MJF is back in the wrestling business and he put all of the AEW on watch.
Maxwell Jacob Friedman made his return to the company at Double Or Nothing this past Sunday in Las Vegas and had some choice words for fans, including addressing his contract status.
MJF made it perfectly clear that he should be known as ‘The Wolf Of Wrestling’ and much like Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf Of Wall Street, he “ain’t f***ing leaving!”
Sure enough, right after Double Or Nothing ended, AEW’s merchandise department made the most of that moniker and quote by putting it on a tee shirt.
AEW promoted the shirt on socials and MJF reposted it on his own account. The tee does reflect the font of The Wolf Of Wall Street movie poster.
MJF shocked Las Vegas by showing up, dressed up in the 2002 street garb of Triple H and hitting Adam Cole with a massive brainbuster. Friedman got on the mic, disparaged his former comrade Cole and also revealed a new tattoo on his ankle. The new ink is an AEW poker chip that has the text of “bet on yourself.”
The former AEW World Champion has been off programming since dropping the gold to Samoa Joe at December’s World’s End PPV. Despite never getting a rematch for his previous hardware, current AEW World Champ Swerve Strickland said that MJF has to earn his shot to enter his “house.” Strickland happened to successfully defend his title against Christian Cage in one of the three main events.
Eddie Kingston is getting surgery done, but it’s actually further down the road than one would think.
According to Mike Johnson PWInsider, the former Triple Crown Champion in AEW is set to go under the knife for his torn ACL and meniscus on July 8. The reason for the hold-up is that Kingston has to wait for his fractured tibia to heal.
Kingston suffered the unfortunate injury during the NJPW Strong Resurgance event as he defended his NJPW Strong Openweight Title against Gabe Kidd.
The word is that Kingston will be out of action for at least a year. With his tibia expected to heal over two months, his ACL and meniscus tears are expected to take around 10 months to heal after his surgery in July.
Before getting injured, Kingston was one of the four fighters to go up against The Elite in the Anarchy In The Arena match. Eddie was ultimately replaced by a returning Darby Allin who showed up last week on AEW Dynamite. Team AEW consisted of FTR, Bryan Danielson and Allin while The Elite had The Young Bucks, Kazuchika Okada and Jack Perry.
While Team AEW didn’t win, Allin may have been the unofficial MVP of the bout because he was wielding a flame thrower and lit Jack Perry’s legs on fire.
Even though Kingston is on the shelf, it hasn’t stifled his passion for pro wrestling. While injured, Kingston has shared that he’s been watching watching matches of Asuka, who Eddie named as one of his modern favorites.
We at SEScoops want to wish Kingston a speedy and healthy recovery.
Mark Henry surprised a lot of fans in 2021 when he showed up in AEW. Now, he has bid the company farewell.
During today’s edition of Busted Open Radio, Mark Henry announced that his time in AEW is over. Henry stated that his contract with AEW is set to expire tomorrow, and he wanted to address the matter. Henry mentioned that Tony Khan expressed his happiness and pride in what they achieved together, a sentiment Henry shares. Henry appreciated his time at AEW but felt it was time to focus on TheMarkHenry.com and the ReMarkable brand, so he decided not to renew his contract.
The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion explained that the decision was mutual and based on the understanding that he could not dedicate 100% of himself to AEW. He emphasized the positive experiences he had and his efforts to help as many people as possible. Henry mentioned that he is not leaving pro wrestling entirely but needs time to work on some projects before returning full force.
The WWE Hall of Famer and former World Heavyweight Champion signed with AEW in 2021, debuting at that year’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view. Since joining, Henry has served as an analyst, coach, scout, and mentor, with most of his on-screen work being as an interviewer and personality on AEW Rampage.
Neither Henry nor AEW President Tony Khan have publicly discussed Henry’s future. When not appearing for AEW, Henry hosts the Busted Open Radio podcast with fellow WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray and other industry names.
Mark Henry’s Future
Triple H has brought back several names since he took control of the company’s creative direction. It is not hard to imagine that Henry will find his way home in WWE eventually.
Henry has not competed since WWE’s Greatest Royal Rumble 2018 Premium Live Event, where he participated in the titular match won by Braun Strowman. His most recent singles match was on the February 13, 2017, edition of Monday Night Raw, where he was also defeated by Strowman. While Henry has teased a return to the ring for one last match, he has said he is unsure what it would take to make that happen.
Although Mark Henry never won a title in AEW, he held the World Heavyweight Championship for 91 days in 2011 and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018.
On the home front, Mark’s son, Jacob Henry, is making his own waves. The massively talented athlete just signed to wrestle for the University of Oklahoma.
MJF is back in AEW. He’s got a new look, a new tattoo, but not a new attitude.
The former AEW World Champion made his surprise return at Double Or Nothing in Las Vegas, taking out a promo-cutting Adam Cole with a brainbuster. He demeaned his former best friend and then called out the locker room for needing a New Japan or a Vince McMahon. MJF then made it clear that he’s the new Wolf Of Wrestling and that he “Ain’t f***ing leaving” AEW
Max was far from done with the coarse discourse as he took to social media to make it known he’s been a factor for the five years of AEW.
“Y’all were gagging on it with a smile on your face for 5 years straight, then pretended you didn’t like the taste? If I were you I’d grab some chapstick cuz I’m about to take over the game you love, AGAIN. #BetterThanYou”
Y’all were gagging on it with a smile on your face for 5 years straight, then pretended you didn’t like the taste?
If I were you I’d grab some chapstick cuz I’m about to take over the game you love, AGAIN. #Betterthanyou
— Maxwell Jacob Friedman™? (@The_MJF) May 27, 2024
Fans haven’t seen MJF since AEW’s World’s End PPV at the end of December as he’s been recovering from injury. Max lost to Samoa Joe at that PPV and it was pretty evident that Friedman inked a new deal with AEW despite a storyline trying to create suspicion.
Speaking of ink, MJF also revealed that he got a new tattoo to further hammer home that he’s AEW-committed. During his return promo, Max made the cameraman zoom in to see a classic style tattoo on his ankle of an AEW poker chip with the words, “Bet On Yourself.”
MJF made an explosive return to AEW TV at AEW Double or Nothing, and he paid tribute to Triple H while doing so.
What’s interesting about the return is that the Salt of the Earth was wearing a jacket that looked very similar to one that Triple H wore when he returned back to the company after a while in 2002.
Back in May 2001, Triple H suffered a career-threatening injury. On an episode of Raw Is War, Triple H and Steve Austin were defending the WWF Tag Team Championship against Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit. When Jericho applied the Walls of Jericho move to Austin, Triple H ran towards them to break it up, but he suffered a tear in his left quadriceps muscle. This injury caused The Game to be sidelined for eight months, and he even missed the iconic Invasion storyline because of it.
The Cerebral Assassin then made his return to Raw in January 2002 in Madison Square Garden. During his return, he wore a denim jacket, which became an iconic symbol marking Triple H’s return. Triple H then went on to win the Royal Rumble that year and even won the Undisputed WWF Championship.
Quite similar to Triple H, MJF was also away from the ring for quite some time. He was last seen in the ring defending the AEW World Title in a losing attempt to Samoa Joe at AEW Worlds End. The event took place on December 30, 2023. Sporting a similar jacket to Triple H, MJF signalled to audiences that his era is upon AEW, and he is here to stay. It remains to be seen what trajectory his career takes from here.
There were also some rumors swirling that the former AEW World Champion is bound for WWE, however these rumors were laid to rest for good after the return. In fact, he made his contract status with AEW very clear by showing off a tattoo of the company’s logo on his ankle. You can read more about how the return took place here.
AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland has revealed that Boxing legend Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather’s appearance at last night’s Double Or Nothing was long time coming.
During the AEW Double or Nothing post-show media scrum, he was asked about how Floyd Mayweather’s attendance materialized. The World Champion revealed that ‘Money’ has been a friend. He said that since he has connections, he would bring people like Floyd Mayweather to “blow this place up.”
“Floyd has been a friend of ours, my man Flash Garments, he gets a free pass every time he comes to All Elite Wrestling. We’re here to grow and not just take. If we have opportunities and connections, we’re going to bring them here every single time. We want to blow this place up and be the catalyst of it. That’s how Floyd came through.”
He added that Floyd’s appearance has been in the discussions for two years and finally was able to make it at Double Or Nothing. Swerve Strickland said:
“We’ve actually been talking to Floyd for like two years. His whole family, have him come through every time we’re in Vegas. Finally, he was like, ‘Alright, this is the day. We’re pulling up.’ He pulled up, made it to the match, we pulled out a banger in front of him. He’s like, ‘I’m in.’ We might have Money Team invested in this whole thing,”
Floyd Mayweather Jr. has made a handful of appearances for WWE in the past. He defeated The Big Show (Paul Wight) at WrestleMania 24 to script one of the biggest moments in the company. His last appearance for the promotion took place back in 2009. Meanwhile, this marked his first appearance in AEW.
This marked Swerve Strickland’s first title defense at a pay-per-view since dethroning Samoa Joe at AEW Dynasty last month. He will be gearing up for his next title match that will take place at AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door pay-per-view on Sunday, June 30.
It has been announced that on the May 29, edition of AEW Dynamite, a Casino Battle Royale take place to determine the Strickland’s challenger at the upcoming pay-per-view.
Will Ospreay has challenged any wrestler in the world who thinks he is the best, to come and challenge him for the AEW International Championship.
The Aerial Assassin took part in the post Double or Nothing 2024 media scrum after defeating Roderick Strong to win the title at the PPV event. The AEW star was asked if he was thinking about his family while winning the title.
Ospreay explained that he is always thinking about his family and they are the most important aspect of his life. He also took a jab at the people who criticize his decision to pick a lighter work schedule, asking them to show anyone who is better than him:
“I think about my family in every decision I ever make. My family is the most important aspect of my life and yeah more time with my family was the main reason why I took this job but also becoming one of the best professional wrestlers on the planet. I think a lot of people want to look past that. They just think I’m not working as hard but like if you can show me a wrestler that is working at the same level as I am…like, be my fucking guest bro. This is the one thing that I’m like, very stern upon and very happy to say.”
I Dare You To Step Through The Door: Will Ospreay
Will Ospreay later expanded on his comments about testing AEW’s partnerships with different companies around the world as the International Champion. He claimed that in his hands the International Title is the best title in the world and anyone who thinks they are better can come and challenge him:
“I’m opening the doors to any professional wrestler that is willing to step through the door and to try and take this championship off me because right now, for me this championship has the lineage of kind of like the workhorse title, right? That’s kind of like what everyone wants to call it. When it’s in my hands, this title is the best wrestling title in the world. And if you think that you are the best wrestler in the world, then I dare you to step through that door. I’ve got the keys to that forbidden door, and it’s very hard to knock through it.”
The Young Bucks are proud of what they’ve achieved with AEW in 5 years.
The AEW EVPs picked up a big win at the 2024 Double or Nothing PPV when they teamed with Kazuchika Okada and Jack Perry to defeat Bryan Danielson, Darby Allin, and FTR in an Anarchy In The Arena match at the show.
The brothers took part in the post show media scrum where they talked about the 5-year anniversary. Matt Jackson noted that it’s crazy to revisit the MGM Grand Garden Arena once again for the 5th anniversary of AEW’s first show.
This Is Unbelievable: The Young Bucks
The Young Bucks then claimed that no other company has been able to achieve in 5 years what they have been able to accomplish with AEW:
“What we have accomplished here at AEW, it’s unprecedented. I feel like there’s a lot of ungrateful folks, some people in this room. Some people in the locker room, a lot of people out there tonight.
What we’ve done in five years, no other company — no other wrestling company, certainly, has ever done. And I think that sometimes you’ve gotta stop and you gotta smell the roses, and go ‘Look at what we’ve done! Look at the PPVs we’ve had. Look at the in-ring matches that we’ve had.’ This is unbelievable!”
The Bucks later talked about their new limited-edition Reebok Pumps and introduced miniature AEW World Title belts that you can tie to your shoes.
The media scrum also featured the AEW President Tony Khan who revealed that they have been thinking about introducing new Mix Tag Team Championships.
You can check out the full AEW Double or Nothing media scrum below:
Tony Khan has been thinking about adding yet another championship to the AEW line up though it may not be what fans are expecting.
The AEW President took part in the post-Double or Nothing media scrum to discuss the event. He was asked about the potential of adding a tag team or a trios title to the women’s division.
Khan claimed that they have talked a lot about potential championship additions to AEW. He explained that they are currently trying to build the company’s Women’s Division back to its previous strength. Tony specifically gave the example of the 2021 All Out PPV which featured a 21 Women Battle Royal as well as a singles match between Britt Baker and Kris Statlander.
It Would Set AEW Apart: Tony Khan
Speaking about a potential tag belt for Women, Tony Khan revealed that he actually has interest in introducing mixed tag titles for competitors:
“Those are both very interesting championships, I also think something different we could do here, that I have had interest in, would be mixed tag team championships. I think we have a lot people that are lined and said yes and nodded really quickly when I said that because a lot of people would be interested in that too. That’s different than what other major promotions have, and I think it would set AEW apart. So I’m also interested in mixed tag team championships.”
Tony Khan also commented on the return of MJF to AEW and his announcement to stick around the promotion. He said that seeing the Salt of The Earth return on the 5-year anniversary of AEW was a great moment for fans.
Apart from Khan, The media scrum featured names such as the new TBS Champion Mercedes Mone who claimed that joining AEW actually saved her life.
You can check out the full Double or Nothing 2024 press conference below:
The wrestling world has let its voice be heard about the various huge moments from the recent AEW Double or Nothing 2024 pay-per-view.
The latest major event from All Elite Wrestling took place at the MGM Grand Arena in Paradise, Nevada and marked the sixth-annual Double or Nothing event. The show saw The Elite triumph in Anarchy in the Arena while Mercedes Mone made a successful in-ring debut for AEW by capturing the TBS Championship.
Reactions to AEW Double or Nothing 2024
During the TNT Championship match, Gangrel appeared to aid his Brood ally Adam Copeland during his match with Malakai Black. On Twitter, Matt Hardy (another Brood alum) was pleased to see the vampiric wrestler help Copeland overcome the might of the House of Black.
WWE Superstar Zelina Vega, who is married to Malakai Black, was understandably not a fan of the match that saw her husband choked out with barbed wire.
Mark Henry was pleased to see MJF make his return to AEW at Double or Nothing. The former World Champion confronted his former friend Adam Cole at the event.
AEW Double or Nothing was certainly a show that displayed a wide selection of styles for fans to enjoy. Now, attention turns towards this week’s AEW Dynamite and the upcoming AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door crossover event next month.
Swerve Strickland knows MJF challenging him for the World Title is a real possibility but according to him, the returning star has a lot of work to do before he gets a shot at the title.
The Salt of The Earth made his triumphant return at tonight’s Double or Nothing PPV and confronted Adam Cole. After taking out Cole, MJF confirmed that he will not be leaving AEW anytime soon.
Swerve took part in the post-Double or Nothing media scrum after successfully defending the AEW title against Christian Cage at the PPV. He was asked about the possibility of the Devil challenging for his title, and Strickland said that it’s a real possibility:
“It’s a possibility, and that’s the beauty of this whole company: everything’s possible. I know he has probably some unfinished business with what Undisputed Kingdom did to him and Adam Cole, he probably wants to finish up some things. But it just goes to show you, I’m not one of the ones you can just walk over and come at any time, any place, anywhere when you see fit. While you were gone, I was building. And while I was building, I was making this place a fortress.”
You’ve Got Work To Do: Swerve Strickland
Swerve Strickland said that he is not against MJF challenging for the title at a future date. According to the current champion, however, our favorite scumbag will have to prove himself worthy of a title shot first:
“So you can come in. And I’m not even saying you can’t even challenge for the World Championship. But you got work to do, just like I had work to do. You’ve got work to do. Show me something, because this ain’t the same All Elite Wrestling from where you left.”
The AEW star said that the company has changed a lot since MJF lost the AEW title at the World’s End PPV in December last year. It’s up to the former champion to figure out where he fits in this new picture of the promotion.
You can check out the full Double or Nothing media scrum below:
Mercedes Mone says wrestling not only changed her life, but it also saved her life.
The CEO made her in-ring debut for Tony Khan’s promotion at tonight’s Double or Nothing PPV from Las Vegas. She defeated TBS Champion Willow Nightingale to win her first title in the company.
The new champion took part in the AEW media scrum after the show. When asked how it felt to return to the ring after over a year of inaction, Mone claimed that AEW saved her life:
“Wow. How did it finally feel after a year of being away from something that I loved since I was a little girl? Wrestling has not only changed my life, but saved my life. And coming here to AEW has saved my life, Tony. It’s given me new hopes, new dreams, new chances, new opportunities.”
AEW Is Where The Best Wrestle: Mercedes Mone
Mone put over her opponent for the night, Willow as one of the greatest women she has ever stepped in the ring with. Mercedes then claimed that AEW showed tonight that WWE is not the only place for wrestlers:
“It feels so incredible. I’ve been waiting for this moment, really ever since I got signed to AEW. But really, for the past two years, not knowing where I was going to be. What was going to happen after leaving WWE, what was going to be next for me. Because a lot of times in wrestling, people think WWE is the only place. And I think tonight, we showed the wrestling world that it’s not the only place. AEW is where the best wrestle.”
Mercedes Mone later talked about Double or Nothing being the 5 year anniversary of the company’s first ever show and claimed that they are going to show the world that AEW is the best place to be.
Bryan Danielson received a huge ovation from the crowd after tonight’s chaotic Double or Nothing main event ended and the show went off air.
AEW delivered everything they had promised and more for the Anarchy In The Arena match between Young Bucks, Kazuchika Okada, Jack Perry & FTR, Darby Allin and Danielson. This included Darby Allin getting hit by another bus and Jack Perry being set on fire by a flamethrower.
Toward the end of the bout, The Young Bucks hanged Darby Allin upside down from a cable in the middle of the ring. The former TNT Champion’s teammates tried to make the save for him but all their efforts proved to be useless.
Bryan was the last man standing for his team and had the upper hand over the Bucks. He delivered the Busaiku Knee to Nicholas Jackson through a chair and went for the pin. Okada however, broke the pin and delivered the Rainmaker to the former WWE star.
The AEW EVPs followed it up with the EVP trigger. Danielson still tried to help Allin but Perry finally landed a running knee and the Scapegoat pinned the wrestling veteran to pick up the victory for his team. The show ended with The New Elite celebrating their victory.
After the show went off air, Bryan Danielson remained in the ring as the crowd gave him a standing ovation. The former World Champion soaked in the moment before removing the AEW shirt he was wearing. Bryan then came out of the ring and accepted the ovation from the fans while standing at the ringside railing:
Danielson is in his final year as a full-time performer and he revealed recently that his current AEW contract actually expires before the upcoming All In 2024 event from Wembley Stadium on 25 August.
Though Tony Khan has said that he would like the wrestling legend to stay with his promotion forever in whatever role Bryan chooses for himself after his current deal.
Elsewhere in the Double or Nothing PPV we also saw a big title change and a much-anticipated return of a former AEW Champion. You can check out all about it here.
The Elite proved to live up to that moniker at AEW Double or Nothing 2024 after defeating four of AEW’s top names in the Anarchy in the Arena match.
The quartet of The Young Bucks, AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada, and Jack Perry met FTR, Bryan Danielson, and Darby Allin in the show’s violent main event. The crowd were electric from before the match started, thanks in part to Bryan Danielson using The Final Countdown for his entrance.
As predicted, the match kicked off with intense action as the eight men took their battle all over the MGM Grand Arena in Paradise, Nevada. During one spot, Allin attempted to down Jack Perry in a bucket of cold water in the parking garage while the Bucks hit Shatter Machine on Dax Harwood but only garnered a two count.
This was a match where high-action spots became the norm and all eight men were given an opportunity to deliver. In one spot, Perry emerged and walked through Gorilla to grab Tony Khan but the camera cut away. Another spot saw Darby Allin light Perry’s legs on fire before the flames were extinguished by the Bucks.
The finish of the match saw all but Bryan Danielson taken out and the Elite hit their finishers on the American Dagon. Jack Perry got the win for his team over Danielson and AEW Double or Nothing goes off the air with The Elite standing tall with Perry on their shoulders.
The AEW World Championship reign of Swerve Strickland is going strong after retaining the gold against Christian Cage at Double or Nothing 2024.
In the penultimate match of the night, Strickland and Cage met with Swerve having Prince Nana in his corner while Cage had the might of the Patriarchy. With the numbers advantage in his favor, Christian took the early advantage. Things went from bad to worse for the champion after interference from Nick Wayne resulted in Prince Nana being ejected from the ringside area.
They always get the second guy! Nick Wayne's underhanded tactics get Prince Nana ejected!
Despite this, Strickland was able to fight back and withstand all that Cage was able to deliver. The finish of the match saw Swerve hit his patented Swerve Stomp and Swerve’s House to get the win and retain the gold.
After retaining the title, Strickland had quite the celebration and even shared the screen with boxing legend (and WWE WrestleMania 24 competitor) Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather.
With the AEW World Championship still in his possession, Swerve Strickland will now look ahead to his next title match which will come at the AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door pay-per-view. On the May 29, edition of AEW Dynamite, a Casino Battle Royale will determine Strickland’s opponent at the upcoming crossover event. At this time, no names have been confirmed for the battle royale.
AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door 2024 will on Sunday, June 30, 2024, from the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. It will be the third annual Forbidden Door event and once again see AEW talent and stars from New Japan Pro Wrestling face off. Keep tuned to SE Scoops for all the news regarding AEW and the Forbidden Door show.
MJF has made his return to AEW programming and big things are in store for the All-Elite promotion’s resident ‘Scumbag.’
The former AEW World Champion shocked fans at the May 26, event to confront his former tag-team partner Adam Cole. MJF then stated that there would be no more friendships for him in wrestling and that he’s not leaving AEW.
MJF’s return to AEW had been in the works for some time, Fightful Select reports, with AEW Double or Nothing earmarked as the target date. Preparations had been made in advance to ensure his comeback was executed perfectly.
Fans will have been surprised to see MJF appear at Double or Nothing given that he had been wearing a brace as of late. This turned out to be a ruse by the former AEW World Champion who did NOT undergo shoulder surgery as some had believed. while MJF did suffer an injury in the run-up to AEW Worlds End, it did not require surgery and the brace was worn to mislead fans about his condition and potential return.
AEW composer Mikey Ruckus prepared several new themes for MJF, including the orchestral version featured in his promo and a piano version. Significant creative plans are in place for MJF to be involved in a top-tier feud now he’s back.
Big plans are in place for the returning MJF.
Nixed Plans
The injury suffered by Adam Cole forced AEW to alter plans fo the pair. At one time a match was planned to take place between the two in 2023 but that obviously didn’t happen. It’s unclear when the former ROH World Tag Team Champions will face off but the fact that Cole got physical during MJF’s return segment is a good sign.
The former Sasha Banks made her AEW debut at Double or Nothing and left the MGM Grand Arena as a champion.
Mercedes Mone faced Willow Nightingale for the AEW TBS Title at Double or Nothing. Their match was the first of three main event matches for the night.
After a competitive match, Mercedes executed the Mone Maker and secured a clean win, marking her in-ring debut for AEW and making her the new TBS Champion.
Mercedes and Nightingale entered the match with history. They previously faced off in NJPW, where Mercedes suffered an ankle injury that cost her the NJPW Strong Women’s Title and led to nearly a year on the sidelines.
Mercedes had a notable entrance for her match. A drum line accompanied her to the ring, adding to the moment as they kept pace with her CEO music.
The CEO Mercedes Moné makes her AEW in-ring debut as she looks to capture TBS gold & revenge!
This victory established Mercedes in AEW, setting the stage for her future in the company. Excalibur sang her praises after the win, saying that Mercedes will be tough to beat with a finisher like the Mone Maker.
After the match, Kris Statlander turned on Willow, hit her, and ripped off her friendship bracelet, adding insult to injury. Stokely Hathaway approved of this turn, marking a separation with Nightingale.
Will Ospreay is the new AEW International Champion and it appears that he is planning to make the title truly international in his reign.
The high-flying star challenged Roderick Strong for the title at the Double or Nothing PPV from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The ending of the bout saw Orpreay countering a backbreaker with a running forearm and then he used the Storm Breaker to become the new champion.
AEW cameras caught up with the Aerial Assassin after his big win. Commenting on his future plans, Will Ospreay said that he is a man who hunts for gold and this title won’t be his last:
“This championship might be the International Championship to a lot of people, but this is the Billy GOAT Title for now. Allow me to tell you all, just because I hold this treasure, just because I hold this championship, doesn’t mean that I am done. I am a man that hunts for more gold. I am a man that voyages to other places to collect championships. Anywhere, and everywhere. This championship was forged and made on the day of Forbidden Door. Luck has it, Forbidden Door is right around the corner and let me tell you guys, I am the Forbidden Door.”
Will Ospreay also talked about the working relationship AEW has with different companies such as NJPW and CMLL and hinted that he is planning to defend the title all over the world:
“This championship does not have any inclusion to AEW. We have working relationships with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, CMLL, STARDOM. Unfortunately, I don’t think I can wrestle the STARDOM girls, right? We allow our talent to wrestle at Revolution Pro, DDT, all around the world. The door open, but not politely, because I am the keyholder to that door. I would love to show everyone how easy it is for the international Billy GOAT to hold the door closed with one hand and to carry the world in the other. Mark my words, this ain’t the end. I am Will Ospreay. On. Another. Level.”
Elsewhere in the show we saw the long-anticipated return of The Devil MJF who made his contract status with the company very clear. You can click here to read everything the Salt Of The Earth had to say on his comeback.
Adam Copeland, a WWE Hall of Famer, signed with AEW after a notable career that included memorable character work and his breakthrough with The Brood. The WWE stable, consisting of Edge (Copeland), Christian, and Gangrel, has long been defunct. Copeland wanted to revive the faction during his last WWE run, but it was rejected.
At AEW Double or Nothing, Copeland introduced a new entrance featuring “The Brood” on the screen and music similar to their original theme, a trademark not owned by WWE. This moment was well-received by fans in Las Vegas.
The fires of Hell can't contain #TNT Champion Adam Copeland, but let’s see if a BARBED WIRE STEEL CAGE can as he faces off against #HouseOfBlack’s Malakai Black!
In the match’s closing moments, Gangrel appeared just as the House of Black was about to execute Copeland, who was positioned with a crown of barbed wire around his head and arms outstretched. The Vampire Warrior intervened and laid out the House of Black, allowing Copeland to secure the win.
After the match, Copeland and Gangrel celebrated on the entrance ramp, marking a reunion of sorts for the former Brood members. Despite his absence from WWE, Copeland showed he remains a strong performer, canceling a two-day event in Germany to appear at Double or Nothing.
Gangrel’s appearance was a significant highlight, and it remains to be seen if he will make more appearances for AEW. Fans appreciated seeing him in Las Vegas, adding a nostalgic element to the event.
The final countdown is on for Bryan Danielson’s full-time wrestling career. The All Elite Wrestling superstar plans to work as a part-time talent later this year to spend more time with his family. Although he is committed to finishing his run as a full-time wrestler, fans are curious if he’ll stick around with AEW when the deal is up for renewal. However, it seems AEW President Tony Khan fully intends to re-sign Danielson to keep him with the company.
In an interview with CBS Sports, Khan shared that he wants to keep ‘The American Dragon’ in the company forever.
CBS Sport’ Shakiel Mahjouri transcribed the following quotes.
“I would like Bryan to stay, in a perfect world, forever here in whatever capacity he’d stay with us in,” Khan said. He continued, “I’d hope that Bryan would finish his wrestling career here. I would do anything to make that happen. I want Bryan to stay with us wrestling as long as possible. I know that he’s talked about an exit from full-time wrestling, which is what he’s been doing this year whenever he’s been healthy.”
The AEW President continued the interview by praising Danielson’s career in the company and sharing his commitment to keeping him long-term.
“…I think Bryan Danielson fits on AEW like a glove. As long as he will consider wrestling with us, that door is always open. I would bend over backwards for him and do anything for Bryan Danielson.”
Khan’s public declaration of wanting to re-sign Danielson should reassure AEW fans, as the beloved superstar’s contract is set to expire soon.
Although a new agreement hasn’t been signed, Khan hopes Danielson will stay with AEW.
“…I don’t know whether he’ll be wrestling full-time after that, but I really hope Bryan will stay with me here in the office forever… I talk to Bryan pretty much every day whenever I can. So I hope that will continue for the rest of our lives,” said Khan
It’s unclear if Danielson will consider testing free agency after he finishes his commitment. For now, he is focused on making the most out of the current AEW run and wrestling matches that fans won’t forget.
AEW Double or Nothing began with a strong start. Following an International Title match, a surprising segment took place.
Will Ospreay won the AEW International Title, but Adam Cole interrupted his celebration with a promo, calling himself The Devil. The lights flickered, and a video played on the big screen.
The video showed what appeared to be MJF’s home, followed by a photo of Cole and MJF, former ROH Tag Team Champions, ripped apart to separate them.
Then MJF’s music hit, and he entered the MGM Grand Arena to a big reaction. He confronted Cole in the ring, and as the crowd chanted “You F*cked Up,” MJF kicked Cole.
Adam Cole may be the devil, but it's time to face his demons in MJF!
MJF then cut a promo, declaring that his actions are driven by hate and that no one is safe. Fans chanted “He’s Our Scumbag!” as MJF stated there would be no more friendship activities from him.
He finished by saying he’s done apologizing and that “nobody is more complete in this sport than me.” The crowd responded with chants of “Holy Sh*t” during his promo.
Then MJF made his contract status very clear by showing off a new “bet on yourself” tattoo with the AEW logo on his ankle. This was followed by The Salt of the Earth quoting Jordan Belfort as he said, “When it comes to MJF and AEW, you can call me the Wolf of Wrestling, because I’m not f*cking leaving!”
This tattoo, while it is new for AEW fans, did not look like fresh ink. MJF likely got the tattoo during his time off from the company. It has also been the thought for quite some time that MJF actually inked a new AEW agreement in the middle of 2023.
— AEW?Jamie Hayter ??Skye Blue?TheOutrunners?? (@JaxIrvin) May 27, 2024
MJF flew to Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday, likely to avoid being seen at the Vegas airport. With Phoenix just a few hours from Las Vegas, this suggests a strong possibility of his return tonight at Double or Nothing.
Phoenix is about 4.5 hours from Las Vegas, a manageable drive for a pro wrestler. Wrestle Votes reported that AEW Double or Nothing could feature a major surprise early in the event.
Will Ospreay entered AEW months before his NJPW contract was over. He broke into the scene, starting in 2024, and he was off to the races. AEW Double or Nothing saw him win his first championship with the company.
Roderick Strong defended the AEW International Title against Ospreay in the opening match of Double or Nothing.The fans were behind Ospreay the entire time, and they were electric for the entire match.
In the end, Ospreay pulled down the win to capture his first title in AEW. In the middle of his celebration, Adam Cole made his big return to the company, and that shocked everyone. That was followed by MJF’s long-awaited return to AEW television.
Will Ospreay entered AEW with an impressive list of accolades from his time in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He has held the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship once, the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship twice (being the final champion), and the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship three times. Ospreay has also held the NEVER Openweight Championship once. Additionally, he won the New Japan Cup in 2021 and the Best of the Super Juniors tournament in both 2016 and 2019.
AEW Double or Nothing 2024 is an important event for the company, showcasing a new generation of talent and several established names while they start their fifth year in existence. As the show progresses, there is much to unpack.
AEW Double or Nothing Notes:
There were no massive streaming issues reported by fans. This is very different from past experiences with B/R Live, where even Tony Khan has been required to comment on the platform dropping the ball with their events.
The Las Vegas Golden Knights mascot made an appearance during the AEW Double or Nothing Zero-Hour kickoff show. He was around a bit for the night, but it doesn’t seem like he gained much trust with his appearance.
Tony Khan and Martha Hart made an announcement about the 2024 Owen Hart tournament. The winner of this year’s tournament will receive a title shot at AEW All In at Wembley Stadium on August 24.
The MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas was filled with AEW fans, eager to see what the company had planned. During the Zero-Hour match, The Acclaimed defeated Cage of Agony, but a notable moment occurred when Anthony Bowens had an unusual interaction with a fan during his entrance.
The crowd was very hot for the opening International Title match with Will Ospreay vs Roderick Strong. They chanted “Ospreay!” incredibly loudly during his entrance, and they were on fire for the opening contest.
During MJF’s return, AEW made no attempts to censor fans as they chanted “You F*cked Up” at Adam Cole. The “Holy Sh*t” chants were also clearly heard on-air. Also, MJF was not bleeped as he quoted the Wolf of Wall Street when he said, “I’m not f*cking leaving!”
Jim Ross updated fans to let everyone know that he is on the mend, trying to rid himself from the flu. He is watching the event from his hospital bed.
I’m on the mend trying to chase this pesky flu virus away. Watching @AEW from my hospital room. ?
MJF kept cutting a promo online after his surprising AEW Double or Nothing return. He wanted to hammer home his return, which he did with a post on Twitter/X.
Y’all were gagging on it with a smile on your face for 5 years straight, then pretended you didn’t like the taste?
If I were you I’d grab some chapstick cuz I’m about to take over the game you love, AGAIN. #Betterthanyou
— Maxwell Jacob Friedman™? (@The_MJF) May 27, 2024
Fans were on fire all night, and they had many inventive chants. During the FTW Title match, they chanted, “Teach Us!” at Chris Jericho. They also chanted “LUTHER!” during the AEW Women’s World Title match, as LUTHER accompanied Toni Storm. Of course, they also chanted “Donkey D*ck” during the show, and it wasn’t bleeped.
The barbed wire steel cage was impressive in person. Fans were red-hot for this match, with a ton of chants, and they were into the violence. They chanted “You Sick F*ck” at Adam Copeland as he wrapped Malakai Black in barbed wire while he was on the table. The spot that followed received “Holy Sh*t” and “This is Awesome” chants. Tony Schaivone also repeated their chant to say that a “holy sh*t chant has never been more appropriate.”
Gangrel’s big surprise during the TNT Title match caught fans by surprise. Nobody at ringside reported seeing anyone move under the ring, but there were plenty of black out moments during the entrances of that match to get the Vampire Warrior in place.
Mercedes Mone received an amazing entrance as she made her way to the ring. A drum line was a nice touch for her CEO music.
The CEO Mercedes Moné makes her AEW in-ring debut as she looks to capture TBS gold & revenge!
After Mercedes Mone’s TBS Title win, Kris Statlander turned on Willow Nightingale. This turn didn’t receive a huge response from the crowd, because it wasn’t the focus of everyone’s attention. This is why the reaction from fans didn’t seem as active when they pulled the trigger on that moment.
Other AEW DoN Notes Before The Show:
MJF flew to Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday. With Phoenix just a few hours from Las Vegas, it’s possible AEW flew him there to avoid being seen at the Vegas airport, suggesting a strong possibility of his return tonight at Double or Nothing. Phoenix is about 4 1/2 hours from Las Vegas, a manageable drive for a pro wrestler.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Selectreports that AEW sources were surprised by Mercedes Mone saying that she was cleared to compete in December 2023, stating it was not consistent with their information. NJPW sources indicated that if she had been cleared to wrestle in January, they would have booked her for Wrestle Kingdom and Battle in The Valley. AEW sources confirmed that Mercedes was not expected to wrestle until May due to her injury.
ROH Pure Champion Wheeler Yuta is also in Las Vegas for AEW Double or Nothing. Yuta has been out of action since January 10, following his match against Eddie Kingston at an AEW Rampage taping. Juice Robinson is also in Las Vegas, though Britt Baker has not been seen.
NJPW sources mentioned that multiple names were considered as the AEW World Title challenger for Forbidden Door. They also hinted at some unconventional choices being discussed for the event. Fans can expect to see more New Japan wrestlers appearing in AEW in the coming weeks, potentially as soon as this week. Other familiar faces are also expected to appear in AEW.
Pat Buck assigns producers for AEW shows. WrestleVotes tweeted, “Hearing from sources in Las Vegas to not miss the beginning of tonight’s Double or Nothing PPV. Big happenings are expected very early in the show! #AEWDoN.” We will have to see how things go as the show progresses.
Fans have patiently been waiting for the return of former AEW Champion MJF for the past few months and latest developments suggest that tonight could finally be the night for his comeback.
According to PW Insider, MJF flew to Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday. With Phoenix just a few hours from Las Vegas, it’s possible AEW flew him there to avoid being seen at the Vegas airport. This suggests a strong possibility of his return tonight at Double or Nothing.
Phoenix is about 4 1/2 hours from Las Vegas, which isn’t that long of a drive, especially for a pro wrestler.
Wrestle Votes also reported that they have heard that AEW Double or Nothing could see a very big surprise early on in the event.
Hearing from sources in Las Vegas to not miss the beginning of tonight’s Double or Nothing PPV. Big happenings are expected very early in the show! #AEWDoN
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select also reported that ROH Pure Champion Wheeler Yuta is in Las Vegas for AEW Double or Nothing. Yuta has been out of action since January 10, following his match against Eddie Kingston at an AEW Rampage taping. Britt Baker has not been seen in Las Vegas, but Juice Robinson is in Las Vegas.
Maxwell Jacob Friedman has not been seen since he lost the World Championship to Samoa Joe at the Worlds End pay-per-view in December 2023. The former World Champion has been on hiatus, dealing with multiple injuries he sustained leading into the match. MJF chose to drop the title instead of vacating it.
Shortly after Worlds End, it was reported that MJF would require shoulder surgery and could be out for up to a year. However, a new update suggests that The Devil may be returning much sooner than expected. His presence in Phoenix only further hints at a possible surprise appearance at Double or Nothing.
Fans might also see former WWE Superstar Gangrel at the event. He withdrew from an indie show in Germany he was booked for this weekend, and Adam Copeland’s current storyline has been full of hints pointing towards a Brood reunion.
Final Double or Nothing Match Card
SE Scoops will provide ongoing coverage of AEW Double or Nothing. The event starts at 8:00 PM EST, with a Zero-Hour kickoff show at 6:30 PM EST.
Check out the final complete card below and stay tuned for live updates and highlights.
Thunder Rosa vs. Deonna Purrazzo: Singles match (Zero-Hour Match)
The Acclaimed (Max Caster, Anthony Bowens, and “Daddy Ass” Billy Gunn) vs. Cage of Agony (Brian Cage and Gates of Agony (Toa Liona and Bishop Kaun)): Trios match (Zero-Hour Match)
Adam Copeland (c) vs. Malakai Black: Barbed Wire Steel Cage match for the AEW TNT Championship
Roderick Strong (c) (with Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) vs. Will Ospreay: Singles match for the AEW International Championship
Bang Bang Gang (Jay White and The Gunns (Austin Gunn and Colten Gunn)) (c) vs. Death Triangle (Pac, Rey Fénix, and Penta El Zero Miedo) (with Alex Abrahantes): Trios match for the Unified World Trios Championship
Chris Jericho (c) (with Big Bill) vs. Hook vs. Katsuyori Shibata: Three-way FTW Rules match for the FTW Championship
Jon Moxley vs. Konosuke Takeshita (with Don Callis): IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Eliminator match (If Takeshita wins, he will receive a future IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match)
“Timeless” Toni Storm (c) (with Luther and Mariah May) vs. Serena Deeb: Singles match for the AEW Women’s World Championship
Willow Nightingale (c) vs. Mercedes Moné: Singles match for the AEW TBS Championship
The Elite (Kazuchika Okada, Jack Perry, and The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson)) vs. Team AEW (Bryan Danielson, Darby Allin, and FTR (Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood)): Anarchy in the Arena match
Swerve Strickland (c) (with Prince Nana) vs. Christian Cage (with Killswitch, Nick Wayne, and Mother Wayne): Singles match
Mercedes Mone is ready to take on all-comers in AEW and that could result in her stepping in the ring once again with Saraya.
The pair last competed in December 2017 as part of a WWE live event under the names of Sasha Banks and Paige. It was a dropkick by Mone that resulted in Saraya suffering a neck injury that would force her into retirement. Saraya, who has never blamed Mone for what she has called a freak accident, would only wrestle again after joining AEW in 2022.
With Mone and Saraya now both All-Elite talent, there has been speculation of a feud between the pair given their history. When asked about a possible match by The New York Post, Mone was more than ready for the challenge.
“I’m here to face everybody, every woman here. So if she [Saraya] wants to be on the list, she’s more than welcome to wrestle me.”
Could Saraya and Mercedes Mone face off in AEW?
What’s to Come?
It remains to be seen if Mone and Saraya lock horns in AEW but the CEO’s more immediate future will see her compete later today. At AEW Double or Nothing, Mone will make her AEW in-ring debut when she faces TBS Champion Willow Nightingale. Ironically, it was Mone who suffered an injury the last time she faced Nightingale which cost her a year of competition.
Their grudge match is being billed as one of three main events for AEW Double or Nothing 2024. Mone Vs. Nightingale is being promoted alongside Anarchy in the Arena and AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland Vs. Christian Cage.
