SEScoops

Category: AEW

  • People in AEW Pushing for MJF to Become a Full-Blown Babyface

    People in AEW Pushing for MJF to Become a Full-Blown Babyface

    After returning to AEW programming at the end of the All Out pay-per-view event, MJF has been greeted with cheers from the crowd at AEW events.

    He has done some heel antics in his promos and other times as a babyface. He told Renee Paquette to shut up in a promo for his Full Gear bout with the AEW World Heavyweight Champion Jon Moxley on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite. This was an example of the back-and-forth that his character is doing. 

    He was attacked by The Firm on the show, indicating he is a full-fledged babyface, though that might be a swerve.

    On today’s Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that MJF wants to stay as a heel and does not want to be a babyface. Bryan Alvarez said on Wrestling Observer Live that people in AEW want MJF to become a full-blown babyface. 

    Alvarez pointed out how the fans have wanted to cheer him since he came back and was supposed to be a heel when he returned. AEW went to the point where he would come out before the show and bury the crowd to try to make sure they would boo him, but that still didn’t help him from getting cheered. 

    MJF to Give in?

    (AEW)

    “Well, now they are no longer doing that. Now they are just going with it at this moment. The question is do you go all the way with it or do you do whatever and he ends up being a heel again. What I can tell you is there are people within AEW that strongly believe that they should go with him as a babyface right now. They feel that he could be a massive babyface star for AEW. They think that is what he should do now.”

    “There are people who believe he could be a generational babyface. That was not the intention when he came back but things happen.”

    MJF is the heavy-betting favorite to defeat Jon Moxley to win the AEW World Heavyweight Title at Full Gear. 

  • Jim Ross Provides Update on Skin Cancer Battle and Recovery

    Jim Ross Provides Update on Skin Cancer Battle and Recovery

    AEW commentator Jim Ross is optimistic that a new treatment will speed up his recovery time after defeating cancer.

    In October 2021, Ross was diagnosed with skin cancer which resulted in him missing several weeks of AEW programming.

    Ross informed fans that December that he was cancer-free and made an immediate return to the announcer’s desk.

    New Treatment

    JR may be cancer free now, but he still has a long road to recovery before he is fully healed.

    Speaking on the latest episode of Grilling JR, Ross explained the new treatment he will be starting soon.

    “I’ve had a good week regarding my cancer issues. I’m going to start next week with some treatment. I can’t remember what the thing is called. Hyperbaric Chamber? Something along those lines. I’m going in on Tuesday for my first test run. See how it works. They think it will speed up the healing. And if it does, I win. And that’s what I’m looking for.”

    Hyperbaric Chambers are often used during a cancer battle, but have been used after people have beaten cancer.

    Recover Time

    While JR will start treatment soon, the WWE Hall of Famer is well-aware that his recovery process will not be quick.

    On the podcast, Ross explained that it’ll be at least a year before he’s 100%.

    “We’re making some progress there. But I still think it’s going to be about a year of healing this wound. I’m just tired of dressing it and undressing it. Medicating and all that s***.”

    Ross remained positive in the face off his new treatment, saying:

    “Life is good. I’m alive, I have no cancer and I’m just healing. These burns, that’s what they look like. It looks like I’ve been caught in a fire. But it’s looking a lot better than it did.”

    Jim Ross Can’t Understand Why AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam Didn’t have More Viewers
  • CM Punk’s Dog Larry Being Injured at All Out “Outright Lie” (Report)

    CM Punk’s Dog Larry Being Injured at All Out “Outright Lie” (Report)

    The claims that CM Punk’s dog Larry was injured during the backstage fight at AEW All Out may not be entirely truthful.

    Larry, a rescue from a Chicago shelter, was reportedly present during the backstage fight which pitted CM Punk and Ace Steel against the Young Bucks and Kenny Omega.

    The fight has resulted in Punk, Steel, the Bucks, and Omega (among others) being suspended from AEW, with Steel later being fired.

    Outright Lie

    This week, CM Punk’s side claimed that Larry was injured before the fight backstage, as the Elite ‘kicked’ the door open.

    It has been said the door hit Larry in the face, resulting in two of his teeth being knocked loose and later removed.

    Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio Dave Meltzer said that when speaking to the Elite’s side, he was told this was a complete fabrication.

    “What was said is basically, it’s an outright lie. I did have that told to me.”

    Dave Meltzer.

    Meltzer added that the timing of this ‘revelation’ about Larry is very suspect, given that Punk’s side has been reportedly sitting on this information for nearly two months.

    “I had heard from his [CM Punk’s] side on and off since a couple of days right after it happened… Never in seven weeks have I heard anyone mention anything about the door opening [and] hitting the dog. The dog being hurt or anything like that. I just find that so weird.

    “The side that was trying to defend him, all along, never brought that up once, and now all of a sudden, that’s the story. And like I said, the other side just called it a lie.”

    Investigation Over

    On his show, Meltzer added that the investigation into the matter is now complete.

    He also added that judging by who was featured on AEW Dynamite last night and who wasn’t, it’s clear who is being punished.

    Last night’s Dynamite saw no reference to Punk, but did feature a video package hyping the Elite’s return.

    Investigation Into AEW All Out 2022 Backstage Fight is Over (Report)
  • Investigation Into AEW All Out 2022 Backstage Fight is Over (Report)

    Investigation Into AEW All Out 2022 Backstage Fight is Over (Report)

    The investigation into the backstage fight at AEW’s All Out 2022 Pay-Per-View has reportedly reached its end.

    After the show, CM Punk had explosive comments during the media scrum, lashing out at the Elite, former best friend Colt Cabana, and ‘Hangman’ Adam Page.

    After Punk’s comments, a fight broke out backstage resulting in Punk, the Elite and others being suspended.

    The Investigation

    After the fight, AEW arranged for a third-party investigation into the matter to determine what happened and who is responsible.

    Speaking on the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that while talent are banned from discussing the matter, the investigation is over.

    “Everyone is still banned publicly from talking about what happened and the situation. The investigation is over and you can tell by who’s back and who’s not back [who will be punished.]”

    Dave Meltzer.

    During this week’s AEW Dynamite, a video promo teased the return of Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks, and the trio was reported to be backstage.

    This week’s Dynamite saw no mention of Punk, who is believed to have thrown the first punch.

    CM Punk

    There is a growing belief that CM Punk will lose his job with AEW as all signs have pointed to him instigating the fight.

    On his show, Meltzer suggested that comments made by those close to Punk are a sign that the former World Champion is unhappy with the investigation.

    “[Punk’s camp] mentioned that the investigation never talked to Lucy Guy [wife of Ace Steel who was present at the fight] which is true. They never did… He mentioned that which would tell you that he was not happy with the investigation.”

    Dave Meltzer.

    Ace Steel, who aided Punk in the fight, was fired from AEW last week, presumably for his role in what happened.

    Meltzer added that with AEW teasing the return of the Elite this week, while avoiding Punk, it is clear what the investigation has determined.

    “If what happened, happened as he [Punk] claimed, it would be the other way around. He would be the one back and they would be the ones not back. So I think that is pretty clear as far as to what the investigation found.”

    Dave Meltzer.

    Punk’s side have claimed that the Elite kicked the door open and instigated the fight, and if Punk threw the first punch, it was because he feared that the Bucks and Omega were about to fight him.

    Backstage Update on Triple H Potentially Bringing CM Punk Back to WWE
  • CJ Perry on Miro’s Lack of AEW TV Time: “Tony Khan has his Favorites”

    CJ Perry on Miro’s Lack of AEW TV Time: “Tony Khan has his Favorites”

    CJ Perry has insinuated that Miro not being a ‘favorite’ of AEW President Tony Khan has resulted in the Bulgarian not getting regular TV time.

    Miro, formerly Rusev in WWE, joined AEW in September 2020 and is a former TNT Champion.

    Over the past year though, Miro’s TV time has greatly diminished and he has been the victim of lengthy absences from programming.

    Playing Favorites

    Weeks and months can go by without an appearance from Miro, which his wife is, unsurprisingly, not a fan of.

    During an appearance on Busted Open Radio on Tuesday, Perry was asked about her husband’s stop-start booking in AEW (via F4W Online.)

    “Tony Khan has his favorites and he’s going to push the favorites just like Vince [McMahon] would push his favorites, just like Hunter is going to push his people. It’s show business.”

    CJ Perry on her husband’s AEW booking.

    Miro himself has teased being unhappy in AEW, liking a tweet that suggested he would do better back in WWE.

    The Bulgarian worked for WWE from 2010 to 2020 and held the United States Championship three times.

    Miro has wrestled just one match in the past four months for AEW, competing at All Out 2022 where he teamed with Sting and Darby Allin to defeat the House of Black.

    Unhappy

    Miro doesn’t wrestle in AEW nearly as much as he did in WWE, but the former Superstar still has big dreams.

    When asked whether her husband is enjoying his time working for Tony Khan, Perry responded:

    “I mean, he wants to be champion so he’s not going to be happy until he’s champion. I’m just going to leave it at that.”

    CJ Perry.

    There have been rumors that AEW could sign Perry to a contract, presumably as the on-screen manager for her husband.

    Miro Addresses His Lack Of Television Time In AEW
  • “Austin-esque” – Jim Ross Compares AEW Star to Stone Cold During Dynamite

    “Austin-esque” – Jim Ross Compares AEW Star to Stone Cold During Dynamite

    AEW commentator and wrestling legend Jim Ross took to Twitter tonight and said that AEW World Champion Jon Moxley reminded him of a WWE legend.

    Jon Moxley defended the AEW World Championship against Pentagon Jr. in the main event of this week’s episode of Dynamite.

    It was a back-and-forth matchup, but in the end, Jon retained the AEW World Championship via pinfall after connecting with the Paradigm Shift. Jim Ross compared Jon Moxley to Stone Cold on social media toward the end of the title match.

    .@JonMoxley is Austin-esque. Love his game.@AEW#Dynamite

    The Firm Attacks MJF & Jon Moxley

    After the match, Stokely Hathaway’s stable The Firm attacked Jon Moxley. MJF hired The Firm as his stable on retainer, and the group helped him win the Casino Ladder match at All Out, ensuring him a future title show.

    However, Maxwell had warned Stokely earlier on the show to not lay a hand on Jon Moxley before Full Gear. MJF wants to prove that he can earn the title on his own to William Regal and has vowed to not use the Dynamite Diamond Ring as a weapon at the PPV on November 19th.

    The Firm ignored MJF’s request and attacked the champion at the end of the show. W. Morrissey, The Gunn Club, Lee Moriarty, and Ethan Page beat down Moxley as MJF paced around on the entrance ramp.

    MJF made it seem like he was going to go backstage but wound up sprinting to the ring. The numbers game was too much and The Firm beat both men down. Ethan Page planted MJF with the Ego’s Edge and W. Morrissey sent Maxwell through a table with a Chokeslam as the show went off the air. Jon Moxley will defend the AEW World Championship against MJF on November 19th at the Prudential Center in New Jersey.

    8 Takeaways From AEW Dynamite (10/26): Jon Moxley Defends Title, Bryan Danielson, The Firm & MJF
  • “She Needs Some Damage Control” – Bayley & Saraya React to Interview on AEW Dynamite

    “She Needs Some Damage Control” – Bayley & Saraya React to Interview on AEW Dynamite

    Renee Paquette, formerly known in WWE as Renee Young, recently signed with All Elite Wrestling.

    She appeared several times during this week’s episode of Dynamite. Renee was set to interview Saraya, formerly known as Paige, when Britt Baker interrupted.

    Britt and Saraya traded words until Renee shut them both up. Paquette said that they were going to do this properly if they wanted to talk about it and Britt stormed away.

    Saraya debuted in All Elite Wrestling last month at Dynamite: Grand Slam. Toni Storm defeated Britt Baker, Athena, and Serena Deeb to retain the AEW Interim Women’s Championship. After the match, the heels attacked and Britt set up for the Lockjaw on Storm. Saraya’s music hit and Britt retreated with Jamie Hayter, Rebel, and Serena Deeb.

    Bayley Reacts to Interview on AEW Dynamite

    Bayley is currently involved in a bitter rivalry with RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair. The Role Model battled her for the title in a Ladder match at Extreme Rules but came up short. Bayley defeated The EST in the main event of RAW. A repackaged WWE Superstar interfered in the match and it led to Bayley picking up the victory.

    Watch: Repackaged WWE Superstar Interferes in RAW Main Event

    After Renee Paquette put an end to the bickering between Saraya and Britt Baker on Dynamite, Saraya took to Twitter and claimed that she loves “spicy” Renee.

    Bayley responded and said that Renee was in “a bit of a pickle”. Saraya then joked that she needed some “damage control”. Bayley is currently the leader of the Damage CTRL faction with Women’s Tag Team Champions IYO SKY & Dakota Kai.

    She needs some damage control…

  • The Elite Were Backstage at AEW Dynamite (Report)

    The Elite Were Backstage at AEW Dynamite (Report)

    The Elite, Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks, were backstage at Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite, according to PWInsider.

    AEW teased The Elite early in the show with this clip featuring the EVPs being erased.

    The Elite off AEW television

    Kenny Omega Young Bucks
    Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks

    The Elite have not been on AEW programming since ALL OUT on September 4. The infamous BRAWL OUT happened that night, leading to suspensions of The Elite, CM Punk, and Ace Steel. The first four were stripped of their respective titles.

    In recent days, it seemed like The Elite may be coming back to TV soon. Steel was released last week. There have also been reports that the investigation is winding down. In another twist to the saga, Punk’s camp says that his dog, Larry, was injured during BRAWL OUT.

    Earlier today, Fightful Select reported that Don Calls is also backstage.

  • CM Punk Camp Says Larry the Dog Was Injured in Backstage Fight

    CM Punk Camp Says Larry the Dog Was Injured in Backstage Fight

    To borrow a phrase from the kids, ‘Big if true.’

    With rumors of an imminent return of The Elite (Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks) to AEW television, a new report from Nick Hausman with Wrestling Inc. adds another layer to the already muddled situation between CM Punk and the AEW EVP’s.

    This layer, however, seemingly paints Punk in a more sympathetic light than has otherwise been reported.

    According to Hausman, AEW hasn’t even reached out to Punk since the fallout of AEW All Out. Reports state that after Punk verbally tore down Omega, Adam Page, MJF, The Young Bucks, and Colt Cabana during the All Out Media Scrum, he returned to his locker room and a ‘brawl’ between Punk, Kenny Omega, Nick Jackson, Matt Jackson, Ace Steele, Ace Steele’s wife, and Larry the Dog commenced.

    Accounts vary as to who was at fault, who punched whom, who bit whom (though everybody is pretty sure that it was Ace Steele that bit Kenny Omega) and more, but most recent reports suggest that Punk was the one who ‘threw the first punch.’

    Larry the Dog Was Injured

    Now, however, a new report from Hausman seems to suggest that Punk may have been justified in his anger.

    “From the perspective of Punk’s camp, the scrum itself — which became the talk of the wrestling world due to Punk’s comments on Colt Cabana, “Hangman” Adam Page, and The Elite — didn’t seem like a big deal, and only escalated once Punk’s locker room door was “kicked in” and accidentally hit Punk’s dog, Larry, in the face,” Hausman wrote. “At a pre-scheduled veterinarian appointment a few days later, Punk was informed that two of Larry’s teeth had been knocked loose and had to be removed.”

    If that is indeed the case, many people believe Punk may have been justified in throwing hands.

    “It was noted to us that Punk felt threatened and reacted in a legal way under Illinois’ Castle Doctrine laws, which allow for the use of force in defense of a person in their dwelling,” Hausman reported. “At this time, there is no litigation against Punk on behalf of anyone involved. It was also relayed to us that Steel’s wife, Lucy, was in the room during the incident, but has not been interviewed as part of the internal investigation into the matter.”

    Hausman did not specify from whom in Punk’s camp he spoke with.

    It should also be noted that most reports stated that The Elite brought AEW’s Head of Legal with them to confront Punk, which led to speculation that The Elite weren’t actually “looking for a fight” when they entered Punk’s locker room.

    Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the third part investigation was nearing its conclusion, but that it was Punk who was stalling the proceedings. Meltzer also reported that Ace Steele was released from his AEW contract. Reports suggest that AEW is going to ‘buy out’ CM Punk’s contract, but that Punk doesn’t want to agree to any non-compete clauses should a buy out occur.

    Could that mean that CM Punk has intentions to return to WWE? Was CM Punk the aggressor in the backstage fight? Is there any chance Punk could return to AEW? Is this whole thing one big storyline? Stick close to SEScoops for more information as it develops in this complicated, and utterly fascinating, story.

  • Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks Expected Back in AEW “Imminently”

    Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks Expected Back in AEW “Imminently”

    Following the news of AEW releasing Ace Steel and there being talks of the promotion buying out CM Punk’s contract, there has been speculation that the investigation is wrapping up, which could mean that The Elite will be back soon.

    The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega have been added back to television commercials for Dynamite and Rampage, indicating that they are returning soon. Also, last week, Tony Schiavone mentioned The Elite during Dynamite in reference to them being the first-ever AEW World Trios Champions.

    The Elite’s Return

    Kenny Omega Young Bucks AEW Trios Titles
    (via AEW)

    According to Fightful Select, there’s been talk backstage about The Bucks and Omega returning to work soon, at least in a backstage capacity. One source said their return could happen “imminently,” although there is no definite answer on when exactly they will be back. 

    The report added that there was also a meeting scheduled for last week, but no details were available on what was said.

    AEW had suspended Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, Pat Buck, Chris Daniels, Michael Nakazawa, and Brandon Cutler following the backstage fight with Punk at AEW All Out last month. Everyone listed above except for The Elite have returned to work.

  • The Kingdom Signed to Full-Time Contracts with AEW

    The Kingdom Signed to Full-Time Contracts with AEW

    The Kingdom has become the newest team to be All Elite, after signing full-time deals with AEW.

    The group currently consists of Matt Taven, Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis-Bennett and debuted for AEW during the October 14, episode of Rampage.

    The group has previously worked in Ring of Honor and recently finished up with Impact Wrestling.

    All-Elite

    Despite debuting close to two weeks ago, The Kingdom were not signed to AEW at that time.

    Fightful Select reports that Taven and Bennett lost the Impact Wrestling World Tag Team Championships during the Bound for Glory tapings, but the match hasn’t aired yet.

    This means that given delay, the group were in canon, still Impact’s top team when they appeared on Rampage.

    The report adds that all three members of The Kingdom have signed multi-year deals with AEW.

    WWE

    Before appearing on the October 14, Rampage, it was reported that WWE had been interested in signing Matt Taven.

    In their report, Fightful notes that both Mike and Maria had conversations with WWE, but clearly did not reach an agreement.

    It is not currently known if a firm offer was made by Head of Talent Relations Triple H.

    All three signings had been part of Impact’s Honor No More stable, alongside Vincent, who was backstage at a recent Monday Night Raw.

    Friends

    The Kingdom debuted by challenging FTR for the Ring of Honor World Tag Team Championships, but the two groups aren’t enemies.

    In fact, Fightful’s report noted that it was FTR who were pushing backstage for Taven and the Bennetts to be hired.

    While Maria has openly discussed helping Tony Khan with the ROH Women’s division, she is contracted solely as an on-screen performer.

    Matt Taven Shares When He Found Out About ROH Hiatus
  • Britt Baker on ‘Toxic’ Wrestlers: Anybody Can be Replaced in AEW

    Britt Baker on ‘Toxic’ Wrestlers: Anybody Can be Replaced in AEW

    Dr. Britt Baker DMD has become one of AEW’s most featured stars, but she’s well aware that she could be replaced.

    Baker signed with AEW in January 2019 and was the first female wrestler to ink a deal with the upstart promotion.

    At Double or Nothing 2021, Baker captured the AEW Women’s World Championship and held the title for 290 days before losing the gold to reigning Champion Thunder Rosa.

    Replaceable

    Baker is, to many fans, the biggest female star in AEW today but is aware that this is only thanks to Tony Khan.

    Speaking on the Swerve City podcast, Baker spoke about what she believes to be the most ‘toxic’ attitude a professional wrestler can have.

    “What’s so toxic is when somebody thinks they’re bigger than the company. Or that the company needs them. There’s literally no one in AEW that they need, other than Tony Khan to survive. Everybody can be replaced.”

    – Britt Baker

    Baker is currently embroiled in a feud with Saraya, who debuted at the AEW Grand Slam: Dynamite show last month.

    A match between the two, which would be Saraya’s first match in nearly five years, is yet to be announced.

    Baker Vs. Rosa

    Baker’s on-screen feud with Thunder Rosa is long over, but there is reportedly very real beef between the two.

    It was reported earlier this year that Rosa has significant heat, not just with Baker but in the AEW locker room, especially after breaking the nose of Jamie Hayter.

    Rosa is currently out of action with an injury but has not been stripped of the AEW Women’s World Championship.

    Some have claimed that the injury is not legitimate and that AEW is using this as an excuse to keep her away from the locker room, a claim Rosa has denied.

    It has also been claimed that Rosa has exaggerated her real injury, as she only told AEW of the injury after learning she’d be losing her title to Toni Storm at All Out 2022.

    Britt Baker Comments on Thunder Rosa’s Hiatus from AEW: “I Was at Work Every Week”

    HT: PWTorch

  • Britt Baker Comments on Thunder Rosa’s Hiatus from AEW: “I Was at Work Every Week”

    Britt Baker Comments on Thunder Rosa’s Hiatus from AEW: “I Was at Work Every Week”

    Britt Baker has shared her thoughts on AEW Women’s Champion Thunder Rosa’s hiatus from the company.

    Thunder Rosa was scheduled to defend the AEW Women’s Championship against Toni Storm at the now infamous All Out PPV. She announced on the Dynamite before the PPV that she was pulling out of the match due to injury in a backstage interview.

    Toni Storm is the current AEW Interim Women’s Champion and has taken some shots at the situation surrounding Thunder Rosa. She said the following to Bleacher Report:

    I guess my first thing would be to beat Thunder Rosa and stop this interim nonsense. That’s kind of what’s been bothering me. I think that’s been bothering a lot of people because she’s still calling herself the AEW women’s world champion and I’m the one here every week doing the work.

    Thunder Rosa responded on Busted Open Radio and said she will hopefully be returning to AEW in January. The AEW Women’s Champion added that she doesn’t book the show and it is not her problem what is decided backstage.

    Thunder Rosa Responds to Toni Storm’s Comments About The AEW Women’s Championship

    Britt Baker Comments on Thunder Rosa

    Former AEW Women’s Champion Britt Baker recently spoke with Swerve Strickland on The Swerve City podcast and commented on not missing time from All Elite Wrestling while out with an injury. Britt noted that she was at TV every week because she wanted to be there.

    I never missed any episodes of TV, with every like broken bone and injury. I’m just sayin’.

    What bone have I not broken at this point? My leg, my nose twice now, my wrist, the concussion, and I was at work every week because that is where I wanted to be.

    I had my nose surgery on a Monday, Dynamite was on a Wednesday, and I was there cutting a promo. Because I wanted to be.

    Tony (Khan) is the most caring and wonderful guy. But I was like this is an opportunity, I’m going to have a black eye, I’m sick in the head and thought I’m going to look cool.

    Britt added during the podcast that they don’t get along but complimented Thunder Rosa for upping her game.

    It is kind of like The Batman and Joker, like one needs the other for the success story to happen.

    We don’t like each other. There’s always tension but that tension makes good TV. So, I still think it’s my division.

    If you use any quotes from this article, please credit The Swerve City podcast and give a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.

  • CM Punk Breaks Silence on Social Media for First Time Since Fight at AEW All Out

    CM Punk Breaks Silence on Social Media for First Time Since Fight at AEW All Out

    Former AEW World Champion CM Punk has reemerged on social media for the first time since the All Out PPV.

    CM Punk captured the AEW World Championship from Jon Moxley at the All Out PPV on September 4th. He was injured during the match and would likely have had to relinquish the title regardless.

    However, the 44-year-old opted to go on a rant during the media scrum following the PPV. Despite just winning the title, CM Punk wanted to discuss his issues with The Elite, Colt Cabana, and Hangman Page while AEW President Tony Khan was seated directly beside him.

    The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega reportedly went to CM Punk’s locker room following the rant and a brawl broke out. Ace Steel was released from the company and AEW is reportedly in negotiations for a contract buyout with the former champion.

    CM Punk was stripped of the AEW World Championship on the Dynamite following All Out. He is a two-time AEW World Champion without defending the title a single time.

    The Elite were stripped of their Trios Championships and have not appeared on AEW TV since the PPV.

    AEW Negotiating to Buy Out CM Punk’s Contract (Report)

    CM Punk Hypes AJ Mendes’ New Film

    CM Punk’s wife, AJ Mendes (FKA as AJ Lee in WWE), co-wrote the film ‘Blade of the 47 Ronin’ which was released today on Netflix. The 44-year-old posted a story on Instagram and told fans to go check out the film.

    ‘Blade of 47 Ronin’ is a sequel to the 2013 film ’47 Ronin’ starring Keanu Reeves. The story takes place 300 years after the original film and is about modern-day Samurai clans that exist in complete secrecy. You can check out a trailer for the film below.

  • Britt Baker Details Advice She Received From Charlotte Flair

    Britt Baker Details Advice She Received From Charlotte Flair

    Former AEW Women’s Champion Britt Baker has opened up on some advice she received from former WWE NXT/Raw/SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair.

    Baker has been pushed as a top star for AEW since the start of the promotion in 2019 and had a reign as the Women’s Champion for over a year after winning the title from Hikaru Shida back at Double or Nothing in 2021. She dropped it to Thunder Rosa back at St Patrick’s Day Slam.

    While speaking to Swerve Strickland and Monteasy on Swerve City, Baker had the following to say about comparisons made between herself and the Queen.

    “I do get compared to Charlotte all the time on Twitter. For me, okay cool, one of the best women’s wrestlers of all time. You’re so mean for calling me that. People don’t understand the constant pressure that comes with all the hate that you get. We are people.”

    Britt Baker on Charlotte

    Britt Baker
    (via AEW)

    She said being the face of a division means you’re under a microscope no matter what you do. She said that you can’t let the negative comments get to you or it will drive you insane.  Baker continued by revealing some words of advice Flair gave her.

    “Back to Charlotte, her and I have chatted, and she has given me so much great advice just to get through this. She’s given me solid advice to just stay true to what you know is true. Don’t worry about the narratives that fans are creating or what they want to be true because you know what’s going on and what you’re working with. She’s been fantastic to me.”

    Baker most recently teamed with Jamie Hayter in a losing effort against Hikaru Shida and Toni Storm on the October 12 edition of AEW Dynamite.

    Transcription courtesy of Fightful.

  • Report: AEW’s Investigation Into All Out Backstage Fight Ending Soon

    Report: AEW’s Investigation Into All Out Backstage Fight Ending Soon

    AEW’s investigation into the All Out backstage fight is reportedly nearing its end.

    On the All Out post-show media scrum, CM Punk had explosive comments for several AEW wrestlers, including Kenny Omega, the Young Bucks, Colt Cabana, and ‘Hangman’ Adam Page.

    During the media scrum, a fight broke out backstage between Punk, Ace Steel, and the Elite resulting in all being suspended.

    Time’s Up?

    Last week, it was reported that AEW higher-ups are against bringing Punk back and are seeking to buy out his contract.

    Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that a conclusion to the investigation should be soon.

    “This thing feels like it’s wrapping up, it feels like the Young Bucks and Omega are coming back somewhat soon.”

    Dave Meltzer.

    Last week, Punk’s trainer Ace Steel was fired from AEW, presumably due to his role in the fight.

    Not an Angle

    After the backstage fight, many fans believed that what happened was an angle setting up a storyline.

    Even after the suspensions, some believed that this could be turned into an angle, but that no longer seems to be the case.

    On his show, Meltzer stated why this hasn’t become an angle.

    “So many people have brought up to me the idea of turning this into an angle, which certainly UFC would have turned this into an angle if the guys were in the same weight class and promoted the hell out of it and been happy to do so. And WWE probably would have as well.

    “In this situation, they [AEW] felt that they just needed to [not turn this into an angle] and I know a lot of the talent felt that.”

    Latest Update on AEW Stars Involved In All Out Backstage Altercation
  • William Regal Explains Why WWE Didn’t Hire MJF

    William Regal Explains Why WWE Didn’t Hire MJF

    William Regal has explained why WWE didn’t hire MJF when he was 19-years-old.

    One of the hottest topics going around at the moment in professional wrestling is MJF’s promo with William Regal on AEW Dynamite, addressing why Regal didn’t hire MJF back when he was with WWE.

    MJF was only 19-years-old at the time, which was a big reason for Regal’s decision not to hire the current AEW star. Speaking on his Gentleman Villain podcast, Regal further explained WWE’s decision not to hire MJF when he initially tried out.

    “NXT was a big part of the Network. Some people have said, ‘you just took people for here and there.’ Yeah, they were the ones the Adam Coles, Kevin Steens, Sami Zayns, Kyle O’Reillys, Fergal Devitts, made a name for themselves and they are more valuable.

    “One thing that everyone understands is, if they already have a fanbase, and that fanbase joins them and they are on the Network and NXT and bring in 1,000 people, that’s $10,000 a month. This is business sense. At 19, you haven’t got a following.

    “Fortunately for him, this is another thing, whatever nonsense he’s done with AEW, he should be kissing the feet of Tony Khan and anybody who started. Chris Jericho, the Bucks, Kenny Omega, Cody Rhodes, he should be down showering them with praise night and day.

    “They started a company that he got hired in straight away because of what he’s been doing in another company. If [AEW] hadn’t started up, he probably still wouldn’t have gotten hired in WWE straight away, it would have been a year or two and he wouldn’t be in this position now.

    “Perhaps he’s just an asshole. No matter how talented he is, has he got the mental capacity to handle all of it? We’ve seen how he reacts over an email.”

    MJF in All Elite Wrestling
    (AEW)

    Things certainly seemed to have worked out for MJF since. He’s currently, arguably, the biggest star in AEW, and certainly one of the biggest in professional wrestling period.

    He’s slated to become a free agent in 2024, leaving WWE the potential opportunity to make a big bid for the young star. It will be interesting to see if MJF does, in fact, end up in WWE when it’s all said and done.

  • AEW’s FTR Added to NJPW Battle Autumn Event

    AEW’s FTR Added to NJPW Battle Autumn Event

    All Elite Wrestling’s FTR will be stepping through the Forbidden Door to appear at the upcoming NJPW Battle Autumn event.

    FTR debuted for AEW in 2020 and captured the company’s World Tag Team Titles at that year’s All Out.

    The team of Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler, FTR also currently hold the ROH, AAA, and IWGP World Tag Team Championships.

    Battle Autumn

    On the official NJPW Twitter, FTR confirmed that they will be at Battle Autumn in Osaka, Japan.

    The duo begged New Japan to send their best wrestlers to the show and teased that their match in Japan will be for the IWGP Tag Team Titles.

    No opponents have been announced for FTR at this time.

    NJPW Battle Autumn will take place on November 5, at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, in Osaka, Japan.

    Karl Anderson: Will he or Won’t he?

    FTR has been announced for NJPW Battle Autumn but Karl Anderson’s position with the show is far muddier.

    Before returning to WWE earlier this month, it was announced that Anderson would be defending his NJPW Never Openweight Championship at Battle Autumn against Hikuleo.

    Even after returning on Raw, an updated card from NJPW still featured the title match, leading many to believe an agreement had been reached.

    After being announced for WWE Crown Jewel (also on November 5,) Anderson uploaded a video saying he will not be at Battle Autumn.

    NJPW President Takami Ohbari is said to be ‘furious’ over Anderson choosing WWE over his show, and has said he expects all promoted talent, especially champions, to be at Battle Autumn.

    Possible Reason FTR Was Cut from AEW: Fight Forever Video Game
  • Is Arn Anderson Interested in One Final Wrestling Match?

    Is Arn Anderson Interested in One Final Wrestling Match?

    WWE Hall of Famer Arn Anderson has weighed in on possibly having one final match before calling it a career.

    In July, Ric Flair competed in his final match, teaming with his son-in-law Andrade El Idolo to defeat Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett.

    Despite being billed as his last match, Flair has said he will never retire and has shown interest in getting back in the ring.

    Arn Anderson

    Ric Flair and Arn Anderson teamed together for years as members of the iconic Four Horseman, but don’t expect the duo to tag team again.

    While Flair has teased wrestling again despite July’s bout, Anderson is against the idea.

    During an appearance at the Highspots Live Virtual Gimmick Table, Anderson was asked if he’d ever have a retirement match, and made it clear he already has (via Fightful.)

    “I had my last match back in 97. When the doctor said ‘quit wrestling, quit walking’.”

    Arn Anderson.

    When asked if fans may seen one more Spinebuster, a move Anderson used for decades, Arn didn’t rule out the idea with his comical response.

    “How about I spinebuster myself so I can see what everyone has been complaining about all these years.”

    Arn Anderson.

    Anderson finished wrestling full-time in 1997 due to neck and back issues, but would have two more matches in WCW, with his final ever match being on the May 17, 2000, episode of WCW Thunder.

    Anderson Today

    In December 2019, after a handful of appearances, Anderson signed a contract with AEW, and signed a new multi-year deal in May the following year.

    In late 2021, Anderson would drop Cody Rhodes as a client and cut his infamous ‘Glock’ promo, but would later resume managing the American Nightmare.

    Arn’s son Brock Anderson also works for AEW as a wrestler.

    Arn Anderson Explains “Glock Promo” On AEW Dynamite
  • Kurt Angle Reveals How Much Money He Asked AEW For To Wrestle

    Kurt Angle Reveals How Much Money He Asked AEW For To Wrestle

    Kurt Angle asked All Elite Wrestling (AEW) for a very large sum of cash to wrestle for the promotion.

    Angle’s professional wrestling days are likely behind him, and any further involvement he will have in the industry will likely be with WWE. However, four years ago, AEW president Tony Khan was apparently seeking out the WWE Hall Of Famer’s services.

    This was before Angle officially decided to hang up his boots for good. Taking to a Q&A segment on his podcast, Angle suggested he told AEW he’d need about $3 million to do 10 matches.

    Kurt Angle Entrance
    (WWE)

    Of course, that deal never came to fruition, and Angle has yet to work with AEW in any sort of capacity.

    “Well, to even consider coming back, it’s going to have to be for a substantial amount of money. I do remember, Tony Khan wanted me to come in and wrestle for him. This was like 4 years ago and I said, ‘For 10 matches, I want $3 million.’ That’s 300 grand a match.”

    Kurt Angle has since inked a nostalgia/merchandise deal with WWE. It remains unknown if this would affect his ability to work with other promotions such as AEW in the future in any capacity.

  • How MJF Is Perceived Backstage In AEW (Report)

    How MJF Is Perceived Backstage In AEW (Report)

    We have a backstage report to pass along on how MJF is perceived backstage in All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

    There has been a lot of chatter about the backstage environment within AEW, especially with reports of backstage brawls involving some of the company’s biggest names.

    According to a report from PWTorch, things are pretty good backstage at the moment and are not as bad as headlines have made them out to be as of late.

    The report also speculated on MJF’s contract situation. While MJF continues to insist that he has not signed a contract extension with AEW, but instead received a pay bump, PWTorch speculates that the young star may have, in fact, signed an extension after all and is waiting for the right time to announce it.

    MJF Yelling
    (AEW)

    Backstage, MJF is described as not being a problem backstage compared to other names such as Sammy Guevara, or Britt Baker and Thunder Rosa. He’s even said to be less of a problem than The Bucks and Kenny.

    While someone like Omega is described as being more “political,” MJF is said to be more “ambitious” than anything. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops given the unconfirmed status of MJF’s contract heading into 2024.

  • Report: Talent who know CM Punk Predicted AEW Run Would Go Poorly

    Report: Talent who know CM Punk Predicted AEW Run Would Go Poorly

    Was CM Punk destined to have an underwhelming run in AEW? That’s certainly what those close to the former World Champion believe.

    Punk joined AEW in August 2021 after a seven-year hiatus from professional wrestling, and is a two-time World Champion with the company.

    The Chicago-Made wrestler is currently out with an injury and has been suspended for his role in the AEW All Out 2022 post-show backstage fight.

    This week, it was reported that AEW intends to buy out the remainder of Punk’s contract and fire him.

    Destined To Be

    Punk’s days with AEW are seemingly numbered, and some close to him believed this would always happen

    During a recent PW Torch Elite Audio stream, Wade Keller reported that when he spoke to sources close to Punk before his AEW debut, they predicted his run would not go well.

    Those same sources also said that Punk’s run with AEW “wouldn’t last,” which appears to be the case now.

    Punk’s personality and history of discontent were cited as reasons why his run with AEW would end poorly.

    Returning to WWE

    If Punk is fired from AEW, the only place he could realistically wrestle next is WWE.

    If so, then a deal will need to be struck with WWE’s Head of Talent Relations Triple H, who Punk has been highly critical of in the past.

    In his report, Keller stated that Triple H is more likely to bring Punk back than Vince McMahon, who “never fully got behind” the AEW star.

    It was also noted that Triple H may attempt to bring him back, to move metrics such as viewership and prove that WWE has not missed a beat post-Vince McMahon.

    The Future of AEW

    AEW made a huge deal of CM Punk’s arrival in August last year on Rampage: The First Dance, but the company will be okay without him.

    Keller reported that while Punk would be a “net plus” in bringing in ticket sales and moving merchandise, he is far from ‘needed’ in AEW.

    Keller pointed to the many established main event talent and rising mid-card talent, and is more than capable of growing without Punk.

    It was said that any growth in AEW’s viewership due to Punk being on the show has happened at this point.

    Has Chris Jericho Revealed how he Really Feels about CM Punk?
  • Has Chris Jericho Revealed how he Really Feels about CM Punk?

    Has Chris Jericho Revealed how he Really Feels about CM Punk?

    CM Punk’s days with All Elite Wrestling are seemingly coming to an end, which may be good news as far as Chris Jericho is concerned.

    Punk hasn’t appeared for AEW since being suspended for his explosive All Out post-show media scrum comments and the backstage fight that ensued.

    It was reported this week that AEW is seeking to buy-out the remainder of Punk’s contract which is believed to have close to two years left.

    Good Riddance

    CM Punk’s arrival in AEW, over seven years away from the wrestling world, was a huge win for the company and met with excitement from fans.

    In the 14 months since then, fans have soured on Punk, especially after his actions at All Out.

    On Twitter, a fan noted how Punk had “one of the most triumphant comebacks ever” and has since become “so toxic that you’re not worth having around.”

    The tweet gathered over 2,000 likes, including one from Chris Jericho.

    https://twitter.com/Ibladedaily/status/1583528414723854336

    Jericho has been a locker-room leader without Punk and the Elite around, alongside Bryan Danielson and Jon Moxley.

    In backstage meetings, Jericho has stressed the importance of keeping private matters private and not letting issues behind the scenes get leaked.

    Punk in WWE?

    AEW reportedly wants to be rid of CM Punk, but there is a fear that he could jump to WWE.

    Punk walked out of WWE in January 2014, and received his termination papers in June on his wedding date, timing Vince McMahon insisted was coincidental.

    While Punk has not spoken directly with WWE, he does speak with friends in the company including Adam Pearce and Paul Heyman.

    WWE Expected Chris Jericho to Return in 2024 (Report)
  • Ace Steel Makes First Public Comment After AEW Firing

    Ace Steel Makes First Public Comment After AEW Firing

    Ace Steel’s time with All Elite Wrestling has come to an end and the former backstage producer has made his thoughts clear on his abrupt exit.

    Steel was fired from AEW earlier this week, presumably for his role in the All Out backstage fight.

    Perhaps best known as the trainer of CM Punk, Steel took the former World Champion’s side during the fight with the Elite.

    Steel Comments

    Steel is alleged to have bitten Kenny Omega, and thrown a chair that hit Nick Jackson in the eye.

    In public appearances by Omega, a bite mark has been visible on his arm, adding credence to reports that he was bitten.

    On Instagram, Steel insinuated that what some have said about him is not entirely accurate.

    In his post, Steel used an image of Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage having issues backstage, with the text reading “false accusations running wild.”

    Steel did not clarify who made the claims he believes to be ‘false accusations.’

    CM Punk Next?

    Steel’s time with AEW has come to an end, and CM Punk may soon be joining him.

    This week, it was reported that AEW’s higher-ups do not want to bring Punk back to TV and are in talks about buying out his contract.

    There is a concern that Punk could join WWE should he be fired by AEW.

    While Punk and WWE have had negative things to say about each other, Triple H is reportedly dead-set on creating “compelling programming.”

    Punk walked out of WWE after the 2014 Royal Rumble and was sent his termination papers on his wedding day, something that then-WWE CEO told Steve Austin on his podcast was pure coincidence.

    Jim Ross Comments on Ace Steel Being Released by AEW: “I Thought he was a Good Hand”

  • Jon Moxley Set to Defend AEW World Championship on Dynamite

    Jon Moxley Set to Defend AEW World Championship on Dynamite

    AEW President Tony Khan has announced a big AEW World Championship match for this Wednesday’s episode of Dynamite.

    The announcement came just a few minutes after NXT Halloween Havoc went on the air.

    Jon Moxley will put the AEW World Championship on the line against Penta El Zero Miedo this Wednesday night on Dynamite.

    Tony Khan took to Twitter to announce the match for next week’s show in Norfolk, VA.

    Book it! This Wednesday, October 26 Chartway Arena, Norfolk VA Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite   LIVE on @TBSNetwork 8pm ET/7pm CT @AEW World Championship Match@JonMoxley vs@PENTAELZEROM See you this Wednesday on TBS!

    Jon Moxley Confronted at Daily’s Place

    AEW Rampage was live this week from Daily’s Place. AEW World Champion Jon Moxley cut a promo outside the venue and boasted about knocking out the #1 contender (Hangman) on Dynamite. Jon added that he’s not satisfied and wants to pick up where he left off next week on Dynamite.

    I’m not happy, I’m not satisfied. I came here to Jacksonville this week for the sole purpose of walking into the Khan’s office and saying ‘I want to pick up on Dynamite next week right where I left off’. You only live once and I’ve wasted a lot of time in life. I don’t want to waste any more.

    Penta and Alex Abrahantes interrupted Moxley outside of Daily’s Place. Penta claimed to be the only wrestler on the AEW roster that doesn’t have any fear and challenged the champion.

    WWE NXT Reportedly Planning Next PLE on Same Day as ROH Final Battle