SEScoops

Category: AEW

  • Bryan Danielson Dismisses Notion That He’s Turned Heel

    Bryan Danielson Dismisses Notion That He’s Turned Heel

    Don’t call it a heel turn, says Bryan Danielson.

    Danielson has earned the right to challenge for the AEW World Heavyweight Championship. He secured that opportunity after defeating Miro in the finals of the title eliminator tournament at Full Gear.

    “The American Dragon” has already begun his feud with newly-minted champion “Hangman” Adam Page. Fans noticed a more passive-aggressive tone in Danielson’s promo.

    Of course, in the ring he’s as vicious as he’s been since going to AEW and as he was prior to his WWE run.

    Bryan Danielson Insists He’s Not The Bad Guy

    Following the Bryan Danielson promo and shoving match with Page, many have assumed the number one contender has turned heel. Appearing on Busted Open Radio, Danielson said that isn’t the case.

    “So, I don’t know what people are talking about. I thought the people of Virginia were giving me a really tough time.

    “I don’t think anything I said was wrong or even mean to say, ‘Hey, congratulations Hangman Adam Page. You are the world champion, I’m a little disappointed it’s not Kenny Omega because that’s who I wanted to beat for the AEW Championship.

    “‘And I’m a little disappointed that you’re not wrestling tonight and that you haven’t been wrestling that much and I’ve been wrestling every single week since I’ve come to AEW.’

    “I don’t think any of that is overtly mean [laughs]. I think because people boo me, and I’m not gonna lie I do enjoy being booed. There’s something just so fun about it [laughs].

    “So, I might lean into that a little bit more but there was nothing I said that was wrong or mean or anything like that. Now, because of that I’m gonna kick all of his friends’ heads in but I think I would be doing that anyway.

    “I don’t consider it a heel turn. I’m just being me.”

    Danielson is set to take on another one of Page’s friends, Colt Cabana on the Nov. 24 episode of Dynamite. Danielson already made quick work of Evil Uno and he’ll be in enemy territory as Cabana resides in Chicago.

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

  • Melissa Santos Reveals Brian Cage Got Backstage Heat In AEW Due To Her Comments

    Melissa Santos Reveals Brian Cage Got Backstage Heat In AEW Due To Her Comments

    Back in September, Melissa Santos made public statements that her husband Brian Cage was not being used right in AEW. According to comments she recently made to Chris Van Vliet, those comments ended up getting Cage heat backstage in AEW.

    “I got really spicy about it. Maybe I shouldn’t have. But then he got all the heat,” Santos said during the interview. “He didn’t even say anything. I know, I know. He got all the heat. I do feel bad about that because he loves wrestling, he loves AEW, absolutely adores Tony [Khan], loves being there and I feel like all of it came from the love of wanting [Brian Cage] to be more involved and that’s really it.”

    “It was just from a passionate place and because I’m all loud, loud, loud, I got him in trouble and I do feel bad for that because that wasn’t my intention.”

    What Did Melissa Santos Say Originally?

    Santos just put out a short 15-second clip on social media saying that Cage has been a world champion in multiple promotions and is currently being misused in AEW.

    “You see, Brian Cage is a superstar,” Santos said. “Those people who know him from indies, Impact, Lucha Underground where I met him, know that he’s a superstar. All you have to do is Google him and watch all his matches [at] PWG. He’s a superstar, and he’s being misused right now.”

    H/T to Post Wrestling for the transcriptions.

  • Jim Ross Recovering From Back Surgery, Expected To Work 11/24 Dynamite (Report)

    Jim Ross Recovering From Back Surgery, Expected To Work 11/24 Dynamite (Report)

    AEW play-by-play ace Jim Ross is said to have undergone back surgery.

    JR has a lot to deal with these days. He was recently diagnosed with skin cancer. He will be undergoing radiation treatment soon. Ross has made it clear that he doesn’t want to miss any time.

    Jim Ross Goes Under The Knife

    Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio reports Jim Ross has undergone back surgery. The good news is that Ross has reacted well to the procedure and plans on calling the action on the Nov. 24 episode of Dynamite.

    Earlier this month, JR revealed that he has to go through 22 radiation treatments during an episode of his Grilling JR podcast (h/t WrestlingNews.co).

    “I’m pretty good. I have this little cancer issue I’m trying to deal with. I’m going to start doing radiation soon. I have to do 22 radiation treatments.  Somehow I have to figure out how to do it on consecutive days. They would like to do it every day for I think 3 weeks, or whatever it is, maybe longer than that. I haven’t kept track. It’s inevitable. It’s coming. I have to deal with it. I haven’t found myself buried in the minutia of whether this is happening or that is happening.”

    Ross noted that since he won’t need chemotherapy, he doesn’t expect to miss time. With that said, JR did admit that keeping up with all of his radiation treatments will be a challenge.

    SEScoops wishes JR the very best in his recovery.

  • Kenny Omega Officially Stripped Of AAA Mega Championship

    Kenny Omega Officially Stripped Of AAA Mega Championship

    AAA has officially stripped Kenny Omega of the Mega Championship. He will not take part in their December 4th show where he was scheduled to defend the title against El Vikingo. Omega won the title from Fenix at Héroes Inmortales XIII on October 19th, 2019.

    Dorian Roldan made the announcement today.

    “Due to injury and surgery issues, Kenny Omega may not be present at Triplemania Regia ; Therefore, as of this moment, the MegaChampionship of AAA remains vacant, with El Vikingo as the first challenger; more news soon,” reads a translation of his Tweet.

    There is no timetable for Omega’s return to in-ring action currently. His various injuries were addressed recently on Wrestling Observer Radio.

    “He has a lot of different issues, knee, shoulder, abdominal hernia that he’s been working through,” said Dave Meltzer. “There’s others too. He’ll be getting multiple surgeries, most likely. Everything is kind of to be determined.” 

    The lineup for AAA TripleMania Regia II, minus the Mega Championship match, is below:

    AAA TripleMania Regia II Lineup

    • Cain Velasquez, Psycho Clown & Pagano vs. LA Park, Rey Escorpion & Taurus 
    • AAA World Tag Team Championship
      FTR (c) vs. The Lucha Brothers
    • La Empresa (Sam Adonis, Puma King & DMT Azul) vs. Monster Clown, Murder Clown & Dave the Clown
    • Dragon Lee & Dralistico vs. Laredo Kid & a mystery partner
    • Vipers (Psicosis, Abismo & Arez) vs. Poder del Norte (Mocho Cota Jr., Tito Santana & Carta Brava Jr.) vs. NGD (Sanson, El Cuatrero & Forastero)
    • Marvel Lucha Libre match
      Leyenda Americano & Gran Mazo vs. Venenoide & Enganso
    • Faby Apache, Lady Shani & Sexy Star vs. La Hiedra, Flammer & Lady Maravilla
  • Booker T Heaps Praise On MJF & Darby Allin

    Booker T Heaps Praise On MJF & Darby Allin

    Booker T is a fan of MJF and Darby Allin, and he likes how AEW has utilized them.

    MJF and Darby Allin are considered to be two of the four pillars of AEW in terms of young talent. The two collided at the Full Gear PPV with MJF picking up the win.

    Many believe the sky’s the limit for MJF, who is widely considered to be one of the best heels in wrestling, and Darby, who is a top babyface.

    Give em props

    • MJF Darby Allin

    During an episode of the Hall of Fame podcast, host Brad Gilmore expressed his belief that AEW does a good job balancing established stars while still building towards the future.

    Booker T was in agreement, naming MJF and Darby Allin as prime examples.

    “It’s a balancing act and you got a guy like MJF who’s definitely pulling his weight as a young guy. Like you said, under 25. There’s not very many young guys under 25 that’s gonna be in that position.

    “Guys like Darby Allin who definitely has been a bright light in that company being one of the guys that you wouldn’t think ever would be working in that position just because he’s not the prototypical guy.

    “Sometimes talent, man, trumps everything. Really, hard work it trumps even more. So, when you watch guys like that go out there and do their thing, yeah they definitely are doing a hell of a job. Give em’ props.”

    MJF seems to be gearing up for a feud with CM Punk. As for Darby, he’s gotten involved in a feud with the Gunn Club.

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

  • Jim Ross Explains Why He Isn’t Surprised Edge Didn’t Sign With AEW

    Jim Ross Explains Why He Isn’t Surprised Edge Didn’t Sign With AEW

    Edge had a chance to make his way to AEW but his choice to return to WWE didn’t surprise Jim Ross.

    The “Rated-R Superstar” has gerned a ton of praise since coming out of retirement. Edge has had some highly-regarded matches such as his Hell In A Cell showdown with Seth Rollins at Crown Jewel.

    Jim Ross On AEW Losing Out On Edge

    When Edge was mulling over a comeback, AEW had interest. Edge told WWE about his plans to return and the company made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.

    During an episode of the Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross gave his take on why Edge choosing WWE over AEW didn’t come as a shock.

    “No, not really. Not really, he’s got a brand established in WWE. It’s home for him, he’s comfortable there, he’s got a really good, open, established communication with Vince which is crucial.

    “Hey look, would I’ve loved to have had him in AEW? Hell yeah, are you kidding? Absolutely but I just think that WWE for him after all these years was his home.

    “When I signed him and Christian, that was their big goal. Their big goal as young wrestlers, young guys training, young guys in the indies throughout Ontario and beyond was to get to WWE.

    “So, I understand his motivation but yeah man. It’s like that same thing about the third question a while ago, you got a chance to get em’, get em’.

    “But he’s just a lifer there. Would I like to see Adam Copeland have a match in AEW someday? Of course I would, most fans would. You and I would, you would too.

    “Is it gonna happen? Unlikely. Highly unlikely perhaps but that would’ve been kinda cool if he had come to work for us but I understand why he did what he did, and I think he made the right decision.”

    Edge’s longtime friend, Christian, is currently on the AEW roster. On the first episode of Rampage, he won the Impact Wrestling Championship from Kenny Omega.

    Edge is currently waiting in the wings to get back on WWE TV. He hasn’t been seen since Crown Jewel.

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

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

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

    WWE contracts typically allow the company to cut a talent whenever they see fit (provided there isn’t a no-cut clause in the contract). A wrestler is typically unable to quit working for WWE whenever they see fit, however.

    During a recent appearance on Busted Open Radio, AEW President Tony Khan said that anyone signing with WWE these days are 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.

    The AEW President also noted that there is far more job security working as a talent for AEW than there is in WWE.

    “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 also noted that he can’t sign everyone who WWE lets go. He’s had to be selective of the new names he brings in.

    “I’ve been very selective in the people I’ve signed and every time there has been a mass layoff on the other side it’s terrible and I can’t say I would be able to take on every one of these people,” he continued.

    In addition to the 80 wrestlers cut from the WWE roster this year, ROH has also announced they will not be putting talent under contracts moving forward into 2022. Khan and AEW have already signed longtime ROH veteran, Jay Lethal to a deal. Lethal will not be working ROH’s final shows of the year and has signed on full time with AEW.

    H/T To Fightful for the transcriptions.

  • The Butcher Suffered Injury On Dynamite (Report)

    The Butcher Suffered Injury On Dynamite (Report)

    Andy Williams aka The Butcher has reportedly suffered a bicep injury that is going to keep him out of action for the next few months.

    Bryan Alvarez talked about him on the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Live. He revealed that the heavyweight star suffered a torn bicep during his match on this week’s episode of Dynamite.

    The post Full Gear episode saw The Butcher and The Blade facing Orange Cassidy and Tomohiro Ishii in a tag team match.

    The American tag team not only lost this bout to Cassidy and Ishii but Williams also ended up suffering the injury during this fight.

    This isn’t the first time he has suffered a serious injury this year. The musician previously suffered a hand injury while competing against the then TNT champion Darby Allin during The House Always Wins event in April.

    The previous injury kept The Butcher out of action for almost 5 months. He returned to action during the All Out PPV in September, attacking Orange Cassidy.

    An exact timetable for his return is not known yet but a torn bicep should keep him out of action for at least 3-4 months. We will update you when more details regarding his health and recovery come to light.

  • Kenny Omega Compares Wrestling Fans from Japan and America

    Kenny Omega Compares Wrestling Fans from Japan and America

    Kenny Omega thinks that the biggest difference of the wrestling fandom in America compared to Japan is the social media interactions.

    The Cleaner stopped by the office of naprapath Dr. Beau Hightower to get himself in a better shape for his Full Gear match against Hangman Page before the PPV this past Saturday. The now-former AEW champion had a detailed conversation about things such as developing his persona, being a fan of anime, and more while getting the adjustments.

    Omega spent over half a decade in Japan rebuilding his character after some failed stints in America. He has been reintroduced to the wider American audience in the past couple of years ever since AEW started putting out a weekly show on national television.

    When asked what’s the biggest difference he has noticed in the fandom of Japan and America, Kenny Omega said that the major difference is the social media interaction with fans.

    “I would say the major difference is social media interactions. I find that by far and away native English speakers are much more volatile online. You just don’t get that [in Japan]. At the very least, even at the most basic level, I would say a [Japanese] wrestling fan respects the effort wrestlers put in. Whereas in America or the UK or sometimes Canada or whatever, you know, people want us to die.

    They want us to get injured. They want us to be retired. They want us to be out of work and I hear it hundreds of times a day. And if I wasn’t kind of numb to it, I don’t know. I feel like I might be in a real terrible mental place. That’s why I worry for other people who may not be in similar shoes and may not be used to that.”

    “Fans Feels Like They Are Fighting The War”: Kenny Omega

    Kenny Omega
    AEW World Champion Kenny Omega (Photo: AEW)

    Discussing the mentality behind the negative reactions of fans, Kenny Omega explained that people believe they are fighting the war alongside their favorite team. Though it’s not something the wrestlers or the companies want them to do:

    “The fans feel like they’re fighting the war alongside their favorite team and so they feel like they’re doing their due diligence. And what they’re actually doing is probably not what anyone really wishes them to do.”

    Kenny Omega dropped the AEW world championship to Hangman Page during the Full Gear PPV. This culminated one of the longest-running storylines of the company. The former IWGP champion has since confirmed that he is taking a break from AEW programming to heal from his various injuries. While an exact timetable for his return is not known, he is expected to stay out of action for at least a few months.

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

  • Kenny Omega To Be Pulled From AAA TripleMania Regia II

    Kenny Omega To Be Pulled From AAA TripleMania Regia II

    Kenny Omega will not be defending his AAA Mega Championship against El Vikingo at TripleMania Regia II on December 4th.

    AAA was reporrtedly notified earlier this week that Omega will need to miss the show, according to the Wrestling Observer.

    “AAA was told on 11/17 that Omega was getting surgery and wouldn’t be able to face El Hijo del Vikingo on 12/4 in Monterrey,” wrote Dave Meltzer.

    “AAA we’re told does have an idea for a backup plan, but at press time it wasn’t finalized, but should be known shortly if it pans out.”

    Omega is dealing with several injuries which will likely require surgery. These include an abdominal hernia, as well as shoulder and knee injuries.

    More information about Kenny Omega’s injuries and a potential timeline for return is available in the link below:

    Kenny Omega Injury Update & Timeline For Return

    AAA TripleMania Regia II Lineup

    • Cain Velasquez, Psycho Clown & Pagano vs. LA Park, Rey Escorpion & Taurus 
    • AAA World Tag Team Championship
      FTR (c) vs. The Lucha Brothers
    • La Empresa (Sam Adonis, Puma King & DMT Azul) vs. Monster Clown, Murder Clown & Dave the Clown
    • Dragon Lee & Dralistico vs. Laredo Kid & a mystery partner
    • Vipers (Psicosis, Abismo & Arez) vs. Poder del Norte (Mocho Cota Jr., Tito Santana & Carta Brava Jr.) vs. NGD (Sanson, El Cuatrero & Forastero)
    • Marvel Lucha Libre match
      Leyenda Americano & Gran Mazo vs. Venenoide & Enganso
    • Faby Apache, Lady Shani & Sexy Star vs. La Hiedra, Flammer & Lady Maravilla
  • Jim Ross: Kenny Omega Has Got To Take Time To Heal

    Jim Ross: Kenny Omega Has Got To Take Time To Heal

    AEW play-by-play ace Jim Ross thinks it’s in Kenny Omega’s best interest to take as much time off as he needs.

    Omega is coming off an unsuccessful AEW World Heavyweight Title defense. He ended up losing the gold to Hangman Page at Full Gear.

    Reports surfaced saying that Kenny Omega is injured. The Best Bout Machine is expected to be off television through early 2022.

    Jim Ross Advises Kenny Omega To Heal Fully

    Jim Ross has seen a slew of talent go down with injuries. During an episode of his Grilling JR Podcast, Ross said he hopes Omega doesn’t rush things.

    “Adam had the night that he needed, the performance more specifically that he needed. Give a lot of credit to Kenny Omega. Omega’s body is battered, he’s got bad shoulders.

    “I don’t know what he’s going to do if I were him and I’m sure Tony Khan is feeling somewhat the same way, you’ve got to get the guys some rest, he’s got to heal a bit.

    “Quite frankly that’s not a bad thing because he lost the title, now he can not go invisible but be less prominent on the shows as a wrestler and more as a personality until he’s more healthy.

    “Kenny Omega deserves a hell of a lot of credit for making that match with Adam as good as it was. I think Kenny just elevated [Page], he made sure the transition from himself to Hangman Page was spot on and it was. I really enjoyed their outing.”

    Omega is currently scheduled to put his AAA Mega Championship on the line against Hijo del Vikingo on Dec. 4. There is no word on whether or not he can do the match.

    H/T to Wrestling Inc for the quotes

  • Full Gear Does 2nd Best Buyrate In AEW History

    Full Gear Does 2nd Best Buyrate In AEW History

    2021 has been AEW’s best year on PPV in its short existence. According to Wrestlenomics, AEW Full Gear did the second best buyrate in company history behind only All Out, which featured CM Punk’s first match in 7 years. It is estimated to have done 145,000 buys.

    “Sales of 145,000 buys worldwide for Full Gear would mean about $7 million in pay-per-view revenue before AEW’s split with distributors. If the average split to AEW is about 45%, then AEW would take about $3 million in pay-per-view revenue.”

    All Out 2021 is estimated to have done 205,000 PPV buys, the most in company history. AEW Double or Nothing did approximately 134,000 buys this spring according to the Wrestling Observer. However, Wrestlenomics has that number as closer to 115,000. Revolution this February featuring the exploding barbed-wire death match drew an estimated 125,000 buys.

    Previous AEW PPV buys via Wrestlenomics:

    • Full Gear 2020 – 85,000
    • All Out 2020 – 90,000
    • Double or Nothing 2020: 105,000
    • Revolution 2020: 90,000
    • Full Gear 2019: 80,000
    • All Out 2019: 88,000
    • Double or Nothing 2019: 98,000

    Based on these numbers, it seems AEW’s PPV audience has grown significantly in 2021. The four biggest PPVs in company history have all taken place this year.

  • CM Punk & Hangman Page sang together after AEW Dynamite (Video)

    CM Punk & Hangman Page sang together after AEW Dynamite (Video)

    CM Punk and Adam Page came out for a segment after AEW finished taping last night from Norfolk, Virginia.

    Punk and Hangman were in the ring, when Punk requested that the champ sing, “Cowboy Songs.” The fans weren’t super enthusiastic about songs being sung about “West Virginia” however. In response, Page changed the lyrics slightly.

    Video of this was posted to YouTube in the video below:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nKcO4GwGKg

    AEW also taped Rampage following the conclusion of Dynamite last night. That show will air on Friday night. Matches confirmed for Friday’s show include:

    • Darby Allin vs. Billy Gunn
    • Adam Cole & Bobby Fish vs. Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus
    • Jade Cargill vs. Red Velvet (TBS Title Tournament match)

    Here’s another video of the singing that took place after Wednesday’s Dynamite from Norfolk, Virginia:

    Announced for next week’s episode of Dynamite from Chicago include Bryan Danielson facing Colt Cabana, a TBS title tournament quarterfinal featuring Thunder Rosa vs. Jamie Hayter, and The Lucha Bros, Cody Rhodes and PAC vs. FTR, Andrade El Idolo and Malakai Black.

    CM Punk’s return to Chicago next week should also be interesting. On Dynamite last night, Punk confronted Maxwell Jacob Friedman leading to a “Holy S**t” chant from the live crowd. Punk didn’t say a thing, however, he just walked out on MJF after he offered a handshake.

    https://twitter.com/theAdamPage/status/1459791781290196993
  • Kenny Omega Injury Update & Timeline For Return

    Kenny Omega Injury Update & Timeline For Return

    Kenny Omega announced on Dynamite that he’s taking time away from AEW. The former AEW World Champion told the Elite, “I feel like there is things I gotta fix and there is things I gotta change and I can’t do it here.”

    Omega has been working through multiple injuries over the past few months. He’s set to undergo multiple surgeries, according to the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio.

    “He has a lot of different issues, knee, shoulder, abdominal hernia that he’s been working through,” said Dave Meltzer. “There’s others too. He’ll be getting multiple surgeries, most likely. “Everything is kind of to be determined.”

    Meltzer added, “I guess the idea is to try to get as many of these things taken care of at the same time but that’s a lot of body parts to rehab at the same time.”

    The man once known as the Belt Collector is now down to just one championship. Omega is advertised to defend his AAA Mega Championship against El Vikingo on December 4th. It remains to be seen if he’ll be able to fulfill this obligation.

    When will Kenny Omega return?

    Kenny Omega
    Kenny Omega (Photo: Scott Lesh)

    Kenny Omega will be out of action through the end of 2021. The exact timeline is unknown. He hasn’t gone under the knife just yet, but there’s hope within AEW that he’ll return by February 2022.

    AEW broadcaster Jim Ross commented on Omega’s condition on the latest episode of his Grilling JR podcast. Ross said it’s crucial that top talent get time to rest up and heal. Omega dropping the title to Hangman Page is the perfect opportunity to rotate him out of storylines so he can focus on his health.

    If you use any of the above quotes please credit Wrestling Observer Radio with a H/T to SEScoops for the transcriptions.

  • Ruby Soho Reveals What Tony Khan Said Before Her AEW Debut

    Ruby Soho Reveals What Tony Khan Said Before Her AEW Debut

    Ruby Soho is living her dream in AEW and she is finally in a place where she can express herself freely. This journey started with her incredible debut during the All Out PPV where she entered the Casino Battle Royal as the joker. Fans started chanting her name even before her music hit. This incredible reception helped her stand out and made her arrival a memorable moment in a show that also featured debuts of people like Adam Cole and Bryan Danielson.

    The female star talked about the day of her debut on the latest episode of AEW Unrestricted. She said that it was one of the best days of her life:

    “It’s probably one of the best days of my life if I am being honest. It was super emotional; I went on such a rollercoaster that day. I was just on sensory overload for the entirety of the day. Obviously, there was a lot of anticipation. There’s a lot of stuff I was thinking about and hoping it would go perfectly and also realising it’s wrestling and nothing ever goes the way you think it’s going to go.

    Leading up to that moment I was really nervous and I wanted everything to go the way that would make Tony happy and obviously I hadn’t gone by this name at that time and I was wondering if they would be receptive to that and they would be receptive to me, the new kid on the block.”

    How Tony Khan Reacted To Ruby Soho’s Debut

    Ruby Soho. Photo:@cameraguygimmik
    Ruby Soho. Photo:@cameraguygimmik

    Ruby Soho discussed how she was put in an important role as the joker in her debut match for the promotion. She recalled getting emotional backstage when the fans started chanting her name and almost cried. The AEW star then revealed the reaction of Tony Khan to the fired-up crowd that made the moment even better:

    “I was the joker, such a important role in that match and I was hoping that I could live up to the role that it was. So, when they started chanting my name before I ever came out, it was so emotional. I remember looking at everybody that was near the stairs and almost crying. And I was like ‘ok pull it together Ruby, I gotta go wrestle, I gotta go do stuff.’

    My favorite part that I will remember forever is Tony Khan from behind the screen as soon as he hears it, goes ‘let’s goooo.’ Screams at the top of his lungs. It was awesome. I was like ‘he’s my boss and he is so behind me right now. and he is happy already and that makes me happy.’”

    Ruby Soho has already made a spot for herself on the AEW roster since her arrival. In the short time, she has challenged for the AEW women’s world championship already. Soho is currently participating in the TBS championship tournament where she is scheduled to face Kris Statlander in the quarterfinals.

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

    Ruby Soho On AEW Women’s Division & Future Opponents
  • Kenny Omega Confirms Hiatus From AEW Programming: “There Are Things I Got To Change”

    Kenny Omega Confirms Hiatus From AEW Programming: “There Are Things I Got To Change”

    Kenny Omega has confirmed that he will be taking time off from AEW programming after dropping the AEW world championship to Hangman Page during Full Gear.

    The opening of this week’s Dynamite featured the Elite in a backstage segment. During the segment, the former AEW champion congratulated Page. He then claimed that there are things he needs to change.

    “You know I haven’t watched the match back yet from Full Gear and people are already asking me when the rematch is gonna be. When are you gonna get your belt back Kenny. I lost that match; the elite lost the night.  Quite frankly I am a little disgusted.

    Not in you hanger, you won. Congrats. Really congrats. I feel like there is things I gotta fix and there is things I gotta change and I can’t do it here. So if I can count on you to hold the fort while I am gone, I would really appreciate it”

    This prompted a response from Adam Cole explaining that he will take care of things. However, Kenny Omega then cleared that he was talking to the Young Bucks.

    The former NJPW star has been dealing with multiple nagging injuries for a while now. Word is that he is going to take time off for a shoulder surgery. Stay tuned for an update on how long he may stay out of action.

  • Cody Rhodes: I Don’t Have A Lot Left In My Career

    Cody Rhodes: I Don’t Have A Lot Left In My Career

    Cody Rhodes believes he’s on borrowed time as a full-time wrestler.

    Cody has become a polarizing figure in AEW. The fans have seemingly turned on the AEW EVP in certain markets.

    It truly started at the Arthur Ashe Stadium Dynamite show in New York City and has snowballed into other locations. Despite the boobirds, Cody insists he won’t turn heel and he’s given some more insight into why.

    Clock Is Ticking On Career Of Cody Rhodes

    • Cody Rhodes
      (via AEW)

    During an appearance on Busted Open Radio, Cody Rhodes said that he doesn’t see himself wrestling full-time for much longer and he doesn’t want to get wrapped up in the babyface vs. heel talk.

    “You don’t wanna drop an absolute on anybody but I don’t have a lot left in my career. I don’t have another 10 years.

    “It’s probably three more years full-time wrestling and I wanna get every accolade I can get my hands on. I wanna be the best ‘me’ I ever was as a pro wrestler and the way I’m gonna do it is as me.

    “If we try really hard to rope me into babyface, rope me into heel, I think we’re gonna miss this wonderful moment. Like you said, Indianapolis was a total home game.

    “That’s what Arn Anderson says, it’s either gonna be a home or an away game. I know walking into certain markets it’s gonna be an away game. Very likely, New York City, that’s an away game.

    “Walking to Atlanta, Georgia, that’s a home game. Indianapolis was a home game, Miami was a home game. That’s the greatest energy and the greatest gift the fans could give me is to keep doing what they’re doing.”

    Cody is fresh off a victory at the Full Gear PPV. He teamed with PAC to defeat Malakai Black and Andrade El Idolo. Many believe all wrestlers involved in that match will eventually collide in a four-way dance.

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

  • FTR says “Creative Genius” Tony Khan doesn’t get enough credit

    FTR says “Creative Genius” Tony Khan doesn’t get enough credit

    Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood believe that Tony Khan does not get the credit he deserves for being a creative genius. The spoke to DAZN recently and spoke about the AEW President.

    “Tony does not get the credit he deserves right now for being, and it’s overused but a creative genius,” said Dax Harwood. “He loves professional wrestling. The best thing about this company is that he’s not afraid of that word.”

    Harwood continued, “I think in a few years, people are going to look back and say, ‘Man, he really is smart’. He really knows what he’s doing, and he’s got a knack for telling stories and putting matches together and the why’s and how’s. He’s really great.”

    Cash Wheeler also noted that some refer to Tony Khan as a “money mark” but he feels the AEW President is much more than that. He also compared Khan’s family riches to Vince McMahon purchasing the WWF from his father.

    “Right now, he’s a man worth eight or $9 billion, and the people are just regurgitating what they hear online from some of their favorite podcasters that he’s a quote-unquote money mark,” Wheeler added.

    “Furthest from the truth. But he’s got to have money. Vince was a money mark if you think about it. He had to buy a company from his dad, and he had the money. It’s asinine even to think that. He’s a huge wrestling fan who was blessed to have the money that he has, and he’s trying to put on the best wrestling product in the world, I think.”

    Dax Harwood Injured

    FTR dropped an AEW tag title match to the Lucha Bros at Full Gear. The match ended prematurely, however, after Harwood was injured. The finish of the match saw the challengers dawn their green masks and the illegal man pinned.

    There is no update on if Harwood will be forced to miss any time. It was also reported that Fenix did not check up on Harwood after the match either. More information about that situation is available in the link below:

    AEW Title Match didn’t Finish as Planned at Full Gear

    FTR and the Lucha Bros will run it back again on a card for AAA on December 4th. This time the AAA tag-team titles held by FTR will be on the line.

    The full lineup for that show is available here:

    Full Card For TripleMania Regia II Announced Including FTR vs the Lucha Bros
  • WWE Hall Of Famer Heaps Praise On Jay Lethal Following AEW Signing

    WWE Hall Of Famer Heaps Praise On Jay Lethal Following AEW Signing

    One WWE legend is happy to see Jay Lethal quickly land on his feet.

    Jay was perhaps the biggest name impacted by the recent Ring of Honor news. The promotion will be going dark until at least April and is releasing all of its talent. Jay had been loyal to the company for a decade.

    Lethal was simply too good to sit on the sidelines, however. During the Full Gear PPV, it was announced that Jay is All Elite.

    Booker T On What Makes Jay Lethal Special

    During an episode of his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T, who worked with Jay back in TNA, sang the praises of the new AEW signee.

    “Jay Lethal, he’s a soldier, bro. I’ve gotten a chance to work with Jay Lethal in TNA and he’s always been a guy that, I must say, loves this business more than anybody I’ve ever seen.

    “Jay Lethal loves this business. He loved working for that company [ROH] but when the doors closed, they sent him a letter saying his contract is void.

    “It’s like any athlete man, you’ve got to look for work and you’ve got to do it quick because those notes that come in the mailbox they’re called bills.

    “They keep coming whether you’re working for somebody or not. Jay Lethal is saying AEW opened the doors, and he stepped right in there and I’m glad for him and glad to see Jay Lethal take that next step past ROH.

    “I’ve always thought Jay Lethal should be somewhere working primetime, there again the loyalty that he has given to this business, so give that man a break.”

    Booker T also said that Lethal can hang with the best workers in the industry. He feels when Jay walks away from the business, people will look back at just how good he really was.

    Lethal is scheduled to challenge Sammy Guevara for the TNT Championship on the Nov. 17 episode of Dynamite. The match could bring Lethal one step closer to meeting his dream opponent, Chris Jericho.

    H/T to Wrestling Inc for the quotes.

  • AEW Title Match didn’t Finish as Planned at Full Gear

    AEW Title Match didn’t Finish as Planned at Full Gear

    All Elite Wrestling Tag Team Champions The Lucha Bros successfully defended their championship against FTR at Full Gear. However, the match didn’t go as planned, according to Fightful Select.

    AEW President Tony Khan shared after Full Gear that Dax Harwood received an injury. Fightful Select reports that Ray Fenix hurt Harwood ten minutes into the title match. The report also shares that AEW planned for Harwood to factor into the storyline that he was the legal man at the end of the match

    “Fightful Select was told by AEW sources that Dax Harwood was either knocked out or nearly knocked out about ten minutes into the match by Rey Fenix and was sidelined for a good portion of the remainder of the match,” said the report.

    Dax Harwood Injury at Full Gear

    It is unclear what move caused the injury to Harwood. The report also shares that Fenix is known to work stiff and didn’t check up on Harwood after the match. Khan also didn’t share an update on Hardwood after the event.

    “Rey Fenix has been known to work stiff in the past, and some talent on the roster took issue with him not checking up on Harwood after the match, said the report. It continues, “We’re told this wasn’t considered major heat, but the talent we spoke to said it was common courtesy to check-in.”

    The injury to Harwood is unfortunate for FTR, as they have a history of dealing with injuries. On July 30th, Wheeler suffered an arm injury in a tag team match against Santana and Ortiz. The injury kept FTR from competing in AEW until they made their return on September 1st.

    AEW didn’t advertise the team for this Wednesday episode of AEW Dynamite. AAA is promoting a AAA World Tag Team Championship match between the current champions FTR and the Lucha Bros. for December 4th. However, it is unclear if the team will have to take time off from wrestling.

  • Kenny Omega to undergo medical evaluation on Wednesday

    Kenny Omega to undergo medical evaluation on Wednesday

    Former AEW World Champion Kenny Omega could be looking at some time away from the ring, depending on his results from his upcoming medical evaluation.

    Omega will get checked out by AEW doctors on Wednesday, according to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer. The report states that Omega has been dealing with nagging injuries for several months. Despite his ailments, Omega has been competing at the highest levels of in-ring competition.

    Josh Nason of the Wrestling Observer recapped Meltzer’s report and contributed the following quotes.

    “Meltzer said Omega has been dealing with various injuries for several months but was determined to see the Hangman Page storyline come to completion, which it did this past Saturday at Full Gear as he lost the title to Page,” said Nason.

    The results will determine if he would take time off from wrestling. “Omega was going to take some time off at some point but chose not to as he wanted to continue the storyline.”

    https://twitter.com/theAdamPage/status/1459791781290196993

    Kenny Omega Losing the AEW Championship

    Adam Page won the AEW World Championship from Kenny Omega at Full Gear on November 14th. The loss also ended Omega’s 11-month AEW World Championship reign. Now without the title, he has the opportunity to take time off from wrestling to deal with his injuries.

    Meltzer reported in June that Omega was suffering from injuries. However, he continued to work through his issues.

    “Omega is hurting pretty badly between slicing up his hand and needing seven stitches when he delivered the fourth belt shot on Pac in the three-way, said Meltzer. He continued to detail Omega’s injuries, “… a deep bone bruise near his tailbone, the normal wear and tear on his knees and an athletic hernia.”

    It’s unclear if Omega has suffered other injuries since June. He contemplated taking time off from wrestling before, but his medical evaluation may force him out of action.

  • Bully Ray Wants AEW To Sign Former ROH Tag Team Champions

    Bully Ray Wants AEW To Sign Former ROH Tag Team Champions

    Bully Ray thinks former ROH Tag Team Champions The Briscoe Brothers would be the perfect fit for AEW.

    Many have praised AEW’s tag team division. Teams such as the current AEW Tag Team Champions, Lucha Bros, FTR, The Young Bucks, Proud N’ Powerful, and others have proven to deliver the goods.

    There’s one tag team, however, that Bully Ray feels would do wonders for AEW.

    Bully Ray is ‘All In’ on The Briscoes AEW

    ROH Briscoes
    (via ROH)

    Bully Ray discussed potential tag teams that could make their way to AEW during an episode of Busted Open Radio. At the top of his list are The Briscoes.

    “The Briscoes are an absolute perfect fit for the AEW tag division. The Briscoes and The Bucks already have history.

    “Now, imagine if we get Briscoes and Bucks again. Imagine if we get Briscoes and FTR, Briscoes and Lucha Bros, yadda yadda. Anything like that.

    “And then on the horizon, way, way, way off in the horizon, there’s the possibility of a Hardy reunion in AEW. Could you imagine? A very small portion of wrestling fans got to see Hardyz-Bucks in Ring of Honor.

    “Now, the world could see Hardyz-Bucks. Hardyz, Bucks, FTR, Lucha Brothers, Briscoes. Damn, that is one hell of a tag division.”

    Briscoe Brothers’ Problematic Past

    The timing certainly can’t be ignored. Ring of Honor announced that all talent will be released from their deals as the company will go dark until at least April.

    Many have wondered if AEW will consider bringing in The Briscoes due to some controversial comments made by Jay Briscoe back in 2013. Jay said he’d shoot anyone who teaches his kids that same-sex marriage is okay.

    Jay did end up apologizing for his remarks. These days, the wrestling industry is far less forgiving of these types of comments but The Briscoes have done well for themselves over the past few years.

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

  • Update on WWE vs. AEW ticket sales at UBS Arena on Long Island

    Update on WWE vs. AEW ticket sales at UBS Arena on Long Island

    We are just days away from the opening of the new UBS Arena in Belmont Park, New York. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for this Friday, November 19th.

    The New York metropolitan area’s newest sports and entertainment venue is a $1.1 billion facility located on the historic grounds of Belmont Park. The venue holds up to 19,000 people for concerts and over 17,000 for NHL hockey games.

    Both WWE and AEW will be running shows at the UBS Arena in its first month of operations. WWE Raw will be held there on Monday, November 29th and AEW Dynamite follows on Wednesday, December 8th.

    WWE vs. AEW at UBS Arena

    UBS Arena

    New York City has long been a stronghold territory for WWE. AEW recently shifted the balance of power in the area with the remarkable success of Grand Slam from Arthur Ashe Stadium. That special edition of Dynamite sold more tickets than any New York wrestling event in decades.

    As soon as it became apparent WWE and AEW would be running the same venue within the span of 10 days, fans were interested in seeing how ticket sales compared. It did not take long to realize this was not going to be a close competition.

    With just weeks to go, AEW Dynamite has nearly doubled the ticket sales of WWE Raw. Here are the latest ticket sales numbers, courtesy of WrestleTix:

    • WWE Raw on 11/29 has sold 4,764 tickets out of 7,462 that were put on sale (64%).
    • AEW Dynamite on 12/8 has sold 8,368 tickets out of 10,449 that were put on sale (80%).

    WWE configuring the building for less than 7,500 fans, while AEW is set up to accommodate nearly 10,500 fans, indicates that WWE saw problems from the outset.

    Both companies have run various promotions in an effort to boost ticket sales. No matter how you slice it, it’s hard to view this as anything but a win for AEW.

    The record-setting success at Grand Slam at Arthur Ashe stadium in September and out-selling WWE Raw at the UBS Arena builds a strong case that AEW is now the top wrestling promotion in this major market.

    Below are updated looks at the seating cart for both events. Blue indicates ‘primary market’ tickets still available, while pink indicates re-sale tickets.

    WWE Raw at UBS Arena: Seating Chart (as of 11/15/21)

    AEW Dynamite at UBS Arena: Seating Chart (as of 11/15/21)

  • Ric Flair unsure what CM Punk & Bryan Danielson have done for AEW

    Ric Flair unsure what CM Punk & Bryan Danielson have done for AEW

    Ric Flair isn’t sold on the idea that CM Punk and Bryan Danielson have done much for AEW thus far.

    The Nature Boy has a new podcast launching this week, Ric Flair Wooooo Nation Uncensored. Each week, Flair and former WCW commentator Mark Madden will take a deep dive into his career and current events in the world of pro wrestling.

    In a teaser clip to promote the premiere episode, Flair and Madden discuss Punk and Danielson’s impact on AEW business since joining the company in August/September.

    Madden acknowledges that Punk and Danielson certainly stars by any definition of the word. However, he asked Flair, what have they contributed to AEW?

    “Well, if I’m looking at the ratings, I don’t know what they’ve contributed.”

    – Ric Flair on CM Punk and Bryan Danielson’s impact on AEW

    It’s a television business

    Pro wrestling is business largely driven by television ratings and rights fees. Flair says Punk and Bryan have had successful careers, but so far, they’ve failed to deliver for AEW where it counts.

    “Well, if I’m looking at the ratings, I don’t know what they’ve contributed,” said Flair. “Yeah, certainly, as you said, they’re both big stars in the business. Both have had a lot of success, but I don’t know how to answer that question, because all you can do, as we do with football or any other show, is look at the ratings.”

    Flair continued, “To me, that show should never do less than 1.1 million. If they get there once, and bring in all this talent, and go back, then there’s something wrong.”

    Tony Khan’s Take

    AEW viewership has been sliding in recent weeks. After a nice stretch of time with Dynamite drawing over 1 million viewers in the overnight numbers, the show has been below that level for the past several weeks. The dip coincides with Dynamite being preempted several times in October.

    Despite television viewership faltering, Tony Khan has been adamant that CM Punk and Bryan Danielson have made a significant impact on AEW’s business.

    During an interview with Robbie Fox for Barstool Sports last month, Khan revealed AEW has seen half a dozen metrics increase since Punk and Danielson’s arrivals.

    “I’d say since Punk came in, before Bryan, and now with Bryan, we’ve seen at least six business metrics go up,” said Khan. “We’ve had our all-time record for pay-per-view. Those digital numbers, live event attendance – all-time highs. We were already, before the pandemic, the number one attended wrestling company in the world.”

  • Tony Khan Comments On TNT’s Reaction To Rampage’s Ratings

    Tony Khan Comments On TNT’s Reaction To Rampage’s Ratings

    Tony Khan addressed TNT’s reaction to AEW Rampage’s ratings during the post-event media scrum from Full Gear. The AEW President noted that the network is happy with the numbers, even if they are lower than what Dynamite brings in.

    “The numbers that we do are still one of the top shows,” Khan said regarding Rampage’s ratings. “I think sometimes people think that the number that you do for Dynamite should be the exact number you do for Rampage, but it’s really an apples to oranges comparison.”

    “It’s frequently the number one show in its time slot and it’s beating everything we’ve faced head to head. Very often it’s been one of the top shows, if not the number one show a number of times even out of that time slot on all of Friday night TV.”

    This Friday’s edition of Rampage brought in 515,000 viewers on TNT and a 0.20 in the 18-49 demographic. The previous week the show averaged 599,000 viewers on TNT and a 0.22 rating in the 18-49 demographic.

    “They’re really happy with the show,” Khan continued to say of TNT’s reaction to Rampage’s ratings.

    “The fact is for the time slot it’s in, it’s performed really well and they’re really happy with it so I’m thrilled with it because it’s a great franchise for us.”

    The average rating for AEW Rampage over the last 10 weeks is 601,100 viewers and a 0.24 in the key demographic, according to results tallied by the Wrestling Observer. This week’s edition of Rampage will be taped following a live episode of Dynamite on Wednesday from “Hangman” Adam Page’s home state of Virginia.

    H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions.