A couple of interesting non-AEW names were backstage at tonight’s Worlds End PPV from Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Florida.

The area is home to many notable pro wrestlers and one of them, former WWE star Baron Corbin was spotted at the show. Corbin’s 12-year-long WWE run came to an abrupt end earlier last month after the company surprisingly chose not to renew his contract.

Real name Tom Pestock, the wrestling veteran has stayed active outside of the sports entertainment world since then. He most recently won a gold medal at an international Jiu-Jitsu tournament.

Baron Corbin Wins Gold Medal At International Jiu-Jitsu Tournament

Another Former WWE Star Backstage

Another interesting name who was said to be around is AJ Francis, also known as Top Dolla. Like many other TNA talents, his deal is also set to expire on January 1.

Dolla was seen talking to names such as Tony Khan and Jeff Jarrett before the show. He was also seen with his former Hit Row teammate Swerve Strickland at the event.

It’s unknown if either of these names were backstage on a business expedition or just visiting friends. Their impending free agency definitely marks an interesting coincidence in either case.

AJ Francis, formerly known as Top Dolla in WWE, recently made a bold claim involving WWE legend John Cena.

The former WWE star has claimed to be the best wrestler-rapper after dropping his “World Championship Diss” track. The TNA Wrestling star took to Twitter to settle the debate with a fan.

The former Hit Row member, AJ Francis is brimming with confidence following his success in TNA Wrestling. Speaking with Sportskeeda, he also recalled meeting John Cena and receiving words of wisdom from the legend. He said:

“Meeting John Cena and having a conversation with Cena in his dressing room, and Cena was like, ‘Man, you’re the best rapper on Earth.’ He was like, ‘You gotta show them out there when you get the opportunity.’ Sad thing is I never really got the opportunity, so it’s a double-edged sword. You can only do as much as you’re given.”

AJ Francis made his music debut in 2017. On March 6, last year, Hit Row partially reunited as part of a music video ‘Price Went Up’ by artist Monteasy. It featured AJ Francis, Swerve Strickland and B-Fab. A few months later, the three members of Hit Row by the names of B-Fab, Francis and Ashante “Thee” Adonis dropped a freestyle single by the name of ‘Barbie Barz.’

WWE released the former Top Dolla in September 2023. Following that, he competed in the independent circuit. He is currently signed to TNA Wrestling, where he is a former one-time TNA Digital Media Champion. AJ Francis ended this week’s TNA iMPACT! standing over Nic Nemeth and posing with the TNA World Title. He is now all set to challenge Nemeth for the World title at TNA Final Resolution on December 13th and it will emanate from the Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia.

In recent years, content creators like Logan Paul and KSI have shown their merits in the world of pro wrestling, including a lengthy U.S. Title reign for the Maverick. Now, viral YouTuber BDE has stepped foot in the squared circle, which proved disastrous for TNA Wrestling’s own AJ ‘Top Dolla’ Francis.

BDE attended the recent Pro Wrestling Revolver Bad Trip show at the Calumet Center At Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Dayton, Ohio. During the show, BDE would end up in the ring with Francis and drop the former WWE Superstar/TNA Digital Media Champion with a picture-perfect cutter.

BDE, real name Brandon, produces WWE-themed content on his YouTube channel, which has amassed over 1.28 million subscribers since launching in May 2014. Many of BDE’s videos center around challenges in the WWE 2K series of video games, and the viral YouTuber has amassed over half a Billion views in total. BDE’s most popular video sees him try and win a Royal Rumble on every WWE 2K game and has amassed over 5 million views.

The success of BDE, Logan Paul, KSI, and others, demonstrates how media popularity has extended far past the world of conventional broadcast television. WWE will make a huge leap of its own come January 2025 when WWE Raw moves to Netflix as part of a lucrative ten-year deal. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from the world of wrestling and those who are able to entertain both in and out of the ring.

AJ Francis knows a GOAT when he sees one and he got to see the ultimate “GOAT” in Tom Brady up close and personal.

Speaking with me in an exclusive conversation, I asked Francis how he thinks former NFL quarterback Tom Brady will do behind the broadcast booth. Brady, who will now be two seasons removed from professional football, will join Fox as a new analyst for NFL Sunday games. 

Francis is no stranger to the NFL gridiron, but the current TNA Digital Champion and Canadian International Heavyweight Champion has been on his own steady path to greatness after finding a new lease on wrestling life following his WWE release.

Francis promised that he’d be everywhere since his WWE leave and the former Top Dolla has delivered. He’s now set to face PCO with both of his championships on the line at TNA Slammiversary this Saturday in one of the headline fights. However, while Tom Brady won’t be on commentary for that, Francis firmly believes Brady will be incredible calling NFL games.

“I used to play with Tom on the Patriots. Tom has a really good sense of humor that a lot of people don’t know about because he’s very professional aT what he does, and when it comes to football. his brain is computer-like, his brain breaks stuff down.”

RELATED: TNA Slammiversary 2024 Preview: Match Card, How To Watch

AJ Francis On How Tom Brady Gets Analytical

Francis shared a story that while he was on the Miami Dolphins another teammate of his, Michael Thomas, a defensive back was just signed on the practice squad for the Fins. When they were playing the Patriots, someone got hurt and Thomas was put in as an emergency nickel back during a final two minute drive. It’s the last play of game and Thomas is in the wrong spot, but in a happy circumstance Tom read the defense as he was supposed to. However, that happened to be where Thomas was standing and he ended up intercepting the pass, ending and winning the game for his new team.

“He only got that play because Brady is so good that he knew where the receiver was supposed to be open, and if Michael Thomas was where he was supposed to be, the receiver would have been wide open for a game-winning touchdown. So you know, that’s how good he is.”

Francis gives plenty more thoughts as he talks about feuding with Joe Hendry, his fandom of Bret Hart and his thoughts on the new NCAA College Football 25 video game.

RELATED: Former TNA Referee Believes Partnership With AEW Was Not Fair

This recap was originally written by SEScoops’ Dominic DeAngelo on MLW.com.

Atlanta is more than ready to riot as the historic Center Stage is sold out for Battle Riot VI. We first see Salina de la Renta enter the building after a brief interview with David Marquez and she arrived just in time for the World Featherweight Title fight to kick off the festivities!

MATCH 1
MLW World Featherweight Championship
Delmi Exo vs. Janai Kai (c)

This match was Kai’s toughest to date as a rejuvenated Delmi showed that she was studying tape of the champion Kick Demon and CONTRA’s latest member. Delmi actually had the champ dead to rights but Salina de la Renta came out to confront Cesar Duran who was at ringside and attempted to spray him in the face. Duran ducked and it caught Delmi in the face instead. Kai took advantage and dropped Delmi with a harsh boot for the 1-2-3.

WINNER and STILL MLW World Featherweight Champion: Janai Kai

Backstage we see David Marquez sitting with Emmy-award winning actor Paul Walter Hauser who made media waves in May announcing that he was entering the Battle Riot. Hauser is all types of ready and even has the “classic” WCW costume of Arachnaman for good luck. Ernest The Cat Miller, Jimmy Yang and ICP’s Violent J all come to introduce themselves to Hauser and as he’s rubbing elbows, a hand slips in and steals Hauser’s good luck charm!

• Actor Paul Walter Hauser Enters MLW Battle Riot VI

MATCH 2
Ritual Combat Match
AJ Francis vs. Alex Kane

The rules for a “Ritual Combat” match are simple: sit on the throne for ten seconds untouched and you are the rightful “King” of BOMAYE. The elders are introduced and needless to say the two names are legendary: it’s Teddy Long and Mark Henry!

The fight begins and Francis is quite dominant, putting his ruthlessness and strength to good use. Kane encounters some close calls when it comes to the ten count, but the former World Champion musters up the energy to stop it on numerous occassions. That’s even after being body slammed on an open chair and powerbombed off the apron! Even Mark Henry makes it known that he’s not all too enthused with AJ’s actions

Francis goes to finish Kane by setting up a table but it’s Kane who puts AJ through through it with a superplex! Kane walks up the entryway, sits on the throne, and AJ can’t answer the ten count!

WINNER and KING of BOMAYE: Alex Kane

Post-fight, both Henry and Long make it clear that Kane earned his throne the right way.

We see Mads Krugger and he promises that the new crusader in CONTRA Unit will shake the league at its foundation.

It’s World Title fight time. And we get to catch the first glimpse of the new World Championship!

MAIN EVENT #1
MLW World Heavyweight Championship
Tom Lawlor (with MSL) vs. Satoshi Kojima (c) (with Okumura)

Tom Lawlor literally came loaded for this match as the official pull out all sorts of foreign objects out of Lawlor’s gear. Due to that, he ruled that MSL must leave the arena within 10 seconds or he’d forever be banned from MLW! MSL fell on his way out and we’re off to the races.

Even without the weapons, Lawlor showed exactly why he was a former MLW World Champion as he had Kojima’s number greatly in this match, wearing the champ down with submission holds and hard strikes. However, Lawlor eventually got caught by a Lariato! One didn’t keep him down, but two did and Kojima fights through pain to retain once more!

WINNER and STILL MLW World Heavyweight Champion: Satoshi Kojima

Before we get to the Riot match, Salina aimed to seek out her revenge on Cesar Duran. She had some help pinning him down with Bad Dude Tito and it seemed like she had Duran dead to rights. However, Duran began singing Salina a familiar lullaby that clearly had the Bruja shaken. It was one her mother sang. Duran stood up and presented her footage on the big screen and we see photographs of a young Salina, then older photos of her mother – with a young Cesar Duran. Duran reveals that his happens to be Salina’s “papa” and de la Renta is a broken mess! Duran laughs manically as this throws a clear wedge in the ongoing power struggle between the two!

MAIN EVENT #2
Battle Riot VI

The first two entrants to this fight happen to be fitting. Entrant #1 is your World Middleweight Champion Mistico while entrant two is MLW original Jimmy Yang!

What a Riot this was as we had surprise appearances from the likes of CW Anderson and Scotty Riggs, and Tom Lawlor tried to enter on three different occassions as himself, The legendary Masked Assassin, and using Paul Walter Hauser’s Arachna-Man costume!

Speaking of Hauser really shined in the Riot. He actually eliminated Lawlor nearly upon entry and lasted a very good while until Sami Callihan took him out! Another newbie to the ring, YouTube sensation Chris Danger also showed up, actually hitting Violent J with a stunner and eliminating him!

However perhaps the biggest surprise of the Riot was the newest CONTRA member. Mads Krugger wasn’t lying when he said his newest soldier was earth-shattering as it was MINORU SUZUKI. No one was safe in the ring with Minoru running rampant. Suzuki even helped to eliminate last year’s winner, Alex Kane. After that, there’s only five remain as Riddle is ganged up on.Suzuki is a big threat but it’s Riddle who knees him out!

The final four ended up being Davey Boy Smith Jr., Timothy Thatcher, Matt Riddle and Sami Callihan. Riddle has to fight on the apron against Callihan and Smith and Thatcher joins on the apron to help him! Thatcher pulls Davey off but both men hit the floor are eliminated. Riddle ultimately ends up putting Sami down seconds later and he’s your Riot winner!

WINNER: Matt Riddle

TNA Wrestling’s Joe Hendry took inspiration from rock band Creed for their latest musical barbs aimed at rival AJ ‘Top Dolla’ Francis.

Hendry’s songs have proven to be a hit among wrestling fans with his theme song ‘I Believe in Joe Hendry’ recently reaching #1 on the iTunes charts. Before the latest episode of TNA iMPACT, Hendry insinuated that he would apologize for his previous digs at Francis. Instead, Hendry delivered another scathing performance to the tune of Creed’s ‘Higher.’

Hendry’s final barb of his performance referenced to wanting Francis to be fired and stating that it’s happened twice before. The former WWE Superstar was released in 2021 only to be brought back the next year and was released once again in 2023. 

Hendry also featured some of his previous tracks in which he has mocked Francis. Earlier this year, Hendry produced a song for Francis that featured the TNA theme song for AJ Styles. This song mocked Francis’ infamous, though life-saving botched dive in WWE. Hendry said that the former Top Dolla nullifies TNA Wrestling’s insurance whenever he goes sailing over the top rope.

This is hardly the first time that Creed have been brought up in wrestling. During the Attitude Era, WWE produced several promotional videos featuring music from the band, including using ‘Higher’ for one of these videos. 

Hendry’s musical skills have endeared him to fan as he proves his talents both in and out of the ring. The Scottish star has been trending on Twitter for days as fans rally behind him and his efforts to get ‘I Believe in Joe Hendry‘ broadcast on the radio. With the success of his most popular track, there’s no doubt that there’s no shortage of people who believe in Joe Hendry. 

There’s no shortage of people who believe in Joe Hendry as the TNA Wrestling star’s song has reached #1 on iTunes in the UK. 

I Believe In Joe Hendry is not just a song by the former Digital Media Champion but also serves as Hendry’s theme song. As seen in the image below, Hendry’s song is #1 on the UK iTunes service. The TNA star was able to surpass the likes of Hozier, Teddy Swims, and even the musical powerhouse tag team of Taylor Swift and Post Malone.

His song dominating on iTunes certainly bodes well for Hendry’s future with TNA Wrestling as he’s been able to attract major attention to the promotion. His musical talents have put Hendry at odds with AJ ‘Top Dolla’ Francis who debuted for TNA at the Hard to Kill relaunch event earlier this year. In February, Hendry teamed with Rich Swann to defeat Francis and Deaner. The following month, Francis got his revenge when he defeated Hendry in singles action. 

I Believe In Joe Hendry isn’t the Scottish wrestler’s only foray into music. Earlier this year, Hendry produced a song for Francis that featured the TNA theme song for AJ Styles. This song mocked Francis’ infamous, though life-saving botched dive in WWE. Hendry said that the former Top Dolla nullifies TNA Wrestling’s insurance whenever he goes sailing over the top rope.

.@joehendry is ready to fly with a brand new rendition of "I Am" just for @AJFrancis410. #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/aagkO663JF

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 16, 2024

Hendry’s musical skills have endeared him to fan as he proves his talents both in and out of the ring. With the success of his most popular track, there’s no doubt that there’s no shortage of people who believe in Joe Hendry. 

A.J. Francis has been finding success since becoming a free agent this year. He’s appeared for different indie promotions and has also recently taken his talents to TNA Wrestling. A new report has shared that the company has reached a deal with Francis to keep him on the roster for the rest of the year.

Fightful Select reported on March 28 that TNA Wrestling has reached an agreement for Francis to remain with them through 2024. His deal will still allow him to appear in independent promotions like Game Changer Wrestling and Major League Wrestling. However, it prohibits Francis from working for WWE or All Elite Wrestling while under contract with TNA. 

After the report became public, Francis confirmed his status with the company on Twitter. The TNA Wrestling superstar said he plans to continue accepting bookings on the indie wrestling scene, including DEFY Wrestling. 

Yeah I’m still everywhere @defyNW it’s time https://t.co/x7AYwbhgmM

— A.J. FRANCI$ ? (@AJFrancis410) March 28, 2024

The company has also shown that they have plans for Francis on TV. He recently formed a new tag team with Rich Swann on the March 28 episode of TNA Wrestling. Swann aligned with Francis on the March 14 episode of the brand to help him defeat Joe Hendry. They will be known as First Class and have put the rest of the roster on notice. 

While Francis has formed a team with Swann, it’s unclear if his feud with Hendry is over. The company could decide to rematch Francis and Hendry in the future, but it seems First Class has their sights on the tag division. 

What’s Next For A.J. Francis & Rich Swann(Spoiler)

TNA Wrestling has already taped its next few episodes heading into its next pay-per-view event, Rebellion, on April 20. First Class had their first match as a tag team against the former TNA World Tag Team Champions ABC(Ace Austin & Chris Bey) during the taping. 

It’s unclear when the match will air, but Francis and Swann could soon be feuding with ABC for the foreseeable future. As of now, First Class also isn’t on the TNA Rebellion card. However, that may change as the event gets closer next month. 

That said, Francis is building momentum in TNA Wrestling and is showing how valuable he can be to the company. If he can continue to display his ability, he could become one of the hottest free agents next year. 

WWE released Top Dolla from his contract in September 2023, but he still has friends in the company. He is also never one to turn down an invitation for a gathering he wants to attend.

AJ Francis was in the house for RAW in Houston this week. That being said, he had a reason for being there. He couldn’t pass up on the opportunity after he just so happened to be in Houston at the same time.

Francis Explains His Whereabouts

After WWE RAW this week, AJ Francis took to Twitter/X to explain why he was around RAW this week. He made it very clear that not only was he invited, but he also said that everyone was very excited to see him.

It felt good to be back in the WWE fold, if only for one night. Hopefully, this explanation clears things up for any inquisitive fans.

Bun B invited me to his show at Rodeo Houston so I pulled up to H-Town today… at the rental car spot a fan told me RAW was in Houston.

EVERYONE I saw was excited to see me & that felt good…

Bun B invited me to his show at Rodeo Houston so I pulled up to H-Town today… at the rental car spot a fan told me RAW was in Houston.

EVERYONE I saw was excited to see me & that felt good… ?

— A.J. FRANCI$ ? (@AJFrancis410) March 12, 2024

What’s Next For AJ Francis

When Fightful Select reported that AJ Francis was backstage at RAW, plenty of fans wondered what was going on. After all, he just debuted for TNA Wrestling, and he’s starting to make an impact there (no pun intended). It seems that he was just there visiting friends.

AJ Francis will keep doing his thing, and that may include showing up at a WWE event or two. He is still welcomed backstage as part of the WWE Family, even if he is no longer officially employed there.

SEScoops will have more on this story if there are any updates, along with so much more in the pro wrestling world. Keep checking back for more of the updates on every story you need to know about.

AJ Francis is making the most of his free agency, but he did happen to reconnect with former WWE co-worker Pat McAfee. After being released from WWE the former Hit Row member made mention on the “Oh … You Didn’t Know” podcast that he was going to be everywhere and Francis wasn’t lying.

Speaking with SEScoops, AJ Francis talked about his busy week at the Super Bowl in Las Vegas. Francis was all over Sin City and was doing what he could to promote TNA, including Sacrfice that takes place Friday evening. It so happened that Francis was at Media Row and unexpectedly got invited by Pat McAfee onto the Pat McAfee Show.

“I didn’t go there to get on the show. Like I went there to say ‘what’s up’ to Pat cause Pat’s my homie. I’ve known Pat since we were in the NFL. We were in the NFL at the same time so I’ve known Pat for years. I went there to just say, ‘What’s up?’ And they were like, ‘Nah, nah, nah. We gonna get you on.’ I’m like, ‘Oh, alright, cool.'”

“And then for him to be like, ‘Yo, I see you putting people through tables.’ It’s like, ‘Oh, like he’s putting me over,’ you know what I’m saying? Like, he don’t got to do that. He doesn’t have to do that, but he does cause he’s a real one. And that’s why, like, I use that opportunity to talk about No Surrender, to talk about our shows coming up in Canada and talk about Philly and talk about going back to the Palms for Rebellion on 4/20 So it’s like, these are the things that I’m setting up for people. You know what I’m saying?”

Francis will be apart of the No Surrender meet-and-greet, but has recently been feuding with Joe Hendry in TNA. He also just showed up this past weekend in MLW, appearing to start a feud with former MLW World Heavyweight Champion Alex Kane.

Please credit and h/t to SEScoops for the transcription.

AJ Styles’ days with TNA Wrestling may be a distant memory, but the Phenomenal One was referenced on this week’s episode of iMPACT!

Styles joined TNA when the company launched in 2002 and was one of the company’s most accomplished stars before his exit in 2014. After leaving, Styles would join New Japan Pro Wrestling before making his WWE debut as part of the 2016 Royal Rumble match. 

AJ Styles Referenced in TNA Wrestling

At TNA Hard to Kill, Joe Hendry and AJ Francis began their feud with both men showcasing their musical talent. Hendry’s parody songs of wrestlers have proven to be immensely popular and this week’s TNA iMPACT! proved to be no different. 

During Hendry’s entrance for his match, Francis appeared on the titantron and mocked the Scottish wrestler. Francis made it clear he doesn’t believe in Joe and mocked Hendry for getting jumped at Hard to Kill. 

.@AJFrancis410 interrupts @joehendry entrance with a special song. #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/SyVMLx8gXi

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 16, 2024

Not to be outdone, Hendry revealed his song for Francis later in the show. Referring to another AJ, Hendry used the TNA theme song of Styles to poke fun at Francis. Referencing Francis’ infamous, though life-saving botched dive in WWE, Hendry said that the former Top Dolla nullifies TNA Wrestling’s insurance whenever he goes sailing over the top rope. 

.@joehendry is ready to fly with a brand new rendition of "I Am" just for @AJFrancis410. #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/aagkO663JF

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 16, 2024

Hendry didn’t stop there, as the song claimed that Francis was “banned from diving.” The Scottish wrestler shared footage of Francis partying with some attractive women who may be fine spending time on his boat “but they all laugh when you hit the top rope.”

Fans will have plenty to look forward to at the upcoming TNA No Surrender event… 

Hit Row made their return to WWE after Triple H took control of power. Vince McMahon fired the entire stable previously, and Swerve Strickland went to AEW before Triple H could do anything about it. Now, Hit Row is no more after Top Dolla’s release, but he doesn’t believe there were any plans to begin with.

Hit Row’s Second Run In WWE

Top Dolla was released from WWE in September, and now he is a free agent as AJ Francis once again. As rumors of a TNA in-ring debut are strong, due to his planned music video debut at Hard to Kill, he has vivid memories of his time in WWE.

While speaking to Busted Open Radio, the former Top Dolla opened up about his time in WWE. He feels as though the company never had a plan for Hit Row.

“I feel like they didn’t have an idea how to use Hit Row. I feel like the idea of the hip-hop stable just didn’t really gell with what they had creatively and what they wanted to do creatively. They had different plans for the three of us. I’m just happy that Briana and Tehuti, which are B-Fab and Ashante ‘Thee’ Adonis are still there. I’m happy they’re still getting money. I’m happy that they seem to be getting involved on the show. I have no ill will towards anyone there. It’s just now I got to worry about me. I don’t care about anybody else but me. That’s why I don’t want to be in no factions. I don’t want to be in no groups or tag teams. I’m tired of people pretending that I need other people. I can do it by myself and I’m going to do it by myself.”

AJ Francis Got A Weird Feeling

AJ Francis went on to say that, during his second run in WWE, he noticed a significant difference in his relationship with Triple H, characterized by mutual respect. 

He acknowledged Paul Heyman as a strong supporter of his as well, but that might have been the extent of it. There were instances when he felt unwelcome, perceiving it through the energy and body language in the Gorilla Position during matches. 

I don’t know how to say it other than like, sometimes I just never felt welcome. Like when other talent would be in Gorilla, like, I would go in Gorilla and watch people’s matches, and I would watch the dark matches, and I would watch during the show, and I just didn’t feel like I was supposed to be there. I just felt like the energy around was like, I shouldn’t be in there. I don’t know why I felt that way. 

Despite no explicit objections, the atmosphere left AJ Francis with a sense of not belonging. Every Friday on SmackDown, AJ would show up, sometimes alone, running spots in the ring, often with a ghost partner. Collaborating with William Regal and others, he also said he gave his all in dark matches, aiming to engage the crowd and cut promos, but the consistent dislike from the audience towards Hit Row suggested a lack of plans for the group. 

Things took a big turn for Hit Row, especially after LA Knight verbally dismantled the faction. It wasn’t long until they were never seen on television as a faction again.

Hit Row Members Left In WWE

In the end, Francis was released, while B-Fab and Ashante Thee Adonis were left on the blue brand. B-Fab was featured speaking with Bobby Lashley as he created his new stable, but nothing ever came from that.

Adonis was recently spotted in a backstage segment with Nick Aldis, where he was asking for an opportunity. We will have to see if there are finally some plans for them in WWE.

Former WWE superstar AJ Francis(FKA Top Dolla) has made his presence felt since the company let him go. WWE released him on September 21, 2023, a year after he returned for his second stint. Since he bid farewell to WWE for the second time, he has been exploring his options on the independent scene. 

To fans’ surprise, Francis returned to Game Changer Wrestling on December 21, 2023, and attacked Joey Janela. This helped set up a featured match between the two for GCW Look At Me on January 26. However, Francis isn’t done exploring his options in wrestling.

While attending the 2024 Chees-It Citrus Bowl on January 1, he announced on Twitter that he would be at TNA Hard To Kill on January 13. Francis, alongside DJ Whoo Kid, shared that they will premiere a new music video of their song “WE OUT$IDE” live on the pay view. Although he isn’t involved in a match, Francis doesn’t rule out competing in a TNA ring.

When asked by a fan if he would compete for the company, Francis replied, “If the bag is right.” 

TNA hopes to start their year with a bang, heading toward their upcoming PPV. The company decided last year to rebrand from Impact Wrestling to TNA, which has fans excited for their creative direction. As well as new title designs for their current champions, TNA President Scott D’Amore also teased a big signing will be made by Hard To Kill. 

Francis’s announcement has increased fans’ interest in whether he’ll stick around with TNA. 

What’s Next For AJ Francis? 

Francis is set to appear for GCW and TNA but is still looking to see what deal comes his way. The former WWE superstar is accepting bookings, which he shared on his Twitter account on September 22, 2023. From his standpoint, his impact is being felt online, and he is confident about what he brings to the table for any promotion. 

The following day after announcing his TNA debut, Francis wrote on Twitter:

“I say I’m going to GCW, it does astronomical numbers online for them. I say I’m going to TNA, it does astronomical numbers online for them. Are you guys paying attention?” 

Francis seems to be looking to take advantage of his free-agent status and show that he is still a superstar outside of WWE. If he continues his success, he should be in for a great year as an independent wrestler. 

While Bray Wyatt’s wrestling career was tragically cut short due to his untimely passing, his memory will remain forever. His legacy will forever be cherished by the people impacted by his work. This includes people such as former WWE star AJ ‘Top Dolla’ Francis, who credits the late star for getting him back into wrestling.

The recently released WWE star spoke about Wyatt in an interview with MuscleManMalcolm. He mentioned how he stopped watching wrestling in high school because he didn’t have time. AJ got back into it with the 2011 Royal Rumble event:

“It was really crazy because Bray was one of the reasons that I got really heavy back into wrestling. I watched wrestling from literally before I was one year old until I was like 15. Then not because I didn’t want to watch wrestling. I was just in high school and was playing football and basketball and doing all these different things. I was in the school plays. I didn’t have time to watch wrestling.

So I didn’t watch wrestling for like five years. I didn’t watch wrestling til like 2011. I remember the first event I watched after that five six year hiatus was Royal Rumble, the one where Alberto Del Rio won. The 40 men Rumble with Santino coming back.

That’s why I knew I loved wrestling because I didn’t know who Alberto Del Rio was, I hadn’t watched the product. I didn’t know who Santino was. So I was like ‘Who are these guys?’ But it was so entertaining. That show led to another show there was, led to another and another.”

Bray Was So Good At What He Did: AJ Francis 

Per Top Dolla, he had been watching the sport casually and it was The Wyatt Family act that led to him becoming a regular fan again. Speaking about the qualities of Bray that appealed to him, Francis explained that Bray Wyatt wasn’t going over the top to grab your attention:

“Then when I really started getting back heavy into it, is right when The Wyatt Family debuted. I don’t know man Bray was just special. Bray would quote some of [the] deepest thinkers all the time, including civil rights activists.

He was different. He was the kind of guy that…He could talk very low, almost like a Jake The Snake. In a world full of people that would be so over the top to get your attention. He didn’t have to do that because he was so good at what he did. That made me a fan of his.”

AJ Francis was released from his WWE contract in September this year and he officially became a free agent earlier this week. The former WWE star has wasted no time making his move and he has already started a feud with Joey Janela by attacking him at a GCW event.

You can check out Top Dolla’s full interview below:

More originals from SEScoops:

• Hornswoggle Tells Touching Tale Of Former WWE Star Helping Him After His Release
• Kyla Braxton Recalls Origin Of Famous Paul Heyman Skit
• Dominik Mysterio Is Prepared For Elimination Chamber: I Already Bailed Out of Prison
• Mick Foley Reveals Pick For 2024 Royal Rumble Winner
• Seth Rollins Has Not Watched Becky Lynch’s Jeopardy Appearance: ‘She Won’t Allow Me’

If you use any quotes from the article please credit MuscleManMalcolm with an H/t to SEScoops for transcription

WWE released a list of talent in September, and their 90-day non-compete clauses ended on December 21st. Top Dolla, who is now going as AJ Francis once again, was part of those cuts. The former Hit Row member didn’t waste any time getting himself back out there.

Top Dolla’s First Post WWE Appearance

AJ Francis, formerly recognized as Top Dolla during his stint in WWE, made his presence felt following his WWE release. Without prior announcement, Francis emerged at the GCW Holiday Special on December 21st.

The former Top Dolla jumped in the ring while wearing a mask, where he proceeded to assault Joey Janela. This added an element of surprise to the event, and fans popped when Francis revealed his identity under that mask.

The GCW appearance suggests that AJ Francis is making a promising start in Game Changer Wrestling, which may begin a new chapter in his post-WWE journey. 

? @AJFrancis410 has arrived at #GCWHoliday to attack Joey Janela and let him know he's a bad man!

LIVE ONLY on #TrillerTVplus ?? https://t.co/nvDKNilpzz pic.twitter.com/oEjv0sNuKm

— TrillerTV (@Triller_TV) December 22, 2023

Hit Row Status After Top Dolla’s WWE Release

There were stories about backstage heat on Top Dolla while he was with WWE. It seems like he is leaving that talk in the past, because he has already dismissed those reports, and now he’s onto the chapter of his career.

Despite Top Dolla’s release, B-Fab still harbors hope that a Hit Row reunion is in the cards. WWE teased B-Fab and Ashantee Thee Adonis joining Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits’ new faction, but nothing has come of that yet.

The list of WWE Superstars who just became free agents is quite extensive, and some of those names could find success in another company. That list includes Mustafa Ali, Aliyah, Shelton Benjamin, Rick Boogs, Emma, Dana Brooke, Dabbo-Kato, Elias, Quincy Elliot, Mace, Mansoor, Riddick Moss, Matt Riddle, Shanky, Top Dolla, and Dolph Ziggler.