The AEW World Championship reign of Swerve Strickland is going strong after retaining the gold against Christian Cage at Double or Nothing 2024.
In the penultimate match of the night, Strickland and Cage met with Swerve having Prince Nana in his corner while Cage had the might of the Patriarchy. With the numbers advantage in his favor, Christian took the early advantage. Things went from bad to worse for the champion after interference from Nick Wayne resulted in Prince Nana being ejected from the ringside area.
They always get the second guy! Nick Wayne's underhanded tactics get Prince Nana ejected!
Despite this, Strickland was able to fight back and withstand all that Cage was able to deliver. The finish of the match saw Swerve hit his patented Swerve Stomp and Swerve’s House to get the win and retain the gold.
After retaining the title, Strickland had quite the celebration and even shared the screen with boxing legend (and WWE WrestleMania 24 competitor) Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather.
With the AEW World Championship still in his possession, Swerve Strickland will now look ahead to his next title match which will come at the AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door pay-per-view. On the May 29, edition of AEW Dynamite, a Casino Battle Royale will determine Strickland’s opponent at the upcoming crossover event. At this time, no names have been confirmed for the battle royale.
AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door 2024 will on Sunday, June 30, 2024, from the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. It will be the third annual Forbidden Door event and once again see AEW talent and stars from New Japan Pro Wrestling face off. Keep tuned to SE Scoops for all the news regarding AEW and the Forbidden Door show.
MJF has made his return to AEW programming and big things are in store for the All-Elite promotion’s resident ‘Scumbag.’
The former AEW World Champion shocked fans at the May 26, event to confront his former tag-team partner Adam Cole. MJF then stated that there would be no more friendships for him in wrestling and that he’s not leaving AEW.
MJF’s return to AEW had been in the works for some time, Fightful Select reports, with AEW Double or Nothing earmarked as the target date. Preparations had been made in advance to ensure his comeback was executed perfectly.
Fans will have been surprised to see MJF appear at Double or Nothing given that he had been wearing a brace as of late. This turned out to be a ruse by the former AEW World Champion who did NOT undergo shoulder surgery as some had believed. while MJF did suffer an injury in the run-up to AEW Worlds End, it did not require surgery and the brace was worn to mislead fans about his condition and potential return.
AEW composer Mikey Ruckus prepared several new themes for MJF, including the orchestral version featured in his promo and a piano version. Significant creative plans are in place for MJF to be involved in a top-tier feud now he’s back.
Big plans are in place for the returning MJF.
Nixed Plans
The injury suffered by Adam Cole forced AEW to alter plans fo the pair. At one time a match was planned to take place between the two in 2023 but that obviously didn’t happen. It’s unclear when the former ROH World Tag Team Champions will face off but the fact that Cole got physical during MJF’s return segment is a good sign.
The former Sasha Banks made her AEW debut at Double or Nothing and left the MGM Grand Arena as a champion.
Mercedes Mone faced Willow Nightingale for the AEW TBS Title at Double or Nothing. Their match was the first of three main event matches for the night.
After a competitive match, Mercedes executed the Mone Maker and secured a clean win, marking her in-ring debut for AEW and making her the new TBS Champion.
Mercedes and Nightingale entered the match with history. They previously faced off in NJPW, where Mercedes suffered an ankle injury that cost her the NJPW Strong Women’s Title and led to nearly a year on the sidelines.
Mercedes had a notable entrance for her match. A drum line accompanied her to the ring, adding to the moment as they kept pace with her CEO music.
The CEO Mercedes Moné makes her AEW in-ring debut as she looks to capture TBS gold & revenge!
This victory established Mercedes in AEW, setting the stage for her future in the company. Excalibur sang her praises after the win, saying that Mercedes will be tough to beat with a finisher like the Mone Maker.
After the match, Kris Statlander turned on Willow, hit her, and ripped off her friendship bracelet, adding insult to injury. Stokely Hathaway approved of this turn, marking a separation with Nightingale.
Will Ospreay is the new AEW International Champion and it appears that he is planning to make the title truly international in his reign.
The high-flying star challenged Roderick Strong for the title at the Double or Nothing PPV from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The ending of the bout saw Orpreay countering a backbreaker with a running forearm and then he used the Storm Breaker to become the new champion.
AEW cameras caught up with the Aerial Assassin after his big win. Commenting on his future plans, Will Ospreay said that he is a man who hunts for gold and this title won’t be his last:
“This championship might be the International Championship to a lot of people, but this is the Billy GOAT Title for now. Allow me to tell you all, just because I hold this treasure, just because I hold this championship, doesn’t mean that I am done. I am a man that hunts for more gold. I am a man that voyages to other places to collect championships. Anywhere, and everywhere. This championship was forged and made on the day of Forbidden Door. Luck has it, Forbidden Door is right around the corner and let me tell you guys, I am the Forbidden Door.”
Will Ospreay also talked about the working relationship AEW has with different companies such as NJPW and CMLL and hinted that he is planning to defend the title all over the world:
“This championship does not have any inclusion to AEW. We have working relationships with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, CMLL, STARDOM. Unfortunately, I don’t think I can wrestle the STARDOM girls, right? We allow our talent to wrestle at Revolution Pro, DDT, all around the world. The door open, but not politely, because I am the keyholder to that door. I would love to show everyone how easy it is for the international Billy GOAT to hold the door closed with one hand and to carry the world in the other. Mark my words, this ain’t the end. I am Will Ospreay. On. Another. Level.”
Elsewhere in the show we saw the long-anticipated return of The Devil MJF who made his contract status with the company very clear. You can click here to read everything the Salt Of The Earth had to say on his comeback.
Adam Copeland, a WWE Hall of Famer, signed with AEW after a notable career that included memorable character work and his breakthrough with The Brood. The WWE stable, consisting of Edge (Copeland), Christian, and Gangrel, has long been defunct. Copeland wanted to revive the faction during his last WWE run, but it was rejected.
At AEW Double or Nothing, Copeland introduced a new entrance featuring “The Brood” on the screen and music similar to their original theme, a trademark not owned by WWE. This moment was well-received by fans in Las Vegas.
The fires of Hell can't contain #TNT Champion Adam Copeland, but let’s see if a BARBED WIRE STEEL CAGE can as he faces off against #HouseOfBlack’s Malakai Black!
In the match’s closing moments, Gangrel appeared just as the House of Black was about to execute Copeland, who was positioned with a crown of barbed wire around his head and arms outstretched. The Vampire Warrior intervened and laid out the House of Black, allowing Copeland to secure the win.
After the match, Copeland and Gangrel celebrated on the entrance ramp, marking a reunion of sorts for the former Brood members. Despite his absence from WWE, Copeland showed he remains a strong performer, canceling a two-day event in Germany to appear at Double or Nothing.
Gangrel’s appearance was a significant highlight, and it remains to be seen if he will make more appearances for AEW. Fans appreciated seeing him in Las Vegas, adding a nostalgic element to the event.
The final countdown is on for Bryan Danielson’s full-time wrestling career. The All Elite Wrestling superstar plans to work as a part-time talent later this year to spend more time with his family. Although he is committed to finishing his run as a full-time wrestler, fans are curious if he’ll stick around with AEW when the deal is up for renewal. However, it seems AEW President Tony Khan fully intends to re-sign Danielson to keep him with the company.
In an interview with CBS Sports, Khan shared that he wants to keep ‘The American Dragon’ in the company forever.
CBS Sport’ Shakiel Mahjouri transcribed the following quotes.
“I would like Bryan to stay, in a perfect world, forever here in whatever capacity he’d stay with us in,” Khan said. He continued, “I’d hope that Bryan would finish his wrestling career here. I would do anything to make that happen. I want Bryan to stay with us wrestling as long as possible. I know that he’s talked about an exit from full-time wrestling, which is what he’s been doing this year whenever he’s been healthy.”
The AEW President continued the interview by praising Danielson’s career in the company and sharing his commitment to keeping him long-term.
“…I think Bryan Danielson fits on AEW like a glove. As long as he will consider wrestling with us, that door is always open. I would bend over backwards for him and do anything for Bryan Danielson.”
Khan’s public declaration of wanting to re-sign Danielson should reassure AEW fans, as the beloved superstar’s contract is set to expire soon.
Although a new agreement hasn’t been signed, Khan hopes Danielson will stay with AEW.
“…I don’t know whether he’ll be wrestling full-time after that, but I really hope Bryan will stay with me here in the office forever… I talk to Bryan pretty much every day whenever I can. So I hope that will continue for the rest of our lives,” said Khan
It’s unclear if Danielson will consider testing free agency after he finishes his commitment. For now, he is focused on making the most out of the current AEW run and wrestling matches that fans won’t forget.
AEW Double or Nothing began with a strong start. Following an International Title match, a surprising segment took place.
Will Ospreay won the AEW International Title, but Adam Cole interrupted his celebration with a promo, calling himself The Devil. The lights flickered, and a video played on the big screen.
The video showed what appeared to be MJF’s home, followed by a photo of Cole and MJF, former ROH Tag Team Champions, ripped apart to separate them.
Then MJF’s music hit, and he entered the MGM Grand Arena to a big reaction. He confronted Cole in the ring, and as the crowd chanted “You F*cked Up,” MJF kicked Cole.
Adam Cole may be the devil, but it's time to face his demons in MJF!
MJF then cut a promo, declaring that his actions are driven by hate and that no one is safe. Fans chanted “He’s Our Scumbag!” as MJF stated there would be no more friendship activities from him.
He finished by saying he’s done apologizing and that “nobody is more complete in this sport than me.” The crowd responded with chants of “Holy Sh*t” during his promo.
Then MJF made his contract status very clear by showing off a new “bet on yourself” tattoo with the AEW logo on his ankle. This was followed by The Salt of the Earth quoting Jordan Belfort as he said, “When it comes to MJF and AEW, you can call me the Wolf of Wrestling, because I’m not f*cking leaving!”
This tattoo, while it is new for AEW fans, did not look like fresh ink. MJF likely got the tattoo during his time off from the company. It has also been the thought for quite some time that MJF actually inked a new AEW agreement in the middle of 2023.
— AEW?Jamie Hayter ??Skye Blue?TheOutrunners?? (@JaxIrvin) May 27, 2024
MJF flew to Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday, likely to avoid being seen at the Vegas airport. With Phoenix just a few hours from Las Vegas, this suggests a strong possibility of his return tonight at Double or Nothing.
Phoenix is about 4.5 hours from Las Vegas, a manageable drive for a pro wrestler. Wrestle Votes reported that AEW Double or Nothing could feature a major surprise early in the event.
Will Ospreay entered AEW months before his NJPW contract was over. He broke into the scene, starting in 2024, and he was off to the races. AEW Double or Nothing saw him win his first championship with the company.
Roderick Strong defended the AEW International Title against Ospreay in the opening match of Double or Nothing.The fans were behind Ospreay the entire time, and they were electric for the entire match.
In the end, Ospreay pulled down the win to capture his first title in AEW. In the middle of his celebration, Adam Cole made his big return to the company, and that shocked everyone. That was followed by MJF’s long-awaited return to AEW television.
Will Ospreay entered AEW with an impressive list of accolades from his time in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He has held the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship once, the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship twice (being the final champion), and the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship three times. Ospreay has also held the NEVER Openweight Championship once. Additionally, he won the New Japan Cup in 2021 and the Best of the Super Juniors tournament in both 2016 and 2019.
AEW Double or Nothing 2024 is an important event for the company, showcasing a new generation of talent and several established names while they start their fifth year in existence. As the show progresses, there is much to unpack.
AEW Double or Nothing Notes:
There were no massive streaming issues reported by fans. This is very different from past experiences with B/R Live, where even Tony Khan has been required to comment on the platform dropping the ball with their events.
The Las Vegas Golden Knights mascot made an appearance during the AEW Double or Nothing Zero-Hour kickoff show. He was around a bit for the night, but it doesn’t seem like he gained much trust with his appearance.
Tony Khan and Martha Hart made an announcement about the 2024 Owen Hart tournament. The winner of this year’s tournament will receive a title shot at AEW All In at Wembley Stadium on August 24.
The MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas was filled with AEW fans, eager to see what the company had planned. During the Zero-Hour match, The Acclaimed defeated Cage of Agony, but a notable moment occurred when Anthony Bowens had an unusual interaction with a fan during his entrance.
The crowd was very hot for the opening International Title match with Will Ospreay vs Roderick Strong. They chanted “Ospreay!” incredibly loudly during his entrance, and they were on fire for the opening contest.
During MJF’s return, AEW made no attempts to censor fans as they chanted “You F*cked Up” at Adam Cole. The “Holy Sh*t” chants were also clearly heard on-air. Also, MJF was not bleeped as he quoted the Wolf of Wall Street when he said, “I’m not f*cking leaving!”
Jim Ross updated fans to let everyone know that he is on the mend, trying to rid himself from the flu. He is watching the event from his hospital bed.
I’m on the mend trying to chase this pesky flu virus away. Watching @AEW from my hospital room. ?
MJF kept cutting a promo online after his surprising AEW Double or Nothing return. He wanted to hammer home his return, which he did with a post on Twitter/X.
Y’all were gagging on it with a smile on your face for 5 years straight, then pretended you didn’t like the taste?
If I were you I’d grab some chapstick cuz I’m about to take over the game you love, AGAIN. #Betterthanyou
— Maxwell Jacob Friedman™? (@The_MJF) May 27, 2024
Fans were on fire all night, and they had many inventive chants. During the FTW Title match, they chanted, “Teach Us!” at Chris Jericho. They also chanted “LUTHER!” during the AEW Women’s World Title match, as LUTHER accompanied Toni Storm. Of course, they also chanted “Donkey D*ck” during the show, and it wasn’t bleeped.
The barbed wire steel cage was impressive in person. Fans were red-hot for this match, with a ton of chants, and they were into the violence. They chanted “You Sick F*ck” at Adam Copeland as he wrapped Malakai Black in barbed wire while he was on the table. The spot that followed received “Holy Sh*t” and “This is Awesome” chants. Tony Schaivone also repeated their chant to say that a “holy sh*t chant has never been more appropriate.”
Gangrel’s big surprise during the TNT Title match caught fans by surprise. Nobody at ringside reported seeing anyone move under the ring, but there were plenty of black out moments during the entrances of that match to get the Vampire Warrior in place.
Mercedes Mone received an amazing entrance as she made her way to the ring. A drum line was a nice touch for her CEO music.
The CEO Mercedes Moné makes her AEW in-ring debut as she looks to capture TBS gold & revenge!
After Mercedes Mone’s TBS Title win, Kris Statlander turned on Willow Nightingale. This turn didn’t receive a huge response from the crowd, because it wasn’t the focus of everyone’s attention. This is why the reaction from fans didn’t seem as active when they pulled the trigger on that moment.
Other AEW DoN Notes Before The Show:
MJF flew to Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday. With Phoenix just a few hours from Las Vegas, it’s possible AEW flew him there to avoid being seen at the Vegas airport, suggesting a strong possibility of his return tonight at Double or Nothing. Phoenix is about 4 1/2 hours from Las Vegas, a manageable drive for a pro wrestler.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Selectreports that AEW sources were surprised by Mercedes Mone saying that she was cleared to compete in December 2023, stating it was not consistent with their information. NJPW sources indicated that if she had been cleared to wrestle in January, they would have booked her for Wrestle Kingdom and Battle in The Valley. AEW sources confirmed that Mercedes was not expected to wrestle until May due to her injury.
ROH Pure Champion Wheeler Yuta is also in Las Vegas for AEW Double or Nothing. Yuta has been out of action since January 10, following his match against Eddie Kingston at an AEW Rampage taping. Juice Robinson is also in Las Vegas, though Britt Baker has not been seen.
NJPW sources mentioned that multiple names were considered as the AEW World Title challenger for Forbidden Door. They also hinted at some unconventional choices being discussed for the event. Fans can expect to see more New Japan wrestlers appearing in AEW in the coming weeks, potentially as soon as this week. Other familiar faces are also expected to appear in AEW.
Pat Buck assigns producers for AEW shows. WrestleVotes tweeted, “Hearing from sources in Las Vegas to not miss the beginning of tonight’s Double or Nothing PPV. Big happenings are expected very early in the show! #AEWDoN.” We will have to see how things go as the show progresses.
Fans have patiently been waiting for the return of former AEW Champion MJF for the past few months and latest developments suggest that tonight could finally be the night for his comeback.
According to PW Insider, MJF flew to Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday. With Phoenix just a few hours from Las Vegas, it’s possible AEW flew him there to avoid being seen at the Vegas airport. This suggests a strong possibility of his return tonight at Double or Nothing.
Phoenix is about 4 1/2 hours from Las Vegas, which isn’t that long of a drive, especially for a pro wrestler.
Wrestle Votes also reported that they have heard that AEW Double or Nothing could see a very big surprise early on in the event.
Hearing from sources in Las Vegas to not miss the beginning of tonight’s Double or Nothing PPV. Big happenings are expected very early in the show! #AEWDoN
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select also reported that ROH Pure Champion Wheeler Yuta is in Las Vegas for AEW Double or Nothing. Yuta has been out of action since January 10, following his match against Eddie Kingston at an AEW Rampage taping. Britt Baker has not been seen in Las Vegas, but Juice Robinson is in Las Vegas.
Maxwell Jacob Friedman has not been seen since he lost the World Championship to Samoa Joe at the Worlds End pay-per-view in December 2023. The former World Champion has been on hiatus, dealing with multiple injuries he sustained leading into the match. MJF chose to drop the title instead of vacating it.
Shortly after Worlds End, it was reported that MJF would require shoulder surgery and could be out for up to a year. However, a new update suggests that The Devil may be returning much sooner than expected. His presence in Phoenix only further hints at a possible surprise appearance at Double or Nothing.
Fans might also see former WWE Superstar Gangrel at the event. He withdrew from an indie show in Germany he was booked for this weekend, and Adam Copeland’s current storyline has been full of hints pointing towards a Brood reunion.
Final Double or Nothing Match Card
SE Scoops will provide ongoing coverage of AEW Double or Nothing. The event starts at 8:00 PM EST, with a Zero-Hour kickoff show at 6:30 PM EST.
Check out the final complete card below and stay tuned for live updates and highlights.
Thunder Rosa vs. Deonna Purrazzo: Singles match (Zero-Hour Match)
The Acclaimed (Max Caster, Anthony Bowens, and “Daddy Ass” Billy Gunn) vs. Cage of Agony (Brian Cage and Gates of Agony (Toa Liona and Bishop Kaun)): Trios match (Zero-Hour Match)
Adam Copeland (c) vs. Malakai Black: Barbed Wire Steel Cage match for the AEW TNT Championship
Roderick Strong (c) (with Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) vs. Will Ospreay: Singles match for the AEW International Championship
Bang Bang Gang (Jay White and The Gunns (Austin Gunn and Colten Gunn)) (c) vs. Death Triangle (Pac, Rey Fénix, and Penta El Zero Miedo) (with Alex Abrahantes): Trios match for the Unified World Trios Championship
Chris Jericho (c) (with Big Bill) vs. Hook vs. Katsuyori Shibata: Three-way FTW Rules match for the FTW Championship
Jon Moxley vs. Konosuke Takeshita (with Don Callis): IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Eliminator match (If Takeshita wins, he will receive a future IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match)
“Timeless” Toni Storm (c) (with Luther and Mariah May) vs. Serena Deeb: Singles match for the AEW Women’s World Championship
Willow Nightingale (c) vs. Mercedes Moné: Singles match for the AEW TBS Championship
The Elite (Kazuchika Okada, Jack Perry, and The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson)) vs. Team AEW (Bryan Danielson, Darby Allin, and FTR (Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood)): Anarchy in the Arena match
Swerve Strickland (c) (with Prince Nana) vs. Christian Cage (with Killswitch, Nick Wayne, and Mother Wayne): Singles match
Mercedes Mone is ready to take on all-comers in AEW and that could result in her stepping in the ring once again with Saraya.
The pair last competed in December 2017 as part of a WWE live event under the names of Sasha Banks and Paige. It was a dropkick by Mone that resulted in Saraya suffering a neck injury that would force her into retirement. Saraya, who has never blamed Mone for what she has called a freak accident, would only wrestle again after joining AEW in 2022.
With Mone and Saraya now both All-Elite talent, there has been speculation of a feud between the pair given their history. When asked about a possible match by The New York Post, Mone was more than ready for the challenge.
“I’m here to face everybody, every woman here. So if she [Saraya] wants to be on the list, she’s more than welcome to wrestle me.”
Could Saraya and Mercedes Mone face off in AEW?
What’s to Come?
It remains to be seen if Mone and Saraya lock horns in AEW but the CEO’s more immediate future will see her compete later today. At AEW Double or Nothing, Mone will make her AEW in-ring debut when she faces TBS Champion Willow Nightingale. Ironically, it was Mone who suffered an injury the last time she faced Nightingale which cost her a year of competition.
Their grudge match is being billed as one of three main events for AEW Double or Nothing 2024. Mone Vs. Nightingale is being promoted alongside Anarchy in the Arena and AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland Vs. Christian Cage.
AEW Double or Nothing is happening tonight in Las Vegas, and fans can expect some surprises. One possible surprise is the appearance of Gangrel on the pay-per-view.
Gangrel, also known as The Vampire Warrior, was initially advertised for the WrestlingKult event in Germany on the 24th and 25th. However, the event stopped promoting his appearance.
— Wrestlingkult – WK (@WrestlingKult16) May 1, 2024
Adam Copeland, formerly known as Edge, is set for a barbed wire steel cage match against Malakai Black at Double or Nothing. Copeland has been making many Brood references recently, including a bloodbath segment on Dynamite to build up the match.
Die letzten Stunden des VVK sind angebrochen. Um 22 Uhr ist Zapfenstreich. Lasst euch diesen Kader nicht entgehen!
Speaking with Chris Van Vliet on Insight, Copeland was open about his attempt to revive the Brood entrance for WWE Day 1 in 2022. He wanted Gangrel to join him, reminiscent of their Attitude Era days, but WWE rejected the idea, believing fans wouldn’t remember. Copeland disagreed, feeling that wrestling fans appreciate nostalgia and should be rewarded for their loyalty. Despite his efforts, WWE shut down the idea, and Copeland realized it wasn’t his decision to make.
Copeland also mentioned starting talks with AEW right after his WWE contract expired. He referenced Matt Cardona’s recent return to AEW, where Cardona challenged him for the TNT Championship, recognizing that fans remember Cardona’s ‘Edge Head’ days. Although WWE didn’t support bringing back Gangrel, Copeland continues to find ways to engage the audience through his work in AEW, leaving the possibility of Gangrel’s appearance open.
Christian Cage, another member of The Brood, is also scheduled for a major match at AEW Double or Nothing. He will face Swerve Strickland for the AEW Title, a match that has become personal with many insults about Swerve’s personal life and career.
You can find the full AEW Double or Nothing card below. The pay-per-view starts at 8:00 EST, with a Zero-Hour show beginning at 6:30 PM EST.
Thunder Rosa vs. Deonna Purrazzo: Singles match (Zero-Hour Match)
The Acclaimed (Max Caster, Anthony Bowens, and “Daddy Ass” Billy Gunn) vs. Cage of Agony (Brian Cage and Gates of Agony (Toa Liona and Bishop Kaun)): Trios match (Zero-Hour Match)
Adam Copeland (c) vs. Malakai Black: Barbed Wire Steel Cage match for the AEW TNT Championship
Roderick Strong (c) (with Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) vs. Will Ospreay: Singles match for the AEW International Championship
Bang Bang Gang (Jay White and The Gunns (Austin Gunn and Colten Gunn)) (c) vs. Death Triangle (Pac, Rey Fénix, and Penta El Zero Miedo) (with Alex Abrahantes): Trios match for the Unified World Trios Championship
Chris Jericho (c) (with Big Bill) vs. Hook vs. Katsuyori Shibata: Three-way FTW Rules match for the FTW Championship
Jon Moxley vs. Konosuke Takeshita (with Don Callis): IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Eliminator match (If Takeshita wins, he will receive a future IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match)
“Timeless” Toni Storm (c) (with Luther and Mariah May) vs. Serena Deeb: Singles match for the AEW Women’s World Championship
Willow Nightingale (c) vs. Mercedes Moné: Singles match for the AEW TBS Championship
The Elite (Kazuchika Okada, Jack Perry, and The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson)) vs. Team AEW (Bryan Danielson, Darby Allin, and FTR (Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood)): Anarchy in the Arena match
Swerve Strickland (c) (with Prince Nana) vs. Christian Cage (with Killswitch, Nick Wayne, and Mother Wayne): Singles match
Bryan Danielson has compared the troubles of Jack Perry to his own WWE firing back in 2010 due to his actions during Nexus’ debut.
The former World Champion spoke to Sports Illustrated recently to discuss this Sunday’s Double or Nothing PPV from MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Bryan is set to team up with FTR and Darby Allin to face The Young Bucks, Kazuchika Okada and Jack Perry in an Anarchy In The Arena match at the upcoming event.
Speaking about his teammates and opponents, Bryan noted that he knows what FTR and The Young Bucks will be bringing to the table for this bout. He explained that they don’t know how Okada would fair in a chaotic match like that and the two young stars will be wild cards in the fight:
“I’m not sure what Jack Perry will bring to the match. Honestly, I’m a little scared of what Darby is going to bring to the match. How about that flamethrower on Dynamite?”
The Anarchy in The Arena match will be Perry’s first bout in AEW since his return to the company. Prior this, he wrestled for the promotion during the All In London event in August 2023 which led to his backstage altercation with CM Punk and subsequent absence that lasted almost 8 months.
Speaking about the troubles Perry has had to face in the past few months due to his scuffle with Punk, Bryan Danielson said that we’re all put into weird situations from time to time. He recalled one such situation he experienced firsthand when he briefly got fired from WWE in 2010:
“We’re all put in weird positions, some of our own making and some that have nothing to do with us, It’s all about how you react to it. When I got fired [by WWE in 2010] for choking Justin Roberts and spitting in [John] Cena’s face, it turned out really well for me. But even in the moment, when you lose a steady paying job, I knew I’d land on my feet. I haven’t spoken with Jack. Is he mad about it? The name ‘Scapegoat’ implies he is. I don’t know his mindset, at least not yet.”
The former World Champion noted that he hasn’t been around Jack Perry long enough to know how he will react to a match like Anarchy In The Arena. This is going to change when he steps in the ring with the 26-year-old this Sunday.
Bryan Danielson made his WWE main roster debut when Nexus attacked John Cena and destroyed everything at the ringside during the main event of the June 7, 2010 episode of Raw.
The 43-year-old was fired from the company for being too violent during the segment. Though he was re-hired by the officials not too long after. He made his return during the August 15 episode of Raw.
All Elite Wrestling presents AEW Double or Nothing 2024 tonight, Sunday, May 26, live from the MGM Grand Arena in Paradise, Nevada.
The show will see some of the top names in All Elite Wrestling compete as the company marks the fifth anniversary of its inaugural Double or Nothing event in 2019. The show will also be AEW’s first pay-per-view since the retirement of Sting who retired undefeated in AEW at the Revolution pay-per-view in March 2024.
Swerve Strickland will defend against Christian Cage tonight.
Match Card
A total of 12 matches are scheduled for AEW Double or Nothing, All Elite Wrestling’s latest PPV of the year:
Thunder Rosa vs. Deonna Purrazzo (pre-show)
Daddy Ass & The Acclaimed vs. Cage of Agony in a trios match (pre-show)
Bryan Danielson, Darby Allin & FTR vs. Young Bucks, Kazuchika Okada & Jack Perry (Anarchy in the Arena)
Swerve Strickland (c) vs. Christian Cage (AEW World Championship)
Willow Nightingale (c) vs. Mercedes Moné (TBS Championship)
Toni Storm (c) vs. Serena Deeb (AEW Women’s World Championship)
Adam Copeland (c) vs. Malakai Black (Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match, AEW TBS Championship)
Roderick Strong (c) vs. Will Ospreay (AEW International Championship)
Jon Moxley (c) vs. Konosuke Takeshita (IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Eliminator)
Chris Jericho (c) vs. Hook vs. Katsuyori Shibata (FTW Championship)
Bang Bang Gang (c) vs. Death Triangle (Unified World Trios Championship)
Orange Cassidy vs. Trent Beretta in a straight-up wrestling match
How to Watch
The Zero Hour pre-show for AEW Double or Nothing 2024 will be streaming live from 6:30 pm Eastern and fans around the globe can catch it for free on AEW’s official YouTube channel and Bleacher Report.
The AEW Double or Nothing 2024 pay-per-view starts at 8 pm ET live from Paradise, Nevada. The event can be purchased and streamed on Bleacher Report and traditional PPV means in the US. For international audiences, the show will be made available through Triller TV.
AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland hopes to one day have a creative mind for wrestling that matches that of the late Windham ‘Bray Wyatt’ Rotunda.
Rotunda died in August 2023 at the age of 36. He had been pulled from WWE programming earlier that same year due to health issues. Before then the three-time WWE World Champion had been feuding with Bobby Lashley and a match had been planned for WrestleMania 39 in SoFi Stadium.
Swerve Strickland on Bray Wyatt
Rotunda’s tragically young passing came less than a year after his return to WWE in October 2022. In the weeks before his return at the Extreme Rules PLE, WWE teased something with their popular ‘White Rabbit’ mystery. Speaking to Adrian Hernandez, Strickland reflected on the White Rabbit.
“It was small things and it was layered and sprinkled out… Bray was just patient with that and he was meticulous and he was calculated.”
The AEW World Champion admitted to being very impressed with the White Rabbit, and hopes he can have a similarly creative mind for the business.
“Everything that he did, it came from him. I was always appreciative of that. For me, I would hope to have such a deep mind like that.“
What’s To Come?
While Rotunda is no longer with us, the enigmatic White Rabbit mystery has been revitalized with the ongoing QR code mystery. It is believed that the series of clues is building to the return of Uncle Howdy, as played by Bo Dallas. The former NXT Champion is expected to return alongside a faction consisting of Nikki Cross, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, and Dexter Lumis.
As for Strickland, he will defend the AEW World Championship later today at Double or Nothing 2024. Strickland will defend the title against Christian Cage in the champion’s first title defense on pay-per-view.
Megan Bayne could soon be back on AEW programming after her tenure with the company so far has seen her compete more outside the All-Elite promotion.
Bayne has been under contract for years with AEW and made her in-ring debut for the All-Elite promotion in a loss to Big Swole on Dark in April 2021. Unfortunately, she was sidelined with an injury that derailed her role in AEW. After healing up, Bayne was encouraged by AEW management to seek out bookings and has become a standout in STARDOM.
Now, Bayne could finally be making her way back to AEW programming. Creative pitches have been made for Bayne backstage, Fightful Select reports, with one idea being for a ‘re-debut’ in the promotion. Early indications suggest that Bayne will be a heel once she resurfaces on TV. Her most recent match in an AEW ring since a dark match in 2023.
The 25-year-old Bayne has been back in the United States for several months now and has been taking bookings at with GCW, Limitless Wrestling, and other independent promotions. There has been interest in her possibly joining other companies but it is unclear if any offers have been made at this time.
Bayne has faced Nyla Rose and Thunder Rosa during her AEW career.
If Bayne is to rejoin AEW programming she will be part of a much different roster than when she debuted for the company in 2021. At this time, ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm and Willow Nightingale dominate AEW’s Women’s division as the Women’s World Champion and TBS Champion respectively. Other notable names to have arrived in recent months include Mina Shirakawa, Mariah May, and Mercedes Mone.
New Japan Pro Wrestling’s President Hiroshi Tanahashi stunned fans this week by making an appearance and competing on the May 25, episode of AEW Collision.
Tanahashi was revealed as the mystery partner of Claudio Castagnoli and Daniel Garcia in a trios match that saw them face Lance Archer and The Righteous (Vincent & Dutch.) The match ended with Tanahashi hitting Vincent with his signature Sling Blade, followed by the High Fly Flow, to get the win for his team.
The forbidden door has been opened as Hiroshi Tanahashi joins Castagnoli & Garcia.
This marked Tanahashi’s first match in AEW since his appearance at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2023. At that event, Tanahashi unsuccessfully challenged then-AEW World Champion MJF. The Trios match was also Tanahashi’s second match on AEW Collision. His last bout on the show saw him defeat Swerve Strickland on the June 24, 2023 episode.
Tanahashi’s involvement with the show won’t be the last time fans see names from New Japan Pro Wrestling on AEW programming. On June 30, 2024, the two promotions will team up to hold the third annual Forbidden Door crossover event. The show will take place in Elmont, New York from the UBS Arena.
So far, the only match confirmed will see the AEW World Championship defended against the winner of the Casino Battle Royale match that will take place on the May 29, edition of AEW Dynamite. Participants for that match have yet to be confirmed.
Will Ospreay wants to move on from his comments made towards Triple H and makes it clear that he likes the WWE Creative Content Officer.
Ospreay has a busy weekend ahead of him as the top AEW star will be challenging Roderick Strong for the International Championship at Double or Nothing this Sunday. In light of his big bout in Las Vegas, Ospreay spoke with some of the media, including Adrian Hernandez and was asked about his comments towards Triple H during an AEW Dynamite promo.
“People within the company were saying, ‘That was a bag at you.’ I’m over it now. I said my bit. My thing was funny. Everyone took it way too personally. All these old f***s that are like, ‘I have a podcast’ and they think they know everything. I couldn’t give a f*** about these guys.”
‘The Game’ previously stated that some wrestling talent weren’t willing to be apart of the ‘grind’ of WWE. Ospreay took umbrage with that decided to state that Triple H got his high profile spot due to “grinding on the boss’s daughter.”
Ospreay continued his comments with Hernandez, deciding to dampen down any further tension between he and Triple H, stating that he likes Paul Levesque.
“At the end of it, no harm done. I f***ing like Triple H. It was a little bit hard hearing that s***. I was nothing but respectful in all the talks. I have my own mission, my own objectives, my own goals. Just because it doesn’t fit with your things, it doesn’t mean people should be firing shots my way. I come from a generation where if you fire one at me, I fire one back.”
Wardlow hasn’t forgotten when the wrestling world was fully behind him, and makes a promise to achieve such heights once more in his career.
A fan on X shared a video of Wardlow’s entrance two years ago at AEW Double or Nothing 2022 and Las Vegas crowd clearly welcomed the former TNT Champion with a loud reception. The fan captioned the video with, “Two Years Ago at Double or Nothing. Wardlow can you still hear us?”
Wardlow caught wind of the fan’s post and made it clear that he most certainly could.
“I hear you every day. It’s what’s kept me going the past year. Sad how tainted this night was for me. But we will get back to this one day. On my life. For anyone that’s chanted my name, even when you didn’t have much of a reason to, it’s meant the world to me. Thank you.”
I hear you every day. It’s what’s kept me going the past year. Sad how tainted this night was for me. But we will get back to this one day. On my life. For anyone that’s chanted my name, even when you didn’t have much of a reason to, it’s meant the world to me. Thank you ?? https://t.co/f8RyabCj6l
Wardlow ended up defeating MJF after a longstanding grudge match, but the bout only lasted seven minutes and it was swarmed in controversy as to if MJF was actually going to be at the PPV.
Unfortunately, Wardlow has experienced a great deal of creative speed bumps over the course of the past two years and has found himself barely on AEW television most weeks.
He happened to just make an appearance this past Wednesday on the go-home episode of Dynamite where Wardlow got involved in the opening match between Will Ospreay, Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong and Trent Beretta. Wardlow laid out Ospreay on the entryway as Strong secured the victory for himself and Beretta.
WWE Women’s Champion Bayley has expressed her interest in facing AEW wrestler, Kris Statlander.
‘The Role Model’ has faced plenty of talented wrestlers over the last decade and she now has named the former TBS Champion for a potential match. Bayley recently spoke to Bernard Colas of Le10Sport and was asked about a wrestler outside of WWE whom she wanted to face. ‘The Role Model’ named AEW star Kris Statlander as her potential opponent in the future. She went on to state that Statlander reminds her a lot of the former WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley as she she is “so athletic.” Bayley said:
“I really like Kris Statlander. I think she’s just freaking so athletic. She kind of reminds me of like Rhea Ripley. You know or like it seems like she can do everything so I’d be interested to get in the ring someday.”
Kris Statlander competed only once in WWE in April 2019. She was introduced as Kristen alongside her tag team partner Karissa (now known as Elekra Lopez) and faced then-Women’s Tag Team Champions The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce) in a losing effort. Following a brief run on the independent circuit, Kris Statlander made a move to AEW in November 2019 and went on to capture the TBS Championship last year.
WWE have started to acknowledge the happenings and bring in wrestlers from other promotions. In 2020, WWE brought in then-IMPACT Knockouts Champion Mickie James for that year’s Women’s Royal Rumble. This year TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace was also able to compete in the match. Recently, Shayna Baszler also competed at ‘GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport X’ last April to face Masha Slamovich. Bayley and Kris Statlander could face each other if either of them is allowed to walk through the Forbidden Door.
We will have to wait and see if a match between Bayley and Kris Statlander ever takes place. Last year, AEW President Tony Khan seemingly liked the idea of working with WWE. Read more below:
AEW’s Will Ospreay hopes that Ricochet will soon be ‘All Elite’ as he’s itching for a rematch with the inaugural WWE Speed Champion.
In the 2010s the pair had an acclaimed series of matches that elevated both men in the wrestling world. The duo’s most recent match came for What Culture Pro Wrestling in August 2017 in a match won by the Aerial Assassin. From there the pair would part ways with Ricochet joining WWE in January 2018 while Ospreay would go on to become one of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s top stars.
Sitting down with ComicBook.com, Ospreay discussed his legendary series of matches with Ospreay. The Aerial Assassin admitted that he does worry that Ricochet isn’t being treated right in WWE.
“I keep up with him all the time and sometimes I get a little bit sad about it. I hope he’s not sad and I hope he’s real happy. I keep up with him as much as I can, but I feel like people are forgetting who Ricochet was once upon a time.”
It’s not hard to see why Ospreay may be concerned for Ricochet regarding his booking in WWE. On a recent Raw, Ricochet spoke about how he is always losing in a very self-deprecating promo.
This comment made little sense given that Ricochet recently won the WWE Speed Championship and was victorious throughout an entire tournament to win the gold. In the interview, Ospreay added that WWE valuing Ricochet’s work for minutes at a time, referring to WWE Speed rules, was “appalling.”
Will Ospreay wants another showdown with Ricochet.
Ricochet in All Elite Wrestling?
While Ricochet has been the victim of stop-start pushes since joining WWE’s main roster in 2019, Ospreay has been a staple of AEW TV since he officially signed in November 2023. Ospreay isn’t sure when Ricochet could be a free agent, but certainly hopes that AEW will make an offer if the One and Only becomes available.
“I don’t know how much longer he has got in his contract, but I think it might be up soon, man, I don’t know. I want him to know that there are people here that genuinely appreciate his work and I want to wrestle him again. I want him back here.”
As for Ospreay’s more immediate future, the Essex-born wrestler will be a part of this weekend’s AEW Double or Nothing pay-per-view. Ospreay is hoping to clinch his first taste of AEW gold when he challenges the International Champion Roderick Strong.
New details about AEW’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament have emerged.
According to the daily newspaper The Calgary Herald, the finals of the Owen Hart Foundation tournament are set to take place on July 10 in Calgary. In attendance will be Martha Hart, the widow of Owen Hart.
Martha talked to The Calgary Herald about the tragic incident that took place during WWF’s Over the Edge event on May 23, 1999.
She talked about not wanting to work with WWE, whose negligence she believes is the reason behind her late husband’s death. Which is also one of the reasons was why she wasn’t able to celebrate Owen’s career until recently: “For years there was no way to celebrate Owen’s career because WWE monopolized the business, and I would never work with them under any circumstances.”
On the contrary, AEW is a company that Martha trusts to “highlight, promote, and honour Owen’s wrestling legacy.” She added that they are working together “to ensure that legacy continues.”
Jericho, who is a massive fan of Owen Hart, took it upon himself to make sure that his wrestling legacy stays alive. “We’re able to give Owen the spotlight he deserves,” Jericho told the outlet. “Enough about his death. Let’s focus on his life, not just as a wrestler, but also as a person, a father, and an amazing human being.”
The Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, also known as the Owen Hart Cup, is done in partnership with AEW and The Owen Hart Foundation. The first tournament began in September 2021 and ended at Double or Nothing in May 2022. Two single-elimination tournaments are part of it, each for male and female competitors. Adam Cole and Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. won the 2022 men’s and women’s tournaments, respectively. Ricky Starks and Willow Nightingale won the 2023 edition of the tournaments, respectively.
Mercedes Mone thinks the word “competition” should be applied somewhere else other than between AEW and WWE.
Mone is set for her big return match at AEW Double or Nothing this Sunday in Las Vegas as she’ll be battling Willow Nightingale for her TBS Title. It’ll be the CEO’s first fight back in over a year after injury and her debut match in AEW. She was last seen in WWE losing to Bianca Belair before she walked out of the company in May 2022. However, the former Sasha Banks doesn’t want there to be such a division between her current promotion and her past one.
Speaking with US Weekly, Mone made clear that competition should strictly be between wrestlers and not the wrestling promotions themselves.
“I feel like there should be no competition when it’s between companies. It just needs to be competition between the wrestlers, seeing who wants to be the main event of the show, to make the most money. I’m competing with everybody here in AEW to let them know I’m the face of the company. I’m not competing with any other company.”
Mone blames a good deal of that tribalism in pro wrestling due to a lot of the minor vocal contingency of wrestling fans online.
“People are just so in their phones. Going on the Internet and bragging and complaining and they’re not actually living in the real world. When they come out into the real world and they actually go to wrestling shows and enjoy things with wrestling fans, they know that this is all just so much fun.”
Despite not wanting competition between companies WWE and AEW will be competiting for eyes on their product this weekend as both are set for their respective PLE and PPV.
Jim Ross was admitted to a hospital after having shortness of breath, and thankfully the commentary legend appears that he’s going to be okay.
In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that Ross was hospitalized on 5/23 and was diagnosed with a Class A flu along with raised heart enzymes that coincided with his shortness of breath. He’s being well taken care of and is expected to be okay in a few days time. However, that does mean JR won’t be behind the booth for AEW Double or Nothing.
Ross did hop online to provide an update on his health, sharing a photo of himself with his two daughters. He also made a post on X noting that he was going to quit smoking.
According to Meltzer, Ross is only on tap to do the monthly AEW PPVs and he was on call for the main event AEW World Title match between Samoa Joe and Swerve Strickland at AEW Dynasty.
Just last year, Ross was diagnosed with skin cancer and had to miss an extensive period of time due to that, but the voice of a generation happened to sign an extension with AEW for an added year and JR’s new deal with the company was reported to be very lucrative. All that considered, he has realized his time behind the commentary desk as
Ross may not be on the call for AEW Double Or Nothing, but many fans can read about some of his all time greatest calls and stories in his new memoir, “Business Is About To Pick Up.”
We at SEScoops want to wish Jim Ross a speedy and healthy recovery.
Kenny Omega reportedly underwent surgery last week to recover from diverticulitis.
The report comes from Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful. The surgery took place in New York on May 16, 2024. There were also some pictures shared online of the star in the city from that time.
Kenny Omega underwent surgery last week to help in the recovery from diverticulitis, @FightfulSelect has learned.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) May 24, 2024
Omega had confirmed earlier this month that he would be going under the knife. He said the following at the time:
“I will actually be getting surgery very very very soon… this guy is top in his field and I feel even though it’s a major surgery, I feel most comfortable with this individual. So even though there’s always worries going into a major surgery, if there’s one person the most confident with, I think it’s this dude.”
According to Mayo Clinic, “diverticulitis is inflammation of irregular bulging pouches in the wall of the large intestine.” The website states that severe diverticulitis needs antibiotic treatment in the hospital or surgery.
Regarding his plans for AEW, currently, there are no plans for the wrestler creatively in the company. His most recent in-ring plans, according to which he was set to partner up with Chris Jericho to face World Tag Team Champions Big Bill and Ricky Starks at Worlds End 2023, were thwarted due to Omega suffering from diverticulitis.
He did appear recently on Dynamite, where he declared his intentions to face AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada, so we can see him in the ring competing against the Rainmaker when he recovers.