AEW Dynamite celebrated its fifth anniversary this week but while many of the company’s biggest personalities were around, Taz wasn’t among them. Mere hours before the show went live, it was reported that Taz had been attacked in a parking lot, leaving fans uncertain when he might return to his role behind the commentary desk. With the ECW legend temporarily out of commission, Nigel McGuinness stepped in to join Tony Schiavone and Excalibur.

The Human Suplex Machine was written off of TV so that he can undergo full knee replacement surgery as his knees have been bad “for years,” Dave Meltzer reports. Taz has suggested in the past that he needed the surgery but kept pushing it off to focus on his commitments. On X, Taz vowed that whoever attacked him had payback coming their way.

In another tweet, Taz said “Those guys got me good,” implying that he may have been assaulted by multiple assailants.

During Dynamite, an angry, emotional HOOK also vowed to get vengeance for his father.

It hasn’t taken long for fans to point the finger of suspicion at potential attackers. Suspects so far include Christian Cage, who’s segment aired immediately after HOOK, Nigel McGuinness, who was able to commentate in Taz’s absence, and even HOOK himself.

The AEW fanbase has a new mystery on their hands as it remains to be seen which person or persons is revealed to have attacked Taz. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on the Human Suplex Machine and the search for his assailant.

On the fifth anniversary of AEW Dynamite, International Champion Will Ospreay faced Ricochet, eight years on from their NJPW Best of the Super Juniors showdown. With expectations astronomically high given their previous encounter, Ricochet and Ospreay held nothing back this week, but this match has come under serious criticism.

On Twitter/X, some fans lambasted the match, arguing that their highly athletic, choreographed spots don’t equate to real pro wrestling. Responding on social media, Ospreay, who’s been eager for the match for months, said that all the feedback the match has received only helps himself and Ricochet grow.

Will Ospreay’s Reaction

Ricochet’s Reaction

Ricochet had a more direct approach to dealing with critics of the match.

While the match had its detractors, countless fans loved seeing the two high-flyers back in the ring, proving that there’s more than one form of wrestling that fans can enjoy. Part of AEW’s appeal is that it has various types of wrestling, from the violent brawling of Jon Moxley to the technical wizardry of Bryan Danielson. In the company, Ospreay and Ricochet provide some of the most impressive high-flying maneuvers, with both men earning massive fanbases because of it.

Those who did enjoy the match will get to see Ospreay and Rack back in action again next week. As their match was cut short by Konosuke Takeshita, a triple threat for the title was announced for AEW WrestleDream on October 12.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from AEW WrestleDream, including live results and breaking news.

In July, Shane McMahon shocked fans by meeting with Tony Khan at an airport in Arlington, Texas to discuss potential plans and their mutual love for wrestling. Ever since, speculation has grown that McMahon could join AEW in due time, a possibility that TBS Champion Mercedes Moné would be all for.

In her latest newsletter, Moné shares why she is on board with McMahon possibly joining AEW and her belief that this sentiment is shared by the rest of AEW’s roster.

“Seeing Shane’s incredible heart and passion for wrestling makes me think he has a lot of unfinished business. It also makes me think is Shane coming to AEW? I’m here for it, and I’m sure our roster is too.

“If he doesn’t come back to wrestling, it will make me sad for him. “I know what it’s like to be removed from what you love and how sad it made me. I imagine he feels the same way.”

Moné has played a role in the Shane-AEW rumor buzz, as after McMahon’s meeting with Khan was leaked online, the CEO shared that she was the one who photographed the pair.

While the idea of a McMahon being ‘All Elite’ seemed preposterous just a few years ago, Shane’s meeting with Khan proves the old adage to ‘never say never’ in wrestling. After all, it was ‘impossible’ just a few years ago that Vince McMahon would leave WWE, an act that has happened not once but twice since July 2022.

Though his days as a full-time performer are in the past, McMahon has a passion and insight into wrestling, both the on-screen product and the business side, that’d make him a valuable asset to Tony Khan. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on Shane McMahon and whether he is one day ‘All Elite.’

CM Punk wanted to do something special for his longtime fans in Chicago due to the support they gave him over the years while he was away from wrestling. 

When he returned to the business in August 2021 at AEW Rampage: The First Dance, Punk went all out while in the spot after seven long years of fans chanting his name. Now, he has given insight into how much money he had to shell out to give all the fans who attended that episode ice cream. 

During a sit-down interview on the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast with O’Shea Jackson Jr. and T.J. Jefferson, Punk revealed that he spent $40,000 of his own money on ice cream bars for every fan in attendance that night. 

The gesture was made out of sympathy and empathy for people. He also understands why wrestlers may have been upset with him while the fans chanted for Punk while working in the ring.

“Anytime they were in Chicago, there was anticipation or hope that I’d show up,” Punk explained. “That’s why I spent $40,000 on ice cream bars when I came back in 2021—because that was legit a thank you.”

Punk added, “I wouldn’t be anywhere, and I wouldn’t be back here if it wasn’t for a great many circumstances, but one of them is the fans—especially in Chicago.”

MVP says ‘business’ is picking up in All Elite Wrestling. He made his AEW debut at last week’s AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam and this week, he made a massive move.

Last night’s AEW Dynamite celebrated its 5-year anniversary and it featured a segment where Renee Paquette interviewed MVP backstage ahead of his announcement. Prince Nana interrupted him and MVP said that he was not the one who handled complaints. He then introduced Shelton Benjamin as his business partner and ‘President of the Complaint Department.’

Following the show, MVP dropped a video clip on social media in which he and Benjamin could be seen leaving the arena together. He said that business had just picked up. The former Hurt Business teammates bumped fists as MVP laughed while walking away.

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This marked Shelton Benjamin’s first appearance in the promotion. He was let go from WWE back in September 2023. After being a free agent for over a year, he has finally signed with AEW. There is a huge possibility that Bobby Lashley could be next to show up. This will complete their reunion but under the new stable name, ‘The Hurt Syndicate’, judging by a trademark filing last month.

MVP previously announced that he will not return to WWE during a Bloodsport event. There have been reports that Lashley and MVP hope to reunite in AEW which that could soon be happening. The addition of the Hurt Syndicate could prove to be an impactful move and this is likely to mark MVP’s last run before retirement.

• MVP Says AEW Run Is ‘Quite Possibly The Final Chapter’ Of His Career

Jay White has made it clear that he wants to get back on track to claim the AEW World Championship and sent a bold message to ‘Hangman’ Adam Page.

Jay White made a surprise return on last night’s AEW Dynamite 5th Anniversary edition and saved Juice Robinson from Page’s attack. The former one-third of the AEW World Trios Champion had not been away from AEW TV since Page defeated him in the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament on the July 6th episode of AEW Collision.

In an AEW digital exclusive, Jay White put Page on notice. He explained that he doesn’t care about a lot of things surrounding Page. However, ‘Switchblade’ cares about the fact that he was stopped in his tracks on his quest to become AEW World Champion. He said that he wants to be at the top of the industry. While Page has left a path of destruction, White has vowed to stop the former AEW World Champion. Here is what he said:

“…What I care about is that you were one of two men that knocked me off my path, my path to the AEW World Championship because that is where I belong. My path is leading me there where I belong, where I, the Catalyst of Professional Wrestling, am meant to be. That is at the top of this industry. The most elite of all, that is me, that is what I care about, Adam. I do not care about you and your family. No, but what has gotten into you recently?”

He added:

“Adam, you see, we’ve known each other for a long time. There’s been this change. We talk about paths, I talk about paths. You have left a path of destruction everywhere you go. You’ve quite literally left flames in your wake, and you know what, I wouldn’t have a problem with it, if it didn’t affect me, and you didn’t try to include the Bang Bang Gang in your carnage. But that’s perfect. Do you see how this works out? You see, I need you, and how perfect, look at the time that you present yourself to me. You give me this opportunity to stop this runaway train now known as ‘Cowboy Sh*t’ Hangman Adam Page. I’m the one, I’m the one that will stop you. You see, we can fight fire with fire, and we will see who burns.”

Ahead of his time off, Jay White had been enjoying his reign as one-third of the AEW World Trios Champions alongside Bullet Club Gold stablemates Austin and Colten Gunn. However, following his match against Hangman, White was written off of AEW television to recuperate from a foot injury. It is to be seen how things pan out for White.

AEW has released a video of Tony Khan and Bryan Danielson thanking the fans after the 5-year anniversary special of Dynamite from Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia went off air.

Khan first mentioned that Pittsburgh was one of the first places they visited when Dynamite started and thanked the fans. He then thanked Bryan for his 3-year run with the promotion.

The AEW World Champion took the mic and credited TK for creating an alternative to WWE. Addressing the crowd, Danielson thanked them for making him a WrestleMania main eventer:

“First of all, I’d like to thank Tony Khan, without whom, AEW wouldn’t be here. You wouldn’t have an alternative. It is better that AEW exists – for the wrestlers, for the production people, and for professional wrestling fans. I first wrestled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 23 years ago. And I don’t know if you guys remember, but you were the crowd that made me into a WrestleMania main eventer. So, I just wanted to say thank you, Pittsburgh.

• Chris Jericho Evokes Jay Briscoe, Will Challenge Mark At AEW WrestleDream

Best Wrestling Company In The World: Bryan Danielson

Bryan Danielson then claimed that AEW is the best wrestling company in the world. It has the best locker room and fans, for whom he left a lifetime job at WWE:

“And last but certainly not least, I want to thank all the men and women in the back because they’re the ones who made this place so great that I had a lifetime job at WWE, and I chose to come here because they were the best wrestlers in the world, the best fans in the world, and this is the best wrestling company in the world. Now, next week, check out WrestleDream, cause at WrestleDream in Tacoma, Washington. I am gonna kick Jon Moxley’s fucking head in.”

The 5 Year Anniversary show gave fans a lot to talk about with both good and bad news coming out of the show. The episode saw a huge debut and the return of Jay White from his injury.

Prior to Dynamite, however, a couple of wrestling talents suffered injuries during the ROH tapings. This included the current ROH tag champ Sammy Guevara who had to be stretchered out of the arena.

• Tacoma Comic Store Promises Free Books If Bryan Danielson Wins At WrestleDream

‘Switchblade’ Jay White has returned to AEW TV after spending the last three months on the shelf due to a foot injury.

This week’s 5-year anniversary special of Dynamite featured a singles match between Hangman Adam Page and Juice Robinson.

The ending of the bout saw Robinson setting up for The Juice Is Loose but Page countered with a low blow. Hangman then connected with a Buckshot Lariat to pick up a pinfall victory.

The former AEW World Champion took off his cowboy buckle belt and started using it to choke Robinson out. This is when White’s music hit and he made his return.

Jay White took out Page from behind with a clothesline. He continued beating Page down before sending him crashing through a table at the ringside to end the segment.

• Jay White Wasn’t ‘Thrilled’ With AEW Full Gear Booking

Jay White’s Absence

The former IWGP World Champion last wrestled during the July 6 episode of AEW Collision. The Owen Cup semifinal match saw Page defeating White after using his belt, very similar to how he attacked Robinson tonight.

Prior to the injury, Jay White and The Gunns had held the AEW Trios Title. They were stripped of the championships by Christopher Daniels when they tried to invoke the Freebird rule to give Robinson a share of the title.

Jay White wasn’t the only big name that made a surprise appearance during tonight’s Dynamite. A former WWE star also made his long-awaited debut for the promotion during the show. You can check out more about it here.

• Chris Jericho Evokes Jay Briscoe, Will Challenge Mark At AEW WrestleDream

Chris Jericho held the ROH World Championship for a handful of months in 2022, in Jericho’s first-ever title reign as part of the promotion. Now, Jericho plans on holding the gold again, and used some shocking tactics to get into the head of champion Mark Briscoe.

On Dynamite’s fifth anniversary, Jericho hosted a Learning Tree segment in the ring with Big Bill and Bryan Keith. Now dubbing himself ‘The Nueve’ Jericho challenged Briscoe to a ROH World Championship match at AEW WrestleDream.

Briscoe came out to accept the match, adding that Jericho’s recent victory over him came thanks to interference by Big Bill. It was here that Jericho sunk to a new low as he said that Mark Briscoe couldn’t beat him before stating that his brother, Jay Briscoe, could have. Jericho went on to say that everyone knows that Mark will never be as good as Jay was. Mark responded by dropping Jericho with a shot to the jaw and promised a Briscoe brother-style ass-whooping at WrestleDream.

Jay Briscoe sadly passed in January 2023 in a car crash, mere minutes from his home in Laurel, Delaware. Tributes to Jay have poured in from the wrestling world and a locker room was named in his memory at the school where his daughters, who were injured in the crash, attend.

The loss of his brother left Mark contemplating retirement, but the remaining Briscoe has not only continued in the ring but is thriving as ROH World Champion. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from AEW WrestleDream including breaking news and live results.

Shelton Benjamin is All Elite.

The former WWE star had been expected to make his debut for Tony Khan’s promotion ever since MVP made his first appearance for the company last week.

This week’s 5-year anniversary special of Dynamite then saw Renee Paquette interviewing MVP backstage where he was getting ready to make an announcement.

Before he could do so, however, Prince Nana interrupted and reminded everyone that he once was a wrestler. In response, MVP said that he was not the one who handled complaints like that and then the camera panned out to the one who does deal with complaints – Shelton Benjamin.

Benjamin got a huge pop from the crowd as MVP introduced him as his business partner and ‘President of the Complaint Department.’

• MVP Says AEW Run Is ‘Quite Possibly The Final Chapter’ Of His Career

Shelton Benjamin Is Not Done

Shelton was released from his WWE contract back in September 2023. While a lot of people expected him to go to AEW straight away, it took over a year for the wrestling veteran to arrive.

Now that he has arrived, however, the 49-year-old is expected to make a big impact along with his Hurt Business partner.

The group is still one member short as Bobby Lashley is yet to be introduced on AEW TV. Though after the arrival of MVP and Benjamin, it seems only a matter of time before the former WWE Champion makes his way to the company as well.

• Shelton Benjamin Confirms Scrapped Plans For Hurt Business Reunion

All Elite Wrestling’s new TV deal is official. On Wednesday, Variety‘s Joe Otterson broke the news that AEW has signed a multi-year rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery.

Financial terms weren’t officially disclosed, but sources estimate the deal to be worth over $150 million per year when all aspects are considered.

Broadcast and streaming details:

• Dynamite and Collision: AEW’s shows, Dynamite and Collision, will continue to air on TBS and TNT, respectively.

• Max: For the first time, AEW programming will also stream live on Max (WBD’s streaming platform) for U.S. subscribers starting January 2025, with on-demand access available. Pay-per-view events will be offered on Max at a discounted price starting in January.

• Additional rights and new programming: The deal includes broader distribution rights on social media and potential new AEW shows on linear and digital platforms. Starting in late 2025, AEW pay-per-view events will also stream on Max at a discounted rate.

Here’s the official word from AEW President Tony Khan:

“We are honored to announce the extension of our incredible partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery. This extension continues the tradition of iconic wrestling events broadcast on TBS and TNT, while also establishing a new legacy for AEW through weekly live streams on Max for years to come. We thank David Zaslav, Kathleen Finch and everyone at WBD for their tireless support of All Elite Wrestling since its inception, as well as the AEW fans, talent and staff that helped make this possible.”

Kathleen Finch, WBD’s chairman and CEO of US Networks, praised the AEW partnership and stressed their commitment to delivering fresh and engaging content to AEW’s passionate fanbase.

Bernie Cahill, a founding partner of Activist Artists Management, highlighted the deal as a validation of Tony Khan’s vision, positioning AEW as a valuable media and live entertainment enterprise.

At AEW WrestleDream, Bryan Danielson will defend his AEW World Championship against Jon Moxley in what is bound to be a violent contest between the former allies. The match will take place in Tacoma, Washington, just a stone’s throw from Bryan’s home in Aberdeen, and one local comic store has given the American Dragon an incentive to win.

If Danielson retains the gold at WrestleDream on October 12, Destiny City Comics will give away a free comic book to everyone who visits the store the next day. This was confirmed by the store’s owner Ethan, who also has experience in the ring.

Bryan’s match with Moxley won’t just be about the AEW World Championship but the nature of the company itself. Since turning on Danielson at AEW All Out, Moxley has said he and his allies will create something that’ll last for years in AEW, a company that, in Moxley’s eyes, has been overcome with clashing egos. This is a daunting task that Bryan doesn’t “have the stomach for,” hence the betrayal last month in Illinois.

With Danielson being open about his career winding down, and of the opinion that neck surgery is in his near future, high-profile matches such as this one will become less and less frequent soon enough. Until then though, this match could result in a lot of happy comic book readers in the city of Tacoma. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from AEW WrestleDream 2024, including breaking news and live results from next week’s show in Tacoma, Washington.

In the 2010s, no catchphrase took the wrestling world by storm like ‘YES YES YES’ as used by Daniel Bryan during his rise to the top of WWE. The three-word phrase was used on countless pieces of merchandise during Bryan’s time with the company, and though that tenure ended over three years ago, WWE isn’t ready to part ways with the phrase.

WWE has filed a trademark for YES YES YES with the USPTO for the use on various pieces of merchandise. WWE’s move to own the term comes after Bryan (now Bryan Danielson in AEW) filed for the term in July of this year. Speaking ahead of All In: London 2024 with Luke James Chats, Danielson shared that his manager told him that the term was available and didn’t cost much to trademark.

Following his application, Bryan claims he was sent a legal form of some kind by WWE that insinuated that he was infringing on something WWE owned, despite the term being available to be trademarked. As of September 20, the filing was labeled as abandoned.

Danielson certainly has shown no sign of returning to WWE, as he not only holds the AEW World Championship but has actively spoken about winding down his career in the ring. Nevertheless, WWE is seeking the term for the use on merchandise that one would assume would be about AEW’s resident American Dragon. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest trademark news as well as news on the AEW World Champion.

Tony Khan appeared on the Quinn & Cantara podcast to promote Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite’s 5-year Anniversary special.

During the conversation, the AEW & ROH President was asked if he’s had a chance to check out the Netflix “Mr. McMahon” docu-series that’s been dominating the news cycle since its release last week. Khan says he’s been too busy to see what all the fuss is about, and was quick to point out he’s never met him or worked with him.

“No, I’ve been so busy with football and wrestling that I have not seen that documentary.”

– Tony Khan on the Netflix “Mr. McMahon” docuseries

Khan was quick to distance himself from the former WWE boss, stating:

“I’ve never met him and have never really worked with him.”

– Tony Khan on Vince McMahon

AEW As the Challenger Brand

Khan has long prided himself in All Elite Wrestling being the “challenger” brand to the decades-long industry leader, WWE. Ahead of Wednesday’s big event, Khan took a moment to reflect on the journey thus far.

“I have grown up as a wrestling fan and historian of the pro wrestling business, so absolutely, we love being the challenger promotion and trying to grow and build AEW from the ground up.

It’s only been five years and we’ve done a lot in that time.”

– Tony Khan on AEW being the “Challenger Brand” to WWE

AEW Dynamite airs tonight at 8/7c on TBS, live from Pittsburgh, PA, at the Petersen Events Center. This episode will feature some big matches and the return of Britt Baker. 

The biggest thing to be confirmed for the show is AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson vs. Kazuchika Okada, which has a twist attached to it. Okada’s Continental Championship is on the line for the first 20 minutes of the bout. 

This only adds to the drama that every Danielson match carries these days, with the stipulation that the next match Danielson loses will be his last as a full-time wrestler. 

AEW Dynamite Preview

(airs live Wednesday, October 2 at 8/7c on TBS)

• AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson vs. Kazuchika Okada – Okada’s Continental Championship is on the line for the first 20 minutes
• AEW International Champion Will Ospreay vs. Ricochet
• Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. vs. Serena Deeb
• Hangman Page vs. Juice Robinson

Dynamite launched in October 2019 that helped launch the company as the second biggest promotion in the world. Although not confirmed, there has been speculation that AEW’s new television deal with Warner Bros. Discovery could be announced on this show. Former AEW World Heavyweight Champion Swerve Strickland also seemingly confirmed the rumored AEW-FOX deal for a new one-hour program. 

In 2024, A.J. Befumo and his son Eric have taken TikTok by storm with their series of videos demonstrating their love for all things Costco. After appearing for AEW at the All Out 2024 pay-per-view alongside RJ City and Renee Paquette, the father-son duo will be returning to AEW and will be doing much more than talking.

On social media, Befumo shared that the pair have signed a contract with AEW which will see A.J. compete in one match for Tony Khan’s promotion.

“I am wrestling one more match and it will be for AEW, All Elite Wrestling. We don’t know exactly where, we don’t know exactly who my opponent’s gonna be, but I am wrestling for one match at All Elite Wrestling. The contract is signed.”

A.J wrestled professionally for years as ‘The American Powerhouse’ Eric Justice, and named his son after his wrestling persona. He retired from the ring in 2005 and until his TikTok popularity exploded, had been working full-time as a regional manager for a nationwide mortgage-lending company.

The Costco Guys

A.J. Befumo and his 11-year-old son, Eric, aka Big Justice, have become viral sensations in 2024 with their TikTok food reviews of products from Costco. In recent months, the pair has garnered over 1.3 million followers on TikTok, and the videos have tens of millions of views.

Celebrities and wrestling have gone together for decades and now both AEW and the Costco Guys will be able to introduce their respective fanbases to the other side. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from AEW and its place in the world of wrestling.

AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson has laid out a huge challenge for the upcoming Dynamite 5-year anniversary show this Wednesday night.

The wrestling veteran recently shared an Instagram video of himself meditating in a forest. He started off his promo by calling out Jon Moxley. Mox had said that Bryan’s idea of a world champion wasn’t working after turning on his BCC teammate at All Out.

Danielson responded to the former Shield member saying that as much as he’d like to face Jon in a match, he realizes that he is fighting against an idea and not a man.

The AEW Champion proclaimed that he wants to be someone who defends his title at a monumental show like the upcoming Anniversary Special and proceeded to call out Kazuchika Okada for the bout:

• Daniel Bryan Vs. Bryan Danielson: Who Has The Greater Legacy?

AEW Dynamite 5-Year Anniversary Match Card

The AEW world title match is the 4rth match announced for the October 2 episode of Dynamite. Here is the updated line up for the show:

• Singles Match: Hangman Page vs. Juice Robinson
• Singles Match: Britt Baker vs. Serena Deeb
• AEW International Championship Match: Will Ospreay (c) vs. Ricochet
• AEW World Heavyweight Championship Match: Bryan Danielson (c) vs. Kazuchika Okada

Bryan Danielson has faced Okada in two singles matches so far. He defeated the Japanese star in their first match when they collided at the Forbidden Door 2023 event.

A rematch between the two took place at WrestleKingdom 18 in January this year. Okada picked up the win this time, tying the score to 1-1.

Okada has since signed a contract with AEW, becoming a full-time member of the Elite roster. We’ll have to tune in on Wednesday to see which one of the two picks up the victory in this rubber match.

Killswitch, who is one of AEW’s longer-tenured wrestlers, has suffered a medical scare.

The former Luchasaurus was rushed to the hospital over the weekend after suffering severe lung damage. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful reported the news on Monday evening. 

The masked wrestler was taken to the hospital by his wife on Friday after he was found collapsed. Once arriving at the medical facility, tests were down, and his blood oxygen level was below 80 percent. 

Per the report, doctors said that he had pneumonia in both lungs, and he was told that he was “days away” from suffering permanent lung damage. Now, he is on the road to recovery, with the expected timeline of about a month. However, as of this writing, it’s unknown how long he will be out of action and off AEW programming. 

The AEW star has been part of the promotion since it launched in 2019, where he began his tenure in a tag team with Jack Perry, named Jurassic Express. Together, they won the Tag Team Titles. 

In 2023, he turned heel and joined Christian Cage’s Patriarchy faction. He was last in action when he worked AEW All In London 2024, competing in a Casino Gauntlet match, where he helped Cage earn a shot at the AEW World Title. 

We wish Killswitch a speedy recovery.

Cody Rhodes is confident in Darby Allin’s skill set, both inside the squared circle and on the microphone as a promo guy. With such a belief in the fan favorite, he does not doubt that Allin can be a top guy for AEW. 

Rhodes has been able to see Allin progress in pro wrestling as the former AEW Executive Vice President wrestled the popular star various times in the promotion before he left in February 2022 and returned to WWE. Since then, Rhodes has become a top star for WWE and won the Undisputed WWE Championship. Allin recently headlined AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam against Jon Moxley, falling short and giving up his World Title shot at WrestleDream. 

While speaking on Superstar Crossover, Rhodes responded to Allin, who asked in a separate interview whether Cody thought he could be the face of AEW.

“So the answer is a guaranteed Yes, but don’t let Darby fool you. He was never insecure, and he was never not confident. Darby is almost overconfident, and that’s that’s what we do. We talk smack. We wrestle each other. This is entertainment. I don’t mind it, but sometimes your overconfidence is actually arrogance, when, in his case, instead of it being arrogance, the experience that he’s had now with Sting, the experience he’s had seeing the different changes in the company, all of that, that is the experience that you need to lead you to, where you see the clarity, and you see the moment go, ‘Hey, I can be the guy.’ Absolutely, 100% could potentially be the person.”

Rhodes said that the spot was available to more people than everyone thought, and, being that guy, has a more demanding schedule. 

Kota Ibushi has continued to tease fans regarding his return with fellow AEW star Kenny Omega. The Japanese star dropped hints in a social media post that he and Omega will return soon. Posting a picture in boxing gloves, Ibushi revealed that their last practice session is done and said that they are now pushing hard for their return.

Kota Ibushi stated that he has a long time to fulfill his promises. He also highlighted that the scenario in AEW has changed a lot since their absence. The 42-year-old thanked for the flexibility in his contract as well. A translated caption reads:

”Last practice is over!!! We haven’t seen each other quite a bit, but this time we’ve got a hard push. Tuned up for AEW which will be soon.

I still have a long time to fulfill my promises! The scenery sure has changed, All that’s left is to do. We’re both on fire!!

Thank you for your flexible contract even though you belong. Well, there are some things I’ve done, but basically when I’m in Japan, it’s good.”

Kota Ibushi and Kenny Omega are one of the most popular tag teams and they are known as The Golden Lovers. They have been KO-D Tag Team Champions, the KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Champions, and the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.

Kota Ibushi’s last appearance in AEW took place November 15th edition of AEW Dynamite last year. He joined forces with Kenny Omega, Chris Jericho, and Paul Wight to defeat Brian Cage and The Don Callis Family in an eight-person Street Fight. Ibushi, who called AEW his home, is set to make his return to GLEAT for their show in Osaka on October 6th.

Meanwhile, Kenny Omega has been away from AEW since December last year with diverticulitis. Earlier this year, ‘The Cleaner’ returned to AEW Dynamite but he was brutally attacked by Jack Perry and The Young Bucks. Omega is also set to appear at next year’s NJPW Wrestle Dynasty.

For the rest of the NFL season, I’ll be doing a pro football round-up and how the pro wrestling world collides with the stars and teams of the National Football league. 

Unlike Week 4,  Seth Rollins is very happy with his Chicago Bears after being “eliminated” from Lucas Oil Field courtesy of TY Hilton and Sheamus actually remembered to bring his “Luck of The Irish” for the football team he tried to hype (albiet collegiate football). Let’s get to it!

Seth Rollins’ Bears Get The Win, Set To Appear On NBC Sunday Night Football

More often than not, Seth Rollins has found himself on the losing end as a Bears fan, but this week his favorite team recorded a solid W against the Los Angeles Rams. Seth was quick to celebrate on social media and reveal that he’d be a special guest on tonight’s NBC Sunday Night Football to celebrate.

Seth Rollins did appear and was on the sidelines for the Ravens and The Visionary was indeed on the winning side!

Sheamus Sees His “Fightin’ Irish” Win

Sheamus has been making his way all across the football hash marks and although this particular moment isn’t tied to the NFL, it’s tough to not feel the “Luck of the Irish” for “The Celtic Warrior.” Sheamus was in South Bend, IN to motivate Notre Dame as they clashed with the Louisville Cardinals. His hyping the Tennessee Titans fans last week didn’t get anything going, but Notre Dame sure was feeling a “fight night” as they handled Louisville 31-24.

Izzy Moreno Wrestles At Houston Texans Game

“Bayley’s Biggest Fan” decided to follow in her hero’s footsteps by actually getting into the wrestling ring, and Izzy Moreno did just that on Sunday. Before the Houston Texans took on Tony Khan’s Jacksonville Jaguars, Izzy had her own kind of competition outside Houston Stadium. Moreno successfully defined her Mission Pro Championship Title in a singles match before kickoff.

Thunder Rosa Officiated A Match Between Simon Miller & Texan’s Mascot Toro

Moreno was not alone in Houston. One of her mentors. Thunder Rosa also happened to be in attendance for the big game as CJ Stroud and his Texans got the W against The Jaguars. However, Rosa made sure “Toro The Bull,” the Texans mascot, also got the W against Simon Miller in a match before the game.

Drew McIntyre & Liv Morgan Head To Indianapolis

Drew McIntyre didn’t endear himself anymore to Seth Rollins as he and Liv Morgan tagged up to hang with the Indianapolis Colts before they battled the Pittsburgh Steelers. McIntyre and Morgan joined Pat McAfee to hype the Royal Rumble coming to the city in 2025.

MJF Wants Some Royalties From Washington

Someone on the Washington Commanders social media team is a wrestling fan, but MJF would like some residuals. In hype for their Monday Night Football game against the Bengals for week three, a video was posted on TikTok of MJF referring to the Midwest as “Mid”, but the team logo was superimposed over Max’s face. In classic heel fashion MJF took exception to the Commanders using his likeness.

New York Jets Owner Hypes WWE SummerSlam

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson has garnered a polarizing reputation among Jets fans, but one decision that was certainly good for wrestling fans is that WWE SummerSlam will be coming to MetLife Stadium early August of 2025. Johnson took to his X account to express his excitement for the two-night rendezvous with WWE as the Jets prepped to take on the Denver Broncos this Sunday. However, the Jets didn’t ride that moment and lost to Denver 10-9.

Wrestling Related Games Win-Loss Record

Quite the rebound for pro wrestling related NFL stories as the teams tied to stars came out of week mostly unscathed except those darn Jets! With Seth both representing the Bears and the Ravens the pro wrestling NFL connection stands at 5-1 for week three

After two weeks, wrestling related NFL stories stand at 6-5.

Powerhouse Hobbs might be on his way back to AEW programming very soon after spending the last 5 months on the shelf due to injury.

The former TNT Champion has been spotted backstage at AEW shows recently, starting rumors about a potential return for him.

Now Fightful Select is reporting that Hobbs has actually been cleared for action in the last few weeks. Hobbs went through extensive in-ring testing before being cleared and now he’s just awaiting creative plans for his return.

The heavyweight star last wrestled during the April 24, 2024 episode of Dynamite. He unsuccessfully challenged Jon Moxley for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship on the show and sustained a knee injury in the same bout.

• Powerhouse Hobbs on Tony Khan’s Tweets: “It’s His Company, He Believes in Us”

The Future of Powerhouse Hobbs

Powerhouse Hobbs had primarily been involved in a storyline with Don Callis before being put on the shelf. He was recruited into Callis’ faction in October 2023.

Prior to that, the 33-year-old had a short run with the TNT Championship between March and April 2023. He also briefly joined the short-lived QTV faction but that didn’t lead to anything significant.

There is no word on what the company is planning for Hobbs upon his return but the recent debut of MVP opens up a very intriguing possibility for him.

The appearance from the former WWE star teased the arrival of The Hurt Syndicate on AEW programming. Though the faction is expected to be one member short compared to their WWE days as Cedric Alexander recently signed a new deal with the Endeavor-owned promotion.

If the group feels the need for a new member to strengthen their position, then someone like Powerhouse Hobbs would be the perfect addition. It will make the faction more dominant and allow the former champion to learn from the veterans.

Since launching in 2019, AEW has proven to be the most direct competition WWE has seen since the demise of World Championship Wrestling. Like WWE, AEW hosts its events in large venues across North America, but that has led to an issue for Tony Khan’s promotion in recent years.

Critics of AEW have often shared photos online of shows with throngs of empty seats to hit out at Tony Khan’s creative direction and the company’s overall product. Despite these unflattering images, AEW has no plans to move to smaller venues.

AEW chooses not to scale down to smaller venues for a number of reasons, Fightful Select reports. The promotion prioritizes factors like venue amenities, accessibility, parking availability, and the flexibility to expand seating as needed. They also consider the effectiveness of mailing lists and the adequacy of concession staff when choosing event locations.

While some feel that a move to smaller, more intimate venues would benefit AEW, Tony Khan will run his company in the manner he feels is best, which right now means closely prioritizing these factors when choosing its venues to host events. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on All Elite Wrestling as the promotion continues to provide an alternative to WWE each and every week on TV.

Swerve Strickland has revealed the role Shawn Michaels played in his current success.

The former AEW Champion recently appeared on Breakfast Club Power 105.1 FM. He talked about things such as negative reactions to his high-paying contract and more.

During the interview, he was also asked about the influence HBK was for him. Strickland said that Michaels was a huge influence on him and revealed that they keep in touch even now. The former NXT star then told a story about the time he felt stuck in NXT:

“He was the influence on when I really took off in my WWE NXT era because I was just stuck, hitting this wall over and over again weekly. I was having these conversations with Triple H; I was getting this runaround. I wasn’t really getting anywhere.

Then I got a promotion one day, and I was just not happy about it. I was like ‘I don’t feel like I earned the promotion, I feel like you just paying me to keep me here rather than paying what I’ve earned,’

So I spoke out about it. I was like ‘I want to be learning under Shawn.’ He was like, ‘Well, yada yada yada,’ Matt Bloom was like saying ‘yada yada yada whatever. But his office is over there.’ I’m like, ‘Oh, bet.’ I walked over to Shawn and said, ‘Hey, can we do tape study?'”

• Swerve Strickland Seemingly Confirms AEW’s Fox Deal

‘That’s All I’ve Got To Do?’: Swerve Strickland

Swerve Strickland mentioned that he took the leap because he had nothing to lose. He explained that Michaels approached the whole thing with an open mind and then helped him understand what the office wanted from him:

“I was like, ‘Shawn, can I watch tape with you sometime? Like an hour, something like that.’ He’s like, ‘Give me three matches, email them to me, and I’ll pick one. We can watch it on Tuesday.’ Sure enough, he lived up to his word. We watched a match of me on the Indies from like four years ago. He’s like, ‘I want to see the reason you got here. What’s the reason that we signed you to this contract to be here? I want to watch that.’ So we watched this stuff, and he like, he’s quiet, just watching.

Guys like that, they’re not gonna [go] ‘ooh, hah hah hah’; No, they’re just gonna watch. William Regal was very much like that too. The match was over, and he stopped. He’s like, ‘I know exactly the kind of performer you are now. Now I know who you are, now I know what you can offer.’ Next thing you know, he’s in meetings talking about TV the night before, and he’s texting me, he’s like ‘Okay, they want to see you get a little more aggressive and stuff like that. So bring it next match.’ I’m like, ‘That’s it? That’s all I’ve got to do?’

Next match, beating the hell out of me and Bronson Reed going back and forth. He comes to me in the back, and it’s like a football coach after the match. He’s like smacking my ass and [going], ‘That’s what I’m talking about. There you go.’ So I was like, ‘Yeah, I got that from Shawn.’ Next thing you know, North American Championship match happened. Next thing you know TV, I’m getting the microphone to talk now live. I get to show my personality more.”

The AEW star noted that these chances helped him stand out among other recruits. He started taking more and more risks after that and started getting much more comfortable in front of the camera. It got him ready for the bigger opportunities that came his way and made him the star he is now.

• Further Details On Swerve Strickland’s New AEW Contract

AEW star Thunder Rosa is furious over misleading reports about her health.

The former Women’s Champion took to Twitter recently, responding to a report from Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter saying that she was cleared to compete.

The female star claimed that the information was absolutely wrong. Rosa also addressed her status in a new video on Instagram, saying that she will take the time to announce any changes in her status:

“I just wanna make something very clear. I just got a note from the dirt sheets that I’ve been cleared to wrestle. No I am not cleared. I was following the [Concussion] protocol this Wednesday and I’m not cleared to wrestle.

So if you’re a dirt sheet writer, anyone, ask me about my health directly. Cause I am not cleared to wrestle. When I am cleared, when my doctors tell me I can wrestle, I will personally announce it. Stop putting things that are not right.”

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• Thunder Rosa’s Mission Pro Wrestling Promotion Going On Hiatus

Thunder Rosa’s Recent Troubles

Thunder Rosa has been out of action since the August 31 episode of AEW Collision. She competed in a TBS Championship #1 contenders match at the show. The bout won by Hikaru Shida also featured Queen Aminata, and Serena Deeb.

After a couple weeks of unannounced absence, Rosa revealed on Busted Open that she had actually been put on the shelf after suffering a concussion.

This was another setback for the female star who spent most of the 2023 on shelf due to back issues. She returned to action in December 2023 but has only wrestled about 20 matches since her comeback.

The concussion protocol makes it hard to determine how long the Mexican star will remain out of action or when she could return to AEW. Stay tuned to SEScoops for any updates on her status.