AEW star Kenny Omega took part in a Twitter Q&A session on Thursday morning. The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion addressed a number of topics, including the latest on an AEW video game, how long he intends to continue wrestling and more.
Kenny Omega on…
Here are some highlights of what Kenny Omega said about:
Why he’s taken a reduced role in AEW so far:
“I lived out mostly all of my dreams during the last run I had and now a big part of my current dream is seeing a new generation thrive.”
“Was fun to have two incredibly large scale shows to look forward to back to back.”
If he prefers working dome shows, big arenas or more intimate venues:
“I’ve grown to love the 10-15k size. Ryogoku or Osaka jo are incredible.”
Which wrestlers he wants to see in AEW:
“Anyone with enthusiasm that’s can step up and hang with the top guys.”
Fans on Twitter being critical of AEW’s Women’s Division:
“Lately, most ‘criticisms’ I read are incredibly ignorant. Depressing the amount of fans that have absolutely no class. That being said, I do try to sift through those to get to the actual constructive criticism.”
How long he plans to continue wrestling:
“I always say 5, but I’ve been saying that for close to 10 years already.”
If he would be interested wrestling Tessa Blanchard, who challenges for the Impact Wrestling world title this weekend at Hard to Kill:
“She’s great, I think the match would rock.”
Who he considers to be the face of AEW’s women’s division:
“Still developing the face of the division, but Riho’s proven to be an inspiration to many, Shida is the complete package, and Kris has shown that she has the tools to take the div to another level.”
The latest on an AEW video game:
“Coming (hopefully) soon!”
When fans can expect another Kenny Omega vs. Xavier Woods video game battle:
“He tends to need months of practice before attempting to challenge my natural ability, so I’m just hanging out on stand by.”
I’ve given you every opportunity to play me in something but you wanna relive the glory days talking about old wins. Resting on your laurels sir pic.twitter.com/8xoqyeeYnv
AEW has not officially confirmed an AEW video game is in the works, but Kenny Omega has been outspoken about the topic. During a live panel at Starrcast III back in August, Omega said that an AEW game is one of his top priorities.
“I can’t share anything right now,” Omega said at the time, “but I wouldn’t be surprised if there was something to announce by the end of the year. Be ready. Be ready for that, guys.”
We’re still (eagerly) awaiting an announcement.
Kenny Omega states an AEW video game is top of his priority list, and we may have an announcement by the end of the year.
The crowd loudly chanted “cowboy sh*t!” as Quen and Hangman locked up to start the match off. Page leveled Quen with a shoulder tackle and went for a big boot but Marq was able to avoid it.
Kassidy tagged in and booted Omega off the ring apron. Hangman battled back and Suplexed Quen on top of Kassidy. Kenny Omega tagged in and hit Kassidy with a series of chops.
Quen tagged in and flipped onto Omega outside the ring. Quen flipped onto Hangman Page outside the ring and then posed for the crowd. Marq hit Hangman with a 450 Splash in the ring and went for the cover but Page kicked out at two.
Omega tagged back in and hit a Splash onto Private Party in the corner. Hangman Powerbombed Kassidy as Isiah’s shriek echoed throughout the arena. Omega planted Quen with a Snap Dragon Suplex but turned around into a Dropkick from Kassidy.
Kassidy planted Omega with a Tornado DDT for a near fall as the crowd chanted “this is awesome!”. Quen tagged in and went for a Shooting Star Press but Omega got out of the way. Hangman went for the Buckshot Lariat but Quen ducked. Hangman was able to stop himself before he struck Omega.
Omega climbed to the second rope but Private Party Dropkicked Hangman onto him. Private Party planted Omega with Gin & Juice but Hangman Page broke up the cover. Kenny accidentally threw Quen into Hangman and Page rolled out of the ring. Hangman got back into the ring and hit a Buckshot Lariat and a V-Trigger combo with Kenny on Quen. Kenny followed it up with the One Winged Angel for the pinfall victory.
After the match, PAC was shown backstage with the Brutalizer locked in on Michael Nakazawa. PAC demanded that Omega give him his rematch or this will continue. Kenny rushed backstage as Hangman Page drank some beer on the entrance ramp.
Riho defened the AEW Women’s Championship against Kris Statlander tonight on Dynamite. Brandi Rhodes joined commentary for the match. Statlander started off the match in control as Dynamite went to a commercial break. When Dynamite returned, Riho connected with a Northern Lights Suplex for a near fall.
Statlander planted with Riho with a Superplex off the middle rope. Awesome Kong and Melanie Cruise of the Nightmare Collective made their way down the entrance ramp. Mel attacked Riho and threw her into the barricade. Kris took out Melanie with a Suicide Dive as Brandi left commentary.
Kris leveled Awesome Kong with a Suicide Dive as Brandi marched down the entrance ramp. Luther emerged from under the ring and distracted Statlander. Kong rolled Kris back into the ring and asked Riho to hit Statlander with a Crossbody. Riho hit Luther with a Crossbody instead.
Riho rolled up Statlander for a two count as Awesome Kong paced around the ring. Statlander slammed Riho to the canvas for a near fall. Kong tripped up Statlander and Riho landed on top of her for the pinfall victory. After the match, the Nightmare Collective beat Riho and Statlander down. Shida and Big Swole got into the ring for the save as Britt Baker remained seated in the crowd.
I thought that this was absolutely terrible and I don’t really understand how anyone thought it was going to work with the crowd. It made no sense how the referee kept missing the constant interference from the Nightmare Collective. The match should have ended in a DQ several times. I simply wanted to see a title match and not this garbage.
I got some serious final days of WCW vibes from the Nightmare Collective and this match. It was embarrassing to watch. Nightmare Collective is already on their way to making every website’s “Top 10 Worst Stables” post in a few years. I hope they can turn it around going forward, but this was bad television and sucked the energy out of the crowd. These are the types of segments that would drive people away if this was the first time they tuned into Dynamite.
Just a little more information on the Protector. Luther is a Legend of Japanese Death Matches for both the FMW & IWA Promotions. While a great addition to the #NightmareCollective, it may not be so great for the Stars of #AEW. pic.twitter.com/ohlEo45qhj
Cody and Dustin squared off against Lucha Brothers (Pentagon & Ray Fenix) tonight on the show. Cody connected with a Superkick on Pentagon and tagged Dustin into the match. Fenix hit Dustin with a Suicide Dive and rolled him back into the ring.
Pentagon connected with a Double Stomp for a near fall as Dynamite went to a break. Back from the break, Lucha Brothers had Dustin isolated in the ring. Fenix grabbed a steel chair but Arn Anderson took it away.
Dustin planted Fenix with a Spinebuster as Cody fired up the crowd. Cody tagged in and hit Fenix with a Powerslam. Cody followed it up with a Suicide Dive onto Pentagon outside the ring.
Cody took off his weight belt and launched it into the crowd. Cody went for Cross Rhodes but Fenix escaped and hit a Cutter. Dustin tagged in and connected with a Destroyer. Dustin followed it up with the Final Reckoning on Fenix for the pinfall victory.
After the match, Tony Schiavone interviewed Cody about MJF’s demands. Arn interrupted and claimed that MJF doesn’t have the stroke to lay down all these demands. Anderson stated that they will get back everyone with the answer and left the ring.
MJF and Wardlow then made his way to the ring and called Cody a coward. DDP interrupted and introduced him as the founder of DDP Yoga. The crowd broke out in a “yoga!” chant and DDP cracked up. MJF pulled out his phone and tweeted while DDP was talking. DDP referred to MJF as “Motormouth Jackoff Friedman” and “Wardblow”.
Butcher, Blade, and Bunny joined the party and MJF told DDP that he had to kiss his ring or they will send him to hospice. MJF stated that he was going to bang one of DDP’s daughters and DDP flipped out. They beat DDP down until QT Marshall and Dustin Rhodes broke it up.
MJF was the best part of the show up until this point. It was announced that DDP, QT Marshall, and Dustin will face MJF, Butcher, and Blade at next week’s Bash at the Beach episode of AEW.
Best Friends & Orange Cassidy faced Jurassic Express tonight on Dynamite. The crowd got behind Marko Stunt as he hit Trent with a Hurricanrana. Jungle Boy tagged in and connected with an Atomic Drop.
Best Friends dominated during a commercial break but Jungle Boy was able to tag in Lunchasaurus when Dynamite returned. Luchasaurus booted Trent in the face and leveled Chuck with another kick.
Orange Cassidy tagged in as the crowd chanted “holy sh*t!”. Cassidy hit a Stunner and then greeted Jungle Boy with a Dropkick. Orange Cassidy hit Luchasaurus with a Crossbody and then hugged Trent & Chuck in the ring.
Trent hit Jungle Boy with a Spear as Cassidy climbed to the top rope. Orange Cassidy hit a lazy Splash and went for the cover but Marko broke it up. Stunt spiked Trent with a Destroyer that sent him out of the ring. Jungle Boy then rolled up Chuck for the pinfall victory.
AEW Champion Chris Jericho came down to the ring with Sammy Guevara and Jake Hager at the end of this week’s show. Jon Moxley made his way through the crowd as Jericho introduced him as his protege.
Moxley joined Jericho, Sammy, and Jake in the ring. Jericho stated that tonight is the night when Jon is going to give his answer on if he is joining Inner Circle. Moxley said that he has had a lot to think about this week and there was a lot that went into this decision.
Jon brought up Jericho offering a car and money but he doesn’t want any of that. Moxley said that he cannot be bought and that he came to AEW to dominate. Moxley accepted the offer and revealed that he was wearing an Inner Circle shirt under his jacket.
Moxley pointed out that there is no more dominant group in AEW and he wants to stand with Inner Circle. Jon said that Chris Jericho is the greatest of all time and claimed that Inner Circle will dominate for years to come. Moxley suggested that they pop open A Little Bit of the Bubbly.
Jericho scolded the crowd for not cheering and asked for Moxley’s music to be played. Jon asked for the car keys and Jericho presented him with them as the crowd chanted “you sold out!”. Jericho boasted about winning their matches at Wrestle Kingdom and grabbed some more champagne. Jon told Jericho that he was just kidding and that he will never join the Inner Circle.
Moxley smashed a bottle over Jericho’s head and hit him with a Paradigm Shift. Jon then escaped through the crowd as Jake Hager rushed the ring. Moxley waved the car keys around with a big smile on his face while standing in the crowd as Dynamite went off the air.
This was a well done segment to close the show. There remains a ton to like about AEW but Nightmare Collective ruining the AEW Women’s Championship match was tough for this show to recover from. Tonight’s episode of Dynamite had some entertaining moments but it certainly wasn’t a good show. Hopefully, things get back on track with the Bash at the Beach episode next week.
AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes has addressed the potential working relationship between AEW (All Elite Wrestling) and NJPW (New Japan Pro Wrestling).
He did so when he recently spoke with The New York Post to promote this week’s AEW Dynamite Anniversary Show.
The working relationship between the two sides has been discussed since the launch of AEW last January. Although Jon Moxley and Chris Jericho are working for NJPW, they have separate contracts with NJPW aside from their deals with AEW.
Cody Rhodes Addresses Partnership
Rhodes started out after being asked about Jericho making it known that he thinks there should be a working relationship. Rhodes thinks it was strange that fans are asking for the partnership because he doesn’t know what a partnership would look like other than what you saw already.
He brought up Jericho and Moxley working Wrestle Kingdom 14 this past weekend.
“They both were successful. What did he call it? The forbidden door?” The forbidden door. It may be forbidden, but clearly the door is opening and closing and opening and closing. It’s public knowledge that some guys here, myself included, have exemptions to work New Japan Pro-Wrestling. But I know that New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s focus is New Japan and AEW’s focus is AEW.”
Rhodes continued by noting that it’s a partnership if made would see them share talent and creative but wouldn’t go down the path of an event like Super Clash III where Kerry Von Erich and Jerry Lawler were fighting over the title in 1988.
The reason for that belief is due to him being hesitant to combine banners versus just respecting each other’s banners.
“But I like how it’s referred to as the forbidden door. I don’t really think it’s forbidden at all.”
Rhodes stated that many people have the exemption to work there and praised NJPW for putting on a great Wrestle Kingdom as he thinks NJPW has amazing talent, particularly Will Ospreay.
Possible Timeline
“So, we’ll see where that goes. I know everyone pretty much feels the same about it. I think it’s something in the next year that we will hopefully all explore. We’ll explore on our end, they’ll explore on their end and we’ll see if it works.”
The January 15th, 2020 edition of AEW Dynamite is being branded as “Bash at the Beach.” The show from Miami has borrowed its name from a WCW PPV that ran from 1994 to 2000.
Former WCW President Eric Bischoff recently addressed AEW’s use of the Bash at the Beach name on a recent edition of his podcast.
“My first reaction was ‘that’s great!’ because it’s such a great, you know, it’s got such great history,” Bischoff said. “It’s a legacy within the wrestling community. When you say Bash at the Beach everyone knows what that is. Hulk Hogan turning heel – Bash at the Beach. So many things happened at Bash at the Beach. It was one of WCW’s tentpole PPVs and there was a lot of brand equity in that PPV brand. I was excited that somebody had the foresight to say ‘hey, this is available, take that!’”
Bischoff would continue to say that AEW needs to be its own brand, however.
“As long as they are doing enough other things to differentiate themselves, to truly present something that the audience recognizes as a real alternative and not kind of, sort of an alternative.”
“I would caution them to not do too many WCW legacy PPVs,” Bischoff continued.
He would continue to talk about how AEW does a great job of providing unique interviews and promos.
“They need to create their own unique, really cool branded events,” he continued.
Bischoff’s comments on AEW using the Bash at the Beach name can be heard in the player below:
Tonight, when AEW Dynamite airs from the Landers Center in Southaven, MS, a tribute to the legends of Memphis wrestling will take place. The Young Bucks spoke with The Commercial Appeal recently about their plans to honor some of wrestling’s greats from the area.
“I think the idea is Tony (Khan) wanted to do a 10-bell salute for all of the fallen brothers,” said Matt Jackson.
The following legends will be honored tonight on Dynamite:
Angelo Poffo & Randy Savage
Lance Russell
“Hot Stuff” Eddie & Tommy Gilbert
Brian Christopher
Austin Idol
Dave Brown
The Rock & Roll Express
“Handsome” Jimmy Valiant
“It would have been great to have ‘The King,’ but obviously he’s working elsewhere,” Matt Jackson continued.
All Elite Wrestling announced a small change to the release schedule for its rankings. New rankings will now be released every Wednesday morning. The promotion has announced its first new rankings for 2020 today.
AEW Rankings (Men’s Single’s Division)
Le Champion: Chris Jericho
Jon Moxley (1-0)
Cody (1-0) (+1)
Kenny Omega (0-0) (-1)
PAC (0-0) (-1)
Maxwell Jacob Friedman (0-0)
In the men’s single’s division, Cody and Jon Moxley both picked up single’s victories this week. Cody’s win over Darby Allin pushed him ahead of Omega and PAC who wrestled in trios action in the main event last week.
Moxley’s win over Trent this week helped him retain his ranking.
Statlander wasn’t at Dynamite this week but will face Riho for the championship tonight. Taking the pin in the 4-way championship match last week dropped Britt Baker 3 spots in the rankings. Awesome Kong picked up a win on Dark which also put her ahead of Baker.
Another episode of AEW Dynamite on TNT is upon us and expected to be a great show, so let’s take a look at the preview.
All Elite Wrestling is hyping this show as its Anniversary edition of the weekly television show.
The show is expected to start with Sammy Guevara vs. Christopher Daniels in a singles match. Although not confirmed, the belief is that Cody and Dustin Rhodes vs. Lucha Bros in a tag team match, which is being hyped as the first-ever encounter between these two tag teams, will serve as the headliner.
AEW Dynamite Preview
AEW holds this show in Southaven, MS at the Landers Center on TNT at 8 p.m. ET. AEW is advertising the following items for tonight’s broadcast:
AEW Women’s Champion Riho vs. Kris Statlander
Sammy Guevara vs. Christopher Daniels
Cody and Dustin Rhodes vs. Lucha Bros.
Jon Moxley will give his answer on if he plans on joining Chris Jericho’s Inner Circle
The Jurassic Express (Luchasaurus, Jungle Boy and Marko Stunt) vs. Best Friends and Orange Cassidy – six-man tag team match.
AEW is also touting this show as a Tribute to Legends of Memphis Wrestling. The following names will be appearing and/or honored:
Angelo Poffo, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, Lance Russell, “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert, Tommy Gilbert, Brian Christopher, Austin Idol, Dave Brown, The Rock & Roll Express (Robert Gibson and Ricky Morton) and “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant.
AEW will also be creating new programs and building on the hype for existing feuds.
Join us here later tonight for our post-show AEW Dynamite Takeaways feature.
All Elite Wrestling’s President Tony Khan recently joined the South Beach Sessions podcast. During the show, he was asked about when his father, Shahid “Shad” Khan, realized that AEW would be a success.
Tony Khan On His Father’s “Leap Of Faith”
Tony recalled how that moment didn’t occur until the promotion had launched. Up until that time, Shad had been working on a “leap of faith” based off of projections Tony provided him.
“I had to tell him, ‘I expect people are going to buy these PPVs, I expect we’re going to get this television deal, right now is the perfect time to start a wrestling company because of the abundance of talent that’s available.”
It wasn’t until Warner Media executive Kevin Reilly got involved that Shad was able to see the potential the existed within his son’s ideas.
Tony explained how “With Kevin coming in, my dad was of course interested because here’s the president of WarnerMedia, the president of these huge cable channels, TNT and TBS, so he’s showing some interest in this, so my dad’s I think thinking, ‘Okay well I probably should show up and show some interest in this,’ but he knew when that happened, ‘Okay, well if the networks are taking a look at this, then this must be a serious deal.’”
Creating An Alternative
Despite his initial scepticism and concerns, Tony Khan shared how his father’s leap of faith had paid off. Although Tony had his own worries, he believed in wrestling fans and the wrestling community. He thought the promotion would be the alternative that fans have been wanting and that AEW would “make people sit up and take notice.”
The Young Bucks are considered to be one of the top tag
teams in the wrestling world right now but surprisingly, one of their dream matches
is not a regular tag team bout.
The duo recently appeared on ESPN West Palm where they talked about a number of things and the team of Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson also revealed their dream matches.
Nick Jackson was the first to respond to the question about
the same and he explained that he would like to see a 6 men tag team match
between Young Bucks & Kenny Omega and The New Day:
“Off the top of my head, I would say The Elite versus New Day because that was something that was actually close to happening at one point, but it just never happened but I think if that six-man would’ve happened, it would’ve tore the house down,”
Matt Jackson then responded to the question as well and he revealed that his dream match would be between the brothers and the Revival.
Explaining the reason behind this, Matt claimed that he
feels like there is some real-life tension between the two teams and he doesn’t
know if it’s competitive or friendly.
What will be your dream match involving the AEW Vice Presidents? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
WWE Hall of Famer and Busted Open Radio co-host Bully Ray had some interesting comments regarding Chris Jericho and his appearance at New Japan’s Wrestle Kingdom 14 this past weekend.
There had been speculation that AEW and NJPW had worked together in some form before the show. As Tanahashi claimed that he would “open the forbidden door.” And challenge for an AEW Championship shot if he beat ‘The Painmaker’ Jericho. ‘Le Champion’ responded to the challenge; stating that he would take on Tanahashi for the AEW title if he were to beat him at Wrestle Kingdom. Interestingly NJPW mentioned AEW several times during the Wrestle Kingdom broadcast, and Jericho appeared wearing the AEW Championship.
“…it will probably based around Chris Jericho’s comments of him trying to bridge the gap between AEW and New Japan”
Bully Ray and Busted Open co-host Dave LeGreca were discussing the Wrestle Kingdom event and how AEW/Jericho fit into the equation. “If AEW does come into the conversation today it will probably based around Jericho’s comments of him trying to bridge the gap between AEW and New Japan,” Bully began.
“Trying to get them on the same page, see if they can get a working relationship. I like what Jericho was trying to do by saying ‘hey Tanahashi if you beat me you know you can get a shot at the [AEW] championship.”
“…Chris Jericho talking about how he’d love to see bad feelings and egos put aside”
AEW World Champion Chris Jericho
Bully continued, saying “they took us down one road thinking ‘well maybe Tanahashi gets a shot’ but [in the end] Jericho goes over. But now they’re saying the [forbidden] door is closed.”
Ray also talked about Jericho’s press conference following Wrestle Kingdom, where the former WWE Superstar stated that he wants to see ‘egos put aside’ so that AEW and New Japan can work together. “Chris Jericho does the press conference talking about how he’d love to see bad feelings and egos; all this stuff get put aside and try to bring them together.”
“Super Alliance”
Ray also talked about how the likes of Jericho and even CM Punk wrestling outside of WWE is such a big deal to the industry as a whole.
“Do you remember how we talked probably about a year ago? When we were talking about guys like CM Punk coming back wresting? How Jericho came back wrestling? About how it’s bigger for these guys to come back and go work for other companies other than the WWE? Because what it means to the business on the whole. Globally. Big picture wise I think what Jericho is trying to do is like what we talked about a year ago. Jericho is trying to bring the biggest Japanese pro wrestling company; and the hottest wrestling company right now in America together to maybe form a super alliance.”
Matt Jackson of the Young Bucks recently took part in an interview with The Commercial Appeal and spoke about AEW’s approach to long-term booking. During the interview, it was stressed that AEW’s success shouldn’t be measured on a week-to-week basis.
“We want long-term, nuanced stories, and sometimes you have to struggle and suffer a little bit to get to the climax of the story,” Matt Jackson said. “Wrestling fans are just so used to getting exactly what they need at the snap of a finger now.”
The brothers also spoke about their run in TNA Wrestling during the interview.
“I think at the time, there was not a big picture plan,” Matt Jackson said. “We really loved wrestling, and we wanted to support ourselves and our families through wrestling. Whether that meant (wrestling in) TNA, Japan or WWE, it didn’t matter.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B68p7HEDBkx/
The Bucks would then stress they knew something good was waiting for them in wrestling if they just stuck with it.
“I knew working hard would get us somewhere, but I couldn’t tell you we’d be doing what we’d be doing now — it’s surreal,” Nick Jackson said.
“If we stay healthy and the company keeps going and going, then it’s a better future for all of wrestling,” Nick Jackson said.
The full interview with the Commercial Appeal can be read here.
All Elite Wrestling’s Cody Rhodes and Chris Jericho have both made efforts to help the firefighting effort in Australia as bushfires rage through the country.
Cody took to Twitter to share a new t-shirt that sports a retro design of his name. He wrote how it was an unused concept, but wanted to put it online to help the New South Wales Rural Fire Service. 100 percent of profits will go towards helping Australian fire services.
“I had an unused retro shirt design, I’ve decided to put it online! [100 emoji] % of the profits go to THE NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE to help provide support to those affected by the catastrophic fires spreading across Australia.”
If you are interested in purchasing a t-shirt, you can do so at ProWrestlingTees.
I had an unused retro shirt design, I’ve decided to put it online!
?% of the profits go to THE NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE to help provide support to those affected by the catastrophic fires spreading across Australia. ?? ?? https://t.co/vJblwkh5jKpic.twitter.com/Vjxbvgu975
“Le Champion” had a similar idea in helping out. After speaking with New Japan Pro-Wrestling English commentator, Gino Gambino, and Robbie Eagles, Jericho donated the ring worn shirt he wore at Wrestle Kingdom 14. Gamino uploaded a photo of Jericho holding up the shirt. He highlighted how “ALL of the money will be donated.”
At the time of writing, the eBay bid is currently at $5,100 Australian dollars.
“Today @IAmJericho spoke to myself and @RobbieEagles_ about the devastating fires . Chris really wanted to help out all his fans in #Australia affected by these events, and has dontanted his WK14 ring worn T-shirt. ALL of the money will be donated”
If you are interested in bidding on the t-shirt, you can do so here.
Chris Jericho recently competed against NJPW’s Hiroshi Tanahashi. He managed to defeat “The Ace” during Night Two of Wrestle Kingdom 14. Despite the AEW World Champion competing against one of New Japan’s top talents, the relationship between the two companies is reportedly “worse than previously thought.”
All Elite Wrestling’s Marko Stunt has addressed the criticism some have lobbied at him regarding his size. Appearing on AEW’s Road To Memphis video via the promotion’s official YouTube channel, Stunt confessed when he first saw the reactions he “did not take it well at first.”
“When I first showed up in AEW, they didn’t understand why I was there,” Marko said. “They didn’t understand why I got booked or why I got hired or anything. Cause why would this 5-foot-1 kid from Olive Branch, Mississippi be on national TV?”
He continued, “I did not take it well at first. The first couple months, I was very depressed, and I didn’t feel like I should be wrestling.”
The Jurassic Express member stressed that, whether fans side with him or dislike him, he is committed to his role within AEW. He highlighted his passion for wrestling and how he wants to “live that passion” and continue growing as a person and performer.
“You make that your thing and you be the best you can be at that, who’s gonna tell you no? Who’s gonna be able to tell you no if you’re the best at that? You make yourself the best at that. You live your dreams.”
Marko Stunt will be in action this Wednesday. He joins Jungle Express to take on Best Friends and Orange Cassidy on AEW: Dynamite in six-man tag team action.
If you use any quotes from this article, please provide a H/T to SEScoops.
Nick Jackson has spoken about a possible relationship between AEW and NJPW where he has been quoted by saying there’s not a working relationship.
In the last few weeks, there’s been speculation as to whether an agreement has been made. The issues go back to when AEW was launched and saw several talents leave NJPW for the new promotion. These stars include the likes of The Young Bucks, Cody Rhodes, and Kenny Omega.
The Young Bucks made an appearance on ESPN West Palm where they discussed a possible working relationship between the two promotions.
Nick Jackson Says Nothing Is Happening
“Yeah, that was just a rumor, nothing happening. I think [Chris Jericho] just did that to get the internet to talk a little bit more about the situation. But the door has not opened up at all,” says Nick Jackson.
We wish them luck in what they are doing because like Matt said with NXT, a lot of our friends work in New Japan. Most of them are our friends. We have friends everywhere in the wrestling world. If something came along then we would be open, but nothing is happening right now.”
The Jericho thing that Nick was referring to talking about was Jericho making it known at the press conference after Wrestle Kingdom 14 where he beat Hiroshi Tanahashi on Night 2 that he hopes a relationship is made.
The stipulation going into the match was that Tanahashi claimed that if he defeated Jericho he would ‘open the forbidden door’ by asking for an AEW Championship match.
AEW Dynamite is headed to new cities as All Elite Wrestling has announced the host venues for the two episodes of the weekly television show following up after the AEW Revolution pay-per-view.
The promotion announced on Monday that AEW Dynamite is heading to Denver, Colorado at 1st Bank Center on March 4th and Salt Lake City, Utah at the Maverik Center on March 11th. Tickets for both shows go on sale this Friday at AEWTix.com.
The announcement by AEW for the first show read like, “All Elite Wrestling makes its Denver debut on Wednesday, March 4th, when #AEWDynamite comes to @1STBANK_Center Tickets go on sale THIS FRIDAY, January 10th at 10am Mountain Time. For tickets visit http://AEWTIX.com.”
AEW Dynamite Schedule
The following is an updated look at the AEW Dynamite touring schedule through the end of March 2020.
The AEW Revolution pay-per-view event will take place Saturday, February 29, 2020 from Chicago, IL from the Sears Center.
AEW has loaded up the card for this Wednesday’s episode of Dynamite on TNT as AEW Dynamite is headed to Southaven, MS at the Landers Center. The theme of the show is a tribute to the legends of Memphis wrestling.
AEW has already confirmed that some of the names being honored on the show include:
At the time of writing, White has not yet responded to Shawn Spears’ message. Given that he has been preoccupied with New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Wrestle Kingdom 14 event, however, that’s no surprise.
White’s Wrestle Kingdom Experience
White was unable to defend his IWGP Intercontinental Championship this past weekend. He competed in a losing effort against Los Ingobernables de Japon leader Tetsuya Naito during Night One of Wrestle Kingdom on Saturday.
Spears’ most recent feud in AEW has been against “The Bad Boy” Joey Janela. They recently competed against each other on an episode of the promotion’s YouTube show, AEW Dark.
Spears came up short in the match, with Janela picking up the victory following a top rope elbow drop. After the match, the two shared a couple of White Claws in the ring, only for Janela to deliver a Stunner to Spears.
All Elite Wrestling’s Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) has claimed that his name “pops” a crowd more than Jon Moxley or even Chris Jericho. He also promised that it’s only a matter of time until he is AEW World Champion.
Speaking with News Chief, MJF explained how the character fans see every week is, in fact, “110 percent me” before adding how “This isn’t a gimmick.”
Despite his antagonistic personality, MJF believes he gets a more immediate reaction than even some of AEW’s top stars:
“I love Chris Jericho, Jon Moxley… but my name pops up more than them. What I’m capable of doing is grabbing you by your face through the TV set and pulling you in. You’re not going to be able to stop watching me. That’s called having ‘it,’ and I’ve got ‘IT’ in spades.”
“MJF Is Going To Be The AEW World Champion”
Turning his attention to the AEW World Championship, MJF reflected on his journey so far in the company. Many have named MJF as the one to watch in 2020, including WWE Hall of Famer Diamond Dallas Page and AEW’s own Dustin Rhodes.
“I came into the company as a relative unknown to being one of the most talked-about wrestlers on the planet, that’s unheard of. Much sooner rather than later, put all your chips on it, MJF is going to be AEW world champion.”
MFJ is currently feuding with his former best friend, Cody Rhodes. On last week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, MJF laid out the stipulations that Cody needs to accept in order to get the opportunity to face off against him.
AEW World Champion Chris Jericho spoke with SI.com recently in the build-up to his match at Tokyo Dome this weekend. During the interview, Jericho mentioned what he thinks he would be doing had he stayed in WWE.
Jericho on what he would be doing if he were still in WWE:
“If I was still in the WWE, I would still have to be doing ‘The List’ and it would feel so old,” said Jericho. “I love all the great stuff I did in the past, but to go out there and say ‘Raw is Jericho’ or ‘I’m the Ayatollah of Rock ‘n’ Rolla’ would really feel like a rock and roll band that tours that never puts on a new record and tours every summer.”
On the Genesis of his NJPW “Painmaker” persona:
Jericho also spoke about the genesis of his “Painmaker” persona in NJPW.
“I originally went into that Omega match thinking I’d be the same guy from WWE,” said Jericho. “But I was really into Bruiser Brody at the time–I think it was the 30 anniversary of his death–and watching him just beat the sh– out of people. In Japan, people are still intimidated by that and they kind of like it. I really liked the lunacy of the character I played building up to and during the Kenny match, so when I went back for Naito, I didn’t want to wear sparkly tights and light-up jackets. It didn’t feel right. I felt crazier, and I decided that some paint needed to be worn.”
Jericho also compared his character re-invention to bands playing new songs. He also specifically used DX as an example during the conversation.
“I have a great list of hits, but a lot of those will never be played again because I’m too busy concentrating on new hits and performing at the highest level,” said Jericho. “It’s hard to leave all the old gimmicks and catchphrases, and take a chance, but if you don’t do that, it’s like DX coming to the ring in 2019 and yelling ‘Suck it!’ It looks like a relic from the past, and I never wanted to be that.”
Jericho defeated Tanahashi in the Tokyo Dome on Sunday, meaning Tanahashi failed to earn a shot at Jericho’s AEW World Championship. It’s not clear if the “forbidden portal” will be open in the future or not.
The full interview Chris Jericho gave to SI.com can be read here.
Auctioning off Wrestle Kingdom Worn Shirt
Gino Gambino is auctioning off Jericho’s shirt from Wrestle Kingdom to support Australia as it goes through the most destructive wildfire season in recorded history.
AEW Executive Vice Presient Cody Rhodes recently spoke to SPORT1 in Germany. Rhodes took the time to discuss some of the young talent on AEW programming as well as the influence of veteran performer and AEW Champion Chris Jericho.
“I didn’t know who Kris Statlander was a month ago” – Cody Rhodes
“There are people who are definitely ahead of the curve considering they have never been on TV: Darby Allin, for example, or Kris Statlander,” Rhodes stated. “I didn’t know who Kris Statlander was a month ago. Now, I can’t imagine AEW without her. She’s an incredibly special talent and we want to cultivate that. I’ve been really impressed with so much of our roster with how they’ve taken doing live television.”
“They say in wrestling, ‘What’s old is new’.”
Cody Rhodes also talked about how the days of ‘territory’ wrestling and an old-school mentality come into play with AEW. “They say in wrestling, ‘What’s old is new’. There is so much of the territory wrestling, and even pre-Crockett, pre-television wrestling, that have so many great stories and elements to bring to the squared circle and tell a story within the ropes,” Cody said. “To be able to do that on worldwide television is huge. But we also have to do our best not to be a parody of what’s old. Not to be nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake.”
Cody elaborated further, saying “you have to give people the buffet: some old, some new. We are melding those worlds. I like Memphis Wrestling, southern wrestling. I revel in that old school, but not lazy old school – the diligent, committed old school. If you mash that up with the new school and create something new like Darby Allin does, or MJF, people will let you know how much they love it.”
Cody then praised AEW Champion Chris Jericho, saying “you don’t want to praise Chris because he’s such an asshole, but you have to give him props,” Cody claimed. “Every week, Chris Jericho does something that reminds me of how important he is to the company – every week! He’s a huge part of this.”
WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray recently heaped a huge amount of praise on AEW star Darby Allin. During the latest episode of the Busted Open Radio Podcast the former Dudley Boy claimed that Allin is a star for the future.
“They start off with Cody and Darby and I think that was a really great first match,” Bully began. This whilst discussing the AEW Homecoming event that took place on New Year’s Day. “That kicked that night off really hot and that crowd was super into that show. They were a perfect example of how a hot crowd can help to make or break an event.”
“Twice I saw him at my friend’s house he has on a Darby Allin shirt”
Bully then claimed that Allin is going to be a major player for AEW going forward. “Darby Allin is going to be a major star for AEW. This guy is super over already. I loved his vignette before his entrance.”
Ray also discussed how Allin is appealing to younger fans, even below the mythical 18-34 demographic that AEW is attempting to hook. “It resonates with younger viewers. I have a good friend who has a nine or ten year old son and I’ve seen the kid now probably three different times. Twice I saw him at my friend’s house he has on a Darby Allin shirt. And once I saw him at a local indie show and he was painted up like Darby Allin. So if I’m seeing a ten year old on three different occasions and all three different occasions he’s wearing Darby Allin stuff it’s a pretty good indicator that not only is Darby connecting with the eighteen to thirty four year olds; but it’s clear that is connected with the younger audience.”
“…the sky is the limit for guys like Darby Allin”
Ray finished by saying that the sky is the limit for the young star. “I think between his unique look, his style, and the vignettes that they’ve been doing with him; man the sky is the limit for guys like Darby Allin. I look at Darby and I look at MJF. They’re so young. They’re so talented. When they get true polish on them week after week after week they are going to be unstoppable.”
Bully also went on to say that he believed that Darby Allin was this generation’s Jeff Hardy.
Viewership data is in for the January 1st editions of AEW Dynamite and NXT TV. AEW had a strong showing up against NXT, which aired a “2019 Year-End Awards” highlights show for the New Year’s Day holiday. The ‘Wednesday Night War’ resumes next week when both shows are live head-to-head once again.
Here is the breakdown of the live and same-night DVR viewership, courtesy of ShowbuzzDaily:
NXT TV Viewership:
NXT on the USA Network averaged 548,000 viewers this week, down from 831,000 on Christmas Day. That show ran unopposed. NXT drew did a 0.15 rating in the coveted 18-49 demographic, down from 0.22.
AEW Dynamite Viewership:
AEW Dynamite on TNT averaged 967,000 viewers with a 0.36 rating in the 18-49 demo, way up from 683,000 viewers and a 0.25 demo rating back on December 18th.
This week’s Dynamite was touted as a “Homecoming” for AEW and the 2020 Season Premiere. It was a stacked show that was widely very well-received. Highlights included Cody Rhodes vs. Darby Allin, a 4-way match for the AEW Women’s Championship, Jon Moxley in action and a red-hot main event that saw The Elite vs. PAC and the Lucha Bros.
Check out our detailed recap of the top happenings from AEW Dynamite:
All Elite Wrestling’s Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) was recently interviewed by local Florida newspaper, News Chief. During the interview, MJF took the opportunity to discuss his mentality when it comes to pro wrestling, portraying a loathsome heel, and which wrestling legends he has drawn inspiration from.
MJF recalled how, growing up, he loved all of the performers that most people hated. From Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard, Buddy Landel to “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. He highlighted how his “biggest inspiration would be the Hot Rod.”
Like those that pushed the envelope before him, MFJ is willing to throw himself wholeheartedly into being hated. He explained how, “If there’s a line that people make, I hop over it as far as I can.”
He continued, “No one can tell me how to do my job. I’ve had people jump guardrails, try to stab me, throw (urine) on me, throw batteries. All that means is I’m being myself. The issue isn’t me, it’s everybody else.”
MJF Wants To Be Hated “For The Right Reasons”
Despite not caring if fans boo him, MJF is adamant that people should dislike him for the “right reasons,” pointing to his former mentor, Cody Rhodes, claiming that Rhodes is a “sociopathic monster.”
“I want them to boo me for the right reasons,” he said. “Cody is a sociopathic monster. He’s been on a blood rage since AEW started by trying to make himself the face of AEW. I saved them from a Ghengis Khan, and I gave them a face everybody could love.”
“When They Die I Will Not Care”
One legend that MJF is eager to learn from is Ring of Honor’s Bully Ray. Despite his willingness to listen to Bully Ray, however, that doesn’t mean MJF is open to advice from just anybody. MJF likened some veterans to old dogs, saying “They want to be fed treats to feel important.”
When it comes to those few he does regard, he noted how he simply wants to “use them” and “when they die I will not care, and I’m going to make sure the business is in good hands.”
Chris Jericho addressed some interesting questions in a recent interview with The Aquarian.
One of the questions was his decision to join AEW (All Elite Wrestling) and whether there was a condition that they’d make him AEW World Heavyweight Champion. Jericho ruled out this theory.
“It doesn’t work that way. I would never say that. The belt is just a prop anyway. The important thing is how you conduct yourself, how you work in the ring, and how you connect with the audience. That’s much more important than having a title.”
Jericho became the inaugural AEW World Heavyweight Champion when he beat Hangman Page in the headliner of the All Out pay-per-view event back in August.
Chris Jericho Addresses WWE Question
Jericho had previously stated that he wouldn’t work for another promotion in the United States. However, things changed and he left the company that he had a relationship which was WWE after two decades of working for them and being a top star for the promotion.
Chris Jericho also addressed his decision to leave the WWE, which he stated that he did all he could in WWE and that he’s in a company (AEW) that he’s bringing up from scratch.
“That appeals to me. I could go back to WWE tomorrow and I know exactly where I’d stand. I prefer being here. There’s no limits. It’s uncharted waters. We don’t even know what’s going to happen from day to day at AEW. Also I think the fans like an alternative. Wednesday nights on TV rock now.”
Jericho is expected to make his next title defense on pay-per-view against Jon Moxley on Saturday, February 29, 2020 in Chicago, IL from the Sears Center. As of this writing, the promotion has yet to confirm this match.
Dustin Rhodes has wrestled in the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and now the 2020s. His loss to Sammy Guevara on Dynamite means the 50-year-old has now wrestled in 5 different decades.
Wrestling as Dustin Rhodes, he made his pro-wrestling debut in 1988 for the Championship Wrestling from Florida promotion. He briefly held the NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship after defeating Al Perez for the belt. He’d drop the title the following month, however.
Rhodes would debut in WCW around the same time, wrestling as one-half of the Texas Broncos along with Kendall Windham.
Dustin Rhodes Arrives In WWF in 1990
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ofVA5UZT7A
Rhodes would kick off the 1990s by taking part in an angle with his father in WWF. Dusty Rhodes had been in a rivalry with Ted Dibiase for some time when Rhodes arrived on the scene. Both Dustin and Dusty would leave the promotion in early 1991, however, and return to WCW.
Dustin Rhodes in WCW 1991-1995
In the early 90s, Dustin Rhodes would wrestle as “the Natural” in WCW. He’d even win the promotion’s United States Championship at one point. He would return to WWE in 1995, however, and then began to portray one of the most controversial characters in wrestling history.
Goldust In the Mid to Late 90s
When Dustin Rhodes returned to WWE in the mid-90s, it would not be as the cowboy-boot wearing “the Natural” character he had been portraying. Instead, he became Goldust, the Hollywood-obsessed, androgynous, and eccentric character that many have said was WWF’s first foray into what would become “the Attitude Era.”
By 1999, Dustin would return to WCW, this time when the promotion was being run by Vince Russo, a writer who worked with him on the Goldust character. He was originally supposed to portray a similar albeit darker character named “Seven.” He would quickly drop the gimmick, however.
Return To WWE, Various Exits and More Subsequent Returns
Dustin would sign with WWF and then leave the company 3 different times between 2001 and 2013. After his first run as Goldust with WWE, however, all subsequent runs saw the character treated as more comedic than it had been previously.
In 2019, Goldust left to sign with All Elite Wrestling. On New Year’s day 2020, Dustin lost to Sammy Guevara, marking his first match in his 5th decade in wrestling.
All Elite Wrestling’s Jim Ross recently joined The Morning Show on News 4 out of Jacksonville ahead of the promotion’s homecoming episode, which took place last night. During the interview, Ross spoke highly about the talent pool within AEW and the approach by promotion’s president, Tony Khan.
Ross credited Khan as having done an “amazing job of assembling a team” for AEW. He described the promotion as having “very aggressive ownership.”
Ross added how they have “a lot of really outstanding young wrestlers are still discovering who they are and where they’re going to be, what they’re going to be. It’s fun to see them grow and evolve, but we also got some great veterans. Hall of Fame level guys like Chris Jericho.”
Jim Ross On Tony Khan’s Contribution To Wrestling
When talking about some of AEW’s top competitors, Ross turned his attention to Khan’s attitude in bringing in top-level talent. “He’s a fan, and he’s very, very intelligent,” Ross explained. “Tony is the smartest young wrestling guy I’ve ever been around, and I worked for Vince McMahon for over a quarter of a century, so that’s saying something.”
Asked about what he feels the Khan’s bring to the wrestling industry, Ross stressed how they have provided a “breath of fresh air” to the business. He reiterated AEW’s interest in becoming a more sports orientated alternative and commented on the happiness amongst AEW’s roster.
AEW Dynamite airs Wednesday nights on TNT. Check out our recap of this week’s episode:
