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

AEW Dark: Elevation

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

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

AEW Dark

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

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

Why was AEW Rampage cancelled?

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

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

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

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

All Elite Wrestling’s weekly TV series, AEW Rampage, aired its final episode on Friday, December 27, 2024, marking the end of an era for the promotion. The show, which debuted on August 13, 2021, ran for over three years and produced a total of 177 episodes. Its conclusion comes as part of AEW’s new media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, which aims to reorganize the company’s programming lineup.

Watch: Jon Moxley pulls the plug on AEW Rampage

The Rise and Impact of AEW Rampage

Rampage began as a one-hour supplementary show to Dynamite, showcasing AEW’s roster and delivering memorable moments in its late-night Friday slot. While it primarily highlighted younger talent and midcard feuds, it occasionally became the stage for monumental events.

The debut episode set the tone for its legacy with Christian Cage defeating Kenny Omega to win the Impact World Championship. Another milestone followed on August 20, 2021, when CM Punk made his long-awaited return to wrestling after a seven-year hiatus, delivering an unforgettable moment that reverberated through the industry.

Unforgettable Matches

Throughout its run, Rampage delivered numerous standout matches that earned acclaim from fans and critics alike. Some of the best include:

• Kenny Omega vs. Christian Cage (August 13, 2021) – Christian Cage captures the Impact World title from Omega in a classic AEW battle.
• Andrade El Idolo vs. PAC (September 10, 2021) – A high-octane bout that showcased elite athleticism and storytelling.
• The Young Bucks vs. Lucha Brothers (March 18, 2022) – A tag team spectacle full of breathtaking spots.
• Jon Moxley vs. Darby Allin (June 16, 2023) – A hard-hitting clash that highlighted the intense chemistry between the two fan favorites.

While Rampage never matched the ratings of its predecessor, Dynamite, it succeeded in carving out a niche as a platform for bold matchups and historic moments.

The Future of AEW Programming

With Rampage now retired, AEW is reportedly focusing on bolstering its flagship programming and expanding into new formats under its partnership with WBD.

Starting in January 2025 here’s what AEW fans can expect:

• AEW Dynamite: Will air live on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on both TBS and Max.
• AEW Collision: Will air live on Saturdays at 8 p.m. ET on both TNT and Max.
• AEW PPV Events will be distributed on Max later in 2025, with pricing and additional details to be announced in the coming months
• Over 700 hours of AEW content, including past episodes and pay-per-views, will be available on Max, with regular updates throughout 2025.

AEW Rampage was the setting for classic matches and iconic moments throughout its run. Its legacy lives on as a chapter of AEW’s early years and evolution.

Jon Moxley brought AEW Rampage to a dramatic close this week, signaling the end of the Friday night show for the time being. In the chaotic finale of AEW Rampage: New Year’s Smash, the Death Riders clashed with other wrestlers, and Moxley, joined by Marina Shafir, stormed into the production room.

interrogated the production staff, questioning how any work could get done amid AEW’s ongoing chaos. Declaring his intent to restore order at Worlds End, Moxley took a decisive step by calling for the end of Rampage. The AEW World Champion shouted for the live feed to be cut, and the terrified producers complied.

This marked not only the conclusion of the latest episode of Rampage but also the show’s suspension as a whole. During the recent taping of AEW Dynamite, Tony Khan confirmed that Rampage would be going off the air “for the foreseeable future.”

Rampage premiered in 2021 with a strong debut, highlighted by CM Punk’s much-anticipated return to wrestling during its second episode. However, the show has since lost prominence in AEW’s storytelling, with key narratives shifting to Dynamite and Collision. When AEW announced its updated deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, fans observed that while the agreement secured the futures of Dynamite and Collision, it did not mention Rampage.

ROH World Champion Chris Jericho has confirmed that he’ll be wrestling at the final episode of AEW Rampage this Friday.

Anthony Bowens of The Acclaimed had challenged The Learning Tree for a singles match at last Saturday’s Collision after Jericho and his teammates interrupted the Costco Guys. The current champion at the time had refused to fight.

The wrestling veteran, however, granted Bowens’ wish in a segment on the Christmas special of Dynamite. Standing on 34th Street in New York, Chris Jericho announced that he’ll face the former tag champion at the December 27 Rampage:

#ROH World Champion Chris Jericho presents another 'New York Minute' as he has one more gift to give in the form of a match this Friday at #AEWRampage!

Watch #AEWDynamite on TBS!@IAmJericho | @TheCaZXL | @bountykeith pic.twitter.com/xJfi1jAz1i

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) December 26, 2024

• Chris Jericho Explains How Smaller Venues Could Revive AEW’s Momentum

The End of AEW Rampage?

AEW’s TV rights renewal deal with WBD brought some big changes for the company. This included the end of AEW exclusivity with the network, allowing Tony Khan to negotiate with other TV channels for potential new programs.

The exclusion of Rampage in the announcement of the new deals also made fans curious. The AEW president has since confirmed that the show will be going on a hiatus and that the December 27 episode of Rampage will be the final episode of the Friday Night show ‘for the foreseeable future.’

AEW already taped the upcoming episode from Hammerstein Ballroom earlier in the week. You can check out the spoiler results for the final Rampage here.

• Chris Jericho Visits Childhood Street in Winnipeg Named After Him

AEW Rampage, a staple of Tony Khan’s promotion for over three years, is going off the air, at least for the time being. During the December 22 AEW Dynamite tapings at the Hammerstein Ballroom, Tony Khan announced that AEW would be recording the final episode of Rampage “for the foreseeable future” and that this final episode is scheduled to air on December 27.

The announcement marks the conclusion of a show that debuted on August 13, 2021, as AEW’s second weekly program on TNT. Rampage made an immediate impact with its premiere, where Christian Cage defeated Kenny Omega to capture the TNA/IMPACT Championship.

A week later, Rampage delivered one of wrestling’s most iconic moments—CM Punk’s highly anticipated return to professional wrestling. This episode drew 1.126 million viewers, making it the highest-rated installment in the show’s history.

Despite its explosive start, Rampage would struggle to win over fans, wth a major factor being its challenging 10 p.m. ET time slot. The show was frequently preempted by NBA, NHL, and March Madness broadcasts, which impacted its viewership. Once Collision launched in June 2023, Rampage quickly became AEW’s ‘C-Show’ with important developments being kept for Collision or Dynamite.

What Else Happened During the AEW Dynamite Taping?

Suspicions arose about Rampage’s fate when it was reported that AEW’s new deal with Warner Bros. Discovery covered AEW Dynamite and Collision, but not the Friday show. Fans are now wondering whether this is merely a temporary hiatus as Khan alluded to, or if we’ve seen the last of AEW Rampage.

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has quickly established itself as a major player in the professional wrestling industry since its inception in 2019. With a diverse lineup of weekly shows and special events, AEW offers fans multiple opportunities to catch their favorite wrestlers in action. Let’s take a closer look at the current AEW TV schedule and what each show has to offer.

Read More – AEW Dynamite Schedule: Date, Venue and more

AEW Dynamite: The Flagship Show

AEW Dynamite serves as the cornerstone of AEW’s programming, airing live every Wednesday at 8 PM ET on TBS. 

Since its debut on October 2, 2019, Dynamite has become the promotion’s premier weekly event, featuring top talent and storylines. The two-hour format allows for a mix of in-ring action, promos, and character development, making it a must-watch for AEW fans.

AEW Rampage: Friday Night Action

Premiering on August 13, 2021, AEW Rampage provides an additional hour of wrestling entertainment every Friday at 10 PM ET on TNT. 

This show often spotlights performers who may not receive as much airtime on Dynamite, giving fans a chance to see a wider range of AEW’s roster. Rampage’s later time slot allows for a more intense and edgy presentation, catering to hardcore wrestling enthusiasts.

AEW Collision: Saturday Night Wrestling

The newest addition to AEW’s television lineup, AEW Collision, debuted on June 17, 2023. 

Airing live on TNT every Saturday at 8 PM ET, this two-hour show was initially conceived to feature CM Punk and keep him separate from The Elite. Collision has since evolved into its own unique program, offering fans a third night of AEW action each week.

Special Events and Additional Programming

In addition to its regular weekly shows, AEW presents special events throughout the year. One such event is the quarterly AEW Battle of the Belts, which airs on TNT and focuses on championship matches. 

These specials provide fans with high-stakes encounters and potential title changes.

Schedule Changes and Adaptations

It’s important to note that AEW’s TV schedule can be subject to changes, particularly during major sporting events like the NBA and NHL playoffs. 

These events may cause shows like Rampage to be pre-empted or moved to different time slots. AEW has shown flexibility in adapting to these changes, sometimes offering special Saturday night episodes of Dynamite or adjusting start times to accommodate sports programming.

For fans looking to stay up-to-date with AEW’s programming, it’s advisable to check official AEW social media channels or your local TV listings for the most current schedule information.

With its dynamic lineup of shows and willingness to adapt to scheduling challenges, AEW continues to provide wrestling fans with exciting content throughout the week.

All Elite Wrestling announced that the main event for Friday’s September 27th episode of AEW Rampage on TNT.

Brody King & Buddy Matthews of the House of Black will square off against the high-flying team of Lio Rush & Action Andretti. We’ll also see Konosuke Takeshita, Willow Nightingale, The Acclaimed and more in action.

Here is the updated lineup for tonight’s AEW Rampage (9/27):

• House of Black (Brody King & Buddy Matthews) vs. Lio Rush & Action Andretti
• Konosuke Takeshita vs. Angelico
• Anna Jay vs. Robyn Renegade
• Willow Nightingale vs. Taya Valkyrie
• The Acclaimed (Max Caster & Anthony Bowens) in action

Watch AEW Rampage Fridays at 10/9c on TNT.

Highlights from last week’s AEW Rampage:

Earlier this month, AEW filed a trademark for ‘AEW Shockwave’, exciting fans with the prospect of another weekly show from Tony Khan’s promotion. AEW Shockwave could provide a bolt of excitement into the company’s weekly schedule, but it will also reportedly mark the end of one of AEW’s current programs.

AEW Rampage will not be continued, a source informed the Wrestling Observer, and instead, AEW Shockwave will serve as the promotion’s third weekly show. The new show is expected to be shopped around to FOX, who recently finished their relationship with WWE, as well as other networks.

John Ourand notes that AEW is pitching another package “primarily” to broadcast channels, which would include ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, Telemundo, Univision, The CW, and ION. The CW will soon be the home of WWE NXT and the gold brand will make its debut on the network on October 1, with a stacked show in Chicago, Illinois.

AEW Rampage

Rampage launched in 2021, close to two years after AEW Dynamite hit screens in October 2019. While the show received a strong start, including the debut of CM Punk, Rampage quickly fell in terms of significance as AEW’s main storylines were kept to Dynamite. This pseudo-irrelevancy became the case even more in 2023 when AEW launched Collision, with Rampage becoming the least important of AEW’s weekly shows when it comes to developing storylines.

AEW’s TV Deals

AEW’s current TV deal with WarnerBros Discovery is scheduled to expire later this year and the company’s media rights has been a hot topic among fans. Tony Khan has teased some big announcements for the company including saying that AEW was “here to stay” on TBS and TNT.

AEW’s new deal with WBD is said to be in the ballpark of $170 million a year, according to Ourand. The deal will see AEW shows airing on TNT, TBS, and TruTV twice a week, leaving open the possibility of Shockwave appearing on FOX after SmackDown’s recent exit from the Network.

Current AEW TV deals are believed to be somewhere in the neighborhood of $70 million, so this ballpark figure is a huge boost for Tony Khan and his promotion. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on AEW and its future on TV.

AEW Rampage has reached a milestone in its programming by eclipsing WCW Thunder for the most number of episodes. The August 9, edition of Rampage marked the show’s 157th episode, exceeding the 156 episodes of Thunder that aired before WCW closed its doors for good in March 2001.

H/T to @DrainBamager for uncovering this stat. Stay tuned to SEScoops for more interesting wrestling facts and statistics.

Rampage launched in the summer of 2021 as the AEW’s second Television show, following on from AEW Dynamite which launched in October 2019. At the second episode of Rampage, ironically titled ‘The First Dance’ CM Punk made his debut for AEW in his return to the world of wrestling after a seven-year absence. The show also served as the first, and only time, that Rampage would surpass 1 million viewers.

WCW Thunder debuted in January 1998, mere weeks after the promotion’s highest-rated pay-per-view, Starrcade 1997. The show originally aired on Thursday evenings, but as the Monday Night Wars turned, moved to Wednesdays in January 2000 to avoid competing with WWF SmackDown which had premiered on UPN in August 1999.

AEW Dynamite Vs. WCW Monday Nitro

With Thunder being surpassed, AEW’s next goal would be to surpass the number of episodes of WCW Monday Nitro. After launching in September 1995, Nitro lasted 288 episodes before the final episode, a simulcast with Monday Night RAW on March 26, 2001.

As of the August 7, episode, AEW Dynamite has reached 253 episodes. For Dynamite to surpass Nitro, the show will need to remain on the air for another 36 episodes, equivalent to just over eight months. Dynamite will reach that feat with the April 15, 2025, episode of Tony Khan’s flagship show.

The August 2, edition of AEW Rampage will go down in history for all the wrong reasons as the least-viewed episode in the show’s three-year history. The show drew 209,000 viewers, data from Wrestlenomics shows, down considerably from the previous week’s 306,000. The coveted 18-49 demographic also took a hit as the show drew a 0.07 rating, down from the previous week’s 0.10 rating.

Rampage, like many shows, was decimated by coverage of the ongoing Olympic Games in Paris, France. August 2, saw Team USA win silver in swimming courtesy of Regan Smith while Grant Fisher took the bronze in the Men’s 10,000m race. Team USA won silver in Equestrian Team Jumping and Brady Ellison and Casey Kaufhold took home the bronze for Team USA in the mixed Archery.

AEW Rampage – August 2

While Rampage was on, Olympics coverage averaged 13.1 million viewers and a 2.29 rating in the 18-49 demographic. The AEW show saw MxM face Private Party, Wheeler Yuta take on The Butcher, and Nyla Rose face Harley Cameron. Bryan Keith and Brian Cage were also in action on the show.

While it’s not a surprise that Rampage was crushed by the Olympics, AEW’s Friday show is part of a worrying trend across all AEW programming. As data from Wrestlenomics demonstrates, AEW Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision have all seen drops in viewership from this time last year. These drops are reflected in the 18-49 demographic ratings as well, while WWE content sees steady growth in this coveted demographic across Raw, SmackDown, and NXT.

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.

Pro wrestling is going through a booming period, and let’s take a look at some of the biggest players in their advertising game.

EDO, a TV advertising analytics company, has profiled WWE and AEW, giving strong marks to both. Wrestling remains a major draw for TV advertisers due to its large, engaged audience.

WWE’s Monday Night Raw, the longest-running weekly episodic program, will move to Netflix in January 2025. This transition signifies a major shift in the platform for WWE’s flagship show. Meanwhile, AEW has established itself as a strong competitor in the wrestling world. Its Dynamite show frequently tops cable ratings on Wednesday nights, demonstrating its popularity among viewers.

WWE’s rise is thanks to Endeavor merging the company with the UFC and Vince McMahon departed from the company, leaving things to Triple H and Nick Khan’s vision. That momentum has been noticed all over.

AEW’s ad effectiveness has seen notable growth, particularly on its Rampage program. Brands such as Bud Light and Crest have experienced increased engagement through their advertising on AEW shows.

WWE’s programs, including Raw and SmackDown, also show significant ad engagement. Top advertisers like Credible and Purple have reported impressive results from their campaigns on these shows. Advertisers benefit from the high engagement rates of these programs, making them effective platforms for brand promotion.

Top 10 AEW Advertisers

Here are the top 10 most effective advertisers on AEW programming, among brands with 10 or more airings from April 2023 through March 2024:

• Innovation Refunds (+284% more effective than the average AEW advertiser)
• Just for Men (+201%)
• Pampers (+195%)
• Ferrero Rocher (+182%)
• Bud Light (+169%)
• Crest (+108%)
• Miller Lite (+102%)
• Schwarzkopf (+97%)
• Applebee’s (+93%)
• Diet Coke (+93%)

Top 10 WWE Advertisers

The top 10 most effective advertisers on WWE programming, among brands with 10 or more airings from April 2023 through March 2024, include:

• Credible (+2,978% more effective than the average WWE advertiser)
• Purple (+490%)
• Dawn (+224%)
• Depend (+215%)
• Hot Pockets (+200%)
• NyQuil (+194%)
• Mattel (+190%)
• Puffs (+180%)
• Miller Lite (+177%)
• Mr. Clean (+177%)

AEW has called Warner Bros Discovery their home since the company debuted Dynamite. As their deal with the television company ticks down, they are exiting a very important window of time.

Tony Khan confirmed during the ROH Supercard of Honor media call that AEW’s deal with Warner Bros Discovery is exiting their exclusive negotiation window. The AEW President did not reveal any further details or timetable of the contract’s actual expiration.

“I’m not sure that I am able to answer that question. I don’t want to endanger anybody who works here or get anybody in trouble. I’m not sure I can say. It’s coming up soon. I probably shouldn’t say the exact date. I do appreciate you asking that. I probably shouldn’t say the exact date. It’s coming up pretty soon here.”

TNT and TBS hosts All Elite Wrestling’s weekly television shows: Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision. Their partnership even caused AEW Dark to cease production on YouTube, because they wanted exclusivity.

How AEW Got Their Television Deal

In January 2020 AEW’s deal with WBD was extended with a four-year, approximately $175 million contract that included the addition of Rampage for Friday nights. Now, as we get even further into 2024, a new deal has not been signed. It all started in a rather interesting way in 2018.

AEW first came to Warner Bros Discovery thanks to Tony Khan’s friend, Kevin Riley, who helped him get on the network. Years later, and Riley is no longer a part of the company. His firing as part of WBD’s massive restructuring was a big blow to AEW, as they lost an important ally.

I explained that to them pretty clearly in the interview, to be fair. I officially started on the project that became AEW on April 6, 2018 when I saw my friend Kevin Reilly at a party in Beverly Hills & said that I was interested in creating a wrestling league + working together.

— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) September 30, 2019

In 2021, Tony Khan appeared on AEW Restricted, as he walked Aubrey Edwards and Tony Scahivone down the road to AEW’s first television deal. It really all happened thanks to a close friend he already had, and the fact that Khan dressed as “Macho Man” Randy Savage at a Halloween party

The March 20, edition of AEW Rampage proved to be a hit with fans, though that may be due to the unique placement of the show that traditionally airs on Friday nights. 

Rather than air on Friday, AEW Rampage aired immediately after the March 20 Dynamite which aired from its usual Wednesday night spot. The shows aired from the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, Canada. 

Rampage’s Record Rating

This week’s AEW Rampage scored 541,000 viewers. This is the highest rampage since the January 6, 2023 episode, which aired from its usual Friday spot. The show marked a 65% increase in viewers from the previous week’s episode (327,000.)

This week’s show also succeeded in the coveted 18-49 demographic. The show scored a 0.27 in this demographic, the highest number for the show since the April 22, 2022 episode of the show. 

Worrying Trend

While AEW Rampage did well for one episode, the show as a whole continues to see a worrying downward slide. The average Rampage number for the first quarter of 2024 has been 374,000 viewers, down from the 2023 Q1 number of 436,000 viewers. This trend is also the case when you compare March 2023 to March 2024. This month has seen an average viewership of 345,000, down from March 2023’s 394,000. 

AEW Rampage Results – March 20

The results for this week’s edition of AEW Rampage are as follows: 

• The Best Friends (Orange Cassidy and Trent Beretta) defeat the Don Callis Damily (Kyle Fletcher & Powerhouse Hobbs – AEW World Tag Title Tournament Match

• Katsuyori Shibata defeats Kevin Matthews

• Konosuke Takeshita defeats Rocky Romero

• Julia Hart & Skye Blue defeats Kris Statlander & Willow Nightingale – Street Fight

Fans tuning into this week’s AEW Dynamite will enjoy not two but three hours of programming, with Rampage set to air immediately after.

On Twitter, AEW shared the news that fans can expect three hours this Wednesday. The shows will air from the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

THIS WEDNESDAY!#AEWDynamite & #AEWRampage will be back-to-back LIVE on @TBSNetwork, starting at 8pm ET/7pm CT ??? pic.twitter.com/52phOBPEWk

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) March 18, 2024

AEW Dynamite – March 20 Matches

This week’s AEW Dynamite will be a stacked show with the TNT Championship on the line. Christian Cage and Adam Copeland will do battle in an I-Quit match in their hometown. On last week’s episode of AEW Collision, Copeland introduced ‘Spike,’ a 2×4 filled with nails he plans to use as a weapon.

Chris Jericho will take on Hook on this week’s Dynamite. This match was confirmed last week. Jericho and Hook are currently a tag team and defeated the Gates of Agony on last week’s episode of AEW Dynamite.

In his first singles match since signing with AEW, Kazuchika Okada will take on AEW Continental Champion Eddie Kingston. In addition to the AEW gold being on the line, Kingston’s Ring of Honor World Championship and NJPW Strong Openweight Championship will also be on the line.

In women’s division action, AEW Women’s World Champion ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm and Mariah May will face Deonna Purrazzo and Thunder Rosa. The Virtuosa unsuccessfully challenged Storm for the gold at AEW Revolution 2024.

Mercedes Mone Speaks

Mercedes Mone will also be at this week’s Dynamite to address the crowd. The former WWE & IWGP Women’s Champion made her AEW debut last week. 

Currently, there are no confirmed matches for AEW Rampage. Keep checking out SE Scoops for the latest updates on AEW programming. 

Eric Bischoff is not happy with the recent Jeff Hardy injury scare.

The Charismatic Enigma faced Sammy Guevara in a No Disqualification match on last Friday’s edition of Rampage. A clip from this match went viral on social media which saw Guevara botching a top rope dive and hitting Hardy on the face with his knee.

The former WCW president talked about this spot during the most recent 83 Weeks Episode. Bischoff was asked if such repeated botches are a result of talent wrestling a lot less frequently in AEW, and the wrestling veteran explained that AEW’s culture to promote high risk moves is also to blame:

“Very concerned for Jeff. He took that knee right to the side of the face. I don’t know where it actually hit him, but it looked to me like it planted right on his cheekbone, his temple. That’s a lot of power coming down off, that’s a lot of weight coming down off that top turnbuckle and there’s nowhere for Jeff’s head to go. So, fearful clearly, I didn’t really ask myself why.

But I think your observation’s probably mostly correct. Part of it is too because of the nature of what AEW finds appealing is so much of the high risk, justified ‘this is awesome’ chants, which usually are a result of something really, really high-risk and stupid. That’s what they’re going for. I think the talent probably feels like they’ve got to go to an extreme to get over.

Particularly cos you’re wrestling in front of 2000 people on a television show. The audience isn’t into your shit at all from the opening match on. It’s like wrestling in front of a high school cafeteria crowd. That makes it harder for talent and they push even further and they do things that are even riskier to try to overcome that issue.”

this is NOT the first time Sammy Guevara has injured Jeff Hardy with his amateur hour bullshit

HE IS NOT A PROFESSIONAL WRESTLER pic.twitter.com/Hm4EOwzU0z

— Degenerate George (@DGen_Media) February 15, 2024

“What’s It Gonna Take?”: Eric Bischoff

Eric Bischoff also refuted Wrestling Observer’s report on Jeff Hardy’s status after the match. He questioned what will it take for officials to make an effort and tone things down:

“But I think mostly it’s the reps. Guys are just not as tight and sharp as they would be if they’re on the road three or four or five days a week. It is an issue. I think Dave Meltzer reported finish went according to plan and it’s not that big of an injury. I have heard substantially the opposite. It’s a mess. It’s a mess, and it’s a mistake.

Somebody’s gonna get hurt. Seriously hurt. People get hurt all the time. You start taking knees to the head from the top rope. What’s it gonna take? Somebody’s gonna need to die? Somebody’s gonna have to get brain injuries before somebody finally wakes up and goes ‘ok we need to get a little better control over what we do and how we do it.’ I don’t know. Hopefully not.”

Jeff Hardy and Sammy Guevara’s match on AEW Rampage is getting attention for all the wrong reasons. A botched spot resulted in a lot of fear among fans that Hardy was injured. Now, we have the latest update on his health status.

Jeff Hardy’s Injury Status

During the AEW Rampage taping this week, Sammy Guevara executed a shooting star press, and unfortunately, his knee landed heavily on Hardy’s face. Although the incident appeared severe, Hardy confirmed he was alright, and the match continued with Guevara executing a GTH finisher.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Jeff Hardy sustained a broken nose but, fortunately, no concussion during his match taped on February 14th against Sammy Guevara for the February 16th Rampage show. 

Jeff Hardy suffered a broken nose but no concussion in his match taped 2/14 against Sammy Guevara for the 2/16 Rampage show. Guevara did a shooting star press and his knee landed hard on Hardy’s face. It looked bad but Hardy did say he was okay and they went right to Guevara doing a GTH finisher

Jeff Hardy received a broken nose but no concussion from this spot with Sammy Guevara on the taped #AEWRampage. Jeff went on to finish the match.

(WON)pic.twitter.com/jFWjpBsVrD

— Jack Cassidy ? (@RealJackCassidy) February 16, 2024

What’s Next

It’s ironic that with all the risks Jeff Hardy takes, all he did was lay still on the mat this time. It was the Spanish God’s Shooting Star Press that did the damage. Hopefully, Hardy will not miss much time at all after this little setback.

AEW Rampage will reportedly kick off this week’s episode with Jeff Hardy vs Sammy Guevara. We will have to see how they cut everything together for television. 

This is better news for Jeff Hardy, because things could have been a lot worse. Still, a broken nose is no fun at all. SEScoops is sending our best to Hardy has a heals up.

Jeff Hardy recently made headlines when he expressed apparent disappointment about how the Hardys are booked on AEW television. He wrestled on Rampage this week, but that match sadly ended with an apparent injury.

Jeff Hardy was knocked out by sammy Guevara #AEWDynamite #AEWRampage pic.twitter.com/Q5Tr3TMEvx

— REKTS (@Hyperdude54) February 15, 2024

Jeff Hardy Possibly Injured

After the February 14th episode of AEW Dynamite, the company recorded the upcoming Rampage episode airing on February 19th. That match featured Hardy taking Sammy Guevara in singles action.

At the H.E.B. Center in Cedar Park, Texas, where the taping took place, fans captured footage of Sammy Guevara striking Jeff Hardy directly in the face with a knee. This went down as Guevara nailed a top rope move on the Charismatic Enigma.

The match was promptly ended to provide Hardy with immediate medical attention, as he was visibly bleeding from the mouth and appeared disoriented when trying to stand. Fans in attendance also noted that Hardy appeared to be out of it, and Guevara is taking some blame online.

this is NOT the first time Sammy Guevara has injured Jeff Hardy with his amateur hour bullshit

HE IS NOT A PROFESSIONAL WRESTLER pic.twitter.com/Hm4EOwzU0z

— Degenerate George (@DGen_Media) February 15, 2024

What’s Next

Because of NBA All-Star weekend, Rampage will air this week on February 16th at 7 PM EST. The episode will also feature Anna Jay against Queen Aminata.

The entire staff of SE Scoops is sending our best to Jeff Hardy during this time. Hopefully, he isn’t injured and won’t miss any time.

The Hardy Boys are a part of the AEW roster, but they did not get booked for the company’s January 10th Dynamite Homecoming episode. That fact was not lost on Jeff Hardy.

Jeff Hardy’s Interesting Instagram Post

Jeff Hardy dropped a post on Instagram right before AEW Dynamite went live. While promoting the lineup for the company’s January 10th episode, Hardy also made it very clear that his team will not be on Dynamite.

The Charismatic Enigma then made a little quip about how fans can find him in the Rampage Dimension instead.  Update: Jeff Hardy went to take down his post.

We,”TheHardys”will not be appearing on this live show called #AEWDynamite. We, “TheHardys”are stuck in the dimension of,”AEWRampage”

https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C18Jyn6r9KP

Possible Issues Brewing With The Hardy Boys In AEW

This is the first we’ve heard that would give us any indication that the Hardy Boys aren’t happy with their spot in AEW. All things considered, they are featured and get to wrestle on television. 

Then again, Jeff and Matt have made no secret about how they want another Tag Team Title run before they retire, and matches on Rampage may not be the right path to get them there.

It is also worth noting that, according to reports we’ve seen so far from Daily’s Place, The Hardy Boys were also not booked for AEW Rampage this week. They did announce a few matches already, and you may find them below.

AEW Rampage Card for January 12, 2024

• Eddie Kingston (C) vs Wheeler Yuta – Continental Crown Championship 
• Hikaru Shida vs Queen Aminata 
• Swerve Strickland vs Matt Sydal

Update: Jeff Hardy Is At It Again

Jeff Hardy shared the AEW Collision and Battle of the Belts card on January 12th, along with an intriguing caption. This seemed to be another tongue-in-cheek post.

In the caption, he clarified that the Hardy brothers exclusively work Dynamite shows, providing insight into their absence from tonight’s lineup. 

Don’t miss #AEWCollision http://tonight.It’s gonna be another amazing Saturday night of pro wrestling like it always is. We,the Hardys only work 1 show a week…….because we’re the Hardys. We prefer #AEWDynamite. The dimension of #AEWCollision was designed for punks.

https://twitter.com/JEFFHARDYBRAND/status/1746263723193344410

Britt Baker, apart from Brandi Rhodes, was among the first female talents signed by Tony Khan. Transitioning from the indies with limited television presence, Baker rose to prominence as a key figure in AEW’s women’s division. However, her visibility on television has significantly decreased lately.

Britt Baker’s AEW Absence

On November 29th, Britt Baker dropped a post on X which insinuated that she isn’t thrilled about how much she’s been used in 2023 by AEW. 

It’s no secret that Britt Baker received zero promos in 2023, which is a total surprise. She held the microphone down on a weekly basis for promos during the pandemic era. Now, things are much different in AEW.

Britt Baker Speaks On Lack Of Television Time In AEW

Britt Baker spoke with DS Shin on Ring The Belle, where she opened up about her lack of exposure on AEW television in recent memory. She also gave credit to the AEW fan base for their passion.

“I think with our very passionate fans, they’re very vocal with what they want, what they don’t want, what they like, what they don’t like. We listen, I listen. If they are telling me they want [more] or less of something, okay, I hear you loud and clear. A lot of them said, ‘We want less Britt Baker.’ So, if that’s what they want, that’s what they’ll get. Let me take a step back. Here are the rest of the women. Someone else take the ball and run with it, make the women’s division about you, and you be the face of the women’s division. When no one else can do that, I’ll be there to pick up the pieces and do it all over again.”

Britt Baker On Being A Real-Life Wrestling Dentist

Britt Baker is a real-life dentist, which she still keeps a practice. She also went into detail about how weird it was at times as AEW’s resident dentist when she was out in the real world. 

“It’s a weird territory with fans coming into the dental office, something you can’t prepare [for]. They don’t teach me that in dental school how to deal with fans coming into my office. So we’ve had some weird situations. My staff, they’re great with handling it. They really are. But you have to pick and choose those battles. So, I actually don’t take any new patients. It’s all my old patients that I know are tried and true dental patients and not crazy fans in disguise.”

Britt Baker has been backstage in recent memory for AEW’s television tapings. That did not see her get any screen time. Perhaps, Tony Khan is waiting for that right moment. With Deonna Purrazzo’s recent debut for AEW, it seems that there is no shortage of fresh names for Britt Baker to wrestle.

Ric Flair created considerable buzz when he made his AEW debut. Despite his widespread respect in the industry, his stint in the company hasn’t been devoid of controversy.

The Ric Flair AEW Rampage Controversy

One incident that sparked controversy was Ric Flair’s appearance on AEW Rampage, where he made some eyebrow-raising remarks.

A fan account from the AEW Rampage event noted “Flair invited all the women in the audience from ages 18-28 to meet him in his hotel room,” Ric Flair said via The Boulder on Twitter. “No boyfriends or husbands.”

Ric Flair has landed himself in hot water already after an overly long in-ring promo segment on Rampage. (taped last night)

“Flair invited all the women in the audience from ages 18-28 to meet him in his hotel room. No boyfriends or husbands.”

The line is expected to be removed… pic.twitter.com/kQUPWn6wTY

— THE BOULDER ? (@BASINGSEGRAPS) November 30, 2023

Ric Flair’s Apology

The comment triggered a social media uproar, prompting Ric Flair to issue an apology and even express his willingness to step away from AEW.

“I Am So Tired Of Hearing All This Negativity! I Don’t Need To Work, And I Don’t Need The Money. Can’t I Simply Enjoy Being By My Dear Friend Sting’s Side For The Next Few Months,” Ric Flair shared on social media. “Without So Much Hatred? I Know I’m Old, But That Doesn’t Mean I Can’t Enjoy Life! I Have Earned The Right To Do Whatever I Want & I’m Exactly Where I Want To Be! I Appreciate Everything Tony Khan, But I’m More Than Willing To Walk Away If I Am Embarrassing You And Your Company. All I Can Say Is I’m Sorry!”

I Am So Tired Of Hearing All This Negativity! I Don’t Need To Work, And I Don’t Need The Money. Can’t I Simply Enjoy Being By My Dear Friend @Sting’s Side For The Next Few Months Without So Much Hatred? I Know I’m Old, But That Doesn’t Mean I Can’t Enjoy Life! I Have Earned The… pic.twitter.com/GK49HoSeEC

— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) November 30, 2023

Backlash Over Ric Flair’s Reaction

However, not everyone shares the sentiment that Flair should have apologized for his remarks. In a recent interview on FOX News, former WWE Superstar Tyrus offered robust opinions on The Nature Boy.

Tyrus reminded Ric Flair of his legendary status in wrestling, emphasizing that Flair has forgotten more about the business than most will ever know. According to Tyrus, Flair stands among the last greats, and his mere presence can captivate wrestling fans across generations.

‘‘I got a little bit of beef with you and I’m just gonna bring it up with you real quick. You put a post out where you had the temerity that maybe you shouldn’t have walked out there in AEW. Let me remind you of who you are. You have forgotten more wrestling than most of us will ever know. You are one of the last greats, when you come out and walk that isle, that a grandfather can look at his grandson, ‘I saw this guy wrestler and that is why you’re here.‘

Tyrus firmly believes that Ric Flair should never have apologized for his AEW debut, highlighting the thunderous pop he received when he walked down the aisle.

Ric Flair has continued to appear on AEW television, whenever Tony Khan can use him. Those dreams of managing Andrade El Idolo in AEW aren’t going to happen though, because Ric Flair’s son-in-law left AEW, with many under the belief that he is WWE bound. 

AEW’s television deal with Warner Brothers Discovery is set to expire at the end of 2024. The next year will be a very important one for Tony Khan, as he looks forward to what is next for his television shows. Tony Khan is committed, but that brings a very important question about WBD’s interest. 

AEW Possible Television Problem

Tony Khan has commented in the past about how strong AEW’s deal is with Warner Brothers Discovery. Still, the possibility is out there that AEW may not retain that platform for their next set of television deals.

During 83 Weeks, Eric Bischoff discussed how Tony Khan is committed to the product and ‘in it for the long haul, but he also questioned what that means if they don’t get renewed by Warner Bros Discovery.

“Let me make it simple. If in fact, they lose WBD, Warner Brothers Discovery, if they’re no longer part of that platform. I’m not sure where they’re going to go. It’s going to be a smaller cable outlet. I don’t see a big cable outlet [picking them]. And this whole thing with Paramount and WBD, that’s such a wildcard. I can’t even begin to imagine what kind of variables that’s gonna throw into the equation. It could be really good for AEW. Whenever that is, the Paramount WBD thing if it actually becomes a reality. Because it’s too soon to know if it’s real or not. But if it becomes a reality, and there’s a merger there, it can either be the absolute stake through the heart of AEW or it can be the golden ticket. We don’t know. But in a case where it’s not the golden ticket and AEW finds itself on the outside looking in and WWE is now the television partner for Paramount WBD or whatever that ends up looking like.” 

“I don’t know where Tony’s gonna go. Because the world is getting so small. Vertical integration, you’re looking at probably two or three companies that own everything. Where are you going to go? What cable outlet are you going to go to that isn’t owned by NBC Universal, Paramount. Where are you going and what do you have to sell? Not much. Here’s what you get to sell, ‘Hey, we were on Turner for five years and prime time. Over the last five years, our audience has deteriorated. But we want to be on your network.’ I don’t want to sell that. I wouldn’t want to be the person assigned to try to sell that story.” 

Nothing is set in stone yet, and this is all hypothetical at this point. Still, it is enough to get people talking, because there are some big rumors about the upcoming television landscape, and where AEW falls into that.

Warner Brothers Discovery Interested In WWE RAW

There is reported interest in WWE from Warner Bros Discovery. WWE has not found a new home for RAW yet, and that new deal will go into effect in October 2024.

The recent rumor is that CM Punk’s WWE return brought WBD interest. That could present another obstacle for Tony Khan if WWE is able to secure Warner Brothers Discovery as the new home of RAW.

AEW has a few people who are out of action for one reason or another. Right now, Rebel is on the verge of breaking a huge streak in her career, because she hasn’t been seen on television in a very long time.

Rebel hasn’t been on AEW television in quite some time, but she’s still been under contract with the company. Now, we have a bit of an update about her current status. 

Sean Ross Sapp reported on Fightful Select that Rebel hasn’t been backstage much during her absence from AEW television. She is open to make a television return, and there are currently some internal talks to make that happen. 

When asking around, we’re told that Rebel hasn’t been backstage much during her absence from All Elite Wrestling, but has been open to returning to TV if asked. When we followed up on that, we were told there were some internal talks about her possibly being back on television, but specifics or a likelihood of that happening wasn’t revealed. We were told there weren’t working plans for her to wrestle. She has publicly expressed her desire to wrestle on the indies next year.

Rebel has been on television every year since 2014 as part of some pro wrestling company. This might change this year if she doesn’t wrestle, because she hasn’t been seen in 2023. 

Rebel used to appear on a regular basis, as she worked alongside Britt Baker. However, she hasn’t been on television since Britt Baker turned babyface. It was also noted that Rebel also quit her job in the makeup department at AEW.

We will have to see if Rebel makes a return to television any time soon. Right now, there are a lot more questions than answers about her current absence.

What’s your take on Rebel’s absence from AEW television? Do you miss seeing her around? Let us know what you think by engaging with us on social media! 

WWE and AEW often run the same markets, but there was an issue with Tony Khan’s company booking a lot of the same venues at times. It appears that issue is in the past. 

In June, Dave Meltzer noted in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE was actively trying to prohibit their venues from booking AEW events. It was written:

“There is an interesting note that in arenas that do rent to both AEW and WWE, WWE has put clauses in its deals that AEW can’t run a certain number of weeks before or after the WWE show, and also that AEW and the arena can’t announce the show or sell tickets until after the WWE show has taken place.”

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter notes that WWE is no longer blocking AEW from running certain venues. The Coca Cola Coliseum in Toronto was cited as an example, because AEW just announced a show at that venue, despite the fact that WWE is running the same building. Dave Meltzer reports:

It is notable that the new owners are not as vigilant, or maybe because of the lawsuit, regarding AEW having dates get out and tickets put on sale in buildings they are running shows in. AEW announced its return to Toronto even though WWE has a show in the same Coca Cola Coliseum

WWE’s current antitrust lawsuit with MLW may have also played into the company altering their tactics. They used to have a much different mindset toward the idea of AEW running the same venues that they do.

Tony Khan has previously expressed his appreciation for competition in professional wrestling, but he emphasized the importance of ethical practices. During the press conference following Double or Nothing, he noted that this hasn’t always been the case “from the other side.” 

A WWE-imposed clause once restricted AEW from booking events seems to be a thing of the past now. We will have to see how this situation pans out in the future. 

AEW has been having apparent issues packing their houses in recent memory as well. Either way, WWE will not stop Tony Khan’s company from running those venues, as they have apparently altered their philosophy on the matter.

What’s your take on WWE no longer restricting venues from booking AEW shows? Let us know what you think by engaging with us on social media! 

AEW is apparently going through some changes, and that called for a big firing this week, one that left many in shock. Kevin Sullivan was fired from his position with Tony Khan’s company, and some are critical of this decision.

We previously reported that Kevin Sullivan was fired from AEW. Not to be confused with the wrestler Kevin Sullivan, AEW’s Sullivan joined AEW in October 2019, making him one of the organization’s most seasoned backstage figures. Prior to his time at AEW, he had an extensive background in the wrestling industry, having served as Vice President of Production and an executive producer during his tenure with IMPACT Wrestling.

Kevin Sullivan Departs AEW

In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer noted that Kevin Sullivan, who has been with AEW since they started the company, was fired in a surprising fashion. Nobody saw it coming, as Michael Mansury simply told Sullivan that they’re going in a new direction for 2024. Meltzer wrote:

“The story going around was Mansury told Sullivan that morning that they were moving in another direction in 2024.

Sullivan had no idea it was coming and was given no real explanation as to why, just that it was a Mansury decision.
People in the division didn’t even know that Mansury was Sullivan’s boss, noting that among those who worked in production that was never made clear.

The story in production is that nobody else was expected to be cut, but it was a team created by Sullivan so they are his guys.”

Tony Khan reportedly faced criticism within AEW due to a recent firing that surprised many in the company. Kevin Sullivan held the position of Vice President of Post Production, and his termination left people within AEW feeling shocked by the decision. Some wondered why Tony Khan didn’t step in and stop this from happening as well.

Kevin Sullivan had been with AEW since its early days, earning respect behind the scenes. He also had played a pivotal role in building the post-production team, primarily based in Nashville.

It appears that AEW is going to go in a different direction production-wise in 2024. They no longer needed Kevin Sullivan around to fulfill his duties. At this time, Sullivan’s firing is the only one that is expected, but he did leave a team of his curated guys behind in AEW.

What’s your take on AEW going in a different direction with production in 2024? How will that change things for fans watching at home? Let us know what you think by engaging on social media!