Archive for the ‘AEW’ Category

AEW Presents ‘Maximum Carnage’ Dynamite Tonight from Cincinnati

AEW Dynamite kicks off its two-part Maximum Carnage event tonight, broadcasting live from the Andrew J. Brady Music Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, at 8 PM ET on TBS. Fans can expect a night packed with high-stakes matches, long-awaited returns, and exciting developments in AEW storylines.

AEW Dynamite Preview (January 15, 2025)

Confirmed Matches and Segments for Tonight’s AEW Dynamite:

AEW World Championship Match: Jon Moxley defends his AEW World Championship against Powerhouse Hobbs in his hometown. This clash revisits their intense rivalry, which peaked in 2024 during a battle for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, where Moxley triumphed.

Kenny Omega vs. Brian Cage: Kenny Omega returns to AEW after more than a year to face Brian Cage. This grudge match stems from Cage’s recent ambush attempt on Omega, thwarted by Will Ospreay. Will Omega’s return mark a triumphant new chapter, or will Cage spoil his comeback?

Christian Cage vs. HOOK: HOOK steps into the ring with Christian Cage in a long-anticipated singles match. This bout comes after months of animosity, including Christian’s shocking revelation as Taz’s attacker alongside The Patriarchy. HOOK aims for retribution against the cunning veteran.

Women’s Casino Gauntlet Match: The first-ever Women’s Casino Gauntlet Match will determine Mariah May’s challenger for the AEW Women’s Championship at Grand Slam Australia next month. Kris Statlander, fresh off a January 8th victory, starts the match as the first entrant. Who will outlast the competition?

Six-Man Tag Team Match: The Hurt Syndicate (MVP, Bobby Lashley, and Shelton Benjamin) debut as a trio, taking on Mark Briscoe and AEW Tag Team Champions Private Party (Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen). This encounter could mark the start of the Hurt Syndicate’s quest for tag team gold.

Special Appearance: Ricochet is scheduled to appear live, though his role remains under wraps. Fans are speculating about his potential impact on tonight’s proceedings.

Maximum Carnage continues tomorrow night on January 16, 2025. Tune in tonight on TBS or stream on Max for all the action and surprises AEW Dynamite has in store.

Stay connected to SEScoops for the latest updates and analysis from Cincinnati.

AEW Dynamite Maximum Carnage

Tony Schiavone Explains Absence from AEW Dynamite Amid Suspension Rumors

Tony Schiavone has addressed his recent absence from AEW Dynamite, which had fueled fan speculation about a potential suspension following a social media incident involving NJPW announcer Chris Charlton.

During the January 8 episode of Dynamite, Schiavone was notably missing from the commentary desk. Excalibur was joined by Matt Menard and Ian Riccaboni instead. This absence came after a contentious week in wrestling circles, as Charlton was reportedly suspended for calling Tony Khan a “money mark” and criticizing AEW’s booking of NJPW stars like Jay White, Kazuchika Okada, and Will Ospreay.

Schiavone defend TK on social media, posting a sharp response telling Charlton to “GFY” and suggesting he shower more often.

The post was quickly deleted, but the timing of Schiavone’s disappearance led to rumors that he had been disciplined for his remarks.

Why Has Tony Schiavone Been Off AEW TV?

Schiavone addressed the situation on his What Happened When podcast, explaining that his absence was due to a family matter. Adding his trademark humor, he playfully dismissed the rumors. Schiavone shared that his wife had undergone hip surgery and was discharged from the hospital the same day as Dynamite. In his characteristic joking style, he quipped about prioritizing work over family:

“As a matter of fact, she got out of the hospital on Wednesday, so I just let her walk home from the hospital instead of picking her up, and I went to TV and got suspended. But she made it home about six hours later with her walker on 285 in Atlanta.”

Tony Schiavone explains his absense from AEW

Schiavone’s clarification ends speculation about any disciplinary action, confirming that his absence was entirely unrelated to backstage drama. The veteran announcer continues to manage his personal commitments alongside his role at AEW.

“What Happened When” is a comedy-packed retro wrestling podcast hosted by Tony Schiavone and Conrad Thompson. Catch new episodes every Wednesday at 6 a.m. ET on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or the Cumulus Podcast Network.

AEW Star Danhausen and Lauren Jiles Expecting First Baby Together

Very evil, very cute, Little Babyhausen is coming soon.

AEW and ROH star Danhausen has announced that he and his partner Lauren Jiles are expecting their first baby together. The wrestling star revealed the news with a post on Instagram:

Danhausen married Lauren Jiles back in 2018. A Canadian burlesque dancer, Jiles is known professionally as Lou Lou la Duchesse de Rière. The All Elite star is also the stepfather to Lauren’s daughter.

The Mystery of Danhausen

The 34-year-old is part of the list of AEW stars that have been used scarcely or been absent from TV outright without an explanation in recent months. Other names in the list include people such as Ricky Stark and Malakai Black.

He has not wrestled for AEW since the 2023 Worlds End PPV. It’s been almost a year since his last ROH match back in February 2024 as well.

Danhausen did make a brief surprise appearance at ROH’s Final Battle 2024 PPV last month. He helped Atlantis Jr. pick up a victory over Mansoor of MxM Collection.

Many expected the AEW star to start a feud with MxM Collection after this appearance but the lightweight star has gone missing from TV once again, leaving fans even more confused about his relationship with the promotion.

Thunder Rosa Talks Friendship Betrayal During AEW Title Reign

Thunder Rosa’s AEW Women’s World Championship was a long-time coming for her, but took the 38-year-old on an emotional rollercoaster full of highs and lows. In a conversation with Tim Rivera, Thunder Rosa reflected onher 2022 championship victory. Though she felt unprepared to take on the role of AEW’s top woman, Rose appreciated the looks of recognition she received at the time.

“I don’t think mentally I was ready for it… The good was, like, you create history, you get a bigger platform, and you’re at another level now. People see you with different eyes, they see you as the s***.”

Unfortunately for Rosa, her title reign also shared an uglier side to wrestling, including those she had considered friends betraying her trust.

“It’s heartbreaking when friends turn on you, or when people you thought you could trust prove you can’t. You have to stay strong through it all.”

Thunder Rosa won the gold from Britt Baker in March 2022 in a steel cage match at the St. Patrick’s Day Slam edition of Dynamite. In August, she suffered a back injury and would relinqush the title in November of that same year.

Thunder Rosa Furious Over ‘Lies’ About Her Health

Rosa stopped short of naming who betrayed her trust, but the highs and lows of her title reign remain a pivotal chapter of her AEW career. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Thunder Rosa and see whether she holds the title ever again.

Every Cancelled AEW Show: Dark, Rampage and more

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has undergone significant changes in its programming lineup over the past year. Several shows have been cancelled or suspended, reshaping the landscape of AEW’s content offerings. Let’s take a closer look at the cancelled AEW shows and the reasons behind these decisions.

AEW Dark: Elevation

AEW Dark: Elevation, which debuted on March 15, 2021, was the first show to face cancellation. The final episode aired on April 24, 2023, with Fite TV billing it as “The Special and final episode of Elevation.” 

This YouTube series showcased up-and-coming talent and independent wrestlers, serving as a platform for emerging stars to gain exposure.

AEW Dark

Following the cancellation of Dark: Elevation, AEW Dark met a similar fate. Both Dark and Dark: Elevation were scrapped as part of AEW’s new deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. 

This decision was made to ensure that all AEW wrestling content would air exclusively on WBD platforms, with the exception of Ring of Honor (ROH) programming.

Why was AEW Rampage cancelled?

In a surprising turn of events, AEW CEO Tony Khan announced on December 22, 2024, that AEW would be taping the last episode of Rampage “for the foreseeable future”. 

The final episode was scheduled to air on December 27, 2024. Rampage, which debuted on August 13, 2021, was AEW’s second program to be featured on TNT.

The cancellation of Rampage is primarily due to the show not being included in AEW’s new TV deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, set to begin in January 2025. This new agreement, valued at approximately $185 million annually, focuses on AEW’s main programs, Dynamite and Collision, which will continue to air on TBS and TNT, respectively.

While these cancellations may disappoint some fans, AEW continues to evolve its programming strategy. The company remains committed to delivering high-quality wrestling content through its flagship shows, Dynamite and Collision, as well as pay-per-view events available for streaming on Max.

Cope Tells Brody King To ‘Take The Reins’ of House of Black On Collision

AEW has teased Brody King becoming the new leader of House of Black with a new segment featuring Adam Copeland on this week’s Collision.

The former WWE star, now going by just Cope in the company, had a rivalry with the AEW faction before his injury last year. He even had a singles match with King for the TNT Championship during the May 8, 2024 episode of Dynamite.

The two AEW stars shared the screen once again during the most recent TV tapings. Cope cut an interesting promo during this encounter, mentioning all the other members of the House of Black except for the group’s leader Malakai Black:

“We’ve been through a lot, but I hope you know that at the end of all of it, I respect you. I respect you [Julia]. I respect Buddy. I think you have the world of potential at your feet. I know what you bring to the table. Man, I felt it. I wanted us to be a group. But tell you what, it’s time for you to take the reins and run.”

Malakai Black has not been seen on AEW TV since the Full Gear PPV in November. The belief is that he’s finished up with the company and is just waiting for his contract to officially expire sometime in the next couple months.

This latest segment is another indication that the company is planning to move away from the former NXT Champion and we might see the group moving forward under the leadership of King instead.

Anthony Bowens Misses Collision Taping Due To Paradise Fire

AEW star Anthony Bowens has been forced to miss the January 11 episode of Saturday Night Collision due to the wildfire disaster in California. Bowens, a Southern California resident, took to social media earlier today to provide an update on his status and well-being before the latest AEW show.

The former tag champion noted that he and his partner are having to evacuate their homes as a precautionary measure after the Paradise fires started moving towards their area. Though Bowens confirmed that his neighborhood is safe as of now. The AEW star also thanked the LA Fire Department for their continuous hard work:

A group of fires has devasted the greater Los Angeles area since Tuesday this week. The Paradise Fire is the largest of the several blazes that have led to over 100,000 people evacuating their homes. WWE’s Cathy Kelley revealed earlier this week that she is one of the thousands who have been displaced.

The wildfires have destroyed over ten thousand structures and claimed as many as 16 lives per the latest reports. They have burned over 37,000 acres so far, an area bigger than the city of San Francisco. You can find a list of resources for affected residents as well as ways to help victims here.

Darby Allin Is Taking Time Off From AEW

Darby Allin is taking time off from AEW as the promotion kicks off 2025. Allin last competed on the December 22 episode of AEW Dynamite in a time-limit draw against Ricochet. According to Fightful, Allin has been off the road recently and has not appeared on AEW TV.

Reports indicate he has begun training for his planned ascent of Mount Everest and is not expected to return for several months.Allin is anticipated to receive a significant push upon his return, which is expected in the spring.

Darby Allin: Sting Tried To Talk Me Out Of Mount Everest Climb

darby mt everest edit 2

Darby Allin Climbing Mount Everest in 2025

Originally scheduled to climb Everest in 2024, Allin’s plans were delayed when he broke his foot while wrestling two weeks before his intended departure. He underwent surgery to have metal plates inserted and has since been recovering.

In preparation for the climb, Allin has been training both physically and mentally, scaling smaller mountains and focusing on improving his breathing techniques. He plans to walk up to 15 hours per day during the ascent.

Allin has expressed excitement for the challenge, stating that the climb is a way to remind himself of what he is capable of. He also plans to plant an AEW flag at the summit as a symbolic gesture.

Darby Allin Reveals Profound Motivation For Climbing Mount Everest

Jeff Jarrett Reveals Extent Of Creative Input On His AEW Character

Jeff Jarrett says he has very little creative control in AEW.

The wrestling veteran revealed earlier this year that he has signed a contract extension with the promotion. Jarrett announced that this is his last deal in wrestling as an active competitor. He also expressed his desire to win gold one more time before he retires.

The AEW star appeared on The Bobby Bones Show after this announcement to talk about his career. He discussed things such as being a legacy act, the Owen Hart Cup Tournament, and more.

When asked how much control he has over his current role in AEW, Jeff Jarrett claimed that he has ‘no real input’ and he only gives out suggestions every now and then:

“Very little. Very little. That’s a bit of an adjustment, good and bad. I don’t have the responsibility. It is a full-time, non-stop, juggling act. I have little to no real input. A little piece here and there, but for the most part, it’s not my ball to wack.”

Jarrett has declared that he is after singles gold in his last run and that he’ll be going after the AEW title. He competed in a Casino Gauntlet match at the latest episode of Dynamite to earn a shot at the championship but was unsuccessful in his quest.

The 57-year-old was confronted by MJF after this bout who offered to help Double J in his quest. MJF also revealed that Jeff only has a year to fulfil this goal. The Last Outlaw however, refused the offer from the former champion.

Malakai Black Expected To Become Free Agent Before WrestleMania

Malakai Black is set to become a free agent before WrestleMania 41 from Los Angeles according to latest reports.

There have been lots of rumors about the former NXT Champion’s future amid his AEW hiatus and many believed that he might already be done with Tony Khan’s promotion.

PWinsider recently provided an update on his situation however, noting that as of now, Black is still technically under an AEW deal. Though people within the company believe that he will not be returning to AEW programming and they expect him to become a free agent sometime in February or March.

Malakai Black was last seen on TV during the Full Gear PPV in November 2024. He teamed with Brody King for a fatal four-way tag team championship match but the duo were unsuccessful in their quest to win the title.

AEW hinted at Black’s faction member Buddy Matthews breaking away from the group and going on a singles run in 2025 during the most recent episode of Dynamite. The storyline only further suggests that the company is not factoring the former WWE star in their plans for the new year.

Known as Aleister Black in WWE, the 39-year-old was featured prominently in NXT under Triple H. Now that the game is running main roster creative, Black returning to the Endeavor-owned promotion seems like the most natural course of action if he does leave AEW.

Brodie Lee Jr. Getting Strong Reviews in Wrestling Training

Brodie Lee Jr. could have a very bright future ahead of him in wrestling, as he’s earning rave reivews in his in-ring training.

On X, Scott Fishman of SEScoops/TVInsider shared his admiration for Lee’s work in the ring and his respectful nature towards others.

Brodie Jr. is the son of Jon ‘Brodie Lee’ Huber, who also competed as Luke Harper for years in WWE. The elder Lee tragically passed away in December 2020 of Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A former TNT and Intercontinental Champion, Huber was 41 years old.

Within days of Brodie’s passing, Tony Schiavone revealed that AEW had signed Brodie Jr. (also known as Negative-One) to a contract, and will be taking care of the Huber family. Brodie’s mother Amanda later clarified that Brodie Jr’s contract will only become valid on his 18th birthday if he chooses to wrestle.

Brodie Lee Jr Pulled from TV For Letting His Grades Slip

Brodie Jr. is certainly getting a full education in wrestling from Natalya and TJ Wilson, both graduates from the Hart Family dungeon. Although the original dungeon has since closed its doors, the WWE couple opened their own facility last year where they train with stars from WWE and the wider wrestling world.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Brodie Lee Jr., as fans shouldn’t count out seeing Negative One in the ring as a professional wrestler.

Von Erichs Have Signed With AEW

Ross Von Erich and Marshall Von Erich are officially All Elite, signing contracts with AEW. The duo began appearing for AEW in November 2023, making their presence known on Dynamite, Rampage, and ROH programming.

The Von Erichs shared the news on their Claw podcast, with Marshall stating:

“Today, on this day, we can officially say that Ross and Marshall Von Erich are officially signed with AEW. The 12-year journey, it’s not an expensive hobby anymore.”

Ross added:

“This is kind of the thing we’ve been working towards our whole careers. We knew it would be on a big major scale, and this meets every parameter with that. It means a lot for the Von Erich family and, not to kiss Tony [Khan’s] butt, but he kind of single-handedly is keeping the Von Erich name and dream alive for us. He’s going to have our loyalty forever because of that. More than anything, we’re super excited for this day.”

Ross and Marshall are currently two-thirds of the ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champions, alongside Dustin Rhodes. However, they have been off television since September due to an injury to Marshall. With their official signing, the Von Erichs are poised to make an even greater impact within AEW.

Malakai Black Announced For Rare Indie Appearance Amid WWE Speculations

AEW star Malakai Black has been announced for a rare indie appearance amid his unexplained absence from TV and rumors about his future.

Coastal Championship Wrestling in Tampa Florida has announced that the former NXT Champion will be making his debut for the promotion at their HAVOC & HAZE 9 event this Saturday, January 11.

While an opponent for Black has not been announced, the company has confirmed that the All Elite Wrestling star will indeed be in action at the show from Magnanimous Brewing in Tampa, FL:

Malakai Black is still listed on AEW’s official roster but he has not wrestled for the company since November. He last wrestled in a fatal four-way tag team championship match at Full Gear where Private Party retained the tag titles.

During the most recent January 8 Dynamite, Will Ospreay cut a promo on Black’s faction member Buddy Matthews after defeating him in a singles match. Ospreay urged Matthews to ‘step out of’ the shadow of Black, fueling speculations that Buddy could be leaving the faction soon and starting a singles run.

The CCW announcement serves as a confirmation that Black is fit to perform despite not being used by AEW. This, coupled with reports of Black’s AEW contract has fuelled speculation about the 39-year-old potentially being on his way back to WWE.

Buddy Matthews Responds to Will Ospreay Amid Malakai Black Reports

Will Ospreay’s intriguing comments for Buddy Matthews didn’t go unnoticed, as questions remain about the future of the House of Black. During this week’s Dynamite, Ospreay encouraged Matthews to step out of the shadow of Malakai Black.

Ospreay got the win in their singles match, and after the show, Matthews admitted that 2025 had not kicked off as he had hoped. The Australian, who hopes to compete at Grand Slam next month, then turned his attention to Ospreay.

Will, even though you put a hiccup in my 2025, your words tonight didn’t go to deaf ears.”

Ospreay’s comment about Matthews stepping away from come at an interesting time, with reports that Black is finishing his time with AEW. The Dutchman hasn’t competed for AEW since November’s Full Gear pay-per-view, where he was on the losing end of a four-way tag team match with Matthews.

Matthews has been associated with Black since his arrival in AEW in 2022, and the prospect of the Australian going solo has intrigued fans. With his wife Rhea Ripley seeing huge success on her own in WWE, many are hoping to see Matthews do the same in AEW, if his time working with Black is indeed at an end as rumored.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Buddy Matthews and his status going forward in AEW, potentially as a singles performer.











Kenny Omega Brings Back Signature Catchphrase After AEW Dynamite

The fun didn’t stop for Kenny Omega after this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite went off the air. Grabbing the mic after the show, Omega said goodbye with his signature ‘bang’ catchphrase.

“And now that we are finally off the air, and finally I am not being attacked by anybody, I can finally say Goodbye and good night bang!”

The show in Clarksville, Tennessee marked Omega’s return to Dynamite. During the show, Omega discussed his struggles with diverticulitis, his doubts about returning to the ring, and his determination to prove that he can still be the best.

Omega’s homecoming was interrupted by Don Callis, and Brian Cage, Lance Archer and Kyle Fletcher thwarted the Cleaner’s attempt to get his hands on Callis. Will Ospreay arrived to make the save with a steel chair, leading to a tense face-off between former rivals to end the show.

Omega’s next match will be against Brian Cage on the January 15 episode of AEW Dynamite. With this being Omega’s first match on Dynamite since the November 15, 2023, episode of AEW’s flagship show, fans are excited to see how the Canadian fares in just seven days time.

Length Of Jeff Jarrett’s Final Talent Contract Revealed

The length of Jeff Jarrett’s final contract as an active in-ring wrestler was revealed on this week’s episode of Dynamite from F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Double J participated in the Casino Gauntlet match for a shot at the AEW World Title on the January 8th show. He missed out on the championship opportunity after getting into a brawl with Wheeler Yuta.

Jarrett stayed in the ring after the match for an interview with Ian Riccaboni. Before he could say anything, however, MJF’s music hit and the former AEW Champion came out to confront the wrestling veteran.

Maxwell revealed during his promo that Jarrett’s contract extension only lasts a year and the Salt of The Earth offered to help the former WWF star.

Jeff Jarrett responded to MJF in his own way dubbing the young star a ‘one-hit wonder.’ He ended the promo calling Friedman an ‘entitled prick’ before walking away. 

The Last Outlaw announced his contract extension with AEW last week revealing that it was his final contract as an in-ring performer.

Jarrett had also expressed his aspiration to win gold one more time before calling it a career and made it clear that he was going after the AEW World title.

Powerhouse Hobbs Wins Casino Gauntlet Match, Earns AEW World Title Match

Powerhouse Hobbs has achieved one of the most significant milestones of his AEW career, earning the #1 contender spot for the AEW World Heavyweight Championship, currently held by Jon Moxley.

Hobbs previously challenged Moxley for the IWGP World Heavyweight Title on the April 24, 2024, episode of AEW Dynamite. However, a leg injury sustained during the match sidelined him until November.

On this week’s Dynamite from the F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, Tennessee, Hobbs secured his spot as the top contender by winning the Casino Gauntlet Match. The match featured a stacked lineup of competitors, including:

  • Jay White
  • Hangman Page
  • Wheeler Yuta
  • Ricochet
  • Adam Cole
  • Daniel Garcia
  • Powerhouse Hobbs
  • Roderick Strong
  • Lance Archer
  • Kyle O’Reilly
  • Jeff Jarrett

With the victory, Hobbs will face Moxley for the AEW World Heavyweight Championship on next week’s Dynamite, which carries the special title Maximum Carnage. The event will take place in Cincinnati, Ohio, Moxley’s hometown.

Also announced for Maximum Carnage is a match between Christian Cage and Hook, as well as a Women’s Casino Gauntlet Match. The winner of the gauntlet will earn a shot at Mariah May’s AEW Women’s Title at Grand Slam Australia.

Malakai Black May Be Departing From AEW

Speculation is growing that Malakai Black may be finishing his run with AEW.

During Wednesday’s episode of AEW Dynamite, Will Ospreay defeated Buddy Matthews in a high-energy match. Following the bout, Ospreay urged Matthews to “step out of the shadow of Malakai Black,” fueling rumors about Black’s status with the promotion.

Fightful Select reports that “those that we spoke to in the company were of the belief that he was finishing up with AEW if he hadn’t already. They did not clarify if he’d be appearing on TV again.”

This speculation arises despite prior reports suggesting option years in Black’s contract extending through 2025, and Tony Khan publicly stating that Black was under contract until 2027. It remains unclear whether his contract has ended, an option was declined or exercised, or if there has been any formal transaction.

As of now, Black is still listed on AEW’s official website. However, he has not wrestled for the company since Full Gear.

Fans won’t have to wait long to see Black back in action, as he is scheduled to wrestle Irion at Coastal Championship Wrestling’s Havoc & Haze 9 in Tampa on Saturday, January 11, 2025.

Jojo Offerman Expected To Do More With AEW

JoJo Offerman’s recent appearance in AEW has sparked speculation about her future with the promotion, and it might not be the last time fans see her there.

The former WWE ring announcer performed introductions for a dark match ahead of the January 4 episode of AEW Collision. According to Fightful Select, sources within AEW have indicated that Offerman is expected to do more with the company, though specific details or a timeline have not been disclosed.

Offerman previously worked for WWE as a ring announcer and interviewer. Longtime fans may also recall her brief stint as an in-ring competitor, including her appearance at WWE Survivor Series in 2013. However, Fightful has not reported any indications of her interest in returning to wrestling.

Beyond her work in WWE, Offerman gained notoriety as a main cast member on the first season of Total Divas and continued to make guest appearances on the reality show. She also pursued a career as a singer. In 2021, Offerman chose to leave WWE after five years of consistent work as a ring announcer.

With her recent AEW appearance, fans are left wondering what the next chapter holds for JoJo Offerman in the wrestling world.

Chris Jericho Horror Movie Dark Match Coming to Shudder

Dark Match, a new horror movie starring AEW’s Chris Jericho, will land on the popular horror streaming service Shudder later this month. A description for the film reads:

A wrestling company lands a lucrative gig in a remote town, only to find themselves at the mercy of a cult leader with sinister intentions.

Jericho will play the role of ‘Prophet’ but isn’t the only notable name attached. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Ayisha Issa (Transplant), Steven Ogg (The Walking Dead, Westworld), Sara Canning (The Vampire Diaries), Michael Eklund (The Call), and Jonathan Cherry (Goon). Lowell Dean (Wolfcop) is attached as writer and director.

Dark Match will mark the latest big-screen role for Jericho, who’s first foray into horror acting came in 2009’s Albino Farm. In 2022, Jericho played ‘Burke’ in Terrifier 2 and reprised the role for the film’s sequel last year.

Jericho’s love of horror has also extended into his pro-wrestling career, with his ‘Painmaker’ character during his New Japan run blending elements of horror and the macabre. While Jericho has shared his goal to develop the character and create a Painmaker movie, little has been heard about this project in recent years.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Chris Jericho as the wrestling legend continues to show his entertaining chops both in and out of the ring.

Chris Jericho Visits Childhood Street in Winnipeg Named After Him

Ric Flair: No Return To The Ring Ever!

Ric Flair has reassured fans that he has no intention of stepping back into the wrestling ring for another match. While recently appearing on the Five Star Podcast, Flair was asked whether he thought he could still compete in a match. His confident response—“Hell yeah, I do”—sparked speculation about a possible return.

The comments caught the attention of WWE Superstar Bronson Reed, who jokingly questioned people wanting to see him hit his finishing move, the Tsunami, on Flair, implying it could be life-threatening for the wrestling legend. In response, Flair took to social media to put the rumors to rest and clarify his stance:

“No Return To The Ring Ever! Thankful For The Great Health And The Conditioning That Would Allow Me To. Bronson Reed Couldn’t Tsunami Me On His Best Day!”

Flair wrestled his final match on July 31, 2022, teaming with his son-in-law, Andrade El Idolo, to defeat Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett. The bout, promoted as Flair’s retirement match, drew concern from fans due to his age and his health condition, which includes having a pacemaker.

Flair’s performance in the match appeared hindered at times, and he later attributed his struggles to dehydration caused by his strict diet and weight management during training. Despite his confidence in his current health and conditioning, Flair has made it clear that his days in the squared circle are over.

JoJo Offerman Debuts As AEW Ring Announcer

On January 4, 2025, wrestling fans at AEW Collision in Charlotte, North Carolina, were treated to an unexpected surprise when JoJo Offerman made her AEW debut as a ring announcer during a dark match. Known for her previous work in WWE, Offerman’s appearance marked a significant moment in her return to the wrestling world.

JoJo Offerman AEW Debut

Offerman, who served as a ring announcer for WWE from 2013 to 2021, stepped away from the industry after her tenure. Beyond her professional career, she is recognized as the widow of the late Windham Rotunda, known to fans as Bray Wyatt.

Her return to wrestling had been the subject of speculation since September 2024, when she revealed her interest in coming back to the industry, hinting at ambitions beyond ring announcing.

In recent interviews, Offerman shared that she would return to wrestling “when the time felt right.” Her AEW debut could signify the beginning of a new chapter in her career.

Stay tuned for the latest on JoJo Offerman’s future in professional wrestling.

Championship Clashes and Trios Action on AEW Collision

Tonight’s AEW Collision, live from the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina, promises to be an electrifying event as All Elite Wrestling continues its momentum into the new year. The show will simulcast on TNT and MAX for the first time, setting the stage for an exciting evening of professional wrestling.

TNT Championship: Daniel Garcia vs. Mark Briscoe

AEW Collision Preview: January 4, 2025
Hot action for sickos tonight on AEW Collision

Daniel Garcia defends his TNT Championship against former ROH World Champion Mark Briscoe in a highly anticipated title match. Both competitors have shown incredible skill and determination in their respective careers, making this bout a must-watch for fans.

AEW World Tag Team Championship: Private Party vs. Lio Rush & Action Andretti

Private Party, consisting of Isaiah Kassidy and Marq Quen, put their AEW World Tag Team Titles on the line against the formidable duo of Lio Rush and Action Andretti. This match is expected to be a thrilling contest with both teams showcasing their unique styles.

The Learning Tree vs. Rated FTR & Jeff Jarrett

In a trios match, The Learning Tree (Bryan Keith, Big Bill, & Chris Jericho) face off against Rated FTR (Cope & FTR) and Jeff Jarrett. This confrontation has been building up since their intense encounter on AEW Dynamite, adding an extra layer of tension to this already stacked card.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest AEW news on the road to AEW Dynamite: Maximum Carnage.

Big Boom AJ Reveals Target Date For AEW In-Ring Return

Costco Guy AJ Befumo, also known as Big Boom AJ, is gearing up for an in-ring return with AEW after making his promotional debut a few months ago. Befumo’s first AEW bout, a showdown with QT Marshall, took place at the AEW Full Gear pay-per-view at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. The match featured dramatic outside interference from Paul Wight and Aron Solo, with Solo distracting QT Marshall and subsequently getting laid out. As the referee’s attention was diverted, Big Justice (Eric Befumo) delivered a spear to QT, setting the stage for AJ to secure the victory with a powerbomb.

Befumo and his son Big Justice, who wrestled alongside him, recently spoke to Cultaholic about plans for their next AEW appearance. According to the duo, AJ’s next match is tentatively scheduled for the AEW Revolution pay-per-view in March.

“He’s going to wrestle in March,” Big Justice told Cultaholic. “We’re looking at—talking to the AEW team—it looks like I’ll be at Revolution in March,” Befumo confirmed. “That’s what we’re gunning for right now. Maybe an appearance before that, but that’s the plan.”

AEW Revolution is set to take place at Crypto.com Arena (formerly the Staples Center) in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 9.

Before achieving social media fame, AJ Befumo worked on the independent wrestling scene. He and his son gained widespread recognition as the “Costco Guys” on platforms like TikTok, where they documented their visits to the wholesale retailer and rated products from its food court. Their unique blend of humor and relatability helped the father-and-son duo transition from influencers to professional wrestlers in AEW.

Mercedes Moné Shares Illness Struggles The Day of AEW Worlds End

Mercedes Moné successfully retained her AEW TBS Championship at Worlds End, but Kris Statlander wasn’t the CEO’s only battle on the night. In the latest edition of her Moné Mag newsletter, Mercedes shared that in the days running up to the show, she was dealing with exhaustion and “the lingering effects of a relentless illness.”

The day of the show, Moné felt even worse, raising questions backstage as to whether she’d be able to compete.

“I reached out to my doctor for advice on managing my illness, and on the day of the event, I was terrified about how I would make it through the show.”

Moné was seen to by her Boston’s Vital Care team, who provided her with an IV bag before she made it to the arena. Thankfully, Moné was able to make it through the match, which she chalked up to her own adrenaline as well as “renewed energy” from Statlander.

Despite her illness, Moné and Statlander delivered a show-stealing performance. At nearly 25 minutes, the match became the longest women’s match in AEW history, breaking the previous record set by the same pair at Full Gear 2024. Once again, Moné emerged victorious.

The year 2024 was a monumental one for Mercedes Mone. Within just 12 months, she joined AEW and became a double champion, cementing her legacy in professional wrestling. As The CEO continues to reign as TBS Champion, fans eagerly anticipate what she will achieve in 2025.