SEScoops

Category: AEW

  • Tony Khan Believes it is Impossible to Please Everyone in AEW

    Tony Khan Believes it is Impossible to Please Everyone in AEW

    Tony Khan may present himself as a much different boss than Vince McMahon, but like the former WWE CEO, he believes that not everybody can be happy.

    2022 has arguably been AEW’s most difficult year, with multiple injuries to top talent and the fallout from All Out being huge parts of the year.

    Throughout 2022, there have been reports of talent being unhappy within AEW, which led to meetings backstage with the roster earlier this year.

    Can’t Please Everyone

    Unhappy names on any roster in wrestling is nothing new, and the AEW President realizes he can’t please everyone.

    In an interview with Fightful Select, Khan said that you’re never going to keep every single person on your roster happen.

    The AEW President added that he takes every bit of criticism from talent with a smile.

    A “series of circumstances” has led to people not being on Television in a regular role, but no details of those ‘circumstances’ were given.

    Unhappy Talent

    With such a huge roster (one that is too big in the opinion of some fans) it is not surprising that many names do not make it to TV.

    Former TNT Champion Miro has been open with his disapproval of his booking in AEW, and liked a tweet suggesting he would do better if he returned to WWE.

    Miro has routinely joked about his lack of TV time (his last match was nearly four months ago) and his wife CJ Perry has suggested he will return to WWE eventually.

    Andrade El Idolo, who hasn’t been seen since picking a fight with Sammy Guevara, has also made it clear he is unhappy in AEW.

    AEW Star Tells Unhappy Talents To ‘Get The F**K Out’
  • Ricky Starks’ 2023 Goals: Championships & TV/Movie Stardom

    Ricky Starks’ 2023 Goals: Championships & TV/Movie Stardom

    Ricky Starks finished 2022 strong and looks forward to keeping the momentum going in the new year. The 32-year-old from New Orleans has been feuding with Maxwell Jacob Friedman, AEW’s reigning world champion. Starks won a tournament to earn a shot at MJF at Winter is Coming. Friedman retained the title, but Starks has more than held is own on the mic and in the ring during this program.

    ‘Absolute’ recently spoke to Casual Conversations and discussed his goals for 2023. The main thing he’s looking for is overall satisfaction and fulfillment.

    “My main goal for this year is to really carve out my own type of… I want to be so fulfilled in myself,” he said. “What I mean is, I want to be fulfilled creatively, I want to be fulfilled in the ring, on the mic.”

    Starks continued by saying he wants to be spoken about in the same way as AEW’s main event players.

    “I want to be fulfilled as a person, on this television show, that has stepped up and is now on another level and he should be talked with those other people on that level.”

    Championship Dreams

    Ricky Starks holding the AEW World Heavyweight Championship belt
    (AEW)

    As a former member of Team Taz, Starks previously held the FTW Championship. He just challenged for the AEW World Championship, but he’s yet to hold a sanctioned championship in the promotion. He wants to get back in the hunt for the TNT Championship currently held by Samoa Joe. “I would love to win the TNT Championship, if I don’t get to the AEW Championship first. Those are things I want to do.”

    He also expressed an interest in an acting career, a path taken by many other pro wrestlers. Starks wants to be star in the entertainment world and won’t let anything get in his way.

    “Stepping out of the wrestling stuff, I want to star in a TV show, I want to star in a movie,” he said. “These are things that I want, that I’m going to get, because I deserve it. I’m going to make sure that I get it. Regardless, nothing is going to stop me.” 

    Wrestlers Pursuing Hollywood Careers

    Catch Ricky Starks’ appearance on Casual Conversations with The Wrestling Classic:

  • AEW Wrestler and Interviewer Announce Engagement

    AEW Wrestler and Interviewer Announce Engagement

    AEW’s W. Morrisey and Lexy Nair are celebrating after the two went public with their engagement.

    On Twitter, Nair shared an image of her engagement ring, confirming her upcoming nuptials to the former WWE Superstar saying that “Mr. and Mrs. Morrisey coming soon.”

    The pair have been dating since April of last year and Nair is the stepdaughter of WWE Hall of Famer ‘Diamond’ Dallas Page.

    Nair serves as a backstage correspondent for All Elite Wrestling, and started with the promotion in January of 2020.

    As for Morrisey, his debut for AEW came in May of this year, where he served as MJF’s pick for Wardlow’s mystery opponent.

    After the match, which Wardlow would win, it was reported that both AEW and WWE had been impressed by his performance.

    In August, Morrissey signed a contract with AEW, and was included as part of the stable ‘The Firm.’

    In a tweet earlier this year, Morrisey was referred to as ‘Big Bill’ signifying a name change, but that tweet has since been deleted.

    We here at SEScoops would like to congratulate Morrisey and Nair on their engagement and upcoming nuptials.

    W. Morrissey Says He “Kept Drinking & Kept F***ing Up” In WWE
  • “Let Me Take My Time” – Jade Cargill Not Ready for the AEW Women’s World Title

    “Let Me Take My Time” – Jade Cargill Not Ready for the AEW Women’s World Title

    Jade Cargill is one of the most dominant competitors in All Elite Wrestling, but she’s in no rush to go after the AEW Women’s World Championship.

    Cargill has been impressing wrestling fans since her in-ring debut on the March 3, 2021 edition of AEW Dynamite. She and basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal defeated Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet that night. She’s left a trail of bodies in her wake ever since.

    As the reigning AEW TBS Champion, she’s got the gold to back up her pride. She talks about running out of worthy competitors, but wants to continue on the same track she’s on for now.

    On Friday, Cargill fielded questions from her fans on Twitter. When asked when we can expect to see her go after AEW’s top prize for female wrestlers, Cargill showed a rare glimpse of humility.

    “I have to get warm,” she said. “I think everyone should be HAPPY and GRATEFUL they seen me in MY FIRST match EVER!”

    Some very talented women have held the AEW Women’s World Championship, including Britt Baker, Thunder Rosa and reigning champion, Jamie Hayter. Cargill says, “Most of the women who have carried the main title have hundreds of matches. I’ve literally had ONLY 45 and 1 off grid match.”

    “Let me take my time. U all KNOW I’m going to be great”

    – Jade Cargill

    Jade Cargill has been AEW TBS Champion since January 5, 2022 (approximately 350 days). She defeated Ruby Soho in the finals of a tournament to crown the inaugural champion. She maintains an undefeated record of 45-0, with an additional victory in an unsanctioned match.

    At only 30 years old, Cargill could have a long career still ahead of her. She’s confident that she’ll reach the top of the mountain in AEW, but is sticking with what’s working by getting more experience.

    Learn more about Jade Cargill from her recent appearance on AEW’s Hey! (EW) digital series:

  • First Look at New AEW Dynamite Opening Video Package

    First Look at New AEW Dynamite Opening Video Package

    Kevin Sullivan, All Elite Wrestling’s Vice President, Post Production, has provided a sneak peek at the visual overhaul that’s coming to AEW Dynamite.

    AEW President Tony Khan recently confirmed Dynamite will have an all-new look starting January 4, 2023. During a conversation with SEScoops correspondent Scott Fishman for TVInsider, Khan said, “This will affect the way people view AEW on Wednesdays and Fridays in terms of presentation with the set and the show with the same great action.”

    On Saturday morning, Sullivan uploaded a video that gives us a first look of what to expect from the ‘new look’ of AEW’s flagship show.

    In a message posted on Twitter, he says the AEW production team set out to create a new ‘brand identity’ for Dynamite. The new identity includes many elements, including a new stage (yet to be seen) and a new comprehensive set of ‘package elements.’

    Dynamite and Rampage have kept a similar look since the shows premiered. In addition to the first week of January marking the new year, it’s also the one year anniversary of Dynamite’s move from TNT to TBS.

    Sullivan says his team is thrilled to finally share their new, bold vision that he feels will help usher in a “new spirit” for the show.

    He also revealed this project has been nine months in the making. He thanked Tony Khan, the team at Warner Bros. Discovery and AEW’s graphics team for making this vision a reality.

  • Thunder Rosa Backstage at Dynamite – Timeframe for AEW Return

    Thunder Rosa Backstage at Dynamite – Timeframe for AEW Return

    Former AEW Women’s World Champion Thunder Rosa was backstage at this week’s episode of Dynamite, PW Insider has learned.

    Rosa captured the title in March of this year, dethroning Britt Baker, but hasn’t competed since August due to a back injury.

    Last month, Rosa volunteered to relinquish the AEW Women’s World Championship, which is now held by Jamie Hayter.

    Backstage and Recovery

    It has been months since Rosa last appeared on AEW programming, but she was around for this week’s Dynamite.

    It’s hardly surprising that Rosa was at the December 21, event in San Antonio, Texas, as the Alamo City is her adoptive hometown.

    Sources who spoke to PW Insider said that Rosa is not expected to make a fully-fledged return to the ring until February or even March of next year.

    Rosa’s presence at the show was not acknowledged on camera and the fans in attendance were not informed.

    More Names Backstage

    Thunder Rosa was a notable name to be backstage during this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, but she wasn’t the only one around.

    PW Insider adds that former WWE Superstars Rodney Mack and Jazz were also at the show.

    The two did make an appearance in front of the crowd, and their presence at the show was acknowledged by AEW ring announcer Justin Roberts.

    The real-life couple lives in San Antonio, and Jazz was recently inducted into the very first class of the Women’s Wrestling Hall of Fame.

    Thunder Rosa On Saraya Arriving In AEW: “She’s A Star, She Has What I Want”
  • Latest on Adam Cole’s Recovery from Concussion

    Latest on Adam Cole’s Recovery from Concussion

    AEW fans have been concerned regarding the health of Adam Cole as he’s been on the sidelines for months. 

    The promotion is being cautious with him, although there is still no timetable on when he will return to the squared circle. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer has reported the update after a fan asked him on Twitter where things stand with the former ROH World Champion. 

    Still No Return

    “He’s doing much better. The last I heard is they were being cautious. Don’t have any time frame for a return. With concussions, you can’t predict a time frame,” Meltzer tweeted.

    Cole has been out of action since he suffered a serious concussion at the Forbidden Door pay-per-view this past June when he was involved in a Four-Way for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship on the show with Jay White, Kazuchika Okada, and Hangman Page. 

    The popular star fell to the ground at the end of the match, leading to White covering him immediately. He reportedly suffered another concussion at Double Or Nothing. 

    In August, Cole resurfaced for one show so he, Kyle O’Reilly, and Bobby Fish could turn on The Young Bucks but he hasn’t been seen on TV since. Cole has been a part of AEW since September 2021.

  • Mike Mansury Talks Why he Left WWE, Decision to Join AEW

    Mike Mansury Talks Why he Left WWE, Decision to Join AEW

    Mike Mansury has opened up about the journey that has led him to AEW after working as Vice President of Global Television Production for WWE and is now working in AEW as a co-Executive Producer and Senior Production Executive.

    He did so when appearing on The Sessions with Renee Paquette. It started off with the end of his time in WWE. 

    Leaving WWE

    He explained that it was inferred that he was going to be the successor to Kevin Dunn and while he was praised for his work, they didn’t know what to do with him until they figured out what Dunn’s future was. 

    “I knew that there was more that I was capable of but I had already excelled at everything they allowed me to do at that point. I was looking for that new challenge and even if it was something that were outside of the scope of what people would have defined as my potential, it would have been nice to be able to kind of spread wings a little bit and take on a new challenge so, once I kind of realized I was in the lane that I was in and the path to the destination wasn’t really gonna change or even progress that much, I knew it was time to make a change.”

    The Decision

    He decided to leave WWE in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic started. After giving them his notice, they offered him the opportunity to rescind his resignation. While he appreciated the offer, felt that if he did not give notice and bow out then, he would never do it. 

    “I remember I had gone back up to Stamford and they had offered me the opportunity to rescind my resignation and I was beyond appreciative of it but you know, I told them, I said, ‘Look, I know we’re heading into uncertain times but if I don’t do this, I’m never gonna do it and I need to.’

    AEW Talks

    Mansury dove into his talks with AEW and how joining the promotion came about. It happened when  Mike and his wife were in Singapore as they moved to the country for his job with ONE Championship MMA. 

    Mansury felt it was not the right time, and AEW already had a solid team with Keith Mitchell at the helm, but Mitchell retired from his role months after those talks. 

    “I don’t think they knew Keith was gonna wind up retiring a couple months later. But a lot of folks on the AEW side that we had known from WWE had spoken to Tony [Khan] a lot and had talked to me about coming down and just checking things out and just saying hello. But ultimately, you know, ONE was the new home.”

    Things picked back up again as the two sides began talking over the summer between Mansury, Tony Khan and Chief Legal Officer Megha Parekh. They expressed to Mansury that they feel AEW is ready to break into their next level and he felt like there was some unfinished business. 

    “I don’t know that I left wrestling feeling fulfilled. I think when I left the WWE, I was burned out at that point and I was frustrated.”

    H/T to POST Wrestling for the transcription

  • CJ Perry Predicts Miro Will Return to WWE in the Future

    CJ Perry Predicts Miro Will Return to WWE in the Future

    Miro’s return to WWE is a question of when, not if, according to the Bulgarian’s wife CJ ‘Lana’ Perry.

    Miro wrestled for years as Rusev in WWE, becoming a three-time United States Champion before his release in April 2020.

    Perry would remain with WWE until her own release in June 2021, in cuts that also included Buddy Murphy (now Buddy Matthews) and Braun Strowman

    Return

    Despite a strong start in AEW and a reign as TNT Champion, Miro has been barely used in the company this year.

    Having wrestled just two matches over the last six months, Miro’s most recent match came at the now-infamous All Out Pay-Per-View in September.

    Speaking to 92.7 WMAY’s Mike Wennmacher, Perry expressed interest in Miro’s potential return to WWE.

    “The great thing about wrestling is it doesn’t matter what company you work for, what promotion, anything can happen. Let’s be honest, we know that everyone always returns back to WWE at some point.”

    “Everyone always returns back to WWE at some point.”

    CJ Perry

    Speaking about Rusev Day, arguably Miro’s most popular gimmick, Perry said the idea will live on, and reiterated her belief that he will return.

    “Rusev Day will never die. It’s always going to be around, the kids are going to want to sing it and I’m sure it will make a return in WWE at some point. Rusev — well, whatever he shows [up] back in; whatever frickin name or gimmick or character he returns [as] at some point, in WWE is going to be iconic.”

    Unhappy

    Miro held more titles and was more prominently featured in WWE, so it’s hardly surprising that he is reportedly unhappy in AEW.

    Earlier this year, Miro liked a tweet suggesting that his AEW run had been a dud so far.

    The tweet also suggested that Miro would do much better if he returned to WWE.

    Miro Explains Why He’s Not Bitter About WWE Release

    h/t – Wrestling Inc

  • Identity of Keith Lee’s Mystery Attacker on AEW Dynamite

    Identity of Keith Lee’s Mystery Attacker on AEW Dynamite

    The identity of the man who attacked Keith Lee on this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite has been revealed.

    During a segment, rapper Rick Ross attempted to mediate a discussion between Lee and tag-team partner Swerve Strickland.

    After Strickland warned Lee to be wary of his surroundings, the Limitless One was attacked by Parker Boudreaux and a mystery man, bringing an end to Swerve in Our Glory.

    Granden Goetzman

    After AEW Dynamite went off the air, Lee’s attacker was revealed to be Granden Goetzman, according to Fightful Select.

    It is reported that Goetzman has been training for quite some time in preparation of his AEW debut, and has been working hard at Jay Lethal’s wrestling school.

    Sources who spoke to Fightful said that his debut has been planned out for at the least a couple of weeks before last night’s show.

    Goetzman was also backstage at AEW Dynamite on October 10, and sources said he’s been with AEW for “quite some time” anticipating his debut.

    Goetzman Before AEW

    The 30-year-old Goetzman joins AEW with a background in baseball, which he played professionally until last year.

    A second-round pick by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2011, Goetzman has been playing in the minor league system in Mexico.

    Listed at 6-4, Goetzman made it all the way up to AAA in the Rays minor league system before moving on to the St. Lous Cardinals and Houston Astros farm systems until 2019.

    The outfielder was primarily known for his speed but did not end in the major leagues.

    Keith Lee Reveals Advice From The Undertaker
  • MJF Featured in New AEW Fight Forever Trailer

    MJF Featured in New AEW Fight Forever Trailer

    MJF is featured in a new spotlight trailer for the upcoming AEW Fight Forever video game.

    AEW has released a new trailer for Fight Forever that features clips of “The Salt of The Earth” in action. He also tweeted the video and wrote in the caption, “Even in video game form I’ll be better than your favorites in #AEWFightForever and you know it.”

    The release date has yet to be revealed for the game, but it is scheduled to arrive sometime in 2023. The game will be released on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and Microsoft Windows.

    There had been rumors about an M for Mature rating, but the word is that the game will be rated T for Teen. 

    The Trailer

    Fight Forever is All Elite Wrestling’s first console video game. A website with information has been launched, and a teaser trailer is out.  Wrestlers, move-sets, entrances, and arenas in the game will be customizable. There will also be a deep career mode. 

    MJF became the AEW World Heavyweight Champion when he beat Jon Moxley with the help of William Regal at Full Gear. He retained his championship last week against Ricky Starsk on Dynamite: Winter Is Coming.

  • Jim Ross Believes AEW Will Run House Shows In 2023

    Jim Ross Believes AEW Will Run House Shows In 2023

    AEW has matured a lot as a company in 2022 and made a number of key structural changes within the promotion. Jim Ross believes that the next big change for the organization could be the introduction of live events.

    The wrestling veteran talked about this possibility on the latest episode of his Grilling JR podcast. He discussed the importance of live events and the various benefits it provides to talents and the company.

    JR noted that live events can help younger talents gain experience as well as bring in extra revenue if used strategically. He mentioned the recent hiring of Jeff Jarrett and shared the belief that AEW will expand their schedule in 2023:

    “I believe, I don’t know this to be a fact but I believe in 2023, that AEW will be in the house show/ live event business to some degree.

    “I just think that it’s an opportunity that can be capitalised upon if AEW is strategic in their planning. I think that’s what Jeff Jarrett is working on.”

    – Jim Ross

    Jeff Jarrett made his AEW debut in November. He was given the title of Director of Business Development by Tony Khan, indicating that Jarrett will play a key role in the next phase of the company’s expansion.

    The AEW President himself has discussed the possibility as well. He said that it makes sense to expand AEW’s Live Event calendar going into 2023.

    What do you think about AEW running live events in 2023? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

    If you use any quotes from the article, please credit SEScoops with an H/t for transcription

  • AEW TV Will Have An All-New Look Starting January 4

    AEW TV Will Have An All-New Look Starting January 4

    Tony Khan has provided new details about the “new look” coming to AEW programming in the very near future.

    AEW Dynamite and Rampage have maintained a similar production aesthetic since the shows premiered. Following the recent hire of Michael Mansury as Senior Vice President and Co-Executive Producer, it’s been reported that big changes are in store for the look and feel of the company’s flagship shows.

    Khan spoke with Scott Fishman for TV Insider this week and laid out what fans can expect on the first Dynamite and Rampage of 2023.

    Changes Coming January 4

    Tony Khan

    Wrestling fans won’t have to wait long to see the ‘new’ incarnations of Dynamite and Rampage. To commemorate the one-year anniversary of Dynamite moving to TBS, the show is getting a facelift.

    “I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag necessarily, especially so close to the big day. But at the start of 2023, we’re going to open the year on Wednesday, January 4 with the first Dynamite in Seattle, marking a full year of Dynamite on TBS,” said Khan.

    We’ll definitely have a new look, to say the least. I’m excited about it. I think it’s a nice thing to present to the fans.

    – Tony Khan

    He doesn’t want to hype up the set re-design too much, because that can create expectations that are impossible to live up to. However, he couldn’t contain his excitement.

    “I will say the set will be beautiful though,” he aded. “The look of Rampage will also be different. This will affect the way people view AEW on Wednesdays and Fridays in terms of presentation with the set and the show with the same great action.”

    Khan was also asked about signing Mansury and what he brings to the team. He called it a huge acquisition for AEW and put him over for his knowledge of TV production. 

    He feels Mansury is a great signing for the company and important to have someone with his experience and can’t wait to see what he brings to AEW. 

  • Top AEW Star Teases Forming Tag Team With Kenny Omega for Upcoming Event

    Top AEW Star Teases Forming Tag Team With Kenny Omega for Upcoming Event

    Chris Jericho may be a member of The Elite alongside Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks for one night only as the top AEW star suggested a dream tag team with Omega for an upcoming huge event.

    AEW will make its debut in Winnipeg with a live episode of Dynamite and a taping of Rampage on March 14. This is the hometown of Jericho and Omega. 

    The Possibilities 

    While speaking with Winnipeg Sports Talk, the former ROH and AEW World Heavyweight Champion was asked about potential plans for AEW in Winnipeg. He suggested the possible dream tag team.

    “That’s three months from now, so we’ll have to see where the storylines take us. We just finished up with the Blackpool Combat Club. The biggest upset in pro wrestling history when Action Andretti beat me on Dynamite last week.”

    The former AEW World Champion hinted at a potential rivalry with Ricky Starks, who recently fell short to current World Champion MJF on last week’s Winter Is Coming special. 

    “We’ll have to address that. Ricky Starks is another one that we’re looking at getting involved with. There are a lot of great programs. That’s the thing with me and the Jericho Appreciation Society. We always want to work with somebody new and really sink our teeth into the storyline.”

    Jericho hinted at a possible plan discussed for the team. 

    “In mid-March, we’ll probably have a lot of cool things going. We’ve already discussed a few ideas of what we could do that night. Maybe something with Kenny and I, Kenny and I tagging, it all depends on what the storylines are. It doesn’t matter what the exact storylines are, I know it’s going to be a great show.”

    Transcription via Fightful

  • Jake Roberts Reflects On AEW Debut “I Felt Like I Was At Home Again”

    Jake Roberts Reflects On AEW Debut “I Felt Like I Was At Home Again”

    Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts is one of the wrestling legends who has had a resurgence in recent times.

    The Wrestling Veteran was one of the top stars of the golden era. However, he disappeared from the public eye later on as battled with addiction and other demons. While he kept making sporadic appearances for WWE, the Hall of Famer got a real second chance when AEW brought him in as a TV regular in 2020.

    The wrestling legend opened up about his AEW debut on the latest episode of his Snake Pit podcast. Roberts explained that he was blown away by people’s reactions. When he touched the ropes, he felt like he was at home again:

    “Incredible reaction. If you go back to that picture, you can see that all the fans are standing too.” said Jake Roberts, “That doesn’t happen very often anymore. When I walked out there and that rush hit me – Oh my God.

    Then whenever I touched the ring apron. I could just feel it come right back through me, man. I felt like I was at home again. It had been so long. It had been so long. It’d been 20 years since I’d been in the ring. To go out there and have that type of ovation happen, to be doing it in the ring with Cody, it couldn’t have been any better.”

    Jake Roberts made his AEW debut during the March 4, 2020 episode of AEW Dynamite. He interrupted a promo of Cody Rhodes. He claimed that he had a client coming to AEW, which turned out to be Lance Archer.

    You can re-live the incredible moment below:

    More Originals From SEScoops:

    If you use any quotes from the article, please credit SEScoops with an H/t for transcription

  • Bobby Fish Says Lack of “Direction” Affected AEW Run

    Bobby Fish Says Lack of “Direction” Affected AEW Run

    Former WWE and AEW star Bobby Fish has spoken about the lack of “direction” in the latter promotion.

    Fish worked for years as part of NXT and the Undisputed Era before his release from the gold brand in August 2021.

    In October of last year, Fish joined AEW where he reunited with Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly, but chose not to re-sign with the company when his deal expired in August of this year.

    Direction

    Fish made a big splash when he arrived in AEW, which made his abrupt departure from the promotion this year all the more surprising.

    Speaking with The Wrestling Perspective’s Podcast this week, Fish was asked about his AEW run, and said he “would have liked a little more direction.”

    Fish was quick to say that AEW, like any other promotion, will never get everything right and that thinking they would is an unfair assumption.

    NXT

    Before coming to AEW, Fish spent four years of his career in WWE NXT, where he is a former NXT Tag Team Champion.

    Speaking about his time in the Undisputed Era, Fish said he and the group worked closely with Triple H and NXT Head Writer Joe Belcastro.

    Fish is especially proud of his work in WarGames, saying he was a huge fan of the iconic structure during his youth and it was an honor to compete inside.

    It was also said that the UE were given bullet points rather than a script to follow, and the group’s success in promos earned them the nickname ‘one-take UE’ amongst the production team.

    Fish added that the WWE can be criticized for being overproduced and micromanaged, but it was nothing they dealt with much.

    Bobby Fish: CM Punk Was a C*** When We Fought in AEW
  • Kenny Omega Wrestled at AEW Dark Tapings (Photos)

    Kenny Omega Wrestled at AEW Dark Tapings (Photos)

    Kenny Omega has been a household name for years thanks to his in-ring skills as he is considered one the best pro wrestlers on the planet. Omega has always competed at a high level whether that be in New Japan Pro Wrestling or AEW. In that time, he has faced numerous top opponents all over the world.

    The former AEW World Heavyweight Champion also doesn’t shy away from competing on less popular shows. Omega decided to compete during the latest taping event for AEW Dark, held on Saturday from Universal Studios. 

    In Action

    Kenny Omega on Dynamite

    Omega worked the set of tapings when he wrestled Hagane Shinno in singles competition. It’s unclear when the episode of AEW Dark with Omega will air. 

    Omega is set to team up with The Young Bucks and square off against Death Triangle in their next match in the best-of-seven series with Death Triangle, for the AEW Trios Titles. The two teams will clash in a No Disqualification Match on the December 21 Dynamite episode. If necessary, the sixth bout will be a Falls Count Anywhere contest. 

    We will have spoilers on the homepage later tonight. You can check out some tweets of Omega’s appearance below: 

  • Athena Will Defend ROH Women’s Championship at Indie Promotion

    Athena Will Defend ROH Women’s Championship at Indie Promotion

    Last Saturday, Athena defeated Mercedes Martinez for the ROH Women’s Championship at Final Battle. The hard-hitting affair fits with the new version of Athena that fans have seen the last few months.

    The ROH Women’s Championship is the second title Athena has held since being released from WWE. She is currently the Warrior Wrestling Women’s Champion. In WWE as Ember Moon, she was the NXT Women’s Champion and NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion with Shotzi Blackheart.

    Athena to Defend ROH Championship

    It was announced today that Athena will defend her ROH Championship against Miyu Yamashita. The match is for Prestige Wrestling at their Vendetta show on Saturday, January 21. The show will be live-streamed on IWTV at 7 PM PST.

    Yamashita tweeted that she is “very honored” to be facing Athena.

    Yamashita is currently signed to TJPW. She is a three-time Princess of Princess Champion and current Pro Wrestling EVE champion. She was ranked #12 on PWI’s Women 150 this year. Yamashita faced Thunder Rosa for the AEW Women’s Championship in July.

    This will mark the first time Athena has wrestled Yamashita.

  • AEW Star Undergoes Surgery

    AEW Star Undergoes Surgery

    Griff Garrison is on the mend after undergoing the knife. 

    The AEW star announced on Friday evening that he had surgery by tweeting that he “had to go under the knife,” but added that he’d be back in no time. The post also featured a picture of himself in a hospital bed. As of this writing, it’s unclear what the surgery was for and how long he’ll be out of action.

    Garrison’s Last Match

    Varsity Blondes

    Garrison has not wrestled since the AEW Dark taping in October, where he and Brian Pillman lost to QT Marshall and Cole Karter. 

    Garrison entered the pro wrestling business in 2016 after graduating from the Fire Star Pro Wrestling Academy in Greensboro, NC.

    In 2020, Garrison started making appearances for AEW as he made his promotional debut on the June 10th edition of Dark, where he lost to Jimmy Havoc in a singles match.

    Garrison was paired up with Brian Pillman Jr. in AEW, where they have found success as a tag team known as The Varsity Blonds. Both Pillman and Garrison were on tiered deals before

    The tag team lost the rights to the “Varsity” name to Josh Woods and Tony Nese in October. As a result, they’re now simply The Blonds.

    We wish him a speedy recovery.

  • AEW & WWE Pay Tribute to Brodie Lee on His Birthday

    AEW & WWE Pay Tribute to Brodie Lee on His Birthday

    It is December 16th, do you know what that means? It is Brodie Lee’s birthday.

    The former TNT Champion passed away in December 2020 at just 41 years old. His wife, Amanda Huber, works on the promotion’s Community Outreach program. His son, Brodie Lee Jr., portrays -1 in Dark Order. Today would have been Brodie’s 43rd birthday.

    Brodie Lee was known as Luke Harper in WWE during his time with the promotion. He was a part of The Wyatt Family, as well as the tag team The Bludgeon Brothers with Erick Rowan. Former Wyatt Family member Braun Strowman took to Twitter to send a happy birthday wish and noted that everyone misses him.

    “It’s Friday!!!!!! You know what that means. Happy birthday brother. We miss you.”

    WWE & AEW Pay Tribute to Brodie Lee

    AEW’s official Twitter sent out a tribute to Brodie earlier today and said that The Exalted One will never be forgotten.

    He will never be forgotten. Happy Birthday to the greatest TNT Champion, “The Exalted One @ThisBrodieLee

    WWE remembered Harper on his birthday as well. Jon wrestled as Luke Harper in WWE from 2012-2019.

    Former WWE Champion Big E was close friends with Jon Huber and wished his friend a happy birthday.

    Happy birthday, my brother. We still remember you. We still love you. We still miss you.

    WWE had a live event in Rochester, New York earlier this month and Seth Rollins honored Brodie in his hometown.

    He passed away a couple of years ago around this time and this is the first time I have been here with a microphone in my hand in this city to tell him how much I miss him and how much I love him.

    I just wanted to say tonight was for him, every time we are in Rochester, in my heart, that means we’re here for him. It’s Saturday, and you know what that means, so do your damn thing and sing my song.

    Brodie Lee’s final match was on October 7th, 2020. He dropped the TNT Championship to Cody Rhodes in a Dog Collar match. AEW celebrated the life of The Exalted One on the December 30, 2020 edition of Dynamite from Daily’s Place in Jacksonville.

    What are some of your favorite moments of Brodie Lee/Luke Harper’s professional wrestling career? Let us know in the comments section below.

  • Chris Jericho Lands Role in Horror Movie ‘Dark Match’

    Chris Jericho Lands Role in Horror Movie ‘Dark Match’

    Chris Jericho has his next movie project lined up as he is set to lead cast in a wrestling-themed horror movie, “Dark Match.”

    Deadline reported today that Jericho will star with Ayisha Issa (Transplant), Steven Ogg (The Walking Dead), Sara Canning (The Vampire Diaries), Michael Eklund (Wynonna Earp) and Jonathan Cherry (Goon) in the movie. 

    The Dept. 9 Studios film, which recently wrapped in Edmonton, Canada, is written and directed by Lowell Dean (Wolfcop) and is produced by John MacDonald who also serves as one of the executive producers along with Jericho. Don Depoe and Michael Feehan, who are also Dept.9 producers, are joined by Rhonda Baker (The Grudge) and Michael Peterson.

    The Synopsis

    Chris Jericho
    (via AEW)

    The movie sees a small-time wrestling company accept a high-paying gig in a backwoods town, only to discover when they arrive that the community is run by a mysterious cult leader with devious plans for their match.

    Jericho previously starred in Terrifier 2 which was released in October that saw him portray a nurse. It became a hit at the box office, grossing $11.5 million.

    The ROH Final Battle event was headlined by Jericho defending the ROH World Title against Claudio Castagnoli which saw Jericho drop the championship back to Claudio. 

  • Big Changes to AEW’s TV Presentation Coming in January

    Big Changes to AEW’s TV Presentation Coming in January

    Wrestling fans can expect All Elite Wrestling’s flagship shows to have a new look and feel in the very near future.

    In recent months, Warner Bros. Discovery and AEW President Tony Khan decided it’s time to change the overall look and presentation of Dynamite and Rampage. Those changes will be rolled out at some point in January, according to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

    AEW’s recent hiring of Michael Mansury is a big part of this initiative. Mansury previously worked as WWE’s VP of Global Television Production and will serve as Tony Khan’s new Senior Vice President and Co-Executive Producer.

    Mansury is considered a “tremendous asset” who is universally well-liked. He worked for WWE from 2009 through 2020. At one time, he was being groomed to be Kevin Dunn’s successor. Many felt he’d replace Dunn whenever Vince McMahon stepped away from WWE, but Mansury didn’t wait that long.

    One WWE source told the Observer, Mansury rose ‘too quickly’ through the ranks, which led Dunn to feel threatened and ‘covertly’ make his life very difficult.

    AEW’s New Look and Feel

    What will this “new look and feel” entail? AEW’s television productions involve many elements, including the the set and staging, lighting, graphics and video packages, music, camera angles, audio, and more.

    Dynamite has undergone subtle changes since premiering in October 2019, but it sounds like we’ll be seeing the most significant shakeup to date in just a matter of weeks.

    AEW recently brought in Renee Paquette, who has enhanced the broadcast team and by extension, the presentation of the shows.

    With AEW’s next round of TV deals approaching, it makes sense for the company to freshen things up now in hopes of being in a better position during negotiations.

  • “My Masterpiece” – Dax Harwood on Final Battle, FTR’s Future

    “My Masterpiece” – Dax Harwood on Final Battle, FTR’s Future

    Dax Harwood says 2022 was the greatest year of his life and it was capped off by a match he calls his masterpiece.

    FTR is widely regarded as one of the greatest tag teams in the world and they’ve held the gold to prove it. Some would argue that All Elite Wrestling could have featured them more prominently this year, but Harwood and Wheeler’s excellence is undeniable. Their tag team record currently stands at 7-3-1 for the year and they’re 6-0 in trios matches.

    As the year winds down, Harwood took a chance to look back at the highs and lows of the past twelve months and ponder what the future holds for pro wrestling’s Top Guys. It wasn’t an easy year, but that’s part of what made it so rewarding for him.

    2022 and Looking Ahead to 2023

    On Friday, December 16, Dax Harwood posted a touching message on social media reflecting on how proud he is of FTR’s work this year and their latest classic against the Briscoe Brothers last weekend at ROH Final Battle.

    “Artists have the one piece they’re the most proud of, and that’s their Masterpiece,” said Harwood. “This was my Masterpiece. Watching it, honest to God, I’ve laughed, I’ve cringed, and I’ve cried. Over every other match I’ve had, this is the one I’m the most proud of.”

    – Dax Harwood

    2022 brought a wide range of emotions, including anger, frustration, joy and pain. He doesn’t know what next year will bring, but he’s grateful for the fans who have supported FTR through it all. He gives his word that he’ll do everything in his power to make sure fans are as entertained as ever.

  • Miro on Return to AEW TV: ‘It’s Not Up to me, I’m Waiting for The Opportunity’

    Miro on Return to AEW TV: ‘It’s Not Up to me, I’m Waiting for The Opportunity’

    Miro is looking forward to making a return to AEW television in the near future, but for now, he’s just waiting and doing everything he can to do so. 

    Miro’s last match in AEW happened when he teamed with Sting and Darby Allin to defeat The House of Black at AEW All Out 2022. Fans have wondered when they would see him again since that time. 

    Miro commented on his AEW status while  speaking to MUSE TV at the premiere of “Disney+’s National Treasure: Edge of History.”

    The Latest

    Miro
    (Scott Lesh Photography)

    “It’s not up to me, I’m doing everything I can and from then on, I’m just sitting and waiting for the opportunity.”

    It was previously reported that Rusev was eager to compete and awaiting conversations around his creative direction, as he has only wrestled four times this year. 

    Samoa Joe did reference Miro following his win at last Saturday’s ROH Final Battle 2022 event as he noted that if Miro wants to step up to him, he will gladly take the challenge.

    He was released by WWE in April 2020, debuting in AEW as Miro in September of that year. He first aligned with Kip Sabian before going on to become a one-time TNT Champion. 

  • Saraya Calls For AEW Women’s Tag Team Division

    Saraya Calls For AEW Women’s Tag Team Division

    Saraya wants to see a women’s tag team division in All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

    As Saraya prepares for a tag team match of her own, she was recently interviewed by Forbes to talk about a variety of topics. One such topic being the potential of seeing a pair of AEW Women’s Tag Team Titles in the promotion one day.

    The former WWE star explained that, while she doesn’t like there to be too many titles in professional wrestling, she does believe there’s room for women’s tag titles. Especially as it would give some women who aren’t on the show already a chance to get some TV time.

    “I’m always for an all-women’s show, for sure. I feel like there could be a tag division we could get going as well,” said Saraya. “Like [women’s] tag team championships.

    “I don’t think we should load wrestling with a ton of championships, but there is space for a women’s tag division, too. There are a lot of women we have backstage that are not on the show, and that could give them an opportunity to be on the show.

    “There is always so much we could do with the women, and people don’t realize how much talent we have backstage.”

    Saraya recently signed with AEW back in September after her contract with WWE expired. Following a string of injury woes keeping her from the ring, she was finally able to return to action against Britt Baker at Full Gear in November, successfully defeating Baker.