AEW may soon be welcoming back one of its top stars after a lengthy absence. Wardlow was backstage at last night’s AEW Dynamite event from Cleveland’s Wolstein Center, according to PWInsider. He was said to be “looking healthy” but there’s no official word on when he’ll return to television.
Wardlow last competed on March 13 during an episode of Dynamite, where he faced then-AEW World Champion Samoa Joe in a match that ended in a referee stoppage.
On the Stick to Wrestling Podcast, Matt Taven shared that Wardlow is dealing with a knee injury, noting that injuries can be unpredictable and that Wardlow is considering the best treatment plan to aid his recovery.
Wardlow was previously sidelined after he challenged Samoa Joe for the TNT Title on the New Year’s Smash edition of AEW Dynamite on December 28, 2022 in a short match due to an injury. Throughout his time in AEW, whether it be due to injury or lack of creativity, Wardlow has fallen victim to inconsistent booking.
We wish Wardlow a speedy and successful recovery.
Posted October 31st, 2024 in AEW. Tagged: Wardlow.
The pro wrestling landscape continues to undergo significant changes. Following WrestleMania, WWE is embarking on the Paul Levesque Era (“PLE” for short), while AEW is navigating towards a potentially transformative period, one they hope will include a new television deal.
Wrestling isn’t as explosively popular as it was in 1998, but The Rock is right that it’s ‘cool again’ and has strutted back into mainstream pop culture. That obviously means good news for fans, but with more than one prominent company now in the mix, that means leverage for the pro wrestling talent.
Wrestlers now have options as to where they can hone their squared circle trade for a good paycheck, meaning a much higher rise in competition for those coveted spots. 2024 also is a big free agent year for stars with major names’ contracts due to expire. However, depending on where a talent is at in their careers one promotion could provide a greater benefit than the other.
A Big Boom For Becky Lynch In 2024
Mercedes Mone inked a “CEO” like type deal with AEW, almost two years after walking out on WWE. That meant a new horizon and big money for the former Sasha Banks. A former colleague of hers Becky Lynch could be in a similar position in 2024, but ‘The Man’ has made clear that she aims to be a WWE lifer. Lynch would likely not increase her star power by jumping ship to AEW, but she could find herself affected in other manners.
Money is a major aspect, but Becky’s also a mom with a resume. Will Ospreay made clear that a big incentive for him signing with AEW was the lighter schedule and Becks life outside the ring could benefit from that. Additionally, there’s something to be said for new scenery. Even if AEW didn’t make the most of Lynch, her being shown under a new light could create even greater intrigue when she does ultimately make her way back to WWE: ask Cody Rhodes. You can potentially even ask someone like Wardlow, too, who is still starting his career.
Drew McIntyre Is Exactly Where He’s Supposed To Be In WWE
Drew McIntyre is a name with plenty of cache following WrestleMania considering this run of his has creatively been his greatest to date. One would have to assume Triple H and he at the very least have a handshake agreement at re-signing. Aside from a very large paycheck, there’s almost zero incentive for him to make the leap to AEW. Considering what his character has done to fan the flames of CM Punk’s past with the company, it’s pretty evident Drew is well aware of that too.
Veteran Names With Star Power
What about big name veterans like Matt Hardy or Rob Van Dam? The former just recently announced his free agency and then signed with TNA while the latter for years has been fully embracing his independent contractor status. Van Dam just appeared 4/20 edition of AEW Collision, but on the latest episode of “1 Of A Kind” made note that he’s up for a WWE return. That however, would likely only happen if they’d call him, not the other way around. RVD is comfortable where he’s at in life that he’s the one to make the choice he wants: and that’s the “when,” “where” and “why.”
Matt however, has a different mindset after being with AEW full time for four years. The eldest Hardy has whipped himself up in terrific shape and clearly wants to make the most of his remaining time in the squared circle. Matt had the option to sign a new deal with AEW but chose not to and instead signed with TNA. Fom a creative perspective that makes sense. Unfortunately, fans didn’t see a good deal of Hardy on AEW TV in 2024 and it seems Matt is looking for that opportunity.
WWE would benefit on several levels in getting Hardy back under their umbrella as he could be an active talent, but in turn be a great help behind the scenes. TNA and Hardy hooking back up ultimately makes sense considering the transcendent run he last had with the company.
A Young Talent On The Rise Looking For Opportunity
What if you’re a younger talent looking for that big break with an AEW or WWE? Anthony Catena is one of those names on the rise as he’s been active with the NWA, AAW Pro and the UK. He just recently found himself on the WrestleMania stage in Philadelphia during the Drew McIntyre entrance.
“Once that’s achieved everything that subsequently follows – money, recognition, etc – will naturally come with it. WWE has a very long track record of, not only creating stars, but providing them an opportunity to explore other areas of entertainment to potentially excel in that realm as well. AEW, albeit only a few years in, has managed to build a global juggernaut in the pro wrestling industry, which is impressive as well.
“Where it all comes together for me is where I feel I have the best chance at achieving the goals I’ve set for myself/”
To Catena’s point, opportunity can lead to presence and if AEW were to scoop him up, they could still build him as another “homegrown” talent, something that a Darby Allin or MJF has benefited from
If a young wrestler is looking for potential instant on-television experience, AEW may be the easier to get into, but you run the risk of being lost in the shuffle (see Action Andretti). WWE would be a company where you’d have to work from the ground up and it’s there where you would learn that style which has created big stars. NXT currently gets better ratings than Collision, so being a part of their developmental system gives one even a bigger platform for starters. However, in this landscape, signing with either company would be a win-win, just for different reasons.
The good thing about it all? Options, opportunities and the wallet are open. Jim Ross says “cash” and “creative” are always two primary factors in wrestling, and that hasn’t changed in 2024.
AEW fans were gearing up for Dynasty on Sunday night, but Wardlow had an announcement to make. He just escaped a near-catastrophic car wreck situation, and he is thankful to be okay.
Wardlow mentioned that he has faced numerous challenges recently but remains undeterred, stating that nothing can stop him. Despite being injured, he expressed gratitude for being alive and thanked everyone who reached out to show their support, appreciating their concern.
The former TNT Champion also included a photo of his banged-up car with his post. The photo displays a highway sign for Exit 240 – W 150th St, located on Interstate 71 in Cleveland, Ohio. This was a scary situation, and we’re glad he was able to walk away.
The devils been doing everything to stop me lately… still hasn’t learned he can’t. Banged up but I’m alive ?? thank you to those that have reached out. Appreciate you all pic.twitter.com/LptI7VFPX3
Wardlow’s momentum in AEW may have stalled a bit thanks to Adam Cole’s situation. Although being placed as part of the Undisputed Kingdom was a good spot for Ward-Dog, the faction’s leader has been taken off the road.
Cole’s ongoing ankle rehab caused him to leave the road, because it was getting in the way of his recovery progress. Due to this, Cole’s Devil angle hit the brakes and the faction hasn’t been featured on AEW television in the significant fashion most assumed they would receive after paying off such a long-running mystery angle like unveiling The Devil’s identity.
Wardlow was not booked for a match at AEW Dynasty, but he made an appearance at the AEW Dynasty pay-per-view on Sunday during the match between Roderick Strong and Kyle O’Reilly.
Wardlow got into a wreck in Cleveland today presumably on the way to the airport and apparently he made it to St. Louis for Dynasty.
The Undisputed Kingdom’s Wardlow has provided an update after concerns that he suffered an injury during this week’s episode of Dynamite.
Wardlow was accompanied by his faction allies for his match with Komander, and this wasn’t the typical squash match we’ve seen from Mr. Mayhem in the past.
When Wardlow set Komander up for a powerbomb, however, he staggered and it seemed like his right knee had given in. Wardlow was able to hit the move but still seemed to be in pain. Post-match, he appeared bothered by the knee and was slightly limping while muttering to himself.
Taking to Twitter after his match, Wardlow said that while a normal man’s knee would be destroyed by the match, he is anything but normal. Wardlow (who was called Mr. Wardlow by the announcer during Dynamite, added that he remains committed to winning the AEW World Championship, before reiterating that his knee is fine.
A normal man’s knee would be ruined. I’m no normal man. I’m still coming for the heavyweight title. And there’s nothing and no one that can stop me. Knee is just fine ? #AEWDynamite
Wardlow was lucky to avoid a serious injury on this week’s Dynamite, but that hasn’t always been the case for the three-time TNT Champion. In January of last year, it was reported that Wardlow had suffered an injury, though specifics were not given. Due to the injury, Wardlow wouldn’t wrestle on AEW programming for over two months before making his return to the ring at Revolution 2023, where he won the TNT Championship from Samoa Joe. His reign would end days later when he lost the title to Powerhouse Hobbs.
Could Wardlow’s career benefit from a change of scenery when the time is right…
Posted February 1st, 2024 in AEW, News. Tagged: Wardlow.
WWE superstar Cody Rhodes recently named two AEW stars who he believes should join WWE.
‘The American Nightmare’ has been on the top of his game ever since he left AEW and decided to return to WWE in 2022. He went on to win the Royal Rumble and main-event last year’s WrestleMania.
Cody is one of the examples who came back years later as a huge star. While the WWE roster is stacked with a plethora of talents, Cody has picked some names that he would like to see join WWE in the future.
Cody Rhodes names Ricky Starks and Wardlow
Rhodes and Starks have a good friendship outside the ring and Starks has been spotted backstage in WWE supporting Rhodes.
During a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Cody Rhodes revealed that he wants ‘The Absolute One’ to jump ship to WWE.
“My buddy Ricky Starks. I know he’s under contract so that’s not happening – but it’d be cool to see.”
In addition to this, the former AEW star named Wardlow, who had been speculated to join WWE in the past. Rhodes believes that Wardlow will fit well in the heavyweight-dominated WWE locker room.
“Wardlow is one I’d like to see cross over if he ever wanted to.” Rhodes continues. “There’s a lot of beef in the WWE locker room; it’s a heavyweight locker room. It’s hard when you think you’re big and jacked, then you stand across the ring from Drew McIntyre and you find out ‘Oh, maybe not’. Wardlow is somebody I feel could fit into that role really well.
“It seems like we’re in this day where we’re doing so well everyone wants to be part of it, and the more the merrier. I’m happy with anyone who wants to make the leap and be part of this team.”
2K recently announced that Cody Rhodes will be the cover Superstar for the regular version of the upcoming WWE 2K24 game. ‘The American Nightmare’ recently went face to face with CM Punk in an epic promo battle on this week’s Monday Night Raw. Cody and Punk are among the several talented superstars who are aiming to win the coveted Royal Rumble match and earn a title shot at WrestleMania 40.
Samoa Joe is known to be a hard-hitter, but the AEW World Champion named three other names who pack their own special kind of power. However, none of them hit as hard as he does.
The champ was asked about who he would name as the hardest hitters in wrestling. Joe named two Japanese legends before naming three modern talents that devastate with their own power.
“The list is a Mount Rushmore of some of the most dangerous people in the world,” he said. “You start from [Kenta] Kobashi and [Mitsuharu] Misawa. Young Wardlow. He hits like a truck. Brock Lesnar hits like a truck. Roman Reigns hits like a truck.”
There’s tons of people around the sphere of wrestling who all hit hard, and I’ve felt all that power, but they don’t hit as hard as me.”
Reigns and Lesnar have had their fair share of championships, but the AEW World Title is the first World Championship Joe has held since his TNA days.
Reigning AEW TNT Champion Wardlow has been the victim of a robbery which has resulted in his championship title and other belongings being stolen.
Wardlow captured the AEW TNT Championship from Samoa Joe at last weekend’s Revolution Pay-Per-View, kicking off the second reign for the powerhouse.
Joe had dethroned Wardlow to win the title at Full Gear last November, after the former enforcer for MJF first won the gold in July 2022.
Robbed
Taking to Twitter, Wardlow shared video footage of his rental car, showing the smashed glass window.
The TNT Champion explained that all his possessions in the vehicle have been taken, stating:
“Well, thanks to the person who broke into my rental car and took absolutely everything from me. My TNT Title, my gear, my boots, my whole life, were in those bags. I don’t if this means I’m going to have to beat the sh*t out of Hobbs in these clothes I’m wearing right now, but one way or another I’m going to make my way to Sacramento and we’re going to get this sh*t done. Whoever did do this better thank God I didn’t catch you in the act because your jaw would be as shattered as this glass is.”
Might have new gear tomorrow. Will also have an abundance of frustration to take out to say the very least…. Damn pic.twitter.com/07un3lfhd9
AEW TNT Champion Samoa Joe put his championship on the line against Wardlow at the AEW Revolution pay-per-view event from the Chase Center in San Francisco, California.
The match saw Wardlow come out strong and brought the fight to him before Joe took over. Wardlow fought back and hit a front senton off the top rope for 2. Although Wardlow hit him with a powerbomb, Joe cut him off with a clothesline. Wardlow with a rear-naked choke for the win.
The Face Of The Revolution winner @truewilliehobbs keeping a close eye on this TNT title match ?
Since they started working together in September, the two stars have been feuding. After Wardlow said he intended to win every title in the company, Joe turned on him, despite the fact that they had initially gotten along well as tag team partner. Joe chose to attack Wardlow first because he claimed Wardlow was a danger to his ROH World Television Championship. Joe would later win the TNT Championship from Wardlow at Full Gear in a triple threat match that also included Powerhouse Hobbs.
At the New Year’s Smash event, Joe went on to defeat Wardlow in a singles match, causing him to pass out in the Coquina Clutch and later chopped off his ponytail.
On the February 2 episode of AEW Dynamite, Wardlow returned to AEW television and confronted Joe after he won the championship by defeating Darby Allin.
What are your thoughts on Wardlow winning the TNT Title? Was this the right call by AEW officials? Sound off in the comment section.
Former TNT Champion Wardlow has not been seen on TV since his loss to Samoa Joe on Dynamite last month.
The big man was taken out in brutal fashion by ‘The King of Television’. Along with getting the win, Samoa Joe also assaulted him before and after the match. After choking the former champ out, ‘The Samoan Submission Machine’ clobbered Wardlow with a belt shot before cutting off his top knot. Since then, Joe has dropped the TNT belt to Darby Allin. Wardlow, meanwhile, has remained curiously absent.
2022 proved to be a breakout year for ‘Mr Mayhem’. Starting the year as MJF’s trusty henchman, the powerbomb symphony maestro connected with audiences during a slow burn babyface turn on ‘The Salt of the Earth’.
Wardlow and MJF (Photo: AEW)
After squashing the Long Island loudmouth at Double or Nothing, Wardlow was moved into the TNT Title picture. His title reign and booking was met with a polarized reception. Regardless, he remains one of AEW’s more over homegrown babyface acts.
Wardlow Reportedly Out With An Injury
According to famed wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the angle with Samoa Joe was booked to write Wardlow off TV. ‘Mr Mayhem’ has been dealing with an injury of late. He will remain out of the picture while he heals up. Within the story of the match, his knee was injured due to a pre-bout attack courtesy of ‘The King of Television’.
While the injury is severe enough to warrant giving the former TNT Champion some time off, he reportedly won’t be out for long.
Upon returning, it’s highly likely the Samoa Joe feud will resume, presumably with the babyface getting his revenge. The decision to move the title from Joe to Darby Allin so suddenly becomes even more eyebrow-raising with this in mind.
The action didn’t end when this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite went off the air.
Last night’s episode aired from the Chesapeake Arena in Baltimore, Maryland, and saw Tony Khan’s promotion continue on the road to Full Gear.
The show is most notable for the debut of WWE Hall of Famer ‘Double J’ Jeff Jarrett, who has signed as the promotion’s Director of Business Development.
Joe and Wardlow
In the main event of the show, ROH World Television Champion Samoa Joe put his title on the line against Brian Cage.
In an unsurprisingly physical match, Joe got the win via submission, but he was attacked by the Gates of Agony and other members of The Embassy.
The show ended with TNT Champion Wardlow running the group off, before being attacked by Powerhouse Hobbs, who ended AEW Dynamite by raising the title in the air.
According to several fan reports, Powerhouse Hobbs went backstage while the referee checked on Wardlow after the show.
Samoa Joe got back into the ring and shook hands with Wardlow, and the two champions raised hands before leaving.
Matt Hardy
After Wardlow and Joe left, Tony Khan came out and introduced Matt Hardy, but the pair were interrupted by Stokely Hathaway and The Firm.
Hathaway told Khan to go to the bank because he owns the contracts for Private Party and Matt, who he called “Matthew Hardy.”
Ethan Page told Hardy that he isn’t going to help him, and touted himself as a future AEW World Champion.
While Page and W. Morrisey’s backs were turned, Hardy hit Hathaway with a Twist Of Fate to send the crowd home happy.
This Wednesday AEW will be celebrating its three-year anniversary for their flagship program of Dynamite, which began its run on TNT and has since moved to TBS. While the lineup was already pretty stacked a major title matchup has since been added.
Wardlow took to Twitter this evening to issue an open challenge for Dynamite, with Mr. Mayhem adding that he will be putting his coveted TNT championship on the line. The champ writes, “I dare someone to challenge me for the TNT title this Wednesday at the anniversary show. Someone remotely close to my level. Just show up, I’ll be waiting.”
I dare someone to challenge me for the TNT title this Wednesday at the anniversary show. Someone remotely close to my level. Just show up, I’ll be waiting @TonyKhan@AEW#AEWDynamite#IDareYou
It wouldn’t take long for someone to respond Wardlow…and that person was Brian Cage. The Machine has been noticeably absent from weekly AEW programming for some time aside from a few appearances on the company’s Youtube shows Dark: Elevation and Dark. Cage did join forces with Tully Blanchard at ROH Supercard of Honor, but Blanchard has since departed from the company.
Tony Khan would later confirm the matchup for AEW fans, one that many have been asking for due to each man’s impressive athleticism and build.
This Wednesday, October 5 Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite 3 Year Anniversary Show LIVE on @TBSNetwork 8pm ET/7pm CT
AEW star Wardlow is riding high right now as the reigning TNT Champion, but that isn’t quite the highlight of his career with the company.
Wardlow joined All Elite Wrestling in 2019, initially as the bodyguard of MJF, before splitting with the Salt of the Earth earlier this year.
Face of the Revolution
Speaking on the Dynamite Diamond Podcast, Wardlow said that the Casino Ladder Match at AEW Revolution 2022 will go down as his favorite moment to date.
“The ladder match at Revolution. That was the best moment of my life that night. Winning that ladder match. Holy sh*t. Standing up there with that ring and the reaction from that crowd, especially after murdering Ricky Starks.
Wardlow added that while the fan reaction wasn’t as he predicted, that made the moment with Starks even better.
“It was supposed to be I powerbomb him, the place goes wild, [I] grab the thing, They go even more wild. Instead, it was powerbomb, place goes f***ing silent, because I just murdered him. Then I was like ‘F**k you’ and as soon I did that, the place came f***ing back up. Then I grabbed the thing and it was all good.
As if winning the match wasn’t enough, Wardlow also enjoyed the crowd reaction after the bell.
“The eruption from the crowd as I turned around and walked up that ramp was [amazing]. The eruption from that crowd. That is the best feeling in the whole world. It really is, hands down. There is nothing in the world that can compare.”
Turning Face
Later in the show, Wardlow would turn on MJF, establishing himself as a face and beginning a feud with his former employer.
When Wardlow cashed in his shot at the AEW TNT Championship, MJF cost him the match against then-Champion Scorpio Sky.
At AEW Double or Nothing 2022 in May, Wardlow would defeat MJF, earning his freedom from the latter’s contract, and would capture the TNT Title in July.
The AEW superstar and current TNT champion has been one of the promotion’s greatest success stories since they launched back in 2019, with his rise to the top being a years-long storyline that has paid off big for Mr. Mayhem in 2022.
This was the topic of conversation during Wardlow’s recent phone interview with the Daily Gazette. He even remembers one of the first instances that the loyal AEW fanbase finally started to chant his name, which began his ascension towards being one of their top babyfaces.
“It was in Austin, Texas. That’ll be burned in my memory forever,” he said. “I just had one of my normal squash matches that I had been having, and for the first time, I heard a decent portion of the crowd chanting ‘Wardlow.’ I’ll never forget that.”
Wardlow’s not done adapting just yet
The champ has been the muscle for the company’s top heel, MJF, since he debuted back in 2019. However, he slowly morphed away from that persona and into one that is now seen on weekly programming. However, Wardlow promises that there are still more changes for his on-screen persona to come.
“I’m just entering a new era in my life. I’m evolving, things are changing. I’ve just become a hungrier, more intense version of myself, and I’m ready to display that and I’m ready to let the rest of the world feel that.”
Wardlow successfully defended the TNT title one week ago against Tony Nese. He has not been pinned or submitted since the beginning of the year. He cut an impassioned promo after the match and told the live crowd that he’s a threat to take seriously.
Wrestlers from both WWE and All Elite Wrestling were able to put their differences aside last weekend to strut their stuff as part of a fashion runway.
During a celebrity fashion show in Pittsburgh, PA, stars from both companies walked the runway, wearing outfits from David Alan Clothing.
AEW TNT Champion Wardlow was on hand to show off the clothes and removed them on the runway.
Shawn Spears gave fans a little dance during his performance, while AEW’s lawyer and manager ‘Smart’ Mark Sterling had someone play an electric violin for his walk.
Sterling also handed out business cards to those in the audience.
As for WWE, Braun Strowman walked the runway and was also billed under his real name Adam Scherr.
The event also featured former WWE Superstar Mojo Rawley.
This is the latest public appearance by the former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, who haven’t been seen since walking out of Monday Night Raw during the May 16, 2022, episode.
Despite belief that the pair were set to leave WWE, there has been reports that Banks and Naomi have agreed to return under the company’s new regime.
Wardlow had his biggest match to date this past May at the AEW Double or Nothing pay-per-view event where he defeated MJF. This marked the last time that fans saw MJF wrestle before he did his infamous promo, where he begged Tony Khan to fire him on Dynamite days later.
The match was in jeopardy as MJF missed the Double or Nothing fan fest and booked a flight out of Las Vegas. This was a big night for Wardlow after the storyline had been building for two years.
“That should be considered one of the best nights of my life and it really wasn’t,” Wardlow said. “Everything that was going on with Max at the time and then in my life personally. Just nothing was going right and it’s kind of sad that everything built up to this big night and there was so much that ruined it.
All the crap with Max and everything he was pulling. I mean, I showed up that day not knowing if I was wrestling. There’s a lot more I could say about it but I don’t want to get angry but yeah, that should have been one of the best nights of my life and obviously the outcome was amazing but I really didn’t ever have the opportunity to enjoy it.
I feel like ever since that night things have kind of been just off and I feel like I’m still trying to get back on track ever since that night and we’ll get there. But it is what it is, in this in life and in this business, not everything goes perfectly.”
Wardlow has since won the AEW TNT Championship last month.
MJF has not been seen on AEW television since his promo on the Dynamite, but it’s been reported that he’s expected back soon.
Wardlow has named WWE Superstar Brock Lesnar is his dream opponent. He’d love to mix it up with the likes of Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley, but thinks Wardlow vs. Lesnar could be the biggest money match in the history of cable television.
AEW’s reigning TNT Champion appeared on The Zaslow Show to hype this weekend’s All Out pay-per-view from Chicago. During the appearance, the Cleveland native spoke about his road to the top, his plans to “flip the wrestling world upside down” and much more.
Here are some highlights of what Wardlow said about:
Wardlow’s Dream Opponent
As Wardlow’s star rises, fans will continue to think about ‘dream matches’ for him. He’s been in AEW for several years, but has yet to cross paths with the promotion’s top stars.
Wardlow named Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley as two men in AEW he’d like to work with. However, there’s another wrestler outside of AEW that he considers his true ‘dream’ opponent.
“Kenny Omega is very high on that list,” said Wardlow. “Jon Moxley is also at the top of that list. I would say within AEW, it is Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley – I want those two more than anybody. Outside of that, it is the dream match.”
“I always saw Wardlow vs. Lesnar to be the biggest money match in the history of national TV”
– Wardlow on his Dream Opponent
This is not the first time Wardlow has discussed wanting to work with Brock Lesnar. Earlier this year, during an appearance on the Battleground Podcast, Wardlow said, “I think if I ever found myself in the same ring as Brock Lesnar, that has money pouring out of the idea of it. I think him and I would just murder each other, I don’t know if there’s a ring that can hold the two of us.”
“I have been obsessed with professional wrestling ever since I could remember. There’s a video of me somewhere, before I could even talk, clanging and banging an old junkyard dog and action figure, using the kitchen table chair as my ring. I caught the bug young. My first memory is falling in love with Bret Hart — he’s the one that really started it for me. I just never looked back. I fell in love and it was game over.”
Wardlow joked that he’s really mad at Bret Hart, because he met him early in his wrestling career and was too nervous to ask for a picture with his hero.
Comparisons to Batista
Batista
Wardlow says he doesn’t mind people comparing him to Batista. He actually appreciates the comparison, because Batista is a legend who always carried himself well on television.
“I’ve gotten the Bautista comparisons, and there’s no greater compliment because I was a huge Bautista fan as I’m sure you could’ve guessed. Guys that influenced me in my life – Dave Bautista, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson – guys when they came out on T.V. would dress nice, and that’s how I’ve always been. I’ve always dressed nice, taking care of myself, I enjoy looking good.”
Wardlow also spoke about recently wrestling in front of his hometown crowd when AEW Dynamite took place from Cleveland, Ohio. Wardlow says it was “an adrenaline rush like I’ve never experienced in my life” and wishes he could feel that way every single day.
Listen to Wardlow’s appearance on The Zaslow Show:
Since AEW was founded, the company has welcomed several former WWE Superstars, including some of the latter promotion’s biggest names.
CM Punk, Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson and others all reached fame and fortune in WWE, before trying their hand in Tony Khan’s company.
In February this year, Cody Rhodes would leave AEW, and would return to WWE at WrestleMania 38, defeating Seth Rollins.
Who Could be Next?
Since returning to WWE, Cody Rhodes has received a hero’s welcome, being booked as one of the promotion’s biggest stars.
Cody’s impressive comeback has led to speculation on who could possibly join him when their deals with AEW expire.
Two-time WWE Hall of Famer Booker T took to his Hall Of Fame podcast to discuss who he’d like to see make a splash in WWE next.
“I’d love to see Wardlow, as well as Andrade, come back to WWE because he’s not doing anything significant in AEW — not saying that he’s not going out and performing. He’s performing, but you think about Andrade in WWE, and he had some star on him. He had some upside, but I don’t know. I could be wrong about this; I could be wrong.”
Will they Jump?
Wardlow has never worked in WWE, but the promotion has been keeping a close eye on the AEW TNT Champion.
In January, it was reported that WWE has an interest in Wardlow, and are expected to make him an offer when his contract with AEW is close to expiring.
Andrade recently liked a tweet, claiming that Miro would do better if he returned to WWE, and that El Idolo would do so as well.
Mark Henry sees Brock Lesnar potential in All Elite Wrestling star Wardlow.
Henry was recently was recently interviewed by Sportskeeda and shared his high opinion of reigning AEW TNT Champion, Wardlow.
“The World’s Strongest Man” had nothing but praise for the young champion, who he claims has the same potential as past stars such as Brock Lesnar, Goldberg, and even The Rock.
“I think Wardlow is an unbelievable competitor,” Henry said. “And he’s going to be even better. The Wardlow we see right now, in a best of three, I think a Mark Henry might beat that guy. But in the next two years, Wardlow is going to be the most dominant force in pro wrestling since Brock Lesnar…”
Henry also compared Wardlow’s upside to megastars like Goldberg, The Rock and even Stone Cold Steve Austin.
That’s certainly high praise from Henry, a veteran of the industry of nearly 30 years. He’ a former WWE World Heavyweight Champion who was inducted into the company’s Hall Of Fame in 2016.
As for Wardlow, he has certainly been privy to one particular comparison throughout his run with AEW. That being a comparison to WWE Hall Of Famer and ex-WCW World Heavyweight Champion Goldberg.
Likely due to both men having such an intimidating size and physique inside the ring. Wardlow has certainly come into his own since splitting apart from the likes of MJF. He captured the TNT Title from Scorpio Sky on a July 6 episode of AEW Dynamite in a Street Fight.
While promoting his episode of Biography: WWE Legends on A&E, Goldberg discussed possible dream matches and talks about Wardlow and their parallels.
Goldberg Vs Roman Reigns Again?
After Vince McMahon announced his retirement from WWE, reports emerged revealing that Brock Lesnar is extremely upset and that he left the July 22 SmackDown tapings.
The Beast Incarnate is scheduled to compete at WWE SummerSlam 2022 next weekend and challenge Roman Reigns for the Unified WWE Universal Championship. Following Lesnar leaving SmackDown, Bryan Alvarez reported that a replacement is being considered for him at SummerSlam.
WrestlingNews then went on to report that WWE was considering bringing back Goldberg as the SummerSlam replacement for Lesnar.
Goldberg’s Dream Opponents
Interestingly enough, before this report even came out, Goldberg noted that Roman was one of the opponents that he would like to get retribution from.
Goldberg spoke with Graham “GSM” Matthews of Bleacher Report about the possibility of squaring up with guys like Brock and Roman again, along with a possible first-time-ever match-up.
The only man in history to hold the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, WWE World Heavyweight Championship, and WWE Universal Championship said:
“Oh, man, you know, there there are a number of guys out there that would be interesting for sure. I think Riddle and I have had a little bit of a controversial past. I’d love to pop him in the face a couple of times.
“But yeah, Roman I owe Roman something for sure. I’d always like to get Brock again. But you know, hey, man, beggars can’t be choosers. And if it happens, it happens. If not, then, you know, I just got to deal with it. I’ll catch him on the street or something.”
Goldberg Speaks About AEW Champion
Graham “GSM” Matthews also asked about Wardlow. Many comparisons have been made between Wardlow and stars of the past, and Goldberg has been one of them.
Goldberg had the following to say about the current AEW TNT Champion:
“I understand the comparisons. I’ve heard of him for sure. I’ve seen pictures of him. I haven’t seen him work that much. But yeah, hey, man, more power to him. There needs to be more characters like that. There needs to be serious intensity out there. There’s people that slice meat and there’s people that eat meat, and he needs to be eating meat; and now Big E is going to come into it.”
Goldberg on Wardlow comparisons
“But yeah, man, I don’t know I’ve never read anything about a comparison from him and how he passes judgment on it. But at the end of the day, anybody that’s close to the top and their prospective business to be compared with myself. That’s an honor and a privilege.”
Two weeks ago, Wardlow captured the AEW TNT Championship, winning the title from Scorpio Sky in dominant fashion.
The title win marks Wardlow’s first championship since joining AEW, and “Mr. Mayhem” retained against Orange Cassidy on last week’s Fyter Fest: Night One edition of AEW Dynamite.
Road Dogg’s Comments
Wardlow may have won over a lot of people with his work in AEW, but WWE Hall of Famer ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James isn’t impressed.
“I wasn’t a fan. It took him 18 minutes. First, they give him the jabroni title. It doesn’t mean nothing when he was a guy that seemed like he was The guy, and maybe he is in the future. I just don’t think you needed to give him that other than the best title and then it took him 18 minutes to beat the jokey guy.”
“They give him the jabroni title. It doesn’t mean nothing.”
Road Dogg Jesse James on Wardlow winning the AEW TNT Championship.
Future Plans for Wardlow
Wardlow has had just one title defense so far, but he plans on having many more very soon.
Wardlow has said that he does not plan on changing the design for the TNT Championship, unlike previous holders of the title including Scorpio Sky and Sammy Guevara.
It’s been a big year for Wardlow as he won his freedom from MJF at AEW Double or Nothing before becoming the new TNT Champion after defeating Scorpio Sky a few weeks ago on Dynamite.
Wardlow wants to be a fighting champion like original TNT champ Cody Rhodes was in 2020. His number one goal right now is to bring back the open challenge gimmick that Rhodes did.
He also stated that he doesn’t plan on changing the design of the TNT Championship belt, similar to what past champions Scorpio Sky and Sammy Guevara did.
“That’s actually my number one priority. I want to bring back the open challenge,” Wardlow said in a recent interview with Telegram & Gazette. “I’m not sure if that’s what we’re going to do, but I would definitely like to bring that back. Right now, I have the original design, which I love, and I don’t have any plans to customize it. If they give me the opportunity, maybe I will, but I do love the original.”
Wardlow made his first defense of the TNT Championship a week ago when he took on Orange Cassidy and successfully retained the title.
Wardlow’s next challenger has yet to be determined, and he has not been announced for tonight’s AEW Dynamite.
Wardlow became the brand new AEW TNT Championship on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite, but credits FTR’s Cash Wheeler for calming his nerves.
Wardlow TNT Title Win
On Wednesday, during AEW Dynamite, Wardlow won his first championship when he beat Scorpio Sky in a street fight to win the AEW TNT Championship.
Wardlow has been going straight to the top in AEW. He has been reaching and achieving new heights since he defeated MJF at AEW Revolution and gained his independence from his contract with MJF.
Wardlow Thanks FTR
Wardlow recently spoke on Busted Open Radio and reflected on how he was feeling before heading to the ring for his title match.
The new TNT Champion said, “Honestly, I’m normally extremely nervous and on edge and focused, just tunnel vision type focus. Before the match, I was actually much more calm than usual. I don’t know why. Cash (Wheeler) gave me a pretty nice pep talk right before. That might have helped calm my nerves. Cash and Dax (Harwood) are always helping me out, those guys are phenomenal.
I think Cash got in my head a little and reminded me to breathe and have fun and enjoy the moment and absorb it. ‘Tonight could be one of those nights that you want remember forever so make sure you absorb it so you can remember it.’ I tried to do that and I feel I did do that.
Wardlow Reflects On TNT Title Match
Oddly enough, it was the most comfortable I felt in the ring. The only time I felt similar was (against) CM Punk. It was kind of the same experience. That match and this match were the only two times I looked around at the crowd and looked at people and interacted with people and absorbed the moment and had fun in the match, other than getting kicked directly in the balls, other than that, a lot of fun.”
Wardlow added that he wished he could have celebrated with the fans for another hour after his title win.
H/T to Jeremy Lambert of Fightful for the transcription
A major championship changed hands on the July 6 episode of AEW Dynamite.
This edition of AEW’s flagship show was held inside the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, NY. This is the home of the late Brodie Lee, so it was only fitting that this episode got started with a TNT Championship match.
It was Scorpio Sky putting the TNT gold on the line against Wardlow.
Wardlow Wins TNT Championship
Sky tried pulling out all the tricks.
He, along with Dan Lambert, brought members of American Top Team with them for this Street Fight. In the end, it didn’t matter as Wardlow took everyone out and finished Sky off with the Powerbomb Symphony.
One of AEW’s biggest success stories has been the rise of Wardlow, who will challenge Scorpio Sky for the TNT championship on this evening’s edition of Dynamite.
Mr. Mayhem’s journey towards being a babyface superstar went through the path of the company’s top heel, MJF. For years Wardlow acted as the Salt of the Earth’s muscle until he eventually turned and vanquished his former boss at Double or Nothing back in May.
However, Wardlow’s momentum would play second fiddle to the controversy caused by MJF, who for months had been butting heads with AEW President Tony Khan, which culminated in MJF begging for his boss to fire him during AEW’s debut show in Los Angeles. He has not been seen since.
Wardlow spoke about the MJF drama on the latest edition of the Wrestling Classic. The War Pig begins by saying he doesn’t even really want to discuss the issue, but feels like he has grounds to say something considering how much time he spent with the man.
“Honestly, I shouldn’t even give this subject the time of day, and I really don’t care to, but I do understand — people gotta understand, we were together for three years. He was the first three years of my career, he was a big part of my career. So if anybody is allowed to touch on this subject, it probably is me.”
Wardlow would then tear into MJF, calling him a horrible person and fitting of the character he portrays on-screen.
“I’ll just say this, he’s not a good person. He really is a piece of shit. It was not enjoyable working with him. He put me through more stress than anything and his behavior inside of the business and outside of the business is unacceptable. But that’s all I’m gonna say about that.”
There have been multiple sources speculating that perhaps the entire fiasco is an elaborate work, though it would be hard to see who it would benefit.
The May 4 episode of AEW Dynamite almost had a former ROH star appear as a security guard.
In an interview with Ringsiders Wrestling, Tony Deppen shared that he was supposed to be a member of the security team that Wardlow had attacked. The AEW star faced former Impact Wrestling talent W. Morrissey at the May 4 episode of AEW Dynamite in Baltimore, Maryland.
After the match, Deppen was supposed to be one of the security guards that Wardlow beat down. He had already had a taped match with John Silver for AEW Dark that day.
However, according to the former ROH star, AEW pulled him because they didn’t want to hurt his value as a wrestler.
“…When I did AEW in Baltimore, I was supposed to do the run-in with Wardlow as well, and you know that Baltimore’s prime Ring of Honor territory. Everyone knows me there, and I did my match, got in the back, and the extra coordinator pulled me to the side.
“He’s like, ‘You’re not going out there for that,'” said Deppen. He continued, “I was like, ‘oh, why?’ He just like, ‘we don’t want to hurt you like everyone knows who you are out there.’ They didn’t want me to get hurt as like my value, I guess, which I understand that but also in the same sense I’m like, ‘yo I would’ve got an extra payday.'”
What is Former ROH Star Tony Deppen Doing Now?
Since he departed from ROH, Deppen has competed for different independent wrestling promotions. He has also become one of the frequent talents competing in Game Changer Wrestling.
He faced Jon Moxley for the GCW World Championship at GCW: You Wouldn’t Understand on June 18. While Deppen pushed the champion to his limit, Moxley defeated him to retain the title.
Deppen also recently competed in a scramble match at GCW: Dead or Alive on June 30, which he won by pinning Dark Sheik.
If AEW President Tony Khan wants to revive the ROH brand, he could consider signing Deppen. Although, it seems like Deppen is keeping himself active and having success.
