SEScoops

Category: AEW

  • Ryan Nemeth On What Led To His AEW Debut

    Ryan Nemeth On What Led To His AEW Debut

    “Hollywood Hunk” Ryan Nemeth picked up a win over Marko Stunt on AEW Dark last night. He is scheduled to take on PAC on tonight’s show. Nemeth recently spoke to Chris Van Vliet about how he ended up working in Jacksonville. He noted that he has a lot of friends from his time in NXT that are now in AEW including the Huber family.

    “Being there is kind of like a huge reunion,” Nemeth said about AEW. “I have so many friends from NXT or other parts of wrestling. Walking in the locker room felt like home. I went to AEW to see Amanda Huber (the late Jon Huber/Brodie Lee’s wife) because I knew there was going to be a birthday for Brodie Jr, I thought I would surprise her and say happy birthday, I used to babysit him in Tampa.”

    “I wanted to say hi to her, I also secretly had my gear with me. They asked me “since you’re here do you want to wrestle?” And I said sure. I think it went well, I blacked out but I think I won (laughs). I was honored to debut on Dynamite. It felt great to be back in the ring. During shutdown I have been doing a lot of wrestling but not in front of a live crowd. It’s been a lot of stunt work or coordinating for TV shows. AEW are super into promoting creativity, very motivational and positive environment.”

    Ryan Nemeth On His Older Brother, Dolph Ziggler

    Nemeth’s older brother, Dolph Ziggler, has been jokingly ribbing him online about his time in AEW. He spoke about his relationship with Dolph during the interview as well.

    “We grew up wrestling for the same school together. But I will say I’ve spent my entire wrestling career looking and dressing the exact opposite of him. He had blond hair, I dyed mine black. He wore pants, I wore shorts. No matter what I do, for a decade, any time I’m in a match, the Internet says I’m a carbon copy of him. But we’ve had pretty different lives.”

    Ryan Nemeth On Sexual Assault In Wrestling

    https://twitter.com/HotYoungBriley/status/1355627734479773698

    Nemeth has been a vocal supporter of the #MeToo movement. His upcoming movie “Heel” deals with sexual assault in pro-wrestling.

    “The plot of the film deals with sexual assault in the world of indie wrestling. It comes from a very real place. I was ambushed with stories about assault. That’s why I took a break from wrestling. It was really close to home for me. I can’t speak on behalf of these people. Legally, imagine the trouble I would be in if I did speak on behalf of victims. But I can use art to encourage conversations about these things. I love wrestling and the people in it but there are some bad eggs that do bad things and get away with it. There is not one solution to it, but it’s one that I can try to help with. I would love it to expand to a feature or a series.”

    You can view the full interview in the player below:

  • Britt Baker Wants To Lead AEW’s Women’s Division To More TV Time

    Britt Baker Wants To Lead AEW’s Women’s Division To More TV Time

    Britt Baker was the first female athlete signed by AEW. She will also be participating in the women’s title-eliminator tournament upcoming on Dynamite. Baker spoke to the Bleacher Report recently about wanting to be the one to lead AEW’s women’s divisions to more TV time and potential main event matches.

    “I just want to help lead the women’s division to more TV time and the main event eventually,” Baker said.  “We’re getting there, but this is a business, and we need to stay strong. For a long time, the women’s segments weren’t doing well, but now we are getting to a point where the fans want more women’s matches.”

    Recently, Baker has been hosting “The Waiting Room” segments on Dark and Dynamite. She also talked about those segments during the interview.

    “That was Cody [Rhodes] who came up with the idea for the show,” Baker said. “Him and Tony [Khan] developed the whole concept of it, what we will talk about, and the opening monologue. Reba is ridiculously funny, and we just flow together. It’s a lot of fun because we have a lot of freedom with it while we advance storylines.”

    Baker continued to talk about Rebel’s involvement in the segments.

    “When we did a vignette in my office, they [AEW] were trying to limit the travel as much as possible. She was a makeup artist for AEW, and we are really good friends. It was Cody’s idea to use her as the makeup artist who gets bullied, and it was just so good that we had to keep Reba around. I don’t want to share the spotlight with anybody. It’s all about me, but Reba is there to have my back.”

    Baker addresses several other subjects during the interview including her upcoming action figure, working with Tony Schiavone and more.

  • AEW Women’s Tournament Brackets Released, News On Japanese Matches

    AEW Women’s Tournament Brackets Released, News On Japanese Matches

    AEW will be holding their Women’s Title Eliminator Tournament over the next few episodes of Dynamite. The tournament begins this week with a match between Leyla Hirsch and Thunder Rosa. That bout will kick off the US side of the bracket, with the Japanese side being produced by AEW Women’s World Champion Hikaru Shida.

    According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, the Japanese brackets of the tournament was already taped at the Ice Ribbon Dojo in Japan. These tapings took with no audience on a closed set. Ice Ribbon was founded in 2006 by AEW star Emi Sakura; AEW Champion Hikaru Shida started her career with the promotion back in 2008.

    It has not been confirmed how the tournament matches from Japan will be featured. Hikaru Shida is currently over in Japan helping to produce the content.

    Meltzer stated that he was told by AEW President and CEO Tony Khan that “he is working on something cool.” Beyond that we have no details on how the rest of the tournament will be shown.

    AEW Women’s Eliminator Tournament Brackets

    AEW Womens Tournament

    The competitors for the Japanese bracket of the AEW Women’s Title Eliminator are as follows:

    • Emi Sakura
    • Aja Kong
    • Yuka Sakazaki
    • Veny
    • Ryo Mizunami
    • Mei Suruga
    • Rin Kadokura
    • Maki Itoh

    Here’s the field for the US side of the bracket:

    • Serena Deeb
    • Riho
    • Nyla Rose
    • Britt Baker
    • Tay Conti
    • Thunder Rosa
    • Anna Jay
    • Leyla Hirsch
  • AEW Dynamite Preview: Omega & Kenta vs. Moxley & Archer

    AEW Dynamite Preview: Omega & Kenta vs. Moxley & Archer

    All Elite Wrestling returns to Jacksonville, FL tonight with an all-new episode of AEW Dynamite on TNT.

    This week’s show will feature the in-ring debut of NJPW star KENTA, the first match in the Women’s World Title Eliminator tournament, a TNT Championship defense by Darby Allin, Chris Jericho teaming with MJF and much more.

    The following items are advertised for AEW Dynamite:

    • AEW World Champion Kenny Omega and KENTA vs. IWGP United States Champion Jon Moxley and Lance Archer
    • TNT Champion Darby Allin vs. Joey Janela
    • Chris Jericho & MJF vs. The Acclaimed
    • Thunder Rosa vs. Leyla Hirsch (Women’s World Title Eliminator Tournament)
    • Cody Rhodes & Lee Johnson vs. Cezar Benoni and “Pretty” Peter Avalon
    • PAC vs. “Hollywood Hunk” Ryan Nemeth

    Plus, we’ll also hear from Sting and “Hangman” Adam Page.

    Check back here later tonight for our AEW Dynamite Results and Takeaways feature.

  • Tony Khan: “I Am The Forbidden Door!” Between AEW & NJPW

    Tony Khan: “I Am The Forbidden Door!” Between AEW & NJPW

    The “Forbidden Door” is the phrase used to describe the metaphoric barrier between All Elite Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling. According to AEW President Tony Khan, he’s the forbidden door and that door is now wide open. Fans should expect a lot more crossover in the months ahead.

    Khan and Tony Schiavone returned to Impact Wrestling this week with their latest ‘paid advertisement’ on the program. Khan says that everywhere he goes, people have been asking when he’s going to open the forbidden door. People want to know, when is New Japan going to come to AEW?

    He’s been telling people that he doesn’t know where or what the forbidden door is. “And then I figured it out. The Forbidden door is me! I am the forbidden door!” Khan emphatically stated.

    “I just had to open myself, and that comes from being here with you IMPACT Wrestling! Doing these paid ads, I’ve learned so much about myself. I’ve opened myself up to new experiences, and look at all the great things that have happened. We did a great rating for Dynamite this week with IMPACT people there. We had people from New Japan, who knows who is going to be there next week?”

    Tony Khan: “Let’s Do This Every Week”

    Khan continued, “One thing I do know? The Forbidden Door has been opened. I can’t wait for this week’s main event tomorrow night on AEW Dynamite. One of the biggest matches ever on Dynamite, Falls Count Anywhere, anything goes.”

    He then made a huge statement regarding the future of AEW Dynamite allowing talent to ‘cross borders.’

    “I just have to say, thank you Kenny [Omega]. Thank you Don Callis, nobody ever expected me to say that. But thanks to you two and everything you’ve done in AEW? You’ve opened me up, you’ve changed me, and you’ve opened the Forbidden Door. I love it, I want to do more big ratings, I wanna have more people show up! Let’s do this EVERY WEEK.”

    Tony Khan finished by confirming that the Forbidden Door swings both ways; with IMPACT Wrestling set to see more of the AEW President inside the IMPACT Zone with All Elite talent. You can see this week’s “paid ad” in the player embedded below:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxBvL88SkR4

    AEW & NJPW

    Tony Khan has been outspoken about his desire to work with New Japan Pro Wrestling. Over the past several weeks, we’ve seen the groundwork of a full-blown inter-promotional war coming into focus.

    The conclusion of last week’s AEW Dynamite saw the surprise appearance of KENTA, who is feuding with AEW star (and IWGP United States Champion) Jon Moxley. They will square off later this month (2/26) at NJPW’s New Beginning USA event.

    This heated feud is just one element of the AEW-NJPW storyline that’s unfolding. Also in play – Bullet Club in AEW and NJPW, AEW World Champion Kenny Omega and IWGP World Champion Kota Ibushi teasing a program.

    The main event of Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite will see Jon Moxley and Lance Archer teaming up against AEW World Champion Kenny Omega and KENTA. AEW has billed Moxley as the reigning IWGP United States Champion, another example of relations improving between the two promotions.

    The possibilities for the coming together of these promotions is almost limitless. Thus far, we have seen Tony Khan bring AAA, the NWA, Impact Wrestling and now NJPW to AEW programming. Originally it was rumored that the NJPW/AEW ‘deal’ was purely for New Japan to get use of Jon Moxley. As mentioned, the former WWE Superstar is the current IWGP United States Champion, and with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic New Japan wanted to still have use of one of their prized assets. This meant that Moxley would have to work in the United States under the NJPW banner; something that would involve striking a deal with All Elite as he is contracted to only appear on major promotions for them in the US, much like Chris Jericho.

    It appears as though the deal has now been completed, with a huge shift in the momentum for the 2nd and 3rd biggest pro wrestling promotions in the world coming together. Once again AEW have managed to make Dynamite, IMPACT and even NJPW Strong appointment viewing.

  • AEW Releasing Two Music Albums Next Month: 8-Bit & Women’s Themes

    AEW Releasing Two Music Albums Next Month: 8-Bit & Women’s Themes

    All Elite Wrestling is set to release two new music albums next month.

    Producer Mikey Rukus announced that a “Double AEW Album Release” is scheduled for Friday, March 5th.

    One of the albums will feature theme music from AEW’s top women’s competitors. These are the songs we’ve heard on AEW programming.

    The other album will be comprised of “8-bit” remixes of popular AEW theme songs. What exactly does an 8-bit theme song sound like? Unrelated to these official AEW releases, producer J.D. Spears has composed a bunch of 8-bit entrance themes on his YouTube channel. Listen here to get an idea of what the official Cody Rhodes 8-bit theme might sound like:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7tGTJuFG6A

    Below you can find the announced tracks for each album. Mikey Rukus noted on Twitter that these track lists are incomplete, so expect a few more songs to be added to each album by release day.

    AEW Women’s Themes: “We Got This” Album

    • AEW Heels
    • Tay Conte
    • Diamante
    • Red Velvet
    • Reba Giggle
    • Leva
    • Allysin Kay
    • KiLynn King
    • Leyla Hirsch
    • Metal Vickie

    AEW: “8-Bit Mayhem” Album

    • Cody Rhodes
    • Ricky Starks
    • Kip Sabian
    • Kenny Omega
    • Dark Order
    • Nyla Rose
    • Penelope Ford
    • Best Friends
    • PAC
    • Joey Janela
    • Miro
    • Thunder Rosa
    • Britt Baker
    • TH2
    • Brodie Lee
  • Sting Segment Confirmed for AEW Dynamite (02/10)

    Sting Segment Confirmed for AEW Dynamite (02/10)

    AEW has confirmed that ‘The Icon’ Sting will be appearing on this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite. The former WCW and WWE Superstar has made sporadic appearances for the promotion ever since the ‘Winter Is Coming’ episode of Dynamite back on December 2nd 2020.

    Sting’s appearances thus far have mainly seen The Icon confront Team Taz and stand alongside TNT Champion Darby Allin. It was confirmed recently that Sting will be taking part in a Streetfight at the AEW Revolution PPV. That show will be taking place on March 7, 2021 at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida. 

    All Elite sent out a tweet to reveal that Sting will be speaking to Tony Schiavone this Wednesday on Dynamite. “We are on the road to #AEWRevolution and this Wednesday on #AEWDynamite, @tonyschiavone24 interviews @sting! Watch Dynamite at 8/7c on @TNTDrama.”

    It is unknown at this point what the interview will entail, although it may be time for AEW to shed some light on why Sting has chosen to align himself with the aforementioned Darby Allin; perhaps the fact that the mysterious characters have a common enemy in Team Taz? Or could it be more?

  • Jon Moxley Says Kenta Has To Answer For All Of His Trash Talk

    Jon Moxley Says Kenta Has To Answer For All Of His Trash Talk

    AEW star Jon Moxley and KENTA of New Japan Pro Wrestling will share a ring at least twice this month. According to Moxley, it’s almost time for KENTA to pay for all the trash talking he’s done.

    This Wednesday on AEW Dynamite, Moxley and Lance Archer team up against AEW World Champion Kenny Omega and KENTA. The match is historic for multiple reasons. Most notably, it’s the first time a talent contracted with NJPW will wrestle for AEW.

    The match will serve as an ‘appetizer’ to the main course – when Jon Moxley defends the IWGP United States Championship against KENTA at NJPW New Beginning USA on February 26th.

    Jon Moxley Ready for KENTA

    Jon Moxley recently spoke with New Japan Pro Wrestling about the upcoming title defense. The master of the Paradigm Shift / Death Rider says it’s almost time for KENTA to pay for all his trash talking.

    “People like to talk a lot of trash, and people are running around with briefcases, and contracts, and they’re fighting over the right to be the United Stated champion and hold that belt or whatever,” said Moxley. “I still hold that belt, so that’s my belt. You’re going to have to beat me in the ring for it.”

    Moxley continued by saying that running your mouth can make you a lot of money in this business. It can also bring upon you a world of pain you might not be able to handle.

    “When I get into the ring with KENTA, sh*t’s going to go down, and he’s going to have to answer for all this stuff that he said with his mouth,” he said. “And you know, your mouth can make you a lot of money in this business, but your mouth can really cause you a lot of pain and torture and pain, blues, and agony in this business you know when you overstep your boundaries with the words that come out of your mouth.”

    You can watch Jon Moxley’s comments about KENTA in the player embedded below:

    Omega & Kenta vs. Moxley & Archer Set For Next Week’s AEW Dynamite

  • Nightmare Family Adds 2 Members, More Matches Added To AEW Dynamite

    Nightmare Family Adds 2 Members, More Matches Added To AEW Dynamite

    AEW has added 2 matches to Wednesday’s Dynamite lineup. Cody Rhodes has also announced that the Nightmare Family has added 2 new members as well.

    AEW announced that “Hollywood Hunk” Ryan Nemeth will take on PAC on Dynamite this week.

    AEW has also announced that the Women’s title-eliminator tournament kicks of this week. Thunder Rosa will take on “Legit” Leyla Hirsch on the show.

    The updated lineup for the show is:

    • PAC vs Ryan Nemeth
    • Women’s Title Eliminator Tournament (1st Round)
      Thunder Rosa vs Leyla Hirsch
    • Cezar Bononi & Peter Avalon vs. The Nightmare Family (Cody Rhodes & Lee Johnson)
    • The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) vs. The Inner Circle (Chris Jericho & MJF)
    • TNT Championship
      Darby Allin (c) vs. Joey Janela
    • Kenny Omega & KENTA (w/Don Callis) vs. Jon Moxley & Lance Archer

    The Nightmare Family Adds 2 New Members

    Cody Rhodes announced 2 new members for his Nightmare Family stable. Aaron Solow and Nick Comoroto have joined the faction.

    The updated lineup for the Nightmare Family is below:

    • Cody Rhodes
    • Dustin Rhodes
    • Brandi Rhodes
    • Diamond Dallas Page
    • Arn Anderson
    • QT Marshall
    • Lee Johnson
    • Billy Gunn
    • Austin Gunn
    • Colten Gunn
    • Aaron Solow
    • Nick Comoroto

    Two matches on Dark this week will feature Nightmare Family teams. SCU will take on Lee Johnson and Aaron Solow. Additionally, Nick Comoroto will team with the Natural Nightmares to take on Vary Morales and the Jersey Muscle Society.

  • Dax Harwood Calls Edge & Christian “Pretty Overrated”

    Dax Harwood Calls Edge & Christian “Pretty Overrated”

    Christian returned to the ring for the first time in almost 7 years at the Royal Rumble (not counting his “match” with Randy Orton last June). Edge and Christian embraced in the ring as fans grew excited about the possibility of them teaming up once again. Dax Harwood was recently asked online about a fantasy FTR vs Edge & Christian match. Perhaps surprisingly, Harwood doesn’t sound like he was much of a fan of the team. He noted that he considers them “pretty overrated.”

    Harwood also responded to a fan who was critical of his opinions on Edge and Christian.

    Harwood’s partner, Cash Wheeler, recently praised Christian heavily online, however.

    Edge recently commented on him and Christian both being back in a WWE ring in 2021. He spoke to the Sporting News about Christian’s Royal Rumble return.

    “I was one of the few that was privy to the fact that he got cleared a few months ago. We didn’t know he was going to be in the Rumble until Friday, though,” Edge said. “I was in the midst of driving down to his house from North Carolina to stay for the weekend. And then we found out and we’re like “OK, well, we’ll drive over to the rumble together then.”

  • Dax Harwood Opens Up About Battle With Bulimia

    Dax Harwood Opens Up About Battle With Bulimia

    Many wrestlers deal with body image issues. Dax Harwood of FTR recently opened up about problems he’s had with his weight. The former AEW World Tag Team Champion reveals that he has battled the eating disorder bulimia.

    Harwood took to Instagram to post side-by-side photos of himself along with comments about his condition:

    “Getting real for a second, I’ve always struggled with my weight,” Harwood wrote. “At one time, I was actually bulimic. My highest weight was 282lbs, which on a 5’10” frame is not very “attractive”; nor healthy. I’ve tried every diet, but they rarely worked because I’m so afraid of food. I was scared of going backwards.” 

    Harwood then spoke about how “Body Transformation Specialist” Ferlan Bailey helped him achieve his fitness goals.

    “With the help of my friend @ferlanbaileyifbbpro, he’s put me on a healthier path and continues to guide me along even when I question him,” Harwood continued.  “More than a coach, he’s a great human being. If you have dietary or workout needs, this is the guy for you! Thank you Ferlan, for all your help. Now all you Internet fans can go back to talking about my dad bod and loose skin!”

    Harwood and tag-team partner Cash Wheeler are currently in a program with Jungle Boy and the Jurassic Express in AEW. The team was not permitted to wrestle in the battle royal to determine new #1 contenders to the tag belts last week due to their post-match assault on Jungle Boy two weeks ago.

    You can see Dax Harwood’s photos and inspirational message here:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CK-DuevDscD/?utm_source=ig_embed
  • John Cena & Batista’s Super Bowl Ads, AEW Stars At The Big Game

    John Cena & Batista’s Super Bowl Ads, AEW Stars At The Big Game

    WWE legends John Cena and Batista appeared in commercials that aired during Sunday’s NFL Super Bowl game.

    John Cena appeared in an ad for the Mountain Dew Major Lemon soft drink. As seen below, fans are encouraged to count the number of Major Lemon bottles that appear in the ad for a chance to win $1 million.

    Batista appeared in an ad for Rocket Mortgage along with comedy great Tracey Morgan. “Watch Tracy Morgan, Dave Bautista and Liza Koshy in our Super Bowl LV commercial prove that from murder hornets to buying a home, certain is better – way better.”

    https://youtu.be/EMgA-y2nRWE

    AEW Stars at Super Bowl LV

    Several people from All Elite Wrestling (AEW) were in attendance for the big game. AEW President Tony Khan, Le Champion Chris Jericho, Cody and Brandi Rhodes were all on site for the festivities.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CLBHkaxDnqw/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CLAio5mDSVp/?utm_source=ig_embed

    More From the Super Bowl

    WWE is sending the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a replica WWE Championship Belt for winning Super Bowl LV:

    Finally, WWE congratulated Rob Gronkowski for his latest Super Bowl victory. Gronk is a former WWE 24/7 Champion.

  • Taya Valkyrie Talks Who She Wants To Face in AEW and WWE

    Taya Valkyrie Talks Who She Wants To Face in AEW and WWE

    Former IMPACT Wrestling performer Taya Valkyrie recently spoke to the Highsports Wrestling Network. Valkyrie discussed a number of topics during her time on the show, including the two promotions where she is likely to end up: AEW and WWE.

    Taya Valkyrie’s husband John Morrison currently works for WWE, so it was believed that she may have left IMPACT to join him in the company. With the comments Taya made during this interview, it appears as though she has a few performers in both companies that she wants to work with.

    “Well, I really enjoy both products” Taya Valkyrie began. “Obviously, I’m a wrestling fan, always have been. There’s a lot of people that get into wrestling [that] are wrestling fans, surprise, and honestly, I don’t know what’s gonna happen next for me because as a lot of people don’t realize is that I have been signed for about eight-and-a-half years from AAA into Lucha Underground into IMPACT.”

    Taya Valkyrie on Free Agency

    “This is actually my first-ever time in my career as a free agent,” revealed Valkyrie. “So, it’s a really important time for me to really think about what’s important for me, for my family and make the best decision moving forward for my career. So, we will see. It will all play out, don’t worry.”

    Valkyrie finished by naming the specific performers in both companies that she would like to get in the ring with.

    “Well, I have never wrestled Kris Statlander” Valkyrie stated. “I’ve never wrestled her. Is that weird? There’s somebody like that too that I’ve never wrestled before. I don’t know. Even someone like Britt Baker, I’ve only ever been in a tag match with her for like — I think we were against each other for like two seconds. There was never any sort of actual, you know, interaction there so I would love to face both of them,” said Valkyrie.

    “I would love to face obviously some people like Charlotte and Sasha Banks and I have wrestled Io [Shirai] before one time in STARDOM and I would like to wrestle her again. So those are kind of my current top chicks if I had to pick.”

    Where would you like to see Taya Valkyrie end up? WWE or AEW? Let us know in the comments

    h/t Post Wrestling for the transcription

  • Chris Jericho Discusses When His AEW Championship Was Stolen

    Chris Jericho Discusses When His AEW Championship Was Stolen

    AEW’s ‘Le Champion’ and Number #1 contender to the Tag Team titles Chris Jericho recently appeared on the Hollywood Raw podcast. The former AEW Champion discussed a number of topics during his time on the show, including when his Championship was stolen.

    The incident occurred back in September 2019 after Chris Jericho won the AEW Championship at All Out. “It’s such a long story” Jericho began on the podcast. “Yeah, in retrospect, I’m pretty sure it was a big sting, because it’s… Long story short, I was on a charter plane that had the land in Tallahassee because there was a storm, so we went to get something to eat. Rather than wait for the plane, I got a limo to come grab me with something to eat and drive us home. I think when we got dropped off for something to eat, which was not the place I wanted to go, it was a place that the guy suggested.”

    Chris Jericho on ‘The Sting’

    “Maybe when he came inside to look for me, even though I was sitting right there and I saw him, that maybe his buddy came and grabbed it out of the back because there was some other stuff” Chris Jericho continued. “There was a thing of flowers that was into that, that I gave my wife that had shattered on the ground. I think it was just a big sting. ‘Hey man, we got this belt in here, come steal it.’ Then when they realized what they had and the fact that like, what are you going to do with this thing? You can’t sell it anywhere.”

    Jericho finished by pointing out that the thieves wouldn’t be able to actually sell the belt itself. “It’s like stealing a ’59 Les Paul from Keith Richards” Jericho stated.

    “It’s worth 500 grand, but who’s going to buy it? Everyone knows Keith Richards lost the Les Paul. You know what I mean? I think when they realized that they couldn’t do anything with it, they just kind of left it on the side of the road for somebody to pick up and turn in to the police department. It was just really weird. The police were taking pictures with the belt and posting it on Twitter and then they deleted it. It was just a very strange situation for this title that was barely 12 hours old.”

    You can watch Chris JEricho’s appearance on Hollywood Raw in the YouTube player embedded below:

  • Joey Janela Rips Fans Critical Of His TNT Title Shot

    Joey Janela Rips Fans Critical Of His TNT Title Shot

    Joey Janela will challenge Darby Allin for the TNT Championship next week on AEW Dynamite. Janela recently took to Twitter to fire back at fans who are critical of him receiving a TNT title shot.

    “When other people do things it’s fine but when it involves Joey Janela it involves a lot of fans crying! Probably because I look a lot like you but the difference is I get to wrestle on tv, have a super hot Girlfriend, eat lobster whenever the fuck I want & don’t care!” Janela Tweeted.

    The complaints regarding Janela receiving a title shot aren’t really about his abilities, however. Rather some fans feel his win/loss record in the promotion doesn’t warrant a title shot in storyline. The story is that Darby requested the match, however, and that’s why he’s getting the title shot.

    Joey Janela vs Darby Allin

    A likely storyline reason as to why Darby requested the match with Janela is the long history the two have against each other. Daring back to 2017, they have been in 11 matches together, including 6 one-on-one singles matches across 6 different promotions.

    Darby Allin vs Joey Janela Singles Match Stats:

    1. 8/4/2017: Darby Allin defeated Joey Janela (Scenic City Invitational Tournament)
    2. 10/28/2017: Joey Janela defeated Darby Allin (GCW Worst Behaviour)
    3. 3/8/2018: Joey Janela defeated Darby Allin (MLW Spring Break)
    4. 7/15/2018: Darby Allin defeated Joey Janela (SFP Sound and Fury)
    5. 8/5/2018: Joey Janela defeated Darby Allin (EVOLVE 109)
    6. 5/10/2019: Darby Allin defeated Joey Janela (PWG Mystery Vortex VI)

    Janela also appears to already be making dinner plans for tonight.

  • AEW-NXT Ratings: Beach Break Delivers, Dynamite Doubles In Key Demo

    AEW-NXT Ratings: Beach Break Delivers, Dynamite Doubles In Key Demo

    AEW Dynamite scored a decisive win over NXT this week in the Wednesday Night War. Both shows were unusually close last week, but Beach Break helped propel Dynamite back to a comfortable margin of 200,000+ viewers over NXT.

    Here is this week’s breakdown, courtesy of ShowbuzzDaily:

    • AEW: 844,000 viewers, 0.32 rating (A18-49), 3rd in the demo on cable for the night
    • NXT: 610,000 viewers, 0.15 rating (A18-49), 51st in the demo on cable for the night

    Beach Break featured several high-profile matches that were promoted weeks in advance. Chris Jericho and MJF won the tag team battle royal to earn a title shot against the Young Bucks at Revolution, Penelope Ford and Kip Sabian’s wedding [predictably] ended in chaos and the 6-man tag main event delivered in a big way. The show closed with the surprise debut of NJPW star Kenta, who will be in action next week.

    NXT featured an appearance by WWE legend and Royal Rumble winner Edge, so the viewership drop is disappointing. The show also saw Dusty Rhodes tag team classic tournament matches and more.

    Check out our results and takeaways articles from both shows:

  • Chris Jericho on Stadium Stampede – “We Filmed a Hollywood Production in 8 Hours”

    Chris Jericho on Stadium Stampede – “We Filmed a Hollywood Production in 8 Hours”

    AEW star and ‘Le Champion’ Chris Jericho recently had AEW President Tony Khan on his Talk Is Jericho podcast. The main premise of this week’s episode was discussing the last few months of AEW Dynamite and PPV tapings.

    The last couple of months have seen AEW have to shift gear and produce content whilst under the COVID-19 situation and the restrictions that entails. Tony Khan was quick to say how the production, planning and creative output from the performers really helped to elevate the show.

    Chris Jericho on Stadium Stampede

    “Stadium Stampede, that was your [Tony Khan’s] initial idea” Chris Jericho began on the podcast. “‘Let’s do something in the stadium, we have this stadium at our beck and call. We were forced to be creative, in spite of the pandemic.”

    The Stadium Stampede match took place on May 23rd back at AEW’s Double or Nothing PPV event. The Inner Circle (Chris Jericho, Jake Hager, Sammy Guevara, Santana and Ortiz) took on Matt Hardy and The Elite (Adam Page, Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) inside of the TIAA Bank Field stadium in Jacksonville, Florida.

    Chris Jericho also discussed the logistical aspects of creating the Stadium Stampede match back in 2020. “Once again the Stadium Stampede is still one of my favourite matches I’ve ever had, I don’t care what anybody says” Jericho stated. “It was everything that wrestling is to me, and we did it all in 12 hours.”

    Jericho finished by praising how AEW managed to turn around such a big production in a short space of time. “That’s like a major Hollywood production that we filmed in like eight hours” Jericho stated. “But my point is, we really came together to put on these great shows and try something different.”

    Do you think that we’ll get another Stadium Stampede match this year? Do you want to see Chris Jericho and The Inner Circle back in the bout? Let us know in the comments

  • Chris Jericho Responds To Vitor Belfort’s Callout

    Chris Jericho Responds To Vitor Belfort’s Callout

    With ONE Championship signing a deal with TNT, Vitor Belfort has called out Chris Jericho for an inter-promotional match. Belfort challenged Jericho during an interview to promote ONE’s debut event on TNT on April 7th.

    “With myself being with ONE, and on the same network, I think it’s time for [AEW CEO] Tony Khan to give me Jericho, and I can whip Jericho’s butt. We can really make that fight happen,” Belfort said to SCMP MMA.

    Chris Jericho responded by pretending to not know who Belfort is.

    This led to Belfort saying that Jericho had “made the list.”

    Jericho then challenged Belfort to meet him in Jacksonville.

    The former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion has appeared on Dynamite previously. Belfort was a member of Mike Tyson’s entourage that confronted Jericho on an episode of Dynamite last spring.

    “I think this is what the audience wants, we can draw a lot of audience for AEW and ONE. It’s time to cross-promote and bring these two together. ONE has a lot of top athletes, including myself, and we can make some big fights in both,” Belfort said.

    “It’s gonna be phenomenal. Think about me and Chris Jericho doing a ONE fight and going over there, imagine how many fans wanna see that – him making his debut in ONE, and me making my debut in AEW.”

  • Update On AEW & NJPW Working Relationship: “The Deal Is Done”

    Update On AEW & NJPW Working Relationship: “The Deal Is Done”

    The forbidden door is open and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) have formally established a working relationship.

    “The deal is done and the sides have a working relationship,” said Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio. “The pandemic probably sped it up but it also holds it back at the same time. The only way to get Moxley was to make a deal.”

    It has been a long road for AEW and New Japan to find common ground and join forces. Dave Meltzer explains that NJPW has not taken AEW seriously up until now.

    AEW & NJPW

    “When AEW first started, I think New Japan had no clue as to how successful they would be,” said Meltzer. It was essentially that they wanted Tony Khan to come and see them and he didn’t. Even though they sent Chris Harrington and even though the Young Bucks were office and they were ready to make the deal, New Japan thought that they were just fly by nighters and it’s not going to mean anything. They kind of just big-leagued them and they were wrong. They went their separate ways but then they needed Jon Moxley.”

    The 2020 departure of NJPW President Harold Meij also played a role in relations being smoothed over.

    Moxley vs. KENTA

    Jon Moxley made a surprise appearance for NJPW last week by attacking KENTA. KENTA returned the favor at the conclusion of this week’s AEW Dynamite. The two will face off for the IWGP United States Championship at the New Beginning in USA show on February 26th, 2021.

    NJPW tweeting about KENTA’s appearance on AEW Dynamite is the latest indication that the two organizations are collaborating in a significant way.

    Next week on AEW Dynamite, KENTA will team with AEW World Champion Kenny Omega against Jon Moxley and Lance Archer. Since KENTA is not under contract with AEW, this will be an unsanctioned “Lights Out” street fight.

  • Omega & Kenta vs. Moxley & Archer Set For Next Week’s AEW Dynamite

    Omega & Kenta vs. Moxley & Archer Set For Next Week’s AEW Dynamite

    Kenta made his AEW debut after the main event match during this week’s episode of Dynamite which saw Kenny Omega and The Good Brothers defeat Jon Moxley, Rey Fenix and Pac in a 6 men tag team match.

    Lance Archer came out to clear the ring of the Good Brothers following their win. Kenta then showed up to respond to Mox’s attack on last week’s NJPW Strong.

    Kenny Omega caught Kenta outside of the Daily’s Place after the show. Omega tried to welcome him to ‘The American Club’, to which he responded “Shut the f**k up, I’m not your friend. I’m here to beat Jon Moxley’” and walked away.

    Though the response did not stop the AEW chamion and he issued a challenge and asked Tony Khan to book a match for next week’s episode of Dynamite.

    Kenny Omega said that after he ‘smoothes things over’ with his new friend Kenta, he would like the AEW president to let them fight Mox and Lance Archer in a bout. He mentioned that since the NJPW star is not under contract with the company, the fight will have to be unsanctioned.

    None of the other stars have responded to this challenge issued by Omega yet. You can check out his post-show interview in the video below:

  • Kenta Debuts For AEW, Attacks Jon Moxley (Video)

    Kenta Debuts For AEW, Attacks Jon Moxley (Video)

    Former WWE and current NJPW star Kenta made his AEW debut during this week’s episode of Dynamite and attacked the IWGP US Champion Jon Moxley.

    The main event of this week’s episode of Dynamite: Beach Break saw Kenny Omega and The Good Brothers defeat the team of Moxley, Pac and Rey Fenix in a six-man tag team match.

    The two sides continued the brawl after the match before Lance Archer ran to the ring. Archer cleared out the Impact stars which left Moxley and Omega in the ring but Jon was then attacked from behind by a masked man.

    The masked man then revealed himself to be Mox’s upcoming opponent Kenta. The NJPW star picked up his rival and delivered Go To Sleep. He then left the ring, leaving Omega celebrating to end the show.

    KENTA in AEW

    Kenta won the New Japan Cup USA tournament in August 2020 to become the #1 contender for Jon Moxley’s IWGP US Championship and he had been calling the champion out since then.

    Jon Moxley responded to the taunts during NJPW strong last week where he attacked his challenger. After that the company announced that Kenta will finally be getting his title shot at The New Beginning USA 2021 on February 26.

    Kenta will make his AEW debut next week on Dynamite. He will team with AEW World Champion Kenny Omega against Jon Moxley in Lance Archer. This will be a non-sanctioned Lights Out match.

  • AEW Rankings Report (2/3): Fenix, Miro, & Red Velvet Make Big Gains

    AEW Rankings Report (2/3): Fenix, Miro, & Red Velvet Make Big Gains

    AEW has released new top-5 rankings for each of its divisions. Fenix and Red Velvet made the biggest gains this week, with each moving into top-ranked spots.

    AEW Men’s Singles Rankings

    AEW World Champion: Kenny Omega (1-0) 
    TNT Champion: Darby Allin (1-0)

    1. Jon Moxley (1-0) 
    2. Cody Rhodes (2-0)
    3. Rey Fenix (3-1) (Previously Unranked)
    4. Miro (2-0) (Previously Unranked)
    5. PAC (1-0)

    Both Ricky Starks and Maxwell Jacob Friedman fall out of the rankings this week. MJF is still ranked in the tag-team division, however. Tonight, 3 of the top-5 contenders will team together. #1 Jon Moxley will team with #5 PAC and #3 Fenix to take on AEW World Champion Kenny Omega and the Impact tag-team champions, The Good Brothers. #4 Miro is now in the top-5. He’ll be busy with Kip Sabian and Penelope Ford’s wedding this week. #2 Cody Rhodes has a budding rivalry with Shaquille O’Neal and Jade Cargill in the works.

    AEW Women’s Singles Rankings

    AEW Women’s Champion: Hikaru Shida (1-0) 

    1. Serena Deeb (2-0) 
    2. Red Velvet (3-0) (Previously Unranked)
    3. Britt Baker (2-0) (Previously Unranked)
    4. Thunder Rosa (2-0) (Previously Unranked)
    5. Tay Conti (3-1) (Previously Unranked)

    The women’s division rankings were thrown for a complete loop this week. Big Swole had been ranked #2 but is now out of the top-5. Former champion Nyla Rose was ranked #3 last week but she’s now out of the top-5 as well. Penelope Ford was ranked #4 last week but is now out of the top-5. #5 Tay Conti is in the rankings this week, she is replacing her friend from the Dark Order, Anna Jay, who was ranked #5 last week.

    #3 Britt Baker will face #4 Thunder Rosa tonight.

    AEW Tag Team Rankings

    AEW Tag Team Champions: The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) (0-0)

    1. FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) (1-0)
    2. Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus) (2-0)
    3. Chris Jericho & Maxwell Jacob Friedman (1-0) (+2)
    4. The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) (2-0) (-1) 
    5. Santana & Ortiz (3-1) (Previously Unranked)

    The Dark Order (Evil Uno & Stu Grayson) were ranked #4 last week but have now fallen outside the top-5.

    After defeating the Varsity Blondes last week, MJF and Chris Jericho move up 2 spots to the #3 spot. Their Inner Circle stablemates, Santana and Ortiz, are back in the #5 position after spending one week outside the top-5. #4 the Acclaimed move down one spot as a result of MJF and Jericho moving up 2 spots.

    It doesn’t really matter what the teams are ranked, however, as tonight almost the entire division will be in a battle royal with the winning team earning a shot at the Young Bucks at Revolution.

  • FTR Removed From Battle Royal On AEW Dynamite

    FTR Removed From Battle Royal On AEW Dynamite

    If you were hoping that Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood would win tonight’s AEW tag-team battle royal and go on to rematch the Young Bucks at Revolution, you are out of luck. AEW has announced that FTR has been removed from tonight’s battle royal. AEW is stating that the former tag-team champions have been removed from the match due to their conduct during Harwood’s singles match against Jungle Boy last week.

    The Dark Order’s John Silver & Alex Reynolds will replace them in the match.

    https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1356783212954058752

    According to a report from the Wrestling Observer, FTR’s removal is purely for storyline purposes and is not related to an injury or COVID-19 protocols.

    AEW also announced a new match for tonight during last night’s Impact Wrestling broadcast. Matt Hardy will team with Hangman Page to take on Luther & Serpentico, Chaos Project.

    The updated lineup for the show is below:

    • Thunder Rosa vs. Dr. Britt Baker DMD (w/Rebel)
    • Lumberjack Match
      Eddie Kingston vs. Lance Archer (w/Jake Roberts)
    • AEW World Tag Team Title #1 Contendership Battle Royal
      The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) vs. Top Flight (Darius Martin & Daunte Martin) vs. John Silver & Alex Reynolds vs. Private Party (Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen) vs. The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) vs. Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus) vs. The Inner Circle (Chris Jericho & MJF) vs. The Inner Circle (Jake Hager & Sammy Guevara) vs. The Inner Circle(Ortiz & Santana) vs. The Dark Order (Evil Uno & Stu Grayson)
    • The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows) & Kenny Omega (w/Don Callis) vs. Death Triangle (PAC & Rey Fenix) & Jon Moxley
    • Matt Hardy & Hangman Page vs CHAOS Project (Luther & Serpentico)
  • MMA Legend Vitor Belfort Calls Out Chris Jericho For Cross-Promotional Match

    MMA Legend Vitor Belfort Calls Out Chris Jericho For Cross-Promotional Match

    Vitor Belfort was in Mike Tyson’s entourage when the Baddest Man on the Planet confronted Chris Jericho last May on AEW Dynamite. Now, the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion wants to face Jericho one-on-one.

    Belfort fights for the ONE Championship MMA promotion. The company recently announced a deal to broadcast events on TNT. The first event to broadcast on the network will be on April 7th and it will air following the conclusion of Dynamite that night.

    Vitor Belfort Calls Out Chris Jericho

    “With myself being with ONE, and on the same network, I think it’s time for [AEW CEO] Tony Khan to give me Jericho, and I can whip Jericho’s butt. We can really make that fight happen,” Belfort said to SCMP MMA.

    “I think this is what the audience wants, we can draw a lot of audience for AEW and ONE. It’s time to cross-promote and bring these two together. ONE has a lot of top athletes, including myself, and we can make some big fights in both.”

    “It’s gonna be phenomenal. Think about me and Chris Jericho doing a ONE fight and going over there, imagine how many fans wanna see that – him making his debut in ONE, and me making my debut in AEW.”

    Visit our partner site MMANews.com for daily coverage of UFC, Bellator and more.

    Vitor Belfort’s challenge to Chris Jericho can be heard in the player below:

  • Ryan Nemeth Slams Dolph Ziggler Fans

    Ryan Nemeth Slams Dolph Ziggler Fans

    Ryan Nemeth wrestled Hangman Page on Dynamite this week. Nemeth is the younger brother of WWE’s Dolph Ziggler. The Nemeth brothers have been sharing a few interesting interactions on social media relating to Ryan’s AEW debut over the last few days.

    It started when Dolph requested that people not watch his brother’s match:

    Then when someone remarked to him that his brother “killed it” on Dynamite, Ziggler had the following response:

    Ryan then took issue with Dolph Ziggler’s fans.

    “I have no problem with you (even tho Mom & Dad play favorites) but I do have a problem with deranged Dolph Ziggler “fans” who are too stupid / mentally dense to know if they’re supposed to like me or hate me, stumbling over their own shoelaces to defend you. THAT is pathetic,” he Tweeted at his brother.

    Ryan also noted that he will delete Twitter if he receives any more messages calling him “Baby Dolph.”

    “If one more person calls me Baby Dolph I will delete this app from my phone,” Ryan Tweeted. “Not playing.”

    Dolph then casually revealed when his contract is up.

    Ryan also recently Tweeted out a link to a short film he did with his brother.

    https://twitter.com/HotYoungBriley/status/1355314234662346758

    Dolph also posted this zinger directed at his younger brother: