Saraya is set to return to the ring on next week’s AEW Dynamite.

Next week’s edition of AEW Dynamite will emanate from the Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield, California. It will be the final build before the promotion’s, Double Or Nothing pay-per-view that takes place on Sunday, May 26. It has been announced that Saraya will be teaming with Harley Cameron and face the duo of ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm and Mariah May.

Toni Storm & Mariah May vs Saraya & Harley added to Dynamite. #AEWRampage pic.twitter.com/GzXwtzV00B

— ?????? (@WrestlingCovers) May 19, 2024

This will mark Saraya’s first match in over three months. In her last match before in-ring hiatus, she teamed with Ruby Soho to take on Kris Statlander and Willow Nightingale on the February 7 edition of AEW Rampage. The 31-year-old star endured not only a defeat but a betrayal from Ruby Soho in that match. Soho left the Brit wrestler in the ring during the match and it put an end to the former’s association with The Outcasts.

Saraya, who is set to co-host MTV Catfish, had formed The Outcasts by recruiting Toni Storm and Ruby Soho in January last year. However, Storm turned her back on the stable at All Out last year. She then recruited Harley Cameron, the only member currently on the former AEW Women’s World Champion’s side.

• Ruby Soho Announces She’s Pregnant After 4/17 AEW Dynamite (Video)

Other matches announced

More matches are lined up for the show. Konosuke Takeshita will lock horns with Matt Sydal. Meanwhile, Hook, Katsuyori Shibata, and Bryan Keith will battle in a three-way match to determine the number one contender for the FTW Championship match against Chris Jericho at Double Or Nothing.

AEW International Champion Roderick Strong will join forces with Trent Beretta and face the pair of Orange Cassidy and Will Ospreay.

Kyle O’Reilly is also set to go head-to-head with The House of Black leader, Malakai Black.

The Blackpool Combat Club member Bryan Danielson has a huge task at his hands as he will face Satnam Singh.

Ahead of his title defense at Double or Nothing, the AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland will take on Nick Wayne.

Bryan Danielson’s love for AEW has led the American Dragon into a war with the company’s EVPs The Elite that will culminate with Anarchy in the Arena. 

Danielson will join FTR and the recently returned Darby Allin to face the Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks, Jack Perry and Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada. Speaking after this week’s AEW Collision, Danielson shared his reasoning for aligning with ‘Team AEW.’ 

“I’m watching Dynamite, and I see the Young Bucks and the Elite piledrive Tony Khan. A guy who started this company. The guy who if he wasn’t here, this company wouldn’t even exist. And I watched that and I was angry, mad as hell.

“And then I watch the next week, as they took out Kenny Omega and hospitalized him. When he’s already sick, when he’s already hurt! You were supposed to change the world together. And that’s how I know, you guys say you’re good Christian boys but you guys are evil. Because who turns their back on their best friend like that?

“And that’s when I realized, I can’t stay at home anymore. I can’t rehab anymore. I have to come back and I have to fight! I have to fight for AEW because I love this place! You guys say you want to change the world! You won’t even show up on a Saturday!”

EXCLUSIVE: Bryan Danielson will FIGHT with all of the strength that he has left with Team AEW to take out The Elite at Anarchy in the Arena at #AEWDoN NEXT SUNDAY!@BryanDanielson pic.twitter.com/x2INeVymZQ

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 19, 2024

Danielson has been a part of AEW since 2021 after a highly successful run in WWE as Daniel Bryan. The upcoming Anarchy in the Arena match will be Danielson’s second time competing in such a match after the BCC beat The Elite last year. 

For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops.

New Japan had no other alternative but to let go of Kazuchika Okada, according to parent company Busihiroad’s President Takaaki Kidani. 

Despite being one of New Japan’s top stars for years, it was in January 2024 that the company announced it would not be renewing the contract of the ‘Rainmaker.’ This ended the 18-year tenure of Okada under contract and was met with a backlash at the time. 

In an interview with Proresu-TODAY, Kidani was asked for his thoughts on Okada’s departure. 

“I can only say that I had no choice. As I have said many times, if I were in the same position, I would have done the same thing. So I can only say that it can’t be helped and that I wish them all the best, and I may sound like a customer, but all I can say is, please spread the word of Japan’s greatness to the world.”

Okada benefitted greatly from Bushiroad’s influence during his NJPW run as the company scored him media appearances and commercials that elevated his star power. With that said, Kidani made clear that Okada’s in-ring success was all his own doing. 

“He became what he is because he worked hard, but I think it was also due to the cooperation of those around him and good rivalry between them.”

Since leaving New Japan, Okada has signed with AEW and wasted no time in March by siding himself with The Elite. The Rainmaker is currently in his first reign as AEW Continental Champion. He will team with his Elite allies at AEW Double or Nothing 2024 to face FTR, Darby Allin, and Bryan Danielson in the Anarchy in the Arena match. 

AEW’s Ruby Soho and Angelo Parker have gotten married in a ceremony ahead of becoming parents. The two tied the knot over the weekend, with Dark Order member John Silver posting a photo from the wedding on social media. They’re been romantically linked other since 2023. 

Congrats to the new beautiful couple pic.twitter.com/f71DkPG8QS

— John Silver (@SilverNumber1) May 19, 2024

The photo above shows that Soho’s ‘baby bump’ is starting to show. The Outcasts alum revealed after the April 17 edition of AEW Dynamite that she is pregnant with her and Parker’s first child. 

Mom & Dad. pic.twitter.com/TX9wcywiwp

— Ruby Soho (@realrubysoho) April 22, 2024

Wrestling Moms

Ruby Soho will soon join an elite club of wrestlers who prove themselves in the ring while also being moms. In December 2020, Becky Lynch gave birth to her and Seth Rollins’ first child Roux, and returned to TV at SummerSlam 2021 as a heel. The same year that Lynch returned, her former rival Ronda Rousey had a daughter with Travis Browne. Wanting to be a mom was part of Rousey’s decision to step away from WWE in 2019.

After previously suffering a miscarriage, Carmella gave birth to her and Corey Graves’ son in November 2023 after a 60-hour labor. Alexa Bliss would welcome her and Ryan Cabrera’s daughter Hendrix into the world that same month. In February 2022, Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae welcomed the birth of their son Quill, named after Peter Quill from the world of Marvel Comics.  

• Ronda Rousey: WWE Career Was Unsustainable Once I Became A Mom

A challenge has been made for AEW President Tony Khan to step inside the ring at the upcoming Forbidden Door PPV next month.

The AEW owner announced on Twitter earlier this week that Konosuke Takeshita will be facing Jon Moxley in an IWGP World Title Eliminator match at the Double or Nothing PPV on May 26. If Takeshita wins this match, he will earn the right to challenge for the title currently held by Mox.

NJPW star EVIL who is set to challenge Moxley for the belt at the Dominion event on June 9 has taken an exception to this announcement. While speaking to Tokyo Sports, he questioned Tony Khan’s authority to make the bout concerning the NJPW title.

Tony Khan Challenged For Forbidden Door Showdown

The Japanese star claimed that he is the ‘highest authority’ of New Japan and suggested a ‘presidential showdown’ between the two at the upcoming PPV:

“You’re doing whatever you want, and I’m not going to stand by and watch. Don’t act like you’re an equal to me, the president of an organization that’s not that big. My company and your company are not of the same caliber. You don’t seem to know your place, so I’ll give you a lesson. You can stand in front of me (at Forbidden Door). Next time you won’t be wearing a corset. You and I are on different levels,”

EVIL is not the first NJPW star to speak against the treatment of the IWGP Title by AEW Authorities in recent times. Yota Tsuji had previously questioned NJPW management’s decision to put the belt on Moxley in the first place.

The Third Annual Forbidden Door jointly hosted by AEW and NJPW will be held on June 30 from the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.

Considering the recent remarks from NJPW talent, it appears that there will be some bitter competition between the two rosters this time around instead of the friendly warfare we have seen in the past.

The quotes in the article have been translated through Google Translate

Eddie Kingston is hopeful of making a comeback to the ring in a matter of few months.

Reports of Kingston’s injury emerged after his match at NJPW Resurgence last week. PWInsider has confirmed that Eddie Kingston has sustained a leg injury (tibular fracture). ‘The Mad King’ underwent a string of X-rays in California after the event and it detected the injury. 

The former AEW Continental Champion is waiting to be informed on how his injury will be medically dealt with. The outlet has reported that Kingston is hopeful of returning by AEW All In: London which is scheduled to take place in August. However, his return will depend on whether he will have to undergo surgery.

Eddie Kingston’s injury 

Kingston unsuccessfully defended his NJPW Strong Openweight Championship against Gabe Kidd in a No-rope Last Man Standing match. In the final moments of the match, Kidd hit a suplex to Kingston through a table which was bridged across the ring to the guardrail. During the move, Kingston’s leg hit the guardrail which might have caused the injury. Reports suggested that the former champion was “limping bad backstage” which raised concerns.

.@GabeKidd0115 "Brainbuster"

Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CeQLGjTmZ5#NJPW #njpwworld #njresurgence pic.twitter.com/CEH3sxc0qt

— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) May 12, 2024

Following the defeat, Jack Perry had a stardown with ‘The Mad King’ followed by a blindsided assault by Nicholas and Matthew Jackson. The EVPs then delivered a promo and attacked him with an EVP trigger. 

• Young Bucks Returns To NJPW & Attacks Eddie Kingston

It was recently announced that The Young Bucks will join forces with Jack Perry and Kazuchika Okada and face the team of FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler), Eddie Kingston, and Bryan Danielson in an ‘Anarchy In The Arena’ Match at the upcoming AEW Double or Nothing on Sunday, May 26. Given Kingston’s injury, his replacement was announced earlier this week on Dynamite.

Konosuke Takeshita has opened up about his struggles as a Japanese wrestler trying to make his mark on an American wrestling program.

The 28-year-old recently spoke to DDT Pro to promote his upcoming match with Minoru Suzuki at Referee Matsui’s 30th-anniversary produce show on May 19th.

During the interview, the AEW star opened up about his struggles in America. He mentioned that he thought hard work would get him the spot he desired in the company. There have been aspects at play, however, that have gone against him:

“Discrimination is not the word here but unfortunately there’s a lack of space for an Asian person to be on a TV show watched by Americans. No matter how good my condition was nor the amount of matches I was put it, or how many times they said my match was good, it felt like I couldn’t make it in the starting lineup, to put it in Baseball terms.”

I Didn’t Feel The Enjoyment: Konosuke Takeshita

Takeshita also discussed the effect these conditions have had on his psyche. He explained that everyone wrestling in Japan felt like they were having fun, which isn’t necessarily the case in US:

“I didn’t had any fun wrestling ever since I got to America. The effort was bearing fruit, but I didn’t feel the enjoyment. It was the most mentally exhausting period in all 12 years of my wrestling career. However when I stopped having fun, my matches were better received and I gained more recognition. And its not proportional.”

The young star later took his Twitter to clarify this part of the interview. He explained that he is taking the current phase of his career as a challenge:

I don't want you to misunderstand this is not necessarily a bad thing. In other words,taking on a challenge is hard work. It's like a cutting phase for bodybuilders. I understand that time is necessary to shine at the top. I make sure my choice had not been wrong. I'm The Alpha. https://t.co/gLKKd3ssNB

— Konosuke Takeshita (@Takesoup) May 17, 2024

Konosuke Takeshita was considered one of the most promising prospects when he made his AEW debut in 2021. His matches with people such as Hangman Page and Eddie Kingston helped showcase his talent and led to his official signing with Tony Khan’s promotion in late 2022.

Since signing a contract with the promotion, however, things have not gone the way he had hoped. While Takeshita has continued delivering impressive performances in the ring, the lack of character development and the company’s backstage troubles have stopped the Japanese star from being featured as prominently as he had hoped.

Takeshita has most recently been announced to face Jon Moxley in the IWGP World Title Eliminator Tournament at the upcoming Double or Nothing PPV. You can check out the full card for the show here. 

AEW’s road to the company’s second-ever All In pay-per-view will see the roster stay in Arlington, Texas for a series of Collision tapings. 

In a statement released by AEW, it was confirmed that the city will host five Collision tapings at the Esports Stadium, starting with the July 20 show. Not only that, but the deal ensures that Ring of Honor Death Before Dishonor 2024 will also happen in the Esports Stadium on Friday, July 26. 

AEW President and CEO Tony Khan was excited about the deal with Arlington. 

“We are thrilled to partner with the City of Arlington for AEW’s first-ever events at Esports Stadium. This AEW summer series will add to the rich legacy of major professional wrestling events held in the great state of Texas and serve as the ultimate springboard for AEW: All In London.”

Arlington Sports Commission Executive Director Matt Wilson was similarly excited to host the Collision tapings in the city. 

“We are honored to team with Tony Khan and All Elite Wrestling for this incredible opportunity. The ability to host TNT’s wildly popular AEW: Collision program is another milestone achievement to bring worldwide events to Arlington and shine a global weekly spotlight on our beautiful city.”

This is a much different move from AEW’s usual method of weekly touring and will mark the longest period that an AEW show has stayed in one place since the pandemic. At this time, no matches have been confirmed for All In: London 2024, but the show has already seen over 40,000 tickets sold for Wembley Stadium. 

More information about the upcoming AEW Collision episodes in Arlington, including how to purchase them, can be found at AEWTix.com

Fans were in store for a stacked AEW Collision taping this week as the promotion continues on the road to AEW Double or Nothing. 

On AEW Dynamite, Darby Allin made his return to programming to be revealed as the fourth man for Team AEW at the upcoming pay-per-view. The quartet of Allin, Bryan Danielson, and FTR will face The Elite in Anarchy In The Arena at Double or Nothing. 

• Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match Set For AEW Double or Nothing 2024

AEW Collision Spoilers [5/18/2024]

Here are the spoilers for the May 18, edition of AEW Collision: 

• Will Ospreay defeated Shane Taylor. Post-match, Roderick Strong and The Undisputed Kingdom attacked Ospreay but he took out Mike Bennett and Matt Taven and escaped unscathed

• Bryan Danielson & FTR defeated Lance Hoyt and The Righteous. The Righteous attacked Dax Harwood with a steel chair after the match and Archer hit Blackout on a chair on Cash Wheeler. Danielson and Daniel Garcia made the save. 

• Orange Cassidy pinned Brother Zay. Trent Beretta was at ringside and was interviewed after the match. Trent challenged Cassidy to a ‘wrestling match’ at Double or Nothing, saying Cassidy had cheated to beat him in the past. Cassidy and Beretta scuffled before being pulled apart. 

• Hook defeated Johnny TV with Taya Valkyrie

• Katsuyori Shibata defeated Rocky Romero

Bryan Keith defeated Beefcake Boulder of the Iron Savages

• A segment took place that saw Jay White and The Gunns on the stage with a beaten PAC. 

• Serena Deeb defeated Anna Jay. ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm stole the flag for Deeb’s dojo and Storm undressed behind it, wrapping herself in it to disrespect Deeb.

• Nick Wayne defeated Jack Cartwheel

This was the order of the matches as they were taped. It is possible that they could air in a different order when AEW Collision goes on the air this Saturday. 

All Elite Wrestling is now promoting a “Triple Main Event” for this month’s AEW Double or Nothing 2024 pay-per-view. The three bouts, each getting equal billing on the Las Vegas marquee, include:

1. In the first main event, Willow Nightingale defends the TBS Championship against the debuting Mercedes Mone. Match order aside, this will mark the first time a women’s match has headlined an AEW PPV. 

2. The second main event match is Swerve Strickland, with Prince Nana, defending the AEW World Championship against Christian Cage, who will be accompanied by Killswitch, Nick Wayne, and Mother Wayne. The Patriarch certainly raised the stakes this week by busting Swerve open by using a glass picture frame of his family.

3. The third main event is an Anarchy in the Arena match. The Elite, consisting of Kazuchika Okada, Jack Perry, Matthew Jackson, and Nicholas Jackson, will face Team AEW, which includes Bryan Danielson, Cash Wheeler, Dax Harwood, and Darby Allin. The daredevil AEW star made his return to television this week, having taken some time off due to injury.

AEW Double or Nothing 2024 

Six matches have been announced for the upcoming PPV, scheduled for Sunday, May 26 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Paradise, Nevada:

• Willow Nightingale (c) vs. Mercedes Mone – Singles match for the AEW TBS Championship
• Roderick Strong (c) vs. Will Ospreay – Singles match for the AEW International Championship
• “Timeless” Toni Storm (c) (with Luther and Mariah May) vs. Serena Deeb – Singles match for the AEW Women’s World Championship
• Swerve Strickland (c) (with Prince Nana) vs. Christian Cage (with Killswitch, Nick Wayne, and Mother Wayne) – Singles match for the AEW World Championship
• The Elite (Kazuchika Okada, Jack Perry, Matthew Jackson, and Nicholas Jackson) vs. Team AEW (Bryan Danielson, Cash Wheeler, Dax Harwood, and Darby Allin) – Anarchy in the Arena match
• Adam Copeland (c) vs. Malakai Black – Barbed Wire Steel Cage match for the AEW TNT Championship

The state of Oklahoma is reportedly considering a rule change that’d allow transgender wrestlers to face those of their gender identity. 

In December 2023, AEW received a warning after Nyla Rose competed against Alejandra Lion at a taping in Oklahoma City. The motion made by Sports Commission member Larry Lovelace said that AEW would face “punitive action” if they allowed Rose to compete against women in the state. 

Now, it appears that those in the Sooner State are reconsidering their stance. Records obtained through a public records request show that Commission Administrator Jim Miller informed AEW SVP Chris Harrington that allowing Rose to wrestle violated state rules regarding matches “between males and females.” Miller’s email to Harrington adds: 

“For your information the Commission is currently in discussion to possibly change this rule. However if it is determined by the Commission that the rule should be changed it will have to go thru [sic] the legislative process for rule-making and would not be in effect until July 2024.”

Miller has since retired from his position as Commission Administrator and quietly exited the role in March 2024. He has since been replaced with Diana Fletcher who did not wish to comment on the matters related to the December 2023 match. 

AEW President Tony Khan expressed his support for Rose in April 2024 and said he was “disappointed” by the position and the warning. Khan was noncommital when asked if the statute will prevent future events in Oklahoma but to date no events in the state have been announced. Khan’s support for Rose is no surprise as AEW has various LGBTQ+ inclusive programs and has shown support for other LGBTQ+ wrestlers on its roster. 

Another Incident

This situation isn’t the first time that rights to compete have been discussed in the state of Oklahoma. In 2022, Konner Vaughn became a licensed wrestler in the state. He was subsequently banned from having any matches against fellow men as he transitioned from female to male years early. 

When Vaughn asked the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission to reconsider their stance, they did not return his emails. Vaughn is currently not involved in wrestling and said the “soul-crushing” statute by OSAC played a huge role in him hanging up his boots. Vaughn has said he hopes to return to wrestling in his home state if the rules are changed. 

Ricky Starks has no idea why he has been kept off AEW TV.

The young star has not been seen on AEW programming since the March 30th episode of AEW Collision. He and tag team partner Big Bill were defeated by Top Flight in a tag team title tournament match during the show.

Starks addressed his unexplained absence from TV during a recent interview with WhatCulture. He was asked if he’d be a part of the upcoming Double or Nothing PPV on May 26 and Ricky claimed that he doesn’t know:

“I really have no clue. It’s just a very interesting time, I feel like. I wish that I was on Dynamite, or I wish I was on Dynasty. I wish I was on these things, but I think at a certain point, just for my own sanity, I can’t go too crazy about it because the proof is in my work and my effort that I’ve constantly given.”

The 34-year-old said that he constantly gives 1000% effort and the biggest lesson he has learned is not to worry too much about the things that are not in his control.

• Ricky Starks Defends CM Punk Amid AEW Absence

I Have No Answers: Ricky Starks

Starks’ latest match with AEW saw some last-minute changes. An audible was called for Top Flight to go over in the bout after the wrestling star seemingly got hurt while taking a tandem DDT.

The former FTW Champion further addressed his health status during the interview. He confirmed that medical issues are not the reason for his prolonged absence from the ring:

“I’m not hurt. Even that night [on AEW Collision], I specifically stated, hey, I’m not hurt. I was just being cautious about it because at the moment, I didn’t know what was happening, especially with this side of my body. So I wasn’t hurt. I was never put on an injury list or anything like that. I have no answers.”

He reiterated that he has no clue why he isn’t involved in any ongoing feud. Ricky Starks did note that receiving messages from concerned fans is encouraging for him.

Starks’ former tag team partner Big Bill recently joined hands with Chris Jericho. This signifies the end of the partnership between the former AEW tag champions.

What is the real issue preventing the former champion from returning to AEW programming is anyone’s guess. We hope that he will be back on TV entertaining the fans once again very soon.

AEW TNT Champion Adam Copeland hopes to end his war with The House of Black at Double or Nothing in the confines of a barbed wire-clad Steel Cage. 

The match was made official on the May 15, episode of AEW Dynamite and comes after weeks of feuding between the two sides. Copeland will face Malakai Black at the upcoming pay-per-view. He has previously retained his title against both Buddy Matthews and Brody King. 

• AEW TNT Title Reaches Historic Milestone On 5/11 Episode of Collision

Copeland had made the challenge following last week’s AEW Collision, where he retained the title against Kyle O’Reilly. On Dynamite, the Rated-R Superstar was mentally and physically tormented by the faction and both he and Reilly were attacked by the House of Black. 

Kyle O'Reilly tries to make the save!

Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@RatedRCope | @MalakaiBlxck | @SNM_Buddy | @BrodyXKing | @KORCombat pic.twitter.com/CwDD4ecxr1

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 16, 2024

Backstage, Black accepted the challenge and accepted Copeland’s request for a Barbed Wire Steel Cage match. The Rated-R Superstar could lose more than his title though, as Black revealed that should he beat Copeland, the WWE Hall of Famer would bend his knee to the House of Black.

AEW Double or Nothing 2024

Here is the card for AEW Double or Nothing 2024 as it currently stands. 

• Willow Nightingale (c) vs. Mercedes Moné (AEW TBS Championship)

• Roderick Strong (c) vs. Will Ospreay (AEW International Championship)

• “Timeless” Toni Storm (c) (with Luther and Mariah May) vs. Serena Deeb (AEW Women’s World Championship)

• Swerve Strickland (c) (with Prince Nana) vs. Christian Cage (with Killswitch, Nick Wayne, and Mother Wayne) (AEW World Championship)

• The Elite (Kazuchika Okada, Jack Perry and The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson, and Nicholas Jackson)) vs. Team AEW (Bryan Danielson, FTR (Cash Wheeler, and Dax Harwood), and Darby Allin) (Anarchy In The Arena Match)

• Adam Copeland (c) vs. Malakai Black (AEW TNT Championship, Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match)

Darby Allin will replace Eddie Kingston in the upcoming Anarchy in the Arena match following the attack on Kingston by The Elite. 

The Mad King was ambushed by The Young Bucks and Jack Perry at NJPW Resurgence after Kingston had lost the Stong Openweight Championship to Gabe Kidd. The attack marked the first time in five years that the Bucks had appeared for New Japan. 

• Young Bucks Returns To NJPW After Five Years, Attacks Eddie Kingston

After the attack, it was reported that Kingston had suffered a legitimate leg injury during his battle with Kidd. During the May 15th edition of AEW Dynamite, The Elite took center stage to announce Kingston’s withdrawal from the match. In a heated segment, the AEW World Tag Team Champions attacked Dax Harwood, leading to Cash Wheeler and Bryan Danielson rushing to his aid. 

Despite their efforts, they were outnumbered until Darby Allin intervened, attacking The Elite with his skateboard. The former TNT Champion was then confirmed as Team AEW’s new fourth member. 

DARBY ALLIN RETURNS to become the fourth member of Team #AEW for Anarchy in the Arena at #AEWDoN against The Elite!

Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@DarbyAllin | @DaxFTR | @CashWheelerFTR | @BryanDanielson pic.twitter.com/TG6P4utQcV

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 16, 2024

Double or Nothing 2024 will feature the third-annual Anarchy in the Arena match, with all three bouts happening at the annual AEW event. 2022 saw The Jericho Appreciation Society defeat the Blackpool Combat Club, Eddie Kingston, and Sanata, while last year’s match saw the BCC victorious over The Elite. 

This year’s match will also mark the return to the ring of Allin, who has been out of action since the Big Business edition of Dynamite in March. The risk-taking wrestler suffered a broken foot at the event that (among other issues) led to him postponing his attempt to climb Mt. Everest. Allin has said he fully intends to do the climb but it is unclear when it will happen. 

The tyrannical EVP duo of Nicholas and Matthew Jackson revealed that Champs Sports will soon be selling their very own Young Bucks-branded Reebok Pumps.  The announcement was made on the May 15th edition of AEW Dynamite, where a commercial showcasing the shoes and featuring AEW stars: The Young Bucks, Kazuchika Okada, John Silver, and Evil Uno was shown. 

AEW EVP's & The #AEW World Tag Team Champions Matthew & Nicholas Jackson unveil their new shoe!

Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@youngbucks | @Reebok | @champssports pic.twitter.com/OR80CMkxW6

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 16, 2024

Here are some high resolution photos of the stylish kicks:

This is certainly not the first time the reigning AEW Tag Team Champions have had an exclusive footwear line. The duo are well-known sneakerheads, wearing flashy brands and styles to the ring for years. In September 2022, Nicholas and Matthew Jackson announced a collaboration with Diadora for their line of basketball sneakers. 

The Young Bucks are NOT the EVPs to mess with

The Young Bucks have been on a ruthless quest to cement their control of AEW by any means necessary for some time. Following the debut of Kazuchika Okada and the return of Jack Perry, the Young Bucks made their move to seize control by attacking AEW President Tony Khan on the 4/24 edition of Dynamite. 

Since their shocking actions against Khan, The Elite has run roughshod through the AEW roster. They have concentrated their power through title belts, and ironclad contracts; even going as far as to attack their old friend Kenny Omega. On the May 15th edition of Dynamite, the brothers “fired” The Fallen Angel Christopher Daniels who had been critical of the duo. 

DARBY ALLIN RETURNS to become the fourth member of Team #AEW for Anarchy in the Arena at #AEWDoN against The Elite!

Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@DarbyAllin | @DaxFTR | @CashWheelerFTR | @BryanDanielson pic.twitter.com/TG6P4utQcV

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 16, 2024

Despite their recent successes, things aren’t all sunshine and rainbows in The Elite’s world. The Elite will have to contend with the combined forces of Bryan Danielson, FTR, and a returning Darby Allen in an Anarchy in the Arena match at AEW Double or Nothing next week. 

Shane Taylor isn’t picking up what Kevin Nash was laying down for him, and ‘Big Sexy’ wasn’t about to let the AEW star off the hook.

On the recent episodes of the “Kliq This Podcast” Nash has been forthright in his thoughts regarding the pros and cons of AEW. A name included in that was Taylor, whom Nash initially didn’t know the name of. Because of that, Nash at first called him the “pear-shaped guy,” spoke about Taylor’s physique and him losing to Orange Cassidy via an Orange Crush punch.

Weeks ago, Taylor responded on X, stating, “Criticism is part of the game. Comes with the territory. I appreciate the critique Kevin Nash. You have open invitation Hyena Muay Thai in Houston to train & spar with me as many rounds as you’d like. Looking forward to discussing my shape & my name with you in person OG.”

• Kevin Nash ‘Absolutely’ Wants AEW To Succeed

The following episode of “Kliq This” Nash responded, stating that the situation is lose-lose for Taylor because if a 64-year old man could spar with him, he’d have his job and he also wouldn’t job to Orange Cassidy. Instead, Nash challenged Taylor to a body-building match six months down the road. Nash did praise Taylor for his on screen presence and gave further critique to his match with Cassidy.

This week, Taylor responded on X.

“Aight now, Kevin Nash. 6 months from now you’ll see a different S.T. 

“Following YOUR superb example, I’ll also put a [needle] in my ass, [drink] myself stupid & let my EGO & greed destroy a company & cost my peers their jobs.

“Hyena Muay Thai 811 S Mason Rd Katy, TX.”

Nash replied to Taylor on Wednesday night, addressing Shane’s accusations regarding his own past.

“I’d actually be happy if you had blood work done. Funny I got my push in the WWF because I was the biggest guy clean. Have never flunked a test for steroids and no longer drink. The “I’m a mark” statement of shutting down a company……I also caused the sale of the Braves, Hawks and Thrashers? Obviously the most influential person in our industry.”

I'd actually be happy if you had blood work done. Funny I got my push in the WWF because I was the biggest guy clean. Have never flunked a test for steroids and no longer drink. The "I'm a mark" Statement of shutting down a company……I also caused the sale of the Braves,Hawks…

— Kevin Nash (@RealKevinNash) May 16, 2024

Author’s disclosure note: Dominic DeAngelo operates the social media account for “The Kliq This Podcast” and sits the weekly recordings of episodes.

CM Punk may have left AEW in the midst of a mountain of controversy, but he doesn’t have the entire roster against him. Ricky Starks recently defended Punk from his detractors during an interview with WhatCulture. Starks praised Punk’s influence on his presentation on AEW Collision, a show that was initially built around his ill-fated final return to the company.

He mentioned a frequently shared video clip featuring dramatic pyro effects, which was entirely Punk’s idea. Punk aimed to help certain people and foster collaboration. Starks recalled a conversation with Punk, where Punk emphasized, “It’s really up to you to sink or swim.”

This motivated Starks to consistently exceed his previous performances, feeling a strong responsibility to live up to Punk’s support. Punk played a crucial role in advocating for Starks and suggesting new approaches for his character, showing a unique understanding of Starks’ potential.

“I have no issues with Punk, I don’t give a f*ck what anybody tries to tell me, I don’t care. He has never done me wrong and you can have your opinions on him, but you shouldn’t vilify someone for thinking differently than you.”

Ricky Starks’ AEW Status

At the AEW Revolution post-show media scrum on March 3, 2024, AEW President Tony Khan addressed questions about Starks’ whereabouts. He acknowledged that he hadn’t heard any rumors circulating about the former AEW World tag team champion, but emphasized his’ importance to the AEW roster.

Starks was involved in Sting’s first AEW match at the 2021 Revolution, where Sting and Darby Allin faced Starks and Brian Cage in a street fight. More recently, on the February 7, 2024, edition of Dynamite, Starks and Big Bill wrestled Sting and Allin, losing to the AEW World Tag Team Champions in a Tornado Tag match. He hasn’t competed since the loss to Sting and Allin and did not wrestle at Revolution this past weekend. However, it may be only a matter of time before he resurfaces.

Many are under the belief that Starks will eventually end up in WWE. Not only is Cody Rhodes a very close friend, but he was also spotted with the American Nightmare before the 2023 Royal Rumble event. 

Last month, we broke the news that Starks’ former Team Taz partner HOOK is planning to let his AEW contract expire so he can explore free agency and possibly join WWE. Don’t be surprised if Starks isn’t far behind, or even gets there first.

AEW fans and gamers alike can now play a brand new mobile wrestling game as part of a collaboration between the All-Elite promotion and TNT Sports. 

AEW: Figure Fighters is available now in the United States and is available for download from the App Store and Google Play. The free-to-play game was announced in June 2023 and features AEW’s stacked roster. An ‘autobattler format’ which allows players to level up their wrestlers via a series of game modes and challenges. 

The new game features some of AEW’s top names, including AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland, Women’s World Champion ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm, and FTW Champion Chris Jericho. Darby Allin and Kris Statlander were also confirmed for the game, a statement from AEW about Figure Fighters revealed. 

AEW: Figure Fighters marks the latest effort from the promotion to expand into the world of gaming. In July 2021, AEW Elite: General Manager launched on iOS and Android, allowing players to step into the shoes of Tony Khan. Last year saw AEW’s first console video game, Fight Forever, hit shelves, and the game has consistently seen updates in the form of DLC. In addition to game, AEW recently launched its own gaming podcast hosted by Adam Cole and Evil Uno. 

The development of AEW: Figure Fighters furthers TNT Sports’ commitment to innovation in web3 technology, supported by an ongoing partnership with Immutable X. Warner Bros. Discovery Sports has previously used web3 to host its own trivia quiz in which fans can win prizes for watching WBD content. This was part of the partnership with Immutable X. 

In its five years since opening its doors, AEW has become a hit with fans. With the release AEW Figure Fighters, expect that fanbase to grow more involved about the wrestlers they get to play as in the new mobile game.

Warner Bros Discovery’s upfronts gives the network a chance to show off their upcoming programming to advertisers. This may also be a big day for AEW, because Tony Khan’s company is very much involved in the situation. Although AEW didn’t get a focus during the upfronts, a new show was announced adjacent to the ceremony that may pique pro wrestling fans’ interest. 

It was previously reported that there is a pilot show in development for an AEW-related program, which could be announced later this week. This new show will not be a reality series, but further details are not available.

There was no mention of a new AEW television show during the WBD Upfronts, but a new show for TBS’ YouTube channel was revealed. 

AEW and TBS have announced a new show called “Meal & A Match,” set to air on the TBS YouTube channel every Friday at 2 pm EST. The show will feature RJ City and Renee Paquette as hosts, with Eddie Kingston as the first guest. Paquette, who has long wanted to be involved in a food-related program, sees this as her entry point into the genre.

Pull up a seat as we break bread and break tables!

Meal and a Match W/ @ReneePaquette & @RJCity1 Friday @ 2/1c on The TBS You Tube Channel

Subscribe and set a reminder: https://t.co/SpnLhubWgY pic.twitter.com/jECORj4Kk8

— AEW on TV (@AEWonTV) May 15, 2024

AEW: Figure Fighters

AEW and TNT Sports have launched a new mobile game titled AEW: Figure Fighters. This game is free-to-play and features AEW’s roster. The game uses an autobattler format, allowing users to collect and level up their wrestlers.

AEW: Figure Fighters is now available in the United States. It can be downloaded on both the App Store and Google Play.

AEW’s Future With WBD

Reports indicate if WBD has lost the rights to the NBA to NBC, then they will want to reinvest that liquidity elsewhere by bolstering other avenues of programming. Warner Bros Discovery might reinvest its funds into AEW to maintain a strong position in cable rankings.

AEW’s new deal with WBD is expected to remain confidential until this summer or early fall when all details will be made public. The exact end date of the current exclusivity media rights deal between AEW and WBD is unknown.

WBD is also interested in airing all AEW pay-per-view events on its MAX streaming service, a shift from its previous stance. They have had their eye on this prospect for a while, and talks have been ongoing to make that happen.

In the end, WBD knows that MAX is a huge cash cow for them. So, every decision they make will have MAX involved in the situation, which could also include AEW.

The WBD Upfronts are currently ongoing. So far, there has been no mention of a new AEW TV deal.

Ryan Nemeth has revealed how Bray Wyatt was exceptionally kind to him during the latter’s second run with WWE’s development territory.

The AEW star recently had an interview with the Developmentally Speaking podcast. He talked about things such as his love for storytelling. Ryan revealed that his AEW contract features a clause that allows him to take off whatever time he needs for his outside projects without being punished for it.

Speaking about his time with rival promotion WWE, the Hollywood Hunk detailed his start with the company. He specifically remembered getting invited to a week-long tryout at FCW, after impressing John Laurinaitis:

“I remember how great to me everyone in that roster was. It was like such a welcoming group of people. In particular, someone at the time who went by the name Husky Harris was so great to me. He would go on to change his name to Bray Wyatt. I loved him. He was great.”

Everyone There Was So Great: Ryan Nemeth

Ryan Nemeth then told a story about the talent that would eventually become Bray Wyatt. He recalled how Wyatt was exceptionally kind to him during one of their interactions:

“I remember doing this really really long grueling endurance drill. It’ll be like one man in the middle and everyone else would switch out every two minutes. I was in there for 37 minutes straight maybe at one point.

But he as we’re locking up just goes ‘Just take it slow, breathe, don’t worry, relax.’ I thought ‘Man this is really nice; I am your competition basically and you can be a dick to me if you want.’ Everyone there was so great.”

The AEW star started his wrestling career with a run in OVW back in 2010. After his tryout with the company, he was offered a WWE development contract for FCW in 2011.

The Eater of Worlds returned to the brand around the same time after his Nexus run. He first adopted the character of hockey mask-wearing Axl Mulligan before developing the much-loved Bray Wyatt persona in 2012.

AEW wrestler Cash Wheeler of FTR will be relieved that the criminal case against him related to an incident from July 2023 has been officially dropped. 

The former AEW World Tag Team Champion had been arrested and charged with one count of aggravated assault with a firearm. Wheeler had been in a ‘road rage’ and had flashed his gun to another driver. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge. Despite this situation, Wheeler was allowed to work last August’s All In pay-per-view, where FTR defeated the Young Bucks. 

Now, the case against Wheeler has been officially dropped, PW Insider reports. The prosecutor’s office has filed a ‘Nolle Prosequi’, indicating their decision to abandon the case and forego pursuing charges against Wheeler. At this time, it is not stated why the case against him has been dropped. Wheeler had been scheduled to face trial on May 20.

This news will come as a huge relief to Wheeler who has remained active on AEW programming despite his legal situation. Wheeler will be a part of the upcoming Double or Nothing pay-per-view and will compete in the Anarchy in the Arena match. The show will see The Elite (the Bucks, Kazuchika Okada, and Jack Perry) face Team AEW (Wheeler, Dax Harwood, Bryan Danielson and Eddie Kingston.)

• Eddie Kingston Suffers Leg Injury At NJPW Resurgence

Wheeler is fortunate that the case against him has been dropped and will hopefully use this as motivation to stay on the proverbial straight and narrow from here on. With his place as one of AEW’s top tag-team wrestlers cemented, the last thing Wheeler needs is to jeopardize that spot with another legal issue.

Jon Moxley has carved a unique path in pro wrestling. As Dean Ambrose’s  Lunatic Fringe in WWE, he dominated with The Shield and later became World Champion. He declined to sign a new deal and later became the Paradigm Shift after leaving the company. Since then, he has thrived, loving the niche he has created. 

Moxley recently reflected on his legacy during a chat with Justin Barrasso for SI. He values being remembered for marching to the beat of his own drum and cherishes this aspect of his pro wrestling career. He’s the only Jon Moxley there is and when all is said and done, the multi-time AEW World Champion relishes at the idea that he doesn’t fit into a box or rankings. 

You have no idea where to classify me, but you can’t ignore me, so you’re going to have to give me my own space…I like that.”

Mox’s Inspirational Reading

Jon Moxley may have blazed a trail of bloodshed and sharp foreign objects behind him, but that won’t stop him from picking up a book. Moxley is a member of the BCC book club. He finds constant inspiration in books. 

“The line is like, ‘A genius, in the words of Thelonious Monk, is the one most like himself. Genius, in its Latin origin, refers to the attendant spirit present at birth in every person. Each of us is like Aladdin, and our genie–or our genius–is bottled up inside of us waiting to be awakened.’ It’s kind of what I think of when I say there’s only one me.”

Jon Moxley is still the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. His last match was on 11.05.2024. Moxley retained his title by defeating Shota Umino at NJPW STRONG Resurgence 2024.

Moxley’s last match for AEW was on March 3 when The Blackpool Combat Club (Claudio Castagnoli and Jon Moxley) defeated FTR (Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood) at AEW Revolution 2024. Since then, he’s has wrestled in CMLL and NJPW.

AEW has experienced several injuries that have sidelined key members of their roster. Eddie Kingston is the latest addition to that list.

Kingston suffered an undisclosed injury during NJPW Resurgence, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reports.

Kingston lost the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship to Gabe Kidd at NJPW and sustained injuries during the match. He was hurt during a table suplex spot.

After the incident, Eddie required assistance but managed to walk backstage with a noticeable limp. The extent of his injury is not fully known, but it was confirmed that he sustained a legitimate injury during the match.

It was previously thought that he suffered a leg injury during that match. This new report has now confirmed those fears.

Young Bucks’ NJPW Return

The Openweight Championship match was also significant as it marked the return of the Young Bucks to NJPW. Matthew and Nicholas Jackson made their a surprise return during the NJPW Resurgence event, targeting Eddie Kingston in a brutal assault.

After Kingston failed to defend his NJPW Strong Openweight title against Gabe Kidd in a No-rope Last Man Standing Match, Jack Perry approached the ring for a staredown with Kingston. This distraction allowed the AEW EVPs to enter the ring and launch a surprise attack on Kingston. After a brief promo, they executed an EVP trigger, effectively taking Kingston down.

This Young Bucks spot during NJPW Resurgence was obviously planned ahead of time, and Kingston went through with it despite his injury. We’re sending out our best to the Mad King for a speedy recovery.

Eddie Kingston may have suffered a serious injury during his appearance at NJPW Resurgence which has raised questions about upcoming plans in AEW. 

At the event, Kingston lost the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship to Gabe Kidd in a No-Ropes Last Man Standing Match. Kingston had held the title since 311 days after winning the title at NJPW Independence Day in July 2023. 

Unfortunately, it appears that Kingston may have suffered an injury during the match. As Bryan Alvarez explained, Kidd delivered a suplex to Kingston to the outside of the ring and noted that Kingston’s leg “hit that barricade so hard.” Dave Meltzer agreed, adding that it “scared the hell out of me.”

Alvarez noted that Kingston immediately grabbed his leg after the spot which proved to be the finish of the match. It was also stated that Kingston was “not moving” for minutes after the match but was able to pull himself up for the post-match segment with The Elite. 

Kingston was “limping bad backstage” in another worrying sign for the now-former Openweight Champion. There were concerns at the event that the Mad King would not be able to do the post-match angle. 

There’s no update on Kingston’s status but this situation could jeopardize plans for AEW Double or Nothing. During the May 8, episode of AEW Dynamite, Kingston was revealed as part of Team AEW that will battle the Elite in Anarchy in the Arena. Kingston will be joined by Bryan Danielson and FTR if this situation doesn’t keep him from the upcoming pay-per-view.  

• Eddie Kingston Doesn’t Regret “Whatever” Attitude to WWE Tryout

An overzealous fan breached security and entered the ring during the latest edition of AEW Collision. However, the security personnel were able to get the situation under control.

Last night’s AEW Collision emanated from Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia. A video clip surfaced on social media which captured the whole incident that took place during the show. 

Garcia could be seen celebrating after the match against Kevin Matthews as the fan rolled into the ring. While his intentions were not clear, the security personnel and the referee acted promptly to get hold of the intruder. The fans in the arena soon chanted “You f***ed up” while the invader was escorted out of the arena.

https://twitter.com/karlolovenia/status/1789460306785341899

AEW Collision 5/11 results

The show was stacked with some amazing matches. Apart from the aforementioned battle, Bryan Danielson teamed up with Claudio Castagnoli and defeated Top Flight. The crowd was enthralled with the proceedings and it featured some spectacular moments. Following the match, ‘The American Dragon’ showered praise on Top Flight before hyping the upcoming ‘Anarchy In The Arena’ match at Double Or Nothing pay-per-view on Sunday, May 26.

• Kenny Omega Announces ‘Anarchy In The Arena’ Match For AEW Double or Nothing

During the show, Will Ospreay locked horns with Lee Moriarty. The ‘Aerial Assassin’ emerged victorious after hitting Storm Breaker on his opponent. However, things didn’t turn out too well for Ospreay as he was attacked by The Undisputed Kingdom following the win.

On the other hand, Brian Cage joined forces with Gates of Agony and squashed Evan Rivers and The Voros Twins in a quick match.

Dax Harwood continued to gain momentum by defeating Thomas Billington ahead of his match against Kazuchika Okada for the AEW Continental Championship on next week’s AEW Dynamite.

Speaking about the women’s division, the former AEW Women’s World Champion Thunder Rosa picked up a win over Robyn Renegade by trapping her in a Cobra Clutch. 

In the main event, Adam Copeland put his TNT Championship on the line against the hometown hero, Kyle O’Reilly. After a back-and-forth affair, ‘The Rated-R Superstar’ successfully retained his title by hitting the spear.