Kenny Omega was recently interviewed on a variety of topics for Wrestling Observer Radio. During the discussion, Omega spoke about AEW lacking content in its women’s division. He’s hopeful that the addition of AEW Rampage will help improve the situation, however.
“The content I think we’re lacking in is our women’s division,” Omega said. “I would love to see Rampage be home to more women’s wrestling.”
He continued to talk about how he feels they have some incredibly talented women on their roster who perform on Dark. Omega hopes to put these matches in front of a wider audience with Rampage.
“I want people to see and appreciate and enjoy some of the talent that we have to offer,” Omega continued. “I hope that we can get out and show some of these matches that perhaps aren’t seen by enough people. We’ve got a lot of great talent on Dark. And people maybe don’t want to watch our YouTube channel. Maybe they just want to watch Dynamite or they want to see a television product and I get that.”
Omega is hopeful that Rampage will give some lesser-seen talent more exposure.
“I think the extra hour of Rampage, when we get the new program on TBS, I feel that rather than give them more Chris Jericho, more Kenny Omega, more MJF, and the guys you know you’re going to see on Dynamite, I’d rather give them all of the extremely talented individuals that you maybe can’t see that week.”
“I feel that we have a lot of very gifted female wrestlers that have been working really hard, fighting for a spot, maybe it’s time for them to get some more and I think that would count as a variation in content, more women’s wrestling.”
Everyone in anticipation for when I knock some sense into these guys. Next week, everyone. Next week. https://t.co/gVBEuPqcNq
Impact Wrestling on 7/22 featured the fallout from an event Slammiversary PPV. Jay White, Mickie James, Chelsea Green, and FinJuice were all back in the Impact Zone for the show.
Impact 7/22 Quick results:
Chris Bey defeated Rohit Raju
Chelsea Green, Matt Cardona & Jake Something defeated Tenille Dashwood, Brian Myers, and Sam Beale
Knockouts Tag Team Championships Havok & Rosemary (c) defeated Fire N Flava (Kiera Hogan & Tasha Steelz)
What Happened After Slammiversary Went Off The Air?
The camera cut away at Slammiversary before fans could see if White aligned with the Elite. Footage of what happened was released by Impact and White did not, in fact, 2 sweet the Elite. Finjuice ran out and ran off both White and the Elite, although White returned to give Finlay his finisher to close the segment.
This week on Impact Wrestling, Chris Bey kicked things off with a singles victory over Rohit Raju. Before the match, highlights of Bey coming inches away from winning back the X-Division title at Slammiversary in the Ultimate-X match were shown.
After Bey’s victory, Jay White came up to Bey to ask him if he had gotten his message. Earlier this week, Impact put out a video on Twitter that featured Bey discovering that someone had left a Bullet Club shirt by his locker. White said that BC is always looking for new talent but Bey said he rides alone. White asked him how that was working out for him and asked him to think about what he said.
Deonna Purrazzo Accepts Mickie James Invitation, With Some Help From Gail Kim
After Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo defeated Thunder Rosa at Slammiversary, Mickie James came to the ring. James invited the Virtuosa to NWA Empowerrr next month but Purrazzo said that James was trying to steal her moment. This week, Mickie James came out again and attempted to smooth the situation over with the KO champ. Gail Kim came out as well and told Purrazzo that it was her idea for James to come out at Slammiversary and it wasn’t meant to steal the moment from her. In a rare occurrence in wrestling, this talking segment ended up with everyone coming to an agreement. Purrazzo and James shook hands and it looks like we’ll see the Knockouts title defended at NWA Empowerrr.
It’s been a big week for Drama King Matt. A vignette previewing his debut in Impact aired at Slammiversary, then he was announced for the broadcast team of NJPW Resurgence, and this week another vignette previewing his arrival was played.
Taylor Wilde’s Return Helps Chelsea Green Pick Up Another Win
At Slammiversary, Chelsea Green and Matt Cardona defeated the team of Tenille Dashwood and Brian Myers. This week on Impact, Green and Cardona would team with Jake Something while Dashwood and Myers would team with Sam Beale. Kaleb with a K tried to get involved from the outside, as he is one to do, but a returning Taylor Wilde thwarted his efforts. Wilde has been gone since Under Siege back in May. Green picked up the win on Beale with the UnprettyHer, giving her team two straight wins over Myers and his teammates.
Later on in the show, Dashwood told Myers she didn’t want to go to homecoming with him anymore, meaning she’s not going to team with him on the Homecoming Impact Plus show on the 31st. Beale said he’ll find Myers a new partner.
Eddie Edwards and W. Morrissey Brawl In The Parking Lot
Morrissey picked up the win over Edwards at Slammiversary after hitting him in the head with a fist wrapped with a steel chain. This week, Edwards challenged Morrissey to meet him in the parking lot. The two brawled until Edwards picked up two kendo sticks and beat the big man into retreat. A hardcore match between the two has since been scheduled for Homecoming on July 31st.
Jay White came out to cut a promo. He said that he was in Impact Wrestling for one man and that man is David Finlay. White and Finlay will meet at NJPW Resurgence for the NEVER Openweight title. Earlier this year, Finlay defeated White in the New Japan Cup. White then spoke about the Good Brothers and the Elite. He said that The Good Brothers weren’t good enough for the faction anymore and said their application for re-entry into Bullet Club was denied.
Don Callis, Kenny Omega, and the Good Brothers then hit the stage. Callis gave White some disingenuous compliments, as he is one to do, but then ran down the current incarnation of Bullet Club as being less important. Callis said it is White who should be applying to them for entry into the Elite.
The Good Brothers then hit the ring as Callis and Omega went to the back. Anderson and Gallows said that White should be thanking them for making Bullet Club the big thing that it is. Things turned into a brawl and while the Good Brothers had the numbers advantage at first, Chris Bey hit the ring to make the save for White.
Later in the show, The Good Brothers challenged White and Bey to a match for next week. The match was later made official.
Is There Something Brewing Between Kenny Omega and Josh Alexander?
Kenny Omega walked in on Josh Alexander’s interview this week. Omega had some words for Alexander but Callis encouraged him to just keep walking. Alexander seemed unfazed but we’ll see what this potentially leads to.
Juice Robinson and David Finlay picked up a win in tag-team action this week against Ace Austin and Madman Fulton. After the match, however, Rohit Raju and Shera hit the ring and joined Austin and Fulton in a 4-on-2 attack.
Havok & Rosemary Retain Knockouts Tag Titles Over Fire N Flava
Havok and Rosemary won the Knockouts tag team titles from Kiera Hogan and Tasha Steelz on the Slammiversary pre-show. This week, the rematch would headline the show. The finish of the match saw Hogan and Steelz uncharacteristically fall out of sync with one another. Hogan ended up accidentally kicking Steelz off the apron, leaving her vulnerable to a double team from Decay. Rosemary hit her with a spear and picked up the victory to retain the titles. Decay would celebrate to end the show.
Next Week On Impact Wrestling
The following matches have been booked for next week’s show:
The Good Brothers vs Jay White & Chris Bey
Violent by Design (Deaner and Rhino) vs. Willie Mack & Rich Swann
Kenny Omega retained the Impact World Championship over Sami Calihan this past weekend at Slammiversary.
The next challenger to Omega Impact title was determined at Monday night’s television tapings from Nashville, TN. (Spoilers)
In the final match of the second set of tapings, Brian Myers won a #1 contender’s battle royal to earn the championship opportunity. This episode of Impact is expected to air Thursday, August 12th on AXS TV.
Kenny Omega vs. Brian Myers will headline Impact Wrestling’s next special event, Emergence. Impact has not yet confirmed the date(s) for Emergence, which took place over two weeks last year.
AEW Champion Kenny Omega appeared in the main event of the IMPACT Slammiversary PPV this weekend against Sami Callihan.
Omega successfully retained his IMPACT World Championship at the show, and IMPACT seemed to push the ‘forbidden door’ angle even further with a tease of AAA, AEW, IMPACT and NJPW all being represented at the upcoming Bound For Glory PPV event.
During the Slammiversary event, Don Callis would say that Omega was ‘tougher’ than GCW Champion and Deathmath King, Nick Gage. After hearing this on the broadcast, Game Changer Wrestling would invite Kenny Omega to take part in their Homecoming event next weekend.
“GCW tweeted, “Omega “tougher” than Gage? @TheDonCallis what are you smoking pal?” The promotion responded.
Kenny Omega vs Nick Gage
“You and Kenny are welcome to come and prove it but you have to get in line & the line starts this Saturday at #GCWHomecoming Weekend in AC… Saturday: GAGE vs CARDONA Sunday: GAGE vs OMEGA??? See ya there???” GCW added.
It is not confirmed if this is part of the ongoing forbidden door angle, or if Game Changer Wrestling are attempting to just get some more buzz for the PPV shows next weekend.
GCW Homecoming Night 1 (July 24) and Night 2 (July 25) takes place in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Nick Gage will be defending his GCW Championship against Matt Cardona/Zack Ryder on night 1. Both shows will be available to view on FITE TV.
When Jay White showed up at IMPACT Slammiversary, the wrestling world sat up straight and paid attention. The history between Jay White and Kenny Omega is rich and prime for a re-visit. The idea of another match between them would be television gold. Their last match, in 2018 is a criminally underrated affair that saw Jay White pick up a huge victory.
That loss remains a sore point with Kenny Omega, who took to Twitter following his successful title defence against Sami Callihan. Omega seems eager to put to bed any idea of a fight between him and White.
Not denying the loss or anything, but we don’t need to revisit this. It was a one time thing. That’s it. https://t.co/8VmYhen9If
However, in pro-wrestling terms that means it’s a done deal, and now we just have to sit back and enjoy the ride.
Omega has been a dominant champion, holding belts in three different companies. While he doesn’t defend the belts week in week out, he has been in regular action. This mentality follows the thinking echoed in NJPW. Saving title matches for big occasions.
Kenny Omega and Jay White is a Story That Runs Deep
There is far more to the story between Kenny Omega and Jay White than just the IMPACT Heavyweight Championship. That is not to dismiss the belt, but a simple fact.
The pair have met in singles competition twice before. Both coming during Kenny Omega’s NJPW run. They hold one victory apiece. A third match between the pair would be a spectacle without a doubt. To make the pot even sweeter, both men currently hold a championship. Could a belt vs belt clash be on the cards?
Jay White replaced Kenny Omega as the leader of the Bullet Club and the animosity between the pair runs deep. Especially with the way the Elite left NJPW after the ‘Civil War’ between them and the OGBC.
Should Kenny Omega and White square off, whether it is for one title, both titles, or just retribution, it will be a firecracker of a match.
Last night at Slammiversary, Jay White came out at the end of the night and stood in the ring with Kenny Omega, Don Callis, and the Good Brothers. The show would go off the air before fans could see if White was aligning with the Elite, however.
While it might have felt as though the show cut out early before fans had a chance to see the angle, this was the intention all along.
What happened after the show went off the air was addressed on Wrestling Observer Radio.
“I was told it went off exactly as planned,” said Dave Meltzer regarding the finish of the PPV.
Bryan Alvarez then detailed what happened after the show went off the air.
“FinJuice hit the ring and Jay White laid them out,” said Alvarez. “And apparently I guess we can watch that on TV this coming week.”
Meltzer then detailed how the angle came together.
“It’s part of the deal for getting the New Japan talent. Jay White and Finlay is the co-main event for the Los Angeles New Japan Show. So, I’m sure that we’ll see this on New Japan World, and perhaps part of the deal to get some of these guys on the show, especially Jay White, is that they get to shoot that angle for their own show.”
“It certainly would appear that there is a Kenny Omega and Jay White match coming somewhere in Impact,” Meltzer continued. “Perhaps at Bound for Glory and that’s a really interesting match.”
AEW champion Kenny Omega had a confrontation with the NJPW’s Never Openweight Champion Jay White during tonight’s Slammiversary PPV event.
The Cleaner defended his title against Sami Callihan in a NO DQ main event during tonight’s PPV. Omega managed to pick up the victory in the bout after delivering a one winged angel to Callihan over thumbtacks.
The world champion was celebrating with his partners in Impact tag champs The Good Brothers and Don Callis when the lights went out. The Bullet Club leader Jay White then made his entrance.
As White got in the ring, the other wrestlers offered up the ‘Too Sweet’ hand gesture. The NJPW champion was still considering his next move when the cameras stopped rolling and the show came to a close.
People in attendance noted that after the cameras went out, the team of David Finlay and Juice Robinson collectively known as FinJuice came out and tried to attack Jay White.
However, the Bullet Club member managed to hit his finisher on Robinson before heading back. FinJuice had made their surprise return to Impact Wrestling earlier in the night.
There is no word yet on whether White will feud with Omega or join forces with him. We will have to wait and see what the officials have planned for the two.
Josh Alexander, Chris Bey, Trey Miguel & Petey Williams defeated Ace Austin, Madman Fulton, Rohit Raju & Shera
Moose defeated Hernandez
Joe Doering w/ Violent By Design defeated Willie Mack w/ Rich Swann, Fallah Bahh w/ TJP & Doc Gallows w/ Karl Anderson
Jordynne Grace & Rachael Ellering Pick Up Measure Of Revenge On Tenille Dashwood & Kaleb
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFXgd7SwiZ0
The team of Jordynne Grace and Rachel Ellering appear to be back on the same page. Last week on Impact, Tennille Dashwood attacked Jazz on the “All About Me” show. This led to the former knockouts tag team champions challenging her and her personal photographer to a match this week.
Ellering and Grace didn’t show any signs of the dissension that had previously broken up their team and got the victory after a double team assisted slam on Kaleb.
Havok Defeats Tasha Steelz Before Slammiversary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_gFv6ZQvAE
At Slammiversary on Saturday, Havok and Rosemary will challenge Kiera Hogan and Tasha Steelz for the Knockouts tag titles. Ahead of the title clash on PPV, Havok picked up a win over Steelz this week, finishing her off with a tombstone pilediver.
Later in the show, Rosemary spoke with James Mitchell about making Havok a full-fledged member of Decay before Slammiversary.
Was it Su Yung all along? Kimber Lee had previously sought out Father James Mitchell to assist in bringing Su Yung back out of Susan. This week, Kimber ran into Susan in the back and the frequently disgruntled woman revealed that she’s known about Su Yung all along. Susan then grabbed Kimber by the hair and tossed her into a room when the segment ended.
Steve Maclin Picks Up Another Win
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNK3HA1AIuk
Steve Maclin picked up another win in squash match style this week. He then cut a promo about “being done waiting” after.
Chris Bey Is Back To Not Having Picked A Side
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LE4fOJFxPs
For weeks, Chris Bey has been refusing to choose a side between the babyfaces and heels in the X-Division. He finally sided with the babyfaces last week but that wouldn’t last long. Bey picked up the win this week for the good guys after scoring a roll-up on Shera. After the match, however, Bey made it clear there will be no sides on Saturday at Slammiversary. it will be every man for himself in Ultimate X. Bey demonstrated this by attacked Trey and Alexander with a chair.
Tenille Dashwood Helps Brian Myers In Beatdown of Matt Cardona
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y-AgXNFMFk
Someone Matt Cardona has a history with, Tenille Dashwood, helped Brian Myers attack Matt Cardona this week. Myers and Sam Beale were out to adhere to the stipulation of the match last week and refer to Something as “a professional.” Myers said that Something might be professional but he’s not a star. Things then got physical between the 4 men when Tenille Dashwood appeared and gave a low blow to Cardona.
Following this, Cardona cut a promo in the back on Myers. Scott D’Amore then cut in and announced a match at Slammiversary pitting Myers and Dashwood against Cardona and a mystery female wrestler.
Chris Sabin Saves Hernandez From Moose
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dR3140UWQyc
Moose defeated Hernandez in singles action this week. After the match, he wrapped Super Mex’s leg in a steel chair but Moose’s Slammiversary opponent Chris Sabin made the save. Sabin then wrapped Moose’s leg in a chair but Moose was able to escape.
Joe Doering and Violent By Design Build Momentum For Slammiversary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMAHlQ4a4ko
In a 4-way match this week, Joe Doering pinned Fallah Bah, giving Violent By Design the edge leading to the tag title match at Slammiversary on Saturday. Eric Young’s faction stood tall to end the show.
Slammiversary Lineup
Impact World Championship No Disqualification Kenny Omega (c) vs Sami Callihan
Knockouts Championship Deonna Purrazzo (c) vs A Mystery Opponent
Impact Tag Team Championships Violent By Design (c) vs The Good Brothers vs Willie Mack & Rich Swann vs TJP & Fallah Bah
Knockouts Tag Team Championships Fire N Flava (c) vs Rosemary & Havok
X-Division Championship Ultimate-X Josh Alexander (c) vs Rohit Raju vs Chris Bey vs Trey Miguel vs Ace Austin vs Petey Williams
Moose vs Chris Sabin
Eddie Edwards vs W. Morrissey
Matt Cardona & ??? vs Brian Myers & Tenille Dashwood
On Dynamite this week, a fan jumped the guardrail and was briefly on the stage area before being grabbed by security. The fan, or someone purporting to be him, then appeared on social media yesterday.
“I did this for all of us real wrestling fans, wrestling is no longer a safe space for friends to dance around and play dress up,” the fan Tweeted at Jim Cornette.
Cornette then Tweeted the following in response to the fan.
“Got news for you dipshit, the ring is sacred ground for US, and even if you and a lot of others THINK you can kick the shit out of the Young Bucks, I would have turned you into a tennis racket popsicle, & you’re lucky someone there didn’t gut you like a fish. And you’re blocked,” Cornette Tweeted.
Kenny Omega then Tweeted out some comments that many are taking as being directed at Cornette.
Is it finally time to assume some responsibility and dial the online persona back a bit? Your low IQ man children have evolved from parroting your comments to actually acting out in (attempted) violence.
“You & I agree for the first time–this guy IS a moron, or he wouldn’t have been at a show with your phony ass on it. Two clarifications: Unlike you I’ve SEEN violence in an arena & this wasn’t it, & secondly looking at your supporters I wouldn’t toss the phrase “low IQ” around,” Cornette Tweeted.
Cornette continued:
Also, Turdblossom, I don't have an "online persona" because unlike you I'm not a complete fucking fake. If you don't like my opinion I really don't give 2 shits, but I don't have to make ANYTHING up to tell you what I think about your phony ass.
The co-host of Jim Cornette’s podcast also responded to Omega’s comments.
Look at this clown clutching his pearls. If Omega was a man, he's cut bait with Don Callis for the way he treated women behind the scenes in Impact. But, you know, bad things only count when they're done by people who criticize your bad in-ring emoting. https://t.co/AhV9M9xVDq
— The Great Brian Last (@GreatBrianLast) July 10, 2021
Current AAA Mega Champion Kenny Omega has spoken up about AAA challenger El Hijo del Vikingo. The Mexican star was in action this past week using one of Kenny Omega’s moves in order to get the win. This caught the attention of the triple promotion champion.
Taking to Twitter, Kenny Omega acknowledged the move, but in true Omega fashion, exclaimed, he could do it better.
The balance and core strength this takes is incredible. With a little more raw power, he could have done it just as good as me.
El Hijo del Vikingo wants to get his hands on the AAA title. He wants to bring it home. Kenny Omega has held the belt for close to two years. Winning it from fellow AEW wrestler Rey Fenix in 2019.
It is interesting to note that the next AAA title defence for Kenny Omega is against Andrade el Idolo. Another Mexican star who has signed for AEW. This would mean that even if Omega lost, the belt would still not be in the hands of a AAA wrestler.
Kenny Omega and Andrade el Idolo are set to square off at the AAA Triplemania event, on August 14th. Omega will be hoping to shake off the worst of his injury concerns ahead of the bout, as he aims to continue his legacy as the ‘Belt Collector’.
Should Omega emerge victorious then you can only imagine a match with El Hijo del Vikingo would be on the cards. It would look like both men are interested in the bout. It would be fitting if the victory came as a result of the move that set their discussions in motion.
Recent reports of Kenny Omega dealing with multiple nagging injuries and working hurt made fans worried about him. The latest reports thankfully provide a positive update on the situation.
Dave Meltzer talked about the AEW world champion on the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. He revealed that some recent treatments have helped the wrestling star and he is now feeling much better:
“Omega was feeling a lot better and you could tell in the Jungle Boy match. The biggest issue was an athletic hernia and stem cell treatment and PRP therapy have helped a lot.” wrote Meltzer, “He said it wasn’t night and day, but he felt it made a world of difference.”
The former NJPW star was dealing with multiple nagging injuries. Apart from the athletic hernia, he had problems with his knees. He suffered from a stomach virus for a period and had a deep bone bruise near his tailbone too.
Kenny Omega also sliced up his hand during a spot involving the AEW world title while defending his championship against Pac and Orange Cassidy at the Double Or Nothing PPV. It required him to get seven stitches.
He was heard telling people before the show that there are days when he wonders if he’s close to retirement because of all the issues. So this update is a relieving news for the fans.
Yesterday, Jungle Boy Tweeted out a photo that showed him and the Dark Order’s Anna Jay in an embrace. Kenny Omega was not impressed. He took to Twitter to voice his dismay.
“Oh geez Louise…,” Omega Tweeted. “Is this the part where some loser out there tells me, “there are things in the world more important than titles”??
Oh geez Louise… ? Is this the part where some loser out there tells me, “there are things in the world more important than titles”??? https://t.co/gt9OctxXCT
The win for Omega was his 5th successful title defence after winning the title at Winter is Coming on December 2nd, 2020. Omega has defeated Rey Fenix, Jon Moxley, Rich Swann (title for title in Impact), Orange Cassidy and PAC (Triple Threat), and now Jungle Boy.
Impact Wrestling on 6/24 featured a tag-team title match and Tommy Dreamer receiving a new role in the company. The promotion is continuing to build to Slammiversary on July 17th.
Impact 6/24 Quick Results:
Rosemary defeated Tasha Steelz
Deonna Purrazzo defeated Susan
Rohit Raju & Shera defeated Petey Williams & Trey Miguel
Jake Something defeated Sam Beale
Impact Tag Team Championships Violent By Design (Deaner & Joe Doering) defeated Satoshi Kojima & Eddie Edwards
Rosemary and Havok Move Closer To Tag Title Shot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nSdGwJt_Zw
After Rosemary and Havok dumped Fire N Flava in the trash last week (where they discovered a bag labelled “Mickie James”) Rosemary took on Tasha Steelz in singles action to kick off this week’s show. After Kiera Hogan attempted to get involved from the outside, Havok came to ringside in support of Rosemary. Rosemary then picked up a victory with her double-underhook slam finish she’s titled “As Above So Below.”
Josh Matthews noted on commentary that this result moves Havok and Rosemary closer to a title shot.
Tommy Dreamer To Serve As An Impact Consultant For Anthem
Last week on Impact, Anthem sent a representative to deal with the Don Callis situation. That representative turned out to be Tommy Dreamer. This week, it was revealed by Dreamer himself that Anthem has asked him to stay on as a consultant and he will oversee operations in the wrestling promotion. How this will impact Scott D’Amore’s role is not immediately clear.
Deonna Purrazzo is Done With Susan & Kimber Lee
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NL2_6VvCOCI
The Knockouts Champion said she was done with Kimber Lee and Susan last week and this week she faced Susan in singles competition. Purrazzo picked up the win with the Fujiwara armbar and then continued the assault after the match. She left the ring area shouting at both Kimber Lee and Susan that she was done with them.
Don Callis and Tommy Dreamer Agree To Huge Main Event Next Week
Don Callis visited with Tommy Dreamer in a backstage segment and said there were no hard feelings over his firing last week. Callis then issued a challenge for next week with Tommy Dreamer fielding a team of guys to go up against Kenny Omega and the Good Brothers. As the show would go on, Moose, Sami Callihan, and Chris Sabin would be revealed as the members of Team Dreamer.
Sides Being Taken In The X-Division
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPItR3OSurE
The return of Ultimate-X at Slammiversary has the X-Division all at odds with each other. Chris Bey said in a backstage segment this week that he’s not going to choose sides and that’s what’s going to help him become a 2x X-Division Champion. Petey Williams and Trey Miguel told him he better pick a side before a side picks him.
Later in the show, Rohit Raju and Shera would defeat Williams and Miguel following a distraction form the outside by Ace Austin and Madman Fulton. The heels continued the assault after the match but this brought out X-Division Champion Josh Alexander for the save. He succumbed to the numbers disadvantage as well, however. Meanwhile, Chris Bey watched from the ramp but chose not to get involved.
Rachael Ellering and Jordynne Grace Hash Things Out
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rpf-IuagLY
After winning but then losing the Knockouts Tag Team titles in quick succession, Rachael Ellering and Jordynne Grace have had their problems in recent weeks. This week, Ellering opened up to Grace about their string of losses and problems with Tenille Dashwood. Jazz came out to help settle things between the two. Grace eventually said she needed time to think and headed to the back. Then Dashwood and Kaleb came out but Ellering was not in the mood this week. She challenged Dashwood to a singles match and then her and Jazz cleared the heels out of the ring.
Jake Something Defeats Sam Beale Despite Brian Myers’ Coaching
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3z9my6qVdY
Brian Myers is serving as something of a mentor for Sam Beale at the moment. It didn’t help Beale much this week, however, as he was defeated by Jake Something. After the match, Myers’ lesson to Beale was that in order for him to be a success, he must do the opposite of what Something does.
Violent By Design Retain Tag Titles Over Satoshi Kojima & Eddie Edwards
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sjth2H5fia8
Eddie Edwards teamed with NJPW’s Satoshi Kojima this week and challenged the tag champions from Violent By Design. Eric Young’s stable uses the Freebird rule to defend the titles and this week it was Deaner and Joe Doering who did so.
After a back and forth title clash, it seemed as though Edwards and Kojima had VBD right where they wanted them. Edwards charged out of the corner to hit Doering with the Boston Knee Party but the big man countered it into a sit down power-bomb for the 3-count. It was a convincing win for Violent By Design. They closed the show by celebrating on the stage with the belts.
Kenny Omega and Andrade will face off for the AAA Mega Championship at TripleMania in August. Omega doesn’t feel Andrade has done enough to challenge for his AEW World Championship, however. Omega responded to a Tweet from AEW and noted that Andrade hasn’t done enough to earn a shot.
“I checked the win/loss record. He ain’t even close. Wins and losses count here, brah,” Omega Tweeted.
“I got tired of being in a company that only talks like you, I decided to resign to demonstrate my success in the ring, mr win….” Andrade responded.
#Tranquilo amigo. I got tired of being in a company that only talks like you, I decided to resign to demonstrate my success in the ring, mr win…. ??????? enjoy your time. https://t.co/H6ffI8OFDy
— “EL IDOLO” ANDRADE (@AndradeElIdolo) June 24, 2021
I checked the win/loss record. He ain’t even close. Wins and losses count here, brah. https://t.co/KpNUL67AIJ
Andrade made his first post-WWE appearances on June 12th and 13th for RGR Lucha Libre. On night 1, he teamed with El Idolo and Piloto Suicida to defeat the team of El Hijo del Santo, Misterioso & Rey Leon. On night 2, he teamed with Misterioso in a loss to El Hijo del Santo & Piloto Suicida.
As for Omega, he’s been said to be dealing with multiple nagging injuries at the moment. His last match was for Impact at Against All Odds when he defeated Moose. His last match in AEW was the world title match at Double or Nothing on May 30th.
Impact Wrestling has officially confirmed the main event for their upcoming Slammiversary PPV, announcing that Sami Callihan will challenge Kenny Omega for the title at the show.
Last week’s episode of their weekly show saw Scott D’Amore announcing that the winner of the match between Omega and Moose at the Against All Odds event will face Callihan at their next PPV.
However, Callihan didn’t wait until Slammiversary. He showed up at Daily’s Place this past Saturday after the world title match to confront his future opponent.
Unhappy with his move and concerned about Omega and The Young Bucks, Impact EVP Don Callis had rushed to the ring before Callihan could do anything and he fired the Impact Wrestling star from the company.
This week’s episode of Impact then saw Tommy Dreamer who was representing Anthem Sports & Entertainment; reinstate the former world champion’s job.
Dreamer also informed Callis that his job as the Executive Vice President of the company was being terminated. Don Callis has already finished his stint as an Impact executive and he has only been working as an on-screen personality for the company.
Updated Slammiversary Match Card
After the latest announcements, here is the updated match card for Impact Wrestling’s Slammiversary PPV, taking place on Saturday, July 17:
Impact World Championship Match: Kenny Omega vs. Sami Callihan
X Division Championship Ultimate X Match: Josh Alexander vs. Trey Miguel vs. Ace Austin vs. Chris Bey vs. Rohit Raju vs. Petey Williams
AEW, AAA Mega, IMPACT and TNA Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega recently appeared on the PWI Podcast. The former IWGP Champion discussed a number of topics during the interview, including the ongoing ‘Forbidden Door’ storyline that has seen multiple companies work together during the pandemic era.
“I think there will always be limits,” Omega began, discussing the concept of the Forbidden Door and companies working in tandem. “There will always be lines that you cannot cross. But I believe that there is a world, right place, right time, when you can see every company working together.”
“And I don’t necessarily mean every company. I just mean if another wanted to work with another company, I think they’d be open to the idea. And I think again, this is a terrible thing to say, one of the reasons the Forbidden Door, quote unquote, was opened with New Japan, it was partly due to what we’re all struggling with right now, which is a pandemic” Omega continued, highlighting the overall landscape of pro wrestling.
Kenny Omega on The Forbidden Door
“For us to take a step back and stop worrying about our own stuff and see what kind of world we’re all living in. It’s the same world” Kenny Omega would continue. “And how we need to set aside petty differences, how we need to set aside just age old tropes of ‘this is my company and my territory and stay the heck out. There’s no way we can ever play nice and cross paths.’
Although New Japan appear to still be working with AEW, there have been rumors of WWE working out a deal with the Japanese company. These are not currently confirmed, however talks between WWE and NJPW are at a more advanced stage than previously thought.
IMPACT Wrestling held their Against All Odds event last night. The main event of the show saw Kenny Omega defend his IMPACT and TNA Championships against IMPACT star Moose. Near the end of the contest, the referee was knocked out and AEW Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks appeared.
The match was held at AEW’s home, Daily’s Place, so it was likely that there would be some involvement from Omega’s group.
Matt and Nick Jackson attacked Moose by hitting the BTE Trigger and multiple Superkicks. The brothers then helped lift Moose up so that Kenny Omega could hit the One Winged Angel to win the contest.
The Young Bucks Interfere
Omega was scheduled to go on to Slammiversary to face Sami Callihan for the IMPACT World Championship. Callihan actually appeared himself after the main event to attack Kenny Omega; which prompted Don Callis to ‘fire’ the IMPACT star.
Although Don Callis is reportedly no longer in power at IMPACT; he is at least still playing the role of executive on television. It is likely that we will still see Omega vs Callihan at Slammiversary for the belt.
Kenny Omega vs Jungle Boy was originally scheduled to take place tonight but was moved to the June 26th show. This was done so the match could air live and build the show on the 26th into a big event but it will also be beneficial for Omega who is said to be dealing with several nagging injuries at the moment.
Omega’s current physical state was addressed recently in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
“Omega is hurting pretty badly between slicing up his hand and needing seven stitches when he delivered the fourth belt shot on Pac in the three-way (the one with the AEW belt which is especially sharp), a deep bone bruise near his tailbone, the normal wear and tear on his knees and an athletic hernia,” wrote Dave Meltzer.
It was also noted that Omega had a stomach virus for a period as well. Omega reportedly was telling people at the Fan Fest before Double or Nothing that he’s hurting pretty badly and that this might be a sign he is closer to hanging up his boots.
“At the fan fest the day before the PPV, he said there are days he wakes up and walks around where he thinks maybe he’s close to the time to hang it up because his body is feeling worse,” Meltzer continued.
Omega has several big title matches upcoming this summer. He’ll face Moose tomorrow on Impact’s Against All Odds show. It’s not clear when exactly that match was taped or if it has been yet, however. He’ll then take on Jungle Boy on the 26th. Omega is also scheduled to defend the AAA Mega Championship against recent AEW signee Andrade at TripleMania.
Why do I have to get this kind of info from a local wrestling tabloid? I’m not happy with this. More importantly, neither is Mr. Barry. https://t.co/cvjSZXZsDb
Tony Khan has announced that the upcoming Impact world title match between Kenny Omega and Moose at the Against All Odds event will be taking place from AEW’s current home in Florida.
This week’s episode of Impact Wrestling featured a summit between the two companies. It included the AEW president Tony Khan and Impact executive vice president Scott D’Amore.
During the segment, Don Callis advocated keeping Sami Callihan out of the championship match this Saturday. He explained that it should be just Moose challenging Kenny Omega for his title at the upcoming show.
The Impact EVP praised Callis for his logical thinking. D’Amore said that the former Impact official understands the business very well before confirming that Saturday’s match will remain a singles bout.
Tony Khan, however, then made a big announcement. He revealed that the match between Omega and Moose will be taking place on their turf at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida.
The Impact EVP also added his own announcement to the mix. He confirmed that the winner of this bout will defend the Impact world title against Sami Callihan at the Slammiversary PPV on 17 July.
Moose won a six-pack challenge at the Under Siege event last month to become the new #1 contender for the Impact world title. Sami Callihan then picked up a DQ victory over Moose last week during their singles match, thanks to interference from Omega and The Good Brothers.
AEW World Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega made his latest title defense against not just one competitor but two wrestlers in the way of PAC and Orange Cassidy in a triple threat match at the AEW Double or Nothing pay-per-view event.
The match had a typical layout of a triple threat match with all three stars having their moments to shine. The end of the match was a bit overbooked due to outside interference with Don Callis saving Omega, the champion using the title, a second referee coming out, and more. Omega rolled up Cassidy for the win.
All Elite Wrestling set up this match back on the May 12th edition of Dynamite by booking a number one contender’s match as PAC took on Cassidy. The back and forth match saw it end in a double count-out. As a result, both stars earned the right to challenge Omega for the top prize in the promotion.
Omega will make his next title defense as Impact Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion against Moose at next month’s Against All Odds special that will air on Impact Plus.
He will also make a title defense at the Slammiversary pay-per-view event in July against an unknown competitor. It was originally believed that Omega would face Eddie Edwards at Slammiversary, but he just underwent appendix surgery and will be out for three months.
Kenny Omega was the top North American talent to work in NJPW, but when he left the promotion for AEW, NJPW had to find someone to fill that role and they decided on Will Ospreay.
Ospreay rose up the ranks and eventually became the IWGP Heavyweight Champion. However, after winning it earlier this year, Ospreay had to vacate it due to an injury.
Omega did an interview with Sports Illustrated and spoke about Ospreay no longer being the champion. He started out by noting that he pulled aside Ospreay and Jay White when he left to tell them it’s in their hands to represent “at least the western expansion and the pride of the foreigners” because he knew NJPW would look to them to carry it.
The reason he told them was that he knew it was a likely scenario and also hoping to light a fire under both of them. He continued by noting that Ospreay really came into his own and made a complete career shift, and he was going to be a fantastic champion. Omega thinks Ospreay became the person that he needed to be the champion of the company.
“Unfortunately, becoming champion wasn’t enough for him. He tried to fill my shoes. Physically, even though he is one of the most gifted performers to ever step foot in the ring, there is only one Kenny Omega—and you can’t fill those shoes.
Thus, now his belt is vacant, so perhaps it was always meant to be my belt and my belt alone. That’s not me making a firm statement as to whether I’ll make a venture out there, just that there is no one there that can fill my shoes or override my legacy. When Ospreay comes back, he’ll have to re-analyze who he is and who he’s meant to be, because he’s not meant to be me.”
Omega will defend the AEW World Heavyweight Championship against PAC and Orange Cassidy this Sunday at Double Or Nothing.
AEW broadcaster Jim Ross recently named Randy Orton as the best pro wrestler in the world. Ross acknowledged that some people would give that honor to Kenny Omega, but Orton is still his pick.
Chris Jericho gave his two cents on the matter on Monday. According to Jericho, Omega is the best wrestler in the world – and believes that ‘fact’ is impossible to argue.
“In my opinion, Kenny Omega is the best wrestler in the world today,” said Jericho. “Others may feel differently, but I’ve been in the ring w everybody currently working on top & there’s nobody close. That’s why Kenny’s AEW Champ-the most protected title in the biz. It’s Impossible to argue,” Jericho Tweeted.
?
— Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. (@RealBrittBaker) May 24, 2021
Despite the high praise from Jericho, Omega does not seem impressed.
“Meh. I’d rather believe the bigot cuck, dimwit e-drones, and the guy that thinks I’m the WWE champion,” he Tweeted in response.
Meh. I’d rather believe the bigot cuck, dimwit e-drones, and the guy that thinks I’m the WWE champion. https://t.co/X7LEIldMwT
The two Winnipeggers have met in singles action twice. The first time they met was at Wrestle Kingdom 12. Omega won the match which was for the IWGP United States Championship. The second time they met in singles action was at Double or Nothing 2019, when Jericho defeated Omega.
Omega and Jericho have met in tag-team action 5x. Jericho’s side has won 3 of those matches and Omega’s side has won twice. Their last match against each other was at Double or Nothing 2020 when Omega’s Elite stable defeated the Inner Circle in a Stadium Stampede match.
Kenny Omega is a wrestler everybody loves to hate right now. Since pairing with Don Callis to rob Jon Moxley of the AEW title, he has grown into one of the best heels in the business. A throwback heel. One with character and slimy charm. A villain that gets under your skin and makes you want a shower after seeing him on TV.
Yet, beneath that is a man who loves wrestling. An athlete who is as dedicated as any to the profession he loves.
Talking on the Wrestling with the Week podcast, Kenny Omega opened up about the pressures of being a multi-belt champion and the toll it takes.
“It’s a blessing and a curse. As champion, you get some high-quality matches and you’re the focal point of the shows, but at the same time, there is a schedule that is required and a demand for your body and health and psychological health.” Omega said, talking openly and honestly about life at the top.
Kenny Omega Realizes It’s Not Easy Being Number One
It’s not easy to be the best. Kenny Omega has created a universally hated heel persona. However, it’s easy to forget that he is just as human as the rest of us.
“It’s cool to look at pictures and be like, ‘wow, look at all these belts,’ but then I think, ‘Man, I have to defend these and make time to defend these.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/COy1WrYJYaB/
Omega is defending his AEW championship in a triple threat event Double or Nothing on May 30th.
There is no denying that Kenny Omega is at the top of his game. Every wrestling fan is hoping he can maintain his hectic schedule. He must do credit to the belts he carries, and not spark out for flying too high.
Moose has become the new #1 contender for Kenny Omega’s Impact world championship and he will now challenge the cleaner for his title at the upcoming Against All Odds event on June 12.
Impact Wrestling had announced a six-way match for tonight’s Under Siege event to determine the next challenger for their current champion and the AEW star.
Along with Moose, the opportunity was given to Chris Bey, Matt Cardona, Sami Callihan, Chris Sabin, and Trey Miguel. The bout was the main event of the show.
The former Impact grand champion came out victorious in this match and he defeated the other five contenders to become the next challenger for the title:
Moose has previously crossed paths with Omega when he teamed up with Rich Swann and Chris Sabin to take on the Impact world champion and the Good Brothers in a six men tag at Hard To Kill. Though they lost the bout.
The event also featured some other interesting matches. The other notable result coming out of the show was Fire ‘n Flava defeating Jordynne Grace & Rachael Ellering to become the new Knockouts tag team champions.
It would now be interesting to see how the company builds the feud between these two and if Moose ends up being the star to defeat Omega for the title.
There are several reports that have come out recently which are stating that things backstage in AEW have hit a significantly rough patch.
Wade Keller of PWTorch noted on a recent podcast that certain members of ‘The Elite’ are no longer on speaking terms.
“There’s gonna a book written someday by some of these EVP’s or someone else closely observing and we’re gonna learn about a lot of dysfunction,” Keller said. “We’re gonna learn what a very short honeymoon period there was between certain key people in the company, who aren’t even talking to each other anymore.”
Keller is convinced that the situation is so volatile, it’s only a matter of time before specific details are made public.
“I think we’re gonna find that out,” he continued. “I know there are people in other wrestling companies saying The Bucks and Cody and Kenny it’s not gonna be long at all before they want to have nothing to do with each other. The honeymoon period is going to be short.”
AEW Infighting Turning Off Talent
Jason Powell of ProWrestling.net reports that there’s a major free agent, a “difference-making” star, that is hesitant to sign with AEW due to this reported infighting.
“There’s a would-be difference maker who could go there that has that opinion that there’s all this in-fighting and this person for that reason is hesitant to go there,” he said.
Adding further credence to the reports, Brian Last of the Jim Cornette Experience podcast also alluded to heated emails being exchanged between Cody Rhodes and Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks. He also alluded to Cody Rhodes’ absence from BTE as being related to conflict amongst AEW management.
