SEScoops

Category: AEW

  • Chelsea Green: AEW Would Benefit From Signing Female Free Agents

    Chelsea Green: AEW Would Benefit From Signing Female Free Agents

    Chelsea Green believes there are some top female free agents that would bring a lot to AEW.

    WWE has been on a budget cut spree this year and it’s the talent who have taken the brunt of it. Green found herself on the chopping block and has since appeared on Impact Wrestling along with her fiancé, Matt Cardona, who was also released from WWE in 2020.

    There have been many other female wrestlers who received pink slips from WWE. During an interview with Wrestling Inc., Chelsea Green said AEW would be wise to scoop up some of the top female names.

    “There are so many people coming in and out of Impact, the opportunities are really endless there. We could see Ruby [Soho, AKA, Riott]. We could see The IIconics. We could see any of the females being released from WWE come through the Impact doors at any moment, and that’s pretty cool too.

    “It would be a travesty if they didn’t [get signed somewhere]; AEW can totally gain from those faces. We all love to watch them. We all know them. We know they’re great workers.”

    Ruby Soho has been teasing a return to the ring with a series of vignettes. As for Jessica McKay and Cassie Lee, formerly known as The IIconics in WWE, they have announced they’ll be sticking as a team. They’ll be known as IInspiration going forward.

  • AEW Heads To UBS Arena In Long Island On Dec. 8

    AEW Heads To UBS Arena In Long Island On Dec. 8

    AEW is making its way to Long Island, NY before 2021 comes to a close.

    It’s clear that AEW has been looking to make waves on the east coast. On Sept. 15, the company will be airing Dynamite live from the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Just one week later, they’ll be inside Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City for the Grand Slam edition of Dynamite.

    Andrew Zarian is reporting that AEW will be making another trip to New York in December. AEW will hold Dynamite inside the UBS Arena on Dec. 8. WrestleTix notes that the setup will likely be at 14K capacity.

    “Andrew Zarian broke the news last night that AEW Dynamite will be coming to the UBS Arena (home of the NY Islanders) in Elmont, NY on 12/8, a week after Raw will be there (11/29). Referencing this Weeknd concert, this is roughly a 14K capacity/set-up for wrestling (for sell out).”

    It’s been an eventful year for AEW thus far. More recently, we saw the massive return of CM Punk. Punk will be making his in-ring return on Sept. 5 on the All Out PPV against Darby Allin.

    Bryan Danielson has also reportedly signed with the company. While the initial report was that he’ll be making his promotional debut on Sept. 22, a new report from Bodyslam suggests that he will now be making an appearance at All Out.

  • Jim Ross Addresses Report He’s Stepping Down As Full-Time Announcer For AEW

    Jim Ross Addresses Report He’s Stepping Down As Full-Time Announcer For AEW

    Jim Ross has responded to rumors floating around about his role at commentary for AEW.

    Reports have swirled claiming that Ross will be seen far less calling matches and instead will be doing sitdown interviews and other backstage segments. The reports note that “Good Ol’ JR” will call big matches and major events when they occur.

    While the rumors have said that this was Ross’ decision, it appears JR himself didn’t get the memo.

    SEScoops reached out to Jim Ross on social media, who responded to the rumors.

    “It’s news to me…”

    Sources tell SEScoops that they hadn’t heard of anything regarding Ross transitioning from a full-time role at commentary.

    “I haven’t heard anything about this except for what stories are out there.”

    Ross has been on board with AEW since 2019. He has served as the lead play-by-play commentator on Dynamite along with Tony Schiavone and Excalibur. He does not provide commentary for AEW’s new show, Rampage. As of late, we’ve seen the Rampage booth filled by Excalibur, Chris Jericho, Tazz, and Mark Henry.

    Earlier this year, Ross responded to speculation regarding possible retirement on his podcast. JR made it clear that he doesn’t plan on slowing down.

    “I had my 69th birthday here a while back. I don’t have any desires to slow down. I get asked this all the time, ‘When you going to retire?’ Well, I hate to answer this with a question, but retire and do what?”

  • Penta El Zero M Talks What Defeating Young Bucks At All Out Would Mean

    Penta El Zero M Talks What Defeating Young Bucks At All Out Would Mean

    Penta El Zero M and Fenix are going to All Out in search of some gold.

    The Lucha Bros have earned the right to take on The Young Bucks for the AEW World Tag Team Titles. The Lucha Bros defeated Varsity Blondes and then Jurassic Express to seal their spots on the All Out PPV.

    During an interview with Sports Illustrated, Penta El Zero M discussed what defeating Matt and Nick Jackson would mean for him and Fenix.

    “Matt and Nick Jackson are our greatest rivals, and we have so much history with them in AEW and from the independent world. We are both brothers, and we all have a passion for wrestling, but there is a difference between us and The Young Bucks. It is not for show. Winning titles means everything to us. We will fight to the death for that championship.

    “Our biggest motivation is that we are indebted to all our fans. This time, we will show them it is different. This time, we are better prepared. We will show why we’re the best tag team in the universe.”

    The Lucha Bros have yet to capture tag team gold in AEW. Back in Oct. 2019, they took on SoCal Uncensored for the inaugural AEW World Tag Team Championships. Penta and Fenix fell short in the match, which aired live on Dynamite.

    The title bout between Lucha Bros and The Young Bucks will be inside a steel cage. Time will tell if the stipulation will be able to prevent interference.

  • Bryan Danielson Could Debut For AEW Sooner Than You Think

    Bryan Danielson Could Debut For AEW Sooner Than You Think

    Bryan Danielson, better known to WWE fans as Daniel Bryan, is reportedly set to make his AEW debut at the upcoming All Out PPV from Chicago on September 5. The news comes from Cassidy Haynes of BodySlam.net, who was the first to report about the leader of the Yes Movement joining Tony Khan’s promotion.

    Danielson was originally scheduled to debut on the September 22 episode of Dynamite from Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City but the officials have changed their minds.

    The plans were changed due to the growing internal concern over increasing COVID-19 cases in the country and the tightened restrictions around New York City.

    The company is also looking to maximize the buzz around new developments on the heels of CM Punk’s recent AEW debut. It’s one of the reasons why they have pulled Bryan’s debut closer.

    CM Punk Addresses Bryan Danielson to AEW Rumors

    Bryan Danielson’s Road to AEW

    The former world champion has asked for fewer dates and comparable money in his AEW contract. The ability to work in Japan and having creative input were his demands which the promotion has apparently agreed with.

    Daniel Bryan has not been seen on TV since the April 30 episode of SmackDown. He lost a career vs. title match to Universal champion Roman Reigns as a way to write him off TV when his contract expired.

    There is no word yet on what he will be doing at the upcoming PPV. Though one thing is confirmed that the former WWE star’s debut will make All Out one of the most memorable AEW shows till date.

    CM Punk Drops Bryan Danielson Hints On AEW Dynamite, Instagram
  • Miro vs. Eddie Kingston Announced For AEW All Out

    Miro vs. Eddie Kingston Announced For AEW All Out

    A TNT Championship match has been added to the AEW All Out PPV.

    Miro has been calling for a showdown with Kingston for weeks. The TNT Champion attacked Fuego Del Sol on the Aug. 27 episode of Rampage. This got the attention of Kingston, who stormed the ring and the two brawled.

    https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1431443050887327748

    Later in the night, it was announced that Tony Khan has made Miro vs. Kingston official for Sept. 5 at All Out. The action will take place inside the Now Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

    All Out has been shaping up to be one of the biggest wrestling cards of the year. The PPV will feature the in-ring return of CM Punk. He will be going one-on-one with Darby Allin.

    Also set for the card will be an AEW World Title match between champion Kenny Omega and Christian Cage.

    Take a look at the updated card for AEW All Out (not sorted by order).

    • Preshow: Women’s Casino Battle Royale
    • Kenny Omega (c) vs. Christian Cage (for the AEW World Championship)
    • Pac vs. Andrade El Idolo
    • Paul Wight vs. QT Marshall
    • The Young Bucks (c) vs. Lucha Bros (Steel Cage Match for AEW World Tag Team Championship)
    • CM Punk vs. Darby Allin
    • Chris Jericho vs. MJF (if Chris Jericho loses, he will retire from in-ring competition)
    • Britt Baker (c) vs. Kris Statlander (for the AEW Women’s World Championship)
    • Jon Moxley vs. Satoshi Kojima
    • Miro (c) vs. Eddie Kingston (for the AEW TNT Championship)
  • AEW All Out Updated Card: New Title Matches Set

    AEW All Out Updated Card: New Title Matches Set

    All Elite Wrestling has announced new matches for their upcoming All Out pay-per-view event. 

    On Friday’s episode of Rampage, The Lucha Bros (Penta El Zero Miedo & Rey Fenix) defeated Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus) in the AEW World Tag Team Championship Eliminator Tournament finals.

    As a result, The Lucha Bros will challenge The Young Bucks for the AEW World Tag Team Titles in a Steel Cage match at All Out. 

    https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1431440631608578049

    It was also announced that Miro will defend the TNT Title against Eddie Kingston at All Out. 

    https://twitter.com/AEWonTNT/status/1431443527687278593

    AEW All Out Card

    The AEW All Out pay-per-view event will take place on Sunday, September 5, 2021 from Chicago, Illinois at Now Arena. All Elite Wrestling will be announcing more matches in the coming days. Here is the updated card: 

    • AEW World Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega vs. Christian Cage
    • CM Punk vs. Darby Allin
    • Andrade El Idolo vs. PAC
    • Paul Wight vs. QT Marshall
    • Chris Jericho vs. MJF (If Jericho loses, he can never wrestle in AEW again)
    • Jon Moxley vs. Satoshi Kojima
    • AEW Women’s Champion Britt Baker vs. Kris Statlander
    • AEW Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks vs. Lucha Bros
    • TNT Champion Miro vs. Eddie Kingston
    • AEW Women’s Battle Royal: Julia Hart, Big Swole, The Bunny, Thunder Rosa, Red Velvet, Tay Conti, Penelope Ford, Diamante, and Nyla Rose
  • Jade Cargill Comes To Defense Of Red Velvet Following Moonsault Botch

    Jade Cargill Comes To Defense Of Red Velvet Following Moonsault Botch

    Jade Cargill is sticking up for Red Velvet.

    Velvet was seen in action on the Aug. 25 edition of AEW Dynamite. She went one-on-one with Jamie Hayter. Hayter ended up winning the match but Velvet’s performance was panned after she badly missed a standing moonsault.

    Jade Cargill took to her Twitter account to respond to a fan who criticized AEW’s decision to give Red Velvet airtime over her.

    “Red was/is fine. She can work. Everybody loved her when she was killing it. Shit happens. But clearly you all don’t know wrestling to not see some shit in that go round. SMH. I’m done.”

    Cargill has been built up to become a dominant athlete on the AEW roster. She’s gotten off to a red hot start in AEW with a record of 10-0. AEW has also been making Red Velvet look strong with a 2021 record of 24-5. She challenged Britt Baker for the AEW Women’s title in a losing effort.

    Cargill was immediately put in a prominent spot on AEW television. She was set for a tag team match with Shaq to take on Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes. Brandi was pulled from the match due to her pregnancy. Cargill and Shaq ended up defeating Cody and Red Velvet.

    Do you agree with Jade Cargill on the criticisms hurled at Red Velvet?

  • Backstage News On Britt Baker’s AEW Women’s Title Run

    Backstage News On Britt Baker’s AEW Women’s Title Run

    AEW is thinking long-term as far as Britt Baker’s toughest title challenger is concerned.

    Baker is arguably the most popular female competitor in AEW. Baker ended the 372-day reign of Hikaru Shida at the Double or Nothing PPV event back in May. She successfully defended her gold against Nyla Rose and then Red Velvet in her hometown of Pittsburgh.

    While many agreed that Britt was primed for a run with the AEW Women’s Title once she turned heel, one match pretty much sealed the deal. Back in March, Baker and Thunder Rosa headlined an episode of Dynamite in an unsanctioned Lights Out match. Rosa won the match but Britt emerged as an even bigger star in defeat.

    Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio reports that AEW fans shouldn’t expect to see a rematch between the two this year. In fact, the plan is to save the match for early 2022. There’s no word on whether this will be a match for Dynamite or if it’ll take place on next year’s Revolution PPV.

    Baker is scheduled to put her gold on the line against Kris Statlander at All Out on Sept. 5. As for Thunder Rosa, she recently signed a full-time deal with AEW and has 25 wins and just three losses with the promotion in 2021.

  • Adam Cole Cancels Twitch Stream Ahead of WWE SmackDown

    Adam Cole Cancels Twitch Stream Ahead of WWE SmackDown

    Adam Cole has been one of the major talking points amongst pro wrestling fans over the past few weeks.

    It was recently revealed that Cole had not signed a new deal with WWE. His original contract had actually come due around the NXT Great American Bash event earlier this year.

    Cole apparently signed an extension with WWE, keeping him with the NXT brand for a further month just beyond WWE SummerSlam 2021 weekend. Cole’s contract extension runs through today, according to Fightful.

    Cole has since removed the link to his WWE Shop page from his Twitter bio. He has also cancelled the Twitch stream that he had planned for tonight.

    “Hey Chugs Army….I’m very sorry but something has come up today and I won’t be able to stream today [frown emoji]” Adam Cole wrote to fans. “I really really wish that I could. But I will keep you all posted on when the stream will be Saturday! Love you Chugs Army and thanks for understanding as always [folded hands emoji].”

    Adam Cole Leaving WWE?

    With Cole becoming a free agent, he is free to go wherever he chooses. Most WWE talent contracts include a non-compete clause on the back end. Cole’s extension had no such clause.

    With that in mind, WWE could cause a stir by having Cole appear on SmackDown and elevate him right from the word go.

    WWE has come under flak from fans for their supposed ‘no indie stars’ mentality going forward for developmental. Cole making a huge debut on SmackDown would offset some of that blowback.

    There’s also the fact that FOX is not happy with CM Punk making his debut for All Elite Wrestling. WWE may still be looking to help that relationship and bring another ROH alumnus to the show.

  • AEW Dark Moving To Universal Studios In Orlando, FL

    AEW Dark Moving To Universal Studios In Orlando, FL

    What’s AEW Dark doing in the Impact Zone?!

    With All Elite Wrestling shows back on the road and Rampage airing on Friday nights, the promotion is preparing to make some changes to AEW Dark. According to a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the show will be moving to a studio setting.

    “They are going to be doing studio tapings for Dark most weeks now since Rampage is being taped on most Wednesday nights going forward,” wrote Dave Meltzer. The report continued to say that the format will typically be Dark Elevation filmed before Dynamite and then Rampage being filmed after.

    Episodes of Rampage will take place live from time to time, however. While this week’s show was taped, Rampage will air live from Chicago on September 3rd. The next live episode of Rampage to air after that is currently scheduled to be October 15th from Miami.

    Impact Wrestling
    Impact Wrestling at Universal Orlando

    According to Andrew Zarian of the Mat Men podcast, Florida’s Universal Studios could be the studio AEW films in.

    “Hearing that the possible new home for AEW Dark will be in Universal Studios in Orlando at a Sound Stage similar to what IMPACT use to do,” Zarian Tweeted.

    Dave Meltzer has since confirmed that Universal Orlando is the future home of All Elite Wrestling’s AEW Dark tapings.

    3 matches will air on Rampage tonight that were taped following Dynamite in Milwaukee this week. The Lucha Bros will face Jurassic Express. Tay Conti will take on the Bunny. Christian Cage will also team up with Frankie Kazarian to take on Kenny Omega and Brandon Cutler.

  • Tony Khan Understands The Reasoning Behind WWE Releases

    Tony Khan Understands The Reasoning Behind WWE Releases

    What do Tony Khan and Vincent Kennedy McMahon have in common? They are both businessmen. While the media and wrestling fans around the world may view the two as being polar opposites to one another.

    However, they are both men cut from the same cloth, and while, right now, they have two different ways of conducting their business, it doesn’t mean they are that far apart in mindset. Speaking during a recent appearance on the Le Batard and Friends – South Beach Sessions, Tony Khan addressed the spate of WWE releases this year. Speaking as a businessman he fully understood what was happening.

    “Well, they had a really big roster, and they’ve chosen to try to maximize their profit margins by letting talent go to reduce the amount of cost they have due to talent,” Khan explained, his inner businessman coming out.

    “They had a lot of really good people, and they’re making choices about why people have value to them. I can’t say what number they’re trying to hit, but they’re definitely trying to hit a number there. I think it’s about profitability, and they’re making choices, I’m sure they don’t necessarily want to make, but they’ve let good people go in the process, absolutely.”

    Tony Khan Understands What It Will Take to Be a Success

    There has also been a lot of talk recently from WWE about how the people up the top don’t see AEW as a credible threat. This topic was also discussed during Tony Khan’s interview. Khan understands the talk, however, with WCW and their documented faults acting as a mile marker, he believes he has what it takes to survive.

    “If Ted (Turner) had been 1% as hands-on or capable as I am to run a wrestling business, WCW never would have gone out of business.”

    Tony Khan also has a good friend in Eric Bischoff, who at the helm of WCW pushed WWE to their limits back during the Monday Night Wars. Armed with industry knowledge, passion and undeniable business acumen, Tony Khan believes he knows the formula for long term success, and it isn’t actually too different from WWE right now.

    “There’s been one supreme commander at the top who runs a company and negotiates the contracts, negotiates the TV deals, and the arenas, and figures out who’s wrestling who and books the matches.”

    Some wrestling fans, those that feel WWE can do no right will find these words worrying. However, to those that understand the industry, know the history, and appreciate the multiple pathways that constitute sports entertainment, there is an undeniable truth in his words. A truth that should instil confidence and paint a very bright future for All Elite Wrestling.

  • Mark Henry Helps Young AEW Talent Each & Every Week, Says Jim Ross

    Mark Henry Helps Young AEW Talent Each & Every Week, Says Jim Ross

    Mark Henry, WWE Hall of Famer and pro wrestling legend signed with All Elite Wrestling in May this year as coach, broadcaster and talent scout, shocking the wrestling world. Aside from performing his broadcasting duties in the company, Henry’s behind-the-scenes duties as a coach include mentoring and guiding AEW’s up-and-coming stars. He is also responsible for scouting talent for AEW, which is nothing new for Henry as over the years working with WWE he brought several talented athletes to the company.

    Jim Ross, who is a senior advisor at AEW, took notice of Mark Henry’s impact on the AEW locker room and spoke about it on a recent episode of his Grilling JR podcast. Ross said that Henry does a great job for AEW by talking to the young stars. One of the things he does is sit together with them during the shows and points out things and lets them ask him questions. “He’s a very valuable asset to AEW. A lot of folks may not realize it because he’s not on TV all the time, he will be in some role on Rampage. But in any event, Mark was a long term investment [during his early years with WWE]. He was a project, but you can’t replace Mark Henry. Over time he’s evolved into one of the most beloved characters in the business,” Ross said. (H/T Wrestling Inc.)

    Mark Henry has said that when the expiry of his WWE contract neared, he felt like he wanted to do more and be in an executive position. “I felt like I wanted to do more. I always wanted to do more. You know me, I’m a busybody. If I’m not doing what I know I can do, especially if I feel I can do it better than somebody else. If I can’t get that opportunity, I have to start looking for that somewhere else. And I did.”

    Henry has also said he wants to wrestle again and that his retirement match is “definitely going to happen in AEW.” He also wants to bring Braun Strowman to AEW. “I talked to him, I mentored him but I tell him all the time, I can’t talk business,” Henry said regarding Strowman. “When your contract expires, you call and let me know and then we’ll have a talk.”

  • CM Punk On If He Had Decided On AEW Signing While Filming Heels

    CM Punk On If He Had Decided On AEW Signing While Filming Heels

    While CM Punk only made his official return to pro wrestling last Friday during AEW Rampage, he knew in his mind that he will be coming back long before that.

    The former WWE champion recently had an interview with Variety to promote the pro wrestling drama series Heels. He talked about his character on the show and more.

    Punk also talked about his return to wrestling. He admitted that he had some idea about making his AEW debut while shooting the show in late 2020 and early 2021:

    “It wasn’t 100%, but I knew that’s what I was doing, if that makes sense. It was just fortuitous, I guess. Here I am in a wrestling ring for this acting gig and I know, in the back of my head,

    I’m getting back into the ring in a few months anyway, so I figured it was two birds one stone. I got a little out of camp training.”

    CM Punk had been away from wrestling for more than 7 years after quitting WWE in 2014. He finally made his return during the second episode of AEW Rampage.

    Heels airs on the Starz network on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET. This week’s episode of the show will feature the debut of Punk’s character named Ricky Rabies.

    CM Punk Reveals How Long He’s Talked To AEW
  • Tony Khan On Getting Inspiration From Vince McMahon

    Tony Khan On Getting Inspiration From Vince McMahon

    A lot of people believe that the WWE president Vince McMahon does not care about his product anymore but his AEW counterpart Tony Khan doesn’t think the same. The AEW president recently appeared on the Le Batard and Friends – South Beach Sessions. During the interview, show host Dan Le Batard wondered if Mr. McMahon doesn’t care about his product.

    Replying to it, Khan claimed that the boss does care. He then recalled the 80s when Vince McMahon was trying to expand WWE and claimed that he is inspired by the effort McMahon put at the time:

    “You hear about Vince going to convince Hulk Hogan, going to convince individual people to come in and work for the WWF, convincing a sponsor to come on. Vince was taking all these meetings and all this responsibility, and he was a similar age to me, and I think I’m inspired by that.”

    Tony Khan continued on the topic and explained that he has taken inspiration from what Vince did in the 80s for a lot of work which he has done with AEW:

    “The amount of people I’ve gone out and convinced to join AEW, signed, built relationships with that I now have under the umbrella of this company And so I tried to take a lot of inspiration from what Vince did in the ’80s building the wrestling empire and expanding it”

    Apart from this, Khan talked about things such as competing against NXT in the Wednesday night wars, how fans can support both WWE and AEW at the same time without creating a hostile environment, and more.

  • Santana & Ortiz Explain Chris Jericho’s Role In Bringing Them To AEW

    Santana & Ortiz Explain Chris Jericho’s Role In Bringing Them To AEW

    Santana and Ortiz have revealed the role that Chris Jericho played in bringing them to AEW.

    Santana and Ortiz made a name for themselves in Impact Wrestling as the younger generation of LAX. Many have praised the team not only for their abilities but their authenticity. The team debuted for AEW back in Aug. 2019 at All Out. On the debut episode of Dynamite, Santana and Ortiz aligned themselves with Chris Jericho. Soon, Santana and Ortiz, Jericho, Sammy Guevara, and Jake Hager would form The Inner Circle.

    During an edition of the AEW Unrestricted podcast, Santana and Ortiz spoke on their decision to sign with AEW over WWE.

    “That was one of the deciding factors for us coming into the company because right before we went in, we had offers to go to WWE or AEW. We were on the fence initially, but one of the swaying decisions for us was Chris specifically wanted us to be a part of The Inner Circle. We were like, wow. He’s a huge part of our bonding experience. When we started becoming a tag team, we both read Jericho’s first book, ‘A Lion’s Tale’, so we were like this is the blueprint to be a wrestler.

    “This is it right here. He was a journeyman. He wrestled everywhere. This is what we want to do. Watching guys like him, Dean, Eddie, we wanted to be true journeymen. We bonded over his first book, so fast forward to us hearing Cody saying Chris wants us to be in this stable, we were like, ‘What? What’s going on right now.’ It was just one of those real weird, full circle moments where we were like, we bonded over his first book, and now we are a part of his journey, and a part of his legacy.

    “We will be tied into his career. It’s crazy when you look at it that we grew up watching him and all of these guys. This whole experience the past two years has been insane. With everything that’s gone on personally in my life, with everything professionally, the whole pandemic, it’s just been crazy insane.”

    Santana & Ortiz are currently involved in a feud with FTR. The two will meet on the Sept. 1 edition of AEW Dynamite. Santana & Ortiz lost their first meeting against FTR on July 28, which ended early after Cash Wheeler suffered a nasty arm injury.

    As for Jericho, his rivalry with MJF has led to the ultimate stipulation. Jericho has challenged MJF to one last match at All Out on Sept. 5. If Jericho loses, he will put his in-ring career with AEW to rest.

  • CM Punk’s Dynamite Debut Delivers Second-Best Demo For AEW

    CM Punk’s Dynamite Debut Delivers Second-Best Demo For AEW

    The viewership numbers for CM Punk’s first appearance on AEW Dynamite have been revealed.

    The wrestling world is still buzzing after Punk made his return. The self-proclaimed, “Best in the World” made his AEW debut on the Aug. 20 edition of Rampage. His entrance alone has become an instant classic as he received a thunderous ovation from the crowd inside the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

    That episode of Rampage garnered an average viewership total of 1.1 million. Punk’s segment drew 1.3 million viewers. Many were impressed by the numbers as Rampage airs on Friday nights at 10 p.m. ET, which isn’t exactly an ideal night or timeslot.

    The momentum is still alive and well if numbers from this week’s Dynamite episode are any indication.

    Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics reports that the Aug. 25 edition of Dynamite took in 1,172,000 viewers. On top of that, it scored a 0.48 rating in the 18-49 demo. This is the promotion’s second-highest rating in that demo for Dynamite since the debut episode back in Oct. 2019.

    Punk addressed his decision to make his way to AEW during Dynamite. He said it was because of the younger talent in the locker room. He said he’s targeting Darby Allin because Darby would’ve been his favorite wrestler if he was 15 years old.

    Along the way, CM Punk even dropped quite the hint. The man who formerly called himself the “Voice of the Voiceless,” responded to “Yes!” chants from the crowd. Punk teased, “that’s somebody else’s shtick and you might just need to be a little more patient, ok?” Bryan Danielson has reportedly signed with AEW and is expected to make his debut on the Sept. 22 edition of Dynamite in New York City.

    CM Punk will have his first wrestling match since January 2014 on Sept. 5. He’ll take on Darby Allin inside the Now Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. The match will be featured on the All Out PPV card.

  • Changes Reportedly Made To Aug. 25 AEW Dynamite Episode

    Changes Reportedly Made To Aug. 25 AEW Dynamite Episode

    It appears AEW was forced to make a last-minute change to AEW Dynamite last night (Aug. 25).

    This week’s episode of Dynamite took place inside the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This episode saw the Dynamite debut of CM Punk. Punk had made his return to the pro wrestling industry on the Aug. 20 edition of Rampage.

    One match, in particular, may have been confusing to some on the recent episode of Dynamite. Jon Moxley teamed with Eddie Kingston and Darby Allin to take on The Wingmen. While The Wingmen have been more often seen on AEW Dark, the trio was needed for Dynamite.

    Some wondered why 2point0 wasn’t in the ring with Moxley, Kingston, and Allin since there has been bad blood brewing on television. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio reports that 2point0 were indeed scheduled for the tag team match but plans changed.

    It’s likely that the change came as a result of Matt Lee of 2point0 recently becoming a father. Lee’s wife gave birth to a baby boy on Sunday afternoon.

    All indications seem to be there is still unfinished business between 2point0, Daniel Garcia and Moxley, Kingston, and Darby. Garcia made a run-in after Moxley, Kingston, and Darby defeated The Wingmen. Garcia took a cheap shot at Darby before running out of the ring.

  • Chris Jericho Adds Orange Cassidy, Britt Baker, and More to Cruise

    Chris Jericho Adds Orange Cassidy, Britt Baker, and More to Cruise

    All Elite Wrestling talent Chris Jericho and his cruise organizers have announced a few names that’ll appear at the Rock N Wrestling Rager Triple Wammy Cruise. The cruise will travel from Miami to Grand Bahama Island from October 21 to 25th. The performers revealed were AEW Women’s Champion Britt Baker, Orange Cassidy, Christopher Daniels, Frankie Kazarian, and Colt Cabana.

    The announcement also said that “…More additions to come SOON – stay tuned!”

    AEW Dynamite Not on The Jericho Cruise

    AEW announced that AEW Dynamite would have a Saturday night episode on October 23rd in Orlando, Florida. However, AEW will be taping their event at the Addition Financial Arena. While not official, it seems AEW Dynamite will not have an episode on the cruise.

    AEW Dynamite took place on the cruise last year and was considered a success. Heel By Nature reported after the event that Cody Rhodes said that AEW would return in 2021. “…Following the AEW Dynamite taping, Cody Rhodes announced that AEW will have more involvement in next year’s cruise and will air Dynamite live from onboard the vessel on 2/3/2021,” said Heel by Nature.

    Jericho scheduled the cruise for earlier this year, but he postponed it due to Covid-19 concerns. The cruise organizers released a statement that said, “After careful consideration and caution for everyone’s health and safety, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to postpone the Triple Whammy.”

    It’s unclear if AEW will air some of the matches that will take place on the cruise in October. Jericho has also shared that AEW President Tony Khan is working with him to get AEW talent to appear. Jericho will hope to replicate his success for his third voyage, with more names added to the cruise lineup.

  • Update On Chris Jericho’s AEW Contract

    Update On Chris Jericho’s AEW Contract

    Chris Jericho will put his in-ring career on the line against Maxwell Jacob Friedman at All Out on September 5th. The match was made official last night on Dynamite. With Jericho’s in-ring career in jeopardy, many fans have wondered how much time is left on his AEW contract.

    Jericho’s contract was addressed recently on Wrestling Observer Radio. According to Dave Meltzer, Jericho’s deal with the promotion has essentially one and a half years left on it.

    “There is a 1-year option. So in a sense, it’s up at the end of next year. So, a year and a half basically left,” said Dave Meltzer.

    Jericho has wrestled 47 matches in his AEW career. His overall record is 34-12-1. So far in 2021, Jericho is 9-3. He is also the promotion’s inaugural world champion. Jericho held the title for 182 days between August 31st, 2019 and February 20th, 2020. He defended the title successfully against Darby Allin, Cody Rhodes, and Scorpio Sky before dropping it to Jon Moxley.

    Chris Jericho’s in-ring career being put on the line at All Out struck a chord with WWE producer Shane “Hurricane” Helms. He posted the following to Twitter shortly after the match stipulation was made.

  • Cash Wheeler Shares Images & Details Of Gruesome Injury

    Cash Wheeler Shares Images & Details Of Gruesome Injury

    At Fight for the Fallen last month, a match between Santana & Ortiz and FTR went to the finish early following a gruesome injury suffered by Cash Wheeler. A hook from the turnbuckle post caught his arm and tore into it. Doctors attended to Wheeler as Harwood ended up winning the match for his team.

    Wheeler recently took to Twitter to share some gruesome photos of the injury. He also offered further details on how it has impacted him.

    “August 28th I had a hook stab into my arm and rip it open. For almost a month I’ve been dealing with loss of grip strength, loss of feeling/nerve damage, and wondering if this is even worth it anymore. If this is the end, we’re taking a pound of flesh with us,” Wheeler wrote on Twitter.

    https://twitter.com/CashWheelerFTR/status/1430713639401578496

    The rematch between the two teams is scheduled for next week’s edition of Dynamite.

    Both Wheeler and Harwood have dropped hints about possibly coming to the end of their wrestling careers.

    https://twitter.com/DaxFTR/status/1430553474937331716

    The #4 ranked team in AEW have only lost one match this year. That was the Stadium Stampede match where the Inner Circle defeated the Pinnacle at Double or Nothing. They are 6-0 in 2-on-2 tag-team matches so far in 2021.

  • R-Truth: Never Thought CM Punk Was Impressive, Has “Typical Entitlement”

    R-Truth: Never Thought CM Punk Was Impressive, Has “Typical Entitlement”

    R-Truth has called out CM Punk seemingly out of nowhere and taken massive shots at him, calling the recently-returned wrestler unimpressive and entitled. CM Punk has taken the wrestling world by storm recently by making his All Elite Wrestling debut last week on Rampage: The First Dance. While wrestling fans were delighted, both AEW and WWE stars too welcomed Punk back in the industry with open arms and many wrestling personalities chimed in to congratulate Punk on his comeback. R-Truth, however, is not really a fan of CM Punk according to a recent comment he posted online.

    A video of CM Punk’s appearance on Colt Cabana’s podcast from back in 2014 resurfaced on Tiktok, in which Punk discussed his time in the WWE and how he was unsatisfied with management and his overall position in the company. Punk brought up WWE’s decision to book him to lose to Triple H even though he was hot and had momentum, as well as the company’s decision to make him and Triple H lose to The Miz and R-Truth (aka Awesome Truth) back in Vengeance 2011. Punk said that these decisions didn’t make any sense business-wise. R-Truth didn’t take a liking to Punk’s comments, and sounded off in the comments of the Tiktok video with the following:

    “CM Punk you lost to me an Miz cause we were HOTTER than you sorry, and I neva thought you were impressive at all, just typical entitlement (sic)”

    Online, fans have been surprised by Truth’s comments with many saying that they have never seen him talk trash before about anyone else from the industry. It would be interesting to note that CM Punk helped R-Truth win against John Cena in a Tables match on Raw back in 2011, before cutting his legendary “Pipebomb” promo. It would be interesting to see if Punk has anything to say in response to Truth’s comments.

    Related: CM Punk Addresses Live Crowd After Dynamite & Rampage Taping (Video)

  • CM Punk Addresses Live Crowd After Dynamite & Rampage Taping (Video)

    CM Punk Addresses Live Crowd After Dynamite & Rampage Taping (Video)

    Following Dynamite last night, AEW taped this Friday’s episode of Rampage. After that, CM Punk came out and spoke to the live crowd in Milwaukee.

    “It’s cool to be here,” Punk said. “It’s cool that you all came here and to stay, I know it’s late, I know sometimes these shows can be long but you sit in your seats and you’re enthusiastic and you give everybody here everything you’ve got because everybody, at least that I’ve seen so far, gives you everything that they have.”

    “I just want to say that I’m super grateful and I know eventually the luster will kind of wear off,” Punk continued. “Just know that until it does wear off, I’m going to keep doing it and I’m going to keep trying to soak it in as much as I can.”

    Christian Cage than got on the microphone and noted that it was a big deal that Punk was in AEW.

    “It’s a big f***ing deal that you’re here,” Christian says in the video.

    Twitter user @allELITExmtz posted video of Punk addressing the crowd in Milwaukee:

    He also posted a second video that features Frankie Kazarian come out and speak to both CM Punk and Christian Cage.

    CM Punk Drops Bryan Danielson Hints On AEW Dynamite, Instagram
  • Jon Moxley’s AEW All Out Opponent Revealed For Sept. 5

    Jon Moxley’s AEW All Out Opponent Revealed For Sept. 5

    Jon Moxley has a dance partner for AEW All Out.

    As we get closer to AEW’s next PPV, many have wondered who Moxley will share the ring with. For a brief period, it was looking like newly-minted IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi was a possible opponent. It turns out that isn’t the case as Tanahashi will defend his title against Kota Ibushi on Sept. 4 in Japan.

    During the Aug. 25 edition of Dynamite, Jon Moxley revealed that his All Out opponent will be Satoshi Kojima.

    “So we get the FedEx back from Tokyo today. One contract signed, sealed, and delivered. Only one, only one guy with the balls to step through the door, only one guy with the balls to chase the boogeyman in New Japan Pro Wrestling. We know who it wasn’t. So I look at this name and I wish I had worn glasses cause I would’ve adjusted them. I couldn’t believe it.

    “Kojima Satoshi. And I thought, ‘man what a treat for the fans in Chicago to see a legend of New Japan, a legend of All Japan live and in-person.’ That’s a real treat for the fans and then I started thinking about it. I said, ‘damn, I am insulted. This crazy ass old man wants to step in the ring and go toe-to-toe with me?”

    Kojima is a former two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion in NJPW and a former two-time Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion in AJPW. While he hasn’t been booked as a main eventer in Japan in over a decade, Kojima can still go in the ring.

    Moxley is no stranger to facing top talent from Japan. He was a two-time IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion. He even participated in the G1 Climax back in 2019.

  • CM Punk Drops Bryan Danielson Hints On AEW Dynamite, Instagram

    CM Punk Drops Bryan Danielson Hints On AEW Dynamite, Instagram

    CM Punk has delivered a massive tease in regards to Bryan Danielson.

    Punk appeared on AEW Dynamite for the first time on Aug. 25. The self-proclaimed “Best in the World” made his return to the pro wrestling industry on Aug. 20. He opened up the second episode of AEW Rampage to a thunderous ovation inside the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

    On Dynamite, Punk explained why he felt now is the right time to step inside the AEW ring. As fans chanted “Yes!” during Punk’s promo, he dropped quite the hint.

    “That’s somebody else’s shtick and you might just need to be a little more patient, ok?” The crowd erupted at the prospect of Danielson joining Punk in AEW.

    To add fuel to the fire, CM Punk posted a close-up photo of a handshake on his Instagram Story late Wednesday night. Longtime fans might recognize that handshake. Zoom out and you’ll see that it’s a photo of Punk and Danielson from their days in Ring of Honor.

    https://twitter.com/sescoops/status/1430878695598739470

    Is Bryan Danielson All Elite?

    Bryan is reportedly locked in with AEW. It’s been said that he’ll be making his promotional debut on the Sept. 22 Dynamite show in New York City.

    Bryan hasn’t been seen in action since WrestleMania 37. He was defeated in a triple threat match that involved Roman Reigns and Edge. Reigns ended up winning the match to retain the WWE Universal Championship.

    When asked about the report of Bryan Danielson being signed to AEW, Tony Khan has said he can’t comment on it. It’s important to note that usually when a false rumor is made about AEW, Khan has no problem dismissing it. He had the same approach to the Punk report where he wouldn’t comment on whether or not it was true.