All Elite Wrestling star Ricky Starks recently appeared on Chris Van Vliet’s podcast. The current member of Taz’s on-screen stable discussed a number of topics during the show; these included including how signed with AEW and being friends with The Undertaker.

“I didn’t re-sign with NWA, I told them ‘no thank you I’m, I’m good'” Starks began on the show. “Then this pandemic started. I remember watching AEW Dynamite. It was the night that Cody came out and said that he would be issuing an open challenge; and then he went on Twitter and said ‘this is open to anybody.'”

Ricky Starks on TNT Open Challenge

Ricky Starks’ first appearance in AEW was the aforementioned TNT Open Challenge issued by Cody Rhodes. Starks would outlay how the opportunity arose for him to get a shot at the title. “The next day Thursday I was at the gym, and this vision came to me, where I was like, ‘I could see myself walking out [on Dynamite]. I could see myself cutting this promo, and it just this huge thing right?”

“And so, that Sunday? I got a text message from from AEW saying ‘hey, there’s a opportunity here to challenge for the title, are you interested?'” Ricky Starks would continue. “The funny thing is? I thought that was just a one off thing. In my head? I thought I would wrestle, go back on the Indies and raise my rate, then build my stock.”

Starks would then state that he was shocked when he got the call to be signed, mainly because he wasn’t expecting any companies to be hiring during the pandemic.

“I didn’t think that they were hiring. I just, I figured ‘we’re in a pandemic no one’s hiring.’ So yeah, I came to the back [after the Cody match] and really didn’t hear much, just it was good, you know? Just a good reaction to the match, but that was it. And then when it aired? I got a call from Tony Khan and kind of went from there.”

• Ricky Starks Announced For Top Match at AEW Winter Is Coming (12/2)

Do you think that Ricky Starks will get another shot at a singles title in AEW at some point in the near future? Let us know in the comments

Despite All Elite Wrestling being embroiled in a ratings war every week with WWE’s NXT, AEW Tag Team Champions, The Young Bucks, have shared that they don’t really watch the competition.

Speaking with WrestlingInc to promote their new book, Killing The Business: From Backyards To The Big Leagues, The Young Bucks addressed their Wednesday night rivals, acknowledging how they’re just too busy putting on a show to give any attention to NXT.

“I forget that they have shows,” Matt Jackson revealed. “It’s tunnel vision to our own product. It’s like, ‘Oh yeah, that’s right. There’s another show tonight. That’s right.'”

His brother, Nick, explained how this focused approach encapsulates the mentality within AEW and amongst its creative team. According to him, knowing what WWE is doing could “screw up” how AEW book things.

“[…] that’s the mentality of Dynamite and AEW is we’d never wanted to know what that show is doing because we feel like if we do know, then it might screw up our brains and our minds on how we book things as well,” Nick shared. “So we never have wanted to get caught up in any of that.”

The Young Buck’s book, Killing The Business: From Backyards To The Big Leagues, is available now.

Jon Moxley was the first guest on Renee Young’s new podcast, Oral Sessions. During the interview with his real-life wife, Moxley opened up about learning how to take care of his body throughout his career. He also shared what it was like to travel the road with his former Shield stablemates, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins.

Moxley confessed he used to make the mistake of working all the time. He noted how the work ultimately paid off. However, he stressed that it is important to “work smarter and not harder.”

“I have to work. I can’t sit around and do nothing. A rest day is good for recovery,” Moxley explained. “I’m about to be 35. The career I had before this – as far as deathmatches and a lot of stupid stuff I did to my body – all the time in WWE, years of literally going through multiple tables every single night and driving a zillion miles. I haven’t missed a day of work in years.”

He admitted he can now feel his “physical window.” Although he stressed it’s not necessarily closing, it’s something he is acutely aware of. Moxley shared how he wants to maintain a state of wellbeing as he wants to continue wrestling until he’s 50. He noted how he’ll be making a career decision based on his physical condition in the next year or two.

Jon Moxley On Traveling With The Shield

Turning his attention to his time in WWE as part of The Shield, Moxley opened up about WWE’s grueling travel schedule. Despite the non-stop travel, he admitted he didn’t mind it as much as others, labeling the experience as an “adventure.”

“Those first couple of years, me and The Shield were on the road every week for two years straight – be home for 36 hours. I wouldn’t even go home,” Moxley said. “I would just go to the next town because of going to [my home in] Vegas and turning right back around. I didn’t mind. It was an adventure back then. I was having a great time.”

Jon Moxley is set to defend his AEW Championship against Kenny Omega. The two clash on the December 2nd episode of AEW Dynamite, entitled AEW Winter is Coming.

AEW Dynamite aired from Daily’s Place in Jacksonville. PAC and Fenix battled Butcher & Blade in this week’s main event.

Dynamite Results (11/25)

1. Hangman Page def. John Silver
2. Powerhouse Hobbs def. Lee Johnson
3. TH2 def. Top Flight
4. Inner Circle def. SCU
5. Hikaru Shida def. Anna Jay to retain the AEW Women’s Championship
6. Butcher & Blade def. Pac & Fenix

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Hangman Page Got Back On Track

Hangman Page battled John Silver from Dark Order in the first match of the night.

Match Recap: Silver connected with a Dropkick and taunted Page. Hangman battled back with some forearms to the face. Silver connected with a Crossbody off the top rope and then an elbow to the face for a near fall. Hangman took back control of the match and planted Silver with a Fallaway Slam. Page quickly followed it up with a Standing Shooting Star Press for a two count.

Hangman went for the Buckshot Lariat but Silver countered into a Hurricanrana. Silver connected with a Brainbuster and went for the cover but Hangman was able to kick out at two. Silver began unloading kicks to Hangman’s chest and he asked for more. Page took a few more kicks before connected with a Clothesline. Page then hit the Buckshot Lariat for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Evil Uno tried to recruit Page to join the Dark Order. Uno told Page that he knows where to find them if he decides to join.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1331768719710826496?s=20

Omega Responded To Moxley

Alex Marvez interviewed Kenny Omega backstage during tonight’s show. Omega brought up losing to Moxley last year and that led to Jon being on all the magazine covers. Kenny suggested that Moxley leave the “garbage wrestling” at home for a night and try to beat him in a straight up match. Omega then referenced Moxley’s promo from last week about his father and Kenny claimed that he could beat the sh*t out of Jon’s dad.

"It's the return of The Cleaner, the return of the Best Bout Machine" – @KennyOmegamanX.
Watch #AEWDynamite NOW on @TNTDrama pic.twitter.com/YBLXXsuKv8

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) November 26, 2020

Powerhouse Hobbs Dominated

Powerhouse Hobbs (formerly Will Hobbs) faced Lee Johnson tonight. Taz joined commentary for the match.

Match Recap: Lee Johnson went for a Crossbody but Powerhouse dodged it and connected with a massive Clothesline. Hobbs knocked Johnson out of the ring and launched him into the barricade while saying “this is just business”. Back in the ring, Powerhouse planted Johnson with a Powerslam for the pinfall victory.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1331770997381488641?s=20

Cody Interrupted Taz

Taz made his way to the ring following Hobbs’ victory. Taz claimed Starks and Brian Cage are out celebrating their victory from last week and Hobbs should do the same. Hobbs went backstage and Taz shifted his focus to AEW not acknowledging the FTW Championshionship.

Taz demanded that someone from AEW management come to the ring and explain to him why. His mic was cut and he demanded another microphone from Justin Roberts. Taz threatened to go grab a headset from commentary before Cody interrupted. Cody told Taz that he is wasting time and announced that he will team up with Darby Allin next week to face Powerhouse Hobbs and Ricky Starks.

Cody asked if that was enough and Taz demanded that AEW put some respect on the FTW Championship. Cody said that he will run it up the flag pole and Taz joked that Cody is going to say “creative has nothing for him” next. Cody mentioned that Taz’s son, Hook, is training with him and not Taz. Taz got pissed off and got in Cody’s face. Taz tried to choke Cody out but the Gunn Glub and Dustin Rhodes broke it up. Taz then went to the back with Hook behind him.

.@OfficialTAZ introduced @CodyRhodes to the Tazmission!
Watch #AEWDynamite NOW on @TNTDrama pic.twitter.com/pu87OqkH2E

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) November 26, 2020

Moxley Confronted Kingston

Alex Marvez interviewed Eddie Kingston backstage during tonight’s episode of Dynamite. Kingston said he is not surprised that Fenix left the family but is really disappointed in Pentagon. Kingston added that things have changed since PAC wasn’t around and it is not over until he says so. AEW Champion Jon Moxley interrupted and Kingston told him that he wasn’t the one who attacked him last week. Eddie told Moxley that he knows who it was to end the segment.

Who jumped @JonMoxley? Well, that's none of @MadKing1981's business…#AEWDynamite #AEWonTNT pic.twitter.com/tvF64cNlyC

— TDE Wrestling (@tde_gif) November 26, 2020

The Hybrid 2 Picked Up A Win

Top Flight (Darius and Dante) squared off against The Hybrid 2 (Angelico and Jack Evans) tonight on Dynamite.

Match Recap: Angelico and Darius started off the action in the ring. Darius connected with an Arm Drag and tagged in Dante. Jack Evans tagged in and took control of the match. Dante eventually battled back with a kick to side of Evans’ head.

Darius tagged in and leveled Evans with a Clothesline. Darius made his way to the top rope and connected with a Dropkick for a near fall. Dante tagged in and hit Evans with a Powerbomb for a two count. Dante followed it up with a Splash for another near fall.

Angelico hit Dante with a Splash of his own for a two count. Dante connected with Code Red and went for the cover but Evans broke it up at the last second. TH2 knocked Darius to the floor and Angelico locked in a Heel Hook on Dante for the submission victory.

Angelico wouldn’t let go of the hold after the bell rang. AEW Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks rushed the ring and TH2 retreated.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1331777444861399049?s=20

Vickie Guerrero Delivered A Lesson On Nepotism

Nyla Rose and Vickie Guerrero cut a backstage promo about nepotism. Vickie claimed that sounds like what Brandi Rhodes is doing with wrestlers like Big Swole and Red Velvet. Vickie added that Jade Cargill didn’t need to be influenced by her to injure Brandi’s arm. Vickie suggested that Brandi’s business plan is failing and should give her a call.

Business 101 from @VickieGuerrero & @NylaRoseBeast.
Watch #AEWDynamite NOW on @TNTDrama pic.twitter.com/F7RytHlCSE

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) November 26, 2020

MJF Helped Hager & Jericho Defeat SCU

Chris Jericho and Jake Hager battled Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian tonight.

Match Recap: Jericho controlled the action early and knocked Daniels to the canvas with a shoulder tackle. Daniels popped back up and connected with a Dropkick that sent Jericho to the mat. Frankie and Hager then battled in the ring. Jericho hit Frankie with a cheap shot and choked him while the referee was distracted. Daniels tagged in but Hager quickly sent him out of the ring. Hager then distracted the official and Inner Circle beat Daniels down as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Jake Hager was dominating Daniels in the ring. Jericho tagged in and walked right into a Dropkick. Daniels leaped across the ring and finally was able to tag in Kazarian. Frankie hit Jake with a Dropkick and connected with a Leg Drop on Jericho. Ortiz hopped on the apron but Frankie quickly knocked him to the floor.

Daniels tagged in and delivered a Suicide Dive to Hager. Back in the ring, Daniels connected with the Best Moonsault Ever on Hager and went for the cover but Jericho broke it up at two. MJF then hit Daniels with the Dynamite Diamond ring and Jericho followed it up with the Judas Effect for the pinfall victory. After the match, Inner Circle tried to beat Daniels and Frankie down some more but Scorpio Sky made the save by rushing the ring with a steel chair. It was later announced that Jericho will face Frankie Kazarian next week.

.@The_MJF with the Dynamite Diamond ring on the outside!
Watch #AEWDynamite NOW on @TNTDrama pic.twitter.com/xuqZgaxuOP

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) November 26, 2020

Moxley Attacked Omega & Signed The Contract

Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley had their contract signing for the AEW Championship match on December 2nd. The signing was supposed to take place last week but Moxley was attacked from behind.

Tony Schiavone was in the ring as Omega’s music hit. We see a silhouette of Omega but then AEW Champion Jon Moxley came up from behind him. Moxley attacked Omega and beat him all the way down to the ring. Jon put the title on the canvas and Omega put his hand on it. Moxley stomped on Kenny’s hand and followed it up with the Paradigm Shift on top of the AEW Championship.

Moxley demanded a mic and said that he doesn’t know who Omega hired last week but they did a terrible job. Jon added that they are now even and it is going to take everything Omega has if he wants to take the title away from him. Moxley said “win, lose, or draw, winter is coming for Kenny Omega”. Jon thanked Tony and signed the contract to end the segment.

"Don't miss your shot, Kenny. You only get one" – @JonMoxley.
WINTER IS COMING! Dec 2nd for the AEW World Championship.
Tickets are available NOW at https://t.co/UN1cNj1kQq pic.twitter.com/eCfFxpXx3g

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) November 26, 2020

Hikaru Shida Retained, Abadon Confronted Her

Hikaru Shida defended the AEW Women’s Championship against Anna Jay tonight on Dynamite. Tay Conti was ringside for the match. John Silver, 5, and 10 were standing on the entrance ramp as well.

Match Recap: The AEW Women’s Champion controlled the action early and hit Anna with a shoulder tackle. Shida followed it up with a Tilt-A-Whirl Backbreaker and then a Dropkick. Hikaru went for a knee to the face on the ring apron but Anna was able to block it.

Anna Jay connected with a couple of chops before launching Shida into the barricade. Back in the ring, Anna connected with a Neckbreaker and asked Tay to give her a steel chair. The referee took the chair away but Silver slid a kendo stick into the ring. Anna hit Shida on the knee with it and then locked in the Queenslayer. Shida battled through the pain and escaped with an elbow to the back of Anna’s head.

Shida went for a Brainbuster but Anna countered into a Neckbreaker for a two count. Hikaru connected with a German Suplex and followed it up with a forearm to the back of Anna’s head for a two count. Shida then hit the Running Knee for the pinfall victory to retain the AEW Women’s Championship.

After the match, Shida celebrated on the entrance ramp with the AEW Women’s Championship. Abadon’s music hit and she began crawling towards Shida. Hikaru fell backwards and dropped her title. Abadon grabbed the AEW Women’s Championship and began licking it.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1331789200996372480?s=20

Lance Archer Attacked Kingston, Butcher & Blade

Pac and Rey Fenix faced The Butcher and The Blade in this week’s main event. Eddie Kingston joined commentary.

Match Recap: Pac and Fenix went right after Butcher and Blade and knocked them to the floor outside the ring. Back in the ring, Butcher and Blade connected with a Dropkick Gutwrench Slam combo on Pac. Fenix tagged in and applied an odd looking Armbar on Blade. A brawl broke out and all four wrestlers wound up on the canvas as Dynamite went to a break.

When Dynamite returned, Pac and Fenix isolated Blade in the corner of the ring. Butcher eventually was able to tag in and connected with a Chokeslam. Pac knocked Butcher off the apron and leveled Blade with a Dropkick. Pac followed it up with a Northern Lights Suplex and went for the cover but Blade was able to kick out at two.

Pac went for a Shooting Star Press but Blade got out of the way. Blade connected with a Powerslam and then the Doctor Bomb. Blade went for the cover but Fenix broke it up with Dropkick to Blade’s head. Eddie made his way to the ring as the Bunny hopped on the ring apron for a distraction. Butcher and Blade hit Fenix with a Powerbomb/Neckbreaker combo for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Kingston, Butcher, and Blade beat Death Triangle down as Bunny brought a chair into the ring. Kingston hit Pac with a couple of DDTs on top of the chair and set up for another one. Lance Archer then rushed the ring and made the save with Jake Roberts trailing behind him. Archer hit Butcher and Kingston with a Crossbody and then a brawl broke out. Kingston retreated out of the ring as Archer stared him down to end the show.

Opinion: This week’s Dynamite was another solid show and did a good job of hyping up next week’s big show. I loved the shot of Moxley showing up behind Omega during his entrance and that match should be epic on the “Winter is Coming” episode on December 2nd.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1331795062309720066?s=20

Next week is the special Winter is Coming edition of AEW Dynamite.

AEW is advertising the show as the biggest Dynamite in history. We know the main event will see AEW World Champion Jon Moxley defending against Kenny Omega. A second match has now been confirmed: the second annual AEW Dynamite Diamond Battle Royale. The participants include:

• MJF
• Wardlow
• Miro
• Kip Sabian
• Orange Cassidy
• Matt Hardy
• “Hangman” Adam Page
• Sammy Guevara
• Private Party
• Matt Sydal
• Alex Reynolds
• John Silver
• Scorpio Sky
• Shawn Spears

Dynamite Diamond Battle Royale

Last year, the final two participants of the inaugural Dynamite Diamond Battle Royale were MJF and “Hangman” Adam Page. They met the following week on Dynamite, with MJF capturing the win and procuring the coveted 45-karat Dynamite Diamond Ring.

MJF will defend his prize in this year’s Diamond Battle Royale, so he will be forced to surrender the ring to this year’s winner if it’s not him.

AEW Dynamite: Winter is Coming takes place next Wednesday, December 2nd on TNT.

AEW has released new rankings for each of its divisions ahead of tonight’s episode of Dynamite.

Men’s Singles Rankings

AEW World Champion: Jon Moxley (21-0)
TNT Champion: Darby Allin (14-5)

1. Kenny Omega (7-0)
2. Maxwell Jacob Friedman (10-1)
3. Cody Rhodes (20-3-1)
4. Brian Cage (11-1)
5. Ricky Starks (13-2)

There was no movement in the mens singles rankings this week.

Next week, possibly the biggest match to take place in this division will air on Dynamite. #1 Kenny Omega will challenge champion Jon Moxley for the belt.

#2 Maxwell Jacob Friedman is currently involved in an angle with his stablemates in the Inner Circle. #3 Cody Rhodes looks to be headed into a feud with Shaquille O’Neal. #4 Brian Cage and #5 Ricky Starks might both be gunning for Darby Allin’s TNT Championship.

Women’s Singles Rankings

AEW Women’s Champion: Hikaru Shida (20-1)

1. Big Swole (13-4)
2. Nyla Rose (12-3)
3. Serena Deeb (4-2) (+1)
4. Penelope Ford (11-5) (-1)
5. Anna Jay (4-3)

An AEW Women’s Championship is booked for tonight. #5 Anna Jay will challenge Hikaru Shida for the belt.

#1 Big Swole picked up a win on Dark this week. #2 Nyla Rose hasn’t wrestled since Full Gear.

#3 Serena Deeb moves up one spot in the rankings this week after defeating Thunder Rosa to defend the NWA women’s title last week. #4 Penelope Ford drops one spot as a result.

Tag Team Division Rankings

Tag Team Champions: The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) (11-3)

1. FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) (12-1)
2. The Best Friends (Trent & Chuck Taylor) (18-7)
3. The Natural Nightmares (Dustin Rhodes & QT Marshall) (9-2)
4. Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus) (13-5)
5. The Dark Order (Evil Uno & Stu Grayson) (13-2)

There was no movement in the tag-team division this week but there are 3 big tag matches taking place on Dynamite tonight.

SCU will take on Jake Hager and Chris Jericho. PAC and Rey Fenix will take on the Butcher and the Blade. Also, Top Flight returns to take on the Hybrid 2.

All Elite Wrestling is back tonight with an all-new episode of AEW Dynamite.

The road to Winter is Coming (12/2) continues with the following matches confirmed for this week’s TNT broadcast:

• Hikaru Shida defends the AEW Women’s Championship against Anna Jay of the Dark Order

• The Inner Circle’s Chris Jericho & Jake Hager vs. Kazarian & Daniels of SCU.

• PAC & Rey Fenix vs. The Butcher & The Blade

• “Hangman” Adam Page vs. John Silver of the Dark Order

• Top Flight vs. The Hybrid 2.

• Will Hobbs, the newest member of Team Taz, will be in action.

Last week, a mystery attacker laid out AEW World Champion Jon Moxley and prevented him from signing the contract to wrestle Kenny Omega at Winter is Coming. AEW has announced a contract signing will take place again tonight on Dynamite.

.@JonMoxley never backs down from a fight and wants to sign on the dotted line. It's the contract signing between Omega & Moxley for Dec 2nd TONIGHT on Dynamite.

Watch #AEWDynamite TONIGHT on @TNTDrama 8e/7c or https://t.co/GdI7QAsxEP by @FiteTV for our Intl fans. pic.twitter.com/1OmkB71Cze

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) November 25, 2020

Head over to our AEW News page for all the latest news articles from the past week, including The Young Bucks talking about their first meeting with Tony Khan and Kenny Omega revealing that he is currently working through an injury.

For more on tonight’s AEW Dynamite, visit the AEW website’s official preview.

The All In show was the start of a new era in wrestling and then Young Bucks’ association with Tony Khan has led to some massive changes in the industry.

During a recent interview with TalkSport, the brothers discussed a number of things and also revealed details of their first meeting with the person who will eventually become the president of All Elite Wrestling.

The Bucks first revealed that they had actually no sold Khan’s first attempt of contacting them and according to Nick Jackson they almost didn’t pick his phone:

“What’s funny is he tried contacting us both at first and I no sold it because I had heard this story before. I was like ‘ah, I don’t believe it’”

However, Matt Jackson decided to take the call and they had a conversation about starting AEW. According to the duo, they were still skeptical about it at the time but things started snowballing after their first face to face meeting:

“I remember meeting him for the first time in London at York Hall for a Ring of Honor show. He was in the balcony and little did Ring of Honor know that we were going to meet him [laughs].

He picked us up in a limousine right after that and took us to the stadium his team plays at [Fulham’s Craven Cottage] and we pretty much talked from there, things started snowballing and we pretty much knew it was serious when we were at his stadium and he’s telling us ‘maybe we can fill this thing up one day!”

• Court Bauer Reveals Nixed Idea For Match Between Bret Hart And Vince McMahon

During the interview, the Young Bucks revealed that they had plans to do a UK tour right before the coronavirus hit but the pandemic halted those plans.

The duo also confirmed that they are working towards getting a live show in the UK but they claimed that there is no news on that right now. You can check out their full interview at this link.

AEW World Champion Jon Moxley joined his wife Renee Paquette for the premiere episode of her Oral Sessions podcast.

It was an entertaining discussion that showcased Paquette’s penchant for interviewing. They spoke about Moxley’s childhood (“First of all, I was adorable”) before talking at length about their complimentary personalities, with Renee being outgoing and Moxley being more of an introvert. She joked, “I can’t believe how comfortable you are with making other people uncomfortable” and said she has always been impressed how comfortable he is with silence.

Jon Moxley: Introvert Hero

Moxley said he spends a lot of time in his own head, even when conversing with people. Someone will be talking to him, and he’s carrying on with a separate conversation in his head. Some have found that odd, but it’s how his mind works.

Moxley said people have been trying to ‘fix’ that aspect of him since he was young. since he was a kid. As a 35 year old man, he has identified quirks in his personality that are off-putting to other people an has smoothed out the rough edges. Overall, he’s gotten this far being himself.

Renee said that sometimes she burns herself out feeling like she has to be outgoing and ask people questions. It can be exhausting to give so much of herself to people in social situations, while Moxley is passive. He dropped a great quote when he said, “You need to learn the art of ignoring people.”

He does not like social media, because it’s a 1-way conversation, like a bulletin board. Sometime’s he’ll be asked to post things and will do it for Renee or AEW’s social media manager. However, it’s generally not his thing.

Moxley spoke about his childhood, where he was a mischievous kid from Piccadilly, Cincinnati. He described the area as being run-down with trailer parks and lots of fights. He’d steal things just to get by. He knew the difference between right and wrong, but everybody stole. “We had no money.”

“You’re Not A Good Famous Person”

At age 12, he couldn’t imagine being famous when he was older. It was ridiculous to entertain that concept. “You’re not a great famous person,” said Renee.

Money said the fame brought him financial security and the ability to provide for his family and friends. He lived much of his life without any money, so he saves as much as he can and doesn’t care about the finer things. He doesn’t buy fancy toys, he’s not into fancy restaurants. During the interview, he said the shirt and hat he was wearing were gifted to him. In fact, he didn’t even have a bank account when he received his first paycheck from WWE.

As for the attention that fame brings, he could do without it. He’d be content making good money wrestling at the local community rec center in front of 500 people every weekend. He just wants to wrestle, tell stories, get physical and experience that feeling he gets after a big match.

There’s a lot more to the interview, including his take on WWE Superstars being independent contractors and a fun story about a special night they shared in Times Square after a WWE MSG live event.

Listen to Jon Moxley on Renee Paquette’s Oral Sessions podcast at AudioBoom.com or in the player embedded below:

Ricky Starks made his AEW debut in June by answering Cody Rhodes’ TNT Championship Open Challenge. During an interview with Chris Van Vliet, Starks reveals that he got a phone call from WWE almost immediately after the match.

This wasn’t Starks’ first communication with WWE. He previously worked as an extra on television and had a tryout back in 2017, but doesn’t believe he was close to being signed. “I don’t think I was close at all and I’ll never understand why,” he began. I love wrestling. I’ve never played any sports, I never did anything, I only watched wrestling. And I have immersed myself and become obsessed with it and I love it to death.”

I didn’t know Ricky Starks was in WWE back then ? pic.twitter.com/4nbt45byy9

— Marshall (@MarshallMC17) November 22, 2020

Ricky Starks On WWE Contacting Him After Cody Rhodes Match

Later in the interview, Starks talked about WWE contacting him after his match against Cody this summer.

“The funny thing is, the day that I wrestled Cody I got a phone call from WWE saying ‘Hey, we’ve been watching you and we wanted to bring you in’. I said ‘Oh really? oh ok. Interesting. Of all days’. And so I entertained that conversation because I was curious but I think I knew already which decision I was going to make,” Starks said.

“And I had a very dear, great friend tell me once: you should look at the people who want to invest in you and not know anything about you as opposed to the people who only wanted you when they saw someone else having interest. So that put things in perspective and I don’t hold any ill will towards WWE but I really think they dropped the ball majorly on that. I’ll never know why and I guess I don’t care now.”

Chris Van Vliet’s full interview with Ricky Starks can be viewed in the player below.

• Kenny Omega Open To AEW Having A Working Relationship With WWE

The Young Bucks, Matt and Nick Jackson, recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. The AEW Tag Team Champions discussed a number of topics during their time on the show; these included their time in IMPACT, changing their working style and writing their new autobiography.

The Bucks would also talk about their chaotic and ‘spot fest’ style of tag team wrestling. It’s clear that there have been detractors of this type of in-ring style; particularly among those with an ‘old-school’ mentality, such as Jim Cornette. The Young Bucks would express exactly why they feel they’re so polarizing as a duo during Busted Open.

Young Bucks on Wrestling ‘Rules’

“We broke the unwritten rules of wrestling” Matt Jackson would begin. “Like you’re only supposed to do a couple of high spots in the match. Well what do we do? We start off with 20 high spots.”

“And ‘hey, the Superkick is a finisher!’ Not for us” Jackson would continue. “For us it’s just a fun move we do 12 times a match. These are the rules of wrestling that…the unspoken rules you do not break. So, when you do those things? People say ‘you’re going to kill the business.'”

• Chris Jericho Talks Drug Use In Today’s Wrestling Compared To Past

Young Bucks: Killing the Business from Backyards to the Big Leagues is the duo’s newly released book. Matt Jackson would also discuss how the name came about based on the aforementioned in-ring style. “I think that’s kind of where the phrase was kind of coined. It was the critics who said that we were spamming Superkicks. That we were doing too many high spots. We were doing all of the things that you’re not supposed to do. But for whatever reason? It worked for us when it was never supposed to work.”

Do you enjoy the AEW Tag Team Champion’s style of wrestling? Are you going to check out the new book? Let us know in the comments

Chris Jericho has been a part of the wrestling world for over 30 years and during this time, the former world champion has seen the good, the bad and the worst the industry has to offer.

One of the things Y2J has seen the wrestling world evolving through is the extensive use of drug back in the day to the current era where it’s considered prohibited.

Jericho talked about a number of things during his recent appearance on Keeping it 100 with Konnan podcast, such as the backstage environment at AEW:

“It’s been a really cool environment with AEW because Tony is, you never want to say this, but he’s one of the boys to an extent, he’s one of the boys in that he hangs out after the show. He’s very generous.”

• Also Read: WWE Survivor Series Results: The Undertaker’s Farewell

Discussing the difference in the drug use in today’s wrestling compared to the past, Jericho said “Now, it’s you know, weed and alcohol, there’s really no pills, there’s really no drugs.”

Chris Jericho also talked about the backstage environment at AEW after the shows saying that there is food for everyone after the show and often there is alcohol as well. He explained that it’s because Tony Khan has a sports background and he knows how to take care of his athletes.

The Young Bucks, Matt and Nick Jackson, recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. The AEW Tag Team Champions discussed a number of topics during their time on the show; these included their time in IMPACT, changing their working style and writing their new autobiography.

During the show co-host Tommy Dreamer asked the Bucks why they decided to adopt a more ‘unapologetic’ in-ring and promo style. “At first we weren’t that way” Matt Jackson would respond. “At first we were just like everybody else. We’re the young guys and we’re gonna do whatever you tell us to do. It didn’t seem to work for us, like yeah sure we had good matches, but that was only taking us so far and I think it got to the point where people were kind of walking all over us a little bit.”

The Young Bucks on IMPACT

Matt would then describe how this initial approach affected The Young Bucks when they joined IMPACT (then TNA) as Generation Me. “We went to IMPACT Wrestling and sort of failed there” Matt stated. “Because we were too afraid to address issues that we might have seen. They [management] wanted us to turn on each other and wrestle each other. We thought that was a terrible idea, but you know what? We were nice guys so we went and we did it.”

“They started kind of tarnishing our brand a little bit” Matt continued. “It got to the point where Nick and I were just like, ‘listen, we have to make a change here because we can see what route this is going. [We can see] what route our career is headed. And we made the decision like ‘if we’re gonna do this? Let’s go do it like we did in the backyard. Let’s go have fun and let’s wrestle with our hair down, and let’s act like there are no rules and let’s be boundless out there.”

• Kenny Omega Reveals He Has Been Working Through Injury To Avoid Surgery

Matt would finish by saying how this approach would boost The Young Bucks as a brand and gain them a far bigger following. “As soon as we were unafraid and unapologetic? We decided ‘hey if we’re gonna get heat doing this? Let’s just do it, because what’s the worst that can happen? We’re already broke right now and we’re not making any headway in our caree,r let’s just try this thing. As soon as we kind of dove into that? Those weird, unapologetic characters? People started gravitating towards us.”

Who would you like to see The Young Bucks feud with for the AEW tag titles? Let us know in the comments

Kenny Omega is getting ready for what’s arguably one of the biggest matches in the history of AEW against the World Champion Jon Moxley for his title at the upcoming December 2 episode of Dynamite.

However, it appears that the preparation for this bout is extra hard for the cleaner as he is not only trying to deliver a great performance but he is doing so while dealing with an injury to avoid surgery.

Omega revealed on his recent appearance on Wrestling Observer Radio that he has a torn labrum and he has been working through it to try and avoid having to miss time due to a surgery:

“So, you know, a torn labrum, as you know, is no laughing matter. That’s a surgery, but I have a very talented and unbelievable trainer, and you know our doctors, of course, are always monitoring and making sure we’re doing okay, but our trainer Bryce Ready is just next level kind of guy. He has kept me together and in a condition where I’m able to perform.

As long as I make that that I see him two or three times a week. I can lift; I have full range of motion. I just need to make sure that I can look after it, and I can avoid having that surgery.” said Kenny Omega, “I can’t afford having that time off. If things get worse that’s an option I’ll have to consider.”

• Paul Heyman On How He Feels About His Time As The Executive Director Of Raw

Kenny Omega has wrestled Jon Moxley once before in the main event of the Full Gear PPV in November 2019 in an unsanctioned match but this will be the first time the two men will be wrestling in a standard match in the company.

While the former NJPW star seems to be doing fine despite the injury at the moment, it’s still an added concern for the AEW management and it would be interesting to see if Omega is able to deliver a performance living up to the hype of his upcoming match with the AEW Champion.

Jim Ross has been a part of the wrestling business for more than 4 decades and he continues to provide his services in his new role as the lead commentator for All Elite Wrestling.

The former WWE star has stated multiple times that the AEW role has given him a new purpose in his life and the wrestling veteran says that it’s going to be his ‘last gig’ in pro wrestling.

Ross recently talked about his role in the new promotion on the latest episode of his Grilling JR Podcast. He said that he is very lucky to get this job and explained that it’s going to be his last gig in the business:

“It’s been a great experience, I’ve been very lucky to get this gig. It will be my last gig in pro wrestling – I can promise you that. But I hope it doesn’t end anytime soon.”

• Also Read: Jim Ross Says Joining AEW Has Given Him A New Direction In Life

Jim Ross also talked about the possibility of AEW adding another hour of television to their current programming saying that he would be shocked if the company doesn’t do it.

AEW has already announced that they are working on a second show with TNT but the company has not provided any timetable for its debut so it’s hard to say when we might see it on TV.

Even though AEW has faced some challenges from WWE, Kenny Omega isn’t against the idea of the promotion working with WWE should if a potential scenario comes up in the future.

The All Elite Wrestling EVP spoke about the idea of WWE approaching AEW for a potential working relationship while doing an interview with Wrestling Observer Radio. 

“If, for some reason, WWE came knocking on our door and said, ‘hey, we would love to do a talent switch or tradeoff, or work together on something, I’d be all for it,’”

Latest On AEW & NJPW Possible Working Relationship

Omega joked that he wasn’t sure whether AEW President Tony Khan would welcome such a deal. He does think a talent exchange would help pro wrestling’s popularity.

“Whatever benefits the wrestling fan must always come first,” Omega stated. “When you start thinking about fantasy scenarios, if wrestlers crossed over like that, it gets really exciting.”

Omega thinks it would be a win-win situation for current fans and they won’t ever know until they try. 

Omega challenges Jon Moxley for the AEW World Heavyweight Title on the December 2nd episode of AEW Dynamite on TNT. 

Jon Moxley casually mentioned that he had a pregnant wife at home during a promo on this week’s episode of Dynamite and this is how the world found out about the pregnancy of Renee Young.

Young opened up about her pregnancy after the big announcement in her interview with People.com and said that they are beyond excited to start this new chapter of their lives:

“We are so beyond excited to start this new chapter, and now finally having the world know feels like a weight has been lifted off my chest.

I am the worst at keeping fun secrets! However I definitely couldn’t have predicted that the world would have found out on AEW Dynamite.”

• Backstage News On Jon Moxley & Renee Paquette’s Pregnancy Announcement On Dynamite

Talking about the way the world found out about her pregnancy, Young revealed that she was still thinking about ways to make the announcement when Mox decided to let everyone know:

“I was thinking about all of these cute different ways that we could break the news to everyone and then bam, Jon just haphazardly spills the beans on Dynamite! But we’re a kinda no-frills couple, so I guess it actually fit perfectly.”

Renee Young then revealed that they don’t know the gender of the baby yet but said that they have options for baby names for both the scenarios.

The former WWE star also claimed that her maternal instinct is telling her that it’s going to be a girl. You can check out her full interview at this link.

All Elite Wrestling’s Chris Jericho has detailed what he believes the promotion could be doing better, acknowledging that it has made a few mistakes along the way.

Speaking with Konnan on his podcast Keeping it 100, Jericho discussed how, despite AEW’s success, there have been “details that sometimes slip through the cracks.”

“We still have quite a few times when very similar angles will happen one after the other. An example of that was a few weeks ago when the big question was if MJF would join The Inner Circle,” Jericho said.

“I think there was a town hall when Bischoff was asking the questions. As soon as we were done, we went to a package where Taz was asking if Hobbs will join Taz’ team.”

According to Jericho, he brought up the similarities in a production meeting, asking how it happened. He stressed how the segments were the “exact same thing” and that nobody noticed.

Looking to try and differentiate the two segments, Jericho pitched a few ideas. This extended to leaning into different wording between the two stories. He explained how they used “Will MJF join The Inner Circle was the tagline for our PPV match, therefore any other joinings should be suspended for this duration.”

He stated how that approach is “common sense” before admitting that, sometimes, “those things fall through the cracks.”

Chris Jericho then stressed how, if there’s one thing AEW can do going forward, it’s to commit “a little more attention to detail.”

Chris Jericho And Comedy

When Konnan asked if Jericho thinks he’s doing too much comedy in AEW, Jericho argued that, regardless, his feuds always have heat. 

He explained how his storylines will always have a beginning, middle, and end that is meticulously planned out. Jericho added how he’s not booking anybody else, only himself.

Jericho explained how, to have a captivating, compelling story, “there has to be ups and downs.”

He then argued how the original idea and connection between himself and MJF stemmed from comedy as “they are very similar characters.”

He added how the ultimate end goal is to turn everybody into much bigger stars by feuding with him. “At this point in my career, all I’m about is entertaining and being creatively stimulated and not doing the same old same old.” 

On This Day – November 20 2019: When @IAmJericho challenged @ScorpioSky to an AEW World Championship Match pic.twitter.com/Twi7EgOdKr

— AEW on TV (@AEWonTV) November 20, 2020

Jericho then reflected on the recent Le Dinner Debonair segment with MJF. He credited MJF with the idea before praising him as a “childhood prodigy.”

“The song and dance routine, I wouldn’t do that with anybody, that was MJF’s idea by the way. The guy was a childhood prodigy. He’s been singing and dancing since he was five years old. If there was ever a time to try it, let’s do it. Are we going to do it every week? No. Is it something people will always remember? Yes.”

Chris Jericho and his Inner Circle, including its lastest member, MJF, were recently featured enjoying a trip to Las Vegas during this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grzbDJdiwLo

Jon Moxley somewhat casually mentioned he has a pregnant wife at home during a promo on AEW Dynamite this week. According to a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Renee has been pregnant for some time now and was about to make a public announcement. Moxley was the one who decided to reveal the news in a wrestling promo, however.

At first, Moxley is said to have not wanted to announce anything but realized it was unavoidable. He was shown examples of other celebrities who have publicly announced a pregnancy and did not like what he saw.

“He was shown instagram notices on how celebrities have done it and found them gross and pretentious but never even considered the idea of announcing it in a wrestling promo. Then at 2 a.m. before the show, he came up with the inspiration to do a promo about his dad, which, by the way, was 100 percent real,” wrote Dave Meltzer.

He is then said to have determined the morning of the show that he can tie in Renee’s pregnancy with the promo he was going to deliver that night about his dad. He told Renee her phone would be blowing up during the broadcast and that was that.

Former Smackdown Women’s Champion, Bayley, found out about the pregnancy before others. She noted on Twitter that Renee actually sent her a text about it that was meant to go to Moxley.

100% the way you found out. *i thought i was texting Jon a pregnancy update. I was in fact, texting @itsBayleyWWE ??* https://t.co/f8AJ4scPhV

— Renee Paquette (@ReneePaquette) November 19, 2020

AEW President Tony Khan recently appeared on The Wade Keller Pro Wrestling podcast. The All Elite Wrestling owner discussed a number of topics during his time on the show; including issues during the pandemic and the AEW roster growing over the past year.

“I would say, 10 out of the top 10 issues are related to the pandemic” Tony Khan began on the show. “So, I’d have to really go pretty deep to find a big problem that was not related to the pandemic!”

Tony Khan on AEW Roster

Khan would also discuss how the growth of the AEW roster has really surprised him. The AEW head would state that he wasn’t even conscious of the amount of great talent on the independent scene after AEW began.

“I’ve been really pleasantly surprised how many great wrestlers we’ve added since we started. We had a great group when we started, then we did a big pay per view right off the bat with Double or Nothing in MGM Grand.”

“We did great, great shows over that first summer when we launched Dynamite” Tony Khan would continue. “We launched Dynamite with a really great roster. And we’ve added so many people in the year since.”

Khan would finish by teasing that there are still some ‘big’ names out in the ether that AEW are negotiating with. “There’s people still debuting on Dynamite and there’s people that are working their way up our roster on Dark that I’m really excited about. Then there’s big names that nobody knows about that I’m talking to. So, I’ve got a lot of aces up my sleeve.”

• Latest On AEW & NJPW Possible Working Relationship

Who do you think will come to AEW that is a ‘big’ name? Could Tony Khan be ‘letting us down’ again? Let us know in the comments

Current All Elite Wrestling TNT Champion Darby Allin has opened up about his in-ring style during an interview with TVInsider. During the discussion, Allin also shared his thoughts on being viewed as a fan favorite competitor.

When it comes to his pro wrestling training, Allin revealed he learned under an “old school” coach. He explained how this old school mentality makes its way into his matches.

“My trainer is old school. His name is Buddy Wayne. He is super old school. I’ve learned the old-school style, and I do apply it if you see my matches. It’s not just high spots,” Allin said. “There is a lot of storytelling behind everything I do. There is a brain behind what I do. As far as what people say about me, that I need to slow down, I know what works for me, and my body feels great. I’m really on physical therapy, recovery, stretching, and icing. I feel great.”

Darby Allin On Being a Role Model

Allin confessed it feels good to have been so well-received by AEW’s fanbase. He noted how they’ve embraced him for being himself. This ability to just portray himself on-screen means he doesn’t feel “any added pressure” to be a role model.

“I’m going to keep being myself. I never said I was a role model, but if they want to take me as one I’m down. A lot of kids for example look at me because I’m straight edge. I don’t drink or do drugs. I feel like that’s a cool outlook for kids to see.”

Allin recalled having anti-drug groups visit his school when he was younger. He shared how these groups would dictate what they should and shouldn’t do. Allin questioned this approach. According to Allin, he’s happy to have fans see him as a role model as he is a living embodiment of his personal ideologies.

Darby Allin recently competed on this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite. He teamed with Cody in a losing effort against FTW Champion Brian Cage and Ricky Starks.

AEW Dynamite scored a decisive win over NXT this week. Here is the breakdown, courtesy of ShowbuzzDaily:

• AEW: 850,000 viewers, 0.37 rating (7th on cable for the night)
• NXT: 638,000 viewers, 0.14 rating (56th on cable for the night)

For comparison, Monday’s WWE Raw averaged 1.778 million viewers with a 0.51 rating in the key demo. AEW and NXT combined tied Raw in the Adults 18-49 demo.

The big story this week is the strength of AEW’s numbers. This was the second best rating for Dynamite of 2020, only behind the January 15th Bash at the Beach episode. Dynamite, while going head-to-head with NXT, actually beat Raw in the Adults 18-34 demo. This is extra impressive considering Raw featured Drew McIntyre defeating Randy Orton for the WWE Championship in the main event.

You can find full results and our takeaways from both shows below:

• AEW Dynamite Results: Moxley & Omega Contract Signing, Inner Circle Goes To Vegas
• NXT Results: Finn Balor Appears, Two Title Matches

Jade Cargill the latest guest on this week’s AEW Unrestricted podcast. Cargill made her AEW television debut last week on Dynamite and has moved right into prominent storylines with Cody and Brandi Rhodes.

During her discussion with Aubrey Edwards and and Tony Schiavone, Cargill spoke about training at the Nightmare Factory with QT Marshall, being inspired by WWE legend Chyna, running her own fitness business, being a mother and more.

She credits QT Marshall and Dustin Rhodes with helping launch her pro wrestling career. “Dustin’s really been geared in,” she said. “He’s been making sure that I’m prepared. He made my debut super easy for me. He talked me through everything as well as QT at the Nightmare Factory.  They’ve been sitting down, talking to me, rehearsing with me, making sure that everything is perfect.”

Jade Cargill has a unique look with her bodybuilder frame and long silver hair. She recalls guys picking on her when she was younger, but turned to WWE legend Chyna for inspiration. Chyna was empowered by her muscles, which led Cargill to feel the same way about her own body.

“Growing up I’ve always been muscular and I used to always get picked on by guys saying, ‘Oh she looks like a man. She’s too muscular.’ And I remember growing up and watching Chyna and seeing how she just embodied, just loved how she looked, and it just did nothing but empower me and make me say, ‘You know what? I look good. These muscles look great!'”

“I was just sitting around with my friends, and they said, ‘You know what color you should wear? You should wear the silver or the white color.’ And I said, ‘Oh wow! I would love that!’ And they said, ‘You know, you look like Storm.’ I tried it, and I loved it. I love what she stands for. She’s a powerful Black woman, and I think I stand for that same thing.”

Jade Cargill recently signed a multi-year deal with AEW, so fans can expect to see

Listen to Jade Cargill’s appearance on AEW Unrestricted at Omny.fm or in the player embedded below:

Will Hobbs showed his true color last night on AEW Dynamite. That color is orange.

The main event saw TNT Champion Darby Allin and Cody Rhodes taking on Brian Cage and Ricky Starks. Team Taz picked up the win after Cage spiked Allin with an avalanche Drill Claw. After the match, Team Taz beat down Allin and Rhodes, until Will Hobbs came running down to ringside with a steel chair.

Hobbs was a bit late to make the save, as he has been before when saving Allin and Rhodes from Team Taz. As it turns out, this was no coincidence and was actually a big angle playing out before our eyes.

With the heels outside the ring, Hobbs dropped the steel chair, picked up Cage’s FTW Championship smashed into the face of Cody Rhodes. Hobbs embraced Team Taz as the faction’s newest member.

Right where I belong #FTW #TeamTaz #AEWDynamite https://t.co/KRcxrSvaM9

— “The MONSTAR” Will Hobbs (@TrueWillieHobbs) November 19, 2020

Will Hobbs will be in action next week on Dynamite.

You can watch Will Hobbs join Team Taz in the YouTube player embedded below:

Former WWE Superstar Victoria (Lisa Marie Varon) has expressed her interest in becoming a part of All Elite Wrestling’s training team.

During an interview with the Wrestling Inc. Daily Podcast, Victoria discussed how she was “open” to the idea of becoming All Elite.

“I’ve always wanted to be a trainer for the new kids, being an agent or something like that,” Victoria said. “I have a lot to give back I think. I learned a lot like going through a lot of mistakes in the business, what not to do on TV, that kind of stuff, and I think I have a lot of knowledge to share.”

Despite her open interest, however, there was one caveat she brought up as a subject of discussion: travel. Victoria admitted she isn’t sure she can do “four days a week again and have a normal home life.”

“That’s a tough part. You’re sacrificing a lot to go back, so of course, it’d have to be financially viable and something I would enjoy, and I would have to see how the locker room is and see if I get along with everybody. I don’t want to go to a miserable atmosphere. I still want to be in a positive atmosphere.”

Victoria retired from in-ring competition last year. When asked about a potential return, she teased how “you never know.” She admitted she’s not in talks with any promotions about a return before acknowledging that if she were to come back, it would have to be a “good scenario,” not just an empty cameo appearance.