SEScoops

Category: AEW

  • The Forbidden Door Will be Opened Again on Tonight’s AEW Dynamite

    The Forbidden Door Will be Opened Again on Tonight’s AEW Dynamite

    The Forbidden Door will be opened once again for tonight’s AEW Dynamite, as New Japan Pro Wrestling’s booker Gedo will be around for the show.

    On Twitter, Khan shared an image with Gedo as well as reigning AEW World Champion Jon Moxley and confirmed that Gedo will be around for tonight’s Dynamite in Philadelphia.

    Khan also thanked fans who will be watching the show tonight on TBS.

    Opening the Forbidden Door

    Gedo won’t be the only example of the Forbidden Door being opened for tonight’s show.

    In addition to New Japan’s booker, Juice Robinson will also be on the show and will take on Jon Moxley.

    This will be a championship contenders match, meaning that a win over Moxley in non-title action will guarantee Robinson a future AEW World Championship opportunity.

    Robinson is one of two men (the other being CM Punk) to have a victory over the reigning AEW World Champion in 2022.

    At NJPW Capital Collision in May, Robinson got a victory over Moxley in four-way action, which included Will Ospreay and then IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi.

    Tonight’s AEW Dynamite

    AEW will be opening the Forbidden Door, but that’s not all in store for the show.

    Ring of Honor World Champion Chris Jericho will have a celebration of last week’s victory, but will also have his first title defense against Bandido.

    AEW Interim Women’s World Champion Toni Storm will defend her title against Serena Deeb, while Saraya is set to speak for the first time since joining AEW last week.

    An appearance by MJF has also been promoted for the show.

    Forbidden Door Early PPV Estimate Revealed
  • Kayla Rossi Talks Chyna Comparisons, Harsh Fans & Body Positivity

    Kayla Rossi Talks Chyna Comparisons, Harsh Fans & Body Positivity

    Kayla Rossi is used to being compared to WWE Hall of Famer Chyna, but plans to establish herself on her own merits in the ring.

    Rossi debuted for AEW earlier this year, initially as the bodyguard of Joey Janela. Since Janela’s departure in late April, she’s appeared as a solo act on AEW Dark. With her impressive physique, there are natural comparisons to Chyna, the muscle-bound female DX member who broke down barriers regarding how women are portrayed in pro wrestling.

    Speaking to SEScoops correspondent Steve Fall for NBC Sports, Rossi was asked if she takes the comments comparing her to the Ninth Wonder of the World as a compliment.

    “I mean I do, but then I’m in the back of my head like ‘no, Chyna was like 5′ 10 5′ 11, statuesque and brute force.’ I get it. I look like her I’m built like her, but I’m 5’3 and I’m athletic as hell and I can do other things.”

    While Rossi wants to set herself apart from the Ninth Wonder of the World, she had nothing but praise for the late trailblazer.

    “I can’t lie. I’ve taken inspiration from her who wouldn’t? She is such a prominent figure in the world of wrestling and did such great things for women in general.”

    Body Confidence

    Although wrestling has become more accepting of different body types among female talent, Rossi is still considered an outlier to many in the industry.

    Speaking about her physique, the 34-year-old wrestler addressed receiving hateful comments on social media, long before she stepped in the ring.

    “When I first started bodybuilding it was really tough because you put yourself out there and you see these comments like ‘oh she looks like a man’ or whatever it might be. And it used to bother me at first and it made me super self-conscious. It made me question if I even wanted to do it and if I even wanted to look that way. And then I was like ‘you know what I’m gonna own this’ because you can be strong and badass and beautiful and feminine at the same time.

    “It made me question if I even wanted to do it and if I even wanted to look that way.”

    – Kayla Rossi on hateful comments shaking her confidence.

    “There doesn’t have to be one or the other and I think people get that misconception because I can go up there on tv or I can get on that bodybuilding stage and be powerful and be strong but I’m still a woman and I’m still feminine.”

    The Next Chapter

    Rossi has had a handful of matches on AEW Dark, but her next big opportunity could come outside of wrestling.

    When Fall asked if she’d ever consider a jump to MMA, Rossi said that she’s up for the idea, and has already had training.

  • MJF Reveals His Retirement Plan

    MJF Reveals His Retirement Plan

    MJF is only 26 years old but he is already one of the most famous wrestlers in the industry. Unlike many others, he also knows how long he wants to continue wrestling and then retire to never be seen again.

    The AEW star recently had an interview with KFC Radio. Speaking about the people who have problem with his mannerisms, the young star explained that he doesn’t pretend to be someone he’s not:

    “Now a lot of people have a problem with what I’m saying, which I find hysterical but also I have fans. So I’m the wrestling devil. I call my fans devil worshippers. My devil worshippers, they love me because they know that I’m not throwing bullshit.

    Now I can be a happy go lucky guy. [I] could sit down in this chair and be like, ‘Love everybody. Everyone’s important. Teamwork.’ That’s not what I’m about because that’s bullshit. They’re just saying that to save face.”

    MJF then explained what he’s truly all about. He mentioned that it’s all about making the most amount of money for him. Once he has done that, he’ll say goodbye to the world of pro wrestling:

    “What I’m about is making the most amount of money I can in the shortest period of time with putting in the least amount of work. So I can retire at like 38 and never have to fucking look at anybody.”

    Later in the interview MJF also detailed why he doesn’t want the job of Tony Khan or Triple H. He said that he doesn’t want to deal with the stress that comes with it. The Salt of The Earth reiterated that he is making ‘a lot’ of money and he wants to make ‘a lot lot’ of money so he can retire at 38.

    You can check out the full interview below:

    More Originals From SEScoops:

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

  • Jim Ross Can’t Understand Why AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam Didn’t have More Viewers

    Jim Ross Can’t Understand Why AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam Didn’t have More Viewers

    Last week saw AEW host their latest ‘Grand Slam’ special of Dynamite, with five title matches on the show.

    The event saw Jon Moxley capture the AEW World Championship, defeating Bryan Danielson for the vacant title and becoming a three-time champion.

    Chris Jericho captured the Ring of Honor World Championship from Claudio Castagnoli, while The Acclaimed won the AEW World Tag Team Titles from Swerve in our Glory.

    The show also saw Pacretain the AEW All-Atlantic title while Toni Storm held on to the Interim AEW Women’s World Championship.

    The “Conundrum”

    Despite the stacked show, which also saw the AEW debut of Saraya, the show’s numbers didn’t live up to expectations.

    The show garnered an average 1.039 million viewers, down 12% from the previous week’s standard episode of Dynamite, which had 1.175 million viewers.

    On his Grilling JR podcast, the AEW commentator struggled to understand the fall in viewership (via Wrestling Inc.)

    “It was an interesting thing, how do you explain the fact that AEW does around a million viewers on a big-time hyped show that is loaded with five title matches, how do you justify or explain that? I don’t know the answer to that conundrum, I really don’t.”

    “I don’t know the answer to that conundrum.”

    Jim Ross on AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam not doing better in terms of viewership.

    “You’d think we were providing the audience with what they wanted to see; all of our top programs, all the titles that were significant are getting some exposure. When you don’t have those massive numbers that you were hoping for, it’s hard to explain why that happened.”

    AEW President Tony Khan remained positive in his report of the viewership for Grand Slam, pointing out that Dynamite has been over one million viewers for five consecutive weeks.

    Jim Ross on the Unpredictability of AEW All Out: “It’s Beautiful”

  • MJF Reveals Why He Wants To Be A Free Agent In 2024

    MJF Reveals Why He Wants To Be A Free Agent In 2024

    Maxwell Jacob Friedman, known to wrestling fans as MJF, is one of the hottest stars in professional wrestling today.

    He is in line for an AEW World Championship match against Jon Moxley at a time and place of his choosing. Moxley is set to battle NJPW star Juice Robinson on tomorrow’s episode of Dynamite in a World Title Eliminator. If Juice wins, he will also get a shot at the title.

    Hangman Adam Page has already earned a shot at the championship on the October 18th edition of Dynamite. It is a special Tuesday night episode of the show and will oppose WWE NXT. Jon Moxley captured the AEW Championship last week by defeating Bryan Danielson in the Tournament of Champions as MJF watched on from the crowd.

    MJF On Why He Wants To Be A Free Agent In 2024

    MJF spoke with Kevin Clancy of Barstool Sports on KFC Radio this week about a bunch of topics. He revealed what makes him special, which insider wrestler term he finds phony, why he’s the most exciting thing in wrestling since the Attitude Era, and now why he wants to be a free agent in 2024.

    “I do want to be a free agent in 2024. So again, I’m going to wait until January 1st, 2024 because I am an intelligent businessman. I do foresee myself winning that AEW World Title and what happens if my contract goes up and I have that championship? If I’m Tony Khan, I’m probably going to have to pay this guy a lot of money.

    I concern myself where the money is at. I’ll go to a new company, with a new founder that no one has ever heard of if they’re willing to pay me the most amount of money. I do genuinely think that I’m a prodigy, and I say that humbly. There’s probably no one in the wrestling world that knows more or has a better IQ than me.”

    MJF also revealed what the most important thing to him in the wrestling business is.

    “The most important thing to me is money and if I can make an absurd amount of money without having to be stressed out of my mind. The only person you should worry about is yourself and if anyone tells you otherwise they are out of their minds.”

    Please credit KFC Radio and give a H/T to SEScoops if you use quotes from this article.

  • Matt Jackson on Instagram: I can’t wait ‘to see you guys soon’

    Matt Jackson on Instagram: I can’t wait ‘to see you guys soon’

    Matt Jackson, All-Elite Wrestling Executive Vice President and member of the Young Bucks, posted a video story on Instagram on Tuesday promoting the release of the team’s new basketball shoes. It was the first public comment from either member of the Young Bucks since they were suspended following the All Out pay-per-view on Sept. 4.

    Jackson was suspended along with several others following a fight in CM Punk’s locker room following Punk’s comments about the EVPs during a press conference. In Tuesday’s Instagram post, Jackson was emotional and reflective about the release of the sneakers and the tag team’s fans over the years.

    “Thank you for everything the last 18 years,” Jackson said. “You’ve supported us and been so great for us and I really can’t wait to see you guys soon.”

    Matt and Nick Jackson, Kenny Omega, Ace Steel and CM Punk remain suspended while a third-party firm continues to investigate a brawl that occurred after the show.

    Thank you for everything the last 18 years. You’ve supported us and been so great for us and I really can’t wait to see you guys soon.

    Matt Jackson

    Jackson made his comment to fans during a video promoting the release of the Diadora Young Bucks basketball shoe by Champs Sports scheduled for Wednsesday, Sept. 28. The Young Bucks have become synonymous with their shoe collection during their last two years, wearing expensive and designer Air Jordans to the ring, even attracting mainstream press attention. Their Dior designed Air Jordans were a small part of a storyline in a feud with Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston in 2021.

    Jackson said he and his brother consulted with Denise Cutler, wrestling outfit designer and wife of AEW wrestler Brandon Cutler. The shoes were made by Diadora and are being released through a promotion with Champs Sports.

    “I got Denise Cutler on the job,” Jackson said. “I said please Denise, you need to come up with a Young Bucks sneaker. I wore them at the mall for two hours and they got so many looks.”

    The Young Bucks wore the sneakers in their trios tag team tournament final match at All Out with Omega.

    “Our dream was to make it to the NBA and to have our own basketball sneaker,” Jackson said. “We were too short to make it to the NBA, but our dream of our own sneaker did pan out. I’m super proud of this. You (our fans) have always supported us with all of our crazy projects. This is the one I might be the most excited about. It’s definitely in the top three.”

    Jackson said the shoes tend to run ‘big.’ He said he normally wears an 11 or 11.5 size shoe, but wore 10.5 size shoes at the PPV. He recommended fans buy a half-size or full-size smaller than their size in other brands.

    A limited number of shoes are available. Jackson said fans who want the shoes should buy them early on Wednesday because of limited quantities.

  • CM Punk Spotted With Brace In Latest Photo

    CM Punk Spotted With Brace In Latest Photo

    CM Punk has kept his silence and mostly stayed away from the public eye ever since his All Out media scrum rant and the post-show brawl.

    The only update we have gotten about the AEW star has been through various reports. One such update revealed that the former AEW champion had to undergo surgery for a torn triceps.

    This report was seemingly confirmed recently when a new photo of the Straight Edge Star surfaced online. In the photo with a fan as seen below, CM Punk is spotted wearing a brace on his left arm:

    CM Punk Done With AEW?

    There has been lots of rumors about the AEW future of the former WWE star ever since his media scrum comments led to the backstage altercation at All Out.

    There are many who believe that Punk is done with the company after this and he won’t be brought back in any capacity. The belief is that AEW is taking their time to sort out any potential legal situations before releasing the 42-year-old.

    The wrestling promotion itself, however, has stayed quiet on the matter. There has been no update on how the investigation on the incident is going, so it’s hard to say how the management is planning to handle Punk’s departure.

  • “That’s What Makes Me Special” – MJF Explains What Sets Him Apart From Other Wrestlers

    “That’s What Makes Me Special” – MJF Explains What Sets Him Apart From Other Wrestlers

    MJF returned to AEW at All Out on September 4th following the title match between CM Punk and Jon Moxley.

    CM Punk emerged victorious at the PPV and MJF showed up to close the show. Maxwell had won the Casino Ladder match earlier in the night after Stokely Hathaway’s The Firm stable interfered.

    MJF walked down to the ring in a devil’s mask and was handed the chip to ensure him a future shot at the AEW World Championship. Jon Moxley captured the title once again by defeating Bryan Danielson at Dynamite: Slam in the finals of the Tournament of Champions. Moxley is set to face NJPW star Juice Robinson in a World Title Eliminator tomorrow night on Dynamite.

    MJF On What Makes Him Special In Wrestling Today

    Maxwell was a guest on KFC Radio this week and spoke about his incredible rise to stardom in All Elite Wrestling at just 26 years old. Host Kevin Clancy brought up fans who get caught up in the technical aspect of the matches and said that this isn’t the Olympics. MJF responded with the following:

    “I think in a way that’s where wrestling fell off and what I love about professional wrestling now is I feel like it’s a cornucopia of all these different styles. It’s every single different flavor of ice cream.

    And then you have a guy like me who is a superstar. I walk out there, I can do it in the ring or on the microphone. I’ll talk into the mic and I give you no choice but to stay tuned in. That’s what makes me special and the company that I’m in right now currently, as long as they keep paying me the fat bucks.

    What makes my company special is they let me go out there with zero hindrance. It’s f***ing insane the amount of money I’m making right now. I took a break, rightfully so. I told my boss I want more money and he said no. I said ‘oh word, deuces’.

    I bounced, and my boss realized over the summer that without MJF, there is no AEW. And he paid up and I didn’t have to sign a contract extension, so I’m a happy boy.”

    Please credit KFC Radio with a H/T to SEScoops if you use quotes from this article.

  • MJF Reveals The Insider Wrestling Term He Won’t Use

    MJF Reveals The Insider Wrestling Term He Won’t Use

    MJF is one of the most popular wrestlers on the planet and is sitting pretty with a title shot anytime he wants it.

    The 26-year-old won the Casino Ladder Match at AEW All Out on September 4th. Stokely Hathaway’s faction “The Firm” interfered in the match and retrieved the chip suspended above the ring.

    A man in a devil’s mask made his way to the ring and was handed the chip that signifies a title shot. After CM Punk defeated Jon Moxley to win the title at the PPV, it was revealed that MJF was the masked man. It was MJF’s first appearance since his explosive promo at The Forum in Los Angeles in June.

    MJF On Why He Won’t Use The Word “Promo”

    Maxwell appeared on KFC Radio recently and discussed several topics. He claimed to be the most exciting wrestler since the Attitude Era and spoke about his meteoric rise to stardom in All Elite Wrestling.

    “I got signed on to a top brand in the world of professional wrestling at only 22 years old. I am now 26. After being on national television for only three years, I am one of, and this is a fact, facts don’t care about your feelings, look up the numbers if you do not believe me.

    I’m one of the biggest draws in the entire business at 26 years old. I’m not one of the guys that, I call it grapple f***ing, and what grapple f***ing is these guys walking out all sweaty with no personality.

    I don’t care, you don’t care, nobody in their right mind cares. Everyone on Twitter pretends they care, but then I come out and they lose their s***.”

    MJF then refused to use the word “promo” in the interview and suggested the term “oratory exhibitionist instead.

    “I don’t like to use that word by the way. Oratory exhibitionist. I don’t use the p-word. That sounds phony. Promo, I don’t use that word. That sounds phony to me. It is very phony”.

    Please credit KFC Radio and give a H/T to SEScoops if you use quotes from this article.

  • WWE Secures New Television and Streaming Deal in Australia

    WWE Secures New Television and Streaming Deal in Australia

    WWE has reached an agreement with Foxtel Group, which is majority-owned by News Corp., for its rights in Australia. 

    The WWE Network will be converted into Binge, a Foxtel outlet. Although the companies did not disclose any terms for the new multi-year agreement, Deadline reports a person familiar with the deal said it marks a significant increase over the prior one reached by the parties in 2017. 

    WWE’s Latest Expansion

    WWE Logo
    (WWE)

    There are 4.5 million subscribers on Foxtel as well as streaming outlets Kayo Sports and Binge. The deal will see Foxtel launch a dedicated, 24/7 WWE channel, which will host all premium live events. 

    These events used to cost $30 apiece on pay-per-view but now will be included at no extra charge on Fox8, a pay-TV channel owned by Foxtel.

    “With its far-reaching and engaged audience, the Foxtel Group has been a trusted and long-standing partner of WWE for more than 20 years,” said WWE Chairwoman and Co-CEO Stephanie McMahon. “We look forward to expanding our partnership with the Foxtel Group and welcoming Binge as the new streaming home of WWE Network in the region.“

    Binge, whose subscription plans start at $10 a month, will begin streaming WWE content in January 2023. 

  • MJF Claims He Is The Most Exciting Thing To Happen In Wresting “In Over A Decade”

    MJF Claims He Is The Most Exciting Thing To Happen In Wresting “In Over A Decade”

    Maxwell Jacob Friedman, known in All Elite Wrestling as MJF, is one of the most popular stars in all of professional wrestling today.

    He has been making the media rounds after winning the Casino Ladder match at AEW All Out. MJF now has a title shot at a time and place of his choosing. MJF watched from the crowd as Jon Moxley defeated Bryan Danielson in the main event of Dynamite: Grand Slam to capture the AEW World Championship.

    The 26-year-old spoke with Kevin Clancy (KFC) of Barstool Sports on KFC Radio recently. KFC noted that he fell off as a wrestling fan after the Attitude Era but credited MJF for getting him to watch it again.

    “Because I am attitude. This is what I like to tell people, I think the Attitude Era was the best era of professional wrestling until right now because right now has me. And I say that with love and respect, and I say it humbly.

    I genuinely feel I’m the most exciting thing to happen in professional wrestling in over a decade. Everyone in my industry, they all want to just tiptoe around the line. If this is the line, I don’t just step over it, I’ll f***ing jump over it.

    Because what people want is somebody who is honest, open, not afraid to speak their mind and that is me to a T. I’m not fake, I’m not phony, I’m as real as it gets. I think now more than ever that is what professional wrestling needs and I think that is what All Elite Wrestling brings to the table.” [5:23- 06:06]

    Please credit KFC Radio with a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.

  • WWE Hall Of Famer Thinks CM Punk’s Media Scrum Rant Was Disastrous and Counterproductive

    WWE Hall Of Famer Thinks CM Punk’s Media Scrum Rant Was Disastrous and Counterproductive

    As the month of September comes to an end the pro-wrestling community is still reeling from the events of the AEW ALL OUT media scrum, and the tirade from former two-time world champion CM Punk, who called out the wrestling media for their “mishandling” of the Colt Cabana situation. The Second City Saint also took aim at the AEW EVPs Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks.

    The situation only became worse when a backstage melee occurred between Punk and the Elite, one that got multiple names suspended and threw a wrench into several ongoing storylines that cause Tony Khan to alter his plans once again. At this point an investigation is still going on, with Punk’s status the biggest question mark up in the air. A number of top legends, analysts, and current superstars have weighed in on this monumental moment, and now we can add one more to the list.

    Mick Foley Calls Punk’s tirade a disaster for AEW President Tony Khan

    WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley spoke about the ALL OUT media scrum and the ensuing backstage altercation on the latest edition of his Foley Is Pod program. The Hardcore legend begins by stating the obvious, which is that Punk’s comments at the scrum were counterproductive to his world title win earlier in the evening, and put AEW President Tony Khan in a terrible position.

    “I think anything that takes away from the majesty of that moment is counterproductive. By that standard, everything Phil did, Punk did, was disastrous because it put Tony Khan in a bad position. Anything that ends up with, Punk I believe was hurt and would have probably been out. But it put a lot of eyeballs on the product the next night, that’s a given. It was just really unfortunate. You don’t want to see that side of your superstars.”

    That’s not all. Foley further elaborated on the situation by comparing Punk’s victory over Jon Moxley to his victory over The Rock, his first world title win in WWE.

    “You know, I know when I held that title aloft when I beat [The Rock] for the WWE Title, and I never thought I was a WWE Title guy, so I never based my career on it the way that a lot of people have. But I remember that feeling of just utter joy. I moved pretty good for a big guy when I ran my two or three laps around there and then gave the impromptu promo, Big Daddio did it. I can’t imagine going backstage and being angry or bitter, or taking the joy out of the experience for our fans. So I didn’t see Punk’s promo in its entirety, but it put Tony Khan in a bad position, and there’s a time and a place, maybe, to play with emotions. If you have something substantial that can make people feel strange in their gut, but not after a title win.”

    Aside from just the incident Punk was also injured during his matchup with Moxley, which has put him on the shelf once again. At this time it is unknown if he will return when he is all healed up.

    CM Punk is Probably Not Returning to AEW

  • Latest on Buddy Matthews/Malakai Black in AEW: “Nobody’s Getting Released”

    Latest on Buddy Matthews/Malakai Black in AEW: “Nobody’s Getting Released”

    Buddy Matthews and Malakai Black will be staying with AEW for the foreseeable future despite previous statements teasing their departures.

    After taking a bow at the AEW All Out 2022 Pay Per View, it was reported that Black had asked for his release, which the Dutch wrestler confirmed in a statement.

    “I did indeed ask for my release.“

    Malakai Black.

    Last week, Buddy Matthews spoke at an indie event where he also teased an indefinite break from wrestling.

    This led to belief among fans that both men were done with the company, with reports that they were hoping on a return to WWE now with Triple H running creative.

    Black has since debunked claims that he has left AEW.

    The Doctrine

    Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer explained that nobody is set to depart AEW following the recent statements from Black and Matthews.

    Nobody’s getting released. That’s the doctrine Tony Khan made that very clear I guess in the last couple of days. So now it’s just, he [Malakai Black] is not being released. Buddy Matthews isn’t being released. They may be back sooner than before or whatever but that’s the situation you know.

    “You know what the situation is. They were wanting to go and trying to get a way out. I mean which we talked about last night and that was the decision that was made. It’s not to say it’s hard and fast and there would be no way that he [AEW President Tony Khan] will never give anybody a release but I think it’s pretty much the deal.”

    Speaking about WWE, Meltzer said this wouldn’t happen in the McMahon-Nick Khan promotion.

    “If this happened in the other company [WWE] would those people get releases? The answer is no.”

    Dave Meltzer.

    WWE has reportedly shown interest in rehiring several former Superstars who have since joined AEW.

    Swerve Strickland reportedly referred to WWE to his legal representatives when approached, but is not introduced in a return and Hit Row reunion.

    Options

    With Black and Matthews seemingly staying with AEW, it remains to be seen when they will return.

    Black has said he could be back within a matter of weeks but has given no confirmed timeframe for how long he or Matthews will be gone.

    Meltzer sid that Khan could extend the contracts of either man, something seen in the past by WWE.

    “Now their option is to sit at home and then he [Khan] can extend the contract if they sit at home, or wrestle. So now they’re going to wrestle. Yeah, kind of a weird thing how that all turned out you know he [Black] waved goodbye and now he’s coming back. You know now he’s gonna blame me [and] you know but that’s what happened. No release.”

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

    Brody King Reacts To Malakai Black & Buddy Matthews Reportedly Leaving AEW

  • Tony Khan: AEW Stars Affected by Hurricane Ian May Miss Dynamite

    Tony Khan: AEW Stars Affected by Hurricane Ian May Miss Dynamite

    This week’s AEW Dynamite could see a much smaller roster than usual thanks to the effects of Hurricane Ian.

    Hurricane Ian is currently approaching Florida, and will pass through the Sunshine State this week.

    On Twitter, AEW President Tony Khan announced that anyone involved in the show who cannot safely make it to Dynamite is allowed to miss the event for their safety.

    This week’s Dynamite will take place from the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania but many AEW wrestlers live in Florida.

    Hurricane Ian

    According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Ian is expected to be a category three storm with wind speeds of 120mph or greater.

    Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency and has activated 5,000 National Guard troops to assist with relief efforts.

    The White House has also made its own emergency declaration, which will help federal and state officials coordinate disaster relief and assistance.

    Meteorologists have warned that flooding is possible today in the Florida peninsula as the hurricane approaches.

    AEW Dynamite

    This week’s AEW Dynamite will go ahead despite the hurricane, with matches already announced.

    New Ring of Honor World Champion Chris Jericho will have his first title defense when he faces former World Champion Bandido.

    AEW World Champion Jon Moxley will face Juice Robinson in a non-title match.

    It has also been promoted that MJF will make an appearance on the show, as will Saraya in her first promo on AEW Dynamite.

    Saraya debuted for AEW during last week’s Grand Slam special.

    Tony Khan Explains His Booking Decisions to Fan on Social Media
  • Jim Cornette On Saraya Signing With AEW: “How Did WWE Let Her Get Away?”

    Jim Cornette On Saraya Signing With AEW: “How Did WWE Let Her Get Away?”

    WWE legend Jim Cornette recently praised Saraya on his podcast following her debut in All Elite Wrestling.

    Saraya made her debut last Wednesday at Dynamite: Grand Slam. Toni Storm defended the Interim AEW Women’s Championship in a 4-Way against Serena Deeb, Athena, and Britt Baker. Toni escaped with a victory but the heels attacked her after the match. Saraya made her debut and Britt Baker, Serena Deeb, and Jamie Hayter retreated upon her arrival.

    Cornette is one of the most vocal critics of All Elite Wrestling but praised the former WWE star on The Jim Cornette Experience. He noted the impressive reaction she got from the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

    “As soon as the word Saraya came up on the screen, the place went ballistic. I don’t even know if they would have cheered if that had happened in a WWE building because none of the WWE fans would have known probably what Paige’s real name was, well maybe the most devoted.

    But these fans, they are the smart ones and they knew it was Paige, and boy, the place comes apart and the heels bail out of the ring, and the fans go crazy. Paige walks into the ring, smiles at the people, and that was it.”

    Jim then wondered why WWE would let her get away if she has been cleared to wrestle.

    “If she has been cleared to wrestle, then why did the WWE let her get away? She’s not with Alberto Del Maniac anymore… She’s not having public meltdowns. So if she was cleared to wrestle, and could wrestle, how did the WWE let her get away?

    Cornette added if she hasn’t been cleared to wrestle, then Tony Khan would have to be a complete lunatic to sign her given the circumstances.

    “You would have to be a complete lunatic to sign a wrestler under those circumstances without having them check to see if they can wrestle. So what’s going on here? I’ll tell you another thing, if Paige was paying close attention to that match, she’s gotta be thinking ‘holy f***, this is worse than a shoot. I don’t want to get involved with these people.”

    Please credit The Jim Cornette Experience & give a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.

  • “I’ve Debunked It” – Malakai Black Denies Rumor That He’s Leaving AEW

    “I’ve Debunked It” – Malakai Black Denies Rumor That He’s Leaving AEW

    Malakai Black and Buddy Matthews of House of Black have been rumored to be on their way out of All Elite Wrestling but apparently, that is not the case.

    Malakai spoke at an independent wrestling event recently and said he needed some time to recalibrate. The 37-year-old also recently released a statement that confirmed he requested for his release from All Elite Wrestling.

    Buddy Matthews also delivered a promo at an independent wrestling event and echoed a similar sentiment. He stated that he needed to go away for a while and that it wasn’t a goodbye. House of Black member Brody King then sent out a GIF to signify that he was not leaving the company.

    Now, Malakai Black is saying that he is taking some time off and will in fact return to All Elite Wrestling in the near future. You can check out his comments and watch the video below.

    “Again guys, stop believing these things. It is unbelievable to me. Anyway, I will see you guys in a couple of weeks, maybe a couple of months. Like I said, I’m only taking some time off. That’s it. I’m just taking some time off.

    There is no conspiracy to this. I’m just taking some time off. Alright? I will see you guys soon. Take care of yourself, stop believing any other narrative. I’ve debunked it. There is nothing going on.

    Don’t believe these people. Don’t write opinions, don’t believe it. Nothing. I am fine. I am going to be fine. Everything is fine. You will see me right back with AEW pretty soon. I’m just going to take some time. That is it.

    Last thing before I leave, don’t make me some instrument for this whole ‘tribalism, us versus them thing’ because I don’t do that stuff. I don’t do ‘Team AEW vs. Team WWE’. I don’t play that.”

    https://twitter.com/BRAlNBUSTAH/status/1574616502111768589?s=20&t=evcr94K6Rf2GnVQszGidzg
  • Report: The AEW Stars WWE Has Reached Out to So Far

    Report: The AEW Stars WWE Has Reached Out to So Far

    There has been a great amount of discussion over the last two months about WWE reportedly making overtures to AEW talent who are still under contract, and a new report sheds some light on exactly who these names are.

    According to Fightful Select, there were indeed some AEW stars who did receive word that WWE would be interested in bringing them back. The first name that jumps off the page is former AEW Tag Team Champion Swerve Strickland. According to the report, he told the WWE party to contact his attorney. Strickland apparently had no interest in returning to WWE, and the pitch was reportedly for him to return as part of Hit Row.

    For what it’s worth, Strickland’s partner Keith Lee has apparently not been contacted by WWE.

    On the tag team front, it was previously reported that word was given to FTR that WWE would be interested in bringing them back.

    Any Truth to Those Bobby Fish, Adam Cole, and Kyle O’Reilly Rumors?

    Adam Cole Kyle O'Reilly Bobby FIsh
    (via AEW)

    There has been some chatter that Bobby Fish, prior to exiting AEW, was trying to get Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly to ask for their AEW releases so that the trio could return to WWE. According to Fightful Select, there’s no truth to this rumor. Several AEW sources indicated the rumor was false, and WWE sources stated that they have not been in contact with Fish about a return to the company.

    Miro has not asked for his AEW release despite there being some chatter about WWE reaching out to him. These rumors were not substantiated or refuted, with no reporting either way on the matter.

    Lastly, at least one AEW official stated they are expecting both Buddy Matthews and Aleister Black to be back with AEW within a couple of months. Black had asked for his AEW release and reportedly told at least one person at WWE that he wished he was back with the company, however AEW never had any intention of releasing him so that he could return to WWE. AEW officials believed that the situation had been “smoothed over” prior to All Out.

    Furthermore, Black did an IG Live on Monday night where he noted he has not been released from AEW. He stated that he has been given some time off to deal with some personal things. He said he would be back with AEW soon.

    Check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news. Apple – Spotify – YouTube. 

  • Tony Khan Explains His Booking Decisions to Fan on Social Media

    Tony Khan Explains His Booking Decisions to Fan on Social Media

    AEW President Tony Khan is looking to capitalize on the moment that his promotion has been on for the last several weeks with this Wednesday’s episode of Dynamite. 

    On Monday, AEW announced the latest match to be added to the already-loaded episode of Dynamite as Bandido is slated to face current ROH World Champion Champion Chris Jericho in Philadelphia.

    Jericho defeated Claudio Castagnoli last week on AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam to win the championship. Bandido lost the World Title to Jonathan Gresham at ROH Supercard of Honor this past April in a match to determine the undisputed champion, as Gresham was previously the Original ROH Champion.

    Also announced for the show is AEW World Champion Jon Moxley vs. Juice Robinson in a World Title Eliminator Match. If Robinson can win the match, he will earn a future World Title bout. 

    Tony Khan Gives an Explanation 

    Tony Khan

    The AEW President responded to a fan on Instagram questioning these matches being booked. 

    A fan wrote: “@tonyrkhan this is what we’re talking about…WHY?!!! the match should be good but WHY is he defending against Bandido FOR NO REASON?!!! Why is Juice getting an Eliminator match? Why not a normal regular singles match?”

    Khan responded, “Bandido never got a rematch for the title, which is implied in the copy I wrote. Juice has beaten Mox in NJPW, which is explicitly written in the copy I wrote.”

    Also confirmed for this show includes Jericho’s Championship Celebration and promo segments with MJF and Saraya (formerly known as Paige).

  • AEW Will Use Less “Controversial Language” Going Forward

    AEW Will Use Less “Controversial Language” Going Forward

    All Elite Wrestling will be cleaning up some of the language used on programming, according to commentator Jim Ross.

    Since launching in 2019, AEW has been rated TV-14 and has tried to differentiate itself from WWE and its PG-rated product.

    It has been reported in the past that TNT and TBS have not had an issue with AEW’s choice of colorful language, as the promotion has proven to be a consistent ratings hit.

    Cleaning up the Language

    TNT and TBS may not have a problem with AEW’s language, but Ross is insisting that changes are coming.

    Speaking during a Q&A with AdFreeShows.com, Ross said that some language will be cleaned up.

    “We had a string in AEW where there was a lot of controversial language. I think you’ll see less of that.”

    Jim Ross on AEW using less coarse language.

    Ross gave his own view that using foul language is often a crutch for wrestling promotions who can’t find a better way to engage audiences.

    “It’s unnecessary and shows a lack of creativity if you can’t come up with an adjective or adverb that is better than something a little coarse. The times are going to dictate that.”

    Jim Ross on why AEW doesn’t need foul language.

    The WWE Hall of Famer did not state any specific words which will no longer be used on AEW programming.

    No confirmation has been made by Tony Khan at this time regarding whether AEW plans to clean up some of its more colorful language.

    Latest on Relationship Between AEW & Warner Bros. Discovery
  • Kurt Angle Thinks AEW Isn’t As Organized As It Should Be

    Kurt Angle Thinks AEW Isn’t As Organized As It Should Be

    Kurt Angle thinks All Elite Wrestling (AEW) might not be as organized of a company as it should be.

    The WWE Hall Of Famer was recently interviewed on The Wrassingh Show podcast, and asked his thoughts on the current situation going on within AEW. Angle explained that he thinks things are more like the “Wild Wild West” in AEW.

    Specifically, he pointed to giving talents control over their own promos and pre-tapes, suggesting AEW tighten things up similar to how WWE does.

    “I just think the company might be a little too loose … it’s more like the Wild West … not as organized as it should be,” Kurt Angle said.

    “The wrestlers are making up their own promos, saying their own thing, doing their own thing, and I think there needs to be organization within the company where you have the writers telling the wrestlers what to say and enhancing their characters.”

    “Putting the wrestlers in charge of their own promos and pre-tapes … and even their matches, I don’t know if they have agents for the matches, producers for their matches.

    “So, I think they need to be overlooked, the talent. That’s what makes WWE so good, why they’re so organized, and why the show is always so tight.” 

    Kurt Angle Entrance
    (WWE)

    There has been a lot of controversy going on backstage in AEW as of late. While a few talents have seemingly had issues with one another backstage, the most notable story, of course, has been CM Punk’s confrontation with The Elite after All Out.

    Punk had some harsh comments about the likes of The Young Bucks, Hangman Page, and Kenny Omega after the show during his post-event press conference. Shortly after, he was confronted by The Elite in his locker room, which lead to a physical confrontation.

    Since, The Elite have been handed suspensions, while Punk is taking time away to nurse an injury, vacating the AEW World Title in the process.

    Quotes via Wrestling Inc.

  • Buddy Matthews On Recent Reports Of His AEW Status: “Fake, Fake, Fake, Fake”

    Buddy Matthews On Recent Reports Of His AEW Status: “Fake, Fake, Fake, Fake”

    Buddy Matthews is denying recent reports made about his status with All Elite Wrestling.

    The House of Black member was trending yesterday after a promo he cut at Saturday’s Fight Life Pro Wrestling event surfaced, where the former NXT cruiserweight champion said he was stepping away from pro-wrestling to figure some things out. Matthews added that the things had been weird since the AEW release of Malakai Black, but that he appreciated the fans support since the group was formed earlier this year.

    However, that would not be the end of the story. A report would emerge later in the day revealing that Matthews, like Malakai, was also unhappy with how his run with AEW was going, and that he could potentially be on his way out. It was not specified whether Matthews was trying to get out of his AEW contract, or if the company was attempting to get ride of him since the group’s plans fell through. His stablemate Brody King confirmed on Twitter that he wasn’t planning on leaving AEW anytime soon.

    Matthews Has Denied The Reports

    This would all spell disaster if not for one thing…Matthews calling all the recent reports lies. He took to Twitter late last night and released a GIF from the all time classic sitcom Seinfeld, which shows Elaine shouting out “Fake, Fake, Fake, Fake.”

    To add fuel to the fire the AEW Twitter account shared a happy birthday post for Matthews, who just turned 34.

    Stay tuned for more updates on the situation.

  • Brody King Reacts To Malakai Black & Buddy Matthews Reportedly Leaving AEW

    Brody King Reacts To Malakai Black & Buddy Matthews Reportedly Leaving AEW

    The House of Black may have crumbled in All Elite Wrestling but Brody King isn’t going anywhere.

    At AEW All Out, House of Black battled Miro, Darby Allin, and Sting in a Trios match. Malakai got a taste of his own medicine in the match as Sting spit the green mist in his eyes. Darby followed it up with the Coffin Drop for the pinfall victory.

    After the match, Malakai Black stayed behind on the entrance ramp and waved goodbye to the crowd. He later would speak at an independent wrestling event and state that he needed time to “recalibrate”. Black also released a statement that can be read here.

    Buddy Matthews and Brody King battled Sting and Darby Allin at Rampage: Grand Slam this past Friday night. This was apparently Buddy’s send-off from the company as he got green mist in his eyes as well. The Great Muta made a shocking appearance in AEW and helped Sting. Muta spat mist in Buddy’s eyes and Sting hit him with the Scorpion Death Drop for the victory.

    Buddy appeared at a Fight Life Pro Wrestling event and confirmed he will be going away for a little while like Malakai Black. He used the word “recalibrate” as well and quoted Malakai saying “this isn’t goodbye, this is see you later.”

    https://twitter.com/JustAlyxCentral/status/1574083000618389504?s=20&t=tpYpA_N-qTxmfD9DgODmbQ

    The remaining House of Black members currently in All Elite Wrestling are Brodie King and Julia Hart.

    Brody took to Twitter and shared the “I’m not leaving!” GIF from The Wolf of Wall Street. The 35-year-old signed with All Elite Wrestling in January 2022.

    King battled Jon Moxley for the AEW Interim Championship on the July 6th edition of Dynamite but came up short. It will be interesting to see what lies ahead for Brody in AEW.

  • Buddy Matthews Announces Hiatus from Pro Wrestling – AEW Future Uncertain

    Buddy Matthews Announces Hiatus from Pro Wrestling – AEW Future Uncertain

    Buddy Matthews is the latest prominent name who won’t be competing on AEW programming anymore, as confirmed by the Australian wrestler.

    Matthews joined AEW in February 2022 and immediately aligned himself with Malakai Black and Brody King of The House of Black.

    Shortly after AEW President Tony Khan made his signing official on social media.

    Leaving AEW

    During the most recent Fight Life Pro Wrestling event, Matthews cut a promo following his match and confirmed his departure from AEW

    “Tonight, I’m going to be the bearer of some unfortunate news. As everyone knows, the House of Black has had some issues lately. As all the members of the house, I’m speaking for them all, we want to thank you all for being members of the house.

    “Unfortunately, I, like some of the other members, need to go away for a while. I need to recalibrate. I need to figure out some things. As my brother Malakai once said, this isn’t goodbye, this is see you later.”

    Matthews did not make reference to his contract with AEW, or if his hiatus will result in his departure from the promotion.

    The Fall of the House of Black

    Matthews is the latest prominent name to finish up work with AEW, after Malakai Black announced his departure earlier this month.

    Black had his initial requested release refused, but was later granted a “conditional release” by Tony Khan.

    Despite reports that Black was seeking a lengthy, possibly permanent break from wrestling, it has since been reported that he has expressed interest in a return to WWE.

    It is not known at this time if Matthews is also interested in a return to the promotion, which has seen several returns since Vince McMahon’s retirement.

    Malakai Black Breaks Silence & Confirms He Requested AEW Release
  • “I Stand Alone” – Ricky Starks Rejects Being a Pillar of AEW

    “I Stand Alone” – Ricky Starks Rejects Being a Pillar of AEW

    All Elite Wrestling has some of the most talented wrestlers in the world today, but Ricky Starks has no intention to be a ‘pillar’ of Tony Khan’s promotion.

    The concept of AEW having four pillars was first coined by MJF in an interview and references four home-grown AEW talent he believes will be headlining for the promotion one day.

    AEW’s four pillars consist of MJF, Darby Allin, Sammy Guevara and Jungle Boy.

    The promotion has even released a shirt, confirming the four as the ‘pillars’ and future main-eventers of All Elite Wrestling.

    I Stand Alone

    Ricky Starks wasn’t named by MJF as a pillar of AEW, but that’s okay with the longest-reigning FTW Champion.

    When a fan addressed the concept of pillars in AEW, stating that Starks’ name should be on the list, the wrestler said that he stands alone and those terms should be left to wrestlers “enclosed by those definitions.

    Headliner

    Starks isn’t interested in being a pillar of AEW, and has already been working his way up the promotion’s ranks.

    In a separate tweet, the former FTW Champion pointed out that he headlined this week’s AEW Rampage: Grand Slam, after not being booked for the event the prior year.

    Starks defeated his former teammate Powerhouse Hobbs in a ‘Lights Out’ match to close out the AEW Rampage: Grand Slam special.

    After hitting Hobbs with some lights, Starks finished off his former tag-team partner with a Roshambo to get the pinfall victory.

    Ricky Starks Addresses Comparisons to The Rock
  • “Worth It” – Darby Allin Got Staples in Scalp After AEW Rampage: Grand Slam

    “Worth It” – Darby Allin Got Staples in Scalp After AEW Rampage: Grand Slam

    Darby Allin isn’t phased after getting staples in his head following this week’s AEW Rampage: Grand Slam event.

    During the show, Allin teamed with Sting to face the House of Black’s Buddy Matthews and Brody King.

    At one point, Allin dropped himself and King off of the stage, which resulted in the former getting his head split wide open.

    While Allin was willing to continue, AEW’s medical team advised him to exit the match due to the laceration.

    Sting and Allin would win the match, following the interference from Japanese wrestling legend The Great Muta.

    Staples

    After the match, Allin required five staples in his scalp to close the wound.

    On Twitter, the former AEW TNT Champion showed off the injury, but said that the staples had been “worth it.”

    Death-Defying

    Allin’s recent dive off of the stage is hardly the first time the AEW wrestler has put his body on the line.

    In May, Allin faced Jeff Hardy, and hit the latter’s Swanton Bomb off a ladder in the ring, onto Hardy, who was laid across several steel chairs outside of the ring.

    Darby’s high-flying antics aren’t reserved to just AEW, as he also performs stunts at various events not associated with wrestling.

    Last month, Allin drove a jeep over his house in an insane 96-foot jump, which he called the “sketchiest” stunt he’s done.

    Earlier this month, the former AEW TNT Champion performed a backflip on a tricycle after going down a long ramp.

    Darby Allin Took Out a $12k Loan So He Could Join AEW