SEScoops

Category: AEW

  • Adam Copeland Wins & Loses TNT Championship at AEW Worlds End

    Adam Copeland captured the AEW TNT Championship at Worlds End, in his first title win in over a decade, but the Canadian’s run with the gold was very short-lived. 

    Since joining AEW at WrestleDream, Copeland has been feuding with his former friend and ex-tag team partner Christian Cage. The two faced off for the TNT title in Montreal earlier this month on an episode of Dynamite in a match that Cage would win. 

    Adam Copeland Wins (and Loses)

    In a No-Disqualification match at AEW Worlds End, Cage and Copeland held nothing back in their efforts to leave Long Island with the TNT Championship. As the winners of the first two TLC matches, it was fitting that the bout featured Tables, Ladders, and Chairs. In the end, Copeland hit Cage with Christian’s own Killswitch finisher to get the win and become the new TNT Champion. 

    This was an emotional win for Copeland, as it was his first time winning a championship since he captured the WWE World Heavyweight Championship from Dolph Ziggler in early 2011. Unfortunately for the Hall of Famer, his time on top was short-lived. After the match, Killswitch (formerly Luchasaurus) hit the ring with a guaranteed TNT Championship match contract Killswitch had won the opportunity during the Zero-Hour pre-show battle royal. 

    Rather than challenge Copeland, Killswitch surrendered that contract to Christian who had the match restarted. Cage then used Copeland’s finisher, a spear, to win the title back. 

    This makes Copeland a history maker in AEW, but not in a good way. The Canadian legend now holds the record for the shortest title reign in the history of the company. 

  • Chris Jericho Hit with “NDA” & “Kylie Rae” Chants at AEW Worlds End PPV

    Chris Jericho Hit with “NDA” & “Kylie Rae” Chants at AEW Worlds End PPV

    AEW Worlds End 2023 proved to be a tough night at the office for Chris Jericho who was on the receiving end of some choice chants from the Long Island crowd. 

    In the fifth match of the show (and eighth match if you include the pre-show) Jericho was victorious in an eight-man tag-team match. The bout saw Jericho, Sammy Guevara, Sting and Darby Allin defeat AEW World Tag Team Champions Big Bill and Ricky Starks, and Konosuke Takeshita and Powerhouse Hobbs. 

    Chris Jericho Faces Chants

    Jericho’s appearance at the show was something of a surprise, as some fans expected him to be pulled from AEW Worlds End. In the hours before the show, Jericho faced allegations of misconduct with wrestler Kylie Rae. Nick Hausman made mention of Jericho having skeletons in his closet, and Rae herself reacted with a heart to a post saying that Jericho is not a safe person to be around for young women in wrestling. 

    While Jericho competed at Worlds End, the fans made it clear they are aware of the allegations against him. Jericho was on the receiving end of “NDA” chants from the crowd in Long Island. Ironically, Jericho recently dismissed the notion that he is tied to an NDA relating to last year’s Brawl Out situation. 

    There were also chants for Kylie Rae during the match, as seen in the clip below. 

    There were also audible boos for the wrestling veteran at the event. 

    At this time, AEW President Tony Khan has yet to address the allegations against Jericho, who was the first-ever AEW World Champion. It is likely he will be asked about the matter during the post-Worlds End media scrum. 

  • Keith Lee Pulled From AEW Worlds End Match Over Persistent Injury

    Keith Lee Pulled From AEW Worlds End Match Over Persistent Injury

    AEW saw a few random injuries throughout 2023 that greatly changed their booking plans. They couldn’t get through the final pay-per-view of the year without being forced to change things up.

    Keith Lee was scheduled to take on Swerve Strickland in a singles match at AEW Worlds End, a long-awaited showdown that some fans doubted would ever materialize. Sadly, that match wasn’t meant to be in 2023.

    Unexpected Change Of Plans For Keith Lee

    In an update on X, Keith Lee shared that he was going to enter the Worlds End match with an injury. Although he did not divulge the specifics of the setback, he assured fans that he is committed to giving his best effort in the upcoming match.

    Today… I keep it very real with you guys. I have been working through an injury since Arthur Ashe Stadium 2022.

    It has been mostly well taken care of. Things have been worse since Final Battle.

    I am trying to get through today for you guys, but I cannot promise anything.

    Keith Lee’s Replacement At AEW Worlds End

    Keith Lee was taken out of AEW Worlds End and Dustin Rhodes was placed in his spot. Swerve Strickland picked up the win against The Natural in the end, which continued his winning streak in AEW.

    This is not good news for Keith Lee, and we can only hope that whatever kept him off the AEW Worlds End card isn’t something that will persist far into 2024.

  • Andrade Reportedly On His Way Out Of AEW — WWE Return Expected Soon

    AEW Worlds End is set to take place on December 30th, and the roster is ready for anything. One star is reportedly wrapping up his time with AEW in Long Island, and Andrade is WWE-bound after that.

    Possible Spoiler On WWE Return

    Wrestle Purists reports that they have been told by sources around AEW that Andrade El Idolo is expected to wrap things up with Tony Khan’s company at AEW Worlds End. It was then noted that Andrade is expected to arrive in WWE on the January 1st episode of RAW.

    According to WrestlePurists sources, Andrade El Idolo is expected by many in AEW to finish up with the company tonight at World’s End.

    He is also believed by many within AEW to be heading back to WWE. Some think it could happen as soon as the Day 1 RAW.

    A WWE source we spoken to is aware of the talk surrounding Andrade and is expecting him to join the company imminently.

    A WWE return makes sense for Andrade, because his wife, Charlotte Flair, works for the company. She is currently out of action for 9 months due to a knee injury, but The Queen would definitely cheer on Andrade’s WWE return from home. 

    Andrade’s AEW Exit Isn’t Pleasant

    Sean Ross Sapp later reported on Fightful Select to note that Andrade’s exit from AEW wasn’t pleasant. He made it known to a lot of people Wednesday at AEW Dynamite that he intends on leaving the company.

    Fightful Select learned this week that Andrade and AEW were set to no longer work together, with most expecting it to culminate at the AEW Worlds End show. Numerous sources indicated that Andrade made it clear this past Wednesday at AEW Dynamite he no longer wanted to be with the company and was planning on leaving. We’re told that the situation surrounding Andrade’s exit was less than pleasant, with some even saying a major disagreement had unfolded. 

    WWE Day 1 Surprise Planned

    Sean Ross Sapp reported on Fightful Select that said WWE is looking to add some star power to their Day 1 show. A former champion is expected to return, but no specific name has been reported yet. 

    Andrade’s inclusion in the Day 1 episode would bring a surprise reaction, but the real question then lies on Triple H’s plan for the former NXT Champion. 

    Triple H Comments On WWE RAW 1 Surprise

    Triple H heard the report that someone is coming back at WWE RAW’s Day 1 event on January 1st. He commented to stoke the flames a bit on that rumor. 

    Not going to confirm or deny the rumors of a former @WWE Champion appearing at #WWERaw Day One… but I will say to stay tuned.

    WWE RAW Day 1 Location

    WWE will hold their Day 1 RAW at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego. It appears that they are preparing a big return for the show.

  • Allegations Surface Regarding Chris Jericho & Kylie Rae

    Allegations Surface Regarding Chris Jericho & Kylie Rae

    Chris Jericho is a legendary pro wrestler, and he was responsible for much of AEW’s early rise in popularity. On the day of AEW Worlds End, a troubling allegation dropped about him that could paint him in an entirely different light.

    Chris Jericho and Non-Disclosure Agreements

    Chris Jericho and CM Punk and Ace Steel’s attorney, Stephen P New, recently had it out on social media. The whole ordeal surrounded the non-disclosure agreements that everyone involved in Brawl Out signed.

    Chris Jericho claimed that he never signed any NDA about this. Then Stephen P New fired back to say that a confidentiality clause is in the AEW Employee Handbook. 

    Alleged Skeletons in Chris Jericho’s Closet

    Haus of Wrestling’s Nick Hausman later called Chris Jericho out for having people sign NDAs himself. That got Hausman a subsequent block from the former AEW World Champion.

    Nick Hausman later had Stephen P New on his Rumor and Innuendo podcast for an interview about everything that was going on with that situation. 

    Then, a clip of Nick Hausman from that Rumor and Innuendo podcast went viral. In that clip, Hausman made mention of skeletons in Chris Jericho’s closet. He also brought Harvey Weinstein’s name into the situation as a comparison to Jericho’s situation. 

    “There are issues with Chris behind the scenes, where I know a lot of people who were hurt by Chris and his actions. You know, it’s very uncomfortable to me to see him lauded like he is and only having the focus on that, because I do think there are a lot of questionable stories about Chris that will find their way out over time when people are ready to tell those stories, that will cast him in a very different light.”

    “I mean, Harvey Weinstein won a lot of Oscars, Harvey Weinstein produced a lot of very popular films. Harvey Weinstein is now in jail … I’m not saying that is happening to Chris, but the narrative can quickly turn if you’re hiding a lot of skeletons in your closet.

    Chris Jericho and Kylie Rae

    A short time later, after that clip went viral, an X account re-posted an older tweet that didn’t get much traction at the time. This tweet implied that Kylie Rae may have left AEW due to Chris Jericho.

    “So here’s the deal, you don’t quit the hottest fed going today (AEW) without reason. I have it from people in the know that Kylie was asked to go to Chris Jericho’s room. With the understanding that others would be there. When she got there it was just him. He made a pass at her (no other details are given) and she freaked out.”

    Another tweet was posted talking about women who are waiting until it’s safe to speak about Chris Jericho. Kylie Rae reacted to it, as she posted a heart emoji.

    Why did Kylie Rae leave AEW?

    During the All Out 2019 media scrum, Sean Ross Sapp asked Tony Khan about Kylie Rae’s status with the company. Reports had previously broke saying that she had requested her release from the company, but no other information was known at the time.

    Tony Khan confirmed in 2019 that Kylie Rae is no longer with AEW. He said that she asked for her release, and it was granted. That split was also said to be a “super amicable” one.

    “She is no longer with us. We had so many announcements going into the battle royal, she asked for her release, and we granted it. She called me and asked if she could be released from her contract. It’s pretty simple, I said, ‘yeah,’ I asked her if everything was okay, she said, ‘Yeah,’ she just didn’t want to be with the company anymore. We talked about it. It was very simple. So yeah.”

  • MJF Reveals What Currently Means ‘Everything’ To Him

    MJF has a big weekend ahead of him and he knows it. The AEW World Champion will be defending his “Triple B” against Samoa Joe in the main event at World’s End, which so happens to be in MJF’s backyard of Uniondale, NY at the Nassau Colliseum.

    In a new self-written article on the Player’s Tribune, MJF had a lot to reflect on and noted that he’s been with AEW since the company started in 2019. 

    January marks the five-year anniversary of AEW’s launch and in the feature, MJF credits Cody Rhodes for bringing him in and Tony Khan for signing him to a contract. 

    MJF leans into the notion that he’s becoming a free agent on January 1, but an educated guess would lead many to believe that he’s already signed a new deal with AEW. Either way, MJF closed out the piece by noting how big World’s End means to him, especially one aspect of the bout.

    “Right now, though, as I’m writing this? It’s Wednesday morning. It’s three days before Worlds End. It’s five days from five years of MJF in AEW. I don’t know what comes next. Here’s what I do know. Wrestling in the main event of a card at Nassau Coliseum as AEW world champ? That sh*t means everything to me. Really. EVERYTHING.”

    Another solid indication that MJF is not leaving AEW is the simple fact that he’s the World Champ and involved in the major over-arching storyline that involves him and the mysterious identity of “The Devil.” AEW colleague Ric Flair believes MJF should stay with AEW, stating he could be the next Randy Orton.

  • Shawn Spears Had Surprising Hidden Final Appearance On AEW Television

    Shawn Spears Had Surprising Hidden Final Appearance On AEW Television

    Shawn Spears surprised AEW fans when he confirmed his departure from AEW. The former Tye Dillinger is set to be a free agent on January 1st, but he had one final role in AEW, although he wore a mask during that appearance.

    Shawn Spears’ Final Role in AEW

    According to Dave Meltzer on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Shawn Spears was one of the masked men working for The Devil in recent weeks. This was his last role on AEW television prior to his departure.

    “Spears hadn’t been used much but on a recent TV was one of the Devil’s guys.”

    The Devil has appeared for several weeks, with masked men doing his bidding. It was not noted which segment Shawn Spears appeared in, but many believe The Kingdom played the roles of the two masked men who won the ROH World Tag Team Titles during the December 27th episode of AEW Dynamite.

    Shawn Spears’ AEW Departure

    Shawn Spears was among the initial group of talents signed by Tony Khan for the formation of AEW. He made his AEW debut during the Casino Battle Royale at the inaugural Double or Nothing event.

    Sean Ross Sapp first broke the news of Shawn Spears’ AEW departure on Fightful Select. A short time later, Shawn Spears confirmed that he is leaving Tony Khan’s company.

    Shawn Spears is scheduled to depart from AEW on January 1st. The separation is reported to be mutually agreeable as well. 

  • Andrade El Idolo Expected to Return to WWE After AEW Run (Report)

    Andrade El Idolo Expected to Return to WWE After AEW Run (Report)

    Andrade El Idolo will be returning to WWE once his current contract with AEW expires, at least according to those within the Stamford promotion. 

    El Idolo joined AEW in June of 2021 and would make his in-ring debut for the promotion the following month. His debut for AEW came months after his release from WWE in March of that year. While WWE had initially declined Andrade’s request for a release, it was later granted. 

    Andrade Returning to WWE? 

    Some in WWE expect Andrade to return when the time is right, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported this week. Those close to Andrade have also said that he may very well go back to WWE, but is also open to staying if Tony Khan makes a better offer than WWE. Some have criticized AEW for underutilizing Andrade, who is yet to hold gold in the promotion. 

    Andrade would also like to work with New Japan Pro Wrestling if the possibility comes up. He would have wanted to do the FantasticaMania show in February but it conflicts with his schedule. 

    Andrade in WWE

    Andrade joined AEW in November 2015 and made his in-ring debut the following January at a Tampa, Florida live event. In November 2017, Andrade defeated Drew McIntyre to capture the NXT Championship. After being called up to the main roster, Andrade captured the United States Championship in late 2019 from Rey Mysterio. 

    If Andrade does return to WWE, he will be able to spend more time with his wife Charlotte Flair. Andrade’s father-in-law Ric Flair recently said that he will be staying with AEW for years to come after Sting retires next year. 

    Andrade El Idolo may not have much time left in AEW. Click here to find out more. 

  • Every AEW Departure of 2023

    Every AEW Departure of 2023

    Here is a list of every name to part ways with AEW in 2023

    CM Punk

    The biggest name to leave AEW this year, Punk was released following the backstage altercation at All In. He has since returned to WWE.

    Ace Steel

    Steel was brought back to AEW to work with CM Punk ahead of the launch of Collision. With Punk’s exit in September, he was released. 

    Jade Cargill

    The inaugural AEW TBS Champion lost her rematch for the gold in what would be her last match. She, like Punk, has joined WWE. 

    Brian Pillman Jr. 

    Pillman debuted for AEW in 2019, but parted ways with the company in July 2023 when his deal expired. He has since joined WWE NXT as Lexis King.

     QT Marshall

    The Nightmare Factory head left AEW recently. He was reportedly frustrated by not being treated as a star in the company. 

    Sonny Kiss

    Kiss’ profile was quietly removed from AEW’s roster page in September. Tony Khan confirmed at the post-All Out media scrum that Kiss had not been re-signed. 

    Fuego Del Sol

    The masked wrestler announced his departure from AEW in June. He made his debut for the company in May 2020.

    AQA

    AQA was the first wrestler to be cut from AEW this year when her deal expired. She competed seven times. 

    Trench

    Trench had been part of Swerve Strickland’s Mogul Affiliates faction but did not compete in any matches before his exit on July 3. 

    Zack Clayton

    Zack Clayton’s departure from AEW was announced in October 2023. He is also known for his time on Jersey Shore: Family Vacation. 

    Brock Anderson

    Anderson is the son of AEW producer and wrestling legend Arn Anderson and started with the promotion in 2021. His exit was confirmed in October. 

    The Bunny

    The Bunny made her AEW debut at the Fyter Fest pay-per-view in June 2019, defeating Leva Bates in a dark match. 

    Vickie Guerrero

    Guerrero announced that she was exiting AEW earlier this year. She had managed Nyla Rose and Marina Shafir. 

    Dana Massie

    Massie was AEW’s Chief Marketing & Merchandising Officer and is the wife of AEW EVP and Young Buck Matt Jackson. 

    Rafael Morffi

    Morffi was the Vice President of Live Events/Touring since the establishment of AEW. He previously worked for TNA Wrestling. 

    While not gone just yet, Shawn Spears announced recently that he will be leaving AEW at the end of this year. 

  • Scotty 2 Hotty Calls AEW In-Ring Debut a “Personal Career Highlight”

    Scotty 2 Hotty Calls AEW In-Ring Debut a “Personal Career Highlight”

    Former WWE Superstar Scotty 2 Hotty is pleased to have reached a “personal career highlight” after competing this week for AEW. 

    Scotty, real name Scott Garland, competed in a dark match this past Wednesday at AEW Dynamite: New Year’s Smash. The match saw the former WWE Tag Team Champion team with The Acclaimed & ‘Daddy Ass’ Billy Gunn to defeat Matt Menard, Jake Hager, and The Gunns. Taking to Twitter, Scotty reflected on being able to compete at the show. 

    Scotty 2 Hotty Behind the Scenes 

    After being released from WWE as a talent in 2007, Garland returned to the promotion in 2016 as a trainer in the Performance Center. Garland remained in the role until November 2021 when he was granted his requested release from the promotion. While he enjoyed his time with WWE, Garland was reportedly at odds with the direction of talent development following the launch of WWE NXT 2.0. He has been working backstage for AEW as a producer since having a tryout in July. 

    A Return to the Ring? 

    While this match was Garland’s AEW debut, Garland has remained semi-active in the ring outside of the All-Elite promotion. Garland’s most recent match before this week’s Dynamite was in June and saw him defeat ‘Florida Man’ at a DREAMWAVE Wrestling event. Garland has been open to the possibility of competing more for AEW and has been discussed for matches in the past. Garland was able to use his WWE ‘Too Cool’ theme as AEW acquired the license for it when obtaining the rights to use the Hardy Boyz theme. 

  • AEW Continental Classic: Watch Every Single Tournament Match Here

    AEW Continental Classic: Watch Every Single Tournament Match Here

    Fans of the AEW Continental Classic are delighted as the All-Elite promotion has made the tournament easily accessible on YouTube. 

    During the November 11, edition of AEW Collision, AEW President Tony Khan announced the Continental Classic, a round-robin tournament that would feature 12 AEW wrestlers. The 12 wrestlers were split into the Gold and Blue Leagues with each wrestler facing everyone from their respective leagues.

    All AEW Continental Classic Matches

    With the round-robin format, there have been plenty of matches from the AEW Continental Classic, which fans will have no trouble finding. On YouTube, the AEW account has created a playlist of every match from the tournament in the order they took place. The playlist starts with the kick-off match between Swerve Strickland and Jay Lethal. 

    The final two videos are from this week’s Dynamite and see Jon Moxley Vs. Swerve Strickland Vs. Jay White in the Gold League finals and Eddie Kingston Vs. Bryan Danielson in the Blue League finals. The playlist also features weekly updates of the rankings as well as promos and segments connected to the Continental Classic. 

    The playlist can be found by clicking here. 

    What’s Next? 

    With their respective victories this week, Gold League winner Jon Moxley will face Blue League winner Eddie Kingston in the finals at this weekend’s Worlds End event. The winner will be the new AEW Continental Champion, the holder of the ROH World Championship and the NJPW Strong Openweight Champion. They will also become the first Triple Crown Champion by holding three titles from the three different promotions. 

  • Latest on Warner Discovery’s meetings with AEW and WWE

    Latest on Warner Discovery’s meetings with AEW and WWE

    According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Nick Khan and Paul “Triple H” Levesque met with executives at Warner Discovery last week to pitch Raw coming to one of its networks after its deal with USA ends in 2024. The meeting was likely attended by David Zazlav, the CEO of WBD

    Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics reported the initial meeting between the two companies in October.

    Tony Khan met with WBD a day later, he described the the conversations as “really good” during the press conference following the Ring of Honor Final Battle on Friday.

    WWE’s initial meeting with WBD didn’t go well. Nick Khan and Levesque worked to get a second meeting in place, and put together a better presentation. TKO is stock closed below $76 on Friday. With the Smackdown deal coming in lower than expected, WWE management is under the gun to secure a better deal or Raw – that means having more bidders in the marketplace.

    The TV market is more chaotic than 2018, when WWE last negotiated new rights fees. TV viewership was declining, but not like it has over the last several years. This was visible in the Smackdown deal with USA, and how the network seems willing to part ways with Raw, a 30-year anchor on prime time Mondays since the early 1990s, outside three years it aired on TNN/Spike TV.

    Rights fees have accelerated the ability of studios to pay them. This problem is largely due to market forces, and mistakes made by cable companies, studios and media conglomerates over the last decade as they dealt with mobile phones and the growing impact of internet. Regardless, the rights fees WWE commanded six years ago will be hard for it to get today.

    To get close, they need bidders and having WBD as another interested party gets more networks into the competition.

    Whether WWE lands on WBD, it’s highly unlikely. The market is much tighter, but WBD is putting a lot of its consideration into retaining the NBA. Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics told SEScoops in October the NBA’s TV deal would be ending after the current deals for WWE and AEW.

    WBD’s plans with the NBA would likely affect a potential deal with WWE more than AEW, because of the different money the two companies demand. While AEW should have a much larger deal this time around, it will still be well short of the deals commanded by Smackdown and Raw. That’s not considering the pressure on WWE to make bank with TKO stock well below its $100 target price.

    AEW also has other options. Before the company was officially formed, Tony Khan and Chris Harrington had met with Turner executives and pitched the company. Showtime was also another big player for AEW. This was before the company had a track record of profitability and good ratings over a four-year period.

    AEW would likely compete with some of the other companies that have interest for WWE. Tony Khan has all but confirmed that WBD owns a portion of AEW – that would change if AEW left the network – but given the company’s performance on PPV, it’s growing cash at gates and the success of All In Wembley, the company will land somewhere strong.

    Thurston reported on his Wrestlenomics Patreon site this week that he believes AEW lost around $34 million this year – which considering the $1 billion valuation Forbes gave the company a few months ago- is remarkable given the pandemic and that this is a company only four years old – have of that time dealing with COVID-19.

    Sources with AEW have said for months, while Tony Khan keeps the company’s financials quiet, they believe the company could easily make profitability with some cuts and would likely hit the mark with its next TV deal. 

  • Tony Khan teasing signings to the AEW women’s division

    Tony Khan teasing signings to the AEW women’s division

    Tony Khan is excited for what’s to come for the AEW women’s division and indicates that there may be some new names in the mix.

    Ahead of AEW World’s End, Khan spoke with the media about how big a of transitional period this time is for the company. Khan spoke about the company overall both from a creative and presentation standpoint with a particular focus on the women’s division.

    Khan mentioned several names on the roster as to what women have helped contribute to the growth of the company this year, including Julia Hart, Riho, Toni Storm, Kris Statlander, Willow Nightingale and of course, Timeless Toni Storm. 

    There’s been a deliberate effort to refocus attention on the women’s division and AEW fans should get ready for some more new faces showing up in the months ahead.

    “So, so many great names, so many great fights happening in the women’s division, which is in, I think, the strongest place it’s been – and imagine how much better it’s going to get because I plan to be very active in free agency.”

    As far as women’s free agency is concerned, Mercedes Mone remains a massive chess piece on the board and she certainly has formed a relationship with Khan since walking out on WWE in May of 2022.

    Aside from the former Sasha Banks, other potential additions to the AEW Women’s division could include Giulia, Deonna Purrazzo, Mandy Rose, Lacey Evans and Kamille, just to name a few. 

    Khan added that several of AEW’s top female competitors have been out of action and have recently returned or will be returning soon. Thunder Rosa, Jamie Hayter and Britt Baker are all former Women’s World Champions who were out of action for extended time. As the year winds down and we look ahead to 2024, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the division’s future. 

  • Changes Coming To AEW: Tony Khan Discusses More Sportslike Presentation

    Changes Coming To AEW: Tony Khan Discusses More Sportslike Presentation

    Tony Khan believes that the Continental Classic has been a successful experiment and wants to implement that feel for AEW moving forward.

    During the AEW World’s End media call, Khan said some of that success has translated over to AEW Collision with their ratings increase. Khan said he feels very strongly about how well the Continental Classic has done for the company and it’s had an influence on his creative philosophy.

    “Will this affect the presentation and will I book the show’s more sports-based presentation and accept the fan feedback which is very tangible and real? Yes, absolutely and that is why this has been such a great experiment and the results are there, they are tangible.

    “As I’ve said, an experimental group and a control group, the experiment increasing the allocation of real quality pro wrestling.”

    In the early days of AEW, part of the initial strategy was to incorporate a sports-based presentation, including a rankings system, but the company has veered away from it. However, Khan had really utilized tournaments in 2023 and although that is certainly sports-oriented, he says that the storytelling process has been rich with MJF, The Devil and the women’s division.

    “I’ve been really trying to put an emphasis on more stories and as because everybody’s been stepping up and it’s time and we have a great group that I’ve been trying to build and, and a lot of injuries, you know, it’s really challenging for wrestling promotion.”

    Please credit AEW and h/t to SEScoops for the transcription.

  • Tony Khan reveals who helps him book AEW storylines

    Tony Khan reveals who helps him book AEW storylines

    If you’ve been curious who’s been involved in the creative process for AEW after losing a name like CM Punk, Tony Khan provided a little clarity to that. Speaking on The World’s End Media call, Khan spoke with SEScoops correspondent Dominic DeAngelo about whether or not he’s reconsidered his booking strategy as we round the corner into 2024. 

    During the All Out 2023 media scrum, it was mentioned how overworked Khan is and to Bryan Danielson’s suggestion, hired Jimmy Jacobs as a full time assistant. Those two, along with others, are names he said he had working creatively at AEW Dynamite.

    Who helps Tony Khan book AEW?

    “We have a great group of people. Just an example, yesterday, you had a great group with Bryan Danielson, Mike Mansury, Will Washington, Jimmy Jacobs, Sonjay Dutt, Sarah Stock and Dean Malenko and several others that were in my office throughout the day at various points. Bryan had his match, people were in and out, I think everybody had great points and there were a number of other people.”

    Khan talked about how the recent string of shows from AEW have been very good, but the system he does have set up could likely use some tweaking.

    “It wasn’t quite the set-up I was looking for so I’ll see if I still get it, but very excited to talk about the science of the booking and I think in particular, recently, we’ve had some of the best shows we’ve ever done.”

    Khan noted that the Continental Classic has been a huge influence of how he books moving forward and then reiterated the confidence he has with his strategy.

    “I think the experiments we’ve been doing are working and I have a better sense of where to go and what to do going into 2024 than I ever have been.”

  • “Is it fun? No, not really” – MJF talks about the challenges of being a babyface (Exclusive)

    “Is it fun? No, not really” – MJF talks about the challenges of being a babyface (Exclusive)

    MJF is one of AEW’s biggest breakout stars at this point, and that’s impossible to deny. He has gone by a few nicknames throughout his career so far, but one moniker he didn’t think would come so soon was that of a babyface.

    Maxwell Jacob Friedman broke into the scene as AEW’s most ruthless heel. He captured mainstream attention by giving the middle finger and throwing an alcoholic drink on children, not one to garner cheers. Now, as we wrap up 2023, he’s changed his ways and fans have fully embraced him as a hero.

    Following his recent induction into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, ‘Our Scumbag’ spoke with SEScoops correspondent The Solomonster Jason Solomon about this evolution. The ‘Salt of the Earth’ admitted that he resisted that change a bit, because he was afraid of rejection from fans. 

    “[I get] the loudest reaction every single week is when my music hits. That’s a fact. A lot of people like to talk about feelings. That’s a fact. How did that happen? I think anybody can relate to my story. The reason I was afraid is because I was afraid of rejection. And it’s a lot easier walking through that curtain not caring how people think about you than it is walking through that curtain and it’s your job to care.

    Now, it’s my job to make sure that everybody in that arena cares about me. It’s my job to make sure that everybody in that arena feels represented by me and I take that job very seriously. Is it fun? No. Not really, but I feel like put my own twist on it and I’ve been able to be myself unapologetically. I think the fans love me for that. I’m their scumbag.

    I’m not your ‘Wheaties-eating, run-of-the-mill, blue-eyed baby face.’ I’m your friend in your friend group that deep down, you love, but God am I problematic. But we put up with it because I’m funny, you know?”

    When Does MJF’s AEW contract expire?

    MJF has been touting the Bidding War of 2024 for years now. As the wrestling war between AEW and WWE heats up, Friedman has boasted about his plan to play the two companies off each other in hopes of securing ‘life changing’ money from whoever he works for next.

    It’s been speculated that MJF signed a contract extension prior to All Out 2022, but the AEW World Champion denies that he-signed with AEW.

    MJF started sharing his real story, one that included everything he had to go through as a child. That journey to the top of pro wrestling wasn’t always the easiest path for MJF, but he made it through everything in his way to reach AEW.

    Now, as AEW World Champion, MJF is a babyface character, but it didn’t come without trepidation. After all, it’s much simpler to get someone to hate you than it is to get them to cheer whenever your music hits. In some strange way, MJF was able to accomplish both.

    MJF is set to defend the AEW World Title against Samoa Joe at Worlds End on December 30th. Considering the fact that MJF is going into that match hurt, we have to wonder how much longer he will sit on top of Tony Khan’s company. 

  • Shawn Spears Confirms He Is Leaving AEW

    Shawn Spears Confirms He Is Leaving AEW

    Shawn Spears was a part of the first wave of talent that Tony Khan signed when he was putting AEW together. The former Tye Dillinger made his way to AEW as part of the Casino Battle Royale at the first Double or Nothing event, and the rest is history. Now, his time has with AEW come to an end.

    Shawn Spears is leaving AEW

    According to Sean Ross Sapp on Fightful Select, Shawn Spears is set to leave AEW on January 1st. His separation is said to be amicable with All Elite Wrestling.

    We’re told that Spears becomes a free agent on January 1, and the departure was amicable between he and All Elite Wrestling.

    Shawn Spears then took to X, where he confirmed this report. He thanked AEW for allowing him an opportunity, but now he is off to a new part of his life. He also made it very clear to note that this was his choice to leave All Elite Wrestling.

    “What a wonderful time it has been. Thank you AEW for allowing me to be there from the ground level. It’s been a fantastic 5 years of growth and personal development. This is a personal choice and one that is best for me and my family at this time. Thank you to all, staff and talent alike for the memories. 10.”

    Shawn Spears and his wife, Cassie Lee, also recently announced that they are expecting a second child.

    AEW’s Notable Departures In 2024

    AEW saw significant departures recently, notably the exit of Dana Massie. There will be a few key figures moving on from AEW next year.

    QT Marshall’s departure from the company is set to become official in 2024, and he is no longer present at AEW events. Marshall, besides being an in-ring competitor, served as AEW President Tony Khan’s right-hand man for a period.

    Internally, AEW is undergoing changes, marked by Kevin Sullivan’s abrupt release and the departures of QT Marshall, Dana Massie, and Rafael Morffi from the company. There could be more details to explore once the dust settles on this unfolding story.

  • Updated Card for AEW Worlds End Card Following Dynamite

    Updated Card for AEW Worlds End Card Following Dynamite

    We’re just days away from AEW’s newest pay-per-view, Worlds End. The show is live from Nassau Coliseum on Long Island, MJF’s hometown. The main event will see MJF defend his AEW World Championship against Samoa Joe, who turned on him and attacked him with a chair at the end of Dynamite. It also saw MJF finally lose the ROH Tag Team Championship to unknown assailants of The Devil. 

    Worlds End isn’t just all about MJF. Andrade and Miro have had beef since the latter’s wife took on El Idolo as a client. Miro has wanted to fight him for weeks and now finally has the chance on Saturday.

    The “New Year’s Smash” edition of Dynamite saw the return of Sammy Guevara. He took exception to Don Callis not only including his newborn daughter on a painting, but for not contacting him when he was out of action with a concussion. He turned on Callis and was promptly attacked by Powerhouse Hobbs, Konosuke Takeshita, and Kyle Fletcher. Guevara was saved by Chris Jericho. Big Bill and Ricky Starks came from the crowd to beat them up. Sting and a returning Darby Allin came to save them. 

    Since Omega is out of action indefinitely, the AEW tag team championships will no longer be defended at Worlds End. Instead the champions will be teaming up with Hobbs and Takeshita versus Jericho, Guevara, Allin, and Sting in an 8-man match. 

    The Continental Classic had league finals matches on Wednesday. Dynamite opened with “Switchblade” Jay White vs. Swerve Strickland vs. Jon Moxley. Moxley won the Gold league to advance to Saturday’s finals. In the Blue league, Eddie Kingston defeated Bryan Danielson. 

    Zero Hour will see a 20-man Battle Royale for a shot at the TNT Championship any time, any where. The pre-show will begin at 6:30 PM ET on YouTube and AEW’s social media. 

    HOOK saved Katsuyori Shibata after Wheeler Yuta beat him up after he won the ROH PURE Championship. HOOK will put his FTW World Championship on the line under FTW Rules. 

    The main card for Worlds End will start at 8 PM ET. 

  • Mariah May Announces Her First Match In AEW

    Mariah May Announces Her First Match In AEW

    Just before Full Gear, Mariah May arrived in AEW. She showed up in a backstage segment with RJ City. She is a super fan of Toni Storm. In the following weeks, she has been holding Storm’s AEW Women’s Championship. She has interfered on her behalf. 

    After applauding Storm’s work on commentary, she asked the champion if she would provide commentary for her first match. Storm replied that she was much too busy to do so. She also declined to watch her first match to provide feedback, but if she holds a seminar, May would be the first to know. 

    During a segment on Dynamite, May spoke with Renee Paquette. After explaining that her attack on RIHO last week was just supporting her hero, she announced when her first match would be. She didn’t feel like “2023 had the best vibe and not enough glamour, so my debut is going to be next week on the first Dynamite of the new year. Because 2024 is ‘all about Mariah’.” 

    AEW will be live from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on January 3. It is unclear who will be May’s first opponent. 

    Prior to joining AEW, May spent nine months in STARDOM (like one Toni Storm). During her five year career, May has also wrestled for Rev Pro and PROGRESS in the UK. Her last match came on September 30 in the prestigious 5STAR Grand Prix tournament. 

  • Kazuchika Okada: The next Antonio Inoki or just another wannabe?

    Kazuchika Okada: The next Antonio Inoki or just another wannabe?

    Despite the eye patch, Bryan Danielson is ready for Kazuchika Okada at WrestleKingdom 18 and he thinks there’s a reason for that.

    Danielson was apart of the Wrestle Kingdom 18 Interview Series over on the company’s YouTube channel and was asked what does strong-style and fighting spirit mean to him,

    “All of what that means to me is continuing to fight despite the adversity and where I think I’m better at that than Okada is is because he hasn’t face the adversity that I’ve faced.”

    Danielson says Okada had the physique, look and skill to get catapulted right to the top while Danielson has had to fight his way up the card. 

    He talked about the struggles about when he first fractured his ortibal bone in 2007 with no insurance or no money and Okada has not had to worry about that. However, Okada previously had to worry about Danielson at Forbidden Door 2 when he submitted Okada in the ring.

    “When you want to talk about fighting spirit and you want to talk about strong-style, I don’t know if there’s a better example than breaking your arm and tapping out Okada on the same night, when nobody’s tapped out Okada since 2015.”

    The American Dragon says his vision is blurry and therefore he can’t drive his kids to school, stating that a lot of his motivaton stems from his kids. He says he’s going to break Okada’s right arm and take away his best weapon.

    “We’re going to see if you’re the next Antonio Inoki or just another wannabe.”

    Wrestle Kingdom 18 will go down January 4th.

    Please credit NJPW and h/t SEScoops for the transcription.

  • Sammy Guevara Will Be More Selective of “Crazy” Spots Now He’s a Dad

    AEW’s Sammy Guevara will be more cautious with his high-flying spots in the ring now that he and Tay Melo are parents. 

    The couple welcomed their first child last month, a baby girl by the name of Luna. Guevara and Melo announced that they were expecting at Double or Nothing 2023 before the main event four-way match which saw Guevara challenge for the AEW World Championship. 

    Sammy Guevara Will be More Selective

    Guevara could not be happier to be a dad, but his new role will affect his role in the ring. Speaking on the Insight podcast, Guevara spoke about how becoming a dad will likely change his wrestling. 

    It’s pretty cool for sure and now it’s got me thinking differently just in wrestling. Because I’m used to doing all the ‘I’m Crazy ‘ stuff but now I’m like, yeah, I guess I can’t be that crazy anymore… I don’t know if we’re going to dial it back but I think we’ll be more selective with how and when we do the crazy stuff.”

    Guevara recalled some of his ‘crazy’ spots, including a spot from Lucha Underground that the new father will be in no hurry to replicate. 

    “There was stuff in Lucha Underground, doing a moonsault 14 feet in the air to Jake Hager. Who bless his heart, tried to catch me, but there’s only so much you can do.”

    Guevara on Melo’s Scary Situation

    While becoming parents was a joy for Guevara and Tay Melo, it did have a very scary incident. On the podcast, Guevara recalled Melo dealing with health issues immediately following the birth. 

    “When she gave birth, they had to stitch her up, because she had a tear. And then, they almost had to send her to the OR because she was having a reaction from the epidural. So it was a scary moment. She’s holding the kid and then all of a sudden, she’s shaking like crazy. Her skin turns a different color, really pale.  Then she started throwing up… It was scary for a minute.

    “We were there for 25 hours. Crazy. The lead up to it too. Everything at the hospital and the whole pregnancy. I always joked that we’re going to have seven kids. But man, after that first one, it’s whatever she wants to do.” 

    Guevara returned to AEW TV on this week’s Dynamite and turned face against the Don Callis Family. He will compete in an eight-man tag-team match at this weekend’s Worlds End event. 

    For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops. 

  • Jon Moxley Vs. Eddie Kingston in AEW Continental Classic Finals Set for Worlds End

    Jon Moxley Vs. Eddie Kingston in AEW Continental Classic Finals Set for Worlds End

    Either Jon Moxley or Eddie Kingston will be crowned the Triple Crown Champion at AEW Worlds End in the finals of the inaugural AEW Continental Classic. 

    On this week’s AEW Dynamite: New Year’s Smash. Moxley defeated Jay White and Swerve Strickland in the finals of the Gold League. All three men had earned 12 points in the tournament, leading to a triple-threat match. On the same show, Kingston, the reigning ROH World Champion and NJPW Strong Openweight Champion, defeated Bryan Danielson. Kingston amassed nine points in the tournament to Danielson’s ten. 

    The winner of the match at Worlds End will become the inaugural Triple Crown Champion. This accolade will come about as the victor will be the AEW Continental Champion, the ROH World Champion, and the NJPW Strong Openweight Champion. 

    The Road to the Finals

    Jon Moxley has perhaps been the most impressive performer in the AEW Continental Classic from either league. In week one, Moxley defeated Mark Briscoe to earn three points and defeated Jay Lethal the following week. Moxley defeated Rush via technical submission in week three and earned a hard-fought win over Swerve Strickland in week four. In week five, Moxley took his only first-round loss of the entire tournament when he was defeated by Jay White on the AEW Dynamite: Holiday Bash episode. 

    Eddie Kingston’s road to AEW Worlds End was far less smooth. In his first two matches in the tournament, he lost to Brody King and Bryan Danielson respectively. It wouldn’t be until his third match against rival Claudio Castagnoli that Kingston earned his first win. Kingston would go on to defeat Daniel Garcia and Andrade El Idolo to earn enough points to advance to this week’s Blue League Finals.

  • Ex WWE Superstar Makes Surprise AEW In-Ring Debut Before 12/27 Dynamite

    Ex WWE Superstar Makes Surprise AEW In-Ring Debut Before 12/27 Dynamite

    AEW signed deals with plenty of former WWE stars, but not all of them are on the active roster. Prior to AEW Dynamite this week, fans in attendance got a special treat with a blast of Too Cool nostalgia.

    Big Surprise Before AEW Dynamite

    AEW producer Scott Garland, formerly known as WWE Tag Team Champion Scotty 2 Hotty, appeared during the pre-show before AEW Dynamite on December 27th.

    In a video shared by a fan, Scott Garland entered the ring as the name Scott Garland popped on the screen, and fans popped when they saw his name. AEW also gave him a song that was very similar to the classic Too Cool music.

    Despite the name change, Scott Garland’s act mirrors his Too Cool presentation in WWE, complete with song and attire reminiscent of his past. He rocked a bucket hat, cargo pants, and a puffy vest just like we all remember.

    Another video shows Scott Taylor performing his signature worm. He teamed up with The Acclaimed against Daddy Magic, Jake Hager, and The Gunns. Taylor also ended the whole bit by scissoring all three members of The Acclaimed after the match.

    Scotty 2 Hotty in AEW

    Scott Taylor, who confirmed his role as an AEW producer in October, has returned to the ring to fanfare. The company’s future plans for him remain uncertain. 

    Given Scott Taylor’s star power from the Attitude Era, teaming him with Billy Gunn to enhance The Acclaimed’s image could be a strategic move. It sure popped the crowd before Dynamite this week.

  • Goldberg Attempted To Be A Part Of Sting’s Retirement Match

    Goldberg Attempted To Be A Part Of Sting’s Retirement Match

    Sting is a WWE Hall of Famer, and his name means so much to pro wrestling fans all over the world. The Icon is set to wrestle his final match in 2024, and Goldberg wanted to be included in some way.

    Sting’s Retirement Match

    Sting’s arrival in AEW was a shock for many pro wrestling fans. His WWE contract quietly expired, and a new deal was not signed. The Stinger believed that he could do a lot more in the ring, and he certainly proved that by impressing fans, going above and beyond, time and time again in AEW.

    Goldberg was likely watching Sting’s final run in the pro wrestling business. Although Goldberg never ventured to AEW, he still wanted to be a part of Sting’s last match. 

    While appearing on Steve & Captain Evil, Goldberg stated that he wanted to be a part of Sting’s retirement match. He then went on to discuss what kind of person Sting is, and how he owes his pro wrestling career to The Icon.

    “Sting is the reason why I broke into the business. Sting set a great example. He’s about to retire. I tried to be part of his retirement match. I would not have chosen to get into the world of professional wrestling if it wasn’t for Sting. He was a normal dude who went out and did abnormal things. Wrestling is like being in the circus, it truly is. I never looked at it with much respect, but after I watched him from afar, I realized that I had the ability to go do it. He was not only a performer. He had self-respect and he commanded respect. He’s one of the best human beings on the planet, and he set an example for me and I just tried to grab it and run with it and make him proud. I had the best time of my life in the ring with Sting.” 

    Goldberg & Sting’s History

    Goldberg and Sting go way back to even before their wrestling days in WCW. They trained together at Goldberg’s gym, where Sting and Lex Luger worked out. Sting played a key role in getting Goldberg into wrestling, which opened many doors for him.

    Goldberg may want to pay tribute to Sting by being included in his final match, but it doesn’t appear that is in the cards right now. Tony Khan has been known to surprise fans with appearances in the past, so you never know if that next big announcement could be about Goldberg.

    AEW Revolution 2024 Date & Location

    Sting plans to retire at AEW Revolution on March 3rd, 2024, at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina, a familiar place for him. Sting has made history in that building before, and he will do it one more time in 2024.

  • MJF Wants Dual Career In Pro Wrestling & Hollywood

    MJF took over the pro wrestling scene since AEW broke barriers in 2019, proving that the landscape can handle more than one mainstream company. Now, as the Bidding War of 2024 is still allegedly looming, MJF has a bright future ahead of him.

    MJF’s Transition into Hollywood

    The 27-year-old AEW World Champion is also featured as Lance Von Erich in The Iron Claw film. He was credited as executive producer on the film as well.

    During an interview with Comicbook, MJF outlined his future aspirations in acting. He expressed his belief that in five years, he envisions being a familiar face in television and film.

    MJF also stated that his desire is to balance both professional wrestling and acting as full-time pursuits simultaneously. Additionally, he mentioned his goal of releasing a music album in the future.

    “I genuinely think in five years from now, I’m going to be a guy that people see regularly on their TV screen outside of the professional wrestling landscape.”

    “Trust me, I love wrestling too much to not still be involved in it. I will most likely still be full-time, but I want to be acting full-time as well by then. I would also like to put out an album by then. I would like to be a well distinguished actor that is recognized as being a great actor that transitioned from wrestling like these greats that did it before me. Like Dwayne [The Rock], like Batista. Like Cena.”

    MJF has a ton of potential, even more than he has already tapped into. Ric Flair made it clear that he believes MJF could be on a Randy Orton level, if he stays in AEW.

    What’s Next for MJF

    MJF claimed that he has not inked a new deal with AEW. His current contract was said to be up in 2024. This led to many promos that hinted about the possibility of MJF seeking employment elsewhere.

    Those in WWE I have spoken with believe that MJF actually inked a new deal with AEW prior to his 2022 return. That would mean his deal is not really up in 2024 as he previously stated.

    The world seems open for MJF as he keeps going. He is also 1/2 of the ROH Tag Team Titles. The Salt of the Earth will team with Samoa Joe to defend those titles against The Devil’s minions on AEW Dynamite this week.