SEScoops

Category: AEW

  • Gangrel’s Schedule Opens Up For Possible AEW Double Or Nothing Surprise

    Gangrel’s Schedule Opens Up For Possible AEW Double Or Nothing Surprise

    AEW Double or Nothing is happening tonight in Las Vegas, and fans can expect some surprises. One possible surprise is the appearance of Gangrel on the pay-per-view.

    Gangrel, also known as The Vampire Warrior, was initially advertised for the WrestlingKult event in Germany on the 24th and 25th. However, the event stopped promoting his appearance.

    Adam Copeland, formerly known as Edge, is set for a barbed wire steel cage match against Malakai Black at Double or Nothing. Copeland has been making many Brood references recently, including a bloodbath segment on Dynamite to build up the match.

    AEW has been hinting at a Brood version of Adam Copeland, and Gangrel’s potential appearance would enhance that gimmick.

    Speaking with Chris Van Vliet on Insight, Copeland was open about his attempt to revive the Brood entrance for WWE Day 1 in 2022. He wanted Gangrel to join him, reminiscent of their Attitude Era days, but WWE rejected the idea, believing fans wouldn’t remember. Copeland disagreed, feeling that wrestling fans appreciate nostalgia and should be rewarded for their loyalty. Despite his efforts, WWE shut down the idea, and Copeland realized it wasn’t his decision to make.

    Copeland also mentioned starting talks with AEW right after his WWE contract expired. He referenced Matt Cardona’s recent return to AEW, where Cardona challenged him for the TNT Championship, recognizing that fans remember Cardona’s ‘Edge Head’ days. Although WWE didn’t support bringing back Gangrel, Copeland continues to find ways to engage the audience through his work in AEW, leaving the possibility of Gangrel’s appearance open.

    Christian Cage, another member of The Brood, is also scheduled for a major match at AEW Double or Nothing. He will face Swerve Strickland for the AEW Title, a match that has become personal with many insults about Swerve’s personal life and career.

    You can find the full AEW Double or Nothing card below. The pay-per-view starts at 8:00 EST, with a Zero-Hour show beginning at 6:30 PM EST. 

    • 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
    • Trent Beretta vs. Orange Cassidy: Singles match
    • 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
  • Bryan Danielson Compares Jack Perry’s Troubles To His Own WWE Firing

    Bryan Danielson Compares Jack Perry’s Troubles To His Own WWE Firing

    Bryan Danielson has compared the troubles of Jack Perry to his own WWE firing back in 2010 due to his actions during Nexus’ debut.

    The former World Champion spoke to Sports Illustrated recently to discuss this Sunday’s Double or Nothing PPV from MGM Grand Garden Arena.

    Bryan is set to team up with FTR and Darby Allin to face The Young Bucks, Kazuchika Okada and Jack Perry in an Anarchy In The Arena match at the upcoming event.

    Speaking about his teammates and opponents, Bryan noted that he knows what FTR and The Young Bucks will be bringing to the table for this bout. He explained that they don’t know how Okada would fair in a chaotic match like that and the two young stars will be wild cards in the fight:

    “I’m not sure what Jack Perry will bring to the match. Honestly, I’m a little scared of what Darby is going to bring to the match. How about that flamethrower on Dynamite?”

    It’s All About How You React: Bryan Danielson

    The Anarchy in The Arena match will be Perry’s first bout in AEW since his return to the company. Prior this, he wrestled for the promotion during the All In London event in August 2023 which led to his backstage altercation with CM Punk and subsequent absence that lasted almost 8 months.

    Speaking about the troubles Perry has had to face in the past few months due to his scuffle with Punk, Bryan Danielson said that we’re all put into weird situations from time to time. He recalled one such situation he experienced firsthand when he briefly got fired from WWE in 2010:

    “We’re all put in weird positions, some of our own making and some that have nothing to do with us, It’s all about how you react to it. When I got fired [by WWE in 2010] for choking Justin Roberts and spitting in [John] Cena’s face, it turned out really well for me. But even in the moment, when you lose a steady paying job, I knew I’d land on my feet. I haven’t spoken with Jack. Is he mad about it? The name ‘Scapegoat’ implies he is. I don’t know his mindset, at least not yet.”

    The former World Champion noted that he hasn’t been around Jack Perry long enough to know how he will react to a match like Anarchy In The Arena. This is going to change when he steps in the ring with the 26-year-old this Sunday.

    Bryan Danielson made his WWE main roster debut when Nexus attacked John Cena and destroyed everything at the ringside during the main event of the June 7, 2010 episode of Raw.

    The 43-year-old was fired from the company for being too violent during the segment. Though he was re-hired by the officials not too long after. He made his return during the August 15 episode of Raw.

  • AEW Double Or Nothing 2024 Preview: Matches, How to Watch

    AEW Double Or Nothing 2024 Preview: Matches, How to Watch

    All Elite Wrestling presents AEW Double or Nothing 2024 tonight, Sunday, May 26, live from the MGM Grand Arena in Paradise, Nevada. 

    The show will see some of the top names in All Elite Wrestling compete as the company marks the fifth anniversary of its inaugural Double or Nothing event in 2019. The show will also be AEW’s first pay-per-view since the retirement of Sting who retired undefeated in AEW at the Revolution pay-per-view in March 2024. 

    Swerve Strickland will defend against Christian Cage tonight. 

    Match Card

    A total of 12 matches are scheduled for AEW Double or Nothing, All Elite Wrestling’s latest PPV of the year:

    • Thunder Rosa vs. Deonna Purrazzo (pre-show)
    • Daddy Ass & The Acclaimed vs. Cage of Agony in a trios match (pre-show)
    • Bryan Danielson, Darby Allin & FTR vs. Young Bucks, Kazuchika Okada & Jack Perry (Anarchy in the Arena)
    • Swerve Strickland (c) vs. Christian Cage (AEW World Championship)
    • Willow Nightingale (c) vs. Mercedes Moné (TBS Championship)
    • Toni Storm (c) vs. Serena Deeb (AEW Women’s World Championship)
    • Adam Copeland (c) vs. Malakai Black (Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match, AEW TBS Championship)
    • Roderick Strong (c) vs. Will Ospreay (AEW International Championship)
    • Jon Moxley (c) vs. Konosuke Takeshita (IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Eliminator)
    • Chris Jericho (c) vs. Hook vs. Katsuyori Shibata (FTW Championship)
    • Bang Bang Gang (c) vs. Death Triangle (Unified World Trios Championship)
    • Orange Cassidy vs. Trent Beretta in a straight-up wrestling match

    How to Watch

    The Zero Hour pre-show for AEW Double or Nothing 2024 will be streaming live from 6:30 pm Eastern and fans around the globe can catch it for free on AEW’s official YouTube channel and Bleacher Report.

    The AEW Double or Nothing 2024 pay-per-view starts at 8 pm ET live from Paradise, Nevada. The event can be purchased and streamed on Bleacher Report and traditional PPV means in the US. For international audiences, the show will be made available through Triller TV.

  • Swerve Strickland Wishes To Have A Creative Mind As Deep As Bray Wyatt

    Swerve Strickland Wishes To Have A Creative Mind As Deep As Bray Wyatt

    AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland hopes to one day have a creative mind for wrestling that matches that of the late Windham ‘Bray Wyatt’ Rotunda. 

    Rotunda died in August 2023 at the age of 36. He had been pulled from WWE programming earlier that same year due to health issues. Before then the three-time WWE World Champion had been feuding with Bobby Lashley and a match had been planned for WrestleMania 39 in SoFi Stadium. 

    Swerve Strickland on Bray Wyatt

    Rotunda’s tragically young passing came less than a year after his return to WWE in October 2022. In the weeks before his return at the Extreme Rules PLE, WWE teased something with their popular ‘White Rabbit’ mystery. Speaking to Adrian Hernandez, Strickland reflected on the White Rabbit. 

    “It was small things and it was layered and sprinkled out… Bray was just patient with that and he was meticulous and he was calculated.”

    The AEW World Champion admitted to being very impressed with the White Rabbit, and hopes he can have a similarly creative mind for the business. 

    “Everything that he did, it came from him. I was always appreciative of that. For me, I would hope to have such a deep mind like that.“

    What’s To Come? 

    While Rotunda is no longer with us, the enigmatic White Rabbit mystery has been revitalized with the ongoing QR code mystery. It is believed that the series of clues is building to the return of Uncle Howdy, as played by Bo Dallas. The former NXT Champion is expected to return alongside a faction consisting of Nikki Cross, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, and Dexter Lumis. 

    As for Strickland, he will defend the AEW World Championship later today at Double or Nothing 2024. Strickland will defend the title against Christian Cage in the champion’s first title defense on pay-per-view. 

  • Report: Plans for Megan Bayne To Re-Debut In AEW

    Report: Plans for Megan Bayne To Re-Debut In AEW

    Megan Bayne could soon be back on AEW programming after her tenure with the company so far has seen her compete more outside the All-Elite promotion. 

    Bayne has been under contract for years with AEW and made her in-ring debut for the All-Elite promotion in a loss to Big Swole on Dark in April 2021. Unfortunately, she was sidelined with an injury that derailed her role in AEW. After healing up, Bayne was encouraged by AEW management to seek out bookings and has become a standout in STARDOM. 

    Now, Bayne could finally be making her way back to AEW programming. Creative pitches have been made for Bayne backstage, Fightful Select reports, with one idea being for a ‘re-debut’ in the promotion. Early indications suggest that Bayne will be a heel once she resurfaces on TV. Her most recent match in an AEW ring since a dark match in 2023. 

    The 25-year-old Bayne has been back in the United States for several months now and has been taking bookings at with GCW, Limitless Wrestling, and other independent promotions. There has been interest in her possibly joining other companies but it is unclear if any offers have been made at this time. 

    Bayne has faced Nyla Rose and Thunder Rosa during her AEW career. 

    If Bayne is to rejoin AEW programming she will be part of a much different roster than when she debuted for the company in 2021. At this time, ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm and Willow Nightingale dominate AEW’s Women’s division as the Women’s World Champion and TBS Champion respectively. Other notable names to have arrived in recent months include Mina Shirakawa, Mariah May, and Mercedes Mone. 

  • Hiroshi Tanahashi Makes AEW Return On 5/25 Episode of Collision

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s President Hiroshi Tanahashi stunned fans this week by making an appearance and competing on the May 25, episode of AEW Collision.

    Tanahashi was revealed as the mystery partner of Claudio Castagnoli and Daniel Garcia in a trios match that saw them face Lance Archer and The Righteous (Vincent & Dutch.) The match ended with Tanahashi hitting Vincent with his signature Sling Blade, followed by the High Fly Flow, to get the win for his team. 

    This marked Tanahashi’s first match in AEW since his appearance at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2023. At that event, Tanahashi unsuccessfully challenged then-AEW World Champion MJF. The Trios match was also Tanahashi’s second match on AEW Collision. His last bout on the show saw him defeat Swerve Strickland on the June 24, 2023 episode. 

    What’s to Come? 

    Tanahashi’s involvement with the show won’t be the last time fans see names from New Japan Pro Wrestling on AEW programming. On June 30, 2024, the two promotions will team up to hold the third annual Forbidden Door crossover event. The show will take place in Elmont, New York from the UBS Arena. 

    So far, the only match confirmed will see the AEW World Championship defended against the winner of the Casino Battle Royale match that will take place on the May 29, edition of AEW Dynamite. Participants for that match have yet to be confirmed. 

  • Will Ospreay Likes Triple H, Believes ‘No Harm Done’ After Dynamite Dig

    Will Ospreay Likes Triple H, Believes ‘No Harm Done’ After Dynamite Dig

    Will Ospreay wants to move on from his comments made towards Triple H and makes it clear that he likes the WWE Creative Content Officer. 

    Ospreay has a busy weekend ahead of him as the top AEW star will be challenging Roderick Strong for the International Championship at Double or Nothing this Sunday. In light of his big bout in Las Vegas, Ospreay spoke with some of the media, including Adrian Hernandez and was asked about his comments towards Triple H during an AEW Dynamite promo. 

    “People within the company were saying, ‘That was a bag at you.’ I’m over it now. I said my bit. My thing was funny. Everyone took it way too personally. All these old f***s that are like, ‘I have a podcast’ and they think they know everything. I couldn’t give a f*** about these guys.”

    ‘The Game’ previously stated that some wrestling talent weren’t willing to be apart of the ‘grind’ of WWE. Ospreay took umbrage with that decided to state that Triple H got his high profile spot due to “grinding on the boss’s daughter.”

    Ospreay continued his comments with Hernandez, deciding to dampen down any further tension between he and Triple H, stating that he likes Paul Levesque.

    “At the end of it, no harm done. I f***ing like Triple H. It was a little bit hard hearing that s***. I was nothing but respectful in all the talks. I have my own mission, my own objectives, my own goals. Just because it doesn’t fit with your things, it doesn’t mean people should be firing shots my way. I come from a generation where if you fire one at me, I fire one back.”

    H/t to Fightful for the transcription.

  • Wardlow To The Fans Regarding His Popularity: “We Will Get Back To This One Day”

    Wardlow To The Fans Regarding His Popularity: “We Will Get Back To This One Day”

    Wardlow hasn’t forgotten when the wrestling world was fully behind him, and makes a promise to achieve such heights once more in his career.

    A fan on X shared a video of Wardlow’s entrance two years ago at AEW Double or Nothing 2022 and Las Vegas crowd clearly welcomed the former TNT Champion with a loud reception. The fan captioned the video with, “Two Years Ago at Double or Nothing. Wardlow can you still hear us?”

    Wardlow caught wind of the fan’s post and made it clear that he most certainly could.

    “I hear you every day. It’s what’s kept me going the past year. Sad how tainted this night was for me. But we will get back to this one day. On my life. For anyone that’s chanted my name, even when you didn’t have much of a reason to, it’s meant the world to me. Thank you.”

    Wardlow ended up defeating MJF after a longstanding grudge match, but the bout only lasted seven minutes and it was swarmed in controversy as to if MJF was actually going to be at the PPV.

    Unfortunately,  Wardlow has experienced a great deal of creative speed bumps over the course of the past two years and has found himself barely on AEW television most weeks. 

    He happened to just make an appearance this past Wednesday on the go-home episode of Dynamite where Wardlow got involved in the opening match between Will Ospreay, Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong and Trent Beretta. Wardlow laid out Ospreay on the entryway as Strong secured the victory for himself and Beretta.

  • Bayley Expresses Interest To Face Kris Statlander Someday

    Bayley Expresses Interest To Face Kris Statlander Someday

    WWE Women’s Champion Bayley has expressed her interest in facing AEW wrestler, Kris Statlander.

    ‘The Role Model’ has faced plenty of talented wrestlers over the last decade and she now has named the former TBS Champion for a potential match. Bayley recently spoke to Bernard Colas of Le10Sport and was asked about a wrestler outside of WWE whom she wanted to face. ‘The Role Model’ named AEW star Kris Statlander as her potential opponent in the future. She went on to state that Statlander reminds her a lot of the former WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley as she she is “so athletic.” Bayley said:

    “I really like Kris Statlander. I think she’s just freaking so athletic. She kind of reminds me of like Rhea Ripley. You know or like it seems like she can do everything so I’d be interested to get in the ring someday.”

    Kris Statlander competed only once in WWE in April 2019. She was introduced as Kristen alongside her tag team partner Karissa (now known as Elekra Lopez) and faced then-Women’s Tag Team Champions The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce) in a losing effort. Following a brief run on the independent circuit, Kris Statlander made a move to AEW in November 2019 and went on to capture the TBS Championship last year. 

    Bayley vs Kris Statlander in the future?

    WWE have started to acknowledge the happenings and bring in wrestlers from other promotions. In 2020, WWE brought in then-IMPACT Knockouts Champion Mickie James for that year’s Women’s Royal Rumble. This year TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace was also able to compete in the match. Recently, Shayna Baszler also competed at ‘GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport X’ last April to face Masha Slamovich. Bayley and Kris Statlander could face each other if either of them is allowed to walk through the Forbidden Door.

    We will have to wait and see if a match between Bayley and Kris Statlander ever takes place. Last year, AEW President Tony Khan seemingly liked the idea of working with WWE. Read more below:

  • Will Ospreay Wants Rematch With Ricochet in AEW: ‘People Here Appreciate His Work’

    AEW’s Will Ospreay hopes that Ricochet will soon be ‘All Elite’ as he’s itching for a rematch with the inaugural WWE Speed Champion. 

    In the 2010s the pair had an acclaimed series of matches that elevated both men in the wrestling world. The duo’s most recent match came for What Culture Pro Wrestling in August 2017 in a match won by the Aerial Assassin. From there the pair would part ways with Ricochet joining WWE in January 2018 while Ospreay would go on to become one of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s top stars. 

    Sitting down with ComicBook.com, Ospreay discussed his legendary series of matches with Ospreay. The Aerial Assassin admitted that he does worry that Ricochet isn’t being treated right in WWE. 

    “I keep up with him all the time and sometimes I get a little bit sad about it. I hope he’s not sad and I hope he’s real happy. I keep up with him as much as I can, but I feel like people are forgetting who Ricochet was once upon a time.”

    It’s not hard to see why Ospreay may be concerned for Ricochet regarding his booking in WWE. On a recent Raw, Ricochet spoke about how he is always losing in a very self-deprecating promo. 

    This comment made little sense given that Ricochet recently won the WWE Speed Championship and was victorious throughout an entire tournament to win the gold. In the interview, Ospreay added that WWE valuing Ricochet’s work for minutes at a time, referring to WWE Speed rules, was “appalling.”

    Will Ospreay wants another showdown with Ricochet. 

    Ricochet in All Elite Wrestling? 

    While Ricochet has been the victim of stop-start pushes since joining WWE’s main roster in 2019, Ospreay has been a staple of AEW TV since he officially signed in November 2023. Ospreay isn’t sure when Ricochet could be a free agent, but certainly hopes that AEW will make an offer if the One and Only becomes available. 

    “I don’t know how much longer he has got in his contract, but I think it might be up soon, man, I don’t know. I want him to know that there are people here that genuinely appreciate his work and I want to wrestle him again. I want him back here.”

    As for Ospreay’s more immediate future, the Essex-born wrestler will be a part of this weekend’s AEW Double or Nothing pay-per-view. Ospreay is hoping to clinch his first taste of AEW gold when he challenges the International Champion Roderick Strong. 

  • Owen Hart Cup 2024 Details Revealed

    Owen Hart Cup 2024 Details Revealed

    New details about AEW’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament have emerged.

    According to the daily newspaper The Calgary Herald, the finals of the Owen Hart Foundation tournament are set to take place on July 10 in Calgary. In attendance will be Martha Hart, the widow of Owen Hart.

    Martha talked to The Calgary Herald about the tragic incident that took place during WWF’s Over the Edge event on May 23, 1999.

    She talked about not wanting to work with WWE, whose negligence she believes is the reason behind her late husband’s death. Which is also one of the reasons was why she wasn’t able to celebrate Owen’s career until recently: “For years there was no way to celebrate Owen’s career because WWE monopolized the business, and I would never work with them under any circumstances.”

    RELATED: Bret Hart Shares Touching Tribute To Owen Hart On His Birthday

    On the contrary, AEW is a company that Martha trusts to “highlight, promote, and honour Owen’s wrestling legacy.” She added that they are working together “to ensure that legacy continues.”

    Jericho, who is a massive fan of Owen Hart, took it upon himself to make sure that his wrestling legacy stays alive. “We’re able to give Owen the spotlight he deserves,” Jericho told the outlet. “Enough about his death. Let’s focus on his life, not just as a wrestler, but also as a person, a father, and an amazing human being.”

    The Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, also known as the Owen Hart Cup, is done in partnership with AEW and The Owen Hart Foundation. The first tournament began in September 2021 and ended at Double or Nothing in May 2022. Two single-elimination tournaments are part of it, each for male and female competitors. Adam Cole and Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. won the 2022 men’s and women’s tournaments, respectively. Ricky Starks and Willow Nightingale won the 2023 edition of the tournaments, respectively.

    RELATED: The Undertaker On Wrestling After Owen Hart’s Passing: I Don’t Know That Was The Right Thing To Do

  • Mercedes Mone Doesn’t Feel There Should Be Competition Between Wrestling Companies

    Mercedes Mone Doesn’t Feel There Should Be Competition Between Wrestling Companies

    Mercedes Mone thinks the word “competition” should be applied somewhere else other than between AEW and WWE.

    Mone is set for her big return match at AEW Double or Nothing this Sunday in Las Vegas as she’ll be battling Willow Nightingale for her TBS Title. It’ll be the CEO’s first fight back in over a year after injury and her debut match in AEW. She was last seen in WWE losing to Bianca Belair before she walked out of the company in May 2022. However, the former Sasha Banks doesn’t want there to be such a division between her current promotion and her past one.

    Speaking with US Weekly, Mone made clear that competition should strictly be between wrestlers and not the wrestling promotions themselves.

    “I feel like there should be no competition when it’s between companies. It just needs to be competition between the wrestlers, seeing who wants to be the main event of the show, to make the most money. I’m competing with everybody here in AEW to let them know I’m the face of the company. I’m not competing with any other company.”

    Mone blames a good deal of that tribalism in pro wrestling due to a lot of the minor vocal contingency of wrestling fans online.

    “People are just so in their phones. Going on the Internet and bragging and complaining and they’re not actually living in the real world. When they come out into the real world and they actually go to wrestling shows and enjoy things with wrestling fans, they know that this is all just so much fun.”

    Despite not wanting competition between companies WWE and AEW will be competiting for eyes on their product this weekend as both are set for their respective PLE and PPV.

  • Health Update On Jim Ross: What’s His Status For AEW Double Or Nothing?

    Health Update On Jim Ross: What’s His Status For AEW Double Or Nothing?

    Jim Ross was admitted to a hospital after having shortness of breath, and thankfully the commentary legend appears that he’s going to be okay.

    In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that Ross was hospitalized on 5/23 and was diagnosed with a Class A flu along with raised heart enzymes that coincided with his shortness of breath. He’s being well taken care of and is expected to be okay in a few days time. However, that does mean JR won’t be behind the booth for AEW Double or Nothing.

    Ross did hop online to provide an update on his health, sharing a photo of himself with his two daughters. He also made a post on X noting that he was going to quit smoking.

    According to Meltzer, Ross is only on tap to do the monthly AEW PPVs and he was on call for the main event AEW World Title match between Samoa Joe and Swerve Strickland at AEW Dynasty.

    Just last year, Ross was diagnosed with skin cancer and had to miss an extensive period of time due to that, but the voice of a generation happened to sign an extension with AEW for an added year and JR’s new deal with the company was reported to be very lucrative. All that considered, he has realized his time behind the commentary desk as

    Ross may not be on the call for AEW Double Or Nothing, but many fans can read about some of his all time greatest calls and stories in his new memoir, “Business Is About To Pick Up.” 

    We at SEScoops want to wish Jim Ross a speedy and healthy recovery.

  • Report: Kenny Omega Underwent Surgery for Diverticulitis

    Report: Kenny Omega Underwent Surgery for Diverticulitis

    Kenny Omega reportedly underwent surgery last week to recover from diverticulitis.

    The report comes from Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful. The surgery took place in New York on May 16, 2024. There were also some pictures shared online of the star in the city from that time.

    Omega had confirmed earlier this month that he would be going under the knife. He said the following at the time:

    “I will actually be getting surgery very very very soon… this guy is top in his field and I feel even though it’s a major surgery, I feel most comfortable with this individual. So even though there’s always worries going into a major surgery, if there’s one person the most confident with, I think it’s this dude.”

    According to Mayo Clinic, “diverticulitis is inflammation of irregular bulging pouches in the wall of the large intestine.” The website states that severe diverticulitis needs antibiotic treatment in the hospital or surgery.

    Regarding his plans for AEW, currently, there are no plans for the wrestler creatively in the company. His most recent in-ring plans, according to which he was set to partner up with Chris Jericho to face World Tag Team Champions Big Bill and Ricky Starks at Worlds End 2023, were thwarted due to Omega suffering from diverticulitis.

    RELATED: Kenny Omega Respects Triple H For Being A Body Guy

    He did appear recently on Dynamite, where he declared his intentions to face AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada, so we can see him in the ring competing against the Rainmaker when he recovers. 

  • Mercedes Mone On Leaving WWE: “I Don’t Like Being Handcuffed”

    Mercedes Mone On Leaving WWE: “I Don’t Like Being Handcuffed”

    Mercedes Mone has explained her decision to depart WWE abruptly. 

    After having some creative differences with WWE management regarding her and Naomi’s Women’s tag-team title reign, the former Sasha Banks decided to walk out during an edition of Raw. She went on to join NJPW last year where she held the IWGP Women’s Championship. ‘The CEO’ eventually headed to AEW and she is all set to make her in-ring debut at the promotion.

    Mercedes Mone told Cameron Hawkins of The Ringer why she decided to part ways with WWE. ‘The CEO’ explained that she doesn’t like to be ‘handcuffed’ and noted that she required that ‘change’ to grow in her career. 

    “I don’t like being handcuffed. The only place to grow is with change, and I needed that change.” 

    Mercedes Mone has been on the sidelines after she sustained an ankle injury during her match against Willow Nightingale at NJPW STRONG Resurgence last year. However, she is returning to the ring this weekend at AEW Double Or Nothing.

    It seems that Mone is brimming with confidence despite being on the shelf for a year. She claims to be the greatest women’s wrestler of all time and vowed to show the fans who ‘The CEO’ is. She said:

    “They haven’t really got to see the CEO. They know who Sasha Banks is, but the CEO, Mercedes Moné, [is] something they’ve never seen before, and I’m ready to show them. I’m the greatest women’s wrestler of all time, 100 percent.”

    Mercedes Mone’s AEW in-ring debut

    Mone will be making her in-ring debut for AEW and it also marks her return to the squared circle after the injury. She will be challenging Willow Nightingale for the AEW TBS Championship at this Sunday’s AEW Double Or Nothing pay-per-view. While speaking about the match, Mone said that she is excited for the match. However, she is quite nervous. She said: 

    “I don’t want to put pressure on myself, because I’ve been doing this for 14 years. I have more excitement than pressure, but I am really nervous as well, just because it’s been a year since I performed, but being in the ring with someone like Willow Nightingale, I know it’s going to be absolutely everything I’ve ever dreamed of. We’re going to go out there and steal the show.”

    Mercedes Mone is going the extra mile for her in-ring debut for AEW as she is training with a former WWE wrestler. Read more below:

  • AEW Talent Growing Frustrated Over Lack Of Creative Opportunities

    AEW Talent Growing Frustrated Over Lack Of Creative Opportunities

    AEW is preparing to celebrate its five-year anniversary, and there are numerous discussions within the company. The extensive roster has resulted in some talent not receiving the opportunities they believe they deserve.

    Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted that “AEW creative certainly has questions.” Significant financial investments have been made in certain talent who “has contributed very little.” This shift has led AEW from being “the fun place to work with the great backstage camaraderie when WWE talent for the most part were walking on eggshells.”

    Now, the company has devolved into “a place with a lot of frustration from wrestlers making a nice and even great living but not getting anywhere near the ring time nor upward mobility hoped for.” This change reflects growing discontent among the talent.

    AEW’s roster was already large, but the company has recently added even more wrestlers. This increase has only intensified the competition for television time. The limited hours of weekly programming cannot accommodate everyone, leading to dissatisfaction among those who are not featured as prominently.

    Tony Khan has brought in some notable names over the past year, including Will Ospreay, Jay White, Mercedes Mone, and Kazuchika Okada. They only have so many hours of television every week, and this competition for screen time hasn’t gone over well.

    AEW Double or Nothing will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 26. SEScoops will have complete coverage of the event.

  • Report: Eddie Kingston Will Be Out For A Year With Injury

    Report: Eddie Kingston Will Be Out For A Year With Injury

    Eddie Kingston lost the NJPW Strong Openweight Title at Resurgence, the final of the triple crown. He also suffered an injury during that match, and the Mad King will be out for about a year.

    AEW’s Eddie Kingston met with surgeons today and, due to the nature of his injuries, will likely not go under the knife to repair his ACL and meniscus tears until this July at the earliest.

    Kingston relayed to PWInsider.com that he’s been advised that he’ll initially have to wait for his tibia fracture to heal and do some physical therapy before surgeons can then focus on his knee. After the surgery is completed, he’s been advised it will likely be ten months before he’ll be able to return to the ring. That would place his comeback, if there are no changes to the expected timeline, at May 2025.

    Kingston told the outlet, “Not mad. I don’t give a f***. It’s what happens when you wrestle. Just gotta get f**king better.”

    Kingston was scheduled to participate in the Anarchy In The Arena match at Double or Nothing this weekend in Las Vegas. He was set to join Bryan Danielson and FTR to face The Young Bucks, Okada, and Perry. Then plans changed, as Darby Allin was put in Eddie’s spot.

    Allin has also been dealing with his own series of injuries. Following AEW Revolution, he broke his foot in a match against Jay White. Just a few weeks ago, he was hit by a bus in New York City.

    We are hoping that Kingston can get back to 100% very soon. He is a huge force for AEW, and the company could certainly use him.

  • MJF’s AEW Return Could Happen Sooner Than Expected

    MJF’s AEW Return Could Happen Sooner Than Expected

    Maxwell Jacob Friedman could be nearing a return. This comes during a time when the roster could certainly use his star power. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful discussions have taken place about MJF making an on-screen return to All Elite Wrestling. Even if he’s not yet medically cleared to wrestle, Friedman’s command of the microphone make him a must-see attraction anytime he’s on television. 

    You can never have too much star power on television and MJF would be a welcome addition as AEW heads into the summer season. Some changes to MJF’s presentation were reportedly discussed  AEW sources expect him back by Forbidden Door from Long Island. 

    MJF

    MJF has been out of action since December 30, when his record-breaking AEW World Title reign ended at World’s End. MJF’s last match saw him lose the AEW World Title to Samoa Joe at the December 30, 2023 event. 

    Prior to his hiatus, he had been working with many injuries but was determined to finish his reign. Changes were already made to his creative due to Adam Cole’s injury.

    MJF is still under AEW contract, and he will be for quite some time. It’s unclear if Maxwell’s last contract extension replaced his former deal, which would have expired on December 31, 2023. Either way, MJF is among the highest earners in AEW.

  • Bryan Danielson Hailed As “One Of Tony Khan’s Best Hires”

    Bryan Danielson Hailed As “One Of Tony Khan’s Best Hires”

    Bryan Danielson’s full-time wrestling career is slowly ending this year. He shared in 2023 that he plans to take a step back from wrestling more to spend time with his family. While he is still expected to continue his wrestling career, it’s unclear if he’ll make sporadically appear for AEW moving forward. 

    Ahead of his upcoming match at AEW Double or Nothing on May 25, legendary commentator Tony Schiavone praised Danielson’s run with the company. On his podcast What Happened When, Schiavone spoke highly of Danielson and explained why he is one of AEW President Tony Khan’s best hires in the company’s history. 

    “…Bryan Danielson was one of Tony Khan’s best hires as far as a talent is concerned for a number of reasons. Number one because of his performance and number two because he just has great ideas and he is a great leader and he also knows talent, said Schiavone.

    He continued, “…He can pick out out talent. He can pick out guys that he thinks, ‘Hey, we need to use them a lot more, and so he is so valuable to this company for everything.”

    What’s Next For Bryan Danielson?

    ‘The American Dragon’ will team with Darby Allin and FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood) to take on The Elite (Jack Perry, Kazuchika Okada, Matthew Jackson & Nicholas Jackson) in an Anarchy In The Arena match. Danielson hopes to gain a victory for the ‘Babyface’ group as they try to humble The Elite. 

    Although Danielson’s focus is on AEW Double Or Nothing, fans are monitoring the countdown to the end of his current run with the company. He has shared that his contract with AEW will expire before All In on August 25.

    Danielson hopes to compete at the Wembley Stadium event and AEW WrestleDream on October 12. It’s possible Danielson can reach a new deal or an extension before shifting to being a part-time performer.  Regardless of what will come in August, all eyes will be on Danielson this weekend as he prepares to bring chaos against The Elite.

  • Jim Ross Visits The Emergency Room: “Shortness of the breath.”

    Wrestling icon Jim Ross was hospitalized on Thursday morning in Norman, Oklahoma. The 72-year-old WWE Hall of Famer says he was taken to the emergency room after having trouble breathing. He provided the following information on social media, citing “shortness of the breath.”

    We’ll be sure to follow this developing story and will provide an update here when additional details become available.

    Jim Ross has been with All Elite Wrestling since it’s inception. Once the lead announcer doing commentary each week, his on-screen duties have been greatly scaled back in recent years. He’s kept fans apprised of his various health ailments, including several falls and a courageous battle with skin cancer.

    Jim Ross, Sting, Tony Schiavone, Ric Flair and Darby Allin backstage at AEW Revolution 2024 

    Jim also shared a photo of his daughters, who visited him in the hospital. He did not provide any health update, but his girls certainly love their father.

    Following his most surgery in February 2024, JR returned to the commentary booth on March 3, 2024 to call Sting’s retirement match at AEW Revolution.

    Jim Ross’ contributions to the wrestling are incalculable. He’s the embodiment of a “living legend” and his ongoing health issues have uncerstandably been met with concern.

    SEScoops extends our best wishes to Jim Ross for full and speedy recovery. 

    Boomer Sooner!

  • Will Ospreay Says He Is ‘Bonded By Blood’ With AEW International Championship

    Will Ospreay Says He Is ‘Bonded By Blood’ With AEW International Championship

    Will Ospreay has only one goal in mind – to dethrone Roderick Strong and capture the AEW International Championship at AEW Double Or Nothing pay-per-view.

    This week’s AEW Dynamite emanated from Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield, California. The show kicked off with Ospreay teaming up with Orange Cassidy and face Roderick Strong and Trent Beretta. In the final moments of the match, Wardlow interfered in the match and assisted Strong to pick up the win. Following the match, Strong and his Undisputed Kingdom teammates brutally assaulted ‘The Aerial Assassin’. The AEW International Champion hit Ospreay with the title belt as the English wrestler was busted open. 

    In a AEW Digital Exclusive, Will Ospreay, who was still bleeding, delivered a passionate promo. He sent a stern message to his opponent at AEW Double Or Nothing. Ospreay boasted his endurance and asked if the attack was the best shot that Strong got. He said:

    “You think I look pretty bad right now, right? No, this is nothing. Mate, I’ve been on four-day bender, had a bowl of Cocoa Puffs, got on a plane to Japan, called out the toughest guy, and whooped him in front of his wife and kids while I was smiling, bruv. You think this is the end, Messiah? What, you think that this scares me? [Slaps himself] Nah, I live for this, bruv. I flew all the way from England on a ten-hour flight, got transferred over to Bakersfield, and this? This is the best that you’ve got? My Messiah, am I meant to believe in you, man? Am I meant to believe?  No, man.”

    Ospreay added that he believes in what goes down inside the squared circle when the bell rings. He said Strong’s actions have ‘bonded” him with that championship as his blood is on the title belt. The 31-year-old wrestler further declared that it’s his life mission to win the AEW International Championship at the upcoming pay-per-view this weekend. He said:

    “The only thing that I believe in is bell-to-bell, internationally known, no one is better than me inside that ring, and now what you’ve just done, Roderick, what you’ve just done is it’s bonded me with that championship. My blood is on that championship. So now, it is my duty, it is my spirit that is bonded with that championship. So Sunday, in the perfect city to do it in, bet it all. Gamble your life on it, son. Because now, it is my life’s mission to take the International Championship away from you, come hell or high water. Nobody is better than Will Ospreay because I am on another level.”

    Roderick Strong had captured the AEW International title by defeating Orange Cassidy at AEW Revolution in March. This will mark his second PPV title defense. He retained the title over Kyle O’Reilly at AEW Dynasty last month. 

    At the same pay-per-view, Will Ospreay emerged victorious over Bryan Danielson in a match that was heavily praised. However, there were some concerning scenes following the match as ‘The American Dragon’ looked hurt after being hit with the Tiger Driver 91.

  • Fozzy and Swerve Strickland Teaming Up for Concert During All In Week

    Fozzy and Swerve Strickland Teaming Up for Concert During All In Week

    Chris Jericho and Swerve Strickland are joining hands together for a musical night.

    AEW announced that Fozzy, the heavy metal band whose lineup consists of vocalist Chris Jericho, will be performing before All In. The convert is set to take place on Friday, August 23, at the O2 Forum Kentish Town in London, England, United Kingdom.

    Wrestler Swerve Strickland and musical artist Flash Garments will be joining Fozzy on that night at the show.

    You can check out the official performance below:

    FOZZY have announced their hugely anticipated return to the UK capital with a date at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town. Promising an explosive Friday evening of rock and rap, the show kickstarts a weekend that culminates in the return of AEW (All Elite Wrestling) to London’s Wembley Stadium on Sunday 25th August.

    If it’s not enough for fans to have FOZZY, with their heavy melodic groove and fronted by 8 time World Champion Chris Jericho headlining the night, fans will go crazy knowing that direct support comes from current AEW World Champion: Swerve Strickland. Swerve Strickland & Flash Garments will be performing their first concert as a rap duo in the UK.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C7RODzcuU2X

    Tickets to the show can be purchased from Ticketmaster.

    AEW All In is set to take place t the Wembley Stadium in London on August 25, 2024. No matches have been announced for the event yet.

    But before that, AEW’s next PPV is going to be the 2024 Double or Nothing, which will take place on May 26, 2024 during the Memorial Day weekend at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Paradise, Nevada. Thhe main event will see Swerve Strickland defend his AEW World Championship against Christian Cage. You can check out the full event card here.

  • The Young Bucks Fantasized About Beating Tony Khan Since They Met Him

    The Young Bucks Fantasized About Beating Tony Khan Since They Met Him

    The Young Bucks felt great dropping Tony Khan on his head.

    The AEW EVPs have completely changed the perception about them in many ways since returning to AEW Programming after a short hiatus in January this year. The duo that have always been criticized for focusing on moves, have been doing some of the best character work of their careers.

    The decision for them to be the team to wrestle Sting in his retirement match at Revolution was originally criticized by many fans. Not only did the brothers deliver the performance of a lifetime in this bout, but they have also taken the heat from it to become one of the hottest acts in the business.

    One defining moment that helped them reach this status was when Matthew and Nicholas Jackson attacked their boss and AEW President Tony Khan during the April 24 episode of Dynamite. They beat Khan up with the help of Jack Perry and then laid him out using the ‘Tony Khan driver’

    The AEW stars spoke to Sports Illustrated about this moment and said that it felt ‘dangerous and rebellious.’ Matthew Jackson claimed that he knew they had done the right thing when his phone lit up afterwards:

    “The locker room gasped when it went down. Afterward, my phone lit up like a Christmas tree. It was probably the most feedback I’ve ever received for anything I’ve ever done, so I know it worked.”

    The AEW EVP declared that it was something he had wanted to do since they first met with the Jacksonville Jaguars Executive:

    “It was personally great for me, because I had fantasized many times about dropping Tony Khan on his head ever since I met him. I can remember many times watching him talk during production meetings, and my mind would wander to beating the hell out of him,”

    We Kept An Eye On Him: Young Bucks

    The Young Bucks also talked about the return of Jack Perry on AEW TV. The 26-year-old had been absent from AEW programming since his infamous All In scuffle with CM Punk in August last year.

    When Perry first surfaced back on the wrestling scene in January, it was for NJPW and not AEW. Per the Bucks, they had been keeping an eye on the young star since then and giving him advice:

    “We kept an eye on him the entire time he was gone and helped him navigate the situation–a familiar one that we had also gone through. We also talked him down a few times. We gave him advice on how to succeed in Japan.”

    Jack Perry became the fourth member to join the new Elite after Kazuchika Okada when he returned to AEW in April. Speaking about taking the former Jungle Boy into their group, Bucks said that they had empathy for the young star for being treated unfairly:

    “Jack unfairly ate crap for a very long time. So we had a lot of empathy for him, and we were very excited to help launch his comeback.”

    The Elite have been running the company to their liking in recent weeks after adding both Okada and Perry to the group. Their dominance, however, will be challenged by Team AEW consisting of Bryan Danielson, FTR, and Darby Allin at the upcoming Double or Nothing PPV on May 26 when they meet in an Anarchy in the Arena match.

  • Darby Allin Reveals How His Surprise Return For AEW Double or Nothing 2024 Came About

    Darby Allin Reveals How His Surprise Return For AEW Double or Nothing 2024 Came About

    Darby Allin will compete at this weekend’s Double or Nothing 2024 pay-per-view, but his involvement was a very last-minute deal. 

    The former AEW TNT and World Tag Team Champion will team with Bryan Danielson and FTR to take on The Elite (The Young Bucks, Jack Perry, and Kazucika Okada) at the sixth-annual Double or Nothing pay-per-view. The two sides will meet in the Anarchy In The Arena match in what will be Allin’s first time competing under the stipulation. 

    How Darby Allin Entered Anarchy In The Arena

    Allin is replacing Eddie Kingston in the Anarchy in the Arena match after the Mad King suffered a leg injury during his NJPW Resurgence match with Gabe Kidd. Speaking to Fightful, Allin revealed that he was in the process of helping his dad move into his new home when he heard of Kingston’s situation. Allin himself contacted Tony Khan to see if he could be placed into the match. 

    Khan told Allin that he had to be cleared to be in the match, a feat easier said than done given Allin’s litany of injuries in recent months. In addition to a foot injury suffered during AEW Big Business, Allin is also nursing a nose injury and was recently struck by a bus in New York City. 

    Despite his setbacks, Allin was able to get cleared and called Khan while he was at Yellowstone National Park with his dad. Allin added that anyone surprised to see him in the match should be given how last-minute his return to AEW programming has been. The popular wrestler may be cleared, but added that the remains in a lot of pain. He has yet to take a bump since his injury but has been training Steve ‘Son of Sting’ Borden Jr. how to wrestle.

  • Watch Tony Schiavone Rib Taz At The AEW Commentary Table

    Watch Tony Schiavone Rib Taz At The AEW Commentary Table

    Tony Schiavone and Taz have decades of experience in the wrestling business. Their chemistry is evident when they commentate for AEW, but a recent video offers a candid glimpse into their real-life relationship.

    In the video recorded at Dynamite, Schiavone playfully mocks Taz by imitating the way he used to wear a towel back in his ECW days. The original FTW Champion was known for taking to the ring with a black towel over his head, and Schiavone couldn’t resist himself.

    This lighthearted moment also showed off the genuine camaraderie between the two, a dynamic that fans wouldn’t have imagined prior to AEW. When Taz caught a glimpse of his commentary partner, he had to chuckle.

    Taz is a two-time ECW World champion. He competed for the promotion from 1993-1999. His son Hook currently wrestles for AEW.

    Learn more about Taz’s wrestling career: