The AEW EVPs share a bond that cannot be broken, no matter if one leaves and joins the promotion’s chief competition.
Alongside Tony Khan, Cody Rhodes, Kenny Omega, and the Young Bucks oversaw the creative of AEW, which was officially announced on January 1, 2019. Since then, AEW has risen dramatically to become the biggest rival to WWE since the demise of WCW in March 2001.
The AEW EVPs Unbreakable Bond
Currently, Matt and Nick Jackson are the only EVPs currently appearing on AEW TV. Kenny Omega remains absent due to his diverticulitis while Cody Rhodes parted ways with AEW in February 2022.
Since then, Rhodes has returned to WWE and is poised to capture the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania. Speaking to SI, the Bucks were pleased to see Cody do well in WWE and addressed the bond they share.
“Cody is the face of the WWE now, and it’s cool to see because we always knew how much of a star he was,” said Nick Jackson. “The founders of AEW will always have a lifetime bond with each other because we all know what we did for wrestling. We talk every week and in a weird way him leaving made us grow more as friends.”
Matt Jackson had similar praise for the American Nightmare and former AEW EVP.
“We’re proud of the things we accomplished with Cody and happy to see him rising to the occasion. We’re all rooting for each other.”
What’s Next?
Cody will challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania. There’s also the possibility he’ll pull double duty at the event. A tag match, pitting Rhodes and Seth Rollins against Reigns and The Rock has been disccused as a Night One headliner.
The future is more clear for the Young Bucks. They will challenge AEW World Tag Team Champions Sting and Darby Allin this weekend at AEW Revolution. The match will be the last of Sting’s career.
On the latest episode of AEW Rampage on February 23, we saw the renaming of the Young Bucks’ Meltzer Driver.
During the event, Matthew and Nicholas Jackson squared off against Jonny Lyons and Cappuccino Jones, executing their signature move, the Meltzer Driver, which has been rebranded as the Tony Khan Driver.
Young Bucks’ finisher is now called the Tony Khan Driver.
The Meltzer Driver, a springboard somersault spike kneeling reverse piledriver, has been a staple move for the team since 2014.
The name of the move pays homage to wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, whom the Jacksons affectionately refer to as “Uncle Dave.” They share a close relationship with the journalist, which inspired them to name the wrestling move after him.
When Meltzer’s father, Herbert, passed away in 2017, The Young Bucks honored him at the G1 Special in USA by introducing a new version of the Meltzer Driver. They named this move the Herbert Meltzer Driver as a tribute to his memory.
The Young Bucks ‘apologize’ to Tony Schiavone in a hilarious way
On Dynamite last week, the Young Bucks fined Tony Schiavone $1000 for using a tone and asking questions that didn’t sit well with them. This led to a minor altercation that resulted in Schiavone falling down.
To make amends, the brothers wanted to apologize to him on Rampage. The Young Bucks offered Schiavone a $25 Amazon gift card as a gesture of apology.
Young Bucks gave Tony Schiavone a $25 Amazon Gift Card as an apology. 😭
In case you’re not aware, this is a reference to CM Punk distributing Starbucks gift cards to the AEW locker room. As per Dax Harwood, Punk purchased Starbucks gift cards for all members of AEW’s women’s division. He also distributed these cards to members of The Pinnacle before working with MJF.
Punk had also delivered a speech about making money together, and his enthusiasm for working with everyone in AEW.
AEW is preparing for Sting’s final match, marking the end of his iconic career. The Stinger has done a lot in his career, and now we know who he will wrestle at the big AEW pay-per-view.
Sunday, March 3#AEWRevolution LIVE on PPV! Greensboro, NC#AEW World Tag Team Titles Sting & Darby Allin (c) vs Matthew & Nicholas Jackson @youngbucks
Sting & Darby Allin will defend the AEW World tag team titles against The Young Bucks at AEW Revolution on March 3, 2024, at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.
This event will mark AEW’s inaugural Pay-Per-View in North Carolina. It was revealed a while ago that Sting will wrestle for the last time at the event.
Sting and Darby Allin won the AEW Tag Team Titles from Big Bill and Ricky Starks, giving them their first title run in AEW. They will now defend those titles at AEW Revolution, and they have a big match planned.
Nick and Matt Jackson turned heel in a big way, making themselves known to Sting and Darby Allin. This week on AEW Dynamite, they made their upcoming match official.
The Young Bucks confirmed during AEW Dynamite that they will wrestle Sting and Darby Allin at AEW Revolution. That match will be for the AEW Tag Team Titles. The Jackson Brothers seemed very confident about their chances.
What’s Next
Sting impressed many people with performances in AEW. Few saw a flying Stinger in his later years, but he certainly gave his all for Tony Khan’s company. Now, he is set for this one final match, and odds are he will make it an iconic performance.
SE Scoops will have continued coverage of this story, and everything else involving AEW Revolution, as more information is made available.
The Young Bucks didn’t hold back in their comments on this week’s Dynamite, which some believe was about a certain Chicago-Made punk.
During last week’s Dynamite, the Bucks returned to programming following a hiatus and had a staredown with Darby Allin and Sting. While not confirmed, it is believed the Bucks will face Allin and the Icon at AEW Revolution 2024. The March pay-per-view will mark three years since Sting’s wrestling debut for AEW and will see the WWE Hall of Famer’s last match.
“We did lose our way, it was like the culture shifted and toxicity creeped into the locker rooms, and the perception of the company, it was just different. I think I know why. We started to lean on yesterday’s self-serving, superficial, cancerous superstars.”
Renee Paquette has a sit down interview with the Young Bucks on #AEW Dynamite.
Many fans have seen this comment as a nod to CM Punk, who the Bucks would butt heads with in AEW. The Bucks and Punk would be on opposite sides during the infamous AEW All Out 2022 brawl that would see all three men (and others) suspended.
I love how CM Punk and the Young Bucks had this big feuds, and in the fallout, CM Punk became a huge babyface in WWE while the Young Bucks are heels in their own company of AEW. Hilarious. #AEWDynamitepic.twitter.com/CUTk1zl7wh
The Young Bucks have to call CM Punk a cancer indirectly in promos, it's the only interesting thing they can possibly say since they suck at promos. I think it's hilarious. #AEWDynamitepic.twitter.com/NCIAJ4HXcg
Dana Massie, who is also the wife of AEW EVP Matt Jackson, played a key part in overseeing merchandise, managing The Young Bucks’ empire before AEW. She made a transition to AEW, and had a big hand in the company’s early stages, as she was there from the very beginning. She is moving on, and Matt Jackson has confirmed it.
Matt Jackson Speaks On His Wife, Dana Massie, Leaving AEW
Matt Jackson posted to his Instagram stories to address his wife’s AEW departure. He included a photo of Dana Massie backstage at an AEW event, with a sleeping child on her shoulder, while doing her duties as Chief Marketing & Merchandising Officer and mother at the same time.
In the caption with the post, Matt Jackson also expressed his gratitude for Dana Massie’s contributions. He then thanked her for being a huge part of AEW’s early foundation, while acknowledging the challenges of her sometimes thankless job.
“End of an era. You were in the first conversations, when this was all only an idea. One of the main builders of our empire. Always positive in at times was a thankless job. Glad you got to do it all, and leave on your terms, by your own choice. It’s been fun working with you. See you at dinner.”
From Matt Jackson's Instagram…
Please – Send LOTS of Love to Matt & Dana Massie (Jackson) this Christmas…
— Matthew Jackson: Out of Context (Fan Account) (@MattJacksonOOC) December 24, 2023
AEW saw some significant departures in 2023, with Dana Massie being the latest to disclose their exit. Her role as Chief Marketing & Merchandising Officer was very important to AEW since the beginning. She will be missed on the road, but Matt Jackson will still see his wife at home.
Dana Massie left AEW on her own terms, and it doesn’t appear that there is any ill-will there. Whoever gets Dana Massie’s responsibilities next will have big shoes to fill.
AEW Had Some Key Departures in 2023
With Dana Massie’s departure from AEW, and the upcoming exit of Vice President of Live Events and Touring Rafael Morffi, AEW faces changes in key positions. QT Marshall is already gone from the company, and he held a role as Tony Khan’s right-hand man for a time as well.
The Bloodline may be one of WWE’s most popular acts in years, but they apparently cannot hold a candle to The Elite.
Following Roman Reigns’ heel turn in 2020, his cousins The Usos would fall in line behind their Tribal Chief, who has been advised by his special counsel Paul Heyman.
Last September, Solo Sikoa was added to the faction by helping Reigns retain the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at Clash at the Castle.
Without a Doubt
The Bloodline storyline, especially the chapter with Sami Zayn, has been heralded as one of the best thing wrestling fans have seen in years, but they are not the only faction around.
Last November, the Elite made their AEW return at Full Gear, after being suspended for their roles in the backstage fight following All Out.
Speaking on the Cafe de Rene podcast, Jake Roberts was asked which group he thinks is better.
“Kenny. Kenny and The Bucks without a doubt. I think Kenny Omega is f***ing unbelievable. He is f***ing on spot. I don’t like a lot of stuff The Young Bucks do but brother they’re doing it and getting away with it.”
At AEW Revolution 2023, the Elite lost the AEW Trios Championships to the House of Black.
The Elite Vs. The Bloodline?
At this time, the idea of a six-man-tag match between the two factions is purely hypothetical, but that is something WWE hopes to change.
The belief is that if they can sign Omega (who has previously been under a WWE developmental deal) then it may encourage the Bucks to jump ship to WWE.
The Young Bucks and The Briscoes have had a long history and spent many years together. After Jay Briscoe’s sudden passing last week, they weren’t even sure that they could wrestle the following night.
The latest episode of Being the Elitewas a tribute to their longtime friend and dancing partner. In the opening segment, the brothers talked about how they didn’t know how they could wrestle and that their hearts were broken and they were in shock. According to Nick, “today is completely voluntary for the wrestlers to come to the show.”
The Young Bucks Wanted The Briscoes in AEW
Nick said he told Matt that Jay’s death hurts more than his only own family members dying and he’s lost quite a few relatives over the last couple of years. Matt pointed out that “you go through this bond where you wrestle someone, it’s such an intimate experience. You go through war and there’s just so much pressure and you’re holding their life in your hand. When you get through that, it’s something nobody else understands unless you are a wrestler. And he was one of the good ones.”
Matt went on to say, “I remember when we first started AEW, we told them we started the tag division, we need the Lucha Brothers and we need the Briscoe brothers. We need those sets of brothers; the three best brother tag teams in the world. They were one of the first teams we tried to hire. We couldn’t get it done. But, I’m so glad they got to have their final little run in ROH. They got, as far as wrestling goes, go out in style.”
The Young Bucks did end up wrestling Top Flight that night where they paid tribute to Jay with black armbands and by doing a Doomsday Device in the match. After the match, they said they were so distracted that they forgot to bring out their Trios titles. Neither one remembered until they heard it mentioned on commentary that they won them the week prior. They also said that Mark texted them after their match because he watched their tribute.
After Dynamite, a tribute show was filmed for Jay. The show will air on Honor Club and on the ROH YouTube. The air date has not been announced.
It appears that All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) Young Bucks were actually offered to be part of Wrestle Kingdom 17 recently.
Sports Illustrated caught up with The Young Bucks this week ahead of yesterday’s episode of AEW Dynamite. The duo, alongside Kenny Omega, ended up re-capturing the AEW World Trios Titles on the program.
During their conversation, the topic of Kenny Omega’s return to New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) at Wrestle Kingdom 17 was mentioned.
The duo revealed that they were actually offered to work the show in Omega’s corner for his match with Will Ospreay for the IWGP United States Championship.
“We were actually asked to wrestle and be in Kenny’s corner,” Nick said. “But Matt and I had vacation plans that week. Maybe next year. Who knows?”
(AEW)
Matt added, “We got a fantastic offer. Personally, the timing and the situation didn’t fit for us. I’m sure one day you’ll see us back in a NJPW ring.”
Omega went on to win the match, capturing the IWGP US Title for the second time. He now reigns as the title holder for NJPW, as well as one-third of the Trios Champions in AEW.
The Elite captured the Trios Titles after winning a lengthy Best Of Seven series against Death Triangle.
Although it was originally believed that AEW reached out to The Young Bucks about negotiating a new contract, the two sides have yet to officially begin the process of doing so.
Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez discussed the situation on Wednesday’s Wrestling Observer Radio.
According to Meltzer, the deals for both Nick & Matt Jackson are up at the end of 2023. AEW President Tony Khan is looking to “lock them in” to a new deal for multiple years.
Where Things Stand
“AEW contacted them and wants to start the negotiations, but there have been no negotiations as of today, and they are certainly not close to a deal,” Meltzer said on the show.
Alvarez noted that it’d been acknowledged by both sides that they should be negotiating, but that acknowledgment is all that has been done right now.
Meltzer stated it’s similar to when AEW re-signed Chris Jericho to a new deal despite him still having time on his existing deal.
On next week’s episode of Dynamite, The Young Bucks will team with Kenny Omega in the seventh and final match in their series with Death Triangle for the AEW Trios Titles.
The Young Bucks will seemingly be staying with All Elite Wrestling for quite some time as the duo is discussing new deals with the company.
Matt and Nick Jackson are founding members of AEW, having co-created the company in 2019 alongside the likes of Tony Khan, Kenny Omega, and Cody Rhodes.
In the ring, the Bucks are the first (and only) two-time AEW World Tag Team Champions, and hold the record for most days as champion (330 days.)
Contracts
The Young Bucks have been in discussions with All Elite Wrestling about new contracts for some time, Fightful Select has learned.
It is currently unclear how long these new deals will be for, or if they have already been signed.
The length of the Young Bucks’ current contracts with AEW is something of a mystery, with conflicting reports over their length.
Upon AEW’s launch in January 2019, the Wrestling Observer reported that the Bucks, Omega, and Rhodes had signed five-year deals which would expire in early 2024.
On the October 7, 2019, episode of Being the Elite, the contracts were described as “four-year deals,” meaning that they would expire at some point this year.
Several sources in AEW told Fightful that the Young Bucks have been discussing new contracts with the company that would keep them around “for quite some time.”
Frozen Contracts?
There is a possibility that Tony Khan froze the deals for the Young Bucks following the controversy stemming from All Out.
The now-infamous September 2022 Pay-Per-View is primarily remembered for CM Punk’s explosive comments after the event, and the backstage fight.
This fight resulted in all parties involved being suspended, which included the Bucks, who would miss two months of TV time before returning at AEW Full Gear.
Is CM Punk open to returning to All Elite Wrestling given the right circumstances?
Duh!
Punk hasn’t been seen on AEW TV since All Out where he became a two-time World Champion, dethroning Jon Moxley.
The Chicago-Made wrestler’s incendiary comments on the post-show media scrum would lead to a fight backstage, resulting in Punk and others being suspended.
Duh
It is believed that Punk’s time with AEW is coming to an end, with reports that he is seeking a buyout from the promotion.
During this week’s FTR podcast, Dax Harwood spoke about his hope that Punk will be able to return and make amends with The Elite
“This is my plea to all four guys. Please find a way to make it work. If we can make it work, we can set up the future of professional wrestling for a long time.”
Dax Harwood.
Responding to a quote of Harwood’s comments, which added that Punk and the Elite should “just shake hands and say sorry” Punk responded with a simple “Duh.”
CM Punk has reportedly requested a buyout of his AEW deal, something that the company is in no hurry to grant him.
The belief is that AEW’s higher-ups fear Punk will join WWE soon, bringing a ton of attention to their competition.
It has been reported that some in WWE are against the idea of bringing Punk back, believing he will only bring trouble similar to what has been seen in AEW.
The Young Bucks will attend an online virtual signing next month, in what will likely be their first public appearance since AEW All Out 2022.
HighspotsAuctions.com confirmed that the Bucks will be participating in a virtual signing on December 1, and fans can either purchase items or send their own to get signed.
Items available to purchase include trading cards, action figures, turnbuckle pads, Funko POP! Vinyls as well as posters for both Being the Elite and AEW’s predecessor event ALL IN.
The Bucks’ Absence
Unless they return to AEW programming very soon, this will be the first public appearance by The Bucks since All Out.
After the now infamous event, a fight broke out backstage following explosive comments made by then-AEW World Champion CM Punk.
It is believed that Punk threw the first punch that hit Matt Jackson, though Punk’s camp has claimed that he felt threatened that a fight was going to break out.
During the fight, it is alleged that Punk’s trainer and then-AEW producer Ace Steel threw a chair that hit Nick Jackson in the eye.
All participants in the fight were suspended due to a third-party investigation into the matter which has since concluded.
Future Plans
While Tony Khan has not commented publicly on the results, it is believed that the investigation cleared the Bucks and Kenny Omega.
In recent weeks, the trio have been featured in vignettes on Dynamite, which has seen the group be replaced by Death Triangle.
Death Triangle, AEW’s second Trios Champions after the Elite was stripped of the titles, are expected to feud with The Bucks and Omega once they return.
The investigation into the backstage fight at AEW’s All Out 2022 Pay-Per-View has reportedly reached its end.
After the show, CM Punk had explosive comments during the media scrum, lashing out at the Elite, former best friend Colt Cabana, and ‘Hangman’ Adam Page.
After Punk’s comments, a fight broke out backstage resulting in Punk, the Elite and others being suspended.
The Investigation
After the fight, AEW arranged for a third-party investigation into the matter to determine what happened and who is responsible.
Speaking on the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that while talent are banned from discussing the matter, the investigation is over.
“Everyone is still banned publicly from talking about what happened and the situation. The investigation is over and you can tell by who’s back and who’s not back [who will be punished.]”
Dave Meltzer.
During this week’s AEW Dynamite, a video promo teased the return of Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks, and the trio was reported to be backstage.
This week’s Dynamite saw no mention of Punk, who is believed to have thrown the first punch.
CM Punk
There is a growing belief that CM Punk will lose his job with AEW as all signs have pointed to him instigating the fight.
On his show, Meltzer suggested that comments made by those close to Punk are a sign that the former World Champion is unhappy with the investigation.
“[Punk’s camp] mentioned that the investigation never talked to Lucy Guy [wife of Ace Steel who was present at the fight] which is true. They never did… He mentioned that which would tell you that he was not happy with the investigation.”
Dave Meltzer.
Ace Steel, who aided Punk in the fight, was fired from AEW last week, presumably for his role in what happened.
Meltzer added that with AEW teasing the return of the Elite this week, while avoiding Punk, it is clear what the investigation has determined.
“If what happened, happened as he [Punk] claimed, it would be the other way around. He would be the one back and they would be the ones not back. So I think that is pretty clear as far as to what the investigation found.”
Dave Meltzer.
Punk’s side have claimed that the Elite kicked the door open and instigated the fight, and if Punk threw the first punch, it was because he feared that the Bucks and Omega were about to fight him.
CM Punk, Kenny Omega, and The Young Bucks were all crowned champions at AEW All Out and were stripped of their championships three days later on Dynamite.
After the PPV went off the air, CM Punk went on an expletive-filled rant about the AEW EVPs, Colt Cabana, and Hangman Adam Page. AEW EVPs and newly crowned Trios Champions The Elite (Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks) confronted the AEW Champion after his comments and it led to a brawl.
CM Punk reportedly threw the first punch and AEW producer Ace Steel reportedly bit Kenny Omega and hurled a chair at Nick Jackson’s face.
AEW President Tony Khan has since suspended CM Punk, Ace Steel, Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, Christopher Daniels, Pat Buck, Michael Nakazawa, and presumably everyone else that was in the vicinity of the brawl as the company conducts an independent investigation into the matter.
Fightful Select has provided an update on the suspensions levied on AEW talent, coaches and production crew members. The update states that as of now, those that are suspended still do not know how long their suspensions are for. Fightful added that those backstage in AEW believe that will remain the case until the investigation is complete and any potential legal situations are sorted out.
CM Punk and Ace Steel’s future with the company remains uncertain. CM Punk and The Elite were recently removed from the AEW Full Gear poster as well. AEW’s Full Gear PPV will take place over two months from now on November 19th.
— FightfulSelect.com! Exclusive Pro Wrestling News (@FightfulSelect) September 13, 2022
According to Fightful, Kenny Omega, Michael Nakazawa, and Christopher Daniels were already scheduled to have this week off from AEW television to visit Japan. The former AEW Champion was spotted visiting the SEGA office in Japan while serving his suspension. All Elite Wrestling’s first video game entitled ‘Fight Forever’ is slated for release later this year.
Fans of AEW won’t be seeing the likes of Kenny Omega or the Young Bucks in the ring, and they won’t be seeing the trio on the popular Being the Elite YouTube series either.
The hit series follows the Elite, among other wrestlers in their lives outside of the ring, which often includes skits related to the world of pro wrestling.
The YouTube channel boasts over half a million subscribers and close to 100 million views.
The Hiatus
Being the Elite has proven to be a hit with fans for years, but now the show is on an indefinite break.
In a tweet from the official Being the Elite Twitter account, it was confirmed that there will be no new episode this week, and that the show is on a hiatus until further notice.
No #BeingTheElite this week. On hiatus until further notice.
While no reason was given as to why the show is on an indefinite break, it is believed to be related to the ongoing suspension the Elite are dealing with.
The Young Bucks and Omega have been suspended due to their involvement in the All Out media scrum fight, which came after explosive comments by then-World Champion CM Punk.
While the Bucks and Omega have been suspended, it is unclear what Punk’s status is with AEW, with rumors that he could be fired, or possibly has already been fired, along with his trainer Ace Steel.
The Elite have been stripped of the AEW Trios Tag Titles won at All Out, with the Death Triangle winning the vacant championships on last week’s Dynamite.
AEW lost one of its founders earlier this year to WWE in the way of Cody Rhodes and reports last week indicated that two more founders could follow suit as The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) had reportedly “sent out feelers” to people within WWE.
The Bucks are contracted to AEW until 2024 and the feelers were sent out to gauge potential interest.
Fightful Select reported today that this is said to have been a rumor among many of its sources “dating back to August.” Sources close to the tag team noted that they “haven’t been given that indication whatsoever” in regards to them sending out feelers to WWE.
An anonymous source is said to “likely be in a good position to relay that information” and added that they “aren’t sure who the Young Bucks would even reach out to” regarding contacting WWE.
The top AEW tag team talking with WWE would likely be considered contract tampering, but utilizing a third party to relay interest falls in a gray area. Fightful did confirm they had heard of people who worked in talent relations “outright” reaching out to AEW talent in August, but it wasn’t specified if these talent relations people were actively working for WWE.
Past Talks
(AEW)
Another source who worked with WWE in 2018 noted that they had heard the feelers rumor but neglected to ask WWE higher-ups about it because “they weren’t sure how that would be received.”
The Bucks did have talks with WWE in 2018 before signing with AEW the following year.
Because there was such a strong interest in the Bucks joining WWE in the past, and because their stock has only risen since then, this source thinks that the Bucks “wouldn’t even need to assess interest.” Before AEW All Out, the Bucks reportedly gave “no indication” that they planned to leave the organization, according to Fightful.
The fallout from CM Punk’s backstage altercation with Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks has led to significant changes to future AEW storylines. Jon Moxley is among the wrestlers whose creative plans have been thrown into disarray.
Moxley lost the AEW World Title to Punk in the main event of Sunday’s All Out pay-per-view. However, after the backstage incident between Punk and Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks, things were forced to change in a major way.
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, there was a longterm storyline in the works for Moxley that had nothing to do with the championship. He was also approved to take time off, as as he alluded to during his promo on Dynamite, when he said he was supposed to be on vacation this week.
As a result of the ongoing investigation into the backstage melee at All Out (and subsequent suspensions that have been levied), AEW President Tony Khan called upon Moxley and Jericho to work Dynamite on short notice.
Another talent meeting that was held prior to Dynamite to address uneasiness in the locker room. Locker room veterans Moxley, Jericho and Bryan Danielson preached unity and reinforced the positive aspects of what has made AEW such a desirable place to work up until recently.
For more on the big shakeup to AEW’s creative plans, check out:
Last night’s AEW Dynamite was the first show since All Out 2022, and the first after what happened following the Pay Per View.
During the post-All Out media scrum, CM Punk had explosive comments about AEW EVPs Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks, as well as Colt Cabana and ‘Hangman’ Adam Page.
Backstage, Punk and his trainer Ace Steel engaged in a fight with Omega and the Bucks.
Talent Meeting
With AEW under scrutiny, a talent-wide meeting was held prior to last night’s episode of Dynamite.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful reports that Chris Jericho, Bryan Danielson, and Jon Moxley led the meeting, which included wrestlers, referees, coaches, and announcers.
It was reported that Chris Jericho has been commended by the talent for his professionalism and demeanor following the CM Punk/Elite controversy.
This meeting comes weeks after an AEW talent meeting last month to address reports of issues within the company.
What’s next?
During this week’s AEW Dynamite, Tony Khan confirmed that CM Punk has been stripped of the AEW World Championship and that the Elite have been stripped of the AEW Trios Tag Team Championships.
The Death Triangle won the vacant AEW Trios Tag Titles during Dynamite with a win over Best Friends and Orange Cassidy.
A new AEW World Champion will be crowned at the Grand Slam Dynamite on September 21.
Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks have been suspended by All Elite Wrestling (AEW) for their participation in a physical altercation with CM Punk this past weekend.
Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson, Pat Buck, Christopher Daniels, Michael Nakazawa, and Brandon Cutler have all been issued suspensions.
The report also suggests that Punk and Ace Steel are expected to either be amongst those suspended, or will no longer be with the company by the end of today (Wednesday, September 7, 2022).
This past weekend at the All Out pay-per-view (PPV), CM Punk defeated Jon Moxley to win the AEW World Title.
He spoke alongside AEW president Tony Khan in the post-show press conference, where he made some very scathing comments about Omega, The Young Bucks, Hangman Page, and more.
Shortly after Punk’s comments, Omega and The Young Bucks confronted Punk in his locker room. This led to a physical altercation between Omega, The Young Bucks, Punk, and Ace Steel.
The Sports Illustrated report notes that Punk and Khan had a meeting on Tuesday to discuss Punk’s status with the company, as well as how a potential “exit could be handled.” It was also noted that an external third-party investigation into the backstage altercation will be conducted.
CM Punk won the AEW World Championship for a second time by defeating Jon Moxley in the main event of Sunday’s AEW All Out pay-per-view.
Punk appeared at the post-All Out media scrum and had some harsh words for Colt Cabana and some of AEW’s top stars. Punk also blasted AEW’s Executive Vice Presidents (Young Bucks and Kenny Omega), accusing them of “spreading lies and bullsh*t” and claiming they “couldn’t f*cking manage a Target.”
Punk also took some shots at Hangman Adam Page, who he called “an empty-headed f*cking dumb f*ck.”
Punk’s remarks about Colt Cabana, Hangman Page and AEW’s Executive Vice Presidents led to chaos backstage at the Now Center.
After Punk finished speaking, a “melee” broke out between Punk and the Young Bucks. Bryan Alvarez, who was in attendance for the scrum, stated on Wrestling Observer Radio that there was an “altercation” that saw security rushing to restore order.
AEW President Tony Khan was completely unaware of what was happening, because he was participating in the scrum and did not have his phone on him (and nobody pulled him aside to inform him).
Fightful reports that Punk has significant heat with the locker room after his comments. Omega and the Bucks said to be furious about his comments. It’s reported that at least one of them threatened to walk out of the company due to what was said.
The Elite had been scheduled to speak at the media scrum, but decided against speaking after Punk’s comments.
Last night’s AEW Dynamite was the annual Fyter Fest episode and saw multiple title matches take place.
In the show’s opener, AEW TNT Champion Wardlow retained against Orange Cassidy, while the show closed with Keith Lee and Swerve Strickland being crowned the new AEW World Tag Team Champions.
The show was a hit with fans but one wrestler is now on the injured list.
The Injury
Lee and Strickland’s win came at the expense of The Young Bucks, who had won the titles at the Road Rager edition of Dynamite one month earlier.
While speaking on today’s Wrestling Observer Radio, Bryan Alvarez reported that losing the titles wasn’t the worst of things for the Bucks and that Matt Jackson is injured (via WrestlingNews.)
“What he got hurt on was Keith Lee and Hobbs giving him a basic vertical suplex, and when he fell, you could see it immediately. He hit ass first then his head snapped back, and he was grabbing his neck.”
Alverez added that the injury happened within minutes of the match starting and that for the rest of the match, Matt was very careful when taking bumps.
Dave Meltzer added that Jackson has dealt with neck injuries for years due to his in-ring style.
The Young Bucks were originally set to win a big match at the Forbidden Door PPV and become champions at the big crossover event.
Dave Meltzer talked about the Forbidden Door PPV in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter. He revealed the original plans for the brothers at the show.
Per Meltzer, Gedo wanted to put the IWGP tag team championship on Bucks. The idea was to book a match between AEW and IWGP tag champions for the show.
The plan was changed to FTR competing from AEW’s side instead. They agreed that the duo holding the IWGP, ROH, and AAA titles at the same time was a cool story and the AEW EVPs were on board with this change.
Now that the FTR holds the IWGP tag team titles, there is a natural push for them to face The Young Bucks, with four different sets of belts potentially being on the line.
This is going to be a unique match in the history of wrestling. The promotions can build it as the biggest tag team championship match of all time.
FTR competed in a triple threat winner takes all match at Forbidden Door. They defeated United Empire and Roppongi Vice to become the new IWGP tag team champions.
Young Bucks React to KO Using Their Pose After RAW
As noted, Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes went one-on-one in a dark match following last night’s episode of WWE Monday Night RAW as it went off-air. The match began with a handshake and hug between Owens and Rhodes, but it was “The American Nightmare” who emerged victorious when it was all said and done. Even The Rock’s mother, Ata Johnson, got involved in the match at one point.
However, another interesting spot saw Owens taunt Rhodes while he was down on the mat, using All Elite Wrestling (AEW) stars, The Young Buck’s, signature pose. As a result, The Young Bucks updated their official Twitter page, placing “Whaddup Kev” in their bio. Check out the pose, and a screenshot from the Bucks’ bio, below.
Kevin Owens has also responded, updating his own bio:
New Match Added to Tonight’s NXT
A new match has been announced for tonight’s episode of WWE NXT, which will also feature fallout from Stand & Deliver. WWE has announced that Nikkita Lyons vs. Lash Legend will take place on the program.
It has also been confirmed that New NXT North American Champion Cameron Grimes will speak on the show. Grimes won the title at Stand & Deliver in a Ladder match this past weekend against Grayson Waller, Solo Sikoa, Santos Escobar and Carmelo Hayes.
Check out the updated lineup for tonight’s show below:
New NXT Champion Bron Breakker returns following title win on RAW
Tony D’Angelo and AJ Galante continue Stand & Deliver celebration
New NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez vs. Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne
New NXT North American Champion Cameron Grimes speaks out
The Young Bucks are never shy to react to the happenings of the wrestling world and their responses are especially notable when they are about someone close to them.
One such reply from the AEW stars came in response to Cody Rhodes. The former TNT champion made his triumphant WWE return after 6 years at WrestleMania 38.
Cody later commented on the moment on Twitter, writing that wrestling is a love story. The ever opportunist Bucks didn’t waste any time. They responded to their friend, joking that their story was never going to be romantic enough for him:
After leaving WWE in 2016, Cody Rhodes joined The Young Bucks and other members of The Elite. This group took over the independent wrestling scene by storm.
In 2018, this group took on a challenge from wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer and sold out a ten thousand seat arena on their own.
The event called ALL IN later became the foundation for the formation of All Elite Wrestling, the first major wrestling promotion to compete with WWE in two decades.
Though Cody Rhodes surprised everyone by leaving the company he helped build earlier this year. Now the wrestling veteran has returned to where it all started.
