AEW taped the December 14 ‘Winter is Coming’ special of Saturday Night Collision this Thursday, December 12 from the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, MO. The show featured Toni Storm in action after she returned to the company earlier this week. Below are the complete spoilers for the show:
Backstage Segment: Darby Allin approached Will Ospreay and asked for his help in defending AEW. Ospreay said he needed momentum from winning the C2. He’d step into the war with Darby once he was done.
International Women’s Cup Qualifier Singles Match: Willow Nightingale def. Jamie Hayter: Nightingale pinned Hayter to advance to Wrestle Dynasty. The lights went out after the match. Julia Hart appeared when the light came back and she attacked Hayter.
Continental Classic Blue League Match: Kazuchika Okada def. The Beast Mortos: The Continental champion picked up the win with The Rainmaker.
Singles Match: Toni Storm def. Shazza McKenzie: After the match, Storm cut a promo and said she’s ‘All Elite’
Tag Team Match: Action Andretti & Lio Rush def. Top Flight: Leila Grey was in Top Flight’s corner for the match. She was knocked out during a dive spot, allowing Andretti and Rush to take advantage and win the match.
Singles Match: Kris Statlander def. Tootie Lynn
10 Men Tag Team Match: Orange Cassidy, The Outrunners (Truth Magnum & Turbo Floyd), Komander & Daniel Garcia def. MxM Collection (Mason Madden & Mansoor), Ari Daivari, Josh Woods & Tony Nese (w/ Mark Sterling)
Continental Classic Blue League Match: Mark Briscoe def. Kyle Fletcher: Briscoe pinned Fletcher for the win.
AEW recently also confirmed two new matches for the Worlds End PPV later this month. You can check out more about it here.
AEW taped the November 30 episode of Saturday Night Collision alongside this week’s Dynamite from Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. The tapings featured a number of Continental Classic matches as well as an appearance from the Death Riders. Below are the complete spoilers:
Singles Match – Mina Shirakawa def. Leila Grey: Shirakawa picked up the victory with the Glamorous Driver.
AEW Continental Classic Gold League Match – Will Ospreay def. Juice Robinson: Ospreay was favoring his left shoulder, selling the Corner Brainbuster from Kyle Fletcher at Full Gear. Will picked up the victory with a Hidden Blade.
6 Men Tag Team Match – Private Party & Mistico def. MxM Collection & Johnny TV: Private Party hit their finisher on Johnny TV for the win.
AEW Continental Classic Blue League Match – Kyle Fletcher def. The Beast Mortos: Mortos countered a superplex from Fletcher into a crucifix bomb and almost got the pin. Fletcher hit a lariat and then brainbuster to get the win in the end.
Tag Team Match: The Outrunners def. Iron Savages: Jacked Jameson cut a promo before the Outrunners picked up a quick win over his clients. FTR came out after the bout to shake hands with the duo of Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum.
Singles Match – Hangman Page def. Wheeler Yuta: Pac and Claudio Castagnoli were shown coming down the stairs into the crowd during the bout. The distraction allowed Yuta to roll Page but he kicked out at two. Hangman finally won the bout with a Dead Eye as Jon Moxley and Marina Shafir joined Pac and Claudio on the stairs. Page continued his attack on Yuta after the bout but the Death Riders just watched. The former AEW champion was about to Pillmanize his opponent when Jay White’s music hit. White forced Page to retreat and then taunted the Death Riders.
AEW Continental Classic Blue League Match – Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada vs. TNT Champion Daniel Garcia: The champion vs champion match ended in a time-limit draw. Okada offered to shake Garica’s hand after but doinked the TNT champion in the face.
AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson has laid out a huge challenge for the upcoming Dynamite 5-year anniversary show this Wednesday night.
The wrestling veteran recently shared an Instagram video of himself meditating in a forest. He started off his promo by calling out Jon Moxley. Mox had said that Bryan’s idea of a world champion wasn’t working after turning on his BCC teammate at All Out.
Danielson responded to the former Shield member saying that as much as he’d like to face Jon in a match, he realizes that he is fighting against an idea and not a man.
The AEW Champion proclaimed that he wants to be someone who defends his title at a monumental show like the upcoming Anniversary Special and proceeded to call out Kazuchika Okada for the bout:
Bryan Danielson has called out Okada for a World title match at Dynamite this Wednesdaypic.twitter.com/GG76Cpclmw
— Anutosh Bajpai || SEScoops || Wrestling News (@AuthorAnutosh) October 1, 2024
The AEW world title match is the 4rth match announced for the October 2 episode of Dynamite. Here is the updated line up for the show:
Singles Match: Hangman Page vs. Juice Robinson
Singles Match: Britt Baker vs. Serena Deeb
AEW International Championship Match: Will Ospreay (c) vs. Ricochet
AEW World Heavyweight Championship Match: Bryan Danielson (c) vs. Kazuchika Okada
Bryan Danielson has faced Okada in two singles matches so far. He defeated the Japanese star in their first match when they collided at the Forbidden Door 2023 event.
A rematch between the two took place at WrestleKingdom 18 in January this year. Okada picked up the win this time, tying the score to 1-1.
Okada has since signed a contract with AEW, becoming a full-time member of the Elite roster. We’ll have to tune in on Wednesday to see which one of the two picks up the victory in this rubber match.
AEW presented an eventful episode of Dynamite: Grand Slam this Wednesday featuring the surprise debut of a former WWE star among other things. The company also taped Saturday’s Collision on the same night.
The show which will continue the two-night event featured Jack Perry holding an open challenge for the TNT title, Kazuchika Okada facing Sammy Guevara in an eliminator match, and more. Below are the complete spoilers for Collision: Grand Slam event from Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York:
AEW TNT Championship Open Challenge: Japanese wrestling legend Minoru Suzuki answered the open challenge. Perry managed to retain his title. The match was taped before Dynamite.
6 Men Tag Team Match: Chris Jericho, Big Bill & Bryan Keith defeated Mark Briscoe, Orange Cassidy & Kyle O’Reilly. Big Bill put Briscoe through a table, allowing Jericho to get the pin.
Singles Match: Brody King defeated Action Andretti. After King got the pin, The Righteous, and Lance Archer attacked Andretti and Top Flight. They brawled until officials pulled them apart.
Saraya’s Rule Match: Jamie Hayter defeated Saraya
Lumberjack Strap Match: Hangman Page defeated Jeff Jarrett
AEW Trios Tag Team Championship Match: Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta & PAC defeated Private Party & Komander.
MxM Segment: The tag team had a fashion runway with models and revealed a new version of Max Caster’s jacket. One of the models was revealed to be Billy Gunn however who attacked the duo. The Acclaimed showed up in the end of clean the house.
Triple Threat Match: Hologram defeated Beast Mortos and Dralistico after pinning Dralistico for the win. Once the bell rang, Rush led an attack with the other two opponents and took out Hologram.
AEW Continental Championship Eliminator Match: The Champion Kazuchika Okada defeated Sammy Guevara. Okada got the pin with the Rainmaker.
Apart from this, the night also featured a match between Jon Moxley and Darby Allin with WrestleDream implications. You can check out the result of the bout here.
All Elite Wrestling isn’t holding back with their 250th episode of Dynamite with a stacked card already announced for the July 17, show.
Close to five years after the first episode of Dynamite in October 2019, AEW will celebrate its milestone figure next week from the Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The crowd will not only get to watch the 250th episode of Dynamite, but AEW will also tape the July 19, edition of Rampage at the show.
MJF Vs. Will Ospreay
On the July 10, edition of Dynamite, MJF, fresh off last week’s heel turn, had some verbal barbs for Will Ospreay. MJF belittled the “flippy guy” and said he’s seen countless wrestlers like Ospreay come and go throughout his career. MJF then announced his plans to challenge Ospreay for the AEW International Title next week. Ospreay, who was in the ring, accepted the challenge.
"If you get in the ring with me, you will be exposed."
It will be champion vs. champion next week when AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland faces AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada. Strickland appeared following Bryan Danielson’s victory in the Owen Hart Men’s Tournament and spoke about his challenger for AEW All In.
Strickland also revealed that he will be on Team AEW against the Elite for the upcoming Blood & Guts match. Strickland ended his promo by challenging Okada for a match for Dynamite 250 that has been made official, and added that All In will be Bryan Danielson’s ‘final countdown.’
#AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland makes a challenge to the AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada!
At Forbidden Door, Mercedes Mone became a double champion and the CEO is ready to take on (almost) all comers. On Twitter, Mone said that she will defend her titles in an open challenge on AEW Dynamite 250. This challenge can be accepted by anyone, with the exception of Britt Baker.
To celebrate #AEWDynamite250 next week in Little Rock, I am going to have an open challenge for my TBS Title. The challenge is open to any woman on the AEW Roster except @RealBrittBaker
— Mercedes Moné Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) July 11, 2024
Kazuchika Okada may have got the biggest pinfall victory to date in his AEW career and it happened to come up against an opponent he is far too familiar with.
‘The Rainmaker’ teamed up with The Young Bucks to face The Acclaimed and Hiroshi Tanahashi at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, pitting two great rivals against one another in trios action. The Young Bucks and Acclaimed have been building toward a feud for weeks now, but the unexpected addition of ‘The Ace’ to the side of Anthony Bowens and Max Caster created an added ripple of interest to the match.
All that culiminated in the final minute of the fight when it came down to Okada and Tanahashi in the ring. The two duked it out before Okada ended up hitting The Rainmaker lariat for the finish and the 1-2-3.
Since joining AEW as a full-time member of the roster, Okada has found himself in the unexpected position as a heel alongside The Young Bucks, all but replacing Kenny Omega in The Elite. Okada’s other big win of note since coming into the AEW fold was against Eddie Kingston, defeating ‘The Mad King’ for his AEW Continental Championship. This win at Forbidden Door, can certainly help position Okada in more of a main event light as ‘The Rainmaker’ has been greatly regulated to a comedic heel role since he’s aligned with Matthew and Nicholas Jackson.
Even though The Elite did get the victory, that doesn’t mean they’re fully free from The Acclaimed as Caster and Bowens beat The Bucks in an eliminator match, meaning they will have a future Tag Team Titles shot against the EVP brothers.
New Japan had no other alternative but to let go of Kazuchika Okada, according to parent company Busihiroad’s President Takaaki Kidani.
Despite being one of New Japan’s top stars for years, it was in January 2024 that the company announced it would not be renewing the contract of the ‘Rainmaker.’ This ended the 18-year tenure of Okada under contract and was met with a backlash at the time.
In an interview with Proresu-TODAY, Kidani was asked for his thoughts on Okada’s departure.
“I can only say that I had no choice. As I have said many times, if I were in the same position, I would have done the same thing. So I can only say that it can’t be helped and that I wish them all the best, and I may sound like a customer, but all I can say is, please spread the word of Japan’s greatness to the world.”
Okada benefitted greatly from Bushiroad’s influence during his NJPW run as the company scored him media appearances and commercials that elevated his star power. With that said, Kidani made clear that Okada’s in-ring success was all his own doing.
“He became what he is because he worked hard, but I think it was also due to the cooperation of those around him and good rivalry between them.”
NJPW felt they had no choice but to let Okada’s contract expire.
Since leaving New Japan, Okada has signed with AEW and wasted no time in March by siding himself with The Elite. The Rainmaker is currently in his first reign as AEW Continental Champion. He will team with his Elite allies at AEW Double or Nothing 2024 to face FTR, Darby Allin, and Bryan Danielson in the Anarchy in the Arena match.
Tony Khan rode a wave of attention when he wore a neck brace during the NFL Draft. He had plenty of chances to plug Dynamite this week, as he promised that fans will find out what is next in the obvious power struggle going on within the company.
Tony Khan opened this week’s AEW Dynamite via satellite from Jacksonville, Florida. As he was explaining that he couldn’t be in Winnipeg due to The Elite’s actions last week, his feed got choppy and cut out. Matthew and Nicholas Jackson appeared in a production truck and made it clear they were in charge of the broadcast. They explained Khan can’t fire them due to a ‘founder’s clause’ in their AEW contracts. Since they’re the highest ranking officials at the show, they’re in charge and rolled a customized Dynamite opening video package featuring only The Elite.
Later in the show, Jack Perry explained his actions against Tony Khan last week. He said he did what was best for AEW in this “new era” as the Winnipeg arena filled with “CM Punk” chants.
"We are entering a new era under The Elite" – Jack Perry
Kenny Omega took the ring during the final segment of AEW Dynamite. After explaining his ordeal with diverticulitis, The Cleaner admitted that he couldn’t watch AEW television for the longest time. The former AEW World Champion stated that he’s not done wrestling, and he will do whatever it takes to return.
Then he brought up The Jackson Brothers, saying that they don’t call the shots by themselves in AEW, because the Best Bout Machine is still an EVP of the company. Kazuchika Okada made his way to the ring after that, as fans chanted “holy sh*t” before either of them said a word.
Okada said, “I’m sorry Kenny, I’m the best bout machine now” right before Jack Perry jumped Omega from behind.
Although Omega mounted a bit of a comeback, Perry whacked him in the gut with a steel chair, sending him down to the mat. The Young Bucks soon came down to nail him with an EVP Trigger. FTR ran down for the save, chasing The Elite off, but the damage was done. AEW signed off Dynamite this week with Omega laying in the middle of the ring. When Rampage started immediately afterward, they led Omega off on a stretcher. After the initial assault, The Elite stopped EMTs from loading Omega onto an ambulance. They then tipped over the stretcher while Kenny was strapped in, adding insult to injury.
Tony Khan says The Elite has ignited a “power struggle” in AEW and the company plans to have a new “highest-ranking official” onsite for Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite. The Elite shocked the pro wrestling world last Wednesday by attacking Tony Khan one night before his participation in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Jacksonville Jaguars owner generated a ton of media attention for the neck brace he wore at the Draft to sell the effects of the unconscionable attack he sustained.
During an interview with SEScoops correspondent Scott Fishman for TV Insider, Khan said how lucky he is to work with the NFL and appreciates all the concern about his condition. He said he won’t be present for Wednesday’s Dynamite from Winnipeg, but he’s worked remotely in the past throughout the pandemic. The big question is, who will be on top of the totem pole in his absense?
“We all have experience working outside the office. During the lockdown, we got used to meetings on Teams and Zoom. I’ll still be overseeing AEW and managing the show remotely.
As for who will be the highest-ranking official onsite, stay tuned Wednesday. It will certainly be addressed this week on TBS. This power struggle that is happening in AEW.”
As Kevin Nash spoke about on his podcast this week, Tony Khan fired CM Punk when he felt physically threatened. The Elite have taken things much farther than Punk did. What repercussions will they face, if any?
TK Welcomes Kenny Omega’s Return
Kenny Omega is advertised to make his AEW television return when they go to Winnipeg. As another EVP of the company, this could throw a wrench in the Young Bucks’ plans. After all, they did fire him from The Elite a few weeks ago. This will be a big moment for AEW, and Tony Khan is also very excited about that, as he continued plugging the upcoming episode of Dynamite on TBS.
Omega has been out of action due to a diverticulitis attack, one that reportedly required surgery. Although The Cleaner is far from his in-ring clearance, he won’t miss Dynamite in his home city. Khan says, “I can’t wait to have Kenny Omega back in AEW. It’s the perfect time for Kenny to return. I know Kenny Omega has been recovering at home since he was fired from The Elite by The Young Bucks last month. It’s the perfect time for Kenny Omega to return on May 1.”
AEW Dynamite Preview (5/1)
You can find the current lineup for the May 1 episode of AEW Dynamite below.
Chris Jericho vs. Shibata
Adam Copeland vs. TBA
Mariah May vs. Serena Deeb
Kenny Omega’s TV return
Due to a scheduling conflict with the NHL Playoffs, AEW Rampage will air at a different time this week. A three-hour event will air this week on Wednesday, May 1, with a live Rampage following Dynamite. Also, AEW Collision will not broadcast on May 4, due to this conflict with the NHL. AEW’s Saturday night show is set to return to its regular time slot on Saturday, May 11.
Last week’s 4/25 AEW Dynamite from Daily’s Place finished with a a controversial angle that fans are still talking about. Jack Perry made a surprise return and attacked AEW President Tony Khan. The Elite joined in, Perry is now part of the heel faction and there are immediate parallels with the early days of the nWo. After Shad Khan’s son took a microphone shot to the gut followed by a Tony Khan Driver, The Elite stood over their boss in victory. The Young Bucks’ new alliance with Kazuchika Okada and Jack Perry has nWo vibes and the memes have been plentiful on social media.
On this week’s Kliq This podcast, Nash and co-host Sean Oliver reviewed AEW Dynasty and AEW Dynamite, including the controversial angle that led Tony Khan to wear a neck brace for the 2024 NFL Draft. While giving Khan grief for selling a padded microphone shot, Nash compared the segment to WCW’s infamous Finger Poke of Doom (Wikipedia) angle. During a match against Hollywood Hogan on WCW Nitro (January 4, 1999), Nash laid down for Hogan, handing over the WCW title in what’s seen as a low-point for the declining company.
Dynamite viewership was under 700,000, down from the previous week and the lowest since October 2023. Nash fired, back, “Thank God, because they missed the finger poke of doom at the end of this motherf****r.
Neck Brace
Tony Khan went on to sell that attack during both nights of the NFL Draft by wearing a neck brace. He appeared on the NFL Network, where he compared WWE to Harvey Weinstein. Nash didn’t love everything he saw on AEW television this week, but he credited Khan for selling the injury and keeping kayfabe alive with the neck brace.
“The neck brace. The neck brace the following day at the Jaguars. I got to give a little respect to this because I don’t think the NFL or anyone that watches the NFL and not wrestling is going to give a sh*t, but the attempt to do some crossover, respecting the product where he wore the neck brace the next day, it’s a commitment.”
Tony Khan discusses taking the TK Driver from the Bucks and compares WWE to Harvey Weinstein pic.twitter.com/borodQ1GiF
Nash took issue with the fact that CM Punk got fired for roughing up his boss, so how is he going to handle The Elite?
“I just don’t see what it does unless Tony comes back and fires the Executive Vice Presidents for attacking him. He fired.. he got rid of Punk. You can’t have a storyline that shows, a couple weeks earlier, they showed the Punk/Perry altercation, which was nothing.”
Tony Khan and AEW are influenced by pro wrestling history. This new incarnation of The Elite (just one week in) is already drawing comparisons to the nWo, so it was an attention-grabbing segment. Hopefully The Elite sparks a similar level of excitement as Hollywood Hogan, Scott Hall and podcast host Kevin Nash did in 1996.
Jack Perry is once again on AEW programming, and bringing back the ‘Scapegoat’ may be a decision AEW President Tony Khan lives to regret.
Perry made his return to the airwaves during AEW Dynasty. The former FTW Champion interfered in the AEW World Tag Team Championship ladder match and would cost FTR the match to the Young Bucks. This marked Perry’s first AEW on-screen appearance (in person) since AEW All In in August of 2023.
On the April 24, edition of Dynamite, Perry was spotted arriving at the show with the Elite, furthering the idea that there was some sort of alliance between the two sides. Later on, it was revealed that Perry and Khan would come face-to-face in the ring.
During this segment, Perry admitted that he and Khan hadn’t seen eye to eye, but they agreed that they wanted the best for AEW and the future. Having said that, Perry offered a truce to bury the hatchet with the AEW CEO and asked to reinstate him.
Khan agreed but the moment they shook hands, Perry attacked the AEW President. The Elite, consisting of the Bucks and Kazuchika Okada then came to the ring. While it appeared they wanted to stop Perry from inflicting further damage, they also joined in on the attack on Khan.
AEW Dynamite went off the air with the Elite and Perry standing tall while officials and Khan’s father Shahid checked on the injured AEW President. This segment was quite the change for Khan, who unlike Vince McMahon and other higher-ups in WWE, had for the most part avoided being involved with AEW’s on-screen angles.
It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out in the coming weeks, especially with Kenny Omega’s return to AEW TV set for next week’s Dynamite. No doubt the EVP will have plenty to say about the Bucks, Okada, and Perry after what transpired this week.
Bryan Danielson is pleased with how AEW has presented Kazuchika Okada thus far, as the Raimaker is coming across as the “star” that he is.
Okada made his debut as an All-Elite talent on the March 6, episode of AEW Dynamite and instantly established himself as a heel by aligning with the Young Bucks. There was no hesitation regarding Okada being a heel which was a creative idea that came from Tony Khan.
Danielson on Okada
Speaking with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Danielson had high praise for his recent match with the Rainmaker and is excited about what’s next.
“I loved my match against Okada… I love what I’m doing, and I’m excited about what’s to come.”
Danielson added that Okada is a “great fit” for AEW and has been right at home since aligning with the Young Bucks. The American Dragon chalked this sense of belonging to the efforts of AEW President Tony Khan.
“That’s the way Tony presents stars in AEW,” said Danielson. “It’s not about starting over in AEW. So he was brought in as a star and introduced as a star.”
Bryan Danielson Vs. Kazuchika Okada
Danielson and Okada have shared the ring four times, with their first encounter being at the inaugural AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door show in June 2023. That match saw Danielson get the win though he also suffered a fractured forearm.
On the October 25, AEW Dynamite, Danielson and Claudio Castagnoli defeated Okada and Orange Cassidy. At NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18, Okada defeated Danielson. The pair would be on the same side of an eight-person tag match the next night.
What’s to Come?
Danielson is currently embarking on his final year as a full-time active wrestler. On April 5, the American Dragon will compete against CMLL’s Blue Panther. This is a dream match for Danielson who recently called Panther his favorite luchador of all time.
As for Okada, he will continue to defend the AEW Continental Championship. He is also expected to feud with Kenny Omega as the Rainmaker has replaced Omega in the Elite. With that said, there’s no word on when fans can expect Omega back from his ongoing fight with diverticulitis.
The pro wrestling world was turned upside down when Kazuchika Okada ended up in AEW. He had a WWE offer on the table, but he decided to join Tony Khan’s roster instead, during AEW Dynamite this week, Okada made his single’s debut, and it was for a title.
Okada battled Eddie Kingston during the March 20th episode of AEW Dynamite. That Continental Title match was a banger, and it saw a new champion crowned.
Okada’s Title Win
Eddie Kingston put his Continental Title on the line against Okada during this week’s Dynamite. Since they operated on Continental Title rules, The Young Bucks were not allowed at ringside.
The Young Bucks were shown backstage, watching on headsets from the producer positions, sitting next to Tony Khan.
This match was stiff, and fans were on fire, chanting for both competitors at certain points. Both Okada and Kingston proved that they are not going to quit without a fight.
Finally, Okada nailed the Rainmaker, and he won the match. We can only assume that Okada will bring a lot of attention to the Continental Title and continue to elevate its stature.
After Okada's win, the Continental title has been split up from the ROH World/NJPW Strong titles according to the AEW roster page. pic.twitter.com/x9kPMbfSQA
After his win, PAC came out to confront Okada. It appears that we know who will face Okada first for his new title. They certainly hyped an eventual match between Okada and The Bastard.
Looks like 'The Bastad' PAC has found the trouble he's been looking for!
Okada was a treasure in NJPW for years, as his matches were proclaimed as some of the in any year. Then he decided to seek out his fortune in America, and he picked AEW.
After joining The Young Bucks, they fired Kenny Omega. It only seems reasonable to assume that an Okada vs Omega match is coming down the line. The Cleaner is currently out of action with diverticulitis, and there is currently no projected timetable for his return.
SEScoops will have more on this story, and so much more from all over the pro wrestling world. You never know what can happen next, especially since Okada is now a champion in AEW.
Kazuchika Okada has been one of several big-name free agents AEW has locked down and Tony Khan is hoping it helps signifies a new era for the company, but could he have gone to WWE?
A new report from Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated states that there was a real consideration on Okada’s behalf to ink a deal with WWE. He especially loved the idea of being apart of WrestleMania, however, there were several factors coming to to play with him signing with AEW instead.
Okada has been friends with The Young Bucks for nearly a decade-and-a-half so that obviously came into play. Another added element is that Okada was not expected to relocate to the United States if he did sign with AEW.
Not only that, but The Rainmaker believes that he’ll be given the greatest chance at succeeding in AEW and has a lot of trust in AEW President Tony Khan.
Okada made his greatly-anticipated debut for AEW this past week on AEW Dynamite and did so in a memorable way, swerving the fans with an immediate heel turn.
After The Young Bucks made several announcements following their loss at AEW Revolution, Eddie Kingston came out to confront the brothers. Matt and Nick Jackson began attacking Eddie when The Rainmaker entered, making it seem like he was there to help Kingston. However, he joined in on the assault and aligned with The Bucks, officially becoming a member of the Elite.
With him attacking Kingston and indicating an interest in his AEW Continental Championship, one would likely believe that it could be Okada vs. Kingston at AEW Dynasty on April 21 in St. Louis, MO.
Okada’s debut this week saw him tease aligning with Eddie Kingston who was on the show to confront the Young Bucks. Instead, Okada attacked Kingston, certifying his role as a heel and shook hands with the AEW EVPs. With Kenny Omega fired as a member of The Elite during the same segment, Okada has seemingly replaced the absent former World Champion.
There was no hesitation in bringing in Okada as a heel, Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated reports. All parties involved, that being the Bucks, Okada, and Tony Khan agreed that being a heel was the better fit, especially given his original big run in Japan being as a playboy heel. The idea that he should start as a heel came directly from Khan. Multiple sources confirmed that Okada has immense trust in the AEW President’s vision.
What’s Next?
Okada competed in a six-man-tag at this week’s AEW Collision tapings, which will air tonight. SI reports that all indicators are that Okada will feud with Kenny Omega once the Canadian wrestler is ready to wrestle again.
Kenny Omega knows his role in AEW and it’s something that he believes separates him from Will Ospreay and Kazuchika Okada, but will The Cleaner make a return to the ring?
While on his Twitch stream, Omega happened to give an update on his recovery after his diverticulitis diagnosis, something that had him very close to death’s door.
“I would love to say, ‘Hey guys, I’m on track to coming back next week, next month, a half of year.’ I don’t have that confidence this time. When they’re explaining to me that I was 24 hours away from a terrible blood infection and possibly dying, this is like news to me. I’ve never heard of anything like that. ‘I wasn’t close to dying, are you kidding me? No way.’ The doctors are there to ensure my safety and educate me as to how important this is. I don’t want to talk out of my ass too much and say I’m going to for sure be back, and I’ll be back at a certain date or time because I don’t know. I will say, after watching Dynamite, and getting a feel of the lay of the land. If I can come back, I feel like I have to.”
With the official AEW debuts of Kazuchika Okada and Will Ospreay, the athletic bar has been raised in AEW and Kenny hopes that he’ll still be able to show who runs the show in All Elite Wrestling.
“I used to be that guy. I used to have that confidence, and now instead of being the guy that’s got a chip on his shoulder, it’s my job as the old guard to be the gatekeeper. You want to call yourself the best? F***ing prove it, b****. That’s what I’m here for.”
From a storyline perspective, Kenny Omega isn’t quite “running the show” as fellow EVPs Matthew and Nicholas Jackson have “fired” Kenny from his position this past Wednesday on Dynamite. Kenny caught wind of it and simply used a photo of himself to express his surprise.
Omega has been advertised for AEW’s upcoming residence in Canada, but there is no word as to what he may be doing.
AEW was able to sign Kazuchika Okada to a three-year deal, and WWE had interest as well. After this blockbuster deal was confirmed, numbers started coming out. It seems that they are not what they seem to be.
It was reported that Okada’s deal with AEW is worth $4.5 million per year for three years. Although this number might be something that WWE would offer a top star like Roman Reigns or Brock Lesnar, that isn’t what Okada is bringing in.
Okada’s AEW Deal
It was previously reported that Okada is making 2 billion yen over a three-year deal. That would certainly place Okada on top of any company’s payroll.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted that this report about Okada’s massive AEW deal is not correct. The actual numbers were not revealed, but they were said to be much lower in reality to what he is actually bringing in.
Okada signed a three-year deal. Tokyo Sports reported Okada signed a three-year deal at 2 billion yen ($13.5 million) over the course of the period of the contract, or an average of $4.5 million annually, but that number is not accurate at all. The real number is considerably lower, but it was still a very large number that he signed for.
What’s Next For Okada
AEW booked Okada as a heel to join the Young Bucks as the newest member of The Elite. Kenny Omega was also fired in the process, which sets up an eventual match between the two old foes.
It was reported that Okada is moving to the United States as part of his new AEW deal. He will also be a full-time performer for the company. Only time will tell how AEW books him in the weeks to come, but he certainly has the pro wrestling world’s interest.
SEScoops will have more information on this story as additional details are made known.
This week’s episode of AEW Collision was an action-packed show as the promotion continued forward following this week’s season premiere of Dynamite.
AEW Collision was taped following the most recent episode of Dynamite, which served as the season premiere of AEW programming. This marked the debut of a new stage (which marked the return of the tunnels) as well as a new color scheme.
Dynamite saw the debut of Kazuchika Okada who established himself as a heel by attacking Eddie Kingston and aligning himself with the Young Bucks. It had been reported for some time that Okada was going to debut on the show, with Tony Khan promising something huge in the days leading up to Dynamite.
AEW Collision Spoilers [4/9/2024]
Here are the spoiler results for this week’s AEW Collision:
The House of Black defeated Mark Briscoe & Jay Lethal & Jeff Jarrett in a Street Fight
Mistico defeated Angelico
Bryan Danielson defeated Shane Taylor. After the match, Will Ospreay came out to confront Danielson. The American Dragon challenged Ospreay to a match at AEW Dynasty to which Ospreay agreed.
The Young Bucks and Kazuchika Okada defeated Jon Cruz & Liam Gray & Adrian Alonis. Eddie Kingston tried to attack the Bucks and Okada but was overpowered. Penta and then PAC hit the ring, setting up a six-man tag for Big Business on March 13.
Mariah May defeated Trish Adora. Toni Storm came out and awarded May a “Toni Award” but Deonna Purrazzo attacked Storm. May made the save.
Nick Wayne defeated Adam Priest. Christian Cage ripped up a masked fan’s sign. The fan attacked Cage and unmasked as Adam Copeland.
Tony Schiavone interviewed FTR in the ring about the tournament to crown the AEW Tag Team Champions. FTR said they want to be the first-ever three-time AEW World Tag Team Champions. The Infantry came out and said they want to be champions before everyone shook hands.
Lionheart Chris Jericho defeated CMLL’s Titan with the Walls of Jericho. The Gates of Agony attacked Jericho but Hook made the save with a Singapore Cane.
AEW’s quest to present the strongest roster possible took a big step forward on Wednesday in Atlanta when Kazuchika Okada made his debut. He is now a heel alongside The Young Bucks, and he’s making a ton of money for his services.
Tony Khan is known to throw out huge money for people he wants. According to a new report, Okada is making around $4.5 million per year under his new three-year AEW deal.
Okada’s AEW Deal
During the March 6th episode of AEW Dynamite, Kazuchika Okada made a significant appearance, joining a confrontation involving AEW Triple Crown champion Eddie Kingston and the Young Bucks, who also hold executive roles within AEW.
According to reports from Tokyo Sports, Kazuchika Okada has signed a three-year deal with AEW, estimated to be worth two billion yen over the contract’s duration, roughly equivalent to $4.5 million USD per year.
In an unexpected twist, Okada didn’t support Kingston as anticipated. Instead, he surprised the audience by betraying the Triple Crown champion and aligning himself with Nicholas and Matthew Jackson, becoming the latest member of The Elite faction.
What’s Next For Okada in AEW
Okada has been a heel before, and now it appears that he will have some fun with the Young Bucks. As we previously reported, Tony Khan has been planning this for months.
It is also reported that Okada is moving to the United States. He will also be with AEW full time from now on.
Kazuchika Okada will be on a full-time AEW deal and is planning to relocate to the United States, Fightful Select has learned.
— FightfulSelect.com! Exclusive Pro Wrestling News (@FightfulSelect) March 7, 2024
WWE was in the running for Okada, but he picked AEW instead. The money was better in the Land of All Elite. Only time will tell how Tony Khan goes about getting his money’s worth.
SEScoops will have continued coverage of this story, and many more in the pro wrestling world. Keep checking back for more updates.
AEW and WWE were both interested in Kazuchika Okada’s services, but it was Tony Khan who pulled down the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. Now Okada is a heel in AEW alongside the Young Bucks, and they are off to the races.
Although AEW didn’t really hype Okada’s impending debut, they had time to do so. For whatever reason, they declined to tease this huge moment in company history, so fans didn’t know that this week’s episode, a week before Big Business, would be anything special.
Tony Khan’s Plan for Okada
Kazuchika Okada shocked the pro wrestling world when he finally debuted for AEW during the March 6th episode in Atlanta. This was a huge surprise, but it was also something they had in the pipeline for a while.
During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer remarked that Tony Khan had this plan in place for Okada months ago. It was still a secret, but the plan was certainly in place.
“The Young Bucks’ segment with Okada, that has been known for — not by me — but it has been known by the Young Bucks and Okada and Tony Khan for literally months. It was Tony Khan’s idea to do this a long time ago, like it was the show after Revolution.”
It was noted that they could have announced that the Young Bucks had a big surprise weeks ago. For some reason, they didn’t announce that the Bucks had any kind of surprise until the day of the show. That is when Okada rumors started really churning, but this was the plan for a long time.
SEScoops will have continued coverage of this story, and everything else going on in the pro wrestling world. Keep checking back for more details as additional updates are made available.
Kazuchika Okada’s arrival in All Elite Wrestling has had the wrestling world talking following this week’s edition of Dynamite.
On the most recent edition of AEW Dynamite, the Young Bucks were furious following their loss to Sting & Darby Allin at AEW Revolution 2024. The EVPs exercised their authority by suspending ‘Hangman’ Adam Page and firing Kenny Omega.
AEW President Tony Khan took great pleasure in response to a tweet alleging that Okada was set to debut for WWE in January of this year as part of the Men’s Royal Rumble match.
Khan would also confirm Okada’s status by sharing the All Elite graphic while adding that the Rainmaker is a ‘business partner’ of Matthew and Nicholas Jackson.
— Anutosh Bajpai || SEScoops || Wrestling News (@AuthorAnutosh) March 7, 2024
TNA Wrestling, who have often made use of Search Engine Optimization, shared a video of Okada taking on Generation Me (the future Young Bucks) during a TNA Xplosion match from 2010.
Check out Kazuchika Okada and Homicide vs. Generation Me from Xplosion in 2010.
AEW has their eye on several people who could really do numbers for the company. It was reported last month that Tony Khan beat out WWE’s offer for Kazuchika Okada, and this week finally saw The Rainmaker’s debut, and he has a very Elite role.
Kazuchika Okada made his big return to AEW television, and this time he was not under NJPW contract. Now, Okada is All Elite, and this was a big surprise.
AEW’s Big Debut
During AEW Dynamite this week, The Young Bucks took the microphone in the ring, and they cut a promo as EVPs. They had something to say about Hangman Page assaulting AEW officials at Revolution, and he was suspended. That was only the beginning.
The Young Bucks then turned their focus to Kenny Omega. They said that he has missed all of his dates recently for no reason. Of course, Omega is still recovering from diverticulitis. Then they fired Omega.
Eddie Kingston then came out and he started something with The Bucks. This was followed by Nicholas and Matthew Jackson ganging up on Kingston. Suddenly, Kazuchika Okada’s music hit.
This was a massive shock as The Rainmaker made his way to the ring. Suddenly, it was very clear that he was not a babyface. Okada turned his aggression toward Kingston, and then The Young Bucks announced that he is the newest member of The Elite.
It turns out that Omega is out of The Elite, and Okada is in. The segment ended with a shocked crowd as the newest member of the AEW roster posed in the ring.
The Young Bucks and Okada got to be close friends while they were all being misused in TNA Wrestling years ago. Now, they have a chance to work with each other again.
WWE tried to get Okada, but AEW offered him a better deal. Now, he will get to do his thing in Tony Khan’s company. We will have to see what is next for him after linking up with The Young Bucks.
SEScoops will have more on this story as additional information is available.
Tony Khan has a lot of plans for AEW, and that includes bringing in even more talent. He could have plans to debut someone this week, and it might break the pro wrestling world wide open.
Kazuchika Okada is reportedly on his way to AEW, and that debut may happen tonight. A new report says that he is in the United States, and only time will tell if tonight’s AEW Dynamite is his landing pad.
Major Debut on the Horizon
A major name is expected to make their full-time debut with the company, although details remain undisclosed. Tony Khan has hinted at exciting plans for AEW fans in the coming weeks, suggesting significant developments on the horizon.
According to PW Insider, former IWGP Champion Kazuchika Okada recently traveled to Los Angeles and is currently in the United States. It is widely speculated that Okada will be present at tonight’s Dynamite episode in Atlanta, potentially signaling a significant moment for the promotion.
Additionally, there are expectations for the debut of Mercedes Mone, formerly known as Sasha Banks, in Boston next week for the company’s Big Business special. With these developments on the horizon, anticipation is high for tonight’s Dynamite episode and the future direction of AEW.
AEW Dynamite For 3/6
Tonight’s AEW Dynamite promises to be eventful, with several notable announcements and developments anticipated. Among the highlights are scheduled matches such as Riho vs. Kris Statlander and Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher. Moreover, The Young Bucks have teased a “Huge Announcement,” adding to the intrigue of the evening.
They also added Hook vs Brian Cage for the FTW Title to the show in the afternoon. More matches should be expected as we approach the two-hour program.
SEScoops will have more coverage of AEW Dynamite, and everything else in the pro wrestling world. Check back often for more updates!
Kazuchika Okada is reportedly on his way to All Elite Wrestling, and fans may not have to wait long to see his official debut.
Last month, it was confirmed that Okada’s contract with NJPW was set to expire. Okada worked the New Beginnings event scheduled for February, as a sign of respect to the promotion. Okada had been with New Japan for 17 years before his departure.
Last month, it was reported that AEW had beaten WWE and secured a deal with Okada. It was confirmed that WWE had spoken with Okada and that AEW had been “confident” in their offer to the Japanese wrestler
When to Expect Kazuchika Okada
The tentative plan is for Okade to be around for the March 6, episode of AEW Dynamite, Fightful Select reports. During the AEW Revolution 2024 media call, Tony Khan spoke about something big coming to next week’s show in Atlanta, Georgia.
“There’s a lot of really exciting things coming. I’m very excited for Revolution and the shows after that. I can promise you I have something very exciting, I’m very excited about for the fans in Atlanta.”
The timing of Okada’s expected debut is certainly interesting. The March 13, episode of AEW Dynamite will be the promotion’s ‘Big Business’ show and is expected to mark the AEW debut of Mercedes Mone.
‘The Rainmaker’ will soon decide his next destination. WWE and AEW have been in the race to obtain his services. In the increasingly competitive wrestling war between WWE and AEW, Okada is one of the hottest free agents in the market.
As it seems, he could soon be a part of the AEW roster. However, ahead of that, he will compete in a couple of matches for NJPW.
Okada’s two matches have been announced
Okada is set to team with his fellow CHAOS stablemates in two 10-man tag team matches against members of the United Empire.
On February 23, Okada, Tomohiro Ishii, Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI, and YOH will take on Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan, Aaron Henare, Francesco Akira, and Callum Newman.
In his final match with the company on February 24, Okada will team with Hiroshi Tanahashi, Ishii, Goto, and YOSHI-HASHI against Matt Riddle, Cobb, Great-O-Khan, Henare, and Akira.
Meanwhile, Tama Tonga will have his final match with NJPW on February 24 as well. He will join forces with Tanga Loa to take on fellow Guerillas of Destiny stablemates Hikuleo and ELP.
The singles match between El Desperado and SHO on February 23 has been announced as a title match after SHO stole the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title during The New Beginning in Osaka on Sunday.
Card for NJPW The New Beginning in Sapporo, Friday, February 23:
IWGP Global Champion David Finlay defends against Nic Nemeth
NJPW World TV Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi defends against Matt Riddle
NEVER Openweight Champion EVIL defends against Shota Umino
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion El Desperado defends against SHO
IWGP Women’s Champion Mayu Iwatani vs. Mina Shirakawa
Tetsuya Naito, Shingo Takagi, Hiromu Takahashi, Yota Tsuji, and BUSHI vs. SANADA, Taka Michinoku, Yuya Uemura, DOUKI, and Taka Michinoku
Kazuchika Okada, Tomohiro Ishii, Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI, and YOH vs. Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan, Henare, Francesco Akira, and Callum Newman
Ryusuke Taguchi, Togi Makabe, and Boltin Oleg vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Yujiro Takahashi, and Ren Narita
Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Yuji Nagata
Toru Yano & Tomoya vs. Tomoaki Honma & Katsuya Murashima
Card for NJPW The New Beginning in Sapporo, Saturday, February 24 —
IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Tetsuya Naito defends against SANADA
Hair vs. hair: Yota Tsuji vs. Yuya Uemura
Shingo Takagi vs. Taichi
Hiromu Takahashi vs. DOUKI
BUSHI vs. TAKA Michinoku
Nic Nemeth & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. David Finlay & Gedo
Guerillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa) vs. Guerillas of Destiny (El Phantasmo and Hikuleo)
Kazuchika Okada’s NJPW farewell match: Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii, Hirooki Goto, and YOSHI-HASHI vs. Matt Riddle, Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan, Henare, and Francesco Akira
Shota Umino, El Desperado, Togi Makabe, YOH, and Boltin Oleg vs. EVIL, SHO, Ren Narita, Dick Togo, and Yujiro Takahashi
Toru Yano & Tomoya vs. Tomoaki Honma & Katsuya Murashima