Bryan Danielson has revealed that he almost got paralyzed during his most recent title vs. title match against Kazuchika Okada.
The AEW World Champion has been open about the neck issues he’s dealing with in his current run and how they resemble the problems that led to his initial retirement in 2015.
While the American Dragon has continued to push through in order to give fans a memorable final run, some latest details regarding his health are making people question if it’s worth it.
During a recent interview with Uncrowned, Danielson opened up about his current struggles. Speaking about his Dynamite 5-year anniversary match with Kazuchika Okada, Bryan revealed that he started losing strength in his legs halfway through it:
“Midway through the match, I started losing strength in my legs, there’s a point later in the match where I’m trying to kick him and I can’t turn over my kicks. That’s something that I have the body mechanics to do because I have been doing it for so long, but here I am and I can’t turn my hip over for this kick.”
Bryan Danielson was later informed that the scary situation stemmed from his ongoing neck issues. He’s also dealing with severe pain in his arm and it’s getting to a point where he hasn’t been able to sleep properly:
“When I got to the back, I went to the trainer right away and they worked on me for like 30 minutes. They said it was stemming from the neck stuff. It’s getting to a point where, physically, we’re seeing the signs. I haven’t been sleeping well because I have been having this shooting pain down my arm.”
Though Bryan also explained that the current health issues are making his decision to walk away much easier. Compared to the last time he was forced to quit; he is in a much better mental state.
Bryan Danielson put his career on the line in the World Title match against Swerve Strickland at the All Out PPV and emerged victorious. He has said that he will retire from a full-time schedule once his current reign ends.
The 43-year-old is scheduled to defend his championship against former friend Jon Moxley at the WrestleDream PPV this Saturday, October 12.
AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson had plenty to say after this week’s Title Tuesday of AEW Dynamite went off the air in Spokane, Washington.
In the main event of the show, Danielson and Wheeler Yuta defeated Pac and Claudio Castagnoli, continuing Danielson and Yuta’s feud with their former Blackpool Combat Club allies. After the match, Danielson fought Jon Moxley to the back but reemerged to save Yuta from a beatdown by Pac, Castagnoli, and Marina Shafir.
Speaking after AEW Dynamite with Tony Khan by his side, Danielson appreciated the incredible audience in Spokane. Bryan asked the crowd if they like Wheeler Yuta, which earned a huge cheer, as did his question about whether they want to see him beat Moxley at WrestleDream. The loudest cheer was saved for Bryan’s final question as he asked the fans “Do you want to see me kick Jon Moxley’s f***ing head in?!” which earned a ‘YES!’ chant from the audience.
Moxley and Danielson will do battle over the AEW World Championship at WrestleDream this Saturday. Moxley and the BCC (sans Yuta) turned on Danielson at AEW All Out with Moxley attempting to suffocate his former friend with a plastic bag. With the AEW World title (and potential free comic books for fans) on the line, expect Danielson and Moxley to hold nothing back in their efforts to obtain the richest prize in All Elite Wrestling.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from AEW WrestleDream including breaking news and live results from this Saturday’s event in Tacoma, Washington.
Penelope Ford made her return to AEW programming after a long hiatus during tonight’s Title Tuesday edition of Dynamite from Spokane Arena in Spokane, Washington.
A Women’s Championship #1 Contenders match between Britt Baker and Willow Nightingale had been scheduled for this week’s episode of AEW’s flagship show.
When Baker was unable to make the bout due to illness, Tony Khan replaced her with not one but three names including Jamie Hayter, Saraya, and Nyla Rose.
During a spot in the bout, Hayter took a chair from Saraya’s hand and beat the former champion with it. Saraya retreated outside and Hayter followed but Harley Cameron stopped her from using the chair again.
Jamie Hayter sent Cameron crashing into the barricade in response. Penelope Ford then appeared out of nowhere and hit Hayter with a chair. Jamie started chasing Ford to the back, essentially removing herself from the match:
Penelope Ford’s Absence
Penelope Ford has not been seen on AEW programming for some time now. She last wrestled for the company way back in February 2023.
Ford and her husband Kip Sabian opened up about suffering a miscarriage in March of that year. Sabian also made his return to TV very recently.
After Penelope’s interference, Willow Nightingale managed to win the match. She sent Saraya flying through a table with a Death Valley Driver and pinned the former WWE star for the win.
Willow will now be challenging the AEW Women’s World Champion Mariah May at the upcoming WrestleDream PPV on October 12.
All Elite Wrestling presents a special Tuesday edition of AEW Dynamite tonight on TBS at from the Spokane Arena in Spokane, WA.
This episode promises major action and will serve as the final build for the highly anticipated WrestleDream pay-per-view, coming up this Saturday.
One of the biggest highlights of the night will be a blockbuster tag team match featuring Bryan Danielson & Wheeler Yuta against PAC & Claudio Castagnoli. Additionally, fans can look forward to a Women’s Title #1 Contenders Match between Britt Baker and Willow Nightingale.
Dynamite will overlap with the second hour of WWE NXT on The CW Network. This marks the first time in a year that AEW Dynamite and WWE NXT will go head-to-head.
Bryan Danielson & Wheeler Yuta vs. PAC & Claudio Castagnoli
AEW has released a video of Tony Khan and Bryan Danielson thanking the fans after the 5-year anniversary special of Dynamite from Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia went off air.
Khan first mentioned that Pittsburgh was one of the first places they visited when Dynamite started and thanked the fans. He then thanked Bryan for his 3-year run with the promotion.
The AEW World Champion took the mic and credited TK for creating an alternative to WWE. Addressing the crowd, Danielson thanked them for making him a WrestleMania main eventer:
“First of all, I’d like to thank Tony Khan, without whom, AEW wouldn’t be here. You wouldn’t have an alternative. It is better that AEW exists – for the wrestlers, for the production people, and for professional wrestling fans. I first wrestled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 23 years ago. And I don’t know if you guys remember, but you were the crowd that made me into a WrestleMania main eventer. So, I just wanted to say thank you, Pittsburgh.
Best Wrestling Company In The World: Bryan Danielson
Bryan Danielson then claimed that AEW is the best wrestling company in the world. It has the best locker room and fans, for whom he left a lifetime job at WWE:
“And last but certainly not least, I want to thank all the men and women in the back because they’re the ones who made this place so great that I had a lifetime job at WWE, and I chose to come here because they were the best wrestlers in the world, the best fans in the world, and this is the best wrestling company in the world. Now, next week, check out WrestleDream, cause at WrestleDream in Tacoma, Washington. I am gonna kick Jon Moxley’s fucking head in.”
The 5 Year Anniversary show gave fans a lot to talk about with both good and bad news coming out of the show. The episode saw a huge debut and the return of Jay White from his injury.
Prior to Dynamite, however, a couple of wrestling talents suffered injuries during the ROH tapings. This included the current ROH tag champ Sammy Guevara who had to be stretchered out of the arena.
The former WWE star had been expected to make his debut for Tony Khan’s promotion ever since MVP made his first appearance for the company last week.
This week’s 5-year anniversary special of Dynamite then saw Renee Paquette interviewing MVP backstage where he was getting ready to make an announcement.
Before he could do so, however, Prince Nana interrupted and reminded everyone that he once was a wrestler. In response, MVP said that he was not the one who handled complaints like that and then the camera panned out to the one who does deal with complaints – Shelton Benjamin.
Benjamin got a huge pop from the crowd as MVP introduced him as his business partner and ‘President of the Complaint Department.’
Shelton was released from his WWE contract back in September 2023. While a lot of people expected him to go to AEW straight away, it took over a year for the wrestling veteran to arrive.
Now that he has arrived, however, the 49-year-old is expected to make a big impact along with his Hurt Business partner.
The group is still one member short as Bobby Lashley is yet to be introduced on AEW TV. Though after the arrival of MVP and Benjamin, it seems only a matter of time before the former WWE Champion makes his way to the company as well.
All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) flagship show, Dynamite, has been home to some of the most captivating moments in modern wrestling. As the program celebrates its 5th anniversary, it’s hard not to reflect on one of the most polarizing and influential figures to grace its ring: CM Punk.
From unforgettable promos to thrilling matches, Punk’s presence on Dynamite has left a lasting impact on the AEW landscape. In this retrospective, we’ll take a closer look at the best CM Punk moments on AEW Dynamite.
Punk’s first appearance on Dynamite following his debut was electric. The Chicago crowd’s reaction to their hometown hero was deafening, setting the stage for what many hoped would be a legendary run in AEW.
Unforgettable Promos
The MJF Feud Begins
One of the most memorable feuds in AEW history began on Dynamite when CM Punk and MJF engaged in a verbal sparring match that left fans in awe. Their promo battle was a masterclass in mic work, blending real-life history with kayfabe to create a compelling narrative.
Punk vs. Hangman Page Promo Showdown (May 2022)
As Punk continued to rack up wins on Dynamite, he eventually set his sights on the AEW World Championship. One of the most intense promo segments in this pursuit took place on the May 25, 2022, episode of Dynamite, where Punk faced off with then-champion Hangman Adam Page.
The tension between the two was palpable as Punk, the seasoned veteran, questioned Page’s ability to carry the company, while Page, full of pride, defended his title reign and reportedly went off script.
This segment elevated the stakes for their eventual match at Double or Nothing and highlighted Punk’s ability to push his opponents to their limits, both physically and mentally…although sometimes too far, and this promo would kickstart the events that would eventually lead to Punk leaving the company.
In-Ring Excellence
Punk’s First Match on Dynamite (September 2021)
After his triumphant in-ring return at All Out 2021, CM Punk made his much-anticipated Dynamite in-ring debut on October 27, 2021, in a match against Bobby Fish.
Fish, a veteran with a striking-heavy style in his own right, was the perfect opponent to test Punk’s endurance and skill on the national stage once again.
In the end, Punk secured the victory with his signature GTS, proving that he hadn’t missed a step despite his long hiatus.
Losing To MJF
A significant moment in Punk’s AEW run occurred on Dynamite in his hometown of Chicago. Despite the home crowd advantage, Punk suffered his first defeat in AEW at the hands of MJF. The match was restarted due to MJF’s cheating, but he managed to win twice, making the loss even more impactful.
Read More – Best AEW Dynamite Promos Ever: 5th Anniversary Retrospective
Memorable Team-Ups
Teaming With Darby Allin & Sting
On the Holiday Bash episode of Dynamite, Punk teamed up with Darby Allin and Sting in a six-man tag team match against MJF and FTR. This match was particularly memorable as all three babyfaces wore face paint, with Punk’s design paying homage to Sting.
These moments highlight CM Punk’s impact on AEW Dynamite, showcasing his promo skills, in-ring ability, and star power during his time with the company.
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has become a hub for exhilarating in-ring action and unforgettable surprise debuts. Over the past five years, AEW Dynamite has witnessed many jaw-dropping moments that fans still talk about today. Whether it was the arrival of a legend, a breakout star, or a controversial figure, these debuts often electrified the wrestling world.
In this retrospective, we revisit five of the best AEW Dynamite debuts ever as part of the show’s 5th anniversary celebration. These debuts not only shocked the audience but also set the stage for historic matches and feuds in AEW.
Sting’s Shocking AEW Debut (December 2, 2020)
Sting’s arrival on AEW Dynamite marked one of the most jaw-dropping moments in modern wrestling. A legendary figure in professional wrestling, Sting had not been seen in a wrestling ring since 2015 following his departure from WWE. When the lights dimmed and the snow began to fall during the “Winter is Coming” episode of Dynamite, fans had no idea that one of the most iconic stars in WCW history was about to make his return.
The reaction was instantaneous, and audience members at Daily’s Place and those watching at home couldn’t believe their eyes as Sting walked out to confront members of Team Taz, Darby Allin, and Cody Rhodes.
His mere presence created an immediate buzz and added prestige to AEW’s already impressive roster. Sting’s debut led to a long-term storyline, with the veteran eventually mentoring Darby Allin and taking part in multiple high-profile matches, including cinematic bouts that blended old-school flair with AEW’s innovative style.
Why It Stands Out:
Sting’s first appearance in AEW after decades in WCW and WWE
A cinematic atmosphere with the falling snow added drama
Sparked a multi-generational storyline with Darby Allin
KENTA and the Forbidden Door (February 3, 2021)
Another debut that sent shockwaves through the wrestling community was the arrival of KENTA. Fans had long dreamed of a working relationship between AEW and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), and KENTA’s appearance on Dynamite made that dream a reality.
On the February 3, 2021, episode, KENTA attacked Jon Moxley, hitting him with his devastating Go To Sleep (GTS) finisher.
This debut was not just about KENTA but about opening the “Forbidden Door” between AEW and NJPW, allowing stars from both promotions to face off. The excitement around this debut reverberated across social media, with fans eagerly anticipating future cross-promotional matches.
Why It Stands Out
Opened the “Forbidden Door” between AEW and NJPW
Marked KENTA’s first appearance in AEW, targeting Jon Moxley
Elevated the global appeal of AEW with international storylines
FTR (June 3, 2020)
When FTR (formerly known as The Revival in WWE) made their AEW debut on the June 3, 2020, episode of Dynamite, it was the culmination of years of anticipation. Wrestling fans had been clamoring for a match between FTR and The Young Bucks, two of the best tag teams in the world, since AEW’s inception.
FTR made their dramatic entrance by driving a pickup truck into Daily’s Place to save The Young Bucks from an attack by The Butcher and The Blade. Although they initially appeared as babyfaces, FTR quickly aligned themselves with Tully Blanchard and embraced their heel persona.
The subsequent showdown between FTR and The Young Bucks lived up to the hype, becoming one of the most acclaimed tag team matches in recent wrestling history.
Why It Stands Out
Long-awaited arrival of FTR in AEW
Set up one of the best tag team matches in AEW history against The Young Bucks
Reinforced AEW’s commitment to elevating tag team wrestling
Brodie Lee: The Exalted One (March 18, 2020)
The late Brodie Lee’s debut as the leader of The Dark Order, known as “The Exalted One,” was an unforgettable moment for AEW. On the March 18, 2020, episode of Dynamite, Lee (formerly Luke Harper in WWE) revealed himself as the mysterious figure behind The Dark Order faction. His arrival helped elevate The Dark Order from a mid-card stable to one of AEW’s most important factions.
Brodie Lee immediately made his presence felt, delivering dominant performances and quickly capturing the TNT Championship.
His feud with Cody Rhodes became one of AEW’s most emotionally charged storylines, culminating in an incredible Dog Collar match that further solidified his legacy in AEW.
Why It Stands Out
Brodie Lee’s transformation into a top-tier heel as “The Exalted One”
Elevated The Dark Order as a dominant faction in AEW
The emotional weight of his untimely passing, leaving a lasting legacy
Malakai Black (July 7, 2021)
Malakai Black’s debut on AEW Dynamite was another major surprise that caught fans off guard. On the July 7, 2021, episode, Black (formerly known as Aleister Black in WWE) appeared unexpectedly and immediately targeted Cody Rhodes, delivering his signature Black Mass kick.
What made this debut even more shocking was that Black had been released from WWE just over a month prior, leading fans to believe they wouldn’t see him in action for some time due to the standard non-compete clause.
However, AEW moved quickly, capitalizing on Black’s momentum and incorporating his dark, mysterious persona into a feud with Cody Rhodes that became a must-watch storyline.
AEW Dynamite has delivered some of the most compelling promos in modern professional wrestling since its debut in 2019. As we celebrate the 5th anniversary of the show, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the memorable mic work that has defined key moments in the company’s history.
Promos are an essential aspect of wrestling, and AEW has had no shortage of powerful, emotional, and explosive moments that have helped elevate talent and shape storylines, despite some claims that All Elite is all about the in-ring action and nothing else.
Here’s a look back at the best AEW Dynamite promos that have stood the test of time.
MJF and CM Punk: “Will You Be My Valentine?” (February 2022)
The rivalry between MJF and CM Punk produced some of the best promos in wrestling, but the February 2022 episode of Dynamite featured a particularly unforgettable exchange.
In this promo, MJF, who is of course often known for his arrogance and brashness, showed a rare moment of vulnerability, recounting how Punk was his childhood hero, or at least it seemed that way.
Punk’s response, laden with tension, escalated the feud to new heights, culminating in the famous “Will you be my Valentine?” line. The promo was a masterclass in storytelling, blending sincerity with heelish cunning.
Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston: “You Made a Promise to Your Mother” (November 2020)
Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston’s feud in 2020 delivered intense, emotion-packed promos, but none hit harder than their exchange during a November 2020 episode of Dynamite.
Moxley, the AEW World Champion at the time, reminded Kingston of a promise he made to his mother that he would become champion. The deeply personal nature of this promo, coupled with the raw intensity of both men, elevated their rivalry to new heights.
Moxley’s ability to tap into Kingston’s insecurities made this one of the most emotionally charged promos in AEW history.
Cody Rhodes: “Undesirable to Undeniable” (November 2019)
Cody Rhodes has always been a master of storytelling, and his promo on the November 2019 episode of Dynamite, where he proclaimed that he had gone from “undesirable to undeniable,” was one of his finest moments.
This line was a reflection of Cody’s personal journey in the wrestling business, and it struck a chord with fans who had followed his career. His passion and sincerity were on full display, making it a defining promo in the early days of AEW.
MJF: “You F*cking Mark, Fire Me!” (June 2022)
MJF has made a name for himself as one of the best talkers in wrestling, and his now-legendary “You f*cking mark, fire me!” promo from June 2022 ranks among his finest. Coming off a series of real-life contract negotiations and controversies, MJF blurred the lines between fiction and reality during a live episode of Dynamite. His fiery tirade directed at AEW President Tony Khan captivated the crowd as MJF vented his frustrations, calling out the company’s management in what was designed to look like an unscripted, off-the-cuff manner.
The promo sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, with fans and pundits alike debating whether the promo was real or part of a storyline. MJF’s passion and venom in his delivery made the moment unforgettable.
AEW Dynamite, since its inception in 2019, has provided wrestling fans with unforgettable matches that blend storytelling, athleticism and elements of strong style to create the first viable alternative to WWE since WCW, even arguably more so than TNA.
As the show celebrates its fifth anniversary, it’s the perfect time to reflect on some of the greatest matches that have defined AEW’s rise in professional wrestling. Below, we look at the standout encounters that continue to resonate with fans.
Kenny Omega vs. Bryan Danielson – Grand Slam (September 22, 2021)
The Dream Match Delivered
Kicking off with one of the most anticipated matches in AEW history, the non-title bout between Kenny Omega and Bryan Danielson was a wrestling purist’s dream.
Held at the first AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam in Arthur Ashe Stadium, this 30-minute time-limit draw left fans in awe. Danielson’s first match in AEW lived up to the hype, with both competitors delivering a technical masterclass.
Omega and Danielson’s chemistry, combined with the electric New York crowd, helped cement this match as one of AEW’s best.
MJF vs. Will Ospreay – International Title (July 17, 2024)
A Near-Hour of Chaos
MJF’s battle with Will Ospreay at AEW Dynamite 250 was an instant classic, lasting nearly 60 minutes and featuring breathtaking high spots and intense brawling.
This International Title match delivered everything a wrestling fan could want, from near-falls to action spilling into the crowd. Ultimately, MJF retained the title, albeit through his usual nefarious means.
The bout is a defining moment in both wrestlers’ careers, highlighting MJF’s own technical prowess and Ospreay’s high-flying and storytelling abilities over the hour.
Britt Baker vs. Thunder Rosa – Lights Out Match (March 17, 2021)
A Pioneering Women’s Match
Britt Baker vs. Thunder Rosa in a Lights Out unsanctioned match is not only one of the best women’s matches in AEW history but one of the greatest matches period. The brutal encounter featured tables, chairs, and thumbtacks, with both women pouring their hearts and bodies into the bout. Despite losing, Baker emerged as a megastar, with the iconic image of her bloodied face solidifying her status. This match significantly raised the profile of AEW’s women’s division.
Parking Lot Fight: Best Friends vs. Santana & Ortiz (September 16, 2020)
Brawling with a Creative Edge
The Parking Lot Fight between Best Friends and Santana & Ortiz was one of the most unique matches of 2020.
This no-holds-barred brawl took place in a parking lot, where both teams used cars, weapons, and everything in between.
The chaotic atmosphere, combined with clever spots and intense aggression, made this match unforgettable. Best Friends emerged victorious, but both teams gained respect for their grit and determination.
Cody Rhodes vs. Brodie Lee – Dog Collar Match (October 7, 2020)
An Emotional Farewell to Brodie Lee
The Dog Collar Match between Cody Rhodes and Brodie Lee for the TNT Championship was as emotional as it was violent.
This match was one of Brodie Lee’s final appearances before his untimely passing, and it was a fitting tribute to his legacy. Both men utilized the chain to devastating effect, delivering a hard-hitting match that concluded with Cody regaining the title. This bout is remembered for its physical intensity and emotional weight.
Jericho Appreciation Society vs. Blackpool Combat Club – Blood and Guts (June 29, 2022)
A Brutal War Inside the Cage
The Blood and Guts match between Jericho Appreciation Society and Blackpool Combat Club was a violent spectacle that saw the two factions settle their feud inside a steel cage with two rings.
Featuring brutal high spots, including Sammy Guevara’s dramatic fall from the top of the cage, the match encapsulated the chaotic nature of the rivalry.
The dual submission finish atop the cage ended the bloody war, with Blackpool Combat Club emerging victorious in a bout fans will never forget.
Kenny Omega vs. PAC – Iron Man Match (February 26, 2020)
A Display of Endurance and Skill
Kenny Omega and PAC put on an incredible 30-minute Iron Man match, demonstrating exceptional athleticism and storytelling.
The match was filled with high-flying maneuvers, hard-hitting action, and strategic wrestling.
After a competitive back-and-forth, Omega won in sudden-death overtime, cementing his legacy as one of the top stars in AEW. PAC also solidified his reputation as one of the most gifted in-ring performers of his generation.
Bryan Danielson vs. “Hangman” Adam Page – AEW World Championship (January 5, 2022)
A Champion’s Test of Grit
The rematch between Bryan Danielson and Hangman Page for the AEW World Championship was another classic. After their previous 60-minute time-limit draw, this match had no such restrictions. Both competitors pushed each other to the limit in an incredibly physical and emotionally charged encounter. Hangman retained the title, solidifying his reign as a top champion, while Danielson continued to prove his technical mastery.
Wrestling legend Jeff Jarrett is a valued member of the All Elite Wrestling roster as AEW Dynamite celebrates its 5th Anniversary this Wednesday night on TBS. Five years ago, Double J was a WWE employee – and watched the premiere episode of AEW Dynamite at the old Titan Towers with his co-workers.
On the latest episode of his My World podcast, Jarrett recalls his first impressions of AEW, and the surreal sight of WWE power brokers getting their first glimpse at their new competition.
The first episode of AEW Dynamite took place Wednesday, October 2, 2019, at the Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. About 250 miles north up I-95, a late-night creative meeting was being held at WWE HQ. Jarrett recalls them taking a break to see what Tony Khan was serving up. The first thing he remembers was how fresh the product felt.
“The freshness… it brought back so many memories since a non-WWE program had been on cable television in prime time.”
Jeff Jarrett on his first impressions of AEW Dynamite when it launched in 2019
AEW’s first primetime broadcast had him reminiscing about TNA Wrestling’s early days on Spike TV in the mid-2000s. Jarrett had worked with a lot of people in AEW previously, including Cody Rhodes, Keith Mitchell and a lot folks on the production side.
Drawing parallels to past moments in wrestling history, Jarrett likened the excitement to the debut of WCW Nitro, which competed against WWE’s Monday Night Raw.
Potential From Day 1
Jeff Jarrett is a third-generation wrestling promoter and knows quality when he sees it. Nobody was expecting “perfect,” but AEW accomplished what it set out to do. For all the hype up until that point, the first Dynamite delivered and it’s no accident that the company is still going strong to this day.
“You knew from day one that man, this thing’s got some juice behind it,” Jarrett said. He explained that AEW had all the pieces in place: the talent, the financial backing, and equally important, a television partner that believed in the product.
AEW Dynamite airs tonight at 8/7c on TBS, live from Pittsburgh, PA, at the Petersen Events Center. This episode will feature some big matches and the return of Britt Baker.
The biggest thing to be confirmed for the show is AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson vs. Kazuchika Okada, which has a twist attached to it. Okada’s Continental Championship is on the line for the first 20 minutes of the bout.
This only adds to the drama that every Danielson match carries these days, with the stipulation that the next match Danielson loses will be his last as a full-time wrestler.
AEW Dynamite Preview
(airs live Wednesday, October 2 at 8/7c on TBS)
AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson vs. Kazuchika Okada – Okada’s Continental Championship is on the line for the first 20 minutes
AEW International Champion Will Ospreay vs. Ricochet
Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. vs. Serena Deeb
Hangman Page vs. Juice Robinson
Dynamite launched in October 2019 that helped launch the company as the second biggest promotion in the world. Although not confirmed, there has been speculation that AEW’s new television deal with Warner Bros. Discovery could be announced on this show. Former AEW World Heavyweight Champion Swerve Strickland also seemingly confirmed the rumored AEW-FOX deal for a new one-hour program.
AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam airs tonight at 8/7c on TBS, live from the historci Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, NY. This episode will feature championship matches, and Nigel McGuiness coming out of retirement to battle AEW World Championship Bryan Danielson.
AEW Grand Slam Dynamite Preview (airs live Wednesday, Sep. 25 at 8/7c on TBS)
Coming Out Of Retirement Match: Nigel McGuinness vs. AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson (*if Danielson is medically cleared to compete)
AEW World Championship Opportunity: Jon Moxley vs. Darby Allin
AEW World Tag Team Championships: The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson) (c) vs. Kyle Fletcher and Will Ospreay
AEW Women’s World Championship: Mariah May (c) vs. Yuka Sakazaki
AEW Trios Championships Open Challenge: Pac, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta (c) vs. TBA
Lumberjack Strap Match: Hangman Page vs. Jeff Jarrett
AEW Grand Slam 2024: Advertised lineups for Dynamite and Collision from Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, NY
After Dynamite goes off the air, AEW will tape Saturday’s Collision, which also has a jam-packed advertised lineup.
AEW Grand Slam Collision Preview (airs Saturday, Sep. 28 at 8/7c on TNT)
Tornado Trios Match: The Learning Tree (Chris Jericho, Big Bill, and Bryan Keith) vs. The Conglomeration
AEW Continental Championship Eliminator Match: Kazuchika Okada vs. Sammy Guevara
AEW TNT Championship Open Challenge: Jack Perry vs. TBD
Saraya’s Rules Match: Saraya vs. Jamie Hayter
Lumberjack Strap Match: Hangman Page vs. Jeff Jarrett (Note: This match is listed for both shows, likely taped for Collision after being live on Dynamite)
Three-Way Lucha Libre Match for Hispanic Heritage Month: The Beast Mortos vs. Hologram vs. Dralistico
MxM Collection Segment: Unveiling of Max Caster’s jacket makeover
At AEW All In: London, Mariah May captured the AEW Women’s World Championship, ending the reign of her former mentor Toni Storm. After retaining on the latest Dynamite against Nyla Rose, a new challenger has emerged for the title currently held by the Glamor.
In a digital exclusive, Queen Aminata addressed May attacking the injured Skye Blue during the All Out: Zero Hour pre-show. Aminata said that while Blue will kick May’s ass one day, she will do it first this Wednesday on AEW Dynamite.
This coming edition of AEW Dynamite will take place at the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. After the show, AEW will tape its weekly Rampage which will air on Friday, September 13.
The feud between ‘Hangman’ Adam Page and Swerve Strickland has been one of AEW’s hottest angles in years, and that term became quite literal this week. On Dynamite, Page burned down the childhood home of Strickland which had been highlighted in the show, all while Swerve watched on in horror from the ring in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
This fiery climax to Dynamite has been praised by fans but AEW ensured that safety was a top priority during the scene. According to a report from Fightful Select, professional supervision was in place at all times while filming. Sources in AEW shared their happiness with how the angle was executed and the response it has garnered so far.
The burning of the house had been planned for months and AEW opted to coincide the segment with Strickland recently announcing a new deal with AEW. While Strickland reportedly had over half a year left on his deal, AEW saw an opportunity to bolster his storyline by having a new deal publicly confirmed, and for Strickland to mark the signing by purchasing his childhood home.
Plans for the burning of the home were kept a closely guarded secret in AEW, though there have been clues teasing the fiery segment ever since Page returned as a heel. Numerous wrestlers both in and out of the company reached out to Swerve to congratulate him on the purchase, unaware of what was to come. One wrestler told Fightful that Strickland ‘kayfabed’ them by thanking them after they congratulated him.
What’s to Come?
After committing arson on nationally broadcast programming, many would suspect that Page would be in jail or at least arrested for what unfolded on Dynamite. Fightful adds that there are “storyline reasons planned” as to why Page hasn’t faced any repercussions so far. The two will face off at this weekend’s All Out pay-per-view in a Steel Cage match that will reportedly headline the show. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on AEW All Out including live results and breaking news.
The rivalry between Swerve Strickland and ‘Hangman’ Adam Page has quickly escalated into one of the most personal and intense feuds of 2024. As both men gear up for their highly anticipated showdown at AEW All Out 2024, Page took their animosity to an even more shocking level just days before the event.
On this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, the two were scheduled to meet for a contract signing ahead of their Steel Cage match at the upcoming pay-per-view. However, despite his music playing and being introduced by Tony Schiavone twice, Page failed to appear.
On the titantron, a video feed showed that Page was at Strickland’s childhood home, which Swerve had recently purchased. The house had been highlighted earlier in the show, and Page took things to a new level of personal by setting the building on fire.
After AEW Dynamite went off the air, Tony Khan informed the live crowd that the match between Swerve and Hangman would be an unsanctioned lights-out steel cage match. The bout will be the pair’s first one-on-one encounter on pay-per-view since their extremely violent Death Match at AEW Full Gear in November 2023.
Strickland, not to be outdone, made a chilling revelation on social media following the episode, hinting at plans that could spell disaster for Page during their clash at All Out.
— The Realest Swerve Strickland (@swerveconfident) September 5, 2024
The war between Swerve Strickland and ‘Hangman’ Adam Page has been one of the hottest angles AEW has seen in years, and now that term has taken a much more literal meaning. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on both men, as well as breaking news and live results from this weekend’s All Out 2024 pay-per-view.
Bryan Danielson considered his AEW World Championship win the greatest moment of his life for several reasons, but leave it to Jack Perry to put a damper on his celebration.
Danielson walked away from ALL IN the new World Championafter he made Swerve Strickland submit, a first in AEW, and on this week’s Dynamite, Bryan was looking for his first challenger, but not before he made a few things clear.
At first, Danielson teasedthat he may be retiring as champ, noting that he’s going to need neck surgery again soon and the promise he made to his daughter, but got Champaign, Illinois amped back up when he said he wasn’t done yet.
He planned to wrestle full time until he lost that title which he didn’t plan on doing anytime soon. That’s when Danielson issued a “first come, first serve” challenge to anyone in the locker room. Jack Perry appeared on the big screen and mentioned the two’s brief history with one another. Suddenly a reveal was made when Perry attacked Danieslon from behind and it was ‘The Scapegoat’ who stood tall to end the show.
Perry is indeed a surprise challenger for Danielson despite getting a definitive victory against Darby Allin at AEW ALL IN. With less than two weeks before AEW ALL OUT, many fans speculated that the quick feud would be against Christian Cage who won a future title shot at the PPV. Being a false father figure, Cage has a built-in story with Danielson considering how major of a plot Brie Garcia and his kids have been. However, that appears to be a feud further down the line.
It’s Wednesday and you know what that means. Tonight’s AEW Dynamite airs live TBS at 8pm ET from Champaign, IL at the State Farm Center.
AEW All In London this past weekend shook the very foundation of All Elite Wrestling, resulting in multiple new champions and even a high-profile debut. Dynamite will feature plenty of fallout from Wembley Stadium, but there’s little time to rest as AEW All Out just 10 days away.
AEW Dynamite Preview for Tonight:
Matches
First Time Match: ‘Hangman’ Adam Page vs Tomohiro Ishii
Debut: Ricochet vs. Kyle Fletcher
All-Star 8-Man Tag: HOOK, Orange Cassidy, Mark Briscoe and Kyle O’Reilly vs. Chris Jericho, Big Bill, Bryan Keith and Roderick Strong
Return: Jamie Hayter vs. Harley Cameron
Segments
Danielson’s Future: Bryan Danielson will address what comes next after winning the AEW World Championship this past weekend at AEW In London.
Championship Celebration: Mariah May celebrates becoming AEW Women’s World Champion
Swerve Speaks: We’ll hear from Swerve Strickland for the first time since losing his title.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for our continued coverage of AEW Dynamite and head over to our AEW News section for more.
Catch a special episode of AEW Dynamite tonight, August 21, 2024, live on TBS at 8pm ET from the Utilita Arena Cardiff in Cardiff, Wales. This marks the Welsh debut for the promotion, just four days before AEW All In 2024 this Sunday on pay-per-view.
AEW Rampage tapings will be held after Dynamite goes off the air, and will air Saturday night on TNT. All Elite Wrestling’s top stars will be on hand for tonight’s historic show, including AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland, Will Ospreay, TBS Champion Mercedes Mone, MJF, Toni Storm and more.
AEW Dynamite Matches for Tonight:
AEW Continental Championship: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs Claudio Castagnoli
AEW Women’s World Championship: ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm (c) vs Saraya
Chris Jericho vs. ‘Dynamite Kid’ Tommy Billington
HOOK vs. Big Bill
Plus: Final hype for All In including Nigel McGuiness moderating a meeting bewteen Swerve Strickland and Bryan Danielson, and MJF and Will Ospreay go face-to-face.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for our continued coverage of AEW Dynamite and check out our AEW News section for more.
Catch up on these highlights from last week’s show:
AEW has added one of its marquee matchups to the All In pay-per-view.
Head play-by-play man Excalibur announced on the August 7th episode of AEW Dynamite that the Casino Gauntlet matchup will be taking place at the historic event, which happens on August 25th from legendary Wembley Stadium in London, England. The winner of the match will receive a future opportunity at the AEW World Championship.
Casino Gauntlet has been announced for All In: London… with the winner securing himself an AEW World Championship match!
Excalibur said that the biggest names in AEW will be a part of this match. LET'S GOOOOOO. pic.twitter.com/onsS9BwPVB
The Casino Gauntlet match blends AEW’s Casino Battle Royale concept with Lucha Underground’s Aztec Warfare. Wrestlers will continue to enter the bout until someone gets pinned or submitted. The first two incarnations were both won by former AEW International Champion, Will Ospreay.
Who will the winner face? Well that will also be determined at AEW All In as Swerve Strickland defends the world title against Bryan Danielson, who is putting his career on the line.
The August 7th episode of AEW Dynamite featured a ton of great action, including Bryan Danielson vs. Jeff Jarrett and MJF vs. Kyle Fletcher. Several AEW wrestlers were unable to make tonight’s episode, which was in North Carolina, due to severe weather storms canceling flights all around the east coast.
WWE NXT will once again go head-to-head with AEW Dynamite in a battle for the ratings this October, close to a year after the two shows last did battle. The October 8, edition of Dynamite will take place on Tuesday rather than its usual Wednesday spot as the show is being preempted that week due to the MLB playoffs.
The October 8, Dynamite will take place from the Spokane Arena in Spokane, Washington, and Bryan Danielson is being advertised for the show. That’s in spite of Danielson’s full-time contract with AEW coming up and AEW not announcing many dates for the Washington-native post All In: London on August 25.
The week of October 8, will be the second week of WWE NXT following its move to The CW. The five-year broadcast TV deal between the two sides was announced in November 2023 and is the biggest deal for WWE’s developmental brand. The show currently airs on the USA Network, since it moved off the WWE Network and onto syndicated Television in 2019.
Going Head-to-Head
This upcoming head-to-head will be the second time that Dynamite and WWE NXT face off in the battle for supremacy. The two shows last did battle on October 10, 2023, as Dynamite was again preempted on TNT. Both shows brought in heavy hitters with Dynamite seeing the AEW in-ring debut of Adam Copeland who had debuted the previous week at Wrestle Dream. For WWE NXT, notable big names were included in the show such as John Cena, Cody Rhodes Paul Heyman, and WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker.
Things got especially heated with Tony Khan before the two shows faced off, as the AEW President vowed to stick it to those “bald a**holes” Shawn Michaels and Triple H. Instead, AEW Dynamite hit its lowest rating in close to two years, while WWE NXT hit its third-highest viewership since the move to the USA Network.
Will lightning strike twice this October or will things go better for Dynamite this time? Stay tuned to SE Scoops for the latest ahead of this upcoming head-to-head.
AEW Dynamite has been the flagship program for All Elite Wrestling since the company’s inception back in 2019. The show has been running weekly since October 2019 and has produced over 250 original episodes.
Upcoming AEW Dynamite Events
Here are all of the upcoming AEW Dynamite shows as confirmed by the company:
August 7, 2024: Winston-Salem, NC
Event: AEW Dynamite/Rampage Venue: LJVM Coliseum Time: 7:30 PM ET Tickets:Buy Tickets Details: AEW Dynamite and Rampage will rock Winston-Salem with a double taping on Wednesday, August 7th.
August 14, 2024: Norfolk, VA
Event: AEW Dynamite/Rampage Venue: Chartway Arena Time: 7:30 PM ET Tickets:Buy Tickets Details: Norfolk’s Chartway Arena will host AEW’s Dynamite and Rampage on Wednesday, August 14th.
August 21, 2024: Cardiff, Wales
Event: AEW Dynamite/Collision Venue: Utilita Arena Cardiff Time: 18:30 GMT Tickets:Buy Tickets Details: AEW crosses the Atlantic to Cardiff, bringing Dynamite and Collision to the passionate wrestling fans in Wales on Wednesday, August 21st ahead of All In from Wembley.
August 28, 2024: Champaign, IL
Event: AEW Dynamite/Rampage Venue: State Farm Center Time: 6:30 PM CT Tickets: On Sale: July 12 Details: The company heads to State Farm Center in Champaign, IL on Wednesday, August 28th for a double taping of Dynamite and Rampage.
The ‘Blood and Guts’ special of AEW Dynamite from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee on July 24 delivered everything fans were expecting from it.
The main event of the show was the classic cage match brought back to life where Team AEW took on The Elite. The bout was every bit as brutal as expected with memorable spots such as Darby Allin’s coffin drop from the ceiling of the cage and The Elite teaming up to attack Swerve Strickland with staple guns.
The Babyfaces won the match at the end after Darby almost set Jack Perry on fire, and it was the perfect cue for a…marriage proposal.
A video has surfaced online which shows ringside announcer Justin Roberts helping a fan in the front row propose to his girlfriend after Dynamite went off air:
After the bloodied war in the main event of #AEWDynamite#BLOODandGUTS, some fan decided it was the perfect time for a marriage proposal and Justin Roberts helped him do it.https://t.co/QKsa8wfY9m
— Anutosh Bajpai || SEScoops || Wrestling News (@AuthorAnutosh) July 25, 2024
What Happened on Dynamite
The special episode of the Wednesday night show featured many notable story developments before the main event. The opening segment saw the new AEW International Champion MJF cutting a promo.
The Salt of The Earth did something unthinkable and threw the International title belt in the garbage. He said that he deserves a better title, before unveiling a new belt dubbed the AEW American Championship.
The show also included matches such as Chris Jericho vs. Minoru Suzuki and Hikaru Shida vs. Dr Britt Baker. If all this wasn’t enough, the long-anticipated debut of a female star also took place during the night. You can check out more about it here.
In a significant shift in sports broadcasting, the NBA has chosen Amazon Prime Video over Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) for its long-term media rights deal. Despite WBD’s attempt to match Amazon’s impressive $1.8 billion per year offer, the NBA selected Amazon to help maximize the reach and accessibility of its games.
An official statement from the NBA reads, “Warner Bros. Discovery’s most recent proposal did not match the terms of Amazon Prime Video’s offer and, therefore, we have entered into a long-term arrangement with Amazon.”
The NBA’s new arrangement with Amazon is designed to enhance the fan experience by complementing the existing broadcast, cable, and streaming packages under Disney and NBCUniversal arrangements. The league emphasized that all three partners have committed substantial resources to promote the NBA and improve fan engagement.
Expressing gratitude towards their previous partner, the NBA stated, “We are grateful to Turner Sports for its award-winning coverage of the NBA and look forward to another season of the NBA on TNT.”
What This Means For AEW
This move has broader implications beyond the NBA. Warner Bros. Discovery, which is also the media rights partner for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), is in the late stages of negotiating a new deal with the wrestling promotion. With the NBA deal off the table, WBD frees up substantial resources, which could be advantageous for AEW and the terms of their next media rights deal. Stay tuned to SEScoops for further updates on AEW’s next TV deal.
MJF says he’s exasperated at the amount of attention “terrorists” receive in society, and referenced the 7-year old girl who slapped him last week on AEW Dynamite to make his point. During his 60-minute match against Will Ospreay, the action spilled into the crowd, the young fan slapped MJF’s chest. The former AEW World champion and new International Champion appeared on the Casual Conversations podcast and everal days after the incident, he clearly hasn’t moved on.
“She’s a terrorist. Let’s talk about it. I think we need to talk about this immediately. So here’s the deal. I’m wrestling a match, and I think we’re like three minutes in at this point. I’m just about to beat Will in a matter of seconds, and this guy, because he’s scared of me, he hops over the guard rail. He tries to leave the arena. Wild stuff, right?
I couldn’t believe it. So now, to protect the integrity of our sport, I’m chasing after this guy. What a wuss. But I care about our company, right? So now, let me catch up to this guy so we can continue on with this matchup. When I got a hold of him, I’m beating him up, I mean with ease in this crowd, but it was a pretty hostile environment.
Then, out of nowhere, a girl pulls a gun out. I don’t know if you can see the gun when you watch the match back, but she had me at gunpoint and then proceeded to strike me in the chest repeatedly.”
AEW was celebrating the milestone of 250 episodes for Dynamite during the July 17, 2024 episode of their weekly episodic series. As such, the company had loaded the card with many PPV-quality matches.
One such match on the card featured The Salt of The Earth challenging Will Ospreay for the International Championship in a hard hitting affair. The bout went on for almost an hour, with both the stars working hard to give fans many unforgettable moments during their encounter.
The most memorable spot of the night however was something that neither of them could have planned in advance. The action was taken outside the ring at one point in the match and both the stars continued to fight in the middle of the crowd. During this time, Ospreay prompted a little girl who was in attendance to take part in the bout and she went on to hit MJF in the chest.
The moment went viral on the internet after MJF flipped the girl. After the show, Ospreay gifted the young fan a shirt and she was also featured on a local news channel in Arkansas. Despite the brutal attack, the 28-year-old still came out victorious and he defeated Ospreay in the match to win the AEW International title.
“Why would you give such a violent person a platform like that? It’s horrible. Little girls like that is a reminder of why abortion is necessary. I don’t care what your political affiliations are. I think people should be able to abort for at least the first 1000 months of a pregnancy term.”
MJF claimed that he didn’t feel any of the strikes from the girl. Giving an explanation for flipping off the young fan, the Salt of The Earth said that you have to stand up to bullies:
“Now I didn’t feel any of the strikes because I’m jacked. I mean, I have a chest the size of a Dodge Ram truck. So she stops, she puts the gun away. Even though I knew she had the gun on her, I wasn’t fearing for my life at this point because you know, you gotta stand up to bullies no matter what the situation is.
So I flip her off, rightfully so in my opinion, as I think anybody else would. Then Osprey sneak attacks me from behind when all I’m trying to do is react to this vicious terrorist. And proceeded to sneak attack me while we were inside the crowd. Luckily, I stopped him, I threw him in the ring, I gave him a great right-hand punch, and that was all she rode.”
