After weeks of not-so-subtle teasing, the clock has struck midnight and The Elite are returning.
Following a win over Top Flight and AR Fox, PAC took the mic to address the videos and rumors. “If there are certain individuals in this company who think that they can make their triumphant return this Saturday at Full Gear and if they think they can just mosey in here and best the Death Triangle, well, that’s ridiculous.” PAC then issued a challenge. The screen showed a graphic of Death Triangle without an opponent. Suddenly, The Elite’s picture appeared.
The Elite became inaugural AEW Trios champions back at ALL OUT. It didn’t last long as they were involved in a post ALL OUT brawl with CM Punk and Ace Steele (Larry, the dog was an innocent bystander). This led to suspensions of everyone involved and the stripping of their titles (Punk was AEW World Champion at the time).
On the following Dynamite, Death Triangle faced Best Friends for the vacant Trios championships. Death Triangle went on to win and have defended the titles several times since.
“He’ll be back. The guy who wrote The Waterboy has approved. Tony Khan and I have secured the rights to Captain Insano. There’s already an outfit made, the whole nine yards. We’re doing a lot of prep work, and this will be my last hoorah so to speak.”
It remains to be seen if Captain Insano will ever wrestle a match for AEW. It’s possible we will see him as a bonus character in the upcoming AEW: Fight Forever video game.
You can watch the music video for ‘A Hand for A Hand’ by The Acclaimed below. The song is a diss track mocking Swerve In Our Glory, who challenge for The Acclaimed’s tag titles this Saturday at AEW Full Gear.
Wrestling legend Jake Roberts took to Twitter today to announce some great news.
Jake has been battling COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and hasn’t appeared on AEW television in some time. The WWE Hall of Famer announced that he is at AEW Dynamite tonight and no longer requires an oxygen tank.
“Off oxygen for good!! Standing tall doing great. At AEW AGAIN!! Sweet life I’m living!!
Off oxygen for good!! Standing tall doing great. At AEW AGAIN!! Sweet life I’m living!!
Jake debuted in AEW in March 2020. He confronted former TNT Champion Cody Rhodes and said that he has a client ready to conquer The American Nightmare. Roberts serves as the manager of Lance Archer in AEW.
Jake Roberts on His Health Issues
Jake Roberts was recently interviewed on Premier Live TV and discussed his health issues. The 67-year-old said that he had difficulty talking for more than 20-seconds at the time and complimented All Elite Wrestling for caring about him.
“I’m just gonna hit on it fairly briefly because we’re still struggling with it. About a week ago, I just couldn’t quit coughing and couldn’t breathe. That’s not good, you know? I wound up having to get to the hospital and stay for a few days. I wish I could say this was COVID but it’s not. What I’ve got is worse than COVID.
It’s something that was passed down to me through the bloodlines and all that stuff, and it’s issues with COPD – of course, me being a dumb son of a b*tch, I smoked cigarettes, you dumb f*ck. Guys, if you don’t ever do anything in your life, just don’t smoke and you’ll live much happier. I promise you that……it’s serious for me. I don’t get the right amount of oxygen into my blood and that’s not good.
I don’t know how much it’s gonna limit me in my future……I know that without the oxygen and I talk for about 20 seconds, I’m done. I can’t do it anymore. It’s just not there. So, it’s gonna be something Im gonna have to work with. The thing I’m happiest about is I’m with AEW and they actually give a damn. It’s really wild, they actually care about the athletes, they actually give us the help we need, and they actually set up protocols……these guys are smart enough to protect us from ourselves. I am so over the top happy with them.”
Britt Baker is fired up after Saraya “ripped her to shreds” during a promo last week on AEW Dynamite. Saraya held nothing back when she laid out her long, painful journey to getting ‘medically cleared’ after several years on the sidelines due to injuries.
After having a few days to process everything, Baker admits Saraya is a real-life role model with an inspiring story. She aspires to achieve Saraya’s level of worldwide stardom. For now, she wants to make one thing clear: AEW is still her house. The two will clash this weekend at Full Gear after months of build, which began long before Saraya arrived in All Elite Wrestling at Grand Slam.
The former AEW Women’s champion appeared on Busted Open Radio this week to discuss her mentality heading into the pay-per-view.
“It definitely motivated me, because she ripped me apart. She literally ripped me to shreds.”
– Britt Baker on Saraya’s promo (AEW Dynamite, 11/9/22)
“So, I was kind of in shock for a second,” said Baker. “It was very surreal hearing everything she was saying to me. Even everything she went through, that was very real and raw. That’s totally her. Her digs at me aside, this girl is a real life role model. Everything she went through, everything she’s overcome. Now she’s standing in a ring across the top girl in AEW. Hats off to her, but this is my house. And the fans know that. They told you that, this is my house.”
Saraya is a Star
Toni Storm’s Interim AEW Women’s Championship defense against Jamie Hayter has the higher stakes, but Baker vs. Saraya is the most anticipated women’s match at Full Gear.
Baker says Saraya will bring new eyes to AEW, which will help the company’s expansion. She also understands that Saraya may not be angry with her specifically, even though she felt the wrath last week.
“She has her hardcore group of fans,” said Baker. “This girl’s a star. There’s probably that don’t even watch wrestling that watched her family’s movie that want to watch this match because they’re a fan of her and the story. She’s a worldwide star and I can’t take that away from her. Actually, I would like to be what she is one day. But when it comes to AEW, this is my house, you can’t come in to my house and tell me that you laid the foundation. You didn’t lay a single brick.”
“I’m happy that she said every single word she did in that promo, because this is the most fired up I’ve ever been and it’s not every day that I get to stand in the ring face to face and do a back and forth promo with someone. That was really exciting. Even though she was cutting me deep, and she certainly was cutting me deep, it was very motivating, because I did feel how raw she was.
“She was angry and i don’t think she’s angry at me. I think she’s angry at the situation, but what she told me that I don’t have what it takes to be a star, ok well if you meant to say it or not, you said it, because now, all bets are off. You’re cleared, let’s have a match, let’s go this Saturday.”
AEW Full Gear takes place this Saturday, November 18th from 19th from Newark, NJ. The event airs live on pay-per-view.
MJF is scheduled to face Jon Moxley for the AEW World Championship this Saturday at Full Gear in the main event. Blackpool Combat Club’s William Regal has gotten into MJF’s head ahead of the match. MJF has vowed not to use the Dynamite Diamond Ring in the match and earn the title on his own.
AEW Full Gear 2022 Preview
Full Gear will take place at the Prudential Center in New Jersey, or “the shadow of New York” as WWE referred to NJ ahead of WrestleMania 35.
Ahead of tonight’s edition of AEW Dynamite, MJF sent out a message on Twitter. The 26-year-old stated that there has been a shadow cast over AEW by a bunch of “bullsh*t”. Friedman added that All Elite Wrestling needs the devil and he’s ready.
There’s been a shadow casted over AEW by a bunch of f*cking bullsh*t. We are closer then ever to stepping out of the darkness and into the light. We have the roster. We have the platform. Now all we need is stability, change, and leadership. We need the Devil. I’m ready.
There’s been a shadow casted over AEW by a bunch of fucking bullshit.
We are closer then ever to stepping out of the darkness and into the light. We have the roster. We have the platform. Now all we need is stability, change, and leadership.
MJF hasn’t appeared live on Dynamite since the attack by The Firm a few weeks ago. Stokely Hathaway’s faction helped MJF win the Casino Ladder match at AEW All Out on September 4th but the group has since turned against him.
5 Reasons MJF Needs to Win the AEW World Championship
He appeared on last week’s Dynamite while a guest on Barstool Sports’ popular Pardon My Take podcast. MJF delivered a warning to Jon Moxley ahead of the PPV this Saturday night. The 26-year-old noted that he is the guy that wave the flag for AEW and professional wrestling moving forward.
I’m the guy that can come on the #1 sports podcast in the world, Pardon My Take. I’m the guy who can do movies, TV shows, commercials, talk shows, and I can wave the flag of the AEW brand.
And hell, I can wave the flag of professional wrestling and bring pro wrestling back to where it belongs as something that everyone is talking about.
The Young Bucks (Nick and Matt Jackson) have abandoned their trademark application for the name, The Wayward Sons.
The Bucks applied for the name on November 3. The ‘Goods and Services’ usage description at the United States Patent and Trademark Office included “entertainment services in the nature of wrestling contests” along with a slew of merchandise offerings, such as shirts, hats, bandanas and more.
Less than two weeks later, their application was rescinded on November 14. No specific reason has been for the abandonment, but it’s likely they received word the application would not be approved due to conflicts with existing trademarks.
The Young Bucks Returning
The top tag team has been away from All Elite Wrestling since the events that transpired after September’s AEW All Out pay-per-view.
The Elite have been backstage at recent AEW Dynamite events, with the belief that they will be returning to television shortly.
In recent weeks, vignettes promoting the “deletion” of the Bucks and Omega have begun airing on AEW television. The Bucks and Omega have been added back to television commercials for Dynamite and Rampage, another indication that they are returning soon.
Is CM Punk going to return to WWE soon? Not if some in the company can help it.
Since his explosive comments at AEW All Out and the backstage fight, it has been rumored that Punk could return to WWE despite his infamous 2014 walkout.
Punk has been suspended from AEW since All Out and there is no sign of his return despite the investigation into the backstage fight recently concluding.
Do Not Want
Punk in WWE, despite the frosty relationship between the two sides over the years, would certainly be a huge deal at a time when the company is at war with AEW.
Triple H has reportedly “softened” his stance on CM Punk but not everyone is wanting to see him return.
While speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said that many in WWE do not want Punk back, but they have no say over the creative.
“I know people in WWE who absolutely do not want him [CM Punk] there, but they are not the people on the creative team.”
Dave Meltzer.
Meltzer added that those people in WWE are aware of what happened in AEW, and seriously question why risk the same happening in their promotion.
This attitude isn’t too different from the feeling in AEW, with reports that talent will refuse to work with Punk if he is brought back by Tony Khan.
WWVD?
Many in WWE may be opposed to a CM Punk return, but it will ultimately come down to what WWE co-CEOs Nick Khan and Stephanie McMahon, and WWE Head of Creative/Talent Triple H, think is best.
On his show, Meltzer said that Triple H may be against bringing Punk in, and questioned what Vince McMahon would do if he was still in charge.
““Paul may just go in there and go, ‘Look what happened, we don’t need it’. And they don’t. They don’t need it, and he may just do that.
““If it was Vince, Vince would do it I think, with that kind of money at stake.”
Dave Meltzer.
CM Punk’s status with AEW remains unclear, and Tony Khan has made it clear he will not be addressing the matter in public.
With AEW Full Gear taking place this Saturday night in Newark, New Jersey, more and more information about the event is starting to unfold. We expect the card to be finalized tomorrow night during AEW Dynamite, and last week we got clues that The Elite will be at the event.
Now, we have the latest betting odds on the event revealed, courtesy of our friends at BetOnline.
MJF is a favorite (-700) to capture the AEW world title in his match with Jon Moxley (+400).
The Acclaimed are tied as the biggest favorites on the show (-2000) to retain their AEW Tag Team Championships against Swerve in our Glory (+700).
Chris Jericho is a slight favorite (-240) to retain the ROH title against Bryan Danielson (+235), Claudio Castagnoli (+500), and Sammy Guevara (+1000).
Jade Cargill is favorited (-2000) to retain the TBS title against Nyla Rose.
“Jungle Boy” Jack Perry is a clear favorite (-700) against Luchasaurus (+400).
In her big return match, Saraya is favored (-700) against Britt Baker (+400).
Darby Allin and Sting (-500) are clear favorites against Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett (+300) in their tag team match.
Toni Storm is a very slight favorite (-140) to retain the AEW Women’s Interim Championship against Jamie Hayter (+100), the closest line on the show.
Stay tuned to SEScoops as we get you ready for AEW Full Gear this weekend.
Check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news. Apple – Spotify – YouTube.
CM Punk’s AEW career may continue for months to come, even if he isn’t featured on Television.
Punk debuted in AEW last year after a seven-year hiatus from wrestling following his controversial exit from WWE in January 2014.
After explosive comments made on the All Out 2022 post-show media scrum, as well as a backstage fight, Punk has been suspended from the company.
Punk Staying?
It has been reported that AEW seeks to buy out the remainder of Punk’s contract and release their problematic two-time former World Champion.
Reports of Punk’s exit come at a time when it is reported that WWE is trying to lure ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin back for one more match.
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that “issues” may prevent the long-anticipated Punk Vs. Austin match.
“If you’re looking for the match that’s going to shake up the business, the Punk match is the one. But I don’t know that Punk will have a release [from his AEW contract.] There’s just a lot of issues there.”
Dave Meltzer.
Austin has been sharing workout videos over the past week and looks in shape for another match.
19 years after his WrestleMania 19 loss to The Rock, Austin competed at this year’s WrestleMania with a win over Kevin Owens.
Could Punk Return?
As soon as reports began that AEW could cut Punk, rumors circulated of a WWE return.
Last month, it was noted that WWE’s Head of Talent Triple H has “softened” his stance on Punk, and that the two could make amends.
Punk and WWE have been very hostile against each other since Punk’s 2014 walkout.
Yet another prominent star from All Elite Wrestling is reportedly dealing with an injury.
This year has seen several top names from the promotion go down hurt, including CM Punk (twice) and Bryan Danielson.
Adam Cole has been out for months due to a concussion, while ‘Hangman’ Adam Page is also on the shelf.
This week, it was reported that Abadon suffered an injury while competing at an indie event.
Luchasaurus Injured
Luchasaurus is just the latest AEW star to have been bitten by the injury bug, according to Bryan Alverez.
During the latest Wrestling Observer Live, Alverez suggested that the former AEW World Tag Team Champion has injured his right arm.
“This Luchasaurus is hurt. I don’t know if you noticed, but he did a left-armed chokeslam. He’s hurt. I don’t know how long he’s been hurt, but he’s been hurt for a while now. Hopefully, it’s not something serious.”
Bryan Alverez.
Despite this reported injury, Luchasaurus is scheduled to face Jungle Boy at Full Gear this weekend in a Steel Cage match.
Luchasaurus Vs. Jungle Boy
In 2019, mere months into AEW starting, Luchasaurus and Jungle Boy would form the popular Jurrasic Express, and would capture the World Tag Team Championships in January of this year.
Later recruiting Christian Cage, Jurassic Express would lose the titles in July, and Cage would turn on Jungle Boy, with Luchasaurus also turning on Jungle Boy.
At Fyter Fest Week 2, Luchasaurus turned on Christian Cage to realign with Jungle Boy, but this proved to be a short-lived team, and turned on Jungle Boy again at AEW All Out.
“That’s what I said [in response to Van Vliet saying Banks and Saraya should wrestle.] I really wanted to have that match with Sasha. I wanted to have that rematch with her, because we have that built-in story. So I really wanted that.”
Saraya added that Banks was one of the first people she told after doctor’s cleared her to wrestle, as The Boss had stressed for years over the injury.
Despite being in different companies, Saraya remains optimistic about a rematch.
“One day I’ll have my match with Sasha [Banks.]”
Saraya.
Banks’ Absence
Even if Saraya was still with WWE, a match with Banks would be unlikely at this time, given the latter’s suspension.
Sasha Banks (and Naomi) haven’t been seen since walking out of the May 16, episode of Raw over a creative dispute.
Speaking about Banks, Saraya said that it is great to see Banks try her hand outside of the ring.
“She’s going down her own path and stuff now, she’s doing her own thing. You don’t know where she’s going to be, she has an exciting life going on right now. I’m very pleased [for her.] She’s building her career outside of wrestling too. It’s awesome.”
Banks has been building her portfolio outside of wrestling, launching her own CBD Oil company with ex-Superstar Kalisto, and appearing in Disney+ hit ‘The Mandalorian.’
Britt Baker
On last week’s AEW Dynamite, Saraya not just confirmed that she is medically cleared, but added that she’ll be facing Britt Baker at Full Gear 2022.
Ahead of arguably the most important match of her career, Saraya had plenty of praise for the former AEW Women’s World Champion.
“Now I get to face Britt [Baker.] I’ve always wanted to face Britt, and in this brand-new company as well. The crazy part is that she’s always been a big fan of mine… She’s a fan of mine so it is cool that I get to have my comeback story with her and she’s so supportive, so I’m excited. I’m excited.”
AEW Full Gear 2022 will take place this Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Out of the Ring
Though she is cleared to wrestle, Saraya will not be 100% focused on her wrestling career at this time.
Outside of the industry, the former Divas Champion has plenty of opportunities and projects which she plans to keep working on.
“I’m still focusing on things outside of wrestling and still building Saraya up as the brand, rather than [just] Paige and being a wrestler. I’m still in the mindset of still building that, but it’s so good to be in the mindset that I can do something I’ve been in love with my whole life.”
Outside of wrestling, Saraya has a successful Twitch channel, and launched her own brand of clothing and cosmetics during her retirement.
All Elite Wrestling’s Jay Lethal is going to be sticking with the company for the long haul according to recent comments by Lethal himself.
Lethal debuted for AEW one year ago at the Full Gear 2021 Pay-Per-View and has aligned himself with Sonjay Dutt and Satnam Singh.
Before arriving in AEW, Lethal competed for Ring of Honor and holds the record for the most combined days as Ring of Honor World Champion.
Staying in AEW
Lethal is a well-traveled wrestler, having competed in AEW, ROH, and Impact Wrestling, among other smaller promotions.
Now that he’s with AEW though, Lethal is ready to settle down, as he told Kurt Angle on the Olympian’s podcast.
“I’ll be at AEW until the company closes, they let me go, or they fire me, because, to me, in wrestling, if I’m going to put my body, my life, and my career on the line for you, I’ve got to appreciate and love you. There is some bond between us and I’m going to try my hardest to not ever break that bond.”
Lethal has certainly been booked prominently since arriving in AEW, and will compete at this weekend’s Full Gear event.
The man once called Black Machismo will team with Jeff Jarrett to face Darby Allin and Sting in Double-J’s AEW in-ring debut.
What Could Have Been…
Lethal is happy with his role in AEW, but is aware that things could have been much different.
Speaking about his sense of loyalty, Lethal believes he would not have tried to leave either Ring of Honor or Impact had things been different.
“My dad and I have always talked about being loyal and wrestling and not just going to the highest bidder.”
“I would have been in IMPACT Wrestling, I believe, to this day if they didn’t let me go. Ring of Honor, if they didn’t close down, I would still be wrestling for them to this day.”
Jay Lethal.
In late 2021, Ring of Honor temporarily ceased operations due to costs, and resurfaced in March 2022, now owned by AEW President Tony Khan.
The crowd in Dubai may not be interested in seeing Guevara competing in pro boxing, but that is the reported plan.
After Guevara was announced for the Global Titans event, Dave Meltzer reported that the show’s promoters are hopeful that Guevara will compete at a future show.
The former AEW TNT Champion does not have any professional fighting experience.
Guevara in AEW
Joining AEW in February 2019, Guevara is a record-tying three-time AEW TNT Champion, an accolade he shares with Cody Rhodes.
Once part of the Inner Circle, Guevara is now part of the Jericho Appreciation Society.
The Spanish God’s actions out of the ring have also been noteworthy, as he engaged in an altercation with Eddie Kingston earlier this year, and was more recently attacked by Andrade El Idolo.
Guevara’s most recent match came on last week’s AEW Dynamite, where he lost to Bryan Danielson in a two out of three falls match.
Former TNT Champion Miro hasn’t been featured on AEW television lately and there hasn’t been any reason provided for his absence.
He was randomly thrown in a 6-man tag team match at the now infamous All Out PPV on September 4th. Miro teamed up with Darby Allin and Sting to defeat the House of Black at the PPV.
Buddy Matthews bashed Miro with Sting’s baseball bat to take him out of the match. Sting spit mist in Malakai Black’s eyes and Darby capitalized for the pinfall victory. Darby Allin and Sting have been booked for a match at AEW Full Gear on November 19th. The duo will battle Jay Lethal and the recently signed Jeff Jarrett in a tag team match.
AEW Full Gear 2022 Preview
Miro is not currently booked for a match for the PPV at the Prudential Center this Saturday. All Elite Wrestling is holding another World Title Eliminator tournament with the finals taking place at the PPV. Miro was a part of the tournament last year but lost to Bryan Danielson in the finals via submission at Full Gear 2021. The former TNT Champion was a replacement for Jon Moxley when he stepped away last year. He was not included in the tournament this year.
A fan on Twitter put together some highlights of The Redeemer in All Elite Wrestling and Miro responded. The 37-year-old responded with “remember that guy?”, a nod to his mysterious lack of television time on Dynamite or Rampage.
Former WWE Superstar CJ Perry (Lana) and Miro’s better half joined Busted Open Radio recently and was asked about her husband’s bizarre booking in All Elite Wrestling. She noted that AEW President Tony Khan has his favorites that he is going to push.
Tony Khan has his favorites and he’s going to push the favorites just like Vince [McMahon] would push his favorites, just like Hunter is going to push his people. It’s show business.
AEW holding a show in the UK has been years in the making. In fact, Ogogo’s former rival Cody Rhodes was talking about bringing ‘elite’ wrestling to the country since 2019.
The former Olympic boxer recently spoke withDesert Island Graps and used a hockey analogy to explain how hard he’s working to get back in an AEW ring.
“When I do get the chance, I will score a hat trick and I won’t give up,” he said.
When asked if AEW’s UK debut was the place for him to score this hat trick, Ogogo couldn’t contain his excitement.
“Mate, I’ve got a f**king stiffy.”
The Guv’nor’s AEW career has been hampered with injuries. Last summer, he revealed his in-ring career was on hold due to him undergoing his 10th eye surgery since suffering a broken eye socket during a 2016 boxing fight.
His biggest AEW feud as was against Cody Rhodes, a feud both men reget. He hasn’t wrestled in 2022.
All Elite Wrestling presents Full Gear this Saturday night, live from Trenton, New Jersey. The PPV event begins at 8:00 p.m. Eastern, and there will be a one hour pre-show
It’s the fourth installment of Full Gear, which originated in 2019 with a show from Baltimore. Last year’s event took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota and featured “Hangman” Adam Page capturing the AEW World Championship.
It’s been a long road to Full Gear following the real-life backstage brawl that occurred after the All Out PPV in Chicago. However, AEW has started to get back on course in recent weeks. The Elite (Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks) look to be scheduled to return on the PPV, and MJF gets a world title opportunity against Jon Moxley in what could be the young star’s crowning moment.
The lineup will be finalized after Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite. We will update the card here as needed.
Stay tuned for our AEW Full Gear predictions coming later this week.
AEW World Tag Team Champions The Acclaimed vs. Swerve In Our Glory
AEW World Championship Eliminator Tournament Finals (TBD)
AEW Women’s World Interim Champion Toni Storm vs. Jamie Hayter
ROH World Champion Chris Jericho vs. Bryan Danielson vs. Claudio Castagnoli vs. Sammy Guevara
AEW TBS Champion Jade Cargill vs. Nyla Rose
Britt Baker vs. Saraya
Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal vs. Sting and Darby Allin
Luchasaurus vs. “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry
The card listed here will be updated as it changes.
When is AEW Full Gear 2022
Full Gear takes place this Saturday, November 19th, from Trenton, New Jersey at the Prudential Center.
The event starts at 8:00 p.m. Eastern / 5:00 p.m. Pacific. There is a one-hour pre-show that begins one hour before the main card. Matches for the pre-show will be finalized this week.
How to Watch AEW Full Gear 2022
AEW Full Gear 2022 streams live on Bleacher Report in the United States and on FITE.tv internationally.
Cody Rhodes recently responded to a tweet from a fan about Cody’s reason for leaving AEW, a shocking move at the time as he was one of the key people to help launch the promotion in addition to Tony Khan, Kenny Omega, and The Young Bucks.
A story that had made the rounds over the last few months claimed that Cody had a rift with The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega, and they are the reason why he left AEW. There was another story regarding how Rhodes had issues with CM Punk. There have also been stories about money and the way he was booked.
Cody Rhodes on his AEW Run
Rhodes took to Twitter to debunk those rumors. In a recent response, Rhodes responded to a fan who wrote, “Was the personal issue being booed? Because I still have no clue why people booed you out of nowhere.”
Rhodes dismissed and noted that he was a true heel despite being portrayed as a babyface.
Ha no – I was a heel, the fans were amazing. It ain’t ever on the fans.
After returning to WrestleMania 38 in April, Rhodes had solid matches with Seth Rollins before being sidelined with a torn pectoral muscle. His last match happened at Hell in a Cell before he underwent surgery.
Although it’s been reported that Rhodes is little ahead of schedule in healing, there is no firm date for his return.
Although The Elite (The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega) have yet to make their return to AEW television, they have been backstage at recent AEW Dynamite events.
As previously reported, Warner Bros. Discovery is filming a behind-the-scenes reality TV show with AEW, although at the time, the talent involved in the show was unknown.
Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that filming is underway, and it’s believed The Elite will be featured on the show. This may explain why the trio has been backstage at recent events before returning to TV following their suspension.
Latest Development
(via AEW)
Meltzer wrote, “They are now filming the AEW reality show each week, starting with the 11/2 show in Baltimore. I believe the Young Bucks and Kenny Omega are part of the show, which may be why they have been in despite not appearing on the television show. At least when the show was conceived, they were a part of it.”
The Elite hasn’t been seen on AEW programming since capturing the Trios Championships at the All Out PPV on September 4th. They were suspended and stripped of the titles due to their involvement in the ‘Brawl Out’ situation with Ace Steel and CM Punk.
In recent weeks, vignettes have aired teasing the trio’s return, leading many fans to believe that The Elite will finally be returning at the Full Gear PPV on November 19th.
Bandido’s decision to sign with AEW over WWE was thanks in part due to the wrestler not wishing to relocate to Flordia.
Bandido made his AEW debut during the September 28, 2022, episode of AEW Dynamite, challenging Ring of Honor World Champion Chris Jericho in a losing effort.
In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is reported that Bandido’s decision was influenced by having a family in Mexico, who would not want to move to Florida.
The belief is that had he signed, Bandido would have gone to WWE’s Performance Center first and later competed in NXT, both of which are based in Florida.
It was also noted that if/when he was called up to the main roster, Bandido would have far fewer opportunities to spend time with his family than by signing with AEW.
Bandido’s Contract
Now officially part of the AEW roster, Bandido’s deal is reported to be the standard three years, typical for now AEW signings.
The Observer adds that Bandido has a “maximum number of dates,” which is more matches than most AEW wrestlers work in a year.
It was also noted that the maximum number of matches an AEW star can do a year could change if the promotion introduces house shows.
Anthony Ogogo is an established fighter, but that hasn’t translated into TV time on AEW Dynamite or Rampage.
Ogogo joined AEW in 2019 and comes from a boxing background, having won Silver at the 2010 New Dehli Commonwealth Games and Bronze at the London 2012 Summer Olympics.
A 2017 fight resulted in one of Ogogo’s eye sockets being fractured and he would be forced to retire from professional boxing years later.
I Just Want to Wrestle
In March 2021, Ogogo would make his AEW TV debut and would immediately enter a program with Cody Rhodes.
Despite the prominent feud, that saw Rhodes win at Double or Nothing 2021, Ogogo has all but vanished from AEW TV.
Speaking to Fightful, the Olympic Bronze medalist reflected on how little he’s been featured over the past 18 months.
“I just want to wrestle. I want to get good and have time. I just want to be on TV and show people how hard I’m working and how good I can be.”
Anthony Ogogo.
Ogogo added that he’s being “patient” and continues to make appearances for indie promotions and PROGRESS Wrestling.
Everything has Changed
Ogogo was away in the UK from June 2021 to December 2021 dealing with his passport and visa issues, after both items were stolen during his time in the States.
Speaking about his return to AEW, the British star explained how nothing is quite the same as it once was.
“When I came back, everything had changed. They signed Bryan Danielson, the best wrestler who has probably ever lived, they signed (CM) Punk and this, that, and the other person.
“The whole landscape changed. Cody left, me coming back and doing something with him, that was gone because he’s not there. Everything just changed and with me, I think I’m such a unique talent that it’s hard to know what to do with me.”
Ogogo’s most recent match for the promotion saw him defeat Luke Kurtis via knockout on the August 21, 2022 taping of AEW Dark.
Chris Jericho is The Ocho (an 8-time World Champion), a wizard, and the leader singing of the popular rock band Fozzy. He recently appeared on The Masked Singer and fans were quick to point out that that is the voice of Le Champion.
The Masked Singer is a show where celebrities dress up in mascot costumes and then sing a tune. A panel of judges and the audience guess which celebrity is under the costume.
On a recent episode of the show, a giant pink dinosaur in a wedding dress, labeled “The Bride”, sang Walk the Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance” hit from 2014. The Wizard also performed Smash Mouth’s “All Star” on the show.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phIEp7oGD0s&t=18s
AEW Fans Sing Chris Jericho’s Theme
Chris Jericho has been with All Elite Wrestling since its inception and has become one of the leaders of the promotion. After the brawl between CM Punk and The Elite after All Out, it was reported that Moxley, Danielson, and Chris Jericho all took more of a leadership role in the company backstage.
The inaugural AEW World Champion had one of the cooler moments in the promotion’s short history thus far. Dynamite aired live from the Jericho Cruise Ship and fans sang Fozzy’s Judas as Jericho made his way to the ring with Jake Hager behind him. AEW fans have been singing his theme ever since as he comes to the ring.
Chris Jericho is scheduled to defend the ROH World Championship on November 19th at Full Gear. He will put the title on the line in a 4-Way match against Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli, and Sammy Guevara.
No, Ethan Page does not think women belong in the kitchen or that gay people are fatherless. He may or may not believe that Christ is King, but he certainly isn’t posting about it on social media.
Indeed, Ethan Page’s Twitter has been hacked and the person who did it is saying some super weird, offensive stuff.
We’re not going to link to the Tweets, because they’re probably going to get deleted, but here are some screenshots that show just how creepy some people can be.
Don’t Fall For It
And so on. It’s very clearly not ‘All Ego,’ but there are inevitably some fans who could think this was some sort of awkward “heel turn.” It’s not. He was hacked. Page even took to Instagram to let his followers know he was hacked, as well as what he was having for lunch.
It’s important to note that while it may seem like a good idea to report the account, in today’s crazy Twitter climate, his account may get banned if it’s reported. So it’s best to just ignore what the poster is saying and move on. Don’t respond, don’t engage and, most importantly, DO NOT click on any links that he may post.
After going through x-rays, CT scans, and an MRI, Saraya was officially cleared on Halloween. She said she called her parents and was “crying my eyes out.” She sent the picture from her doctor to Paquette. Saraya is clear on what she can and can’t do. She said “I’m not going to get kicked in the back of the head again — which was my fault, you guys. Again, that was my fault.”
Saraya is referring to a house show from December 2017. She was in a six-woman tag match in Long Island. Sasha Banks kicked her really hard and it resulted in a stinger and losing the feeling in her extremities. At the time, the injury was believed to be career-ending.
Saraya Tells Sasha Banks
(via WWE)
One of the first people she texted after being cleared was Banks. “All of that stuff can mentally fuck someone up to like, end someone’s career. All her fans were attacking me and all my fans were attacking her — well not all of them, a small percentage — but they were all attacking each other. (…) They still send me tweets like, ‘I’m so glad Sasha broke your neck’ and people tweeting her like, ‘how dare you end someone’s career?’ She’s not unsafe, it’s just an accident. It happens in wrestling, that’s what we sign up for.”
Saraya read the text that she sent Banks. “I just said ‘Hey sis, I just want to let you know this because I know that this stuff was really tough on you mentally. But my doctor just cleared me and told me my neck is 100 percent ready to go. I haven’t told anyone else, but I know this will make you feel good: I’m back. Haha'”
Saraya says Sasha was over the moon. Saraya said she told her that she doesn’t want her to feel bad anymore. Having the time away was for the best in the long run because she could focus on herself and get healthy and sober. “I just feel like it was meant to be and I healed in record time. It’s been five years and I’m officially back. It’s pretty fucking inspiring.”
Saraya came to AEW in part because for her friendship with Paquette. When she signed with the company, she told Paquette she didn’t 100 percent know what she was going be doing. “I know I’m going there to support the division in some way on TV or behind the scenes. You know, I’m just there to try and help as much as possible. The division’s doing really well, it can always be elevated.” She said that’s why Madison Rayne is there too.
“When I came in, I didn’t really know what the deal was. I knew I was going to be a part of something and I was going to be part of something special. Then, when I got there — the great reaction when I walked out — oh my God! You cannot throw a wrestler out there and tell them they can’t do anything. (laughs) I came to terms with not being able to wrestle anymore and that’s fine.”
“A couple years ago, I did do some x-rays and they were looking great. I didn’t do the full MRI, but I did do the x-rays a couple of years ago. There’s not like the perfect read on your neck. X-rays of the bones, but you can see everything like all the inner workings of your neck; like the important part. You know they can see exactly how much fluid is around there. It’s really crazy how an x-ray works. And a CT. I just did the x-rays, so I was a little nervous about doing the MRI.”
Stone Cold Inspired Her To Wrestle Again
via WWE.com
She thought things looked good, but didn’t want to rush anything. The return of Edge and Stone Cold Steve Austin having a good match without any bumps was really inspiring. After seeing Stone Cold versus Kevin Owens, she thought “I could do a Stone Cold match.” She told Tony Khan her idea. He told her that they did tag matches with Sting and suggested doing that for her, but she wanted a singles match if she came back.
Saraya clarifies that Dr. Sampson didn’t “clear me for anything.” She said when she first went out there with Baker, she didn’t ask for clearance. He advised her not to take a bump. If she wanted to wrestle, she would have to have x-rays, MRIs, and CTs. Saraya agreed, but didn’t want to see a doctor associated with wrestling because “there’s a little bit of bias there. I don’t want to make the same mistake where I came back and I was like, wrestling every single day and just doing all these crazy things. I really want to be aware and careful of my neck this time. I want to get to the nitty gritty of what my neck looks like and if I’m even going to be paralyzed because that would be the biggest scare that if I did wrestle, I could potentially get paralyzed.”
Saraya Gets Medically Cleared with No Restrictions
(AEW)
On Halloween, Saraya went to a doctor in California. He has seen patients that compete in the NFL, NBA, and actors and actresses that are action stars. She thought he was perfect because he’d tell her no if he didn’t think she should wrestle and also his job would be on the line if he cleared her when he shouldn’t have.
Although her x-rays looked good, he said “we still have to triple check.” She went downstairs for the MRI and across the street for CT scan and then brought them back in the same hour. Upon hearing the news that she was cleared, she burst into tears. She said she started asking questions like, ‘what about the fluid in my neck?’ The doctor told her the fluid was back and her “fusions look perfect. There’s no fractures above and below, there’s no issues.”
He also told her that paralysis is rare. “If you get kicked there, you have some cushion now.” He advised her to take time if she isn’t feeling well. When she asked how many matches she can have, he told her “let’s take it easy. Like, one match a month and then gradually start building up.”
Full Gear is live from the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on Saturday, November 19.
Posted November 10th, 2022 in AEW, News. Tagged: Saraya.
All Elite Wrestling has additional content plans in the works.
A new report from Fightful Select touches on excitement within Warner Bros. Discovery over the new AEW docuseries that is currently filming. There had been speculation about AEW’s future with WBD after the recent merger, but things are looking more positive as a WBD source stated AEW will likely be offered a renewal with a significant increase on their rights fee deals when the time comes.
Positive News
The two sides have been collaborative and open to input from one another. The WBD source noted this year has been a huge rebound year for interest in pro wrestling across the board and that it came at the perfect time for AEW and WWE.
As previously reported, AEW began filming their new docuseries at the recent Dynamite event in Baltimore that will focus on the behind-the-scenes aspect of the promotion and through the experiences of several wrestlers, which is the point of the series.
Although not confirmed, the belief is the project will air on TBS in early 2023. All Elite Wrestling did give wrestlers the option to not be involved in the project, but there’s no word yet on which wrestlers the series will focus on.
Filming is set to go on for six weeks, through the Dynamite event on December 14 at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, TX. AEW President Tony Khan will serve as Executive Producer, while Shed Media Executive Producer Sam Berns will assist with the new series. Production is a collaboration between WBD and Shed Media.
