky Romero shared his thoughts on WWE contacting NJPW about a partnership earlier this year.

    Romero appeared on the Battleground Podcast, where he discussed WWE interaction with NJPW. He revealed that WWE did try to work with NJPW with Bryan Danielson’s involvement. However, All Elite Wrestling President Tony Khan got involved by signing Danielson and has a working relationship with NJPW. Romero also shared that WWE does talk to NJPW once in a while.

    “…I can say that definitely, they(WWE) reached out. Definitely, WWE reached out, as they do every x amount of years, said Romero. He continued, “Obviously, like Danielson being in the middle of that was no secret, and it was no secret to Tony either or AEW.” Romero also added that he doesn’t believe a deal would’ve happened.

    WWE Discussions with NJPW

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter Dave Meltzer reported in May that WWE had negotiated with NJPW. He shared that Danielson was a part of the early talks between WWE and NJPW, but NXT was also involved in the negotiations.

    “The deal talked about would have been more likely be NXT focused and would have things beneficial for both sides, and it’s not like WWE is going to buy New Japan or bring in Kazuchika Okada to job for Randy Orton or all the crazy speculation from the past week,” wrote Dave Meltzer.

    WWE wanted to keep Danielson in the company with the talks with NJPW helping to re-sign him. However, he left WWE for All Elite Wrestling on September 5th.

    Rocky Romero on AEW Partnership with NJPW

    Romero believes that AEW is a good partnership for NJPW. Several NJPW talent like himself has appeared on NJPW this year. Romero thinks AEW has a better understanding of NJPW than WWE and that wrestlers leaving NJPW helped build AEW.

    “…New Japan wrestlers kind of leaving New Japan helped to start AEW, said Romero. He continued, So there has always been that cross-over connection, so it just seems to make sense in the grand scheme of things to now both companies working together.”

    AEW fans are anticipating more big-name NJPW talent to appear at an AEW event. However, Romero thinks you won’t see the likes of Kazuchika Okada appearing in AEW soon, as he thinks both companies are making long-term bookings with cross-promotion plans. Khan also had teased that more talent from NJPW may appear on AEW in the future.

    While other people have spoken out about WWE negotiations with NJPW, WWE hasn’t released a statement. It’s unclear if WWE is still trying to reach out to NJPW.