SEScoops

Category: AEW

  • Darby Allin Responds To CM Punk’s Challenge For All Out After Rampage (Video)

    Darby Allin Responds To CM Punk’s Challenge For All Out After Rampage (Video)

    CM Punk laid out a massive challenge for Darby Allin for a match at the upcoming All Out PPV during his AEW debut on this week’s The First Dance episode of Rampage.

    The former TNT champion responded to the challenge after the show went off air. He claimed that AEW has changed his life and wrestling the former WWE champion will be an honor:

    “I am gonna keep this very brief. This f**king company changed my life.” said Allin, “And after All Out, everybody will know my name. CM Punk- It’ll be an honor.”

    https://twitter.com/FLWrestlingFan/status/1428917898232442886

    CM Punk had been rumored to make his wrestling return for AEW for a while now. In the post-media scrum of Rampage, he confirmed that he was waiting for the crowds to come back.

    Darby Allin had also been teasing a match against the former WWE star in recent times. Tonight’s events finally confirmed this bout for the upcoming PPV.

    Punk has been announced for next Wednesday’s episode of Dynamite so it will be interesting to see if he confronts Darby Allin during the upcoming show.

    What did you think about CM Punk’s return on AEW Rampage? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

  • CM Punk Debuts On AEW Rampage, Will Face Darby Allin at All In

    CM Punk Debuts On AEW Rampage, Will Face Darby Allin at All In

    CM Punk finally made his return to pro wrestling and did it on Friday’s episode of AEW Rampage from Chicago, IL at the Allstate Arena. 

    The fans went nuts, he dove into the crowd and hugged several of his friends at ringside. He cut a promo about how he didn’t know what he was going to say until he felt the crowd. He said he has a lot to say and he will get to that later. He said that he couldn’t stay in the same place that got him sick in the first place. 

    Punk said that he felt before like he had to leave. He said in August 2005 he felt like he had to leave ROH and it boiled down to him finding a place where he found a play to make a name for themselves and then leave.

    He said in 2005, he left pro wrestling, but in August 2021, he’s back. Punk said he’s back for himself and the fans because there’s a lot of talent he wishes he could’ve been around. He said he’s back to work with young talent and there are a few scores to settle. He called out Darby Allin and said that he’s good. Punk said that he’s here to help Allin so he challenged Allin at All Out. 

    On July 21st, news first broke that the former WWE Champion has been in talks to make a return to pro wrestling as an in-ring performer with AEW being the leading candidate. 

    There had been a lot of speculation as to when Punk could make his promotional debut, but it was always favored to be in Chicago as that’s his hometown. There are three dates in the first week of September in the city – Dynamite, Rampage, and All Out. However, when AEW announced this special episode of Rampage, many fans knew this was the date for his arrival.

  • Paul Wight Drops Last-Minute CM Punk Hint Ahead Of AEW Rampage

    Paul Wight Drops Last-Minute CM Punk Hint Ahead Of AEW Rampage

    Add Paul Wight to the list of people who have teased a CM Punk appearance at AEW Rampage: The First Dance.

    The second episode of AEW Rampage takes place tonight (Aug. 20). It’ll be held inside the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. While nothing has been announced, Punk is expected to be making his AEW debut on the show.

    Wight appeared on ESPN’s SportsNation and talked about the rumors that have been heating up.

    “Tonight is a night on Rampage where in the future, people are going to say ‘Hey do you remember when?’ We’re in Chicago, United Centre, sold out. There’s a lot of rumors going around, a lot of scuttlebutt. There’s an opportunity tonight for someone to make an appearance on Rampage here in AEW that will literally knock the wrestling world on its keister. This is one of the biggest, anticipated events that I can remember in a long time.

    “I was trying to think about it today, what is it compared to? Is it compared to Hulk Hogan going to WCW? Does it compare to the nWo? Stone Cold Steve Austin glass breaking Austin 3:16? What kind of an impact, if the rumors are true, will this have on the wrestling business. I can neither confirm nor deny what kind of an impact tonight’s Rampage will have on the wrestling industry for the future.”

    Not counting WWE Backstage, CM Punk hasn’t appeared on a wrestling show since 2014. He left WWE following the Royal Rumble PPV. Punk cited a lack of time off, how WWE’s medical team handled his staph infection, and creative frustration when it came to his decision to leave.

  • Tony Khan Says The Format Of Tonight’s Rampage Will Be Different

    Tony Khan Says The Format Of Tonight’s Rampage Will Be Different

    AEW’s “The First Dance” will be the second-ever episode of Rampage. Tony Khan recently appeared on Busted Open Radio and said the format of tonight’s show will not be typical of what fans can expect from typical episodes of the show.

    “The format of tonight’s show will be very different,” Khan said (transcription via WrestlingNewsCO). “It’s gonna be different than last week’s Rampage and really different than most Rampages. I think for an average Friday night, it’s gonna be a great wrestling show every Friday on Rampage. I would expect the format [for regular Rampage shows] to be more similar to what we did in the premiere episode than what we do tonight.”

    Khan said a big surprise on the show has necessitated the format change.

    “It’s gonna be unusual but it’s also gonna be the biggest surprise we ever delivered and that’s why it necessitates a very different format than we’ve done for just a standard wrestling card,” Khan continued.

    3 matches have been scheduled for tonight. Jon Moxley will face Daniel Garcia. Jade Cargill will also take on Kiera Hogan. The 4-team tag-team tournament to determine new title contenders also kicks off tonight. Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus will face Private Party in a semi-final match tonight.

    It was not specifically mentioned on this week’s Dynamite that there is a big surprise expected on tonight’s show. Several CM Punk teases have been made in recent weeks, however. Khan also alluded to a big planned surprise tonight in the below Tweet:

  • AEW Set To Make 3rd Major Acquisition Following CM Punk & Bryan Danielson (Report)

    AEW Set To Make 3rd Major Acquisition Following CM Punk & Bryan Danielson (Report)

    It is a pretty big time for All Elite Wrestling. Tonight, the promotion holds “The First Dance” in Chicago’s United Center. CM Punk is expected to make his long-awaited return to professional wrestling on the show. Bryan Danielson is also expected to debut in AEW in the not-too-distant future. According to a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the company has a 3rd “new major acquisition” on their way as well.

    “Sources close to the promotion who will be alert to such things also noted: We don’t really have any idea at the moment who this ‘new major AEW acquisition’ could be but we’ll have further updates if and when available.”

    With names such as Ric Flair, Adam Cole, and Bray Wyatt available, it is not clear who the new acquisition is.

    Cody Rhodes Comments On AEW Signing Big Name Free Agents

    AEW has been signing a lot of talent this year. In a recent media interview, SEScoops asked Cody Rhodes about AEW possibly signing Bray Wyatt. Rhodes responded that he believes the company will sign anyone with the potential to be a needle-mover.

    “I tell a lot of my peers in wrestling and people I use as a sounding board, I always tell them, ‘you can’t wish away good talent,’ especially when you get in a groove as a talent yourself,” Rhodes said. “And it’s not unlike the world that Tony [Khan] comes from already, the world of the NFL and football in the UK. If there’s a free agent out there that can move the needle and be something significant for us… personally, I think you have to go after them. Does that change the landscape of the show and the roster? For sure, but that’s one of those things where as much as things can get personal, it is business. And no one is immune from that.”

  • Tony Khan Teases Biggest Announcement In AEW History At Rampage

    Tony Khan Teases Biggest Announcement In AEW History At Rampage

    The second edition of AEW Rampage figures to be one that wrestling fans can’t miss.

    While it hasn’t been announced, the general consensus is that CM Punk will be making his AEW debut inside the United Center in Chicago, Illinois tomorrow night (Aug. 20). Punk hasn’t been a part of a wrestling show outside of WWE Backstage since 2014.

    The upcoming episode of Rampage dubbed The First Dance has been heavily promoted by AEW to the point where extra seating recently opened up for the United Center.

    AEW founder Tony Khan took to his Twitter account to tease the biggest announcement in the company’s history tomorrow night.

    “I’m betting that excitement from the most anticipated announcement in AEW
    history at AEW Rampage The First Dance will build up through All Out on PPV. We’ll make new fans + we’ll welcome dormant wrestling households worldwide back into the fold; a new era in AEW begins tomorrow.”

    Tony Khan hasn’t been shy in teasing what AEW fans can expect from the upcoming Rampage episode. He told Busted Open Radio the following.

    “It’s going to be a huge card, and tonight [Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite] we’ll establish more of what’s coming on the premiere of Rampage. Of course, I think everyone knows what to expect on the second episode of Rampage, which is titled ‘The First Dance.’ And I expect the anticipation will continue to build.”

    Three matches have been set for The First Dance. Former AEW World Champion Jon Moxley will take on Daniel Garcia. Plus, Jurassic Express will meet Private Party in an AEW World Tag Team Title eliminator. Also set for the card will be Jade Cargill vs. Kiera Hogan.

    Stick with SEScoops tomorrow night as we’ll keep you posted on the major news that comes out of The First Dance. Of course, we’ll also be bringing you full results.

  • Juventud Guerrera On Tony Khan’s Reaction To Match Against Chris Jericho

    Juventud Guerrera On Tony Khan’s Reaction To Match Against Chris Jericho

    As part of the 5 Labors of Jericho, Chris Jericho faced Juventud Guerrera recently on Dynamite. Juvi was a guest of Nick Hausman’s on the Wrestling Inc. podcast recently. During the discussion, Guerrera revealed what Tony Khan said to him backstage at Dynamite.

    “He gave me a thumbs up. I went back to the locker room,” Guerrera said. “He was right there at Gorilla position. He got up. He shook my hand. He said, ‘Great match, good match. Thank you very much,’ and before I came out, when I was going from my locker room to the stage, I heard somebody saying, ‘Juvi! Juvi! Juvi!’ I was like, who’s calling me? Then I turn around. It was TK, or Tony Khan, and he was like, ‘Thank you Juvi for being here. It’s a pleasure for me to have you on this show.’ I was in shock.”

    “It gave me this good feeling of wow, this is something different. This is not just a major company, this is something that has value. Somebody actually values your work and the years that you’ve put in this business. It was outstanding I just want to say thank you to Tony Khan.”

    Juvi is scheduled to face nZo (FKA Enzo Amore) on a show next month.

    Chris Jericho vs Juventud Guerrera Head-to-Head History

    When Jericho and Juvi faced off on Dynamite recently, it was the 23rd singles match they’ve had against once another. Of the 12 of those matches that have been televised, Jericho holds a 9-3 edge in the series. Another 11 of those matches were on WCW house shows. Jericho won 9 and lost 2 of those matches. In total, Jericho has an 18-5 advantage in singles matches against Juvi.

    Jericho would win the 4th Labors of Jericho after defeating Juvi when he defeated Wardlow last week. MJF would defeat Jericho last night in the 5th and final Labor of Jericho.

    The discussion with Juventud Guerrera is available in the player below:

  • Rumored ‘Forbidden Door’ All Out Match In Jeopardy

    Rumored ‘Forbidden Door’ All Out Match In Jeopardy

    One of the matches being rumored for the upcoming All Out PPV in September involves the ongoing ‘Forbidden Door’ storyline. Jox Moxley was slated to be taking on IWGP United States Champion and Japanese wrestling legend Hiroshi Tanahashi.

    Moxley reportedly suggested the match to AEW owner Tony Khan a few months ago, and Khan was very receptive to bringing in Tanahashi for the contest and what will be their biggest pay-per-view to date.

    It has now been confirmed that Tanahashi will be facing Kota Ibushi as part of the Wrestle Grand Slam event in MetLife Dome, Japan.

    Forbidden Door

    This puts the proposed match between Moxley and Tanahashi, the night after in Chicago, Illinois, up in the air.

    With the current COVID restrictions, it may not be possible for Tanahashi to get out of Japan and over to the United States in time for the event. Let alone the strict quarantining rules he may have to adhere to.

    Jon Moxley would cut a promo on this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, where he slammed ‘newcomers’ to the company. Moxley would talk about how he was one of the original stars who helped build the company during turbulent times, whereas others now only come into the company because there are fans back and it is successful.

    This promo may have been a backup plan for the company if the proposed Forbidden Door match isn’t possible, with a plethora of new talent making their way to AEW over the past couple of months.

  • Chris Jericho Gets Standing Ovation From Crowd After Dynamite (Video)

    Chris Jericho Gets Standing Ovation From Crowd After Dynamite (Video)

    Chris Jericho competed in a hard-fought match against MJF in the main event of this week’s episode of Dynamite. While MJF managed to win this bout, Jericho’s performance was still recognized after the match.

    Legends such as Ric Flair took on their Twitter to praise both the stars for their work in the main event match after the show. Flair claimed that Y2J made the business better for everyone.

    Jericho also got applauded by the audience in the arena after the bout. As seen in the video below, the fans in the arena gave a standing ovation to the wrestling legend after the show went off air:

    https://twitter.com/LegitbossKO2/status/1428225999284707332

    Chris Jericho’s storyline with MJF began last year when the former MLW star requested to join Jericho’s Inner Circle stable. The two even formed a tag team for a short while and unsuccessfully challenged for the tag team titles.

    However, MJF turned on the former AEW champion during the March 10 Dynamite earlier this year. He formed his own faction called The Pinnacle in the process.

    When Jericho demanded a singles match, MJF told him that he would have to go through several opponents. Chris defeated four different opponents over the last few weeks to get the bout on this week’s Dynamite.

  • CM Punk: Updated Betting Odds For First AEW Opponent

    CM Punk: Updated Betting Odds For First AEW Opponent

    CM Punk is being heavily touted for a debut on this week’s episode of AEW Rampage. Both the company and the straight edge star have been teasing his signing over the past couple of weeks, and now it looks as though he is finally coming back to the squared circle.

    The betting odds for CM Punk’s first opponent in AEW have been updated by BetOnline. So here is how they stand currently:

    • Darby Allin 1/2
    • Byan Danielson/Daniel Bryan 11/4
    • Christian Cage 15/4
    • Orange Cassidy 6/1
    • Matt Hardy 7/1
    • Chris Jericho 8/1
    • Cody Rhodes 8/1
    • Jungle Boy 9/1
    • Sting 10/1

    It is not surprising that Darby Allin is odds-on favourite to face CM Punk in his debut match for the company. Allin has been teasing a showdown with the ‘Best In The World’ this Friday and this week’s Rampage may be the start of the feud between the two straight edge stars.

    CM Punk Betting Odds

    BetOnline has also confirmed the following odds for two of the confirmed matches on the ALL OUT PPV card:

    AEW Championship Match – Kenny Omega (c) vs Christian Cage

    • Kenny Omega -375 (4/15)
    • Christian Cage +240 (12/5)

    Andrade El Idolo vs Pac

    • Andrade El Idolo -180 (5/9)
    • Pac +140 (7/5)

    Who do you think CM Punk is facing first in AEW? Let us know in the comments.

  • Steel Cage Championship Match Announced For All Out

    Steel Cage Championship Match Announced For All Out

    AEW has announced that the world tag team champions The Young Bucks will be defending their titles in a steel cage match at the upcoming All Out PPV next month.

    This week’s episode of Dynamite saw the tag champs defending the titles in a match against Jurassic Express. The Bucks retained the championships in a bout filled with many interferences from the Elite.

    The Elite were featured in a backstage segment after this bout. Don Callis claimed that The Young Bucks are very dominant and they should take a break.

    Though he got interrupted by Tony Khan. Khan announced an eliminator tournament to determine the new #1 contenders for the tag belts.

    He confirmed that the tournament will feature Varsity Blonds, Private Party, Jurassic Express and Lucha Bros with the winner getting a title shot at All Out in Chicago.

    AEW All Out Updated Match Card

    The schedule for this title tournament has not been revealed as of yet. With only a couple of weeks remaining to the PPV, the competition should begin soon. After the latest announcement, here is the updated match card for the show:

    • AEW World Championship Match: Kenny Omega vs. Christian Cage
    • Steel Cage Match For AEW Tag Team Championship: The Young Bucks vs. TBA
    • Singles Match: PAC vs. Andrade El Idolo
    • Singles Match: Paul Wight vs. QT Marshall

    AEW All Out will take place on Saturday, September 5 from the Now arena in Chicago.

  • News On How AEW Broadcast Partners Are Reacting To CM Punk Rumors

    News On How AEW Broadcast Partners Are Reacting To CM Punk Rumors

    While it doesn’t look like we will get an official confirmation of CM Punk’s AEW debut, people are still very excited about the same. The list appears to include the officials from the promotion’s broadcast partners TNT and WarnerMedia.

    According to Fightful Select, the people involved with WarnerMedia and TNT are working under the assumption that the former champion is coming to the company.

    The officials have spoken about the excitement of bringing someone like CM Punk to the promotion. It was also noted that Punk will have its full promotional machine behind him upon his return.

    It’s unknown whether AEW officials have communicated the details of his comeback with their broadcast partners, though TNT and WarnerMedia are said to be ‘very aware’ of the situation.

    TNT officials are also very impressed with AEW for selling four shows in the Chicago area within a few weeks. They are thrilled about Punk’s return being tied in with the City Of Chicago, United Center, and NBA team Chicago Bulls as well.

    AEW will be presenting ‘The First Dance’ edition of Rampage from United Center in Chicago this Friday night. CM Punk is expected to make his debut for the promotion during the show.

    CM Punk Drops Latest AEW Hint During MMA Broadcast
  • Paul Wight vs. QT Marshall Announced For AEW All Out

    Paul Wight vs. QT Marshall Announced For AEW All Out

    Paul Wight will be back in the ring on Sept. 5 at the All Out PPV.

    Wight has gotten involved in a feud with QT Marshall and The Factory. It all started when Marshall, Nick Comoroto, and Aaron Solow attacked Tony Schiavone and his son. Paul Wight made the save and chokeslammed Solow.

    Wight had an in-ring interview with Schiavone on the Aug. 18 edition of Dynamite. He was ready to make an announcement when QT Marshall interrupted.

    Marshall showed off X-rays of Wight’s hip and dismissed the big man as a competitor in 2021. That’s when Wight dropped a bombshell, announcing that he will meet Marshall in a match at All Out.

    https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1428163484357906442

    “I had a little talk with Tony Khan last week. It felt so good to step over that top rope to be in this ring in front of this amazing AEW crowd. That’s why at the All Out pay-per-view in Chicago, I have a match. And guess who my opponent is my little guppy. At All Out it’s gonna be Paul Wight one-on-one against QT Marshall.”

    All Out will be held inside the Now Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. AEW World Champion Kenny Omega will put his title on the line against Impact World Champion Christian Cage.

    Are you looking forward to seeing Paul Wight return to the ring?

  • Dan Lambert Wanted Lance Archer To Legitimately Elbow Him

    Dan Lambert Wanted Lance Archer To Legitimately Elbow Him

    Dan Lambert apparently told Lance Archer to really lay into him with an elbow on AEW Dynamite.

    Lambert is the head coach of the renowned MMA gym, American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida. Lambert has helped coach a slew of elite MMA fighters such as current UFC Women’s Bantamweight and Featherweight Champion Amanda Nunes. He’s also a huge wrestling fan.

    Lambert has appeared in angles for Impact Wrestling and, most recently, AEW. On the July 7 edition of Dynamite, Lambert cut a heel promo before being laid out with an elbow by Lance Archer. Lambert was then nailed by the Blackout.

    Olympic judo gold medalist and 2019 PFL Women’s Lightweight Champion, Kayla Harrison, appeared on MMAFighting’s The MMA Hour. She claimed that Lambert wanted Archer to legitimately elbow him to avoid getting an earful from the ATT fighters.

    “That was his Olympics. That was his moment. He was rapidly texting me, ‘I’m going on at 9:30, you gotta watch. Wait until you see this.’ Then he does this nerdy spiel about all these wrestlers and styles. Afterward, I told him, ‘Dan, I’m happy for you if you’re happy. You are the biggest nerd I’ve ever met in my life, but I’m happy.’ He’s like, You wanna hear a funny story?’ He starts talking about how they prepared all this and he said, ‘I had to tell (Lance Archer), can you do me a favor? When you elbow me, I need you to really elbow me. Everyone at my gym will give me sh*t if you don’t really give me the business.’”

    Lambert is set to return to Dynamite tonight (Aug. 18) and he won’t be alone. During an appearance on Busted Open Radio, Tony Khan said Lambert will be bringing “two great UFC Champions” with him on Dynamite.

  • Darby Allin Open To Match With Sting Against Ric Flair & Andrade

    Darby Allin Open To Match With Sting Against Ric Flair & Andrade

    Sting will wrestle on TNT tonight for the first time in over 20 years. He’ll team with Darby Allin to take on the newly signed team of 2.0. During a recent interview with Metro UK, however, Allin was asked about a possible dream match pitting him and Sting against Andrade and Ric Flair.

    “Yeah, that’d be fun! Anything is possible, I feel,” Allin said about the possible dream match. “You’ve just gotta be patient and see what goes down, and where the wind takes you.”

    Flair accompanied Andrade El Idolo to the ring for his match against Kenny Omega at TripleMania. Not only that, Flair got physically involved in the match. He delivered chops to both Omega and Konnan. Flair and Andrade also gave Omega and Konnan figure four leglocks simultaneously.

    Despite being 72 years old, Flair has said recently that he will “never retire.”

    Darby Allin On His Relationship With Sting

    Allin also spoke about his relationship with Sting during the interview. The former TNT Champion noted that they spend a lot of time together backstage and have quite a bit in common.

    “He’s the guy I really hang out with backstage,” Allin said of Sting. “His dressing room, he’s got his own little private dressing room and he says it’s mine.”

    “So, it’s just me and him chilling and talking about a bunch of stuff. He’s cool, we’ve got a lot more common than people think – goes beyond the face paint!”

    Sting Returns To In-Ring Action On TNT

    Sting was quoted in an AEW press release regarding his return to in-ring action on TNT tonight.

    “My relationship with TNT goes back more than 25 years, so having the opportunity to wrestle on the network that housed some of my most important moments is pretty surreal,” said Sting.  “The return of crowds has already been electric enough over the past month and a half, but there’s going to be an extra surge of adrenaline in Houston knowing that we’re live on TNT on Wednesday night.”

  • Chris Jericho Confirms Former NXT Superstars Have Signed AEW Contracts

    Chris Jericho Confirms Former NXT Superstars Have Signed AEW Contracts

    AEW star Chris Jericho recently confirmed on his Talk is Jericho podcast that two former WWE NXT Superstars have signed deals to stay with All Elite.

    2.0, Matt Lee and Jeff Parker have apparently signed deals with AEW and will remain with the promotion going forward.

    The tag team were previously known as Ever-Rise in NXT and were released from their WWE contracts in late June as part of the ongoing budget cuts from the company.

    Chris Jericho Reveals 2.0 Signing

    Interestingly, AEW has not posted the now-iconic graphic confirming that the stars are now contracted to All Elite. Cody Rhodes did mention back in November that there was a tier system for contract in AEW:

    “The exclusivity thing is case by case, but we guarantee you x amount of dates. The goal is you don’t want to pay someone agree to appear, Chris Harrington would handle this much better than I am, you don’t want to keep giving them their weekly, their weekly, their weekly, their weekly vs. tier 1-ing them, which is our base contractor agreement. That’s another thing, we’re just talking about Tony, we built a middle card and a lower card. We have tier 1’s, tier 2’s, tier 3’s, tier 4 and tier Jericho.”

    It is not clear what tier 2.0 are on, but they are officially signed to the company.

  • Jim Ross Reacts To Bray Wyatt’s WWE Release

    Jim Ross Reacts To Bray Wyatt’s WWE Release

    The surprising WWE release of Bray Wyatt is still a topic of discussion among fans. Wrestling veteran and current AEW commentator Jim Ross reacted to the news on the latest episode of his Grilling JR podcast.

    JR, who worked as the talent relations head for a major part of his WWE career, mentioned how there is politics involved with these things nowadays because of the massive salaries offered to the wrestlers:

    “There’s politics nowadays because of the immense salaries, Bray Wyatt gets cut, he’s got to be making north of a million on a downside guarantee and he’s been sitting home. That’s not good management.”

    Jim Ross continued by mentioning how the company got rid of a very talented star. He claimed that the former champion wouldn’t have any issues finding work elsewhere:

    “I’m not saying the guy should’ve been cut, he should’ve been used if you’re going to pay him that kind of cash. How that happened is a story for another day because I don’t know the details.

    I do know they got rid of a very talented kid and I’m sure he won’t have any issues finding work, speaking of Bray Wyatt.”

    Bray Wyatt was shockingly released from his WWE contract last month on July 31. He has only made a single tweet since his release, where he posted a picture of a new Fiend mask with a cryptic message.

    Apart from this, Jim Ross talked about possibly adding a six men tag team championship to AEW. You can check out his comments at this link.

    Jim Ross Comments On CM Punk/AEW Rumors
  • Daniel Bryan & “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt Action Figures Shown On Being The Elite

    Daniel Bryan & “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt Action Figures Shown On Being The Elite

    The latest episode of Being the Elite features teases of both Bray Wyatt and Bryan Danielson/Daniel Bryan. During the episode, members of the Elite discover a 2-pack of WWE action figures in a store. The two wrestlers featured in the pack are Bray Wyatt and Daniel Bryan.

    “Hey Kenny, what’s behind you?” Matt Jackson and Brandon Cutler ask Kenny Omega in the video. When Omega turns around he sees several AEW action figures as well as a 2-pack of WWE action figures. He then pulled out the 2-pack of Wyatt and Danielson.

    Omega recognized Wyatt but didn’t seem to know who the other guy in the pack was.

    “One guy is a fiend, I don’t know about…” Omega says before putting his own action figure in front of the pack on the shelf.

    The segment begins around the 20-minute mark of the below video:

    Are Bray Wyatt and Bryan Danielson Headed To AEW?

    During a recent AEW media call, SEScoops asked Cody Rhodes about the possibility of Bray Wyatt ended up in the promotion.

    “I tell a lot of my peers in wrestling and people I use as a sounding board, I always tell them, ‘you can’t wish away good talent,’ especially when you get in a groove as a talent yourself,” Rhodes responded. “And it’s not unlike the world that Tony [Khan] comes from already, the world of the NFL and football in the UK. If there’s a free agent out there that can move the needle and be something significant for us… personally, I think you have to go after them.”

    As for Bryan Danielson, a report from BodySlam last month stated that he has signed with AEW. The rumored date and location for Bryan’s debut is the Dynamite Grand Slam event from Arthur Ashes Stadium on September 22nd.

  • Jim Ross Feels “Too Many Titles Really Spoils The Soup”

    Jim Ross Feels “Too Many Titles Really Spoils The Soup”

    There is possibly nobody active right now better connected to the wrestling world than Jim Ross. He may be known as the voice of a generation, but his role in professional wrestling runs far deeper. He has been there and done it all for a range of promotions and knows the business inside and out, and when he speaks; many people will stop and listen.

    Talking on a recent episode of his Grilling JR podcast, he spoke at great length about several topics. One of which was the constant debate among wrestling fans that AEW needs more titles. Currently, AEW only has four title belts, and Ross feels this is enough.

    They have a heavyweight title, the TNT title, a Women’s Championship title and Tag-Team belts.  For Jim Ross, this is enough of a selection for the company to thrive. He feels that too many title belts devalue the company and lessen the prestige of the titles themselves.

    “Too many titles really spoils the soup for me, you don’t need that many.”

    – Jim Ross

    While Jim Ross could see a benefit in adding a six-man tag championship, given the faction driven nature of AEW, he doesn’t feel it should be the primary change on executive minds.

    “I wouldn’t be against it, but it wouldn’t be something I’d be breaking my door down and running up and down the halls for.”

    Jim Ross Wants Championship Belts and Fights to Hold their Prestige

    Talking more about the subject of title belts, Jim Ross feels too many companies fall into the trap of bringing in titles to appease the fans and give mid-card wrestlers a more easily achievable goal. While a competitive roster with people following clear paths for specific titles just makes every match and each storyline more important.

    “It’s hard to maintain a positive focus on multiple titles. Which one is the most important? I think that the trend nowadays is let’s just add more titles, it’ll solve our issues. No, it doesn’t and if you get too many, they become watered down.” Jim Ross explained.

    There is nothing wrong with the concept of a ‘TV’ title (TNT) being defended frequently, the main championship defences reserved for special occasions and a tag title for the teams. Jim Ross feels there is a brand and roster strength to be found in this construct. It also provides locker room clarity on what wrestlers are fighting for.

  • Chicago’s Mask Mandate Takes Effect Same Day As AEW Rampage

    Chicago’s Mask Mandate Takes Effect Same Day As AEW Rampage

    Chicago will be the home of AEW Rampage: The First Dance and fans in attendance may be required to mask up.

    State officials have announced that a mask mandate will take effect this Friday. It’s the same day as AEW’s heavily hyped second episode of Rampage. This mandate applies to indoor establishments for everyone two years old and above. The mandate will be enforced regardless of vaccination status.

    Here’s what Dr. Allison Arwady, CDPH Commissioner, had to say in a statement.

    “With the highly transmissible Delta variant causing case rates to increase, now is the time to re-institute this measure to prevent further spread and save lives. We continue to track the data closely and are hopeful this will only be temporary and we can bend the COVID curve, as we’ve done in the past.”

    Arwady added the following.

    “Similar to previous mask mandates, masks can be removed at restaurants, bars and other eating/drinking establishments by patrons when they are actively eating and drinking. Masks can also be removed for certain activities that require their removal, such as beard shaves or facials. Additionally, masks can be removed by employees in settings that are not open to the public, if employees are static and maintaining at least six feet from all other individuals (office cubicles, for example).”

    As of now, the United Center’s mask policy has stated that “fully vaccinated guests are not required to wear a mask while at the United Center. Masks are recommended for all unvaccinated guests and will be provided for guests upon request.” That policy is now subject to change.

    SEScoops.com has reached out to AEW for comment.

    The upcoming Rampage show has been highly anticipated due to a likely appearance from CM Punk. Punk hasn’t been seen on a pro wrestling show outside of WWE Backstage since 2014. AEW and even Punk himself have dropped hints about a potential appearance.

  • Ruby Soho Posts New Video With Clues About Her Next Destination

    Ruby Soho Posts New Video With Clues About Her Next Destination

    Ruby Soho, the former Ruby Riott, posted a video to social media recently. Unlike similar videos wrestling fans have seen lately, however, this one does not involve her breaking out of a prison.

    The 1-minute video features Ruby with a train ticket from Orlando to New York’s Penn station. The video is titled “The Runaway” and ends with a “To Be Continued.”

    https://twitter.com/realrubysoho/status/1427677496263204869

    Ruby was released from her WWE contract on June 2nd, 2021. If she was under a 90-day no-compete clause, she would be free to sign with a new promotion at the beginning of September.

    AEW has a big event in Queen’s, New York in September. “Grand Slam Dynamite” will take place in Arthur Ashes Stadium on September 22nd. Ruby missed the train in her video, but she’ll still have over a month to catch another one in time to get to the show.

    Is Ruby Soho Headed To AEW?

    According to a report from Fightful Select, Ruby Soho is expected to end up in AEW. Vickie Guerrero recently mentioned that she would love to have Ruby in an all-woman stable in the promotion.

    “I think the one that comes to mind is Ruby. You know she was formerly with WWE; I would love to have Ruby on the roster for AEW,” said Guerrero on the Thoughts Count Anywhere podcast. 

    “She was really underutilized, and I love her. She was on my podcast and just a great talent and a good wholesome human being.”

  • Batista Says CM Punk Will Be “Bigger In Films Than He Was In Wrestling”

    Batista Says CM Punk Will Be “Bigger In Films Than He Was In Wrestling”

    CM Punk has been doing the media rounds to promote his new television series, Heels. During multiple interviews, Punk has praised Batista transition from pro wrestling to acting.

    He recently told Movie Trivia Schmoedown, “I just want to follow in his footsteps. I watch guys, friends of mine, Dave Bautista, do these huge blockbuster roles but also do roles that are challenging to him because he wants to grow and be a better actor.”

    CM Punk told TV Insider that Batista is “truly inspirational” by selecting challenging roles for himself.

    “I want to be somebody who takes even the smallest role and takes it very seriously and can learn from it,” said Punk. “I think pro wrestlers are always better than what people give them credit for because what is pro wrestling if not doing live theater.”

    Batista Praises CM Punk

    Batista recently responded to Punk’s comments in a Tweet.

    “I already knew this. And the talent is obvious. He’s going to be bigger in films than he was in wrestling. Save this tweet,” Batista wrote in response to an article about Punk’s comments.

    CM Punk in Heels

    Heels has received strong critical reviews since the premiere premiere episode was released earlier this week.The show currently holds a 95% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The show has a 96% approval rating amongst viewers on the same site.

    The show follows the life of Jack Spade, owner of the fictional Duffy Wrestling League promotion. Punk plays the role of wrestler Ricky Rabies on the show.

  • Update On Kenny Omega, Ric Flair & Andrade At TripleMania

    Update On Kenny Omega, Ric Flair & Andrade At TripleMania

    At TripleMania over the weekend, Kenny Omega defeated Andrade to retain the AAA Mega Championship. Shortly after, it was reported that AEW had asked AAA to not have Omega lose the title on the show. In an update to this story, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer is reporting that AEW eventually did say Omega losing the title was fine but AAA decided to keep the title on him regardless.

    “The original idea was that Andrade was going to win the championship. That was AAA’s idea and then AEW said originally that they would prefer that not to happen. It was not a contentious thing,” Meltzer said. The idea was that AEW didn’t want their champion losing in another promotion. AEW’s stance on this reportedly changed after the decision was made to have Christian Cage beat Omega for the Impact title on Rampage.

    “Essentially what happened, there was plenty of talk and in the end, AAA did come to the decision to keep it on Omega.”

    Omega was not aware that Ric Flair was going to be at the show. When he found out about Flair, Omega suggested that he lose to Andrade. Ultimately, Dorian Roldan decided to keep the title on Omega. Meltzer then speculated this was done because they have Omega’s next championship match planned.

    “It may be Omega and Psycho Clown, but I’m not sure of that. There were things that hinted at that but they wanted to do that match. So, in the end it was AAA’s decision,” Meltzer concluded.

  • Malakai Black On If He Sees Himself Going Back To WWE

    Malakai Black On If He Sees Himself Going Back To WWE

    Malakai Black had a bittersweet run in WWE. While he was able to impress everyone with his performance in NXT, his main roster run can only be described as lackluster.

    The former NXT champion recently appeared on the Pro Wrestling 4 Life podcast. He talked about a number of things including the WWE release of Bray Wyatt and more.

    Talking about his recent debut at AEW, Black said that it’s a great company to be a part of. He then claimed that he doesn’t see himself going back to WWE in future:

    “I think AEW is making really cool waves. It’s a great company to be a part of, and I think I came in at the right time.

    I don’t see myself going back to WWE, and it’s not out of spite. That’s just because I feel this is a right move for me. This is a better position for me.”

    Apart from this Malakai Black also discussed the much-talked rumors about Daniel Bryan and CM Punk possibly joining the AEW roster very soon.

    The former champion said that he would love to see Bryan make the transition while also claiming that he doesn’t know anything about Punk’s future. You can check out his comments at this link.

  • AEW Makes Good With Indie Promotion After Daniel Garcia Removal

    AEW Makes Good With Indie Promotion After Daniel Garcia Removal

    AEW has received praise for reimbursing an independent promotion.

    Daniel Garcia recently appeared on AEW Dynamite on Aug. 11. He went one-on-one with Darby Allin. Despite the loss to Darby, Garcia showcased his technical skill and showed AEW fans what he has to bring to the table.

    Garcia had been scheduled to wrestle for St. Louis Anarchy on Aug. 20. He has been pulled from the event. While losing Garcia isn’t ideal for the promotion, St. Louis Anarchy expressed gratitude to AEW for reimbursing them for the travel money they spent.

    “Shout out to AEW for reimbursing us on travel we had bought Garcia for Friday. Not a lot of bigger companies would of done that. The purpose of us is to get talent ready for them. We wish Garcia the best and hopefully we see him in Anarchy soon.”

    Garcia apologized to St. Louis Anarchy and vowed to make it up to them by appearing at an event in the “near future.” It’s important to note that there wasn’t a reason given for Garcia’s absence from the card. This Friday night will be the second episode of Rampage, so time will tell if AEW needs Garcia for that show.

    Garcia has been emerging as one of wrestling’s feel-good comeback stories despite playing a heel on television. Garcia’s life was nearly taken in a car accident back in January 2019. Garcia ended up walking out of the crash with a broken femur, fibula, and tibia.

    Daniel Garcia made his first appearance for AEW earlier this month.