Category: AEW

  • What Happened After AEW Dynamite: Moxley Mentions Cody

    What Happened After AEW Dynamite: Moxley Mentions Cody

    All Elite Wrestling presented AEW Dynamite on Wednesday night from Columbus, Ohio at the Schottenstein Center. The main event saw Chris Jericho defeat Wheeler Yuta to earn a shot at AEW World Champion Jon Moxley next week at Quake by the Lake.

    Dynamite went off the air with Moxley and Jericho talking trash about the upcoming title match.

    Rick Ucchino of Cageside Seats was in attendance and tweeted throughout the show. He provided an update about what happened after Dynamite and before AEW began taping Friday’s episode of Rampage.

    Moxley Mentions Cody’s Rhodes

    According to Ucchino, Jon Moxley cut a promo after Dynamite went off the air.

    While Moxley was talking, he was interrupted by QT Marshall. This led to Mox to name-drop none other than Cody Rhodes while burying the leader of The Factory.

    The main event of Friday’s AEW Rampage will see Jon Moxley vs. the debuting Mance Warner.

    Also on Rampage, the legend Madison Rayne also debuts, and AEW World tag team champions Keith Lee & Swerve Strickland are in action against Tony Neese and Josh Woods.

  • CM Punk Says He Feels A Special Connection With The Audience Since Epic Return A Year Ago

    CM Punk Says He Feels A Special Connection With The Audience Since Epic Return A Year Ago

    CM Punk feels more connected to the pro-wrestling audience than ever before.

    The AEW world champion returned nearly one year ago (August 20th) after being absent from the business since 2014, with his departure and fallout with WWE becoming a national story. Punk coming back was never a guarantee, but the fans never forgot him, and chanted his name as often as they could.

    The champ spoke about this bond during a recent interview with Screenrant, calling the love a currency that he will not take advantage of.

    “I think I have a currency with the audience just having been around for so long, coming from the Indies, going to the old WWF, and you know being around the block. Leaving, coming back after seven years, there’s a connection that I have.”

    Punk adds that being a top babyface is always hard work, but feels like turning heel while the audience still loves him is a move he is not prepared to make just yet.

    “I don’t necessarily enjoy being a good guy. I feel like it’s hard work. It’s a lot easier to get people to dislike you. But I feel it would be wasteful to, as I said, discard this currency that I have with the audience because it is, I feel, a special connection.”

    He also plans on treating every appearance as special.

    “You know, they’re chanting my name for seven years. I came back. They’re still stoked about it. So I feel like every time I’m in the ring is special to me and I don’t want to squander that, and I feel like it’s just a giant party with a bunch of your friends, you know? I just want to have a good time with them.”

    Punk has been absent from in-ring action since May due to a broken foot. This occurred only days after he defeated Hangman Page to capture the world title.

  • Claudio Castagnoli Wants a Match with Kazuchika Okada

    Claudio Castagnoli Wants a Match with Kazuchika Okada

    Claudio Castagnoli would love to have a match with Kazuchika Okada down the line.

    Castagnoli recently took part in a media scrum at Starrcast V. During the scrum, Castagnoli discussed the possibility facing New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) star Kazuchika Okada.

    The Ring Of Honor (ROH) Champion said a match with Okada would mean a lot to him, especially given their past.

    “I would just pick Okada. Mainly because I’ve known Okada for over 10 years, actually. When he wrestled at Chikara, he stayed at — me and Chris Hero had a house that a lot of the guys stayed, including Okada, and then I saw him again when he was training in Mexico.

    “So, I think I have a picture of me and him when I still had hair and when he was not ‘The Rainmaker’ yet. So I think there’s definitely a lot of history there. So yeah, definitely. He would be one of many guys that we want to face.“

    Claudio Castagnoli ROH Champion

    Castagnoli has been on quite the roll since leaving WWE. He competed in WWE for over 10 years as Cesaro where he was one of the company’s most promising stars. However, he was arguably underutilized throughout his run, with many seeing World Championship potential in the Swiss powerhouse.

    Throughout his 11 years with WWE, Castagnoli only won one singles title – the United States Championship. However, he signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in June after his WWE contract expired in February.

    He then won the ROH World Title from Jonathan Gresham at Death Before Dishonor in July. As for Okada, he has been one of Japan’s biggest stars for years. He’s a five-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, and also does work for AEW.

    A match between Okada and Castagnoli down the road is certainly a possibility in the near future.

    Quotes via Fightful

  • Tony Khan Believes WWE Management Shakeup Will Be Good for Wrestling Fans

    Tony Khan Believes WWE Management Shakeup Will Be Good for Wrestling Fans

    Tony Khan has offered his reaction to the recent WWE management shakeup.

    Things have shaken up in a massive way over in WWE. Vince McMahon stepped down from his position as WWE CEO after some sexual misconduct allegations surfaced. This left Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan to fill in as co-CEOs.

    McMahon was then forced to retire from his position as head of WWE creative after investigations into McMahon began. Now, Triple H has been promoted to head of creative in WWE.

    There seems to have been a generally positive reaction to the change, especially from the talent backstage. Now, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) president Tony Khan has offered his reaction to the news.

    Khan spoke on the matter during an interview with Sports Grid. The AEW front-man noted that he believes the change will be good for wrestling fans, making things more exciting – especially when it comes to free agency.

    “I think that’s always been a concern, but now probably more so than ever, I imagine great wrestlers are going to be in demand. And again, I think this is probably going to be good for the wrestling fans because that’s one of the most exciting things about pro wrestling: free agency.

    “It’s one of those things that was really missing from the sport for almost two decades before AEW came in, because there was not a legitimate competitor in the free agent market, and now there is.

    “I think it’s going to be some exciting times ahead, hopefully for many years to come. One of the worst things that happened, I think, in American sports in my lifetime was when WCW closed down. And there should always be another national wrestling company.”

    Tony Khan
    (AEW)

    Free agency has already been a huge deal between WWE and AEW. Names such as Bryan Danielson and Adam Cole leaving WWE for AEW, and Cody Rhodes leaving AEW to return to WWE.

    With Triple H now at the helm of WWE, and considered to be more appealing to work under than Vince McMahon, it will be interesting to see if the tides change in a major way, drawing more talent’s interest in joining WWE.

  • Former Impact Knockouts Champion Joins AEW to Coach Women’s Division

    Former Impact Knockouts Champion Joins AEW to Coach Women’s Division

    All Elite Wrestling sent in the following press release Wednesday morning announcing the expansion of the company’s talent relations and development team.

    Former Impact Wrestling Knockouts champion Madison Rayne has signed on to coach the women’s division.

    During his weekly appearance on the Busted Open Radio show on Sirius XM, AEW President Tony Khan had this to say about Rayne joining the organization:

    “She’s going to be great for the team,” said Khan. “Everyone’s excited to have Madison Rayne as part of AEW. I’m not saying she wouldn’t wrestle anymore, we’re open to it. We have other people in the office who do wrestle as part of their schedule, so I’m open to it.”

    In addition to AEW signing Madison Rayne, several existing employees will see their roles expanded under the overhauled talent relations department, including Sonjay Dutt, QT Marshall, Pat Buck and Tony Schiavone.

    – – –

    August 3, 2022 – AEW CEO, GM and Head of Creative Tony Khan announced an expansion to AEW’s talent relations team with the promotions of key staff members including Sonjay Dutt, QT Marshall, Pat Buck and Tony Schiavone. In addition, Madison Rayne will join AEW as a coach in the women’s division.

    As AEW continues its meteoric rise, the expanded talent relations team will strengthen the infrastructure required to facilitate the development, health and safety of AEW’s outstanding roster. The following promotions and additions are effective immediately:

    Sonjay Dutt (Retesh Bhalla) has been promoted to Vice President of Production and Creative Coordination. In this role, he will coordinate communication of AEW storylines, liaise between post-production and key staff to maintain content workflow, produce ancillary content and mentor new producers. Dutt joined AEW in 2021, bringing more than 20 years of experience in professional wrestling – both in-ring and as a producer – and continues to serve on-screen as manager to Satnam Singh and Jay Lethal.

    QT Marshall (Michael Cuellari) has been promoted to Vice President of Show and Creative Coordination. He will help to manage show elements including planning programs and storylines, character development, overseeing extras and live event logistics coordination. Marshall, an AEW original with more than 20 years of experience, will continue to wrestle as the leader of The Factory with Anthony Ogogo, Nick Comoroto, Aaron Solo and Cole Karter.

    Pat Buck (Pat Buckridge) has been promoted to Vice President of Talent Development. In this position, he will liaise with talent and production, oversee all coaches, provide input on matches and promos, and lead the talent relations team. Buck brings nearly two decades of experience serving wrestling promotions as a talent, trainer, producer and promoter.

    Tony Schiavone has been promoted to Senior Producer and Special Advisor to Talent. In this capacity, he will work directly with talent as part of the Talent Relations team. Schiavone is one

    of AEW’s most tenured members and has nearly 40 years of experience, with an iconic voice that has guided fans through professional wrestling’s most incredible moments.

    Madison Rayne (Ashley Nichole Lomberger) will join AEW as a coach in the women’s division, and kick-off her new role tonight in her hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Madison has competed in numerous professional wrestling promotions where she has held multiple championship titles, including 5-time Women’s World Champion. She has more than 15 years of experience in professional wrestling, and is also a proud mom to a daughter.

    Christopher Daniels, an AEW original who brings more than 30 years of industry experience, will continue to serve as Manager of Talent Relations. The Talent Relations team will also remain in close contact with AEW’s Legal and Talent Resources team – led by Margaret Stalvey, Chris Peck and Megha Parekh – who help to support the physical and mental health, safety and security of talent. AEW is also committed to supporting talent beyond the ring, and offers access to world- class physicians, trainers and mental health clinicians.

  • AEW Joins Forces with THQ Nordic for Fight Forever Video Game

    AEW Joins Forces with THQ Nordic for Fight Forever Video Game

    All Elite Wrestling sent in the following press release providing lots of new information about the upcoming video game, AEW Fight Forever.

    THQ Nordic Gives AEW: Fight Forever The Push Fans Have Been Waiting For!

    Vienna/Austria, Jacksonville/Florida, Tokyo/Japan August 3, 2022: THQ Nordic GmbH and All Elite Wrestling, LLC (AEW) and YUKE’S Co., Ltd. today confirmed that the release of AEW: Fight Forever will be the tag-team event of the century! The two companies have joined forces to bring developer YUKES’ latest creation to PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo® Switch.

    “One of the first things I did after signing with AEW was to ask Tony Khan to let me help assemble the best gaming team on the planet, to make the best wrestling game ever,” said Kenny Omega, EVP of AEW and former AEW World Champion and AEW World Tag Team Champion. “Well, we just landed the perfect finisher by partnering with global publishing and distribution powerhouse THQ Nordic for AEW: Fight Forever. The THQ brand has long been synonymous with wrestling games – there is simply no more qualified partner to bring AEW: Fight Forever to the millions of wrestling fans the world over.”

    YUKE’S president and CEO Yukinori Taniguchi said, “I am both gratified and excited to have the opportunity to work with AEW—who is breathing new life into the pro wrestling industry—and the THQ Brand, with whom we have created an entire era of pro wrestling games. Using the expertise we have cultivated over the years, we are taking on this project with the ultimate staff from the YUKE’S Development Team in order to recreate AEW’s appeal within a video game to the highest degree. We hope that fans will enjoy experiencing the most cutting-edge technology, and the next evolution, in pro wrestling gaming.”

    “Kenny’s incredible vision for AEW: Fight Forever is informed by his wrestling pedigree both inside the ring and on the controller,” said Executive Producer Reinhard Pollice, THQ Nordic. “Combine that vision with YUKES’ unparalleled wrestling game development history is resulting in an AEW experience that draws heavily on the arcade feel that first won wrestling gamer hearts more than two decades ago.”

    A touch of nostalgia is just the beginning in AEW: Fight Forever. Players can look forward to pulling off the most current wrestling moves seen on wildly popular AEW programming. This, in addition to innovative, tandem offensive moves. Online co-op wrestling is going completely next level with Tag Team matches that feature sequences of team maneuvers performed with simple commands. A long roster of the most popular AEW wrestlers, deep career mode, create-a- wrestler, signature AEW arenas, multiple match types and even some good ol’ fashioned, unsanctioned fun await!

    AEW Fight Forever Screenshots:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CgxTt7bu6V-/

    AEW: Fight Forever Features:

    Match Types

    o Single Matches
    o Tag-Team
    o 3-Way
    o 4-Way
    o Ladder Matches
    o Casino Battle Royale
    o Falls Count Anywhere
    o Unsanctioned Lights-Out (allows use of weapons)
    o Exploding Barbed Wire Death Matches

    • Career Mode
    • Wide Range of Customization Modes

    o Custom Wrestlers (attire and appearance)
    o Custom Move-Sets
    o Custom Entrances
    o Custom Teams
    o Custom Arenas

    • Online Multiplayer

    • Leaderboards

  • AEW Files for “All Elite Women” Trademark

    AEW Files for “All Elite Women” Trademark

    All Elite Wrestling has filed a new trademark application that will interest fans of women’s wrestling.

    On Monday, AEW filed to trademark the term, “All Elite Women” for usage in the production of television programming.

    The trademark application does not yet appear in the USPTO database, but was first reported by PWInsider.

    Among the ‘Goods and Services’ usage, “All Elite Women” will be used for:

    • Entertainment services in the nature of creation, development, and production of television programming;
    • Entertainment services in the nature of professional athletes competing in wrestling;
    • Streaming of pay-per-view events material on the Internet; Streaming of audio material on the Internet; Streaming of video material on the Internet;

    The application notes, All Elite Wrestling “has a bona fide intention, and is entitled, to use the mark in commerce on or in connection with the identified goods/services.”

    All Elite Wrestling currently features four weekly shows in its programming lineup, including AEW Dynamite (TBS), Rampage (TNT) and Dark/Dark Elevation on YouTube.

    Stay tuned for more when we gather more information about All Elite Women.

    Latest AEW Women’s Rankings

    Here’s a look at the latest Top 5 rankings for AEW’s women’s division:

    • AEW Women’s World Champion: Thunder Rosa
    • AEW TBS Champion: Jade Cargill

    Contenders

    1. Miyu Yamashita
    2. Toni Storm
    3. Kris Statlander
    4. Serena Deeb
    5. Nyla Rose

    Visit our AEW Roster page to view the full list of women signed with AEW.

  • Toni Storm Graces the Cover of Fitness Gurls

    Toni Storm Graces the Cover of Fitness Gurls

    AEW star Toni Storm will be on the cover of the latest issue of Fitness Gurls magazine. The issue will be released on August 3rd in both print and digital. 

    As seen below, Storm looks stunning: 

    After working the 2017 edition of the Mae Young Classic Storm signed with WWE in 2018 and was used mainly on the NXT UK brand. She later won the 2018 Mae Young Classic and later became the NXT UK Women’s Champion.

    Storm was called up to the main roster in July 2020 as part of the SmackDown brand. However, she requested her WWE release in December after feuding with Charlotte Flair. It was granted, and she was let go. Shortly after her release, she opened an OnlyFans account, which has been very lucrative

    The former WWE star signed with AEW and made her Dynamite debut this past March. Storm has gone on record by stating that WWE didn’t care about her career leading up to her departure from WWE.

    So far this year, Storm holds a 13-2 record in AEW and has been pushed as a top star. She made it to the Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament Semi-Finals before losing to Britt Baker. She also came up short when challenging Thunder Rosa for the Women’s Title at AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door. 

  • AEW Fight Forever: New Screenshots, Game Mode Details

    AEW Fight Forever: New Screenshots, Game Mode Details

    An early listing for the AEW Fight Forever video game has revealed some new details about the much-awaited wrestling game.

    The listing that first appeared on an Amazon UK page revealed that the game will be available on PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

    It was also listed for Nintendo Switch for a brief period of time. Though the listing was removed as fans started talking about it, leaving some Switch owners disappointed over the false alarm.

    New Screen Shots

    The following are new high-resolution screenshots from AEW Fight Forever. As you can see, the game has a more cartoonish, arcade-style than we’re accustomed to seeing from the WWE 2K series.

    Match Types

    The description reveals that AEW Fight Forever will come with features such as a deep career mode, wrestler customization, signature AEW arenas, and more.

    The game also promises to include different match types such as singles, tag-team, three-way, four-way, ladder, Casino Battle Royale, Falls Count Anywhere, Unsanctioned Lights Out, and Exploding Barbed Wire Deathmatch.

    There will be an online cooperative multiplayer that will allow players to perform sequences of team maneuvers with simple commands.

    The talent roster will be a combination of some of the most legendary names as well as exciting young talents. Though Kenny Omega has previously mentioned how there will be some important omissions because of timing issues.

    The tentative release date for AEW Fight Forever is December 31, 2022 but things can change based on when the game wraps the development.

  • Bryan Danielson Considered Being A Full Time Dad Before AEW Debut

    Bryan Danielson Considered Being A Full Time Dad Before AEW Debut

    When Bryan Danielson decided to leave WWE, many thought that going to AEW was the only thing in his mind. Though the former world champion was also considering a third option – not being a full-time wrestler anymore.

    The AEW star joined Renee Paquette for a live episode of The Sessions podcast at Starrcast V. Speaking about his decision to leave WWE, Bryan revealed the third option he was considering. He also joked that his wife Brie Bella wanted to kill him for it:

    “People think I had two options between WWE and AEW. The reality is that I was considering three options, which was WWE, AEW or just not being a full-time wrestler anymore.” said Bryan Danielson, “Just being more of a full-time dad.

    When I told that to Brie with the money that each company was offering me, I think she wanted to kill me? She might have wanted to kill me.”

    Bryan then explained that his decision came down to a lighter schedule, creative freedom, and the itch to bleed in front of an audience:

    “Really it came down to a little bit schedule, A little bit of creative freedom and also just this idea of I’ve been there for so long. Maybe something a little bit new would be fun. I also kind of wanted to bleed.”

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  • Hall of Famer Sees ‘Brock Lesnar Potential’ in Wardlow

    Hall of Famer Sees ‘Brock Lesnar Potential’ in Wardlow

    Mark Henry sees Brock Lesnar potential in All Elite Wrestling star Wardlow.

    Henry was recently was recently interviewed by Sportskeeda and shared his high opinion of reigning AEW TNT Champion, Wardlow.

    “The World’s Strongest Man” had nothing but praise for the young champion, who he claims has the same potential as past stars such as Brock Lesnar, Goldberg, and even The Rock.

    “I think Wardlow is an unbelievable competitor,” Henry said. “And he’s going to be even better. The Wardlow we see right now, in a best of three, I think a Mark Henry might beat that guy. But in the next two years, Wardlow is going to be the most dominant force in pro wrestling since Brock Lesnar…”

    Henry also compared Wardlow’s upside to megastars like Goldberg, The Rock and even Stone Cold Steve Austin.

    That’s certainly high praise from Henry, a veteran of the industry of nearly 30 years. He’ a former WWE World Heavyweight Champion who was inducted into the company’s Hall Of Fame in 2016.

    As for Wardlow, he has certainly been privy to one particular comparison throughout his run with AEW. That being a comparison to WWE Hall Of Famer and ex-WCW World Heavyweight Champion Goldberg.

    Likely due to both men having such an intimidating size and physique inside the ring. Wardlow has certainly come into his own since splitting apart from the likes of MJF. He captured the TNT Title from Scorpio Sky on a July 6 episode of AEW Dynamite in a Street Fight.

  • Bryan Danielson On The AEW Locker Room: “It’s The Boys Talking About Flaccid Penises, It Is A Blast”

    Bryan Danielson On The AEW Locker Room: “It’s The Boys Talking About Flaccid Penises, It Is A Blast”

    Bryan Danielson isn’t shy of sharing the conversations that are had in a pro-wrestling locker room.

    The AEW superstar appeared on a live recording of Renee Paquette’s The Sessions at this past weekend’s Starrcast V event in Nashville to give details on the subject, which included Paquette asking the American Dragon about the rumors that he enjoys messing with people backstage.

    “I’m not fucking with people,” Danielson jokingly states before admitting that he does enjoy the occasional rib. He continues his rant by exclaiming that he spent too much time in WWE with guys who were just staring at their phones all day.

    “Everybody was on their phones in the locker room. That’s not what I want. The last three years of my career, I don’t want to spend in the locker room with a bunch of young guys looking at their phone.”

    It was here that the former world champion detailed the types of conversations that are had, including an in-depth chat about a topic Danielson seems to really enjoy.

    “So, we start….we talk about flaccid penises, asexually. We are not talking about anything that would be considered perverted. It’s just amongst the boys. It’s the boys talking about flaccid penises. It is a blast.”

    Danielson’s spirit to ignite fun into locker rooms continues to live on. The Dragon only returned to in-ring action on last week’s AEW Fight for the Fallen, his first match since May’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view, where he sustained a minor concussion.

    H/T: Fightful

  • Chris Jericho Reveals Similarity Between Wrestling And Star Wars Fandom

    Chris Jericho Reveals Similarity Between Wrestling And Star Wars Fandom

    Chris Jericho is known as the ‘master manipulator’ because of his understanding of different fandoms. The veteran knows how to get a wrestling crowd excited. He is also an expert in making people rock to his beats as the lead singer of Fozzy.

    The AEW star recently shared his opinion on the fans of different pop culture streams. In an interview with ComicBook, Jericho noted the similarities between the fans of Kiss, Star Wars and wrestling:

    “I always find that wrestling fans, Kiss fans and Star Wars fans are all very similar. They hate everything. Complain about everything, yet support everything, and watch everything and buy everything.”

    – Chris Jericho

    Chris Jericho has been feuding with Eddie Kingston the last few months. This multi-layered rivalry has seen the two wrestling stars trying to one up each other on every turn. The latest chapter of this was the Barbed Wire Deathmatch that main evented the July 20 Dynamite. Jericho defeated Kingston in this bout.

    Though The Painmaker didn’t come out unscathed. He had to be stretchered out of the arena. It has since been revealed that Jericho broke his nose during the bout.

    You can check out Chris Jericho’s interview with ComicBook here.

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  • Saraya (Paige) Says She Loves AEW But Won’t Be There Anytime Soon

    Saraya (Paige) Says She Loves AEW But Won’t Be There Anytime Soon

    Following Saraya’s (fka Paige) departure from WWE, she has now publicly commented on the possibility of her popping up in AEW.

    Saraya officially left WWE on July 7 when her contract expired and the company decided not to re-sign her.

    As with most people who leave WWE, fans immediately started to wonder when she would end up in AEW. Saraya was forced to retire in December 2017 due to a neck injury and after serving as General Manager of SmackDown and in a managerial role for Asuka & Kairi Sane, she had been off television since March 2020.

    Saraya Won’t Be In AEW Anytime Soon

    During her live podcast ‘Saraya: Turning The Page’ at Starrcast V, Saraya commented on her future following her WWE departure.

    Saraya said, “I’m in the middle of writing a book right now, which I’m really excited about. We got a book, it’s going to be another year before it officially comes out. We’re in the middle of writing that. We’re doing other things, but I’m not allowed to say anything right now. It’s non-wrestling related, sorry guys. 

    I’m not going to be going to AEW anytime soon. AEW seems great. I love AEW. I would love to face Britt Baker one day if the time is right, that would be awesome. All my friends are there now.”

    The former AEW Women’s Champion Britt Baker recently named Saraya as one of her dream opponents.

    Former Paige Reflects On Career-Ending Injury

    Saraya last wrestled at a live event on December 27, 2017, teaming with Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville in a six-woman tag against Bayley, Mickie James & Sasha Banks. During the bout, Banks kicked Saraya in the upper back/neck area, leading to injury.

    Saraya was how her neck is doing and if she would like to get back in the ring.

    Saraya responded:

    “I would love to, for sure. Having your career taken away from you without you wanting it to, having to retire on not my terms, it was really disappointing. 

    I already knew once my neck got kicked in the middle of the live event match. Once I went down, I was like, ‘This is it, this is the end of my career.’ I couldn’t feel my body. I lost control of my arms, my leg. Then, I’m just laying there and looking up at the referee like, ‘I can’t feel my body, I’m paralyzed right now.’ 

    He threw up the X and I look at poor Sasha in the corner and she’s like, ‘I’m so sorry.’ If it wasn’t you, it would have been someone else.”

    Saraya reiterated that she holds no ill will towards Banks. Saraya says that it was her mistake of thinking she could do the same stuff and take the same moves as she did after returning from her first neck surgery.

    H/T to Jeremy Lambert of Fightful for the transcription

  • Bryan Danielson Thought Doctors Were Going To Ask Him To Retire After Latest Injury

    Bryan Danielson Thought Doctors Were Going To Ask Him To Retire After Latest Injury

    Bryan Danielson has a history of concussion-related issues that have once forced him to retire from in-ring action. That’s why fans started worrying about his future when he recently suffered another concussion. According to the former world champion, he himself thought that doctors were going to tell him to retire after his latest injury but his brain scan changed things.

    Danielson opened up about his injury while speaking to Renee Paquette for a live episode of her The Sessions podcast at Starrcast V. He revealed what the doctor had said to him before his return:

    “He said, ‘After you start feeling better, we’re going to have to have a serious talk about your long-term health.’ I thought what that meant was, ‘After you feel better, I’m going to talk to you about not wrestling anymore.’”

    What Changed Things For Bryan Danielson

    Bryan Danielson

    However, things changed after the result of his brain scans came out. Per Bryan, he has been putting extra work to keep his brain healthy, and it helped him:

    “Then my brain scans came back so goddamn good that not a single person could say anything about it.” said Bryan Danielson, “I do put a lot of work and effort into keeping my brain healthy and doing things outside of normal stuff to keep my brain healthy. I think that’s paying dividends a little bit,”

    Danielson later explained that he has done 100 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. It is a procedure where they put you in a tube with 1.5 atmospheres of pressure and flood your brain with a lot of oxygen. Bryan Danielson suffered the injury in the Anarchy In The Arena match during Double or Nothing in May. He returned to ring during the July 27 Dynamite.

    Quotes via Fightful

  • AEW Star Gets Engaged During SummerSlam Weekend (Photo)

    AEW Star Gets Engaged During SummerSlam Weekend (Photo)

    The SummerSlam weekend is usually filled with many exciting and unexpected moments. This time it also includes a surprise engagement for an AEW star.

    Ohio Valley Wrestling held an event in Nashville on Friday. It saw the reigning OVW Women’s Champion Leila Grey defending her title against Freya The Slaya.

    The AEW star successfully defended her title. After the bout, she was proposed by her boyfriend and current OVW Rush Champion “Certified” Luke Kurtis.

    The indie promotion’s official Twitter account posted a photo of the couple. Reacting to it, Leila Grey noted that she will be sharing a long sentimental post very soon:

    “And just like that… I’m a FIANCÉ!!!!! I love you so much @The_LukeKurtis Long sentimental post coming soon” she wrote.

    Leila Grey has mostly been working as an enhancement talent on AEW Dark after making her debut last year in March. Though she has picked up some singles and tag team victories in recent episodes.

    The female star had a match on SmackDown earlier this year as well. She faced Raquel Rodriguez under the ring name Cat Cardoza. The indie talent lost to the former NXT star in a short match during the April 22 episode of the show.

    SEScoops will like to congratulate Leila on her engagement.

  • AEW Star Suffers Injury On 7/27 Dynamite (Report)

    AEW Star Suffers Injury On 7/27 Dynamite (Report)

    AEW’s Dante Martin was reportedly injured on this past Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite.

    Another AEW Injury

    Mike Johnson of PWInsider has reported that Dante Martin suffered a knee injury on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite Fight For The Fallen.

    Martin was reportedly seen on crutches backstage and after the show at the hotel. There is no word on the extent of the injury.

    After The Match

    Martin took on Sammy Guevara in a losing effort on AEW Dynamite. During the match, he was seen favoring his knee and stayed down on the mat during the post-match segment where Eddie Kingston, Ortiz, and Ruby Soho made the save as Martin and Skye Blue were attacked by Guevara, Anna Jay, and Tay Conti.

    He needed help getting out of the ring and was immediately checked out by a ringside official on the apron before the camera cut away.

    SEScoops will provide an update on Martin when more is known.

    SEScoops wishes Dante Martin a quick and speedy recovery.

  • AEW Contracts Are Extended Due To Time Off With Injuries (Report)

    AEW Contracts Are Extended Due To Time Off With Injuries (Report)

    A new report has revealed that the recent injuries in AEW may contribute to those stars spending more time in AEW in the long run.

    One of the many notable clauses stated within WWE contracts is that the company can freeze a talent’s contract throughout the recovery of an injury. If that were to happen, the time that they spend out with the injury would then be added on to the talent’s contract length once they’re able to return to the ring.

    AEW Has Frozen Contracts

    Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter recently reported that the same clause is present within several AEW talent contracts.

    Melter wrote:

    “If you are wondering if when guys are out of action if AEW can extend their contract like WWE does, their contracts do allow for that and it has happened.”

    Although Meltzer didn’t explicitly mention which AEW stars have had their contracts extended as a result of an injury, significant stars such as Kenny Omega, Adam Cole, and CM Punk have faced a lengthy period on the sidelines. AEW may have opted to utilize this clause to tie down some of their prized assets for longer.

  • AEW Star/ROH Champion Working Through An Injury (Report)

    AEW Star/ROH Champion Working Through An Injury (Report)

    The number of AEW stars dealing with injuries continues to increase because it has been revealed that Dax Harwood is dealing with a torn labrum injury.

    One of the ROH, AAA, and IWGP Tag Team Champions previously indicated that he had suffered a shoulder injury following his bout at the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door pay-per-view in June. On this past Saturday, at Death Before Dishonor, FTR successfully retained the ROH World Tag Team Titles against The Briscoes in a 2 out of 3 falls match.

    Injury Update

    In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported, “Harwood is the latest AEW wrestler working with a torn labrum.”

    Meltzer added that following the Death Before Dishonor match, Harwood also had “a swollen eye, a stiff neck, and his shoulder was worse.”

    Other AEW Injuries

    Another AEW star, Adam Cole, has been dealing with a torn labrum injury for a few months. He pushed through the pain and kept working until he suffered a concussion at Forbidden Door.

    Even though several stars are still sidelined with injuries, some wrestlers have returned, including Bryan Danielson.

  • CM Punk Doesn’t Think Vince’s Retirement Will Change WWE Culture ‘At All’

    CM Punk Doesn’t Think Vince’s Retirement Will Change WWE Culture ‘At All’

    CM Punk isn’t expecting much change within WWE despite Vince McMahon’s retirement.

    With McMahon stepping down as WWE CEO, and now retiring as the head of creative for the company as well, many are expecting big changes for the promotion moving forward.

    However, ex-WWE Champion and current All Elite Wrestling (AEW) World Champion CM Punk doesn’t share those expectations.

    In a recent interview with Absolute Geek, Punk suggested he doesn’t think McMahon’s retirement will change WWE’s culture at all.

    “You think because he tweeted that ‘I’m retired’ you think that he’s not going to be hands-on, and he’s not gonna –

    “But I don’t think the structure there, I don’t think the – what’s the word I’m looking for? I don’t think the culture there changes. At all. I think it is what it is.”

    CM Punk
    (Scott Lesh Photography)

    CM Punk & WWE

    Punk is no stranger to WWE. He signed with the company back in 2005 before eventually departing in 2014. During his time with the company Punk established himself as one of their biggest stars, racking up five World Title runs.

    However, his relationship with the company broke down in very ugly fashion in his final months with WWE, eventually leading to Punk walking out and eventually being fired.

    Punk ventured into other industries such as mixed martial arts (MMA), acting, and comic book writing during a seven-year hiatus from wrestling. He then helped shake up the professional wrestling world again when he signed with AEW in August of 2021.

    After finally winning the AEW World Title from Adam Page at Double Or Nothing this past May, Punk unfortunately suffered an injury that forced him to be shelved for several months.

    He’s still officially listed as the AEW World Champion, however, an interim AEW World TItle was implemented, of which Jon Moxley currently holds.

    When he’s ready, Punk will likely return to feud with the interim AEW Title holder to unify their belts.

  • Two AEW Stars Get Into Heated Altercation With Fan During Rampage Taping

    Two AEW Stars Get Into Heated Altercation With Fan During Rampage Taping

    It seems two AEW stars were none too pleased with a fan during a recent taping.

    There have been plenty of incidents involving performers and fans in the wrestling industry for many years. Some fans have overstepped their boundaries and even attacked wrestlers.

    It appears another ugly incident took place during the taping for Rampage but not much is known at this time.

    Lee Moriarty & Stokely Hathaway Take Issue With Fan

    Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio is reporting that there was some sort of altercation involving Lee Moriarty, Stokely Hathaway, and a fan. The report noted that this was more than simply two heels jousting with a member of the audience.

    Details are scarce at this time but Meltzer doesn’t expect the incident to air when Rampage hits TNT this Friday night.

    As of late, we’ve seen Moriarty turn to more underhanded tactics on AEW TV. He has aligned himself with Hathaway, who will serve as his manager.

    Moriarty will take on Matt Sydal on this week’s edition of Rampage.

  • Photo: AEW Star Gets Highly Questionable New Tattoo

    Photo: AEW Star Gets Highly Questionable New Tattoo

    Brody King has been a mainstay of AEW for years now, and has a very unique look.

    Kings’s body is covered in tattoos, which cover his entire torso, as well as his arms and legs.

    Now, King has a new tattoo, related to his ongoing storyline in the company.

    Brody King’s brand-new ink

    As a member of the House of Black, Brody King is currently feuding with Darby Allin, and has routinely attacked the former AEW TNT Champion.

    Now, King has a new tattoo to reflect his current feud with Allin, with the new ink depicting a tombstone, with the carving ‘HERE LIES DARBY ALLIN.’

    AEW’s official Twitter account was eager to show off the new tattoo that has added the many on King’s body.

    While some fans thought the new tattoo was very cool in the comments, many questioned getting the ink for a feud which will ultimately end in the not so distant future.

    The feud so far

    The feud between the House of Black and Darby Allin has played out on AEW TV, but that’s not the only place where it has happened.

    During a meet-and-greet in Seattle, Washington earlier this month, King attacked Allin, putting the face-painted wrestler through a table.

    Despite the attack, Allin was able to carry on with the meet-and-great with his fans.

    Mere days later, Allin was attacked again, this time as part of a panel at San Diego Comic Con.

    King grabbed Allin in a choke hold from behind, while Malakai Black delivered a kick to the former TNT Champion.

  • Watch What Happened with Bryan Danielson After Dynamite Went Off the Air

    Watch What Happened with Bryan Danielson After Dynamite Went Off the Air

    The July 27 episode of AEW Dynamite had a surprising conclusion and here’s the aftermath once the cameras stopped rolling.

    This week’s edition of Dynamite was held inside the DCU Center in Worchester, MA. The show featured an interim AEW World Championship match between Jon Moxley and RUSH.

    Fans also witnessed two FTW Title matches with Danhausen failing to defeat Ricky Starks for the gold but HOOK succeeding.

    Afterward, a massive babyface turn took place and it was caused by the break up of a tag team.

    Post-Show

    The main event of Dynamite featured the return of Bryan Danielson, who didn’t have a match since Anarchy in the Arena back in May due to injury.

    Danielson shared the ring with Daniel Garcia and the match was very well received. It also had a shocking ending.

    Jake Hager ended up holding Danielson’s leg, allowing Garcia to capitalize with a piledriver. He then locked in a Sharpshooter and Danielson passed out from the pain.

    That’s right, Daniel Garcia defeated Bryan Danielson.

    SEScoops correspondent Jaychele Nicole was in attendance and she captured footage of what transpired after the TBS broadcast went off the air.

  • AEW Trios Championships Are Finally Here

    AEW Trios Championships Are Finally Here

    As expected, AEW has introduced trios titles. The announcement was made during the July 27 edition of AEW Dynamite.

    A tournament to crown the inaugural AEW World Trios Champions will begin soon. The finals will take place at the upcoming All Out pay-per-view from Chicago on September 4th.

    AEW has no less than a dozen teams who could participate in a trios division. For a full list of all the trios teams in AEW, visit our AEW Roster page.

    Check out the official announcement:

    Photo of the AEW Trios Titles

    Here’s a closer look at the new belts, created by Ron Edwardsen of Red Leather:

    AEW Trios Titles

    AEW President Tony Khan told TSN back in May that the AEW World Trios Championship had been created a while back.

    “I made them a long time ago, to be honest with you They’ve never been seen, and I did have them made. I do have more championship belts in my possession that have never been unveiled than anybody might suspect. The TBS Championship was in my office for months at the shows before anybody knew it was going to be unveiled, for example, recently.”

    “The Ring of Honor purchase and now the great stable of champions[hips] and IP and, not only the legacy of past events, but the great slate of, I think, potential future events we can do with Ring of Honor and all that was kind of a surprise to everybody that we kept under wraps. That came together more quickly, whereas the trios championships are something I’ve thought about for a long time.

    “But there are more championship belts than people might think that I’ve had up my sleeve and the trios championship are, arguably, the foremost.”

    There’s a lot of speculation on who could be in contention. Fightful recently brought word that Kenny Omega will be making his return soon. It’s possible that he will align with The Young Bucks to go after the newly-announced gold. With that said, The Young Bucks have also been seemingly trying to get back in Hangman Page’s good graces.

    Of course, the potential formations are simply speculation at this time.

  • AEW Star Turns Babyface, Tag Team Breaks Up

    AEW Star Turns Babyface, Tag Team Breaks Up

    An AEW star has turned face, while his former tag team partner caused their split.

    The July 27 episode of Dynamite went down inside the DCU Center in Worcester, MA. On the show, Ricky Starks put the FTW Championship on the line against Danhausen.

    Starks successfully retained the gold but he wasn’t done there. He demanded another title challenger on the spot.

    HOOK answered the call.

    It didn’t take long for HOOK to get the submission win to pick up the first championship of his pro wrestling career.

    After the match, the two showed respect for one another.

    Powerhouse Hobbs Turns on Ricky Starks

    When the show returned from commercial break, Starks gave a passionate speech about making the FTW Championship relevant again.

    He said he was tired of waiting around for a big opportunity. It seemed he was ready to reveal his intentions to go for an official AEW singles title.

    Before he could finish his promo, Powerhouse Hobbs attacked him.

    Hobbs left Starks laying in the center of the ring after landing a spinebuster.

    Check it out below: