This week’s AEW Dynamite came hot off the heels of All Out 2022, and the explosive media scrum and backstage fight that has overshadowed the Pay Per View.

During the scrum, CM Punk had harsh words for the Elite, Colt Cabana and ‘Hangman’ Adam Page, and fought with the Elite backstage, in a brawl that included Punk’s trainer Ace Steel.

The Elite have since been suspended from AEW, and there are talks that Punk and Steel could be fired, if not already.

The Meeting

Mere weeks after hosting a talent-wide meeting to discuss reports of conflict in AEW, another meeting was held prior to this week’s Dynamite.

Instead of Tony Khan, this was led by Bryan Danielson, Chris Jericho and Jon Moxley.

Fightful reports that talents were complimentary of the meeting, noting that Danielson, Moxley, and Jericho were the right people to lead.

What was said?

Talent were told to “keep their personal issues personal” and solve their problems backstage instead of leaking news.

The issue of stories of problems getting out to the media was also a topic of discussion during the previous meeting in August.

Wrestlers were encouraged to leave AEW All Out 2022 in the past and move on.

One source noted that it was the “best backstage meeting” the talent have had

CM Punk

A large topic of discussion during the meeting was CM Punk, who’s future with AEW is unclear at this time.

The meeting was said to be not “anti-Punk,” and that wrestlers left in a better mood than the day before.

Danielson was commended as a “calming” presence during the meeting, while Jericho has been praised for his professionalism throughout his time in AEW and especially during this recent period.

Moxley was said to be “adored” during the meeting, with wrestlers agreeing with his promo about being “the answer” to AEW’s problems.

CM Punk & The Elite Pulled from AEW Dynamite Intro

The fallout from CM Punk’s backstage altercation with Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks has led to significant changes to future AEW storylines. Jon Moxley is among the wrestlers whose creative plans have been thrown into disarray.

Moxley lost the AEW World Title to Punk in the main event of Sunday’s All Out pay-per-view. However, after the backstage incident between Punk and Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks, things were forced to change in a major way.

According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, there was a longterm storyline in the works for Moxley that had nothing to do with the championship. He was also approved to take time off, as as he alluded to during his promo on Dynamite, when he said he was supposed to be on vacation this week.

As a result of the ongoing investigation into the backstage melee at All Out (and subsequent suspensions that have been levied), AEW President Tony Khan called upon Moxley and Jericho to work Dynamite on short notice.

Another talent meeting that was held prior to Dynamite to address uneasiness in the locker room. Locker room veterans Moxley, Jericho and Bryan Danielson preached unity and reinforced the positive aspects of what has made AEW such a desirable place to work up until recently.

For more on the big shakeup to AEW’s creative plans, check out:

New Plans for the AEW Full Gear Main Event

Jon Moxley defeated CM Punk on the August 24th edition of AEW Dynamite in shocking fashion.

CM Punk became the AEW Champion by defeating Hangman Adam Page at Double or Nothing. However, a broken foot would keep Punk out of action for a couple of months and Jon Moxley became Interim AEW Champion. The belts were unified on August 24th after Moxley defeated CM Punk with ease.

It led to Punk questioning himself the following week but getting the pump-up speech he needed from long-time friend and AEW producer, Ace Steel. Earlier in the night, Jon left an open contract in the ring and Ace grabbed it.

Punk signed the contract and fired up the crowd in the NOW Arena. Moxley will defend the AEW Championship against CM Punk this Sunday at All Out.

"Life isn't about how many times you get knocked down; it's about how many times you get up!" Did Ace Steel's emotional plea get through to CM Punk?! Tune in to #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS! pic.twitter.com/9MA4qjUyVE

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 1, 2022

Jon Moxley Warns CM Punk Ahead of All Out

AEW Champion Jon Moxley spoke about being a father and the lessons he learned along the way in a backstage promo ahead of the title match tomorrow night. Jon noted that he started wrestling when he was 11 years old and he learned that he can have anything he wants as long as he’s willing to work harder than everyone.

“This Sunday I’m wrestling Chicago-made CM Punk, the little punk rock kid from Chicago! People say that me and CM Punk are a lot alike. Sure we have traveled some of the same roads and had some of the same rivals. We’ve even won some of the same championships. But no, me and CM Punk are nothing alike.”

#AEW Undisputed World Champion @JonMoxley had some choice words for @CMPunk, ahead of their World Championship showdown TOMORROW at #AEWAllOut LIVE on PPV.

Order it now on major providers, @BleacherReport, intl @FiteTV+@ppv_com pic.twitter.com/CoOHYv0JvV

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 4, 2022

Moxley continued and explained one fundamental difference he has with the challenger at All Out:

“There is one fundamental difference between me and CM Punk for example. Say I had a broken foot, not like a CM Punk broken foot, but say you had a wooden block and a sledgehammer and did a Kathy Bates from Misery on my foot right now. I’d have a broken foot going into Sunday, you think I’d care? Even a little bit?”

Moxley added that Punk has an ego that always needs attention and claimed that the Chicago crowd will not bother him at at all. The AEW Champion said that this all could wind up being a good story after all at All Out.

“This could be a great story. I’m gonna give you a chance, you say you are the heartbeat of Chicago, I’m the heartbeat of this business. When guys get in the ring with me, we find out what they are made of. I’m gonna give you a chance to be better than you’ve ever been, more than you ever have been.

I’m gonna give you a chance on Sunday to be that guy that you’ve been pretending to be for all these years. CM Punk, that messiah that everyone is looking up to, that all these fans believed in. A lot of guys, a lot of wrestlers from my generation believed in that turned out to be so full of sh*t.

I’m gonna give you a chance to be that guy, if that guy really exists, yeah Sunday would be the appropriate time for him to show up. Me? I’m not what you would call a “CM Punk fan” so I could care less. This isn’t just the biggest match of your life Punk, this is your life. Defined.”

AEW All Out takes place this Sunday from the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois (suburban Chicago). This will be the third incarnation of AEW’s All Out PPV event from the venue (2019, 2021, 2022). The 2020 edition was held in Florida due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The site was also home to the All In PPV event which helped lead to the launch of the promotion.

SEScoops correspondents Andrew Ravens, Robert Lentini, and Ryan Droste have assembled to provide our official AEW All Out predictions.

• Updated Betting Odds for Sunday’s AEW All Out PPV

Trios Final: The Elite vs. The Dark Order or The Best Friends

Ryan Droste: Although at the time of this publishing, The Elite’s opponent is not finalized, I’m just going to go ahead and assume it will be The Dark Order (complete with Adam Page). This is a tough one to predict. Does Page turn on the Dark Order? Do they play into Page vs. The Elite some more? Push come to shove, I’ll go with The Elite. (Prediction: The Elite)

Robert Lentini: I think The Elite will emerge victorious at All Out, no matter the opponent. Best Friends and Orange Cassidy would make fun inaugural Trios Champions. Dark Order with Hangman Page would be a cool story. I feel like Hangman Page interacting with CM Punk is much more interesting though. Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks as the first Trios Champions seems like the way to go, especially if Omega doesn’t have to do as much as he is just returning from injury. (Prediction: The Elite)

Consensus: The Elite

Wardlow and FTR vs. Jay Lethal and the Motor City Machine Guns

Ryan Droste: This will be cool to see the MCMG in AEW, but there’s absolutely no way Wardlow or FTR should even be considered to lose this match. (Prediction: Wardlow and FTR)

Robert Lentini: I feel like the TNT Champion and ROH Tag Team Champions should be doing something much more interesting at the PPV. They have to win this match. I can’t even imagine them losing it. (Prediction: Wardlow and FTR)

Andrew Ravens: This should be a great match and the perfect spot to put some shine on Wardlow, who has cooled off in recent weeks. I can understand the argument of having the heels go over if there are future plans for them, but this appears to be a one-off so let the faces go over. (Prediction: FTR & Wardlow)

Consensus: Wardlow and FTR

AEW Women’s Title: Britt Baker vs. Jamie Hayter vs. Toni Storm vs. Hikaru Shida

Ryan Droste: We know that Storm was slated to win the AEW Women’s Championship before the card was changed due to Thunder Rosa’s absence. I think that Jamie Hayter would be an interesting choice here, and I’d love to see it, but I’ll go with the original plan and stick with Storm. (Prediction: Toni Storm)

Robert Lentini: AEW was originally going to do Thunder Rosa versus Toni Storm at All Out, so I think they will just give the Interim Championship to Toni. Britt Baker makes the most logical sense as she’s still one of the only stars in the division, but I’d rather see Toni get a chance as champion at the moment and see if she can be a star as well. (Prediction: Toni Storm)

Andrew Ravens: There are only two names that make sense here, and that’s Baker and Storm. The oddsmakers are backing Storm since she was originally supposed to challenge Thunder Rosa for the title at this show. Baker could be made the champion, but I don’t see that happening unless she is going to beat Rosa to become the real champion. I’ll side with Storm and have AEW go with their original plans for a match against Rosa. (Prediction: Toni Storm)

Consensus: Toni Storm

Casino Ladder Match: Claudio Castagnoli vs. Wheeler Yuta vs. Penta El Zero Miedo vs. Rey Fénix vs. Rush vs. Andrade El Idolo vs. Dante Martin vs. TBD

Ryan Droste:A lot of this is dependent on who The Joker is of course, but of the announced lineup, Claudio is the only one I can see getting a shot at the AEW World Title right now. The ROH Champion vs. the AEW Champion would be a fun one. (Prediction: Claudio Castagnoli)

Robert Lentini: I’ve been waiting for MJF’s return since he left. It makes sense for MJF and CM Punk to meet again and Maxwell will get a future title shot if he wins the Casino Ladder match. I’ll pick MJF to return as The Joker and ensure a future shot for the AEW Championship on his first night back. (Prediction: MJF)

Andrew Ravens: I’m taking the mystery person as the joker entrant to win the match. I believe it will be MJF. AEW reportedly is bringing him back soon, and I think this would be the perfect spot as it’s a surprise that fans will like and gets him a title shot right away. (Prediction: MJF)

Consensus: Split

Bryan Danielson vs. Chris Jericho

Ryan Droste: Danielson. No deep thoughts about this one. Should be a fun match, but it’d make no sense to beat Bryan here. I hope to see him in the world title picture very soon, so he has to win here. (Prediction: Bryan Danielson)

Robert Lentini: The build to this match has centered on Daniel Garcia and whether or not he’s a pro wrestler or a sports entertainer. It has been odd to watch, but these are still two of the biggest stars in the company. Daniel Garcia is battling Blackpool Combat Club’s Wheeler Yuta on Dynamite for the ROH Pure Championship, so it will be interesting to see if he plays a factor in this match. Bryan Danielson should get the win here and start working his way back into the title picture. I still wish they gave him the AEW Championship last year. I have no want to see Bryan Danielson on the losing end of another match involving Jericho. Anarchy in the Arena was enough of that for me. (Prediction: Bryan Danielson)

Andrew Ravens: Danielson should go over here. This should be a really fun match that, I think, kicks off the show. Jericho doesn’t need the win, but Danielson feels like he needs to be reset, and a win over Jericho would do just that. (Prediction: Bryan Danielson)

Consensus: Bryan Danielson

AEW Tag Team Champions Swerve In Our Glory vs. The Acclaimed

Ryan Droste: The Acclaimed is the hotter act right now, by far, and Strickland and Lee seem like a better fit in the singles division long term. The team was fun while it lasted, but it’s time to give The Acclaimed their due and strike while the iron is hot. (Prediction: The Acclaimed)

Robert Lentini: I’m all for The Acclaimed winning the titles on Friday. They are wildly entertaining and the crowd loves them. Max Caster and Anthony Bowens have also improved greatly in the ring since they signed with the company. If Keith Lee and Swerve Strickland are going to be a tag team for years, then keep the belts on them. I just don’t think that will be the case and would love to see The Acclaimed have their moment in AEW. (Prediction: The Acclaimed)

Andrew Ravens: The Acclaimed is mega over with the fans, and I can see them going over here. Lee and Strickland are a fun tag team, but while The Acclaimed is still hot, keep the rocket burning and put the titles on them. (Prediction: The Acclaimed)

Consensus: The Acclaimed

Jungle Boy vs. Christian Cage

Ryan Droste: The long-anticipated feud between these two has had its moments, but overall it has unfortunately showcased some of Jungle Boy’s shortcomings. Matched up with one of the better talks in the modern history of the business, Jungle Boy’s microphone skills have appeared weak. Do they continue the feud or move Jungle Boy on to something else where his greatest weakness isn’t so prominent? I’ll go with Jungle Boy here. (Prediction: Jungle Boy)

Robert Lentini: This feud started off great with Christian Cage’s incredibly distasteful promos on Jungle Boy while sporting a turtleneck. However, Jungle Boy’s promos didn’t have the same energy and brought the excitement level down for the match. Jungle Boy should definitely get the win though and I also predict it will be one of the better matches of the night. (Prediction: Jungle Boy)

Andrew Ravens: There’s no reason why Jungle Boy shouldn’t win the match. Let the younger guy get a big win over a veteran and move on to something else. (Prediction: Jungle Boy)

Consensus: Jungle Boy

Ricky Starks vs. Powerhouse Hobbs

Ryan Droste: A real tossup. I think Starks can recover from a loss and you have Hobbs look strong here. (Prediction: Powerhouse Hobbs)

Robert Lentini: Ricky Starks can explain away a loss because he’s incredibly gifted on the microphone. Hobbs needs to be treated like a man named Powerhouse and win this match in impressive fashion. (Prediction: Powerhouse Hobbs)

Andrew Ravens: Honestly, this is a pick ’em, and it comes down to which star Tony Khan wants a little bit more of a push. I see more upside with Starks and would have him go over. (Prediction: Ricky Starks)

Consensus: Split

AEW TBS Champion Jade Cargill vs. Athena

Ryan Droste: Zero chance Jade loses here, nor should she. The biggest lock on the card. (Prediction: Jade Cargill)

Robert Lentini: Jade Cargill will walk out of All Out as still the TBS Champion and I’d be shocked if that wasn’t the case. Athena has been a great addition to the roster and hopefully, she can help that division as it grows. There’s no reason to hand Jade her first loss and take the title away from her right now. (Prediction: Jade Cargill)

Andrew Ravens: I don’t know who is going to be the right person to beat Jade, but at this point, she really should just be the Women’s Champion. I still have no idea why AEW introduced the TBS Title aside from Tony Khan liking championships. Athena could be the person, but I don’t think it’s time yet. (Prediction: Jade Cargill)

Consensus: Jade Cargill

House of Black vs. Miro, Darby Allin, and Sting

Ryan Droste: A tough one to pick because there hasn’t been a whole lot in the way of build. House of Black feels pretty insignificant right now. I’ll go with the babyfaces. Miro could use a strong win, Darby could use a hot streak, and Sting is Sting. (Prediction: Miro, Darby Allin, and Sting)

Robert Lentini: This is another 6-man tag that feels a bit thrown together. House of Black has never really gotten over with the AEW audience and it wouldn’t shock me if they get defeated by a random collection of talent. I’ll pick Miro, Darby, and Sting to win in a fun match. (Prediction: Miro, Darby Allin, and Sting)

Andrew Ravens: I’ll side with the babyfaces. I think House of Black needs to win here, but Sting usually goes over when he wrestles. It should be a fun match, especially when Sting gets the hot tag, and the crowd goes crazy. (Prediction: Darby Allin, Sting, and Miro).

Consensus: Miro, Darby Allin, and Sting

AEW World Champion Jon Moxley vs. CM Punk

Ryan Droste: They don’t do the quick match last week on Dynamite without having Punk win here. It’d make no sense for him to lose twice in a row, and it would seem the entire purpose of having him lose last week was so that he can regain the championship in his hometown. (Prediction: CM Punk)

Robert Lentini: CM Punk gave his rallying cry on Dynamite to the Chicago crowd at the NOW Arena and there’s no beating him now. His first title run was disastrously cut short and the company has been running in place ever since. They have to give CM Punk the title again and give him a proper run with it. Jon Moxley will get the AEW Championship again one day if he sticks around. He’s one of the biggest stars in the company but who knows how long CM Punk will be in AEW? Let’s try to get the most out of it. CM Punk wins his title back and Moxley bleeds all over the place. (Prediction: CM Punk)

Andrew Ravens: CM Punk wins. He has to win. It doesn’t make sense for them to go through all of this and not have Punk win the title. This has been a messy situation, but if AEW does go through with Punk winning, then the question remains of a trilogy happening. Perhaps that is saved for the Arthur Ashe Stadium show. (Prediction: CM Punk)

Consensus: CM Punk

From the moment Jon Moxley joined AEW, his character has been vastly different to the man fans knew as Dean Ambrose in WWE. 

Free from his former employer’s creative shackles, Moxley has been able to improvise more in addition to being more violent in the ring. 

Moxley is not only the reigning AEW World Champion, having unified the Liminal and Interim World titles earlier this week, but is the only two-time AEW World Champion.

The Worst Guy

In addition to making his name in singles competition, Moxley is also part of the Blackpool Combat Club.

The group, named after William Regal’s hometown of Blackpool, England, consists of Regal, Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Wheeler Yuta, and Ring of Honor World Champion Claudio Castagnoli. 

Speaking to Tony Pike and Rick Ucchino of Cincinnati’s Cincy 360, Moxley spoke about working with his legitimate mentor Regal, and called Danielson and Castagnoli some of the best wrestlers in the world.

When discussing the group, Moxley also made reference to a recent dig by CM Punk, who called him the worst part of stables. 

“CM Punk said ‘oh you’re the third best guy in your group. [referencing The Shield.] It’s actually an awesome situation to be the worst guy in your group because I get to learn from those guys… I want to be around people that are better than me. Iron sharpens iron, and I want to keep getting better… If you don’t get any better, you’re going to regress because the world is going to pass you by.”

Changing Opinions

AEW and Moxley have certainly proven to be popular with fans but they have also struggled to win over some people. 

In the interview, the AEW World Champion said that early into the promotion’s tenure, they tried to book the Heritage Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio, Moxley’s hometown.

He said that at the time the arena “did not want to do business” with AEW and made that clear. 

Things have clearly changed, as the Heritage Bank Arena will play host to AEW this October. 

“”Things have changed now and it’s a hot ticket and we are gonna be down there at the Heritage Bank Center this time.”

Jon Moxley.

Moxley explained that he’s especially looking forward to the Heritage Bank show, not just because it is in his hometown but also because he worked at the arena. 

The show, set for October 18, will air on Tuesday night and go head-to-head with WWE NXT 2.0.

CM Punk

This week’s Dynamite saw Moxley dethrone CM Punk, becoming the AEW Undisputed World Champion.

In the interview, Moxley addressed his title reign, and couldn’t help but take a jab at Punk.

“Belts come and go, you know, I’m gonna lose this one at some point. Somebody will beat me, but then I’ll just get right back up on the horse and get another one. I’m not gonna go quit for 7 years, or feel sorry for myself, that’s just how these things go.”

Moxley’s line about quitting for seven years is of course in reference to Punk’s seven-year break from wrestling after walking out of WWE in 2014.

Jon Moxley Takes Aim at “Crazy Old” Vince McMahon After AEW Rampage Taping

During last week’s AEW Dynamite, then-World Champion CM Punk declared that he would unify his title with Interim AEW World Champion Jon Moxley, in the main event of All Out 2022.

Instead, the two had their title unification match on this week’s Dynamite, which saw Moxley destroy Punk to be crowned the AEW Undisputed World Champion.

The Main Event

With AEW’s arguable biggest match ever taking place earlier this week, this has left All Out 2022 without a main event, or so it would seem.

During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer confirmed that despite the match announced for All Out happening on this week’s Dynamite, the plan has not changed.

“It is Punk and Moxley. I don’t know if they’re gonna add stips or whatever but that is the main event.”

Dave Meltzer

It is unclear how AEW will put Punk back in the title picture, especially with All Out just over one week away.

Punk-Moxley 2: Should it Happen?

With AEW All Out 2022 fast approaching, it makes sense that the promotion wants a main event that already has a story connected.

However, some fans have questioned whether Punk should receive a rematch so quickly after not just being beaten, but beaten decisively by Moxley.

While AEW’s story appears to be that Punk returned from his injury too soon, as seen by how little offense he got in during the title-unification match, it makes little sense that he would try again mere days after being defeated with ease.

Some have suggested that the loss on Dynamite was done to make Punk’s title win at All Out 2022 ‘bigger’ and kick off the title run that was supposed to start earlier this year prior to his injury.

In the latest AEW rankings, Hangman Page, Powerhouse Hobbs, Jay Lethal, Darby Allin, and Bryan Danielson are all in line for an AEW Undisputed World Champion opportunity.

4 Reasons CM Punk vs. Jon Moxley is More Than Just a Title Match

On this week’s AEW Dynamite, Jon Moxley became the AEW Undisputed World Champion, defeating CM Punk decisively.

Not only was Moxley’s win a surprise, as Punk had been the favorite to win going in, but he also defeated the Chicago wrestler in mere minutes.

Moxley Takes Aim

Immediately after Dynamite, AEW taped this Friday’s Rampage, which saw an appearance by Moxley.

After the taping, the Undisputed AEW World Champion addressed the Cleveland crowd and had harsh words for WWE.

Moxley implored fans to ask their friends to check out AEW programming if they were watching “that Monday and Friday night crap,” a not-so-subtle nod to Monday Night Raw and SmackDown on FOX.

Not finished, Moxley turned his attention to his fellow Blackpool Combat Club member Claudio Castagnoli.

In 2014, Vince McMahon claimed on ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin’s podcast that Castagnoli, then Cesaro, lacked the ‘It-factor’ required to be a top WWE Superstar.

Addressing the comments, Moxley praised the Ring of Honor World Champion for “ignoring some old crazy man’s” opinions and believing in himself.

What Else?

Moxley’s promo after Rampage wasn’t entirely dedicated to taking shots at his former employer.

The Undisputed AEW World Champion also took the time to praise Wheeler Yuta and Arn Anderson.

Moxley also discussed Dustin Rhodes, who faces Castagnoli for the ROH World Championship this Friday.

Moxley ended his appearance by introducing hometown star and AEW TNT Champion Wardlow before exiting the ring.

Details On Who Pushed For Jon Moxley vs. CM Punk On AEW Dynamite, Talent Meeting Scheduled

AEW World Champion CM Punk will battle AEW Interim Champion Jon Moxley tonight on Dynamite to determine the Undisputed Champion. All signs were pointing to this match happening at All Out early next month but it was surprisingly booked for tonight’s show.

Here are 4 reasons CM Punk versus Jon Moxley for the AEW Championship is more than just a title match:

The Company Needs Some Momentum

AEW Dynamite has flatlined in the ratings just below 1 million viewers, but thankfully they have an established and loyal audience that tunes in every week. The issue is that AEW President Tony Khan has spent a ton on contracts for ex-WWE talent that haven’t really made a huge difference yet in regards to attracting the casual fan.

It is hard to get invested in some of the talent when they are only featured once a month on television. Wardlow capturing the TNT Championship should have felt more important by now. He finally was able to rid himself of MJF and capture some gold, so why he is in a 6-man tag at the PPV?

The TNT Champion is wrapped up in a storyline with Sonjay Dutt, Jay Lethal, and Satnam Singh. ROH Tag Team Champions and forever #1 contenders in AEW without getting a title shot, FTR, will be joining teaming up with Wardlow to battle the trio of heels at All Out. The match will likely be entertaining but it feels like an egregious missed opportunity for both the Wardlow and FTR to be in bigger storylines.

CM Punk versus Jon Moxley needs to deliver tonight in order to get people talking about how exciting All Elite Wrestling is again. Many fans are scratching their head and wondering what is going on at the moment. These two should have a long feud with a story, with weeks of promos and attacks, not a rushed title match to pop a rating. However, if tonight’s show is newsworthy and gets people talking about the product over the drama backstage, then maybe it was worth it.

Jon Moxley vs. CM Punk. #AEWDynamite pic.twitter.com/DrGNknZCjI

— JJ Williams (@JJWilliamsWON) August 23, 2022

Fan Perception Has Changed

All Elite Wrestling arrived as the cool kid in the wrestling industry, while Vince McMahon’s vision for professional wrestling felt dated and borderline unwatchable at times. None of that applies anymore, just a month after Vince departed the company and his son-in-law, Triple H, has taken over as Head of Creative.

WWE has not only turned the page, but they’ve also flipped the script. They are now the cool company in the wrestling industry that talent is signing with. It is stunning how quickly the perception surrounding WWE has changed, despite unprecedented chaos at the top of the company over the summer.

Nowadays, AEW feels dated in comparison. The Jericho Appreciation Society refers to themselves as “sports entertainers” while Drew McIntyre is dropping the word “wrestler” in his promos on RAW. At this point, AEW is parodying itself and not the competition.

“I don’t care if you’re a prize fighter, a sports entertainer or superstar. We’re wrestlers in a wrestling ring. Let’s just freaking wrestle.”

This Drew McIntyre promo was special ?

(via @WWE)pic.twitter.com/9i4kjXr8JR

— B/R Wrestling (@BRWrestling) August 16, 2022

Talent Getting In Each other’s Way

Before his promo with Jon Moxley on last week’s Dynamite, the AEW Champion bizarrely called out Hangman Adam Page in his home state of West Virginia. He sat in the ring in his iconic pose and challenged Hangman to a rematch. The 43-year-old captured the AEW Championship from Hangman at Double or Nothing, only to break his foot the following Wednesday and go on the shelf for two months.

CM Punk gave Adam a few moments to come to the ring before uttering “that isn’t cowboy sh*t, that is coward sh*t”. It was an odd moment, but most people moved on when Moxley showed up. However, the incident was reportedly unplanned and Punk acted on his own to give Hangman a “receipt” for a perceived slight during a previous promo between the two.

Something just always seems to go awry now. Jonathan Gresham flipping out before Death Before Dishonor due to lack of communication from management, Tony’s unprofessional response to Big Swole, Cody Rhodes exiting the company, and the whole MJF thing, Why are Miro and Andrade liking tweets hinting at their unhappiness? It is always something, at least at least it appears that way.

During the post-Double or Nothing media scrum after CM Punk won the title, he said the following about AEW in comparison to WWE:”It felt like 10 years of fighting silly battles and standing on my own d*ck. I feel there’s no limitation put on myself or anybody, the sky’s the limit.” He’s used that phrase multiple times in reference to WWE.

That seems to contradict Fightful’s report of Punk telling management that he would not lose to Hangman Page. From the outside looking in, it appears AEW is repeatedly standing on themselves at the moment.

“Nobodies standing on their own dick. They just let stuff happen.”

– CM Punk on the difference between WWE and AEW pic.twitter.com/LVc4NmtLJX

— JTEonYT (@JTEonYT) August 21, 2021

The Possible Return Of An Unlikely Hero

One of the possible reasons that the title match may have been moved up was because the promotion has a better main event planned for AEW All Out. If MJF returned, the company would have the majority of its stars back and the shows would instantly improve. MJF is an immense talent, a picture-perfect heel.

He delivered one of the most memorable promos of any promotion, in any time period, and the man is only 26 years old. The Dynamite following his loss to Wardlow at Double or Nothing, not too many people were discussing the match or even the victorious Wardlow. MJF skipped out a signing during the PPV weekend and reportedly booked a flight out of Vegas. Thankfully, cahooler heads prevailed and he did the job to Wardlow. The distraction still sullied the TNT Champion’s moment and he hasn’t fully recovered.

After MJF’s pipebomb promo, Punk tried to confront MJF but he left through the crowd at The Forum in Los Angeles, and that was the last time he appeared on television. He’s also gone completely dark on social media. If he returns tonight it will inject some much-needed life into the product just a couple of weeks out from All Out. Somehow, MJF has managed to become an even bigger star in the company without even appearing on television.

That MJF promo in (almost) its full glory.

For those looking to relive it.pic.twitter.com/n0O4a7bELn

— NukemTalksWrestling (@NukemWrestling) June 2, 2022

AEW surprised many fans when they announced that World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk and Interim World Champion Jon Moxley would collide in an undisputed title bout on tonight’s episode of Dynamite instead of saving it for the All Out pay-per-view event in Chicago next Sunday. 

Moxley vs. Punk

Fightful Select reports that sources indicated “Moxley was in favor of the move, and one source even indicated that it was his idea and pitch, and All Elite Wrestling went with it.”

One source noted that Punk eventually agreed to it. It’s unclear if this was connected to any of the reported issues with Punk last week. 

Grapsody’s Will Washington noted that he’d heard there was an idea in play a few days before to increase ticket sales and add buzz to the Cleveland show. The decision was not the original plan, and “multiple plans” for AEW All Out had changed.

All Elite Wrestling has still yet to confirm what the main event will be for All Out. 

Mandatory Talent Meeting 

Fightful also reported that AEW will be holding a mandatory talent meeting at Dynamite in Cleveland, OH with company president Tony Khan in attendance. 

Talent does expect management to address “the rumors of unrest, contract inquiries, and personal issues, as well as those things being leaked.”

As previously reported, Tony Schiavone dismissed that there is a lot of backstage tension in the promotion by calling the reports bulls**t.

CM Punk and Jon Moxley go to war tonight on AEW Dynamite to determine the Undisputed AEW World Champion.

This will not be the first time the Chicago Savior and the Purveyor of Violence have clashed inside the squared circle. They worked together extensively on WWE television, but many fans may not be aware that they once wrestled in WWE’s former developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling.

This match in FCW convinced him that Moxley was no ordinary talent. Punk saw something very familiar in Mox. He saw himself.

“I hate saying that anybody is the next CM Punk. I don’t wish that upon anybody, but I think if anybody was, it’s this guy. He’s got it.”

– CM Punk on Jon Moxley (2012)

The Next CM Punk

CM Punk spoke about Jon Moxley’s potential in a resurfaced video from 2012’s Wizard World Comic Con event. Punk raves that the Cincinnati fighter has all the tools to make it to the top of the industry, including just the right amount of crazy.

“[Moxley] is special. I say that and I mean it both ways,” said Punk. “He’s a little touched up here (points to head), but I think you have to be to do what we do. I hate saying that anybody is the next CM Punk. I don’t wish that upon anybody, but I think if anybody was it’s this guy. He’s got it.”

Punk continued, “Something about him. He can talk, he can work. I’m fortunate that I got a chance to work with him. I actually got in trouble for wrestling him. I wasn’t suppose to.”

“I went down to FCW to do an autograph signing and it was just an opportunity, and when opportunity strikes I always take a hold of it. I was like, ‘I’m gonna work the kid.’ It was fun, and now we got him on television.”

You can watch a clip of the interview here:

Moxley’s WWE main roster debut came in 2012, when The Shield arrived on the scene as mercenaries for none other than CM Punk. Fast forward a decade, Punk and Moxley have crossed paths once again in AEW.

Punk captured the AEW World title back in May from Adam “Hangman” Page at Double or Nothing. The following week, he’d be sidelined with a foot injury. During his absence, Moxley was crowned Interim champion, his second AEW World reign since the promotion launched back in 2019.

AEW surprised the wrestling world last week when they announced the much-anticipated AEW Championship unification match between CM Punk and Jon Moxley for this Wednesday night on Dynamite.

The match was previously thought to be taking place at All Out during Labor Day weekend. Instead, someone will likely walk away with both belts this Wednesday night. Will the match result in a large television ratings bump? That remains to be seen. And who will be involved in a title match at All Out? That also remains to be answered.

With all of that being said, oddsmakers see one of these men as the heavy favorite to walk out of Cleveland this Wednesday night the undisputed champion: CM Punk. With All Out taking place in his hometown of Chicago in less than two weeks, Bet Online forecasts Punk’s chances at victory at -400. They have Moxley as the underdog at +250.

The Summer of Punk That Wasn’t

CM Punk captured the AEW World Championship from “Hangman” Adam Page back at AEW Double or Nothing Memorial Day weekend in Las Vegas. It was expected to lead to a “Summer of Punk,” with the former multi-time world champion having high profile matches throughout June, July, and August.

Instead, a foot injury sidelined Punk for over two months and Moxley was crowned interim AEW World Champion after a brief tournament.

Since Punk’s surprise return to AEW at Dynamite in Minneapolis two weeks ago, there’s been no shortage of headlines. Last week, Punk took a shot at Page during his promo to start Dynamite, and there have been conflicting reports of real-life animosity between he and Page, as well as he and Moxley.

Nevertheless, Punk has tried to quell some of the rumors that he is unhappy at AEW through postings on social media of late.

Last weekend on Instagram, Punk wrote, “One year ago began the best year of my professional career. Too many great moments, not enough space to post all the great pics. Rekindled passion, made new friends, reunited with old ones. Can’t stop smiling, won’t stop until the wheels fall off. Thank you most of all to all the fans who made it possible. I’m having the time of my life.”

• Tony Khan Reveals That Recent AEW Special Did Record Viewership In The U.K.

Who do you think will walk out of AEW Dynamite as the undisputed world champion? Let us know in the comments section below.

Make sure to check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube. 

Tony Khan issued a statement on his personal Twitter account promoting this week’s Dynamite on TBS, a show that will feature the highly anticipated showdown between world champion CM Punk and interim champion Jon Moxley, with the winner being crowned the undisputed AEW champion.

The AEW President writes, “Thank you everyone who watches @AEWonTV! In 48 hours Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite @CMPunk vs @JonMoxley to finally crown an Undisputed @AEWWorld Champion! It’s been a great summer of 12 straight weeks & counting for Dynamite on @TBSNetwork in the top 2 shows on cable in the US.”

Along with that, Khan touts the success of AEW’s recent Quake By The Lake television special from two weeks ago, which he reveals scored AEW their record viewership number on ITV4 in the United Kingdom. For those who don’t remember that show was headlined by Jon Moxley taking on Chris Jericho for the AEW world title, with Punk making his surprising return from injury. Khan’s full second tweet reads:

“In addition to a great summer domestically, it’s been a huge summer for @AEW internationally including great news that #AEWDynamite #QuakebyTheLake with @JonMoxley vs @IAmJericho for the @AEW Interim World Title + @CMPunk’s epic return did our UK record viewership on @ITV4 Friday.”

You can check out the tweets below.

In addition to a great summer domestically, it’s been a huge summer for @AEW internationally including great news that #AEWDynamite#QuakebyTheLake with@JonMoxley vs @IAmJericho for the @AEW Interim World Title + @CMPunk’s epic return did our UK record viewership on @ITV4 Friday

— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) August 22, 2022

Some analysts predicts that AEW will score their biggest viewership and demo increase for this Wednesday’s show due to the Moxley vs. Punk match, as well as the trios tournament matchup between the Death Triangle and NJPW’s Aussie Open & Will Ospreay.

AEW surprised everyone when they announced a AEW world championship unification match between CM Punk and Jon Moxley for next week’s episode of Dynamite.

Latest reports have now revealed some more details on the bout. They suggest that this wasn’t part of a long term plan the company had for the title.

According to reports from Fightful Select, the Mox vs Punk match for the August 24 Dynamite was ‘a late decision.’ Though they couldn’t elaborate on when exactly the decision was made.

CM Punk made his return from the foot injury at last week’s episode of Dynamite. He saved the interim AEW champion Jon Moxley from a beatdown at the hands of the Jericho Appreciation Society.

The two title holders then had a confrontation. Many expected this face off to lead into a title unification match at the upcoming All Out PPV on September 4.

However, this week’s episode of Dynamite featured a promo battle between the two AEW stars. Punk went into business for himself during the segment, calling out Hangman Page. He later had a brawl with Mox.

Everyone was left surprised when AEW announced after this segment that the title unification match between the former WWE stars will take place on next week’s episode of the show instead of the PPV event.

• What’s Happening with CM Punk and Hangman Adam Page?

When CM Punk returned from injury on last week’s AEW Dynamite, fans were excited for him to get back in the ring.

On this week’s Dynamite, Punk confirmed that his first match back will be at AEW All Out 2022, where he and Jon Moxley will unify the Lineal and Interim World Championships.

Later in the show, however, Moxley convinced Punk that the match should happen on next week’s episode of Dynamite instead.

With All Out’s scheduled main event now happening next week instead, there are several possible routes AEW could go.

AEW World Champion CM Punk Vs. Interim AEW World Champion Jon Moxley

It was confirmed on Dynamite that Punk and Moxley will face off to unify the two World Championships next week, but that doesn’t mean it will happen.

There’s no shortage of title matches ending in a no-contest, which usually means that the champion retains their title.

In this instance, both champions would retain, presumably after a mass brawl, featuring the Blackpool Combat Club and the Jericho Appreciation Society disrupting the match.

Not only does AEW get the expected viewership boost on next week’s Dynamite, but they still get the unification match at All Out, possibly in some sort of stipulation to prevent interference.

AEW Undisputed World Champion CM Punk Vs. ‘Hangman’ Adam Page

If AEW commits to crowning an Undisputed World Champion next week, odds are the winner will be CM Punk.

Moxley only became champion due to Punk’s injury, and it’s unlikely that Tony Khan, after paying a fortune to bring Punk in, wants his title reign to end on such a whimper.

On this week’s Dynamite, Punk addressed Moxley, but he also had some serious beef with ‘Hangman’ Adam Page.

Punk challenged Page to a title match, aware that the Hangman wasn’t in the building, and branded the former Champion a “coward.”

While it’s been reported that Punk’s comment wasn’t part of the plan, it appears that AEW is setting up a rematch between Page and the AEW World Champion.

A rematch may have been the plan all along, but delayed due to Punk’s injury, and the two could face off at All Out.

AEW Undisputed World Champion CM Punk Vs. MJF

The same night that CM Punk got injured, MJF cut a scathing promo on AEW, culminating in begging Tony Khan to fire him.

MJF’s promo, which was based on some real-life grievances, is that Khan spends too much money and attention on ex-WWE Superstars.

CM Punk is a prime example of that, as Khan has paid a ton to bring in the former WWE Champion, who has been pushed as AEW’s top star since joining the company last year.

MJF hasn’t been seen since his June 1, promo, but it may finally be time to bring him back.

The Salt of the Earth is also the only man in AEW to hold a victory over Punk, defeating the AEW World Champion on the February 2, 2022, Dynamite.

A post-match attack on Punk could be the perfect way to bring MJF back, setting up a very personal war for All Out.

CM Punk Calling Out Hangman Page on AEW Dynamite Was Not Planned

AEW has shockingly announced a huge championship match for next week’s episode of Dynamite from Wolstein Center in Cleveland, OH.

They have confirmed that the AEW world champion CM Punk will be facing the Interim world champion Jon Moxley to unify the titles next week.

Punk won the AEW title from Hangman Page at Double or Nothing in May. Though he had to take time off from the company shortly after due to a broken foot.

The promotion crowned Mox the interim world champion in the meantime, and the hardcore star has been defending the championship since Forbidden Door.

Punk vs. Moxley

Punk made his surprise return on last week’s Dynamite and saved Moxley from a beatdown. The two then had a confrontation and many believed they will meet at the upcoming All Out PPV.

This week’s episode of the show, however, saw a heated verbal exchange between the two stars. This was followed by a brawl that had to be broken up by security. The championship match was announced for next week after this.

This surprise announcement has left fans puzzled. The All Out PPV is only a few weeks away, and there is now speculation that this storyline could lead to the return of MJF.

The Salt of The Earth hasn’t been seen since his explosive Dynamite promo. Many believed that his return was being held off because of Punk’s injury and fans are now wondering if we can finally see his comeback next week.

• AEW Dynamite Results (8/17/22): Kenny Omega Returns, CM Punk & Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson vs. Daniel Garcia

Jim Ross believes that CM Punk vs. Jon Moxley for the Undisputed All Elite Wrestling (AEW) World Title will be the promotion’s biggest main event ever.

Ross recently took to his podcast, “Grilling JR,” to offer his thoughts on the potential CM Punk vs. Jon Moxley match to unify their AEW World Titles. Punk recently made his return to AEW TV to confront Moxley, teasing their eventual matchup.

Of course, given Punk’s current injury, there’s no indication as to when that match could finally take place. With that being said, Jim Ross believes when the match finally does go down, it could do historic business for AEW.

“I knew he was in the building. I saw him briefly, earlier in the day, in the trainer’s room, getting some attention. He sure has been missed, there is no doubt about it. The crowd’s reaction would indicate the same. They are ready to see him.

“I still don’t know how healthy the guy is. I asked on air ‘has he been cleared to wrestle?’ Nobody knew. He will be cleared. He’s under good doctor’s care. This process has been ongoing.

“He’s still in the process of healing as far as I’m concerned, until I get word that he’s 100%, I’m going to play it by ear. He’s a tough guy. Everyone wants to see him and Moxley beat the shit out of each other.

“You can count your bottom dollar that’s what they’re going to do. They both have that pride. It’s going to be, arguably, the biggest main event we’ve ever had considering all the ramifications going in and injuries and all these things.

“I’m excited about calling that match. I think it’s going to be fun as hell.” 

Punk won the AEW World Title at AEW Double Or Nothing earlier this year against Hangman Page. However, in June it was announced that Punk suffered a foot injury that needs surgery to repair.

In his absence, Moxley has been crowned as the interim World Champion. He’ll be ready to welcome Punk back once the former WWE Champion is ready to get back inside the squared circle.

WWE superstar Seth Rollins was recently spotted at a Game Changer Wrestling event that took place over the weekend.

GCW held the Homecoming event from the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event was split into two nights.

The first night of the event saw Jon Moxley defending the GCW world championship against Effy. Night two of the PPV featured the Vows Renewal Ceremony of Matt Cardona and Chelsea Green.

Rollins didn’t enter the arena with the fans. The former Universal champion however, was spotted catching the action from behind the entrance curtain:

https://www.instagram.com/p/ChQ4HaAuB3Y/

There is no word yet on what Seth Rollins was doing at the GCW show. It’s assumed that he was there supporting his Shield teammate in Moxley.

The Visionary is currently involved in a feud with Riddle. The two were supposed to have a match at SummerSlam. Though this bout was cancelled and Riddle was pulled from WWE programming.

• Seth Rollins Responds To Comments About His Behavior In NXT

The Ultimate Bro made his return to WWE TV on Raw this Monday. He resumed his feud with Rollins and attacked the former world champion on the show.

There is no word yet on what the company is planning for these two. It’s likely that we will see them going one on one at the upcoming Clash At The Castle PPV.

Current GCW world champion Jon Moxley will be competing in a title vs career match against hardcore veteran Nick Gage.

With the rise of Game Changer Wrestling as the modern era ECW, Gage has emerged as the face of Deathmatch wrestling. In the past year he has wrestled extreme matches against people like Matt Cardona and Chris Jericho.

However, the death match that seemed to have affected him the most was against Jon Moxley. These two competed in October last year where Mox defeated Gage.

The indie star hasn’t been very active in the ring since that match. He has only wrestled a handful of times since his big defeat, leading to speculations about an impending retirement.

Title vs Career

On night 1 of GCW homecoming this Saturday, Moxley successfully defended his title against Effy. Gage made his return after this bout and confronted the GCW champion.

NICK GAGE LIVES #GCWHomecoming pic.twitter.com/X55axRWAEK

— Tripping Balls (@IsThisWrestling) August 14, 2022

Gage mentioned that his career might be coming to an end, but he has unfinished business with the Interim AEW champion. He then challenged Mox for a match.

Jon Moxley then cut a promo explaining that it might be the time to put the dog down. He said that Gage will have to put his career on the line for a shot at the GCW title, and Nick accepted this challenge:

Jon Moxley is going to put down the broken old dog called Nick Gage #GCWHomecoming pic.twitter.com/s9Oj3LfNXn

— Tripping Balls (@IsThisWrestling) August 14, 2022

There is no word yet on when this match will take place. With Nick Gage’s recent comments about his future, there is no surity that we’re going to see him wrestle after this bout.

GCW Homecoming Night 1 Quick Results

The following are quick results from Saturday night’s GCW Homecoming Weekend (Nigh 1) event from the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ:

• Nick Wayne def. Starboy Charlie
• Jordan Oliver def. Ninja Mack
• Gringo Loco def. Grim Reefer, Jimmy Lloyd, Axton Ray, Joe Lando, Marcus Mathers
• Blake Christian def. Tony Deppen
• The Briscoes def. Los Macizos to retain the GCW tag titles
• Cole Radrick def. Charli Evans to retain the GCW Extreme title
• John Wayne Murdoch def. Matt Tremont
• Rina Yamashita def. Alex Colon to win the GCW Ultraviolent title
• Jon Moxley def. EFFY to retain the GCW World title

On July 30, Starrcast and New Japan Pro Wrestling held Music City Mayhem at the Nashville Fairgrounds in Nashville, Tennessee. The event streamed live for $14.99 on FITE TV.

Current Card

As of right now, the card is as follows:

• No DQ: Jon Moxley vs. El Desperado
• Hiromu Takahashi vs. Blake Christian
• KUSHIDA vs. Alex Shelley
• FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) & Alex Zayne vs United Empire (TJP, Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis)
• NJPW Strong Openweight Championship Match: Fred Rosser vs Big Damo
• MLW National Openweight Championship Match: Davey Richards vs Rocky Romero
• Shota Umino, Yuya Uemura & Fred Yehi vs Kevin Knight, The DKC & Ren Narita

An intense 24 hours in NJPW continues with Music City Mayhem!

A stacked card coming up from the Nashville Fairgrounds LIVE on @fiteTV!
Buy:https://t.co/Clbrc16qDE

Preview:https://t.co/DwIHI9piZo#njpw #njmayhem pic.twitter.com/OZVHBELm9e

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) July 30, 2022

NJPW Music City Mayhem Quick Results

1. Fred Yehi, Shota Umino & Yuya Uemura def. Kevin Knight, Ren Narita & The DKC
2. MLW National Openweight Championship Match: Davey Richards (c) defeated Rocky Romero
3. NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship: Fred Rosser (c) def. Big Damo
4. Hiromu Takahashi def. Blake Christian
5. Kyle Fletcher, Mark Davis & TJP (United Empire) defeated Cash Wheeler, Dax Harwood (FTR) & Alex Zayne
6. KUSHIDA vs. Alex Shelley went to a time-limit draw
7. No DQ: Jon Moxley def. El Desperado

Serious action to start off #NJMayhem!!! #NJPW

Watch LIVE NOW on @FiteTV!! pic.twitter.com/Klq2vqzdb7

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) July 30, 2022

I can do what you can do better.@RichardsWesley & @azucarRoc square off at @njpwglobal #njmayhem. pic.twitter.com/TMyqdN5JvA

— TrillerTV (@Triller_TV) July 30, 2022

.@_BlakeChristian isn’t wasting any time to show off at #NJMayhem!!! #NJPW

Watch on @FiteTV now!

pic.twitter.com/fmkaZgXw65

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) July 30, 2022

? ? ? #NJPW #NJMayhem LIVE on @FiteTV!!!

pic.twitter.com/RRv3fQYAuj

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) July 30, 2022

El Desperado describes what it feels like to be shattered by Jon Moxley.@NJPWGlobal #njMayhem pic.twitter.com/hGi1pbUgVl

— TrillerTV (@Triller_TV) July 30, 2022

Other Starrcast Shows

In the same vein, this year’s Starrcast event features four live wrestling shows. Black Label Pro, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and Jim Crockett Promotions have events planned for this weekend.

Starrcast will also feature the following live podcasts:

• Father James Mitchell’s “Midnight Karaoke”
• The Major Wrestling Figure Podcast
• Insight w/ Chris Van Vliet 
• The Sessions w/ Renee Paquette 
• One Last Ride For The Horsemen
• 30 Years Later w/ Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart
• Foley Is Pod w/ Mick Foley
• Saraya: Turning The Page
• Kliq This w/ Kevin Nash
• What’s NeXT? w/ Johnny Gargano
• The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy

Starrcast still has one live wrestling show remaining for the weekend. To see the schedule for the remaining events, click here.

On July 29, Starrcast and Game Changer Wrestling held The People vs GCW at the Nashville Fairgrounds in Nashville, Tennessee. The event streamed live for $14.99 on FITE TV.

Current Card

As of right now, the card is as follows:

• GCW World Championship: Jon Moxley (c) vs Blake Christian
• Joey Janela vs Psycho Clown
• GCW Tag Team Championships: BUSSY vs Second Gear Crew v Los Macizos
• Nick Wayne vs Alex Zayne
• Bandido vs Jordan Oliver
• “Speedball” Mike Bailey vs Tony Deepen
• Masha Slamovich vs Kevin Blackwood
• Black Taurus, Gringo Loco & Jack Cartwheel vs ASF, Laredo Kid & Kommander

*TONITE 1030PM CST!*

The #PEOPLEvsGCW takes over @StarrcastEvents in Nashville!

Watch LIVE on @FiteTV:https://t.co/nBSNR8Hdrh

MOX v BLAKE
JANELA v PSYCHO CLOWN
BAILEY v DEPPEN
WAYNE v ZAYNE
BANDIDO v JORDAN
BLACKWOOD v MASHA
BUSSY v SGC v MACIZOS
EXTREME SCRAMBLE
LUCHA TAG pic.twitter.com/JQWn3BQf8R

— GameChangerWrestling (@GCWrestling_) July 30, 2022

GCW The People Vs GCW Quick Results

1. GCW Extreme Championship Scramble Match: Cole Radrick def. AJ Gray (c), Grim Reefer, Shane Mercer, Axton Ray & Marko Stunt to win the GCW Extreme Championship
2. Tony Deepen def. “Speedball” Mike Bailey
3. Nick Wayne def. Alex Zayne
4. Black Taurus, Gringo Loco & Jack Cartwheel def. ASF, Laredo Kid & Kommander
5. Psycho Clown def. Joey Janela
6. Nick Gage addressed the crowd and called out Conrad Thompson (creator of Starrcast) for GCW not being represented on the Ric Flair’s Last Match PPV card
7. Jordan Oliver def. Bandido
8. GCW Tag Team Championships: Los Macizos def. BUSSY (c) & Second Gear Crew to win the GCW Tag Team Championships
9. Masha Slamovich def. Kevin Blackwood
10. GCW World Championship: Jon Moxley (c) def Blake Christian

There is a new GCW Extreme Champion! #PEOPLEvsGCW pic.twitter.com/EDcHpt5p4e

— PWPonderings (@pwponderings) July 30, 2022

https://twitter.com/Aregularindyfan/status/1553232118884573184?s=20&t=70tmJvqF0hIi3Ofh53OPRg

https://twitter.com/Aregularindyfan/status/1553236400274898945?s=20&t=70tmJvqF0hIi3Ofh53OPRg

https://twitter.com/Aregularindyfan/status/1553258944700846080?s=20&t=70tmJvqF0hIi3Ofh53OPRg

https://twitter.com/Aregularindyfan/status/1553269877217034240?s=20&t=6wXZIFOwbj60QWxYA09QwQ

Other Starrcast Shows

In the same vein, this year’s Starrcast event features four live wrestling shows. Black Label Pro, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and Jim Crockett Promotions have events planned for this weekend.

Starrcast will also feature the following live podcasts:

• Father James Mitchell’s “Midnight Karaoke”
• The Major Wrestling Figure Podcast
• Insight w/ Chris Van Vliet 
• The Sessions w/ Renee Paquette 
• One Last Ride For The Horsemen
• 30 Years Later w/ Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart
• Foley Is Pod w/ Mick Foley
• Saraya: Turning The Page
• Kliq This w/ Kevin Nash
• What’s NeXT? w/ Johnny Gargano
• The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy

Starrcast still has two live wrestling shows remaining for the weekend. To see the schedule for the remaining events, click here.

New Japan Pro Wrestling presents NJPW Music City Mayhem later this month during Starrcast weekend in Nashville, TN.

The event takes place Saturday, July 30th at 3pm (Eastern) from the Nashville Fairgrounds in Nashville.

You can order NJPW Music City Mayhem now from FITE for just $14.99.

Music City Mayhem Card

The headline attraction for Music City Mayhem (7/30) will see AEW Interim World Champion Jon Moxley taking on El Desperado in a No-Disqualification match.

Here is the final card for NJPW Music City Mayhem:

• No DQ, No Time Limit: Jon Moxley vs. El Desperado
• Alex Shelley vs. KUSHIDA
• FTR & Alex Zayne vs. Kyle Fletcher, Mark Davis & TJP
• Hiromu Takahashi vs. Blake Christian
• Strong Openweight Champion Fred Rosser vs. Big Damo
• Clark Conners vs. Davey Richards
• Fred Yehi, Yuyu Uemura & Shota Umino vs. The DKC, Kevin Knight & Ren Narita

In addition to NJPW Music City Mayhem, you can also check out the full card for the Ric Flair’s Last Match PPV, which closes out Starrcast on Sunday, July 31st.

Main Event Preview: Moxley vs. El Desperado

NJPW has provided this backstory to the main event:

“After El Desperado was part of Suzuki-Gun’s partnership with the Jericho Appreciation Society at Forbidden Door, the masked rudo wants another taste of a mutual enemy of both Minoru Suzuki and Chris Jericho- and someone who just so happens to be the Interim AEW World Champion. Desperado issued a challenge to Jon Moxley backstage at Korakuen Hall last week, and the Death Rider has accepted, but under the condition that this is a no disqualification match.

With no DQs, no time limits and no rules, Moxley will undoubtedly be bringing the violence, but with his own blood strewn past in deathmatches with the legendary Jun Kasai, Desperado will give every bit of that violence back to Mox.”

AEW and Ring of Honor breakout star Wheeler Yuta recently spoke with Jaychele Nicole for SEScoops this past week to discuss all the recent happenings with the Blackpool Combat Club ahead of his Death Before Dishonor match with Daniel Garcia.

Watch the full interview here, with highlights below:

Claudio Castagnoli Joining BCC

At AEW X NJPW Forbidden Door, Claudio Castagnoli made his debut against Zack Sabre Jr. He replaced Bryan Danielson in the match as Zack’s mystery opponent.

He was also named Bryan’s replacement for the Blood & Guts match. He received one of the biggest pops at Forbidden Door and lit the wrestling world ablaze with his debut.

Claudio was also announced as the newest member of the Blackpool Combat Club.

The youngest member of the Blackpool Combat Club, Wheeler Yuta, spoke with Jaychele Nicole for SEScoops to talk about his reaction to BCC gaining a new member. 

Yuta had the following to say:

“Yeah, Claudio was someone that I’ve always really had a lot of respect for as a wrestler. He’s, he’s incredible. Yeah, he, he’s someone that I’ve really, really appreciated and knowing that he ended Regal’s career and it only made sense that he would be someone that could fit in with our club, he does our style.”

Wheeler Yuta on Claudio Castagnoli joining BCC

“He can do so many things. He’s absolutely incredible. So, it’s really great to have him now as a mentor as someone that I can talk to on my team and hopefully learn from and it’s been just great to have him here so far.”

Career-Defining Match With Moxley

Yuta also talked about his career-defining match with the now Interim AEW World Champion Jon Moxley.

Moxley inducted Yuta into the Blackpool Combat Club following their match on the April 8 episode of AEW Rampage in Boston, Massachusetts. For ROH Death Before Dishonor, AEW will be returning to Massachusetts but this time heading to Lowell.

Yuta reflected on the match and how he feels about returning to the area.

“Yeah, I’m really excited to be back in that area. Massachusetts will be in Lowell for Death Before Dishonor. And then right after that, we’ll be in Worcester for Dynamite. So I’m really excited for both of those.

“Before I got to AEW, I made a lot of my mark on the independents around that area. So it was really cool to have that match with Moxley in that crowd. Seeing a lot of familiar faces was really, it was really nice. 

“And yeah, that was really the career-defining match. For me. It’s what sort of kick-started where we’re going now and I’m really excited for what the future holds, but it wouldn’t happen without that match,” the ROH Pure Champion said.

Yuta on his match with Jon Moxley

He continued to talk about working with Moxley and being in the ring with him, “Yeah, there’s something different when Moxley comes out. It’s kind of a surreal experience. And I felt that both from being in the ring watching it happening and then also as him as my teammate, so it’s very, it’s very comforting to have him on my side now instead of against me, but no, Moxley just brings things to another level. And he did that for me. He did that for me. 

“And that match you mentioned before and I think he’s done that for a lot of people. He just had a match with Takeshita recently, that was awesome. And Moxley just, he’s got another gear that he’s trying to sort of impart that wisdom on me now.

“So I think that’s my next thing is to find that next step that next level and guys like Moxley, Danielson, Castagnoli they all have. So that’s what I need to find.”

Training With The Blackpool Combat Club

He also was able to pull back the curtain and talk about what it is like to train with the Blackpool Combat Club.

He said, “Yeah, those training classes are a weekly occurrence. So we’re there every week. It’s Regal, it’s Bryan, it’s the BCC and we’re running class, we’re training, we’re learning.

“And yeah, that’s something they really instill is you have to prepare. So every little piece of information they can give me I try to get and we do that every week.”

Yuta continued and shared some lessons he’s learned from the group so far:

“Yeah, there’s, there’s countless like little techniques that they’ve shown me and I could go on for days about that. But I think the main thing that we’ve we’ve talked about is just the mindset of knowing that when you’re in the ring, you’re trying to hurt that guy.

“For us in the Blackpool Combat Club, our thing’s we’re trying to leave a mark on you, trying to leave a scar. 

“So whether it’s, you know, a literal scar that you see on your forehead, or maybe it’s a limp, maybe it’s something that you get up every day and you go, ‘Oh, wow, I wish those guys hadn’t done that.’ That’s the mindset. So that’s what we really try to focus on. And that’s, that’s been the biggest lesson they’ve taught me.”

Participating In Blood & Guts

Lastly, Yuta reflected on participating in Blood & Guts a few weeks back. He talked about preparing for and recovering from the brutal match.

He said, “Yeah, the recovery was definitely hard, just a lot of kind of waiting for things to heal. But getting prepared for that match was just knowing that you’re going into a fight, knowing that you’re gonna have to, you’re gonna have to hurt people, you’re gonna get hurt, it’s not going to be fun. You’re just going to have to go in there and give it all you got. So just having that mentality going in, I think was the biggest thing. 

“We’ve done all the physical preparation, we’ve done everything we can do. So going into that match, it was just the mental preparation of knowing not to be scared by the structure, just knowing you’re gonna get hurt, but you’re going to hurt people. And I think that’s how we want.”

The July 6 episode of AEW Dynamite is in the books and fans in attendance were treated to something extra just before the Rampage tapings.

There were two title matches on this edition of Dynamite, which was held inside the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, NY.

This week’s edition of Dynamite opened with a TNT Championship match between Scorpio Sky and Wardlow. Sky’s reign came to an end as Wardlow pinned him after hitting the Powerbomb Symphony.

In the main event, Jon Moxley put the interim AEW World Championship on the line against Brody King. Moxley kept his hold on the gold.

The Aftermath

Once the TBS broadcast ended, here is what transpired involving Jon Moxley, Brody King, Malakai Black, Sting, and Darby Allin (courtesy of SEScoops correspondent Ella Jay):

“Jon Moxley posed with his title belt up the ramp to be met by a nodding William Regal. Meanwhile still in the ring, the crowd chants ‘Brody’ as a sign of respect to Brody King.

“Malakai Black emerges, consoles Brody on his loss. Out comes Sting & Darby Allin, offering Brody a handshake as a show of respect for his performance. Brody refuses the handshake and leaves with Malakai.

“Allin & Sting pose for the crowd to appease Rochester.”

Ella Jay also recorded footage of the post-show activities:

Video of what happened after AEW Dynamite went off the air – via @itsellajay pic.twitter.com/v6xGAqUwx3

— SEScoops (@sescoops) July 7, 2022

The Blackpool Combat Club has become a real favorite among AEW fans. The faction features some of the company’s best-liked stars in Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, and most recently Claudio Castagnoli, not to mention up and comer Wheeler Yuta, and the foundation of William Regal standing in their corner. Together, they tap into a combination of a hard-nosed but technically sound style, real life bonds, and an undeniable cool factor.

Now that Moxley reigns as interim AEW Champion, it feels like only a matter of time before CM Punk will clash with him to decide an undisputed champ after he returns from injury. Might that be the gateway, though, to a much longer story in which Punk crosses paths with the other members of Mox’s faction?

Punk Defeats Moxley in the AEW Championship Unification Match

When CM Punk returns from injury, it stands to reason that he would win a title unification match over whomever reigns as the interim champ. After all, Punk was a major score for AEW to sign in the first place, and every indication is that Tony Khan wholeheartedly believes in him as a standard-bearer for the company. So, we can expect Punk to pick up where he left off when he is able to return to action.

It’s hard to predict where creative will go in the months ahead, and, all the more so, recent months have demonstrated that fans can’t take anything for granted when it comes to wrestling injuries. If he stays healthy and there aren’t major creative shifts, though, it seems likely Jon Moxley will hold the interim title until he can face Punk.

Rather than a one-off confrontation between Punk and Mox for who gets to call himself champion, it be a multi-match feud, and also the starting point for Punk fighting his way through more of The Blackpool Combat Club.

CM Punk Successfully Defends The AEW Championship Against Bryan Danielson

Since CM Punk and Bryan Danielson both arrived in AEW in late summer 2021, it became an instant dream scenario that the two might reprise the classics they previously put on together in ROH and WWE rings.

Danielson worked in the AEW Championship picture immediately upon his debut, challenging Kenny Omega and Hangman Page, while Punk bided his time, getting the ring rust off before he had his first title opportunity at Double or Nothing.

Moving forward, Danielson is the kind of talent who will never feel out of place in a main event scenario, and there’s every potential for him to put on a classic against Punk in one of his first major AEW Championship defenses. Adding on some ongoing animosity between Punk and the stable Danielson and Jon Moxley have been such an integral part of would only enrich their issue.

CM Punk Passes The Torch, Dropping The AEW Championship To Claudio Castagnoli

CM Punk worked his WWE debut opposite Darby Allin and went onto PPV feuds opposite Eddie Kingston, MJF, and Hangman Page—each less established stars who more than held their own, but also benefited from the rub of feuding with Punk.

In facing Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson, Punk would be taking a step away from this trajectory, working fellow WWE alumni and wrestlers who have won world titles in their pasts. Punk can get back to giving back to the business in a feud with Claudio Castagnoli to wrap up his engagement with The Blackpool Combat Club.

There remains an open questions whether talents who defect from WWE to AEW are better off. Christian Cage, Toni Storm, Keith Lee, Miro, Samoa Joe, Ruby Soho, and others are among the big names who remain in a gray area of making a big splash when they arrive, and then moving into the background.

Castagnoli could wind up being the case to prove AEW’s willingness and ability to elevate underappreciated talents. He’s long overdue to be booked as a top guy, and it would make a major statement for him to get a legit main event push and world title reign after beating Punk in the classic match this duo is more than capable of putting together.

There’s no shortage of great promos, storylines, and matches awaiting CM Punk opposite The Blackpool Combat Club in the months to come. It could be a testament to the faction, Punk, and AEW on the whole to see their collaborative effort ultimately elevate the uber-talented Claudio Castagnoli to new career heights.

Game Changer Wrestling held their event GCW: Dead on Arrival at the Knights of Columbus venue in Detroit, Michigan.

The event is the first of GCW’s Summer Round Trip tour. The promotion will have four events in four states from Jun. 30 to Jul. 4. The main event saw Cole Radrick vs. Ciclope vs. Miedo Extremo in a Three-Way Deathmatch. The card also had Blake Christian facing Chase Burnett as he prepares to challenge Jon Moxley for the GCW World Championship next month.

The event aired live on FITE and is available for $11.99 on Video on Demand. GCW fans can also watch the event as part of the Summer Round Trip Bundle for $29.99.

https://twitter.com/Aregularindyfan/status/1542659284433092608

GCW: Dead on Arrival Results

1. Tony Deppen defeated Dark Sheik, Alec Price, Yuya, and Jimmy Llyod in a Scramble Match
2. Blake Christian defeated Chase Burnett
3. Ninja Mack defeated Calvin Tankman
4. Jordan Oliver defeated Alex Shelley and Nick Wayne in a Three-Way Match
5. Second Gear Crew defeated Team Horror Slam
6. Slade defeated Hoodfoot in a Deathmatch
7. Shane Mercer defeated Akira in a Deathmatch
8. (C)Alex Colon defeated Dale Patricks in a Deathmatch to retain the Ultra Violent Championship
9. Ciclope defeated Cole Radrick and Miedo Extremo in a Three-Way Deathmatch

https://twitter.com/Aregularindyfan/status/1542664148500242435

Overall Thoughts on GCW: Dead on Arrival

This event had everything GCW fans would love with different types of wrestling matches, most notably the Deathmatch. It can be argued that the show may have overdone itself by having four Deathmatches straight till the end. One of the moments that stood out on the show was Slade vs. Hoodfoot.

The match ended abruptly after Slade sliced Hoodfoot with a broken light tube on the arm, which caused a severe injury. Hoodfoot was rushed out of the ring to receive help. GCW’s Brett Lauderdale shared on Twitter that he went to the hospital to get stitches.

Overall the event did have entertaining matches. Ninja Mack vs. Calvin Tankman and Jordan Oliver vs. Alex Shelley vs. Nick Wayne could be the matches that stand out to fans.

The next event part of the Summer Road Trip tour will take place on Jul. 1.