CM Punk wanted to do something special for his longtime fans in Chicago due to the support they gave him over the years while he was away from wrestling.
When he returned to the business in August 2021 at AEW Rampage: The First Dance, Punk went all out while in the spot after seven long years of fans chanting his name. Now, he has given insight into how much money he had to shell out to give all the fans who attended that episode ice cream.
During a sit-down interview on the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast with O’Shea Jackson Jr. and T.J. Jefferson, Punk revealed that he spent $40,000 of his own money on ice cream bars for every fan in attendance that night.
The gesture was made out of sympathy and empathy for people. He also understands why wrestlers may have been upset with him while the fans chanted for Punk while working in the ring.
“Anytime they were in Chicago, there was anticipation or hope that I’d show up,” Punk explained. “That’s why I spent $40,000 on ice cream bars when I came back in 2021—because that was legit a thank you.”
Punk added, “I wouldn’t be anywhere, and I wouldn’t be back here if it wasn’t for a great many circumstances, but one of them is the fans—especially in Chicago.”
Last night’s AEW Dynamite celebrated its 5-year anniversary and it featured a segment where Renee Paquette interviewed MVP backstage ahead of his announcement. Prince Nana interrupted him and MVP said that he was not the one who handled complaints. He then introduced Shelton Benjamin as his business partner and ‘President of the Complaint Department.’
Following the show, MVP dropped a video clip on social media in which he and Benjamin could be seen leaving the arena together. He said that business had just picked up. The former Hurt Business teammates bumped fists as MVP laughed while walking away.
This marked Shelton Benjamin’s first appearance in the promotion. He was let go from WWE back in September 2023. After being a free agent for over a year, he has finally signed with AEW. There is a huge possibility that Bobby Lashley could be next to show up. This will complete their reunion but under the new stable name, ‘The Hurt Syndicate’, judging by a trademark filing last month.
In an AEW digital exclusive, Jay White put Page on notice. He explained that he doesn’t care about a lot of things surrounding Page. However, ‘Switchblade’ cares about the fact that he was stopped in his tracks on his quest to become AEW World Champion. He said that he wants to be at the top of the industry. While Page has left a path of destruction, White has vowed to stop the former AEW World Champion. Here is what he said:
“…What I care about is that you were one of two men that knocked me off my path, my path to the AEW World Championship because that is where I belong. My path is leading me there where I belong, where I, the Catalyst of Professional Wrestling, am meant to be. That is at the top of this industry. The most elite of all, that is me, that is what I care about, Adam. I do not care about you and your family. No, but what has gotten into you recently?”
He added:
“Adam, you see, we’ve known each other for a long time. There’s been this change. We talk about paths, I talk about paths. You have left a path of destruction everywhere you go. You’ve quite literally left flames in your wake, and you know what, I wouldn’t have a problem with it, if it didn’t affect me, and you didn’t try to include the Bang Bang Gang in your carnage. But that’s perfect. Do you see how this works out? You see, I need you, and how perfect, look at the time that you present yourself to me. You give me this opportunity to stop this runaway train now known as ‘Cowboy Sh*t’ Hangman Adam Page. I’m the one, I’m the one that will stop you. You see, we can fight fire with fire, and we will see who burns.”
Ahead of his time off, Jay White had been enjoying his reign as one-third of the AEW World Trios Champions alongside Bullet Club Gold stablemates Austin and Colten Gunn. However, following his match against Hangman, White was written off of AEW television to recuperate from a foot injury. It is to be seen how things pan out for White.
CM Punk recently recalled backstage confusion surrounding his entrance ahead of his shocking return at last year’s Survivor Series: WarGames PLE.
The Second City Savior’ showed up in WWE after nine long years at the PLE which took place in his hometown, Chicago, IL. The former WWE Champion recently joined O’Shea Jackson Jr. and T.J. Jefferson on No-Contest Wrestling podcast and discussed chaos in the final moments before walking out through the curtains.
He revealed that Chief Content Officer Triple H told him to walk to the cages. However, Punk got confused if he meant the cages on the ramp or the WarGames cages. He added how he was overwhelmed by the crowd reception and said that he wasn’t sure what to do and lost his composure. He recalled:
“But there was just so many people there, and then, I don’t know what to do. I absolutely lose my composure (because) all I know is I’m coming out. But, I don’t know what the set looks like, I don’t know if there’s a ramp. I’m literally in the dark, and so I’m trying to talk to Triple H over the table, and it’s so loud and there’s so many people and they hit my music and I’m like, ‘I don’t know what I’m doing. What am I doing?’ And he’s like, ‘Go out and walk down to the cage.’ And I’m like, ‘Go out and walk all the way down to the cage!?’ And he was trying to tell me that there was two cages for the babyfaces and the heels for WarGames and he wanted me to walk down and stand in-between there. So in my head, I’m like, I’m marching all the way to the cage and he’s like, ‘No!’ My music’s playing, and we’re going back-and-forth and I’m like, we’re both freaking out. He went, ‘No!’ And he rips his headset off and I’m like, ‘Oh God! What are we doing!?’”
However, things fell into place and Punk created one of the most historic moments in the company.
“Obviously, we figured it out… The chaos backstage, brother. I mean, it’s the last minute… There’s so much stuff going on back there and they film everything now so I’m sure someday we’re gonna see a lot of cool stuff. It was just such a great moment and I love that chaos and that uncertainty again. I was like, man, I could just drink it up all day.”
CM Punk is currently involved in a heated rivalry with Drew McIntyre and they will collide inside the demonic structure of Hell In A Cell at this week’s WWE Bad Blood 2024 which is set to take place on October 5, 2024.
Netflix’s Mr. McMahon docuseries was released last month and has given viewers an in-depth look into Vince McMahon, even if the six-part series is light on new information. In addition to Vince, several members of the McMahon family were interviewed, but Linda was reluctant to share according to the show’s consulting producer.
Speaking to the SI Media Podcast, David Shoemaker was asked if Vince McMahon was forthcoming with information and shared how Linda was reluctant to speak.
“You asked about Vince not giving you anything, Linda was not the most forthcoming person in that interview either. I think I was there for that one, I don’t even remember if there was more good stuff on the cutting room floor. I certainly wish we could have gotten more details about that from her. It’s a very business relationship, I would say.”
It’s hardly a surprise that Linda, who remains a name in politics, was hardly eager to talk about WWE’s past controversies, many of which occurred under her watch as CEO. Similarly, Linda would be understandably reluctant to speak on her husband’s infidelity and alleged trafficking of Janel Grant, the topic for Mr. McMahon’s sixth and final episode.
Linda McMahon hasn’t appeared for WWE in years but her name remains known to countless wrestling fans around the world. While the former CEO of WWE would have endless stories about the company, fans may never hear about the seedier side of wrestling from the 75-year-old.
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) fans have reason to celebrate as the company’s pay-per-view events are set to make their debut on the MAX streaming platform in 2025. This move marks a significant shift in how AEW fans can access the company’s premium content. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting development.
The New AEW-Warner Bros. Discovery Deal
AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) have announced a multi-year renewal of their partnership, extending their successful five-year relationship. This new agreement aims to provide fans with unprecedented access to AEW’s most popular programming.
PPV Distribution on MAX
The transition of AEW pay-per-views to MAX is a game-changer for fans and the industry alike. Here’s what we know so far:
Timing and Availability
PPV distribution on MAX will begin later in 2025.
Events will be available at a discounted price for MAX subscribers.
Non-subscribers may still have the option to purchase events on an a la carte basis in the United States.
Pricing and Details
While specific pricing information has not been released, AEW has promised to share additional details and pricing in the coming months. This move is expected to make watching AEW’s premiere live events more budget-friendly for fans, as opposed to the $50 per show cost that it currently is.
Impact on AEW’s Revenue Stream
The shift to MAX will likely affect AEW’s traditional PPV revenue stream. Instead of relying heavily on individual event purchases, AEW will now earn even more revenue primarily through its media rights package with Warner Bros. Discovery.
Comparison to Other Wrestling Platforms
AEW’s approach differs from WWE’s current model in the United States, where fans can view live events as part of their standard Peacock subscription without additional fees.
However, AEW seems to be maintaining a hybrid model by offering discounted prices on MAX while potentially keeping the option for individual purchases.
What This Means for Fans
Accessibility
The move to MAX will make it easier for fans to access AEW content in one place, potentially eliminating the need to use multiple platforms like Bleacher Report, TrillerTV, or cable services to watch PPVs.
Cost Savings
While exact pricing is yet to be announced, the promise of discounted PPV events for MAX subscribers suggests that fans may save money compared to traditional PPV purchases.
Expanded Viewing Options
With live streaming and on-demand options, fans will have more flexibility in how and when they watch AEW content.
WWE Bad Blood 2024 is set to take place on October 5, 2024, at 8 pm EST, promising an explosive night of action. As fans eagerly anticipate the event, let’s dive into our predictions for the main matches on the card.
CM Punk vs Drew McIntyre: Hell in a Cell
The most anticipated match of the night is undoubtedly the Hell in a Cell showdown between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre. This feud has been brewing for months, captivating audiences with its intensity and personal nature.
The Build-Up
The rivalry between Punk and McIntyre has been one of the most compelling storylines in professional wrestling this year. It began with McIntyre injuring Punk at the Royal Rumble and has escalated through a series of confrontations and title match interferences.
Prediction
Given the brutal nature of Hell in a Cell matches and the personal animosity between these two superstars, fans can expect a violent and grueling encounter. While both men have a strong case for victory, the prediction leans towards Drew McIntyre emerging victorious.
Reasoning: McIntyre is in the prime of his career and a win here could solidify his status as a top-tier superstar. Additionally, Punk’s character may be better positioned to absorb a loss and use it as motivation for future storylines.
WWE Champion Cody Rhodes & Roman Reigns vs Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu
This tag team match features an intriguing alliance between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns as they face off against The Bloodline.
Prediction
Despite the star power of Rhodes and Reigns, our prediction favors Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns to secure the win.
Reasoning: WWE is likely looking to establish The Bloodline, particularly Jacob Fatu, as a formidable threat. But saying that, you can’t have Cody and Roman lose.
Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) vs Rhea Ripley
Liv Morgan defends her Women’s World Championship against the formidable Rhea Ripley in what promises to be an intense clash2.
Prediction
Liv Morgan is favored to retain the Women’s World Championship in this encounter.
Reasoning: Ripley’s momentum and dominant presence make her a strong contender for the title. However, the match could potentially end in controversy, where Liv manages to just survive with her belt.
Damian Priest vs Finn Balor
This match continues the ongoing saga between the current and former members of The Judgment Day.
Prediction
Damian Priest is predicted to secure the victory in this contest.
Reasoning: To keep the feud between the New Judgment Day and old Judgment Day alive, Balor needs a win here. Having said that, there’s a good chance that this will be the blowoff and Damian will get the win before moving on to a World Title program.
WWE Women’s Championship: Nia Jax (c) vs Bayley
Nia Jax puts her WWE Women’s Championship on the line against the challenger Bayley.
Prediction
Nia Jax is favored to retain her championship in this match.
Reasoning: As a relatively new champion, Jax is likely to hold onto the title to further establish her reign and potentially set up future challengers.
WWE Bad Blood 2024 is set to be an electrifying event, marking the return of this iconic premium live event after a 20-year hiatus. As fans eagerly anticipate the in-ring action, many are also looking forward to the post-show press conference, where superstars and officials will discuss the night’s events. Let’s break down the start times for this crucial post-event coverage across various time zones.
The WWE Bad Blood 2024 post-show press conference is expected to begin approximately 15-30 minutes after the main event concludes. With the main card starting at 6:00 PM Eastern Time, we can estimate the press conference to begin around 9:30 PM ET.
Eastern Time (ET)
Estimated start: 9:30 PM, Saturday, October 5th, 2024
Central Time (CT)
Estimated start: 8:30 PM, Saturday, October 5th, 2024
Mountain Time (MT)
Estimated start: 7:30 PM, Saturday, October 5th, 2024
Pacific Time (PT)
Estimated start: 6:30 PM, Saturday, October 5th, 2024
For WWE fans in Australia, the press conference will take place on Sunday morning due to the time difference.
Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT)
Estimated start: 12:30 PM, Sunday, October 6th, 2024
Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)
Estimated start: 11:30 AM, Sunday, October 6th, 2024
Australian Central Daylight Time (ACDT)
Estimated start: 12:00 PM, Sunday, October 6th, 2024
Australian Western Standard Time (AWST)
Estimated start: 9:30 AM, Sunday, October 6th, 2024
European Start Times
European fans will need to stay up late or wake up early to catch the press conference live.
Central European Summer Time (CEST)
Estimated start: 3:30 AM, Sunday, October 6th, 2024
British Summer Time (BST)
Estimated start: 2:30 AM, Sunday, October 6th, 2024
Other Notable Time Zones
Japan Standard Time (JST)
Estimated start: 10:30 AM, Sunday, October 6th, 2024
India Standard Time (IST)
Estimated start: 7:00 AM, Sunday, October 6th, 2024
What to Expect from the Press Conference
The post-show press conference is a relatively new addition to WWE’s premium live events, offering fans unprecedented access to the aftermath of major shows. Here’s what viewers can anticipate:
Superstar Interviews
Expect to see interviews with key performers from the night’s biggest matches. This may include:
CM Punk and Drew McIntyre discussing their Hell in a Cell match
Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley reflecting on their Women’s World Championship bout
Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns sharing thoughts on their tag team encounter
WWE Bad Blood 2024 is set to be an explosive event, featuring high-stakes matches and the return of the infamous Hell in a Cell. As the dust settles on what promises to be an unforgettable night of action, fans will be eager to hear from their favorite Superstars in the post-show press conference. Here’s everything you need to know about how to catch the live stream of this must-see aftermath.
The post-show press conference will be available for streaming immediately after the conclusion of Bad Blood 2024. Here are the primary platforms where you can watch:
WWE Network: For viewers outside the United States, the WWE Network will be the go-to platform for the live stream. A subscription to WWE Network, which costs £9.99 per month in the UK, will grant you access to the press conference along with all other WWE premium live events.
Peacock: In the United States, Peacock is the exclusive streaming home for WWE content. Subscribers to Peacock Premium ($5.99/month with ads) or Peacock Premium Plus ($11.99/month without ads) will be able to watch the press conference live.
WWE’s Social Media Channels: Traditionally, WWE also streams these press conferences on their official YouTube channel and other social media platforms free of charge. Keep an eye on WWE’s official Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube accounts for potential live streams.
The post-show press conference offers a unique opportunity for fans to gain insight into the night’s events directly from the Superstars and WWE officials. Here’s what you can typically expect:
Superstar Interviews
Key participants from the night’s biggest matches will likely make appearances. Given the card, we might see:
CM Punk and Drew McIntyre discussing their Hell in a Cell match
Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns reflecting on their rare tag team partnership
Women’s champions Liv Morgan and Nia Jax addressing their title defenses3
Match Analysis
WWE officials and potentially some commentators may provide in-depth analysis of the night’s most significant moments and outcomes.
Future Storyline Hints
Often, these press conferences set the stage for upcoming feuds and storylines. Pay close attention to any teases or confrontations between Superstars.
Preparing for the Live Stream
To ensure you don’t miss a moment of the post-show press conference:
Check Your Subscription: If you’re planning to watch via WWE Network or Peacock, make sure your subscription is active and up-to-date.
Test Your Connection: A stable internet connection is crucial for uninterrupted streaming. Test your setup before the conference begins.
Set a Reminder: Given the earlier start time of Bad Blood 2024, the press conference may begin sooner than usual. Set a reminder to tune in right after the main event concludes.
Follow WWE’s Social Media: For last-minute updates or changes, keep an eye on WWE’s official social media accounts.
As WWE fans eagerly anticipate the return of Bad Blood after a two-decade hiatus, betting odds have emerged, offering insights into potential outcomes for the premium live event.
Set to take place on Saturday, October 5th, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, this event promises high-stakes matches and the culmination of some intense rivalries.
For those new to betting odds, here’s a quick primer:
Favorites are indicated by a minus (-) sign
Underdogs are marked with a plus (+) sign
For favorites, the number represents the amount you need to bet to win $100
For underdogs, the number shows how much you’d win on a $100 bet1
Potential Upsets
While the odds heavily favor certain outcomes, WWE has been known to subvert expectations. Particular attention should be paid to matches with closer odds, such as the Women’s World Championship bout, where an upset could significantly impact ongoing storylines.
AEW has released a video of Tony Khan and Bryan Danielson thanking the fans after the 5-year anniversary special of Dynamite from Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia went off air.
Khan first mentioned that Pittsburgh was one of the first places they visited when Dynamite started and thanked the fans. He then thanked Bryan for his 3-year run with the promotion.
The AEW World Champion took the mic and credited TK for creating an alternative to WWE. Addressing the crowd, Danielson thanked them for making him a WrestleMania main eventer:
“First of all, I’d like to thank Tony Khan, without whom, AEW wouldn’t be here. You wouldn’t have an alternative. It is better that AEW exists – for the wrestlers, for the production people, and for professional wrestling fans. I first wrestled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 23 years ago. And I don’t know if you guys remember, but you were the crowd that made me into a WrestleMania main eventer. So, I just wanted to say thank you, Pittsburgh.
Best Wrestling Company In The World: Bryan Danielson
Bryan Danielson then claimed that AEW is the best wrestling company in the world. It has the best locker room and fans, for whom he left a lifetime job at WWE:
“And last but certainly not least, I want to thank all the men and women in the back because they’re the ones who made this place so great that I had a lifetime job at WWE, and I chose to come here because they were the best wrestlers in the world, the best fans in the world, and this is the best wrestling company in the world. Now, next week, check out WrestleDream, cause at WrestleDream in Tacoma, Washington. I am gonna kick Jon Moxley’s fucking head in.”
The 5 Year Anniversary show gave fans a lot to talk about with both good and bad news coming out of the show. The episode saw a huge debut and the return of Jay White from his injury.
Prior to Dynamite, however, a couple of wrestling talents suffered injuries during the ROH tapings. This included the current ROH tag champ Sammy Guevara who had to be stretchered out of the arena.
‘Switchblade’ Jay White has returned to AEW TV after spending the last three months on the shelf due to a foot injury.
This week’s 5-year anniversary special of Dynamite featured a singles match between Hangman Adam Page and Juice Robinson.
The ending of the bout saw Robinson setting up for The Juice Is Loose but Page countered with a low blow. Hangman then connected with a Buckshot Lariat to pick up a pinfall victory.
The former AEW World Champion took off his cowboy buckle belt and started using it to choke Robinson out. This is when White’s music hit and he made his return.
Jay White took out Page from behind with a clothesline. He continued beating Page down before sending him crashing through a table at the ringside to end the segment.
The former IWGP World Champion last wrestled during the July 6 episode of AEW Collision. The Owen Cup semifinal match saw Page defeating White after using his belt, very similar to how he attacked Robinson tonight.
Prior to the injury, Jay White and The Gunns had held the AEW Trios Title. They were stripped of the championships by Christopher Daniels when they tried to invoke the Freebird rule to give Robinson a share of the title.
Jay White wasn’t the only big name that made a surprise appearance during tonight’s Dynamite. A former WWE star also made his long-awaited debut for the promotion during the show. You can check out more about it here.
This week, WWE NXT launched on The CW with a stacked two-hour show that saw top names from the silver brand as well as WWE’s main roster. With title matches and appearances by Hall of Famers, there was plenty to see in Chicago’s All-State Arena, and NXT on The CW is off to a strong start in the ratings.
WWE NXT’s debut episode on The CW drew 895,000 viewers, Wrestlenomics reports, way up on the previous episode’s 620,000 on the USA Network. This week’s number is the fifth-highest number for WWE NXT since its move to cable television back in September 2019. The last time WWE NXT did better was the October 10, 2023, episode, which did 921,000 viewers and saw the show go head-to-head with AEW Dynamite.
The launch of WWE NXT was a ratings hit despite fierce competition from the U.S. Vice Presidential debate that aired the same night. The debate between Democrat Tim Walz and Republican JD Vance scored 43.15 million viewers across 15 networks, according to The Hollywood Reporter, with 40.25 million coming from CNN, FOX News, and MNSBC.)
WWE NXT – October 1
The launch of WWE NXT on The CW was a historic night for the revamped silver brand of WWE. Check out some of the exciting moments from this week’s show in Chicago below.
At WWE Bad Blood, Cody Rhodes will team with Roman Reigns to take on The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu, in the OTC’s first match since WrestleMania. On The Pat McAfee Show, Rhodes talked all things WWE including plans for WrestleMania 41, but did the Undisputed WWE Champion also accidentally reveal a huge return?
After the show wrapped up, Cody was saying his goodbyes to the crew when McAfee told the American Nightmare “I heard the big guy is coming back this week.” Taken aback, Rhodes asked “is he?” to which McAfee retorted, “You tell me.” Cody responded by saying “Which one?” before McAfee walked off, saying “You told me all I need to know.”
Pat McAfee tells Cody Rhodes that he hears “the big guy” is coming back this week. pic.twitter.com/69XelcbIL0
Given Rhodes’ upcoming match with The Bloodline and their recent history, many fans on social media have seen ‘The Big Guy’ as referencing The Rock. As a leading man in Hollywood, one of WWE’s top names in history, and a member of TKO’s Board of Directors, the ‘Final Boss’ certainly fits the moniker of a big guy. On the post-WrestleMania 40 WWE Raw, The Rock vowed to return and confront Cody Rhodes, with reported plans for a showdown at WrestleMania 41.
A less likely option is Brock Lesnar, another huge Superstar who is a verifiable ‘big guy’ in the world of WWE. Like Rock, Lesnar has his own history with Rhodes, as Cody’s victory over Brock at SummerSlam was the latter’s most recent WWE match. However, WWE has avoided using Lesnar due to him being tied to Janel Grant’s lawsuit against WWE, as the former employee alleges that she was trafficked to a former UFC Heavyweight Champion by McMahon and John Laurinaitis.
Chris Jericho held the ROH World Championship for a handful of months in 2022, in Jericho’s first-ever title reign as part of the promotion. Now, Jericho plans on holding the gold again, and used some shocking tactics to get into the head of champion Mark Briscoe.
On Dynamite’s fifth anniversary, Jericho hosted a Learning Tree segment in the ring with Big Bill and Bryan Keith. Now dubbing himself ‘The Nueve’ Jericho challenged Briscoe to a ROH World Championship match at AEW WrestleDream.
Briscoe came out to accept the match, adding that Jericho’s recent victory over him came thanks to interference by Big Bill. It was here that Jericho sunk to a new low as he said that Mark Briscoe couldn’t beat him before stating that his brother, Jay Briscoe, could have. Jericho went on to say that everyone knows that Mark will never be as good as Jay was. Mark responded by dropping Jericho with a shot to the jaw and promised a Briscoe brother-style ass-whooping at WrestleDream.
Chris Jericho made his challenge to #ROH World Champion Mark Briscoe for #AEWWrestleDream way too personal.
Jay Briscoe sadly passed in January 2023 in a car crash, mere minutes from his home in Laurel, Delaware. Tributes to Jay have poured in from the wrestling world and a locker room was named in his memory at the school where his daughters, who were injured in the crash, attend.
The loss of his brother left Mark contemplating retirement, but the remaining Briscoe has not only continued in the ring but is thriving as ROH World Champion. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from AEW WrestleDream including breaking news and live results.
Sammy Guevara has suffered a legitimate injury during the Ring of Honor taping before the 5-year anniversary special of Dynamite.
One-half of the current ROH tag champions wrestled Serpentico in a match during the taping. SEScoops correspondent Dominic DeAngelo was in attendance for the show. He noted that Guevara landed awkwardly while delivering a cutter to his opponent and then he didn’t get up.
The match was stopped immediately after it and a video of medical professionals attending to the former TNT Champion has surfaced online. Guevara was then stretchered out of the arena.
Match stopped between Sammy Guevara and Serpentico. Sammy gave a cutter and didn't get up. Medical staff attending to him. He is showing movement. They just carted him off.
— Dominic DeAngelo | One True Sport (@DominicDeAngelo) October 2, 2024
This is the second serious injury of the night just 4 matches in. Sammy Guevara hit a cutter out of mid air and landed very awkwardly. Match immediately stopped. Appears serious. Very bad start to the night here. #AEWDynamite#AEW#ROHpic.twitter.com/BfzG5CRJhE
This was one of the two injuries reported during the night as a female enhancement talent was also stretchered out after suffering an injury during a match with Lady Frost.
Frost landed a move off the top rope which appeared to have knocked the female talent out. PWInsider has since identified her as indie wrestler Kelly Madan.
Female wrestler just injured during ROH tapings. Medical staff checking in on her. The board has been brought out. Prayers for her. ???
— Dominic DeAngelo | One True Sport (@DominicDeAngelo) October 2, 2024
Sammy Guevara had only returned to action in August this year. He had been off TV since February after being suspended for not following concussion protocols in a match with Jeff Hardy.
Guevara has formed a team with Dustin Rhodes since returning to TV and has been working on ROH regularly. The duo won the ROH tag team championships during the August 17 episode of AEW Collision.
The former WWE star had been expected to make his debut for Tony Khan’s promotion ever since MVP made his first appearance for the company last week.
This week’s 5-year anniversary special of Dynamite then saw Renee Paquette interviewing MVP backstage where he was getting ready to make an announcement.
Before he could do so, however, Prince Nana interrupted and reminded everyone that he once was a wrestler. In response, MVP said that he was not the one who handled complaints like that and then the camera panned out to the one who does deal with complaints – Shelton Benjamin.
Benjamin got a huge pop from the crowd as MVP introduced him as his business partner and ‘President of the Complaint Department.’
Shelton was released from his WWE contract back in September 2023. While a lot of people expected him to go to AEW straight away, it took over a year for the wrestling veteran to arrive.
Now that he has arrived, however, the 49-year-old is expected to make a big impact along with his Hurt Business partner.
The group is still one member short as Bobby Lashley is yet to be introduced on AEW TV. Though after the arrival of MVP and Benjamin, it seems only a matter of time before the former WWE Champion makes his way to the company as well.
All-Elite Wrestling and Warner Bros. Discovery announced a new multi-year deal on Wednesday, making AEW content and PPVs available on the MAX streaming platform as well as same-day availability of AEW shows Dynamite and Collision. Variety reported the deal hours before the AEW Dynamite fifth anniversary show.
AEW will no longer air Rampage, the 1-hour Friday show that aired late in prime time. AEW Collision could also possibly move off Saturdays to a weeknight prime time slot, as reported by Jay Fowler.
AEW PPVs will begin airing in 2025 on MAX later in the year, but won’t be exclusive to the app. MAX subscribers will be able to purchase AEW PPVs at a lower price. AEW’s library of Dynamite, Rampage and Collision shows will be available on MAX. This didn’t include the ROH library or ROH TV, which continues to air on Honor Club. Given the deal’s terms and both companies planning future content, this could change. There were no discussions of airing ROH on WBD networks during the negotiations of the new deal. ROH,
AEW is likely to be exclusive to WBD with its cable TV programming, given the multi-year deal and the price tag. This means a potential AEW show on FOX would have to air on its network channel, not on one of FOX’s cable channels, unless WBD makes an exception.
AEW will develop future programming for the MAX app and WBD cable.
Variety reported the deal would pay AEW more than $150 million per year. John Ourand of Puck reported two weeks ago the deal would be around $170 million per year. SEScoops was told previously AEW will likely earn $160 million to $200 million per year with WBD’s new contract, increased PPV availability on MAX and a possible contract with FOX.
All Elite Wrestling’s new TV deal is official. On Wednesday, Variety‘s Joe Otterson broke the news that AEW has signed a multi-year rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery.
Financial terms weren’t officially disclosed, but sources estimate the deal to be worth over $150 million per year when all aspects are considered.
Broadcast and streaming details:
Dynamite and Collision: AEW’s shows, Dynamite and Collision, will continue to air on TBS and TNT, respectively.
Max: For the first time, AEW programming will also stream live on Max (WBD’s streaming platform) for U.S. subscribers starting January 2025, with on-demand access available. Pay-per-view events will be offered on Max at a discounted price starting in January.
Additional rights and new programming: The deal includes broader distribution rights on social media and potential new AEW shows on linear and digital platforms. Starting in late 2025, AEW pay-per-view events will also stream on Max at a discounted rate.
Here’s the official word from AEW President Tony Khan:
“We are honored to announce the extension of our incredible partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery. This extension continues the tradition of iconic wrestling events broadcast on TBS and TNT, while also establishing a new legacy for AEW through weekly live streams on Max for years to come. We thank David Zaslav, Kathleen Finch and everyone at WBD for their tireless support of All Elite Wrestling since its inception, as well as the AEW fans, talent and staff that helped make this possible.”
Kathleen Finch, WBD’s chairman and CEO of US Networks, praised the AEW partnership and stressed their commitment to delivering fresh and engaging content to AEW’s passionate fanbase.
Bernie Cahill, a founding partner of Activist Artists Management, highlighted the deal as a validation of Tony Khan’s vision, positioning AEW as a valuable media and live entertainment enterprise.
WWE Raw General Manger Adam Peace teases that we haven’t seen the last of him as an in-ring competitor.
Pearce, a former NWA World Champion, retired from full-time active competition in 2014. Since then, he’s only wrestled twice – two televised matches for WWE in early 2021.
During an interview with Chaotic Good Sports, “the man once known as ‘Scrap Daddy’ ‘Scrap Daddy’ shares that he “had the time of his life” as a wrestler and is grateful that he developed skills during that time that allowed him to continue thriving in the business long after he slammed his final opponent.
“I like to say, walk your path with passion, and when you get to the end, redefine that path and walk it again,” said Pearce. “I’ve had multiple paths in pro wrestling, and I’m walking them all. I love every single one of them.”
He loves his current role. He’s a “hell no” on wrestling again on a full-time basis. However, he’s ready to unleash a Rackbomb or two (his old finisher)
“Listen, if the time comes and they say, ‘Hey, we need you to have a match,’ brother, I will get my hands dirty. I got my hands dirty with Bronson Reed a little bit. I am certainly capable, but am I looking to do that, particularly on a full-time basis? Hell no. I am good.”
For Pearce to come out of retirement, it would need to under the right circumstances. If one were to fantasy book such a scenario, there is another WWE General Manager who is also a former NWA World Champion:
WWE presents Bad Blood this Saturday, but Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is already looking ahead.
The American Nightmare appeared on the Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday to hype this weekend’s event, and dropped a few clues for some big things in the pipeline.
Rhodes teams with former rival Roman Reigns at Bad Blood against The Bloodline’s Jacob Fatu and the new Tribal Chief, Solo Sikoa. The richest prize in wrestling won’t be on the line, but Rhodes says there will be “big title implications” for Crown Jewel in November.
“[The WWE Championship is] not on the line this weekend, but there is something that happens at Bad Blood, a, I guess, a video package or vignette, that’s going to play in the show. I’ve got to keep it vague, but there are big title implications for Crown Jewel, moving and moving past. Sorry for being so vague.”
– Cody Rhodes drops a spoiler
Keep Those Expectations High
Cody Rhodes sets a high bar for himself and isn’t afraid to share his big plans. Six months after ‘Finishing His Story’ at WrestleMania 40, Cody says there’s something in the works for next year’s ‘Mania main event that, “is perhaps bigger than anyone anticipated.”
“The little spoiler there, in addition to that, WrestleMania 41… I am looking to do what I’ve done three times now and enter the main event, but I think it will be something that perhaps is bigger than anyone anticipated.”
– Cody Rhodes
WWE Bad Blood takes place this Saturday, October 5, 2024 from Atlanta, GA at the State Farm Arena.
WWE Crown Jewel is scheduled for November 2, 2024 from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at Mohammed Abdo Arena.
"There are big title implications for Crown Jewel at Bad Blood..
I'm looking to do what I've done three times now and enter the main event at WrestleMania 41..
At AEW WrestleDream, Bryan Danielson will defend his AEW World Championship against Jon Moxley in what is bound to be a violent contest between the former allies. The match will take place in Tacoma, Washington, just a stone’s throw from Bryan’s home in Aberdeen, and one local comic store has given the American Dragon an incentive to win.
If Danielson retains the gold at WrestleDream on October 12, Destiny City Comics will give away a free comic book to everyone who visits the store the next day. This was confirmed by the store’s owner Ethan, who also has experience in the ring.
Not to put any additional pressure on @bryandanielson, but if he retains the @AEW Championship here in Tacoma, I'll give everyone who comes by Destiny City Comics a free comic book the next day on Oct. 13th. pic.twitter.com/2y28mVEXQb
Bryan’s match with Moxley won’t just be about the AEW World Championship but the nature of the company itself. Since turning on Danielson at AEW All Out, Moxley has said he and his allies will create something that’ll last for years in AEW, a company that, in Moxley’s eyes, has been overcome with clashing egos. This is a daunting task that Bryan doesn’t “have the stomach for,” hence the betrayal last month in Illinois.
With Danielson being open about his career winding down, and of the opinion that neck surgery is in his near future, high-profile matches such as this one will become less and less frequent soon enough. Until then though, this match could result in a lot of happy comic book readers in the city of Tacoma. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from AEW WrestleDream 2024, including breaking news and live results from next week’s show in Tacoma, Washington.
WWE attempts to cover all of its bases when it secures bigger venues for its premium live events.
The company had filed a complaint with the Texas Attorney General to prevent the release of a bidding contract for the Royal Rumble in 2023. In the suit, the company claimed that the deal was a trade secret and contained proprietary information that fit an exemption in Texas’s public information law.
WWE opted last month to withdraw it. Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics shared a copy of the full contract he obtained between WWE and the state of San Antonio.
The initial release of the agreement had three pages noticeably missing, as WWE didn’t want it public. This is because it includes the wording of their exclusivity period.
In the contract, it was stated that the Alamodome could not run any other wrestling event from 90 days before the event and 60 days after it takes place. You can check out the wording of the exclusivity period part in the agreement below:
Because WWE withdrew its lawsuit, San Antonio released to Wrestlenomics their copy of the Royal Rumble 2023 agreement, which has a 3-page addendum not in the previously-published copy from the governor. The addendum includes an exclusivity clause.https://t.co/CahtkmyJUupic.twitter.com/hmeX6qfKnx
This shows the type of arrangement problems that other promotions, such as AEW, can deal with when booking venues for events and how much planning goes into it.
All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) flagship show, Dynamite, has been home to some of the most captivating moments in modern wrestling. As the program celebrates its 5th anniversary, it’s hard not to reflect on one of the most polarizing and influential figures to grace its ring: CM Punk.
From unforgettable promos to thrilling matches, Punk’s presence on Dynamite has left a lasting impact on the AEW landscape. In this retrospective, we’ll take a closer look at the best CM Punk moments on AEW Dynamite.
Punk’s first appearance on Dynamite following his debut was electric. The Chicago crowd’s reaction to their hometown hero was deafening, setting the stage for what many hoped would be a legendary run in AEW.
Unforgettable Promos
The MJF Feud Begins
One of the most memorable feuds in AEW history began on Dynamite when CM Punk and MJF engaged in a verbal sparring match that left fans in awe. Their promo battle was a masterclass in mic work, blending real-life history with kayfabe to create a compelling narrative.
Punk vs. Hangman Page Promo Showdown (May 2022)
As Punk continued to rack up wins on Dynamite, he eventually set his sights on the AEW World Championship. One of the most intense promo segments in this pursuit took place on the May 25, 2022, episode of Dynamite, where Punk faced off with then-champion Hangman Adam Page.
The tension between the two was palpable as Punk, the seasoned veteran, questioned Page’s ability to carry the company, while Page, full of pride, defended his title reign and reportedly went off script.
This segment elevated the stakes for their eventual match at Double or Nothing and highlighted Punk’s ability to push his opponents to their limits, both physically and mentally…although sometimes too far, and this promo would kickstart the events that would eventually lead to Punk leaving the company.
In-Ring Excellence
Punk’s First Match on Dynamite (September 2021)
After his triumphant in-ring return at All Out 2021, CM Punk made his much-anticipated Dynamite in-ring debut on October 27, 2021, in a match against Bobby Fish.
Fish, a veteran with a striking-heavy style in his own right, was the perfect opponent to test Punk’s endurance and skill on the national stage once again.
In the end, Punk secured the victory with his signature GTS, proving that he hadn’t missed a step despite his long hiatus.
Losing To MJF
A significant moment in Punk’s AEW run occurred on Dynamite in his hometown of Chicago. Despite the home crowd advantage, Punk suffered his first defeat in AEW at the hands of MJF. The match was restarted due to MJF’s cheating, but he managed to win twice, making the loss even more impactful.
Read More – Best AEW Dynamite Promos Ever: 5th Anniversary Retrospective
Memorable Team-Ups
Teaming With Darby Allin & Sting
On the Holiday Bash episode of Dynamite, Punk teamed up with Darby Allin and Sting in a six-man tag team match against MJF and FTR. This match was particularly memorable as all three babyfaces wore face paint, with Punk’s design paying homage to Sting.
These moments highlight CM Punk’s impact on AEW Dynamite, showcasing his promo skills, in-ring ability, and star power during his time with the company.
Former NXT North American Champion Wes Lee has made it clear that he wants to focus on carving his own legacy and he has The Rascalz in the rear view.
On last night’s NXT premiere on the CW, Wes Lee emerged victorious over his former tag team partner Zachary Wentz in a Street Fight. The gruesome battle featured an array of weapons and some high-risk spots. It was ultimately Lee who stood tall over his best friend-turned-bitter rival, whom he betrayed in August.
In an NXT Exclusive clip, Wes Lee reflected on his victory and stated that he felt great after beating Wentz the way he had planned. He said:
“I feel great. I beat my brother exactly the way that I said that I would. That goes out to anybody else that thinks that they can step to me and thinks they have a chance. I have shown a level that people do not want to see me reach ever again. Stay on my good side. Period, point blank.”
The former MSK member was also asked if he was done with The Rascalz (Wentz and Trey Miguel). He made it clear that he was over with them but raised the question if they were done with him. Wes Lee then said that he was focused on building his legacy and teased that he has a couple of things in mind.
“I’m done with The Rascalz. But are The Rascalz really done with me? Because I really know how those two operate. Only time’s gonna tell. But I’m definitely focused on more things to solidify my own legacy. Got a couple things in mind.
In the final moments of the match, Wentz hesitated to hit Lee with a chair which helped Lee capitalize on the situation. He then hit a chain-assisted Meteora to secure the pinfall victory. Wes Lee’s win over Wentz appears to be the end of their rivalry as Lee has successfully exacted revenge on his arch-nemesis.
