SEScoops

Category: AEW

  • Bryan Danielson: Vince McMahon Asked What AEW Does Better than WWE

    Bryan Danielson: Vince McMahon Asked What AEW Does Better than WWE

    Bryan Danielson offered up quite the Vince McMahon story.

    All Elite Wrestling star Bryan Danielson was part of a significant Bloomberg story centered around AEW and the company’s President, Tony Khan.

    On the topic of AEW’s competition, Danielson claimed that Vince McMahon flat-out asked him what AEW does better than WWE.

    An excerpt from the piece offers that Danielson thinks AEW puts more of a premium on the in-ring product.

    “Bryan Danielson says that in early 2020 McMahon called him and asked a question that shocked the wrestler. “Do you see anything that AEW’s doing better than us?” Danielson spent the next two weeks watching every morsel of AEW programming and came to a conclusion: AEW committed more time to and placed more value on the craft of fighting in the ring. WWE’s shows were often marked by long segments of characters on the microphone. “It feels like you’re watching a wrestling show without any wrestling,” Danielson told Vince McMahon.”

    Bryan Danielson History with WWE

    It appears as if Bryan Danielson still has a great relationship with both Vince McMahon and WWE as Danielson appeared on the June 27, 2022, episode of Monday Night RAW via satellite to congratulate John Cena on his 20th anniversary with the company.

    Bryan Danielson was a mainstay of WWE programming from 2009 through 2021. ‘The American Dragon’ claimed many accolades during his decade-plus-long tenure with the Connecticut-based company. Among his accomplishments, Danielson secured the WWE (four times), World Heavyweight, Intercontinental, and United States Championships. Danielson was the sixth Grand Slam Champion in WWE history.

    Bryan Danielson AEW Debut

    Danielson departed WWE in April 2021 following losing a ‘Career vs. Title’ match against Roman Reigns. ‘The American Dragon’ made his All Elite Wrestling debut on September 5, 2021 during the company’s All Out pay-per-view, where he and fellow newcomer Adam Cole, engaged in a closing segment to the show alongside The Elite.

  • Samoa Joe Wins TNT Championship, Becomes King of TV Again

    Samoa Joe Wins TNT Championship, Becomes King of TV Again

    Samoa Joe returned to TV via video package last week and told Allin he was coming for his TNT Championship. He kept his promise in the main event of AEW Dynamite.

    The reigning champion came to the ring wearing a hoodie covered in thumbtacks. The two battled into the crowd, including Joe throwing Allin down on the steps.


    Samoa Joe Two Belts

    Samoa Joe

    There was also a Coffin Drop in the thumbtack hoodie, chairs and tables in a wild main event. Allin cut the ropes holding the mat in place to expose the ring. This would backfire as the ROH Television Champion would do a Muscle Buster from the second rope onto the exposed ring.



    While Samoa Joe Two Belts celebrated, a familiar sound blasted through the speakers. Wardlow has returned and came straight for his enemy. He attempted to put Joe in the Powerbomb Symphony, but the champ rolled out of the ring just in time. An incensed “Mr. Mayhem” attacked several security guards. He yeeted one poor soul into a group of security he had just attacked and Joe and his belts watched safely from the ramp.

  • Jade Cargill Earns 50th Consecutive Win

    Jade Cargill Earns 50th Consecutive Win

    On AEW Dynamite, Jade Cargill looked to continue her winning streak against former Baddie, Red Velvet.

    Prior to becoming a Baddie, Cargill and Red Velvet had history. Cargill defeated her in the TBS Championship Title tournament Quarter Final.

    Jade Cargill Makes History

    Jade Cargill
    (AEW)

    Red Velvet held her own and nearly became the “one in 49-1.” Keira Hogan attacked Leila Grey and sent her into the steps. While it was happening, Red Velvet was pinning the champion. Aubrey Edwards was distracted by Hogan and Grey and missed what was happening inside the ring. Cargill was able to get her shoulder up.

    Cargill hit her Jaded finisher to earn her 50th consecutive win. Afterwards, she celebrated with her daughter on the way to the back.

    On January 5th, Cargill marked one year as AEW TBS Champion. As she walked to the ring tonight, the stat shown on screen was that Cargill is the longest reigning champion in AEW history at 392 days. With her 50th win, the champion remains undefeated.

  • AEW Announces ‘House Rules’ Live Event Series

    AEW Announces ‘House Rules’ Live Event Series

    All Elite Wrestling’s has announced the ‘AEW House Rules’ tour, a series of live events that will soon take place across the United States. Ahead of Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite, the company sent out a press release announcing the first details.

    The first installment of the series will take place on Saturday, March 18 in Troy, Ohio at the Hobart Arena. The show is set to feature several current and former champions including Ohio’s own Jon Moxley.

    Tony Khan’s Statement on ‘AEW House Rules’

    “As a lifelong fan of professional wrestling who grew up attending house shows, AEW House Rules is an exciting next step in our journey. We’re always looking for meaningful ways to engage with our fans, and AEW House Rules will be a great way for them to connect with our incredible talent.”

    AEW Director of Business Development Jeff Jarrett’s Statement on ‘AEW House Rules’

    “The extraordinary success of AEW changed the landscape of professional wrestling. Not only as a whole, but by providing a fresh new product in a manner deemed impossible years ago. As expand to house shows, fans can expect an innovative approach along with the best talent in professional wrestling. In addition to satisfying diehard fans, we’re excited about creating new fans of all ages.”

    Ticket Information

    Tickets for the new live event series will go on-sale on Friday, February 3 at 10:00 a.m. EDT/7:00 a.m. PDT and can be purchased at AEWTix.com.

  • Tony Khan on Kota Ibushi in AEW: “I Really Want to Work With Him”

    Tony Khan on Kota Ibushi in AEW: “I Really Want to Work With Him”

    Former NJPW star Kota Ibushi is now on the free agent market after departing from New Japan Pro Wrestling and he knows he will have promotions interested in him including AEW. 

    AEW/ROH owner Tony Khan has signed some of the biggest stars in today’s wrestling and is interested in talking with Kota about potentially being the next to become All Elite. 

    During a his weekly Wednesday morning appearance on Busted Open Radio, Khan was asked about Ibushi.

    “When you have a name like that, everybody in the world of pro wrestling would be very fortunate to have in their promotion. I really wanted to work with him in the past so I think that’s something we’d certainly have to consider.”

    – Tony Khan

    Ibushi said in an interview today that he thinks he will talk with AEW after he opens a wrestling school in Japan.

    When his contract expired, NJPW issued a statement, wishing him luck in his future endeavors.

    Kota has been sidelined for over a year as his last match happened in October 2021 with a dislocated shoulder suffered in the G1 Climax finals. GCW has already announced that Ibushi is slated to work Bloodsport and Spring Break during WrestleMania weekend in Los Angeles.

    Kota Ibushi Discusses Possibly Joining AEW
  • AEW Together is Company’s Revamped Community Outreach Initiative

    AEW Together is Company’s Revamped Community Outreach Initiative

    All Elite Wrestling has announced a refresh of its community outreach program. The revamped program, named AEW Together, includes a restructure of programming and the addition of key staff.

    Here’s the full announcement, sent in to SEScoops Wednesday morning:

    Feb. 1, 2023 – AEW CEO, GM and Head of Creative Tony Khan today announced the company’s refreshed and refocused community outreach program under a new name: AEW TOGETHER. Moving forward, AEW TOGETHER will operate as AEW’s philanthropic initiative designed to foster lasting, positive change in each market AEW visits.

    Under the leadership of new Director of Community Engagement Katelyn Borden, AEW TOGETHER will dedicate its efforts and initiatives around four core pillars: (1) Next Generation, focusing on youth programs, (2) Equity, with an emphasis on human rights and social change, (3) Service, helping those in need in the local area, and (4) Wellness, focusing on physical and mental health. The efforts of AEW TOGETHER complement AEW’s commitment to fostering the physical and mental wellness of its talent and staff. Borden and AEW Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer Megha Parekh established these core pillars with a renewed emphasis on selecting and serving causes near and dear to the hearts of AEW’s roster.

    AEW TOGETHER will continue its larger-scale national partnerships with charitable organizations throughout the year, including KultureCity, the American Heart Association and Oceana. In tandem, the team will continue to develop collaborations with local nonprofits and organizations to support communities in need. AEW Together will also continue fundraising efforts and awareness campaigns for groups that align with the program’s core values.

    AEW TOGETHER’s relaunch kicks off today, the start of American Heart Month, with a CPR training session done in coordination with the American Heart Association for AEW talent and staff ahead of a live episode of “AEW: Dynamite” in Dayton, Ohio.

    The following updates to the AEW TOGETHER team, who will report into Parekh, are effective immediately:

    Katelyn Borden will serve as AEW TOGETHER’s Director of Community Engagement. She will be responsible for driving the overall strategy of philanthropic and local activations, managing fundraising targets and overseeing team members. She will also manage the evaluation of proceeds, data and results, and work to secure and develop partnerships and implement activations.

    Amanda Huber will continue her impactful work as Community Engagement Coordinator, spearheading the identification of local organizations for collaborations in AEW’s touring markets. Her role will encompass coordinating logistics for activations and meet-and-greets, as well as managing all team communications channels.

    Mark Henry, Paul Wight, Jake Roberts, and “Captain” Shawn Dean have been promoted to Special Advisors to AEW TOGETHER. In this role, they will bring their experience and passion for community relations to help identify partner organizations across the country, assist in incorporating talent participation and provide counsel on enhancing activations.

    “The overarching mission of AEW TOGETHER is to fight collectively for a better world, and I’m honored to lead this incredible team in our effort to create meaningful impact,” said Katelyn Borden. “With our roster of passionate wrestlers and amazing partners across the country, we have the power to make a difference. We’re thrilled to officially kick off AEW TOGETHER today, and I’m looking forward to all that’s to come this year and beyond.”

    “Hand-in-hand with delivering the best product to our fans each week is our strong commitment to fostering a safe, healthy and inclusive community through the power of wrestling. AEW TOGETHER complements this by identifying causes that are important to our talent and supporting organizations in the cities we visit throughout the year,” said Tony Khan. “The team behind AEW TOGETHER will ensure that we make a positive impact in every town we visit through volunteering, fundraising and helping to drive social change.”

    For the latest updates and activations, follow @AEWTogether on Twitter & Instagram and visit www.aewtogether.org.

  • New WWE 2K23 Gameplay Trailer features WarGames

    New WWE 2K23 Gameplay Trailer features WarGames

    2K Games has released a new gameplay trailer for WWE 2K23, this time showing the video game debut of an NXT star and what WarGames, a fan favorite match, looks like in the virtual world. 

    The game is still a month away, but this new trailer highlights Roman Reigns, Logan Paul, John Cena, The Undertaker, and Bad Bunny. It also features the details gone into making WarGames look as real as possible. 

    WarGames

    WarGames is making its WWE video game debut this year after the company brought back the match type in 2017 for NXT. Although WWE first used WarGames on the main roster for last year’s Survivor Series event, the match will only be able to take place in one WarGames arena modeled after the 2021 event.

    Also, NXT’s Cora Jade and Alba Fyre are featured as Jade hit Fyre with a Glory Bomb. It should be noted that it looks like she will have her babyface gimmick in the game, which marks her video game debut. 

    The game is slated to be released on March 17, 2023. Fans who  pre-order the standard edition of the game early will be able to play as Bad Bunny and those get the Deluxe or Icon editions will have access to the game on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. 

  • Kenny Omega Expected Back in AEW This Week, Visa Issue Resolved

    Kenny Omega Expected Back in AEW This Week, Visa Issue Resolved

    Kenny Omega is slated to be back at this week’s AEW Dynamite after not appearing on AEW television since January 11 due to a visa issue. 

    Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported on Tuesday that Omega will be at Dynamite in Dayton, Ohio. As of this writing, it’s unclear whether Omega will be appearing on the show as he hasn’t been advertised for the episode.

    Omega being cleared to travel again should pave the way for the future title defense of Trios Champions The Elite against Top Flight & AR Fox, which has been in the planning stages for weeks. Up to this point, AEW was not able to announce the date because of the visa issue.

    The Elite won the titles on the January 11 episode of Dynamite in Los Angeles by defeating Death Triangle (PAC, Penta El Zero Miedo & Rey Fenix) in a ladder match.

    Updated AEW Dynamite Card

    • Jon Moxley vs. Hangman Page III
    • Bryan Danielson vs. Timothy Thatcher
    • TBS Champion Jade Cargill defends against Red Velvet
    • TNT Champion Darby Allin defends against Samoa Joe in a no holds barred match
    • Konosuke Takeshita vs. Brian Cage
    • AEW Tag Team Champions The Acclaimed vs. TBA
  • AEW Star Spotted Backstage at WWE Royal Rumble

    AEW Star Spotted Backstage at WWE Royal Rumble

    Saturday night “The Road to WrestleMania” officially kicked off with the Royal Rumble.

    The men’s Royal Rumble match saw a guest spot from Booker T along with the returns of Edge and Cody Rhodes. GUNTHER also set a record for the longest time in a Royal Rumble match.

    AEW Star Supporting Cody Rhodes

    Rhodes made his return from injury at the 30th entrant in the rumble match. He was able to defeat GUNTHER to earn a match against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39.

    Last night, AEW star Ricky Starks tweeted that “#30 is a great number. LFG”

    On Sunday evening, a photo surfaced on Starks at the Royal Rumble with Rhodes. The two wrestlers are good friends. Settle down, IWC.

    In response to the photo and the Twitter jokes, Starks commented, “Damn, they brought back GTV.”

    On last Wednesday’s Dynamite, Starks and Action Andretti faced “Le Sex Gods” Chris Jericho and Sammy Guevara.

    Cody Rhodes On His Torn Pectoral Injury “I’m Very Sorry That I got Hurt”
  • (Spoiler) Former MLW Star Debuts at AEW Dark Tapings

    (Spoiler) Former MLW Star Debuts at AEW Dark Tapings

    Former MLW star EJ Nduka made his debut for All Elite Wrestling at Saturday’s AEW Dark tapings from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. He faced Konosuke Takeshita in a match that will soon air on the AEW Youtube channel.

    Nduka had two tryouts for WWE before signing with the company in August 2019. He trained at the Performance Center but was released less than two years later.

    He signed with Major League Wrestling shortly thereafter as part of that year’s MLW Open Draft. Known as The Judge, Nduka held the MLW World tag team championships with Calvin Tankman. His MLW contract expired earlier this month and he decided to test himself on the free agency market.

    Here are some photos of Nduka’s AEW debut, courtesy of Jacob Cohen:

    Nduka is friends with AEW TBS Champion, Jade Cargill. They attended Jacksonville University together and broke into the business on the very same day.

    During a November 2021 interview with SEScoops correspondent Samira, “So, Jade and I, we both went to college together. Ironically, we knew of each other, but we didn’t know each other. In college, she played basketball and I played football. We actually got close when we got in the industry the same day.”

    “We had our tryout at the WWE at the PC (Performance Center). She was literally right behind me in line. We started chopping it up and ever since then we’ve just been really good friends and we train whenever we get a chance. They were in Orlando for the AEW Dynamite, so we got an opportunity to train.”

  • AEW Theme Song Plays at WWE’s Royal Rumble Super Store

    AEW Theme Song Plays at WWE’s Royal Rumble Super Store

    Everybody loves The Acclaimed, AEW’s reigning world tag team champions – even the guy who was in charge of the music playing at WWE’s Royal Rumble Super Store

    The Royal Rumble Super Store has been open since January 26 at the Alamodome and is presented by Credit One Bank. Fans who are in town for the Rumble can purchase merchandise, check out iconic WWE memorabilia and participate in autograph signings presented by Fiterman Sports A correspondent on the ground in San Antonio wrote in to tell us that it’s an attraction that’s definitely worth checking out if you attend a big WWE PPV weekend.

    On Friday night, a few customers who were in attendance mentioned on social media that the Acclaimed’s entrance theme music was playing at the store while ‘members of the WWE Universe’ were shopping.

    According to Twitter user @BosniazFinest28, “the guy who came to turn it off said he got screwed by his Spotify playlist.”

    Here’s the footage:

    Scissor Me Daddy Ass

    The Acclaimed was represented at another WWE event just miles away from the Royal Rumble Super Store. On Friday’s SmackDown, a fan of Max Caster and Anthony Bowens who had great seats proudly held a sign that reads, “Scissor Me Daddy Ass!”

  • Latest on Why Warner Bros. Discovery Banned The Briscoes from AEW TV

    Latest on Why Warner Bros. Discovery Banned The Briscoes from AEW TV

    Mark Briscoe was allowed to compete on this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, but only after a lot of pushback from Warner Bros. Discovery.

    In the main event of the show, Briscoe defeated Jay Lethal in a tribute match to Mark’s brother Jay, who died earlier this month.

    It has been reported that the match was not approved until the day before Dynamite and that multiple segments were shortened to give the main event plenty of time

    Warner Bros. Discovery Ban

    Jay Briscoe unfortunately never got the chance to compete on AEW TV, due to a ban against the brothers implemented by Warner Bros. Discovery.

    This ban was due to controversial tweets made by Jay a decade ago, comments that Briscoe would apologize for and explain as part of his heel character.

    The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that WBD also had an issue with Jay and Mark’s use of the Confederate flag for their wrestling attire in the past.

    It’s noted that as part of their agreement with AEW, Warner Bros. Discovery has the power to remove anyone from TV they do not wish to appear.

    Following Mark’s debut, it was said that the ban on him is lifted and he is free to appear on future AEW programming.

    What’s Next?

    Jay’s daughters, who were in the car at the time of the accident, have undergone surgery and both are said to be doing okay despite what’s happened.

    A fundraiser has been created to support Jay’s family, as well as the family of the other driver, who was also killed in the crash.

    Mark has spoken about his brother, saying that Jay is still with him in spirit, and that he’s going to keep pushing forward.

    AEW Dynamite Results (1/25/23): Jay Briscoe Tribute, Darby Allin vs. Buddy Matthews
  • Mark Briscoe’s AEW Debut Wasn’t Approved Until Late in the Plans

    Mark Briscoe’s AEW Debut Wasn’t Approved Until Late in the Plans

    This week’s emotional tribute show to Jay Briscoe was a huge night for AEW, but wasn’t approved until very late in the game.

    Briscoe died last Tuesday in a car accident, mere minutes from his home in Laurel, Delaware. He was 38.

    Both Jay and Mark had previously been banned by WBD from appearing on AEW programming over controversial comments Jay made a decade ago.

    Tribute Show

    This week’s show went off well, but there were several changes made to the show before it went live.

    Fightful Select reports that prior to Tuesday, it didn’t appear that Mark Briscoe’s match against Jay Lethal was happening.

    AEW had to move “many things around” to make the match a reality, and Ian Riccaboni was flown in just hours before the show.

    The AEW TNT Championship match between Darby Allin and Buddy Matthews was the originally scheduled main event of the show.

    That match had some time trimmed to add to the Briscoe-Lethal match, and the same happened with the Acclaimed’s therapy segment.

    One source said it was impressive how they were able to provide Mark Briscoe and Jay Lethal as much time as they needed without compromising anything else that was advertised.

    Dalton Castle was at the show and came to sit front row to cheer on Mark Briscoe, who defeated Lethal in the main event.

    Those working in AEW who spoke to Fightful said they were very happy with how the show went.

    Mark Briscoe on Brother Jay’s Passing: “He’s Ain’t Gone”

  • Top AEW Star Missed This Week’s Dynamite Over Visa Issues

    Top AEW Star Missed This Week’s Dynamite Over Visa Issues

    This week’s edition of AEW Dynamite was an emotional show, but one top name from the company could not attend.

    This week’s Dynamite was a tribute to Jay Briscoe, who died earlier this month in a car accident near his home in Laurel, Delaware.

    Dynamite saw Jay’s brother Mark make his AEW debut and defeat Jay Lethal in the main event of the show.

    Visa Issues

    In addition to a stacked show, Dynamite saw the rosters of AEW and Ring of Honor appear to support Mark, but Kenny Omega wasn’t among them.

    According to Fightful Select, the self-proclaimed ‘Best Bout Machine’ wanted to be at the AEW tapings “but has been battling visa issues” in recent days.

    Omega has not appeared for AEW since he and the Young Bucks regained the AEW Trios Championships from Death Triangle on the January 11, 2023, episode of Dynamite.

    It remains unclear when Omega will be able to return to TV, and the former World Champion missed much of 2022 due to injuries and his post-All Out suspension.

    Tribute Show

    Even without Omega, this week’s Dynamite was an exceptional affair in memory to one of the most established names in Ring of Honor history.

    Dynamite saw AEW TNT Champion Darby Allin retain his title against Buddy Matthews, while JungleHook defeated Matt Hardy and ‘All Ego’ Ethan Page.

    Bryan Danielson continued his winning ways in his efforts to get a shot at MJF, by defeating ROH Six-Man-Tag Team Champion Brian Cage.

    Ruby Soho defeated Toni Storm in a match that was meant to be a triple-threat but was changed due to Britt Baker’s injury.

    Kenny Omega’s Time with WWE Made Him Question His Love for Wrestling
  • Britt Baker Update Following Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite

    Britt Baker Update Following Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite

    AEW President Tony Khan unexpectedly announced Wednesday morning that Britt Baker wouldn’t be competing as scheduled on this week’s Dynamite episode. 

    Khan cited that she wasn’t medically cleared to compete and had been pulled from a scheduled triple threat bout against Ruby Soho and Toni Storm on this week’s show. 

    Dave Meltzer noted on today’s Wrestling Observer Radio that Baker’s injury is not considered serious although it’s still unclear what the exact injury is. She wasn’t cleared and won’t be sidelined for a lengthy period of time. 

    Plans Change

    Soho vs. Storm in a singles match was booked instead on the show. AEW did use Baker on Dynamite as she was seen on the stage area during the match, leading to a distraction that allowed Soho to pick up the victory.

    Khan revealed on Wednesday morning’s Busted Open Radio that the planned triple threat would take place once Baker is medically cleared. 

    Baker’s last Dynamite match happened when she teamed with Jamie Hayter and defeated Saraya and Toni Stormon on the January 11, 2023, edition of Dynamite from Los Angeles. She teamed with Jamie Hayter and defeated Saraya and Toni Storm that night. Last week, Hayter & Baker beat the Renegade twins on Rampage.

  • AEW & DAZN Announce Multi-Year, Exclusive Broadcast Deal

    AEW & DAZN Announce Multi-Year, Exclusive Broadcast Deal

    Action from All Elite Wrestling will be available in dozens of markets across Europe and Asia as part of a new broadcast deal with DAZN.

    DAZN, the popular global sports streaming service, began in 2015, and holds domestic broadcasting rights for several top soccer teams in their main markets, include Italy’s Serie A, Spain’s La Liga and Germany’s Bundesliga.

    The Statement

    In a statement by DAZN Group, it was confirmed that they had secured “exclusive broadcast rights to AEW, in a multi-year deal that will bring the promotion to DAZN subscribers in 42 markets across Europe and Asia.

    The deal will include AEW Dynamite and Rampage, Dark and Dark: Elevation, four Battle of the Belt events a year, and four Pay-Per-Views a year.

    The statement by DAZN calls the introduction of AEW to is schedule “another major addition to the breadth of multi-sport content available on the platform.”

    AEW is described in the statement as “the new professional wrestling league taking the world by storm with its meteoric rise, record-high ratings, world-class roster and highly entertaining product.”

    AEW will air in the following markets as part of DAZN:

    Albania, Alderney, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, Georgia, Gibraltar, Greece, Guernsey, Hungary, Iceland, Jan Mayen Islands, Jersey, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Svalbard, Sweden, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

    Impact Partners with DAZN to Bring Content to 170+ Countries

  • Road Dogg: CM Punk is More Sports Entertainer Than Pro Wrestler

    Road Dogg: CM Punk is More Sports Entertainer Than Pro Wrestler

    Is CM Punk the best wrestler in the world as he claimed during his iconic June 2011 Raw pipebomb?

    Perhaps, perhaps not. But he’s a darn fine ‘Sports Entertainer.’

    Punk has been a huge topic of discussion ever since his actions following last September’s All Out 2022 event, and he has been suspended ever since.

    Sports Entertainer

    Punk has often credited himself as a professional wrestler, and during his 2011 pipebomb spoke about ‘sports entertainers’ like The Rock and John Cena.

    Oh his Oh You Didn’t Know podcast, ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James admitted that Punk is a great wrestler, but believes that the Sports Entertainer label fits him better. He added:

    “Punk’s a great example of a guy that if you just went with wrestler, wrestler, wrestler, wouldn’t have made it without the attitude, mic skills and I don’t want to say character because Punk was never really a character, he was just himself, but he’s good at it.”

    ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James.

    CM Punk’s Future

    Punk’s future with AEW remains uncertain, with Tony Khan refusing any and all requests for comment on the former World Champion’s situation.

    It has been reported that some top names in AEW have refused to work with Punk if he is brought back, and that Chris Jericho is one of them.

    Things are not looking better for Punk in WWE, with reports that some in the company absolutely do not want him to return.

    The belief is that Punk (who walked out of WWE in 2014 on bad terms) will only bring the problems seen in AEW if he is rehired.

    AEW Roster Don’t Buy Tony Khan’s Recent Claim About CM Punk (Report)

    h/t – Wrestling Inc

  • Tony Khan ‘Pushed & Pushed’ for WBD to Allow Mark Briscoe on AEW Dynamite (Report)

    Tony Khan ‘Pushed & Pushed’ for WBD to Allow Mark Briscoe on AEW Dynamite (Report)

    Mark Briscoe was allowed to appear on this week’s Dynamite but only after the monumental efforts of AEW President Tony Khan.

    The Briscoes were not allowed to appear on AEW programming due to an edict by Warner Bros. Discovery, over problematic comments made by Jay a decade ago.

    After Jay’s death earlier this month, Mark was allowed to compete on this week’s Dynamite, where he faced Jay Lethal.

    Khan’s Efforts

    Briscoe’s debut on this week’s Dynamite came hours after a report stating that WBD wanted no part of him on their show, due to Jay’s comments.

    Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer stated that it was Tony Khan who went to bat for the Briscoes.

    “You have to credit that one to Tony Khan. I mean, he pushed and pushed and I mean, he pushed really hard on this one and got them to change their minds. They [Warner Bros. Discovery] were pretty dead-set against it. I mean, the social media stuff, that possibly could have helped.”

    Dave Meltzer.

    Team Effort

    While Khan was able to convince WBD to ditch their ban on either Briscoe, he wasn’t the only one who worked on this.

    On his show, Meltzer said that it was a team effort of people who showed the better side of Jay Briscoe to AEW’s broadcast partners.

    “It was certainly a lot of people. We said it last Wednesday, but a lot of people had been saying it all week like ‘how do you ban Jay Briscoe, the tribute show? How do you ban the tribute show when you’re showing Dana White on Slap-Fight?’ Dana White’s mistake was December 31st, 2022 [and WBD moved on.] Jay’s mistake, a big mistake, both of them were big mistakes. His mistake was in 2013 and he had certainly apologized and atoned for it. Just read the article that I did. The stuff from [ROH commentator Ian] Riccaboni and other people. Cary Silkin and others.

    “Nobody hid from that part of Jay Briscoe’s life, and neither did he. So [allowing Mark on Dynamite] was the right thing to do and I’m glad he got to do it. But it took a lot a lot a lot of work to get it done.”

    Meltzer added on his show that Mark is free to compete on AEW going forward, implying that his appearance this week was not a one-off.

    Fans Asked to Stop Harassing Family of Other Driver in Jay Briscoe Tragedy

    For use of these quotes please give a h/t to SEScoops.

  • Fans Asked to Stop Harassing Family of Other Driver in Jay Briscoe Tragedy

    Fans Asked to Stop Harassing Family of Other Driver in Jay Briscoe Tragedy

    The wrestling world is in mourning following the death of Jay Briscoe, but that is no excuse to harass the family of the other driver killed in last Tuesday’s accident.

    Briscoe, 38, was killed in a vehicular collision mere minutes from his home in Laurel, Delaware and his daughters (who were in the car) were also seriously injured.

    Delaware State Police confirmed that another driver crossed the center line and collided with Jay’s vehicle head-on and that they too were killed in the accident.

    Harassment

    While the wrestling world has come out in support of Briscoe and the Pugh family, the response to the other victim’s family has been far more hostile.

    Lillyanne Ternahan, a mother of two, was the driver of the other vehicle, and her family has been on the receiving end of hurtful comments.

    Josh Wharton, a friend of the Pugh family, addressed these attacks on Facebook, and made it clear he and the Pughs are against such comments.

    “It’s been a tough week for our community, but also has been heartwarming to see the outpouring of love towards the Pugh family during this tragedy. Once again-Jamin touched so many lives across the world and that has been evident by the daily tributes, comments and love we’ve all witnessed. The girls are still progressing, as God continues to hear all of our prayers.

    “Unfortunately this has not been the case for the other family, as there have been numerous rumors and information out there which has led to attacking/degrading comments on social media that the family has seen. Her children will read these at some point.

    “Jamin, Ashley, the Pugh family, myself and K.c. do not stand for this. In a time of tragedy, pointing fingers does not reverse what has been done.

    “The driver of the other vehicle has 2 young children, and we all should be showing the same love and compassion for them as we have done for the Pugh’s. Be reminded that their world has also been turned upside down undeservingly, and there is a huge hole left in their family.

    “I am sincerely asking that everyone stop with the negative comments and feelings towards them. Let me remind you all that none of us, and I know myself better than anyone-have things we are not proud of. We all struggle with something.

    “To judge an entire life by the outcome of this tragedy is not who we are. Only love can conquer hate. Instead of expressing harsh feelings, pray for them.”

    Our thoughts remain with the Pughs and the Ternahan family at this sad time.

    A donation page for the Pugh family can be found here, and a donation page for the Ternahan’s can be found here.

    Watch: AEW’s Jay Briscoe Tribute Video

    h/t – 411 Mania

  • Ex-WWE NXT Star to Make AEW Dynamite Debut Next Week

    Ex-WWE NXT Star to Make AEW Dynamite Debut Next Week

    A former WWE NXT Superstar will be making their presence felt on next week’s AEW Dynamite, as part of the feud between Bryan Danielson and MJF.

    Danielson is currently working towards a match with the reigning AEW World Champion but must remain undefeated until February 8 to do so.

    If Danielson does reach that date without taking a loss, the AEW World Championship match between the pair will be a sixty-minute Iron Man match at AEW Revolution 2023.

    AEW Debut

    During this week’s Dynamite, Danielson continued his winning ways, defeating Brian Cage, who attacked the American Dragon after the match.

    MJF would join Cage in the ring, but Konosuke Takeshita would arrive to make the save.

    Later on, MJF appeared in a video promo where he stated Danielson’s next opponent will systematically eliminate him.

    That opponent turned out to be Timothy Thatcher, who will face Danielson next week on AEW Dynamite.

    Timothy Thatcher

    Before coming to WWE in 2020, Thatcher proved his toughness on the independent scene, working for promotions like wXw and Evolve.

    The former Evolve Champion would be assigned to NXT in 2020, replacing Pete Dunne as Matt Riddle’s tag partner, when the Bruiserweight was unable to travel due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Not long after his debut, Thatcher walked out on Riddle, turning heel, and would defeat the Original Bro in WWE’s first Fight Pit match.

    After transitioning into a teaching role at the WWE PC, Thatcher would be released on January 5, 2022, and make his debut for Pro Wrestling Noah that June.

    AEW Dynamite Results (1/25/23): Jay Briscoe Tribute, Darby Allin vs. Buddy Matthews
  • Watch: AEW’s Jay Briscoe Tribute Video

    Watch: AEW’s Jay Briscoe Tribute Video

    Eight days after Jay Briscoe’s shocking death, AEW was finally able to pay tribute to him with a video.

    On the Dynamite following Briscoe’s death, AEW was not allowed to show any type of tribute video for him due to a long-standing decision by Warner Media Discovery. Commentary spoke about him and several wrestlers paid tribute to Briscoe throughout the night.

    Jay Briscoe Tribute Video

    Jay Briscoe

    On Tuesday, Tony Khan announced that Jay’s brother, Mark would be facing Jay Lethal on this week’s Dynamite. With this announcement, Dave Meltzer confirmed that AEW was cleared to pay tribute to Jay this week.

    After the opening match, Excalibur spoke about Jay before this video aired. It features clips of his daughters, who were injured in the car accident.

    This tribute video follows tributes from IMPACT at their tapings, GCW, NJPW and NOAH, and WWE.

    Mark vs. Lethal is the main event on Wednesday night.

    The Young Bucks Wanted The Briscoes When AEW First Started
  • Chris Jericho Explains What Would Make Him Retire From Wrestling

    Chris Jericho Explains What Would Make Him Retire From Wrestling

    Chris Jericho has been in the wrestling business for 30 years, where he found success in ECW, WCW, WWE, and now AEW. 

    Throughout his career, he has reinvented himself at various times. Once he went to NJPW for a one-off match with Kenny Omega in 2018, it opened up his mind to what could be outside of the WWE bubble, eventually leading to him going to AEW when the promotion launched in 2019. 

    Jericho became the inaugural AEW World Champion at All Out in August 2019 when he beat Hangman Page. 

    Retirement

    While speaking on the WTF with Marc Maron Podcast, the top AEW star discussed what would cause him to quit the business. 

    “People say, ‘Well, how much longer are you going to do this?’ I could end tomorrow. I could end five years from now, or who cares? Sting is 63 and still doing great stuff. So who knows, man? To me, as long as you can still compete at a high level — like I have a high standard for myself. If I went out there and two, three, four times in a row I felt like, ‘Oof, I’m starting to f*cking phone this in,’ I would quit.”

    On this week’s AEW Dynamite, Jericho teams with Sammy Guevara to face the duo of Action Andretti and Ricky Starks.

    H/T to Wrestling Inc for the transcription

  • Tony Khan Open to Working With WWE on a ‘World Cup’ Super Show

    Tony Khan Open to Working With WWE on a ‘World Cup’ Super Show

    Tony Khan is on board with the idea of a ‘World Cup’ of pro wrestling. He knows it wouldn’t be easy to get WWE on board working with the likes of All Elite Wrestling New Japan Pro Wrestling, but he’s open to working with “anybody” for the greater good.

    “You never know.”

    – Tony Khan

    Last year’s AEWxNJPW Forbidden Door pay-per-view was successful, despite injuries nixing plans for several inter-promotional dream matches. An event of this magnitude involving competing promotions can present a lot of hurdles that need to be cleared. Khan worked hard to establish a level of trust with NJPW executives. Having been down that road once before, the AEW President is optimistic this could be done on an even larger scale.

    Tony Khan Open to a ‘World Cup’ of Wrestling

    Jon Moxley and Hiroshi Tanahashi
    (AEW)

    Earlier this week, IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada expressed interest in organizing a wrestling World Cup. He said he’d be willing to meet with Khan and Paul “Triple H” Levesque to broker a deal to make such an event a reality.

    Tony Khan appeared on the Battleground podcast and was asked about the wrestling World Cup concept. During his conversation with Tim Battle, TK said he loved last year’s Forbidden Door show and would be willing to work with “anybody” on an even bigger inter-promotional super-event.

    “There are challenges to putting on an event like that, and getting the matches set, but it’s certainly something I would be open to,” he said. “I’m open to working with anybody in pro wrestling. You never know.”

    Khan has already co-promoted a pay-per-view with NJPW. He’s featured talent (and championships) from Impact and AAA on AEW television. Without saying who “anybody” is, it’s clear who the big holdout would be. It’s unlikely that WWE would sign off on working with AEW in any capacity, but 2022 and (already) 2023 have shown us that even the most outlandish scenarios may come to pass.

    H/T to Fightful and Jeremy Lambert for the transcribed quotes

  • Britt Baker Injured, Toni Storm vs. Ruby Soho Set For AEW Dynamite

    Britt Baker Injured, Toni Storm vs. Ruby Soho Set For AEW Dynamite

    All Elite Wrestling superstar Britt Baker won’t compete on tonight’s episode of AEW Dynamite due to injury.

    The company broke the news this morning on its Twitter account. AEW wanted Baker to compete in a 3-way match against Ruby Soho and Toni Storm on the Jan. 25 episode of AEW Dynamite. Since Baker is injured, Soho and Storm will compete in a singles match.

    It’s unclear what the severity is of the injury or how long Baker will be out of action. Her last aired match was against Billie Starkz on AEW Dark on Jan. 24. Baker took a kick to the face that caused her nose to bleed during the match. AEW hasn’t shared if it’s a nose injury or if there is another issue.

    Mark Briscoe AEW Debut

    AEW Dynamite Preview

    The Jan. 25 episode of AEW Dynamite will be an emotional one. Tonight’s episode will have Mark Briscoe making his AEW debut against Jay Lethal in tribute to his late brother Jay, who tragically passed away last week. The significance of the match happening tonight is also because today would’ve been Jay’s 39th birthday.

    Mark’s debut comes after Warner Bros. Discovery lifted its longstanding ban on Briscoes from appearing on AEW Dynamite or Rampage yesterday. AEW also sells T-shirts with Jay on them, with 100% of the proceeds going to Jay’s family. It’s unclear if the entire episode will be a tribute to Jay.

    The rest of the show will have exciting matchups. The Jan. 25 episode of AEW Dynamite will have TNT Champion Darby Allin defending the title against Buddy Mathews. The show will also continue the build to the main event of the AEW Revolution pay-per-view, MJF’s hand-picked opponent Brian Cage taking on Bryan Danielson.

    You can check out our preview article here to see the rest of the AEW Dynamite card.

  • AEW Dynamite Preview (1/25): Mark Briscoe Debuts, Danielson vs. Cage

    AEW Dynamite Preview (1/25): Mark Briscoe Debuts, Danielson vs. Cage

    Mark Briscoe will make his AEW Dynamite debut one week after his brother Jay Briscoe (Jamin Pugh) was tragically killed in an automobile accident.

    The wrestling world has been rallying around the Pugh family during this incredibly difficult time. There’s been an outpouring of support from Jay’s friends and fans and a fundraiser has been set up to ease the family’s financial burden. Unfortunately, AEW has not been able to do much to honor Jay Briscoe due to a longstanding policy by Warner Bros. Discovery.

    Up until this week, the Briscoes have been effectively blackballed from TBS & TNT due to insensitive (homophobic) comments made by Jay many years ago that he’d since atoned for. Thankfully, it appears that policy has been changed.

    Tony Khan announced on Tuesday that Mark Briscoe will be in action on Dynamite, thus ending their controversial ban. He’ll wrestle Jay’s longtime friend and rival, Jay Lethal.

    According to TK, the match was requested by both men to honor Jay Briscoe on what would have been his 39th birthday.

    AEW Dynamite Preview (January 25, 2023)

    AEW Dynamite Preview January 25, 2023

    Here’s an updated preview for Wednesday’s Dynamite from Lexington, Kentucky:

    • ROH World Tag Team Champion Mark Briscoe vs Jay Lethal
    • Buddy Matthews of the House of Black answers Darby Allin’s TNT Championship Open Challenge
    • JungleHOOK (Jungle Boy & Hook) vs Ethan Page & Matt Hardy
    • Women’s 3-Way Match: Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D vs Ruby Soho vs Toni Storm
    • “The American Dragon” Bryan Danielson vs. “The Machine” Brian Cage
    • Le Sex Gods (Chris Jericho/Sammy Guevara) vs Action Andretti/Ricky Starks

    Plus, Billy Gunn will mediate a ‘family therapy’ session involving his sons, The Gunns, and AEW World Tag Team Champions, The Acclaimed.

    SEScoops will have live results of AEW Dynamite Wednesday night starting at 8pm (Eastern).