Chris Jericho has taken on many roles in AEW. He is a former World Champion, Wizard, and currently the Learning Tree. However, he is stepping down from his commentary duties. 

AEW has named Jericho’s replacement: Matt Menard, Jericho’s former Jericho Appreciation Society teammate, will take over commentary on AEW Rampage.

Author and podcast host Pat Laprade announced the news via X on Saturday. Menard has experience in commentary, having worked on AEW Dark and Dark Elevation. This led to occasional Rampage appearances when Jericho was unavailable.

Matt Menard is officially replacing Chris Jericho on AEW Rampage’s commentary team from now on.

– @PatLaprade

? pic.twitter.com/DDEIXmJdor

— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) June 1, 2024

On Friday’s Rampage, Jericho revealed his decision to leave commentary. He wants to focus more on appearing on Dynamite and Collision. Jericho will still carry on in his Learning Tree gimmick alongside Big Bill and Bryan Keith. 

Matt Menard’s Commentary Experience

Menard, previously known as Matt Lee in WWE’s NXT brand, signed with AEW in August 2021 with his partner Angelo Parker. They joined forces with Daniel Garcia and eventually became part of Jericho’s faction. Together, they competed in the first-ever Anarchy in the Arena match and a Blood & Guts match in 2022.

Since the faction dissolved, Menard has wrestled infrequently, with just six matches this year. His last match was a win over Mike Bennett in Ring of Honor in early May. Parker has been off following his recent marriage to Ruby Soho. Now, Menard has a spot on television every week, and he gets to stay out of action in the process. 

Swerve Strickland is set to put his AEW World Championship on the line against Roderick Strong on this week’s AEW Dynamite.

Strong dropped the AEW International Championship against Will Ospreay at last weekend’s AEW Double Or Nothing pay-per-view. It seems that the Undisputed Kingdom member has his sights set ton the AEW World title.

He picked up a win over Lio Rush on last night’s AEW Collision. He asked Tony Khan for a shot at Swerve’s title so that he becomes the one to defend the title at the upcoming AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door on June 30. Khan felt it was a good idea and agreed to his proposal to book the match for Dynamite. 

Roderick Strong makes a HUGE CHALLENGE for #AEWDynamite NEXT WEEK in Colorado!

Watch #AEWCollision on TNT!@RoderickStrong | @TonyKhan | @FACDaniels | @SwerveConfident pic.twitter.com/83dOVmv4kf

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 2, 2024

The upcoming edition of Dynamite will emanate from Blue Arena in Loveland, Colorado. The show will feature the return of MJF to the show after he made surprise appearance at Double Or Nothing. Meanwhile, Saraya is also scheduled to face Mariah May

Swerve Strickland captured the AEW World title after defeating Samoa Joe at AEW Dynasty last month. He made his first title defense at a pay-per-view against Christian Cage at Double Or Nothing. Following the match, Swerve celebrated with the fans in the front row as well as boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. 

• Swerve Strickland Reveals How Floyd Mayweather’s Double Or Nothing Appearance Was Planned

Swerve Strickland already has another title defense lined up

During the May 29 edition of AEW Dynamite, a Casino Gauntlet match took place to determine Strickland’s challenger at AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door pay-per-view on Sunday, June 30. The match was ultimately won by Will Ospreay, who is all set to challenge Strickland at the show. This will mark the third annual of the crossover event featuring AEW and NJPW stars. 

Well, Swerve Strickland also feels that this is the right time to have a WWE-AEW crossover. Read more below:

WWE and AEW may be the most direct competition of one another, but that doesn’t mean that a crossover between the companies isn’t possible. 

Since AEW launched in 2019, both companies have taken aim at each other both on and off TV. While AEW Dynamite won the Wednesday Night Wars, it was WWE NXT that won the October 2023 ‘Tuesday Night War’ against AEW’s weekly flagship show. 

Swerve Strickland On WWE-AEW Crossover

Reigning AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland knows what it’s like to work in both companies, though his WWE tenure ended long before the current regime. Speaking to The Bootleg Kev podcast, Strickland was asked about a potential crossover between WWE and AEW. 

“If there’s ever a time it could happen, now is more likely than it’s ever been. I don’t think either person [Tony Khan and Triple H] is opposed… I don’t think there’s ever been a time that’s more likely than now.”

It’s not hard to see why Strickland feels like a team-up is more likely than ever before. In recent years, WWE has become more open to working with other promotions, as seen with TNA’s Jordynne Grace’s appearance on the May 28, WWE NXT. Grace will face NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez at NXT Battleground. 

• WWE NXT Superstars Expected to Appear for TNA Wrestling

WWE And AEW

Though a crossover event has yet to happen, WWE and AEW have worked together in the past. Billy Gunn was allowed to appear at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony in 2019 despite being part of AEW at the time. The future ‘Daddy Ass’ was inducted as part of D-Generation X. 

In 2022, multiple AEW stars appeared on Raw to wish John Cena congratulations on the 20th anniversary of his WWE debut. Bryan Danielson, Chris Jericho, and Paul Wight were among those who sent their best to John, with this sign of cohesion showing just how much respect Cena carries across pro wrestling. 

Sebastian Bach, the frontman for legendary heavy metal band Skid Row, has taken aim at Chris Jericho’s singing in a response to the AEW star. 

Since 2020, Bach has taken aim at Jericho for allegedly using pre-recorded tracks while singing for the AEW star’s band ‘Fozzy.’ In response, Jericho has challenged Bach to a sing-off. When asked by Metal Hammer Magazine whether he plans on accepting Jericho’s challenge, Bach, who has no wrestling experience, once again took aim at Fozzy’s leading man. 

“The better question would be, will he do a wrestle-off with Sebastian Bach? Because I’m as much of a wrestler as he is a singer.”

Chris Jericho: The Singer

While Bach is no fan of Jericho’s vocals, Fozzy has had more than its fair share of success. Jericho has been named one of heavy metal’s top 50 singers though squeaked into the rankings at the #50 spot. Bach fared far better in the rank and reached the #8 spot. 

Jericho’s work with Fozzy has bled over into his role as a professional wrestler. In 2005, the band’s track Enemy was the theme song for that year’s WWE No Way Out pay-per-view. That same year, Fozzy would perform on Raw in a ‘Battle of the Bands’ with John Cena, stemming from Jericho’s feud with the then-WWE Champion. 

In AEW, Jericho has (until recently) used Enemy as his theme song which fans have been happy to sing along to. Jericho performed the track live with Fozzy at AEW All In as seen in the clip above. While Sebastian Bach may not be a fan of Jericho’s singing, his lengthy career with Fozzy has clearly worked out well for the FTW Champion. 

Earlier this month, New Japan Pro Wrestling officially announced that AEW star and current IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Jon Moxley would face EVIL on June 9th at the historic Osaka-jo Hall in Japan. EVIL, the leader of the Bullet Club sub-group “The House of Torture,” has now demanded that their match be a Lumberjack Match, adding an extra challenge to the already anticipated showdown.

During an Interview with New Japan Pro Wrestling, EVIL declared that he is the rightful IWGP Champion and that a Lumberjack Match would ensure that Moxley would have “no escape.”

“Since this low life mud show ‘wrestler’ wants to run away from any kind of a fair fight under IWGP rules then I have something for him. June 9 in Osaka Jo Hall, a Lumberjack Match for the title. That way he has no escape…

He can talk about “gang warfare” all he wants, but all he has in his gang of reprobates is that waste of space, Umino, right? When he’s trapped in the ring with no way out around him, he’ll see his future is as bleak as that fake title he carries around.

If he wants to bring his snot-nosed brat with him, he can, and we’ll make sure both understand what justice looks like. June 9 in Osaka Jo Hall, I’ll crush you in a Lumberjack Match. Don’t you forget it!” – EVIL

(h/t New Japan Pro Wrestling)

Breaking:

'No escape' promises EVIL, who has declared himself IWGP World Heavyweight Champion- and is demanding a Lumberjack match against Jon Moxley June 9!https://t.co/xpRrCipsIs#njpw #njdominion pic.twitter.com/iqKOtnn5u3

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) May 31, 2024

The match type is one that EVIL is very familiar with; in January, he defeated Tama Tonga for the NEVER Openweight Championship in the aforementioned match stipulation. One can assume he’s hoping for the same results at Dominion. EVIL’s clash with Jon Moxley was made official shortly following his attack on Moxley At NJPW Resurgence. 

While this is the first time Moxley and EVIL will square off one-on-one, it isn’t the first time they have shared a ring. Recently, the two faced off as part of a 6 man-tag-team match at Night 1 of NJPW Wrestling Dontaku 2024.

Jon Moxley has been nearly unstoppable since winning the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

Since dethroning Tetsuya Naito at Windy City Riot to win his first IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Jon Moxley has been on a solid run in both NJPW and AEW. Moxley has already defended the championship three times since winning it in April, defeating Powerhouse Hobbs, Ren Narita, and Shota Umino. 

Jox Monley was supposed to defend the championship against Takeshita at AEW Double or Nothing. However, it was later reported that NJPW vetoed the match being for the title. 

The report from The Wrestling Observer noted that the Japanese promotion likely did not want to announce another title match ahead of Moxley’s bout against EVIL at Dominion. The match was later made into an “Eliminator Match,” meaning that Takeshita could have received a championship match at a future date if he had won.

Moxley faced off against Rocky Romero in a match with the same stipulation on the latest episode of AEW Dynamite. 

On May 15th, The Young Bucks announced on AEW Dynamite that Champs Sports would sell an exclusive Reebox AEW Pump Omni Young Bucks Zone II sneaker. Today, The All Elite Wrestling EVPs have confirmed reports of strong sales, revealing that their limited-time sneaker is completely sold out.

As previously reported, Champs Sports held nearly 3,000 pairs of sneakers, selling them for $130.00. They were available in sizes 7.5 to 12. The Young Bucks promoted the sneakers on social media and at AEW’s Double or Nothing Media Scrum. 

In a short post on X, the current AEW Tag Team Champion revealed that Champs Sports was totally sold out. 

Oh BTW, we sold out. All 3,000 pairs are gone. pic.twitter.com/7tOL5I0yHa

— Matthew & Nicholas Jackson (@youngbucks) May 31, 2024

According to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the reception of shoe sales was overwhelmingly positive, noting that future footwear collaborations could be coming. 

“It was a one time special edition release, but with the success they are already in talks about a future project for the next year.”

The Elite’s reign over AEW has hit a speedbump

At AEW Double or Nothing, The Young Bucks, along with fellow members of The Elite, Jack Perry and Kazuchika Okada, narrowly defeated the AEW frontlines contingent of Bryan Danielson, Darby Allin, and FTR in an Anarchy In The Arena Match. This essentially cemented The Elite as the unmatched powerhouse stable of All Elite Wrestling.

On the following edition of AEW Dynamite, The Young Bucks attempted to present Jack Perry with the newly vacated TNT Championship. Thus ensuring that every member of The Elite would be draped in gold. 

Just before The Elite could award Jack Perry the #TNT Championship, "The Fallen Angel" returned to make a HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT!

Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@YoungBucks | @KazuchikaOkada | @boy_myth_legend | @facdaniels pic.twitter.com/IYlHQpApfY

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 30, 2024

Unfortunately for the corrupt outfit, AEW President Tony Khan threw them a curveball. As The Fallen Angel Christopher Daniels returned, following his “firing” weeks before. Daniels revealed that Khan had appointed him as Interim EVP and that, going forward, he would be a direct spokesman for The President.

Daniels interrupted The Young Bucks’ impromptu coronation ceremony to announce that a new TNT Champion would be crowned at Forbidden Door through a multi-man ladder match. He also mentioned that qualifying matches would be arranged for the ladder match, ensuring that no one would receive any free passes. This led to The Elite attempting to attack Daniels, but The Acclaimed and Billy Gunn intervened to even the odds.

It appears that The Elite’s hold on AEW is not as tight as they had assumed! 

AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Mone has backed Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown after the latter faced criticism.  On ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith claimed that his NBA sources texted him saying Brown is not “liked” due to his ego and that’s why he’s not marketable. Boston Celtics shooting guard responded to Smith on X and asked him to reveal his sources. 

Mercedes Mone also entered the fray. She backed Jaylen Brown and said that she wanted to have a chat with Stephen A. Smith’s source. ‘The CEO’ further questioned the identity of the ‘source.’ She also flaunted her AEW TBS title win and said she’s “super excited” to see Brown win the NBA title.

“Hey
@stephenasmith, from one #GOAT to another, The CEO wants to sit down with your source.
@FCHWPO, from one superstar to another, I just won my championship & I’m super excited to see you win yours. Keep lifting the game and the community the way you’ve been doing. Go Celtics”

Hey @stephenasmith, from one #GOAT to another, The CEO wants to sit down with your source. @FCHWPO, from one superstar to another, I just won my championship & I'm super excited to see you win yours. Keep lifting the game and the community the way you've been doing. Go Celtics ?

— Mercedes Moné Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) May 30, 2024

Mercedes Mone has been an ardent Boston Celtics fan and she is often spotted in attendance for their NBA games. She was also spotted at a game following her AEW debut at ‘Big Business’ edition of AEW Dynamite in her hometown, Boston.  

• Mercedes Mone Shines at Boston Celtics Game

‘The CEO’ recently made an impactful in-ring debut for AEW. She dethroned Willow Nightingale at AEW Double Or Nothing pay-per-view at MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the final moments of the match, Mercedes hit her finisher, Mone Maker, and captured the title on her in-ring debut. 

Huge match for Mercedes Mone teased 

During the latest edition of AEW Dynamite, Skye Blue was revealed as Mone’s mystery attacker which set up a title match between the two. ‘The CEO’ successfully retained her title and this marked her first title defense.

Following the match, CMLL’s Stephanie Vaquer, who is the NJPW Strong Women’s Champion made an appearance. As AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door is approaching soon, it seems that Mone and Vaquer could have a match at the pay-per-view.  

Bryan Danielson celebrated his birthday in a unique style.

‘The American Dragon,’ who turned 43, marked the occasion on May 22 in a different fashion. It seems his birthday wish was to test himself ahead of the chaotic Anarchy In The Arena match at AEW Double Or Nothing PPV. He told Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated that he was fasting for a day before going for a five-mile hike. He revealed: 

“I was fasting for over 24 hours. Meanwhile, I drove from Bakersfield [California] to Las Vegas, got in at midnight, and was up by 5:30 for a five-mile hike.”

Danielson’s birthday was last Wednesday and he competed against 7-foot giant Satnam Singh in the main event of AEW Dynamite. The veteran wrestler won via DQ after he was attacked by Jay Lethal and Sonjay Dutt. Eventually, The Elite also took him out until Darby Allin made the save.

• Bryan Danielson: ‘I’m Fighting The Elite Because I Love AEW’

Bryan Danielson competed in Anarchy In The Arena

The Elite (The Young Bucks, AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada, and Jack Perry) emerged victorious over the team of FTR, Darby Allin, and Bryan Danielson after a chaotic Anarchy In The Arena match at Double Or Nothing pay-per-view. Fans at MGM Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada were ecstatic throughout the gruesome battle. Bryan Danielson’s ROH theme song ‘The Final Countdown’ was also played in the background during the match which thrilled the fans even more. 

There could not be a more appropriate song as Anarchy unfolds here at the @MGMGrand!

Order #AEWDoN on PPV right now!
?: https://t.co/MpmTCyHt8n
?: https://t.co/GTkwK7GBIn@youngbucks | @rainmakerxokada@bryandanielson | @daxftr | @cashwheelerftr pic.twitter.com/Zw05vB4p6S

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 27, 2024

The final moments of the match saw The Elite taking out Bryan Danielson with their finishing moves. Jack Perry then secured the victory by pinning Danielson – one of the biggest moments in Perry’s career. AEW Double or Nothing went off the air as The Elite stood tall with Perry on their shoulders. 

New AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Mone received a special case of Tequila from George Clooney following her victory at AEW Double or Nothing 2024. 

In one of three advertised main events of the show, Mone captured the title from Willow Nightingale, a year on from their NJPW Resurgence encounter. This title win was also Mone’s first match since joining AEW at the Big Business: Dynamite in March 2024. Double or Nothing would go from bad to worse for Nightingale who was also betrayed by Kris Statlander following her title loss.

• Mercedes Mone: Coming Here To AEW Has Saved My Life

George Clooney’s Gift to Mone

On social media, Mone shared that she had received a case of Clooney’s Casamigos Tequila from the Ocean’s Eleven and Batman And Robin star. Mone explained that since she already had plenty of celebratory Tequila after her victory at Double or Nothing, she wanted ‘the boys’ to enjoy some of Clooney’s brand Tequila. This was good news for Orange Cassidy who was able to enjoy a drink with the new AEW TBS Champion. 

https://twitter.com/PuroresuFlow/status/1796342803980840975

What’s to Come? 

On the May 29, edition of AEW Dynamite, Mone made her first successful title defense when she retained against Skye Blue. The young wrestler had been revealed as the woman behind a recent attack on Mone that set up their title match. 

After that match, Mone was confronted by CMLL’s Stephanie Vaquer. In addition to appearing for CMLL, Vaquer is the reigning NJPW Strong Women’s Champion. It appears that a match between the two is being set up between the two at AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door. 

Several names took part in creating the blueprint for the Casino Gauntlet match that went down on the 5/29 episode of AEW Dynamite, but one significant name was a catalyst, as expected.

According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, Khan was instrumental in laying out the main event match for AEW Dynamite, which happened to be the fallout show for this past weekend’s Double Or Nothing. 

Internally, Khan was listed as a coach on the match and had help from QT Marshall, Colt Cabana and Serpentico at laying out the match. AEW has been very happy with the reception as it will be Will Ospreay challenging Swerve Strickland for the AEW World Championship at Forbidden Door.

• Will Ospreay Pitches Scott D’Amore To Run ROH

Some surprise names were implemented into the bout including Mistico, Shota Umino, Lio Rush and Hechicero. The other competitors were PAC, Claudio Castagnoli, Orange Cassidy and Jay White.

Ospreay happened to also be the winner of the first Casino Gauntlet, a match that actually earned him the right to face Roderick Strong for the AEW International Championship at Double or Nothing, who Ospreay ended up defeating.

Many were speculating that Strickland and Ospreay would first go head-to-head later this year at ALL IN at Wembley Stadium, but fans will get at least an early sample of that fight next month when Forbidden Door takes place in Long Island.

This news of Tony Khan laying out the fight comes not long after the AEW President was accused of booking AEW television last minute by Bryan Alvarez.

Other matches that went down on the 5/29 AEW Dynamite was Jon Moxley in another IWGP World Title Eliminator Match against Rocky Romero, Mercedes Mone took on Skye Blue and Swerve Strickland faced Killswitch.

Tony Khan is clearly passionate about the “one true sport” of professional wrestling, but has his booking method been to AEW’s detriment?

F4WOnline‘s Bryan Alvarez was chatting with users on the website’s forum and stated that Tony Khan has been making last-minute decisions when it comes to finalizing shows, including AEW Double Or Nothing this past Memorial Day weekend.

“Tony switched the script on [AEW Double or Nothing] multiple times during the afternoon. Most people, not just the wrestlers, have no idea what they’re doing until the day of the show, and sometimes not until an hour or so before the show. People are flown to towns and given nothing to do, others are begged the day before the show to please get to the town so they can do something last-minute.”

There may have been an example of this on Wednesday as Saraya was set to go one-on-one with Mariah May, marking her first singles match since her absence, but that bout was removed and rescheduled for next week’s episode of Dynamite. In between those changes Saraya took to social media to briefly post “About to really start speaking my mind,” before deleting her comment.

This, and I just realized shes’s since deleted it. https://t.co/SFl1tWel6K pic.twitter.com/fvkE7WbmMb

— Danny (@dajosc11) May 30, 2024

• Tony Khan On Potentially Expanding Dynamite To Three Hours: “I’ve Tasted Blood”

On the recent AEW Double or Nothing media call Tony Khan was asked by Alvarez’s co-hort in Dave Meltzer if there’s anything he’d like to change over the course of AEW”s five years to which Khan credited himself as a wrestling historian and would like to learn from the mistakes of pro wrestling’s past. Khan potentially booking weekly television last minute is falling in line of the footsteps of Vince McMahon, also to his product’s detriment, would book WWE RAW and SmackDown at the very last minute.

However, Khan making last-minute changes appears to not be a recent occurance.  For what it’s worth, during ALL OUT 2023 weekend, I overheard two AEW talents talking about how they were uncertain of their status for that night’s episode of AEW Collision (the one before CM Punk was terminated), with one prominent name making it known “That’s AEW.”

H/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

AEW has had to shift its programming around recently due to the NBA and NHL playoffs. While it has created some problems for President Tony Khan, the schedule shift has also led to some unique opportunities such as having two of their weekly shows running one after another.

With 2024 being the year of media rights renewal for the promotion, there has been chatter about potential big changes for AEW. With the recent success of these three-hour blocks, the possibility of either Dynamite or Collision seeing a permanent expansion has certainly been a point of discussion.

Khan recently had an interview with Shakiel Mahjouri. During the talk, he was asked about the potential of Dynamite adding another hour in the future. Tony referenced Raw expanding to three hours back in 2012 and noted how it can be challenging to keep things interesting throughout a longer show:

“That’s a really challenging question. It’s been interesting to do the three-hour block when it’s been Dynamite and Rampage. You wanna keep Dynamite as strong as possible. Look at the history of what’s happened with a two-hour wrestling show when that show has expanded to three hours.”

I Want More: Tony Khan

Tony Khan however also discussed the business side of things and what it would mean for AEW financially to add another hour to their most profitable show. 

Khan mentioned how three hours of continuous programming allows them to follow up on things on the same night. They debated the idea of containing the five hours of weekly AEW programming to two nights instead of three with Tony Khan saying that he definitely wants to do at least 5 hours a week:

“It’s interesting right now the most we get per hour for any of our TV shows is Dynamite. So in some ways you can say that would be a really lucrative opportunity. I think it’s a very interesting conversation to have about how many nights a week you allocate the programming. Is 5 hours the best? Should we do 6? I mean I definitely wanna do at least 5 now. I’ve tasted blood and I want more. So I could easily be sold on doing more than 5 hours of programming.”

The AEW President has been doing media rounds recently and discussing some interesting topics. He also recently commented on the possibility of Becky Lynch joining AEW amid reports of her current WWE deal coming to an end. You can check out what Tony Khan had to say here.

The end of MJF’s AEW World Championship reign could have been much different had injuries not derailed the promotion’s initial plans. 

MJF’s record-breaking reign came to an end at AEW Worlds End in December 2023 at the hands of Samoa Joe. The night went from bad to worse for the ‘Scumbag’ of AEW as after the match he was attacked by the Devil’s henchman, revealed to be Wardlow, Matt Taven, Mike Bennett, and Roderick Stong. The Devil was revealed to be Adam Cole who due to his leg injury did not get physical on the night. 

• Adam Cole & More React to The Devil Reveal at AEW Worlds End

MJF and Adam Cole

There had been plans for Cole and MJF to wrestle each other in late 2023, Fightful Select reports, with the reveal of the Devil obviously planned to happen earlier than it did. Cole had even been considered for a possible title victory over MJF but that did not happen due to his injury. The two did face off in the main event of AEW All In inside Wembley Stadium in a match where MJF retained. 

A Future Match? 

At AEW Double or Nothing 2024, MJF returned to TV and confronted Cole with both men getting physical in their segment. While this led many to speculate that a match would be happening soon, Fightful reports that a match is far from a reality. Cole is “not near” an in-ring return and all those involved wanted a way to blow the feud and turn off in the meantime until that can happen.

The creative plans shared with those in AEW are said to be “out of left field” but they are confident things will work out very well. At Double or Nothing, MJF made clear he’s staying with AEW and has cemented his status with the company with a tattoo. 

AEW President Tony Khan has a lot of respect for WWE Superstar Becky Lynch but isn’t ready to discuss bringing her to the All-Elite promotion just yet. 

Lynch’s contract with WWE is set to expire within a matter of days and while talks are ongoing, a deal is not expected to be reached. On this week’s Raw, Lynch unsuccessfully challenged WWE Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan in the show’s main event. Lynch was visibly emotional after the show as she waved to the fans, which some have taken as a sign that ‘The Man’ is leaving WWE.

Watch: Becky Lynch Waves Goodbye to WWE Fans After Raw

Tony Khan on Becky Lynch

With Lynch’s time with WWE coming to an end, many fans are naturally hopeful that she will join AEW and its blossoming women’s division. The All-Elite promotion is already home to notable ex-Superstars including ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm, Saraya, and Mercedes Mone. Appearing on The Rich Eisen Show, Tony Khan was asked about possibly bringing WWE talent on board. 

“I don’t want to try to tamper and do those things. I try to keep it classy and I really have a reputation for honesty and I really want to be a fair businessman. The wrestling business is a really cutthroat business.”

When Lynch’s name was brought up, Khan again brought up tampering and isn’t going to discuss signing somebody who for now remains under a WWE contract. With that said, the AEW President agreed with Eisen’s co-host TJ that Lynch is a “great star.”

Becky Lynch’s Future

Lynch has been telling those in WWE that she does not plan on joining AEW imminently. The former Women’s Champion is expected to take a break from wrestling for the time being. Despite this, WWE sources are confident a new deal will be reached when the time is right. Whatever comes next, fans will remain intrigued to see what the highly popular WWE Superstar does next. 

AEW brought the fallout from Double or Nothing with plenty of action. Dynamite ended with a Casino Gauntlet match to determine who will face AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland at Forbidden Door.

The match began with Jay White and Pac, and Juice Robinson, back from injury, was with the Bullet Club Gold faction. Mistico and Will Ospreay joined next, and the first pinfall or submission would determine the winner.

Shota Umino, from NJPW, entered the situation next, and he received a very good response from the LA crowd. Claudio Castagnoli came in next, immediately chasing Jay White out of the ring. Shota and Claudio exchanged forearms, and Umino endured The Swing during the commercial break.

Despite being beaten down by Trent Beretta earlier tonight, Orange Cassidy rolls the dice for his chance to walk through the #ForbiddenDoor!

Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@OrangeCAssidy | @ClaudioCSRO pic.twitter.com/HmfOZeTgrN

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 30, 2024

Lio Rush made his AEW return as a member of the NJPW roster, joining the match through the Forbidden Door. Orange Cassidy, bandaged from an earlier beatdown by Trent, came out next. Hechicero from CMLL joined, diving right into the action.

The Mad Scientist Hechicero goes straight to work!

Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@_ReyHechicero pic.twitter.com/VxFAoKbGIY

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 30, 2024

In the end, Will Ospreay nailed a cutter on Orange Cassidy and secured the win. Already the AEW International Champion, Ospreay now has a chance to become a double champion at Forbidden Door.

THE BILLY GOAT DID IT!

Will Ospreay will challenge #AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland at #ForbiddenDoor on June 30th!

Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@WillOspreay | @SwerveConfident pic.twitter.com/Ywzbx7Eelf

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 30, 2024

After the match, Swerve Strickland came out to give his new challenger a closer look.

2024 Forbidden Door Event

Forbidden Door event and will take place on June 30, 2024, at the UBS Arena in the Long Island hamlet of Elmont, New York.

We already know that a ladder match will take place for the vacant TNT Title. Adam Copeland was stripped of the title this week during Dynamite due to an injury he suffered at Double or Nothing. 

Adam Copeland suffered an injury at AEW Double or Nothing in a barbed wire steel cage match against Malakai Black. Despite winning the match with Gangrel’s help, he can’t continue as champion.

On AEW Dynamite, The Elite cut a heel promo. They gifted Okada a Lamborghini and failed to get a “You Deserve It” chant for him. Then, The Young Bucks stripped Adam Copeland of his TNT Title due to his injury and attempted to crown Jack Perry as the new champion.

Christopher Daniels, recently fired by The Elite, interrupted them. He revealed that Tony Khan had given him a new job as an authority figure on AEW television. He announced that the TNT Title wouldn’t go to Jungle Boy as The Elite wanted. Instead, a series of matches will determine the participants for a ladder match for the vacant TNT Title at Forbidden Door.

The first qualifying match will take place on Friday night Rampage this week. The Forbidden Door event is scheduled for June 30, 2024, at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.

Just before The Elite could award Jack Perry the #TNT Championship, "The Fallen Angel" returned to make a HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT!

Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@YoungBucks | @KazuchikaOkada | @boy_myth_legend | @facdaniels pic.twitter.com/IYlHQpApfY

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 30, 2024

Adam Copeland’s Injury

During the Barbed Wire Steel Cage match at AEW Double or Nothing on May 26, Adam Copeland attempted an elbow drop on Malakai Black. He landed on his feet without hitting Black, raising concerns about a possible injury.

Copeland finished the match but needed help from Gangrel to get to the back, hobbling on one leg. Rumors circulated about his condition, and this morning, Copeland provided an update.

In a video posted on Twitter, Copeland revealed he fractured his tibia and will need surgery. There’s no timeframe for the surgery yet, as he wants to focus on celebrating his daughter Ruby’s birthday first.

Despite the injury, Copeland remains positive, joking about his match and putting over his opponents. He admitted he got cocky and needs to make better choices, acknowledging his age.

Surgery is expected next week, and Copeland, familiar with recovering from injuries, promises to be back soon.

When AEW signed Mercedes Mone to a deal, she had a big target on her. Now we know who was responsible for her backstage attack a few weeks ago, as Skye Blue stepped forward.

Mercedes Mone secured the TBS Championship at AEW Double or Nothing from Willow Nightingale. This week on Dynamite, she celebrated her victory with a big celebration and an unexpected revelation.

Skye Blue interrupted Mone’s celebration by attacking her. She revealed herself as the former Sasha Banks’ attacker from a few weeks ago on Dynamite.

Skye Blue cut the NEW #TBS Champion Mercedes Moné’s celebration short earlier tonight and faces her for the title RIGHT NOW!

Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@SkyeByee | @MercedesVarnado pic.twitter.com/2qpp5ucUPS

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 30, 2024

Backstory and Match

A few weeks back, Mercedes Mone was attacked backstage during an interview. The mystery was solved when Blue admitted to being the woman behind the attack, and she got a payoff.

A TBS Title match was set for later that night. Mercedes defeated Sky Blue to retain her title. With another mystery solved in All Elite Wrestling, Mone was confronted by NJPW Stong Women’s Champion Stephanie Vaquer. The fact that both Mone and Vaquer were raising their titles at the end of the segment could give us a Forbidden Door preview.

Is #NJPW Strong Women's Champion Stephanie Vaquer calling her shot against #TBS Champion Mercedes Moné?!

Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@Steph_Vaquer | @MercedesVarnado pic.twitter.com/XIzmLS2s14

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 30, 2024

The Don Callis Family has brought a ton of heat so far in AEW. Now, Trent is their newest member.

During AEW Dynamite this week, Don Callis appeared in the ring to kick off the second hour of the show. He was there to supposedly extend an invitation to Orange Cassidy to join his family. Callis praised Cassidy, who then came out to greet him, receiving cheers from the LA crowd. Cassidy took Callis’ contract, ripped it up, and said, “Hey Don, no.”

Kris Statlander and Stokely Hathaway then joined them, as they stood on the entrance ramp. Stokely made a comment about Willow Nightingale, and Statlander accepted the invitation on behalf of her best friend. The attention then turned back to the ring, where Trent was standing in the corner, ready to strike.

Trent attacked Cassidy, bloodying him with punches. After the assault, Trent approached Callis, and they hugged, marking Trent’s entry into the Don Callis family.

Trent Beretta joined the DCF by hugging Don Callis right on top of Orange's Cassidy dead body.

WITH THE BEST FRIENDS ZOOM OUT AND EVERYTHING. He's already giving OC trauma… pic.twitter.com/clDcb0sw7k

— Drainmaker ?? ? (@DrainBamager) May 30, 2024

Backstory

The Don Callis Family, led by Don Callis, consists of Konosuke Takeshita, Will Ospreay, Powerhouse Hobbs, and Kyle Fletcher. Callis has been scouting Orange Cassidy in recent weeks.

Freshly Squeezed beat Trent Beretta at AEW Double or Nothing last Sunday in a grudge match between the former Best Friends. Cassidy won by rolling Beretta into a pinning combination after his usual finishers failed. Devastated, Beretta walked away dejectedly through the crowd without seeking revenge.

Fans wondered what was next for Trent and OC, and now we know that Don Callis is definitely involved.

Trent Beretta wants to take out Orange Cassidy FOR GOOD tonight.

Order #AEWDoN on PPV right now!

?: https://t.co/MpmTCyHt8n
?: https://t.co/GTkwK7GBIn@trentylocks | @OrangeCassidy pic.twitter.com/5oUvIMlZOY

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 27, 2024

Will Ospreay loves the passion of Scott D’Amore and he thinks that incorporating him into the AEW product would be extremely valuable to the company.

Speaking with Adrian Hernandez ahead of AEW Double Or Nothing, Ospreay expressed how much he respects the former TNA President and praises D’Amore for being the catalyst for the continued success of TNA despite no longer being with the promotion.

“I can’t tell you enough how much respect I have for Scott D’Amore. If there was anything that I want to put out there; if there was a way that AEW could hire Scott D’Amore in any type of fashion.”

Ospreay had one idea in mind as to how Tony Khan could utilize the talent and mind of Scott D’Amore.

“Have that guy run Ring of Honor or something. The passion that he had for TNA, and just how he completely single handily transformed that company.”

• Arn Anderson Announces Exit From AEW

Tony Khan purchased Ring Of Honor years back and made the brand its own entity. Much to the chagrin of many, all the new programming resides on the ROH Honor Club. Khan has been criticized as to how he has handled the brand as a great deal of the product flies under the radar due to it solely being on Honor Club.

D’Amore was let go by TNA after he was the primary proponent for rebranding the company and since then, D’Amore has trademarkedd “Maple Leaf Wrestling” and is putting on a Border City Wrestling event later this year. Ospreay spent a “cup of coffee” in TNA as a free agent before signing on full-time with All Elite Wrestling.

H/t to Fightful for the transcription.

People at AEW are firing back at the report made by an entertainment website earlier today stating that Tony Khan was disappointed at the initial offer made to him by Warner Bros Discovery.

According to AEW sources close to Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer, Khan was not upset by WBD’s first offer, but negotiations are still ongoing between the two parties. The report regarding Khan’s supposed mentality on the matter came from Matthew Belloni of The Puck, who noted that WBD’s exclusivity window with AEW is closing in July. He also added that Khan and Warner Bros are “playing nice” with one another as negotiations continue.

• Next Themed AEW Dynamite Will Promote WBD Property

Meltzer added into his report that Belloni previously had WWE CEO Nick Khan on his podcast and that the two are supposedly longtime friends.

There is concern that WBD CEO David Zaslav may bungle the AEW deal for WBD as the executive has been heavily criticized for likely losing the rights deal for the NBA.

Just last month, Zaslav sent a memo to Warner Bros Discovery executives to look for cost-cutting measures after ending 2023 in debt. However, there could be some great viability in locking AEW in a new deal considering that live television is a hot commodity during this always changing era of the streaming service.

On the latest media call with Tony Khan ahead of Double or Nothing, the AEW President expressed a desire to ink a new deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, but there might be a high-demand for the AEW package in the open market.

Fan-favorite tag team FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) has officially been with All Elite Wrestling for four years. They debuted with the company during an AEW Dynamite episode on May 27, 2020. 

After a frustrating run with WWE, AEW presented new opportunities for Harwood and Wheeler. The decision to leave WWE proved to be the right one for their careers, as they’ve cemented their legacies under the ‘All Elite’ banner. Harwood took a moment this week to commemorate their anniversary with AEW. 

Thanks to the haters

Dax expressed his gratitude and also let off a few ‘live rounds’ at former wrestling personalities who have been negative about the company they’ve helped build.

 “…Sometimes, online, I get a lot of flack for either defending AEW too often or being soft when it comes to criticism of the company. Mostly by ex-wrestling personalities, who now have an outlet to speak and use AEW for clicks & likes, which is completely ironic because they all hope for the very worst for the company that they monetize the most from.”

From my Instagram.

Top Guys, out. pic.twitter.com/3TKALGlF6I

— Dax FTR (@DaxFTR) May 28, 2024

Although the AEW superstar didn’t name anyone specifically, he has recently had issues with former WCW President Eric Bischoff, and his negative comments could have been aimed at him. Regardless, Harwood took the time to thank AEW for being with them for four years and how much they meant to his career. 

“…Without this company, I doubt I’d still be in wrestling. All I ever wanted was to do something GOOD for pro wrestling. That was never going to happen without AEW,” wrote Harwood

Accomplishments

Since joining the company, FTR has won the AEW Tag Team Championships twice. They’ve also added the Ring of Honor, AAA, and IWGP tag team titles to their remarkable list of accomplishments. Harwood continued to reflect on what FTR has achieved thanks to AEW. 

“…I’ve become a 10(time) World Tag Team Champion. I’ve won numerous awards from internationally reputable organizations. Above all, I’ve made a living that takes care of my family(Yes, I know I say it all the time) incredibly well, all because of AEW,” Harwood posted.  

He also added that he defends the company and AEW President Tony Khan out of passion for his career. On potentially their last deal, FTR seems content with finishing their career in AEW and putting on excellent tag team matches. Harwood is already looking to enjoy the rest of his time with the company and be around to see AEW succeed 40 years from now.

For this moment, FTR can appreciate four great years with the company as they aim to show why they are one of the best tag teams in wrestling every week. 

YouTube Playlist: FTR’s best AEW World Tag Title defenses:

Chris Jericho can’t say for sure whether Becky Lynch will soon be ‘All-Elite’ but is pleased that there’s a viable alternative for the departing WWE Superstar. 

Lynch’s contract with WWE is set to expire within a matter of days and while talks are ongoing, a deal is not expected to be reached. On this week’s Raw, Lynch unsuccessfully challenged WWE Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan in the show’s main event. Lynch was visibly emotional after the show as she waved to the fans, which some have taken as a sign that ‘The Man’ is leaving WWE.

Watch: Becky Lynch Waves Goodbye to WWE Fans After Raw

Chris Jericho On Becky Lynch

Once she becomes a free agent, it’s virtually guaranteed that Lynch will receive offers with a deal likely from AEW. Speaking to TMZ Sports, Chris Jericho was asked about Lynch and was pleased that ‘The Man’ has an option. 

“Five years ago, Becky would have no other options. [I’m] not saying that she’s coming but there is an option and who knows what could happen? No one thought that Jericho would come to AEW. No one thought that Moxley would come or Bryan Danielson or Adam Cole or any of these guys that have come over. So it’s exciting for the fans. It’s exciting for the wrestlers, the talent, because now suddenly if there’s a bidding war that just benefits us. So I think it’s it’s very important.” 

Becky Lynch’s Future

Lynch has been telling those in WWE that she does not plan on joining AEW imminently. The former Women’s Champion is expected to take a break from wrestling for the time being. Despite this, WWE sources are confident a new deal will be reached when the time is right. Whatever comes next, fans will remain intrigued to see what the highly popular WWE Superstar does next. 

Adam Copeland’s Brood-themed entrance may not be the last fans see of the gothic faction when it comes to AEW programming. 

During AEW Double or Nothing 2024, Copeland retained the TNT Championship against Malakai Black. The match was contested in a barbed wire Steel Cage and had Black won, Copeland would have had to ‘bend the knee’ to the House of Black. 

Adam Copeland And The Brood

Copeland arrived at AEW Double or Nothing 2024 with an entrance reminiscent of The Brood from his Attitude Era days. Not only that but Gangrel, another Brood alum, aided Copeland in the match. The Vampire Warrior helped even the odds when it appeared that the House of Black was going to interfere on behalf of the group’s leader. 

• Watch Adam Copeland’s Brood Entrance At AEW Double Or Nothing

Fans may be seeing much more Brood-related antics in AEW going forward. Copeland now owns the rights and trademarks to the term, PW Insider reports. Other Brood alum include Christian Cage as well as Matt and Jeff Hardy. On the go-home Dynamite before AEW Double or Nothing 2024, Black fell victim to a ‘blood bath,’ another stape of the gothic faction. 

Adam Copeland Injured

Brood or no Brood, fans shouldn’t expect to see Adam Copeland in the ring for some time. The WWE Hall of Famer suffered a fractured tibia during the match with Black that will require surgery. It’s unclear what this will mean for his reign as AEW TNT Champion. In the past AEW has used interim champions for short-term injuries while champions out for longer have been stripped of the gold. 

Chris Jericho doesn’t mind the hate he is getting from fans and believes that it’s the beauty of wrestling.

The Learning Tree recently had an interview with KCAL News to promote tonight’s Dynamite episode from Kia Forum in LA. He discussed things such as the reasons behind the recent growth in the popularity of wrestling.

During the interview, Jericho also talked about the latest evolution of his character. The former AEW Champion was asked how he feels about the heat he has been getting recently, and Chris said that it’s amazing:

“It’s amazing. When you have been in the business as long as I have, 33 years, you always wanna evolve and revamp your character. Kind of get some diversity with what you’re doing so I think reestablishing myself under this Leaning Tree, it gives you a new vibe, reinvigorates you, and keeps things fresh and fun.”

It’s The Beauty of Wrestling: Chris Jericho

Later in the interview, Chris Jericho proclaimed that character and stories are the most important things in the business. Fans will always come to see the show if you can connect with the people. When asked how he interacts with the fans, the wrestling veteran said that it’s very important to read the room:

“The one thing about wrestling is and it’s very important is you have to understand the concepts of being a good guy and when it starts getting stale, of being a bad guy. It’s kind of like when people say ‘It’s like a soap opera.’ In that way, it is a soap opera. You’re a good guy and then suddenly something happens and then you don’t like ’em for a while. You have to be able to read the room on that and know when people hate you.

People are really not liking me right now so it’s time to kind of change. And that’s ok, that’s the beauty of wrestling, you can just lean into it. I take great pride in kind of making people angry with things cause that’s what you want to do. You’re playing a character. When Chris Jericho comes on screen in AEW, it’s different from the Chris Jericho you’re talking to right now. That’s the way it should be. A larger-than-life character is kind of what wrestling is all about and I embrace that wholly.”

Chris Jericho successfully defended his FTW Championship at the Double or Nothing PPV this past Sunday. He will be debuting a new talk show dubbed ‘TV Time’ at this Wednesday’s episode of Dynamite.

Quotes in this article have been edited for clarity

The Elite’s Jack Perry may have been cooked during AEW Double or Nothing 2024 but that likely won’t keep the ‘Scapegoat’ out of action for long. 

The spot in question took place during the show’s ‘Anarchy in the Arena’ main event match that saw The Elite defeat Team AEW (FTR, Bryan Danielson, and Darby Allin.) Amid the chaos, Allin used a flamethrower to burn Perry in one of the most violent spots of the show. 

• The Elite Victorious In Anarchy In The Arena At AEW Double or Nothing 

Update on Jack Perry

Perry was “100% OK” after the Anarchy in the Arena match despite the highly dangerous stunt, PW Insider reports. The former FTW Champion had done the same stunt in the past and AEW “jumped through every hoop” to make sure the stunt was done correctly and safely. 

To pull off the stunt, Perry needed to cover himself in a flammable gel that would quickly burn up before the flames had a chance to burn him. The spot where he ‘knocked himself out’ crashing the bus was to take Perry off camera so he could gel himself up for the fire stunt.

What’s to Come? 

Perry not only recovered from his burning but also got the win for his team by pinning Bryan Danielson. This is arguably the biggest win of Perry’s career and comes after a unique period of time ever since his suspension at AEW All In: London 2023. Fans can expect the Elite to be celebrating on tonight’s episode of AEW Dynamite, though Perry may not be ready to get back in the ring with Darby Allin and his flamethrower anytime soon.