SEScoops

Category: AEW

  • AEW Star Potentially Close To Making His Return

    AEW Star Potentially Close To Making His Return

    One AEW star may be closing in on making his way back to the ring.

    Since splitting from the Nightmare Family, The Factory has been ruffling the feathers of other AEW talent. That includes Paul Wight, although Wight got his revenge on QT Marshall at the All Out PPV event. There has been one member of The Factory who has been out of action for a while, however.

    Anthony Ogogo Close To Making Return?

    Back in July, it was revealed that Anthony Ogogo was taking time off due to having his tenth eye surgery. Ogogo is a former boxer who suffered damage to his left eye and has had to undergo numerous procedures. Back in March 2017, Ogogo was registered blind in his left eye.

    In an interview with Daily DDT, QT Marshall delivered the good news that Anthony Ogogo is back in the United States and is ready to return at any time.

    “He just came back. He was overseas getting everything taken care of, so we’ll see. I think it’s about right place, right time, and trying to figure out the right story as well. Just to throw someone out there is… my biggest thing for me personally, after 17 years, the last thing I want to do is go in there and take random bumps for no reason.

    “I try to explain that to Anthony and everyone’s itching to get back. Right now, we have a huge roster of huge stars, so it’s just one of those things of going back to the drawing board and figuring it out. But in the meantime, he’s been training and working out and doing what he does. He’ll be ready when that call comes.”

    Ogogo was last seen feuding with the Gunn Club. Since then, Gunn Club has turned heel so we aren’t likely to see Ogogo wrap up his issues with Billy Gunn.

  • Bobby Fish Teasing Animosity With Adam Cole

    Bobby Fish Teasing Animosity With Adam Cole

    Could Bobby Fish and Adam Cole be on a collision course at some point in AEW?

    Fish and Cole were a part of the Undisputed Era faction in NXT. The two started the group along with Kyle O’Reilly. Eventually, Roderick Strong joined them. All four members of Undisputed Era made a name for themselves in Ring of Honor and dabbled into wrestling in Japan with NJPW prior to joining NXT.

    Bobby Fish & Adam Cole No Longer Chummy?

    Fish and Cole may have been tight as members of the Undisputed Era but things appear different now. Fish was released from his WWE deal back in August, while Cole decided not to re-sign with the promotion.

    Both men now compete under the AEW banner but Bobby Fish claims he and Cole have yet to communicate. Here’s what he had to say on the AEW Unrestricted podcast.

    “He didn’t say anything to me. We haven’t talked yet.”

    When host Aubrey Edwards pointed out that a lot of people in AEW are busy backstage, Fish had his own theory.

    “Yeah, Adam acts like he doesn’t know me.”

    Fish went on to say that he still speaks with Kyle O’Reilly, whose WWE deal is reportedly expiring soon.

    “Kyle and I still talk. We are definitely still close. Like we said at the top of this conversation, pro wrestling is strange in that way where you see some of the same people daily or weekly for X number of years and then things shift, and you don’t see that person anymore for a little while, but you never know when you’re going to cross paths again and what that frequency is going to be. And we’ll see. I feel like Kyle, Adam, Roddy, myself, however many years we’ve all had in the wrestling industry, we’ve all found a way to cross paths repeatedly.”

    Given Adam Cole’s reputation for being one of the nicest people in the business, it’s likely that Fish’s comments are kayfabe. Many feel that Fish and Cole will inevitably cross paths on AEW TV. Whether they realign or go to war remains to be seen.

    H/T to Wrestling Inc for the transcribed quotes

  • Bryan Danielson & Tony Khan Address Live Crowd Following Dynamite (Video)

    Bryan Danielson & Tony Khan Address Live Crowd Following Dynamite (Video)

    Following last night’s edition of AEW Dynamite, Bryan Danielson and Tony Khan addressed the live crowd. Danielson was already in the ring after confronting Miro, who he will now face at Full Gear in the finals of the AEW Title Eliminator tournament.

    With Orange Cassidy and the Best Friends still in the ring as well, Tony Khan addressed the live crowd and said that this week’s episode was the 2nd hardest ever to put together behind the Brodie Lee tribute show. A loud chant for Jon Moxley then rang out throughout the building.

    Khan then gave the microphone to Danielson, who spoke about Brodie Lee and having texted with him about how happy he was in AEW. He also wished Moxley to get better soon. Danielson thanked the fans and everyone in the ring before inviting Justin Roberts into the ring. They then mocked the tie-choking spot that once got Danielson fired from WWE.

    The YouTube channel “CoolToy” posted video of what went down after the show went off the air:

    Next up for AEW will be a live edition of Rampage in St. Louis on Friday night. Adam Cole will face John Silver, The Bunny will face Red Velvet, and CM Punk will come face to face with Eddie Kingston on the show.

  • Bully Ray Says AEW Shouldn’t Rush CM Punk vs. Eddie Kingston

    Bully Ray Says AEW Shouldn’t Rush CM Punk vs. Eddie Kingston

    Bully Ray believes there’s a way AEW can avoid rushing CM Punk vs. Eddie Kingston too soon.

    All signs are pointing to a Full Gear showdown between Punk and Kingston. The two were involved in a shouting match backstage on the Oct. 29 episode of Rampage. Kingston had just been eliminated from the AEW World Heavyweight Title Eliminator Tournament by Bryan Danielson and he interrupted Punk’s interview in frustration.

    On the Nov. 3 episode of Dynamite, Punk said he was expecting an apology from Kingston. He wants to hear the apology on the Nov. 5 episode of Rampage in St. Louis.

    Kingston has taken to his Twitter account to let it be known that he will confront Punk.

    https://twitter.com/MadKing1981/status/1456055706826727428

    Bully Ray Wants Slow Build For Punk vs. Kingston

    Bully Ray holds CM Punk and Eddie Kingston in high regard when it comes to their promo abilities. During an episode of Busted Open Radio, he expressed his belief that Punk and Kingston can carry their feud for months before actually coming to blows.

    “Let’s just say you wanted to build to Punk and Kingston, which you should definitely do. You should not blow through this at all. Let’s say you wanted to get three months out of them, three months leads up to one match. If you do this the right way, you can keep them away from each other for three months and walk and talk the whole thing.

    “Mic time and every time it looks like they’re gonna come to blows, security is on high alert, the boys are on high alert, massive pull aparts anywhere and every time. You build to them actually touching. It’s a very old-school way of thinking but it works. All of that old-school booking still works with the modern characters and the modern ways of 2021. Like I always say, old-school rules, new-school tools.”

    Bully Ray pointed out how during the ECW days, Paul Heyman managed to keep Tazz and Sabu away from each other for a full year before the two finally collided. He also said he feels Kingston’s authenticity can carry the momentum of the feud.

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

  • Tony Khan On Jon Moxley, Changes To Dynamite, & Relationship With Impact

    Tony Khan On Jon Moxley, Changes To Dynamite, & Relationship With Impact

    Tony Khan was a guest on Wrestling Observer Live this afternoon. During his appearance, he announced a few changes to tonight’s broadcast of AEW Dynamite, commented on Jon Moxley and also gave an update on AEW’s relationship with Impact Wrestling.

    “There are some things that are more important than wrestling,” Khan said on the show regarding Moxley. He also noted that he’s known about the situation for a few days now.

    “Jon’s at the forefront at everyone’s mind right now,” Khan would later say.

    In terms of the semi-finals of tonight’s AEW World Title Eliminator tournament, Khan said Orange Cassidy will compete in the match tonight with a replacement opponent. Khan said he will not announce Orange’s opponent until tonight’s broadcast, but noted that fans will not be disappointed.

    “There is a very logical way to resolve this,” Khan would later say of Moxley being out of the tournament.

    The AEW President also announced that Kenny Omega will face Alan Angels from the Dark Order on the show tonight. This is a rematch from April 2020 in a match that got Angels hired to AEW.

    Khan also announced that he’s found 2 luchadors to answers FTR’s Open Challenge for the AAA titles tonight. Samuray Del Sol and Aerostar will be their opponents.

    Khan also commented on the relationship between Impact Wrestling and AEW. He noted that the “Forbidden Door” between the two sides is still open, they just don’t have anything planned at the moment.

    “Still open to do stuff. I like those guys a lot and we’ve done a lot of great stuff,” Khan said regarding the relationship with Impact Wrestling. “Scott [D’Amore] and I talk pretty regularly.”

  • Adam Cole Compares AEW & NXT Fans, Says They Are Vital For Success

    Adam Cole Compares AEW & NXT Fans, Says They Are Vital For Success

    Adam Cole believes there are similarities between AEW and NXT fans.

    The former leader of the Undisputed Era faction is well-aware of what it’s like to be a top star on the NXT brand. Adam Cole had been a main eventer on NXT ever since he arrived at TakeOver: Brooklyn III back in 2017. He went on to become the face of the brand and an NXT Triple Crown winner.

    Cole ended up leaving WWE just a few months ago and signed with AEW in September 2021.

    Adam Cole Talks AEW & NXT Fans

    During an appearance on the #DORK podcast, Cole broke down what makes both AEW and NXT fans stand out.

    “That’s how the magic happens in a lot of ways,” he began. “At the end of the day, in a lot of ways, the fans looked at NXT as, not the little engine that could, but this new brand that was starting that they felt responsible for its growth, which I think is so important.”

    “The fact that the roster kept growing and they kept signing these Independent stars, they felt responsible for this massive growth of NXT becoming this legit third brand. AEW has that same kind of passion in the sense of people feel they are responsible for AEW’s growth these past two years, and they are.”

    “The fact that fans are so amped and so jacked up and ready to enjoy these matches, makes it so special. Fans are vital.”

    Adam Cole has realigned with The Elite since making his AEW debut. He’s been involved in a feud with the Jungle Boy, Christian Cage, and Luchasaurus.

    On the Oct. 23 episode of Dynamite, Cole and The Young Bucks tossed Jungle Boy off the stage. As of this writing, he is not booked for a match at the upcoming AEW Full Gear pay-per-view.

    H/T to Fightful for the transcribed quotes

  • Renee Paquette Grateful For Support Shown For Jon Moxley

    Renee Paquette Grateful For Support Shown For Jon Moxley

    Renee Paquette is appreciative of the amount of support shown for her husband Jon Moxley.

    Moxley is a major star for AEW. He’s been in a prominent position ever since leaving WWE in favor of Tony Khan’s promotion. He even captured the AEW World Heavyweight Championship and held it for 277 days.

    Renee Paquette On Support For MOX

    Tony Khan has revealed that Moxley will be entering an inpatient alcohol treatment program. Khan noted that it was Moxley who requested that this bit of news be made public.

    Fans and those who work in the wrestling industry have showered “MOX” with support. Renee Paquette has let the supporters know that they are appreciated.

    “Thanks for this outpouring of support. Jon is every bit of the badass we all know him to be. I couldn’t be more proud of him for getting to proper help he needs, and being given the space to put his health first. Couldn’t possibly love this man more.”

    Jon Moxley had been participating in the AEW World Heavyweight Title Eliminator tournament. He made it to the semifinals where he was expected to take on Orange Cassidy. While nothing has been announced, one would imagine that Moxley will exit the tournament and miss Full Gear on Nov. 13.

    Moxley is fresh off releasing his new autobiography, “MOX.” He had a book tour planned but once again, that is in doubt given the circumstances.

    SEScoops will keep you posted on the latest updates regarding Jon Moxley but for now, we wish him all the best.

  • Jon Moxley Entering Inpatient Alcohol Treatment Program

    Jon Moxley has taken the first step on the road to recovery.

    Moxley is a top star in the wrestling industry. He has won world titles in WWE and AEW. He’s also a star in Japan, capturing the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship twice.

    Despite his immense success, some things are simply more important than the squared circle.

    Moxley’s Road To Recovery

    AEW boss Tony Khan has taken to his Twitter account to reveal that Jon Moxley will be entering an alcohol treatment program.

    “Jon Moxley has allowed me to share with you that he is entering an inpatient alcohol treatment program.  Jon is a beloved member of the AEW family. We all stand with him and Renee, and all of his family and friends, as he shifts his focus to recovery.”

    “Jon is making a very brave choice to get help, and we’re embracing his choice and supporting him however we can.”

    Khan added, “I’m proud to call Jon a friend, and like many of you, I’m also a fan of Mox and look forward to a time in the future when he is eventually ready to return to the ring. Until then, thank you for supporting Jon and respecting his privacy at this time.”

    Moxley had advanced to the semifinals of the AEW World Title Eliminator Tournament. He was scheduled to meet Orange Cassidy for a chance to take on Bryan Danielson in the finals at Full Gear on Nov. 13. While changes haven’t been announced at this time, more important matters are at hand.

    Moxley recently released an autobiography titled, “MOX.” A book tour had been announced before word broke of Moxley’s current situation.

    SEScoops wishes Jon Moxley all the best during this recovery process.

  • Health Update On Jim Ross Following Skin Cancer Diagnosis

    Health Update On Jim Ross Following Skin Cancer Diagnosis

    Jim Ross has provided an update on his skin cancer.

    In October, Ross said he was going to the hospital as he suspected having skin cancer around his ankle area. His fears ended up being correct but there is some good news for the legendary commentator.

    Jim Ross Gives Update

    During an episode of the Grilling JR podcast, Ross said he’s feeling good and revealed the number of radiation treatments he’ll need to undergo.

    “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 went on to say that he won’t need to undergo chemotherapy. As a result, he doesn’t expect to miss any time from AEW TV and believes he’ll make a full recovery. In fact, Jim Ross says he didn’t get the worst type of skin cancer and that the biggest challenge will simply be getting all of the treatments out the way.

    Ross has battled skin cancer in the past and was able to beat it. He had the cancer removed from his shoulder in 2018, two years after undergoing a skin procedure.

    H/T to WrestlingNews.co for the transcribed quotes

  • The Blade Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles

    The Blade Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles

    Jesse Guilmette, better known to AEW fans as the Blade, took to social media recently to open up about his mental health. He noted that recently he has experienced a spike in feelings of anxiety, depression, and issues with confidence.

    “Hello, my name is Jesse Guilmette, and I struggle with anxiety, depression and confidence issues,” The Blade began his post. “I first noticed an extreme spike in these feelings during the pandemic, which also made me realize I’ve suffered from these issues all my life.”

    He continued to note that he experienced another spike in these feelings recently. The Blade also noted that he has opened up to AEW executives about these issues and received a positive and supportive response.

    “When I’m not feeling the best, I simply remember that EVERY response I’ve received from the people I’ve opened up to has been incredibly positive and supportive.”

    The Blade’s full post can be viewed below:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CVwEgJpLixD/?utm_medium=share_sheet

    Tag Me In Campaign

    Several wrestlers are currently involved in raising money for organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Healt. Trish Stratus noted on Twitter that they have raised in excess of $4000 so far through the “Tag Me In” campaign.

    Earlier this year, Allie (aka the Bunny) continued to be open about her mental health for Bell’s “Let’s Talk” day. The annual event raises money for mental health resources and seeks to end the stigma around mental health.

    https://twitter.com/AllieWrestling/status/1354826899680358402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
    https://twitter.com/AllieWrestling/status/1354935328776269834
  • AEW Planning Special On TNT For January

    AEW Planning Special On TNT For January

    AEW is reportedly planning its first TNT special event for Saturday, January 8th, 2022. WarnerMedia announced earlier this year that while AEW Dynamite would be moving to TBS next year, there would also be 4 annual specials to air on TNT as part of the deal.

    The first special could be named “Battle of the Belts” according to Andrew Zarian of the Mat Men podcast.

    “Per Source: AEW is planning a TNT Special on Jan 8th,” Zarian Tweeted. “They’re obviously not able to use the name ‘Clash of the Champions’ due to WWE owning the rights… However, I’m hearing the possible name for this show will be ‘Battle of the Belts’ A throwback to NWA/CFW.”

    AEW TNT Special To Be 1-Hour Long?

    The potential length of the special was addressed recently on Wrestling Observer Radio. As of right now, the show may only be an hour long.

    “As of right now, it’s only a 1-hour show,” said Dave Meltzer. “That could change because a 1-hour show doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense.”

    “The original idea of these 4 specials was to do basically PPV matches, PPV calibre shows but for free to try and draw a big audience.”

  • AEW Star Was Shocked When Konnan Appeared On Dynamite

    AEW Star Was Shocked When Konnan Appeared On Dynamite

    One AEW star didn’t have Konnan appearing on Dynamite on his bingo card.

    Konnan has his K100 podcast with fellow former WCW wrestler Disco Inferno. Oftentimes on the show, the two share some polarizing opinions on the wrestling business. In particular, Disco has been critical of AEW.

    Konnan In AEW

    Konnan ended up appearing on AEW TV as part of The Inner Circle vs. The Pinnacle feud. During an appearance on the Excuse Me: The Vickie Guerrero Show, Konnan said one unnamed AEW star admitted to him that he was surprised that he was allowed on Dynamite.

    “I’ve actually had a star in AEW come up to me and go, ‘I can’t believe they hired you here, you s–t on us so much.’ I go, ‘correct. Let me correct you there, I don’t s–t on you. What’s good I put over, and what isn’t good I bury, and I do that with Raw too, and SmackDown, not just with you guys.’ Anyway, I love AEW and what they’re doing and I love the people there, much success to Tony Khan, I love that guy, he’s a real cool dude.”

    AEW hasn’t been shy in bringing in legends, whether it be a long-term role or for an appearance or two. Tully Blanchard is the full-time manager of FTR and Shawn Spears. Jake “The Snake” Roberts manages Lance Archer. Sting is an active competitor who is aligned with Darby Allin.

    H/T to Wrestling Inc for the transcribed quotes

  • Jon Moxley Really Hates Ladder Matches

    Jon Moxley Really Hates Ladder Matches

    In 2016, Jon Moxley (then Dean Ambrose) won the Money in the Bank ladder match. He’d cash in his briefcase that night and become the new WWE Champion. According to comments he made recently on Wrestling Observer Radio, however, he is not a fan of those types of matches or ladders in wrestling at all.

    “They’re not my thing. I hate them,” Moxley said of ladders on the show. “I feel like ladders have taken more years off my career…they f**k you up. Fans don’t even truly see all these bumps on the ladders, I don’t think they truly appreciate how much it f**ks people up.”

    Moxley is no stranger to dangerous matches. He’s wrestled deathmatches with barbed wire, glass tubes, and many other weapons. Still, Moxley says ladders are something he just doesn’t want to deal with anymore.

    “Elbow chips, f**king your back up. I don’t f**k with ladders anymore. My thing was like, ‘I don’t do ladders.’ I do other s**t. Ladders, not my thing. I was like, ‘I ain’t doing another ladder match again.’”

    “I swore I would never do ladder matches again,” Moxley continued. “Until Tony books this ladder match. We’re talking and he’s like, ‘I need some star power in this match. For reasons, you need to be in this.’ I’m like, ‘Motherf**ker.’ I tried every excuse. Ultimately, he’s the boss, he’s paying me, I’ll do my best. I’m on the team.”

    Listen to Jon Moxley’s comments about ladder matches, his scrapped feud with Mick Foley and much more here:

    What’s Next For Jon Moxley?

    Jon Moxley has advanced to the semi-finals of the AEW World Title Eliminator tournament. He defeated Ten from the Dark Order in the quarter-finals. He’ll face Orange Cassidy in the semi-finals this Wednesday night on Dynamite.

    Should he get by Cassidy he would move on to the finals at AEW Full Gear against Bryan Danielson, who defeated Eddie Kingston in the semi-finals.

    H/T to Fightful for transcriptions.

  • Thunder Rosa Reveals She Recently Suffered A Concussion

    Thunder Rosa Reveals She Recently Suffered A Concussion

    Thunder Rosa revealed on her YouTube vlog that she recently suffered a concussion. She noted in the video that she had been unable to train for 10 days due to the injury.

    “I’m going to the gym finally. I haven’t exercised in about 10 days after my concussion. Just trying to be safe,” Rosa said in the video.

    Although it is not clear when Rosa suffered the concussion, she was out of action for about two weeks. Her last match for AEW was on October 16th. She then didn’t wrestle for 14 days before returning to action last night in a match for AAW in Berwyn, Illinois, where she defeated Jody Threat

    Rosa’s latest vlog is available in the player below:

    Thunder Rosa In The TBS Championship Tournament

    Thunder Rosa received a bye in the 1st round of the TBS Championship tournament as a result of being ranked #4 in the division. In the quarter-finals, Rosa will face the winner of the Jamie Hayter vs Anna Jay match scheduled for this week’s Dynamite from Independence, Missouri.

    If Rosa defeats the winner of the Jamie Hayter vs Anna Jay match, she’ll move on to the semi-finals. There she’ll meet either Jade Cargill or the winner of the Red Velvet vs The Bunny match scheduled for next week’s Rampage.

  • Mox Autobiography: Release Date, How To Buy and More

    Mox Autobiography: Release Date, How To Buy and More

    Jon Moxley’s highly anticipated autobiography will be released very soon and we’ve got all of the information you need to purchase ‘Mox.’

    Mox Release Date

    Mox will be released on Tuesday, November 2nd via Simon and Schuster publishing.

    Here’s more from the promotion material for the new title:

    A vivid trip through the mind of the top professional wrestler in the business; a nobody from nowhere who achieved his ambitions and walked away with the gold and the girl of his dreams.

    Ride alongside Jon Moxley as he retraces some of the highways traveled on his remarkable journey. Revel in the never-before-told stories about his early life in Cincinnati, Ohio; the gritty independent wrestling scene where he cut his teeth; the complicated corporate landscape of the WWE where he bucked against authority; and the rebellious upstart AEW, where he won the championship in 2020 and was finally free to achieve the vision of the wrestler he’d always wanted to be.

    With plenty of pitstops and revelatory insights, including grisly ultraviolent encounters, crazy characters who became lifelong friends, and his unforgettable matches in Japan, MOX is the riveting account of the life of a brawler. It is a tale written in blood and soaked in debauchery; with a good dose of wisdom accumulated along the way.

    More than a backstage pass into the arena, MOX is a ticket into the ring. Once inside, you’ll never look at pro wrestling the same again.

    How To Buy

    You can purchase Mox via all major sellers, including Amazon:

  • Tony Schiavone Comments On Why Fans Are Booing Cody Rhodes

    Tony Schiavone Comments On Why Fans Are Booing Cody Rhodes

    Tony Schiavone recently commented on AEW fans booing Cody Rhodes as of late during an episode of Ask Tony Live! on AdFreeShows.com. Schiavone noted that there are plenty of fans still cheering for Cody.

    “Cody has a reality show and he gets his own special entrance. I understand he’s getting booed, but he gets cheered a lot too. I’m in the arena so I can hear it and see it much more than you guys can. I think he got cheered as much as he got booed in Orlando, it’s just the people who boo are much louder and more obnoxious,” Schiavone said.

    “I even saw pictures afterwards of guys who were taking selfies with him saying, ‘Hey, I booed him, but he’s a great guy’, which he is. When Justin Roberts started calling him ‘The Prince of Wrestling’, that kind of stuck in people’s craw as well,” Schiavone continued.

    Schiavone continued to say that Cody being an EVP in the company plays a role in how fans are responding to him. There may be a perception that he receives preferential treatment because of his role in the AEW office.

    “Obviously, he’s an EVP so everybody thinks that he gets preferential treatment, and that’s not true. I mean, he lost the first two matches to Malakai Black, so he hasn’t won all of his matches. He lost to Brodie (Lee). It’s not that he wins every match he’s in. Some people just don’t like him. I happen to like him because I like his family.”

    Cody Rhodes and Malakai Black React To Match On Dynamite

    Rhodes cut a promo this week on Dynamite making it clear he would never turn heel. He stated that would be the easy thing for him to do. Rhodes also stated that he would not go back on the stipulation that says he can never challenge for the AEW World Championship again.

    Following his loss to Cody Rhodes in their 3rd match, Malakai Black took to social media to offer comment. He stated that their rivalry was not about wins and losses and that he’s made it so that the world hates Cody. Black made his comments in an Instagram post not long after the loss.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CVakb17rIik/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=998e70d8-23c5-4095-810c-a86fcd9aea0a

    Transcriptions via EWrestlingNews

  • Tony Nese On What Vince McMahon Said About His He-Man Inspired Gear

    Tony Nese On What Vince McMahon Said About His He-Man Inspired Gear

    Tony Nese has been making headlines recently after debuting for All Elite Wrestling and he already has an idea on how he wants to differentiate his AEW character from his WWE persona. The former champion was recently a guest on Insight with Chris Van Vliet. He discussed things such as getting released from WWE and more.

    Discussing the ideas he has for his AEW persona, Nese said that he will continue being the premier athlete but he wants to play a character that is a little bit more serious:

    “So the Premier Athlete is still going to be who I am and what I represent, but I do want it to be a little bit more of a serious thing rather than ‘Hey look at my abs.’ I love being booed and flexing, but at the same time, I switched up my look to where I am wearing more branded stuff.”

    What Vince McMahon Said About Tony Nese’s Gear

    Tony Nese
    Tony Nese

    Tony Nese continued his explanation mentioning how in WWE he was just trying to get a pop with his gear that looked good. He also recalled an interesting remark from Vince McMahon about one of his attires:

    “In WWE, I was just trying to pop by getting gear that just looked good. I wore a jacket because they told me I needed something up top. They said ‘You should wear something, but don’t cover up anything.’

    For 1 show I wore a He-Man type thing, but nobody thought it looked cool, Vince said ‘Is he wearing a bra out there?’ Straight after I heard that, I threw it into the garbage.”

    Tony Nese claimed that he wants to be taken more seriously in AEW. He wants to be his own brand though he will still be kissing his biceps and continue flexing. The former WWE star made his first appearance for AEW during the October 23 episode of Dynamite. He has since made his in-ring debut for the company as well.

    Tony Nese Calls 205 Live ‘Wrestling Purgatory’

    H/T to WrestleZone for the transcribed quotes

  • Jon Moxley Is Glad WWE Nixed His Feud With Mick Foley

    Jon Moxley Is Glad WWE Nixed His Feud With Mick Foley

    It’s common knowledge that WWE wanted to introduce Jon Moxley on the main roster through a feud with Mick Foley before the idea for The Shield was formed. Though the former Dean Ambrose believes that it’s actually better that this dream match never happened because officials would have not given him the freedom that he desired.

    The former AEW world champion talked about this during a recent interview with Wrestling Observer. He explained why it’s better that the bout remains a dream match:

    “In retrospect it’s actually better that me and Foley just remains a total dream match feud. If 90s Mick Foley and current or maybe a decade ago version of me if you do [a feud] with Mick Foley. For sure that would be the s**t. That’s some dream match s**t.

    But at that exact time what would have actually happened was I would have come to the building and I would have had it all in my head exactly what I wanted to say. And I would have the promo in my head and the angle in my head and I would have had it all ready. It would have been very cemented in my head then they would have handed me a script.”

    Jon Moxley On How He Would Have Reacted To A Script

    Jon Moxley and The Shield
    Jon Moxley made his debut as part of the Shield

    Mox explained how he wasn’t accustomed to working with a script at the time. So he would have reacted very poorly to it and be deemed hard to work with as a result:

    “At this time I didn’t know there were scripts. I would have not reacted very good. I would have reacted poorly to say the least to being handed a script, and then I would have been deemed hard to work with and a bad attitude and yada yada. It would have all just probably gone to s**t.”

    Jon Moxley then discussed how the two could have had a great feud if they ever crossed paths outside of WWE. According to him, it would have been a money-making match. Moxley made his main roster debut as part of the Shield during the 2012 Survivor Series PPV. You can check out his comments below:

  • Tony Khan Wanted To Bring In WCW Veteran For An AEW Show

    Tony Khan Wanted To Bring In WCW Veteran For An AEW Show

    Tony Khan apparently wanted to bring in former WCW star and pro wrestling veteran Ultimo Dragon for an appearance during the early days of All Elite Wrestling.

    Both the Japanese wrestling star and his WCW manager Sonny Onoo recently made an appearance on Perched on the Top Rope podcast where they talked about a number of different things.

    During the talk, Onoo revealed that the AEW president had inquired about booking Ultimo Dragon for an AEW show before the promotion made its debut on TNT:

    “Before the AEW started on Turner network, I did get a call directly from Tony Khan. I spoke with him, and he wanted to have Ultimo Dragon on the show or one of their promotional shows in Florida,

    I forget the name of it, but it was a computer convention type of show. He wanted to know what the details were, but briefly, what I can tell; it was a one-time shot,”

    Explaining why the appearance didn’t happen, Sonny Onoo revealed that the former WCW star was getting ready to go back to Japan for Dragon Gate. The AEW appearance conflicted with his schedule.

    Tony Khan has brought in a number of former WCW stars for various AEW appearances since the inception of the company. The list includes names such as Juventud Guerrera and more.

    Tony Khan On The Falling Rampage Ratings

    H/T to Wrestling Inc for the transcribed quotes

  • Daniel Garcia Speaks On Who Helped Him Get Hired By AEW

    Daniel Garcia Speaks On Who Helped Him Get Hired By AEW

    Daniel Garcia has revealed who helped him get his foot in the door at AEW.

    Garcia has quickly been mixing it up with some top-tier talent in AEW. He’s collided with the likes of CM Punk, Jon Moxley, and Darby Allin. It was recently announced that Garcia has signed a contract with the promotion.

    The Blade Assisted Daniel Garcia In Getting Signed By AEW

    The Blade, who wrestles in a tag team with The Butcher, is credited with getting Daniel Garcia on board. Here’s what Garcia had to say during his appearance on the AEW Unrestricted Podcast.

    “People just end up reaching out to you. I think you develop a lot of independent wrestling clout or notoriety, and then people end up hitting you up. And I think The Blade, Pepper Parks, one of my trainers, I think he was able to put in a good word for me a little bit. I’m sure that didn’t harm the cause at all, but I think that’s how it came together. They were just looking for, kind of, high-profile indie wrestlers that they could put on their show and give an opportunity to and that, plus a recommendation, I think went a long way. I had about eight months off from wrestling, and my first match back was at AEW.”

    Garcia leads the way along with the team of 2point0. At the age of 23 and with some technical abilities that very few possess, Garcia seems destined for big things in AEW. Time will tell how he develops and if the audience will take a liking to him in the long haul.

    H/T to Wrestling Inc for the transcribed quotes

  • Paul Wight Has Massive Praise For CM Punk’s Promo Ability

    Paul Wight Has Massive Praise For CM Punk’s Promo Ability

    Paul Wight thinks CM Punk is one of the best storytellers in wrestling.

    Punk has made a positive impact on the AEW locker room since making his return to the wrestling industry. We’ve seen AEW stars such as Ricky Starks praise Punk for being willing to give advice to anyone. In terms of his performance both in the ring and on the mic, Paul Wight believes CM Punk hasn’t missed a beat.

    Wight made an appearance on the Brandon Kravitz podcast and he gave his take on what makes Punk believable in the ring and on the mic.

    “I love CM Punk’s matches because he starts slower and builds toward the end. By the end, you’re going nuts because he pulls you right in with his work and his ability to tell that story in the ring, and he’s great on the microphone. His timing on the promo when he came back in Chicago– if you are a younger talent and are looking at cadence, and meaning, and telling a story, and how to cut a promo, that promo is one of the best promos that I have ever heard for storytelling.”

    Punk is a Great Storyteller

    Paul Wight has cut his share of great promos over the years, However, Punk is on a different level. Wight feels that Punk masterfully explained why he left wrestling, why he returned and left fans wanting more. Punk’s storytelling abilities in and out of the ring make him a huge asset to AEW.

    “CM Punk told a story, he didn’t knock anybody or bury anything. He spoke from his heart about how things affected him and he took you on that journey and made you understand why he was gone so long, but then he made you understand what brought him back. That’s what you want to do in a promo, you want to have a beginning, middle, and end, and tell a story, and Punk is a great storyteller on the microphone and in the ring. To have him back, it was a great shot in the arm.”

    Punk is fresh off a victory over Bobby Fish on the Halloween episode of Dynamite. AEW Full Gear is coming up on Nov. 13 and Punk doesn’t have a match on the PPV currently. A leaked bout sheet featured Punk vs. MJF’s bodyguard Wardlow but Tony Khan has claimed that list was simply filled with ideas and nothing was finalized.

    H/T to Wrestling Inc for the transcribed quotes

  • Hikaru Shida Comments On Learning From Kenny Omega & Dustin Rhodes

    Hikaru Shida Comments On Learning From Kenny Omega & Dustin Rhodes

    Former AEW World Women’s Champion Hikaru Shida advanced in the TBS title tournament on Dynamite this week. In the process, she picked up her 50th victory in the promotion by avenging a recent loss to Serena Deeb.

    Shida was recently interviewed by Sports Illustrated and spoke about learning from Kenny Omega, Dustin Rhodes, taking acting classes, and improving her English by watching Sherlock Holmes.

    “I have been learning so much from Kenny Omega and Dustin Rhodes, and they teach about what it takes to be on a TV show,” Shida said. “Being on TV is something an actress does, so I took acting classes. And my English has got so much better from watching Sherlock Holmes on BBC.”

    Shida also addressed the ongoing TBS Title Tournament.

    “After losing the title, I was very frustrated,” Shida said. “I thought I could have done more and been better as champion. So this tournament for the TBS title means a lot to me. It is a great opportunity to get back to the top.”

    With her win against Deeb on Dynamite, Shida will move on to face Nyla Rose in the tournament quarter-finals. The winner of the match will face the winner of Ruby Soho vs Kris Statlander in the semi-finals.

  • Update On AEW-Impact Wrestling Relationship

    Update On AEW-Impact Wrestling Relationship

    Christian Cage lost the Impact Wrestling World Championship at Bound For Glory. He is not expected to receive a rematch for the title either. AEW wrestlers have not been taking part in recent Impact tapings and Impact talent have not been at recent AEW shows either.

    As for if the relationship between AEW & Impact is finished, a representative from Impact spoke to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter and noted that the door is still open to work together. The plan had always been to conclude the storyline of an AEW wrestler holding the Impact title at Bound For Glory, however.

    “It’s getting talked about like that but not quite accurate,” the source said addressing rumors the relationship between the two companies was done. “Cage dropping the title at BFG was the end of the story that started last December. That was the plan since the spring. Door is open to do more but nothing planned for short-term.”

    The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows) had frequently been appearing as members of the Elite on AEW programming. They have not been on AEW programming recently, however. It is not clear if they will be returning to AEW or not.

    “Tony Khan didn’t comment on whether they would be brought back when asked,” wrote Dave Meltzer regarding the Good Brothers.

  • CM Punk On The Spirit Of AEW: We’re The Rock Band That Played At Your Bowling Alley

    CM Punk On The Spirit Of AEW: We’re The Rock Band That Played At Your Bowling Alley

    AEW has a unique feel to its programming that no other wrestling promotion has and CM Punk has the perfect analogy to describe the reason behind the success of the company. The straight edge star recently had an interview with Sports Illustrated. He discussed things such as his Dynamite match with Bobby Fish and more.

    Punk also talked about the spirit of AEW. The wrestling veteran explained that it has the soul of a local indie promotion with the reach of TNT behind it:

    “This is really about the soul, the spirit, and the art of professional wrestling, it reminds me of how I started. It’s why guys like me and Bryan Danielson would drive 15 hours to get to a show, and barely get gas money in return, to wrestle in front of 300 rabid fans in Philadelphia. That’s what this is, with TNT behind it.”

    CM Punk Says AEW Has Love For Pro Wrestling

    Sting CM Punk
    Sting & CM Punk (Photo: AEW)

    CM Punk then gave the analogy of a small rock band that used to play in the local bowling alley, saying that his current company has a similar spirit and love for the art of professional wrestling:

    “We’re the punk rock band that used to play at your bowling alley. It has that spirit and love of the art. It’s a place where you can make a living and learn the craft.”

    Punk also discussed the recent big developments that have created a lot of buzz for AEW such as the signing of talents like himself and Bryan Danielson or the announcement of the Owen Hart cup tournament.

    Samoa Joe On When He Knew CM Punk Would Return To Wrestling
  • How Was AEW Dynamite Viewership After Returning To Wednesday Night

    How Was AEW Dynamite Viewership After Returning To Wednesday Night

    The viewership for AEW Dynamite stayed under a million despite returning to their usual time slot on Wednesday this week after a couple of episodes on Saturday.

    The show featuring the TNT title match and the 8 men tag team match between The Dark Order and The Elite for the main event drew 941,000 viewers, according to Showbuzz Daily.

    This is a huge 63.65% increase from last week’s Saturday night Dynamite. The episode featuring the third installment in the series between Cody Rhodes and Malakai Black had drawn 575,000 viewers.

    This week’s episode of the AEW show also saw a big jump in the key demo ratings, scoring 0.40 rating in the 18-49 demographic. This is up from last week’s 0.22 rating.

    A 0.40 score represents 518,000 viewers of the demographic which is a big 79.86% increase from last week’s 288,000 viewers of the 18-49 age group.

    Though the overall viewership number was down 10.63% compared to the last Dynamite episode on Wednesday night. The October 6 episode celebrating Dynamite’s second anniversary had drawn 1.053 million viewers and a 0.37 rating in the key demo.

    In comparison, the post Crown Jewel episode of Raw on Monday drew 1.593 million viewers. It got a 0.47 rating in the 18-49 demographic, representing 613,000 viewers.

    This week’s episode of Dynamite ranked #4 in the Cable Top 150 ranking based on the 18-49 demo. This is tied with the second-anniversary show from a couple of weeks ago and up from last week’s #10 ranking.