Home Blog Page 653

Why is Batgirl Cancellation Bad News for AEW?

Thomas Lowson
-
0

If you’ve been following entertainment news this week, you’ll know that the DC Comics film ‘Batgirl’ has been canceled.

The film was supposed to see Leslie Grace play the iconic character in the first stand-alone live-action film for Batgirl.

WarnedMedia had reportedly invested over $90 million into the project before canning it, in one of the biggest net losses for any movie project ever.

Bad News

Batgirl isn’t the only big cut from WarnerMedia, as the company has been making sweeping cuts across the board.

In April, it was announced that WarnerMedia was shutting down its CNN-Plus service, one month after its launch.

During the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said that AEW may not be immune from these budget cuts.

“Your parent company [Warner Bros. Discovery] is slicing budgets everywhere, they are stopping movies and TV shows in production, it’s been a bloodletting there and there’s probably more to come. The timing for AEW, with their deal coming up at the end of next year, last few days haven’t been looking good.”

The Future of AEW

AEW’s current deal with WarnerMedia will reportedly last until the end of 2023 and a lot is riding on a new deal.

Tony Khan has been telling wrestlers who have shown interest in leaving to stay, promising that a new, better deal will be reached, resulting in higher pay for the roster.

Earlier this year, Dave Meltzer was confident in AEW’s chances, saying “it would take someone who just hates wrestling” for AEW to be canceled.

Top WarnerMedia Exec Largely Responsible for AEW Programming Exits

Has The Backstage Environment Changed After Vince McMahon’s Retirement

Anutosh Bajpai
-
0

Fans were expecting major changes in WWE after Vince McMahon’s retirement. However, we have only seen small adjustments both on screen and behind the scenes as well.

WWE star Butch, previously known as Pete Dunne had an interview with Digital Spy. When asked about the backstage environment, he reiterated the remarks of Ciampa.

Butch revealed just like fans, people backstage were also shocked upon hearing the news of McMahon’s retirement last month. Though according to him, things have been ‘strangely normal’ since then:

“To be honest, up till now, it all feels strangely normal. Even the day when we were at SmackDown and we got notified that Vince had retired, obviously there’s that second of people looking around like, ‘Did you see that? Can you believe this has happened?’

But then after that,” recalled Butch, “Everyone’s so focused on the job that’s at hand it kind of feels strangely normal but exciting at the same time.”

The former NXT UK champion also discussed Triple H taking over the WWE creative. He claimed that the former world champion is extremely approachable.

He explained that Triple H is someone who is excited to put out the best content he can, and it’s what the Black and Gold NXT was all about.

Update On Length Of Booker T’s WWE Contract

Anutosh Bajpai
-
0

Despite not having wrestled a televised match in over a decade, Booker T knows how to remain in news. He continues making headlines one way or the other.

With AEW successfully using legends like Sting and Tully Blanchard to help promote younger talents, many wonder if we can see the former WCW champion joining Tony Khan’s promotion anytime in the near future.

T was asked about this on the latest episode of his Hall of Fame podcast. Replying to it, Booker revealed that he actually has a lot of time left on his contract with WWE:

“I got about six years left on my contract, seven maybe, I ain’t going nowhere, man. I’m never going to say never, or anything like that, but I actually love where I’m at with the WWE.”

– Booker T

Booker T does make indie appearances every now and then while also running his Reality of Wrestling promotion from the Houston area.

The former world champion just recently created some buzz by returning to in-ring action for a 10 men tag team match at an ROW event.

Though despite his recent outing, Booker T has claimed that he has no intention of holding a ‘Ric Flair’s Last Match’ type event of his own.

Quotes via WrestlingInc

Glenn Jacobs Re-elected As Mayor Of Knox County

Anutosh Bajpai
-
0

Glenn Jacobs, better known to WWE fans as The Big Red Monster Kane has been re-elected as the mayor of Knox County, Tennessee.

The wrestling veteran defeated Democratic nominee Debbie Helsley in the election. Speaking about his victory at a watch party at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Knoxville, he said that he is grateful for people’s trust:

“It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve as mayor for the past four years,” said Glenn Jacobs, “and I am just so grateful that you have trusted me to work hard to keep our economy strong and to protect our freedoms and our way of life,”

The former world champion also thanked his political opponents who ran for the office in his address. He said that we should respect anyone who is willing to put their name on the ballot in the current contentious political environment.

As of this writing, a total of 63% of precincts had been counted. Jacobs had been leading the tally by more than 4,400, in a total of 43,000 votes that had been cast

Glenn Jacobs first announced his political intentions back in March 2017. He had defeated Linda Haney to become the Mayor of Knox County back then.

Kane has been criticized for some of his recent remarks on issues such as abortion rights, but it doesn’t appear to have affected his political career.

Latest On Lex Lugar’s Health

Anutosh Bajpai
-
0

Lex Lugar had a wrestling career spanning two decades across multiple well-known promotions. At 64 years old, the former WWE star says that it’s mind-boggling how good of a shape he is in.

The latest episode of Biography: WWE Legends on A&E will focus on the former world champion. He spoke to Sports Illustrated to promote the upcoming documentary.

During the interview, Lugar provided some updates on his health. He claimed that it’s a miracle of God how good of a shape he is in:

“It’s mind-boggling. I’m in phenomenal health, other than my mobility issues from my spinal cord issue, I’m very healthy, and that’s a miracle of God after what I put my body through. I usually use a wheelchair or a walker, but I can walk some.”

The former WCW star then mentioned that he has great mobility and he can drive. Though he also revealed some concerning issues:

“I have great mobility; I drive. But you know how your power will go out for a moment during a storm? That can happen to me, and I’m on the floor before I know it.

So I take a lot of precautions. I live totally independently, which wasn’t supposed to happen. I don’t look the same because I don’t hit the weights like I used to, but I’m healthy.”

The retired wrestling star commented on the potential of a Hall of Fame induction as well. Lex Lugar said that the honor would be a cherry on the top of his career and he might ‘pop out of the chair’ for it.

Jade Cargill Reacts To Goldberg & Chyna Comparisons

Jon Fuentes
-
0

Jade Cargill has reacted to comparisons she’s received to Goldberg and Chyna.

Cargill was recently interviewed on The Game 92.9, where she was asked about the comparisons she’s received to the likes of Chyna and WWE Hall Of Famer Goldberg. While Cargill is honored by the comparisons, she maintains she’s her own person.

“I love what these two phenomenal, phenomenal people represent: beauty, posture, dominance, just running through people,” Cargill said.

“I’m my own person, however. I can take these attributes from these amazing wrestlers, but I’m myself. I’m Jade Cargill. I have a different path than both of these phenomenal people.”

Cargill has been extremely impressive throughout her run with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). One of the biggest reasons she finds herself compared to Goldberg is because she’s currently undefeated. Her record sits at 35-0 and she reigns as the inaugural TBS Champion for 211 days-straight.

Goldberg racked up an amazing 173-0 undefeated record before ultimately being defeated by Kevin Nash. As for her comparisons to Chyna, both she and Cargill are physically imposing women whose physicality dominates inside the ring.

Chyna helped break down barriers, winning the Intercontinental Championship as well as the WWE Women’s Title. Cargill hopes to make a similar impact throughout her run with AEW.

Quotes via Wrestling Inc.

Becky Lynch Calls Triple H Heading WWE Creative ‘Phenomenal’

Jon Fuentes
-
0

Becky Lynch thinks that Triple H heading WWE creative now is “phenomenal.”

There have been a ton of changes within WWE as of late. Following sexual misconduct allegations, Vince McMahon stepped down as WWE CEO, leaving Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan as co-CEOs.

Soon after, McMahon retired as head of WWE creative after several investigations into those allegations began. In his place, his son-in-law, Triple H, has stepped in to fill the void.

Speaking to ESPN recently, Becky Lynch has offered her take on the regime change. Although she’s saddened by McMahon retiring, Lynch admits that Triple H stepping in is “phenomenal.”

“It is the dawning of a new era. For me, it’s crazy and sad because everything I’ve ever known about WWE has always had Vince in charge, and we wouldn’t have WWE the way it is if it wasn’t for Vince.

“He’s somebody who believed in me and allowed me to do everything that I’ve done. We have the opportunity to change some things that maybe weren’t so great that we didn’t love.

“I think everybody’s very excited and optimistic because we know that the people in charge [are] some of the greatest minds in the business, you know. Having Triple H at the helm of the ship is phenomenal.

“There has been a tendency in the past for creative to change last minute, or we don’t know where we’re going. It’s hard to bring everybody along on this journey if we’re rambling.”

Lynch is currently sidelined with an injured shoulder. She suffered that injury in her matchup with Bianca Belair at SummerSlam. Lynch failed to capture the RAW Women’s Title from Belair at the event.

On this week’s episode of RAW, Lynch confirmed that she suffered the injury, and was subsequently written off TV after an attack by Bayley and her new stable backstage.

Another Former WWE NXT Wrestler Under Contract With AEW

Andrew Ravens
-
0

AEW President Tony Khan has signed another talent, and that’s Blake Christian. 

Fightful Select reported today that sources told them this past weekend that Christian “Christian is under an agreement with All Elite Wrestling, tied to the Ring of Honor promotion.” It’s still unclear whether the deal is full-time or tiered. 

Christian broke into the business in 2017 when he worked for several independent wrestling promotions, including Game Changer Wrestling, where he spent a three-year stint from 2019 to 2021.

He made appearances in Impact Wrestling in 2019 and 2021, including his pay-per-view debut at Genesis, where he competed in the 2021 Super X Cup Tournament and lost the tournament final to Ace Austin. He finished his Impact run at No Surrender, where he lost an X Division Championship Number One Contender gauntlet match won by Josh Alexander.

He first appeared for WWE in a tryout alongside wrestlers Colby Corino and Anthony Henry in October 2020. He later signed a developmental contract and would report to the NXT brand. Christian made his NXT debut in June 2020 in an open challenge title match against KUSHIDA for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship but came up short. He also worked the NXT Breakout Tournament, eliminating Joe Gacy. He was used on several episodes of 205 Live and NXT before being released by WWE last November. 

Since his WWE departure, Christian has been working for various promotions, including AEW, ROH, NJPW, GCW, and Jim Crockett Promotions.

Undertaker Believes The WWE Product Will Get More Aggressive With Triple H In Charge

Joey Galizia
-
0

The wrestling world is still reeling from the shocking retirement of Vince McMahon, who decided to call it quits at 76 while he deals with the fallout from multiple allegations that surfaced in the mainstream media. In his absence WWE is now being run by Nick Khan and Stephanie McMahon as co-CEOs, and Triple H taking charge as head of the company’s creative.

ESPN conducted an interview with several top superstars giving their thoughts on McMahon’s retirement, which included some input from one of the most respected WWE legends of all time, The Undertaker. The Deadman began by discussing what he foresees for the WWE now that there’s some new blood in charge.

“They’re loosening the reins a little bit as far as what guys can say and do. I think the product will probably be a little more aggressive. I think that’s going to come through in the creative.”

Taker already sees WWE attempting to make improvements, citing some recent action where commentators took notice of Montez Ford getting busted open and how little things like that help tell a bigger story.

“Those things are going to help because WWE is going to do it better than anybody else, and they don’t throw things away. Hopefully, a lot of people there know how to rein things in and make things like that mean something instead of just doing it to do it.”

The Hall of Famer would then discuss his longtime friend/rival Triple H running the creative side of WWE. Taker calls The Game brilliant, someone who he believes doesn’t get enough credit for his “wrestling acument.”

“I mean, he’s brilliant, he really is. I don’t think he gets enough credit for his wrestling acumen. I think he’ll be a huge asset to the development of a lot of guys. And he’s a no bulls— kind of guy too. He’s going to let you know what you’re doing that’s right and what you’re doing that’s wrong.”

When asked about his faith in Triple H’s leadership, Taker was quick to respond.

“I think it’s going to be a step in the right direction with Hunter.”

WWE is coming off a well-received SummerSlam, and a strong showing on Monday Night Raw. Can the momentum continue on this Friday’s SmackDown?

Pat McAfee Reveals How Often WWE Is Drug Testing Him

Jon Fuentes
-
0

Pat McAfee has revealed how often WWE is drug testing him as a competitor and SmackDown Live commentator.

McAfee was recently a guest on The Dan Patrick Show, where he talked about his time with the company. McAfee noted that, since joining WWE, he has been tested “numerous” times.

“They drug test rather often at the WWE,” McAfee said. “Yes, they actually do now. There are always going to be people that talk about some people maybe aren’t getting tested.

“There’s always conspiracy theories about everything, but I’ve been tested and given my blood to the WWE numerous times.… There was a lot of things that happen whenever you start injecting your body with stuff.

“And people who were already maybe high energy or very emotional, and then there was some stuff that has happened through the evolution of human and the evolution of WWE where they have had to put in different rules.”

Pat McAfee
(via WWE)

WWE has really ramped up their wellness policy over the years. No matter how big the star, seemingly nobody is given any leeway when it comes to the wellness policy. Names such as Roman Reigns, Rey Mysterio, Randy Orton, and more have faced suspensions over the years for failing drug tests.

As for Pat McAfee, he’s likely tested more due to WWE also utilizing him as an in-ring competitor as well. Back at WrestleMania 38, McAfee went one-on-one with Theory in a bout that the ex-NFL punter won.

However, he subsequently lost an impromptu match to Vince McMahon moments later. At SummerSlam last weekend, McAfee returned to the ring, defeating Happy Corbin in a singles contest as well.

McAfee will remain a regular at the SmackDown Live commentary desk, while likely continuing to return to the ring on occasion.

Quotes via Wrestling Inc.

Dwight Howard Details WWE Tryout Experience

Jon Fuentes
-
0

Dwight Howard has opened up on his experience trying out for WWE.

Last week, NBA star Dwight Howard took part in WWE tryouts during SummerSlam week. He was arguably the biggest surprise entrant in the entire crop of candidates who got into the ring.

The Los Angeles Lakers center took part in a variety of drills, including cutting a promo. Speaking on WWE’s The Bump recently, Howard opened up about his tryout experience.

Howard explained that he’s always had an interest in professional wrestling, and when Titus O’Neil presented him the opportunity to try out, he jumped on it.

“Well, Titus O’Neil and myself are close friends, and we’ve talked about me being a wrestler one day. I told him that I was very, very interested in becoming a wrestler one day. It’s been a dream of mine.

“I’ve always wanted to be on the big stage of wrestling, and I have all the WWE games and WCWs on N64 I play. So I just wanted to have an opportunity, and he said if you’re serious about wanting to be a wrestler, make your way to Tennessee, Nashville for SummerSlam and we’ll see how serious you are.

“So I drove down to Nashville from Atlanta, me and my son and my cousin. We got this show on the road. I showed everybody how serious I was about the WWE and how honored I was about being in the presence of so many great people and just all the people at WWE. It was an amazing experience.”

WWE is no stranger to signing professional athletes. They’ve inked the likes of various ex-NFL players, mixed martial artists, and various other sporting stars. Names such as Ronda Rousey, Pat McAfee, and Brock Lesnar top that list.

Should Howard end up signing with WWE, he’ll certainly be one of the biggest names in sports to have made the transition over to professional wrestling.

Quotes via WrestleZone

WWE Prospect Charged with Felony Sexual Battery

Thomas Lowson
-
0

Last December, WWE announced the Next in Line Program, after an NCAA policy change allowed college athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness.

Rather than focus on established wrestlers with years of experience outside WWE, the promotion’s strategy is to sign young athletes who they can train in WWE’s style of professional wrestling.

Being a part of the NIL program gives the athletes access to WWE’s Performance Center in Orlando, but one of the company’s young prospects is in serious trouble.

The Warrant

Yesterday, a court issued an arrest warrant for AJ Ferrari, who faces a felony charge of sexual battery.

According to documents obtained by The Oklahoman newspaper, the warrant was issued after an affidavit was filed by a detective in the Stillwater Police Department’s criminal investigations division.

Bond has reportedly been set by Payne County District Court at $25,000, according to the Stillwater News Press.

The Charge

Ferrari is alleged to have performed unwanted sexual acts on a woman while holding her down on her bed on July 2.

Three days after the alleged incident, the woman filed for an emergency protective order, and a hearing is scheduled for September 15.

On July 13, Oklahoma State University announced that Ferrari is no longer on their wrestling team.

Under Oklahoma law, sexual battery faces a penalty if convicted of between one to 15 years in prison.

Ferrari’s attorney, Derek Chance, has claimed that his client is innocent and that he is confident that AJ Ferrari will be exonerated in due time.

WWE NIL Signee Dismissed From College Wrestling Team

Paul Heyman Reveals Interesting Advice from Vince McMahon

Thomas Lowson
-
0

In the Attitude Era, Paul Heyman and Vince McMahon led different promotions, but the two weren’t entirely at odds.

Heyman, aware that his ECW could never compete for dominance over the much bigger WWF, struck a deal with McMahon.

This deal saw McMahon pay ECW $1,000 a week, as well as a $500,000 payment in mid-2000, while the WWF received the first chance on signing ECW talent, and had a much easier time purchasing ECW when the company eventually collapsed.

The Advice

Before ECW folded, Heyman jumped to the WWF and returned to the WWE in 2012.

This return saw Heyman work closely with McMahon now in the same company, and the two workaholics worked well together until the latter’s retirement last month.

In June 2019, Heyman was appointed an Executive Director of Raw, and during an appearance on The Mackmania podcast on The Ringer Wrestling Show, shared some advice he got by McMahon when receiving the role.

“Make sure you pick your successor, in case you drop dead.”

Paul Heyman reveals the advice given to him by Vince McMahon.

According to Heyman, McMahon made it clear that even in the times of Vince’s passing, the show must go on without him.

McMahon was under the impression that he would remain as WWE CEO and Chairman until his death.

Heyman’s Future

While many are optimistic for WWE’s future with McMahon now retired, Heyman isn’t celebrating.

On the show, Heyman made it clear that he’s fully on board with the new vision for WWE, but it’s foolish to celebrate McMahon’s departure, as his work ethic made a lot of people a lot of money.

Many believe that Heyman could be in line for a backstage role with creative, as he has good relationships with WWE Co-CEO Stephanie McMahon and Head of Creative/Talent Relations Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque.

Triple H Explains Paul Heyman’s Role At WWE Tryouts

Dakota Kai Says her WWE Return Was a Last-Minute Call

Thomas Lowson
-
0

At Summerslam 2022, Dakota Kai returned to WWE, receiving her main-roster call-up in the process.

Kai, alongside the returning Bayley and IYO SKY, appeared early in the show, after the Raw Women’s Championship match between Bianca Belair and Becky Lynch.

Last-Minute

Fans were shocked to see Kai appear at Summerslam, as she had been released by WWE in April this year.

Speaking on the latest episode of WWE The Bump, the New Zealand-born Superstar revealed that there was never a long-term plan to bring her back.

“You thought you’d seen the last of me, huh? It still feels like a whirlwind to me with everything that happened. It all happened so last minute too. To be talking with you guys right now is exciting. Everything that has happened since Saturday has been insane, it’s been crazy.”

“It all happened so last minute.”

Dakota Kai on her abrupt return to WWE.

Kai added that she has been wanting to work with Bayley and IYO SKY for a very long time.

Kai’s Release

Kai was one of ten NXT Superstars released earlier this year, but her situation differed from others.

While Superstars such as Harland were cut for not showing improvement, Kai had reportedly received several main-roster dark matches, but WWE had no plans to push her to Raw or SmackDown.

Seeing herself in a rut, Kai reportedly told WWE that she did not plan on re-signing her contract when it expired in April 2023.

Has Bayley Revealed The Name Of Her New Stable?

Taz Gives an Update on the Future of Team Taz

Thomas Lowson
-
0

All Elite Wrestling is home to several factions, and one of the longest-running groups is Team Taz.

The group has had ups and downs over their years in AEW, but now things have come to an abrupt end.

The End of Team Taz

Last week on AEW Dynamite, Ricky Starks defended the FTW Championship against Danhausen, but would later lose the title to Hook.

After the match, Powerhouse Will Hobbs turned on Starks, blindsiding him with an attack and ending their tag-team.

During this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, Taz was on commentary to give an update on the group.

The Human Suplex Machine explained that the group is officially finished and that he has nothing more to do with any member of the faction past or present.

Team Taz: A Retrospective

Team Taz began in AEW in 2020 when Brian Cage signed a contract with the company.

The group would later recruit Powerhouse Will Hobbs, Ricky Starks, and Taz’s son, Hook, before kicking out Cage in mid-2021, after losing the FTW World Championship to Starks.

Brian Cage Discusses Issues with Team Taz and Being FTW Champion

Will Booker T Follow Ric Flair with his Own Retirement Match?

Thomas Lowson
-
0

On July 31, Ric Flair competed in his final ever match, teaming with his son-in-law Andrade El Idolo to defeat Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal.

Flair’s final match came eleven years after his previous match for TNA Wrestling, and 14 years after his acclaimed retirement match against Shawn Michaels at WWE WrestleMania 24.

Will Booker Wrestle?

Booker T Returns
(Photo: Bryan Mooney)

With the success of Flair final match as part of Starrcast V, there have been discussions about whether other legends of the ring should follow his example.

“I said ‘Hell no. We ain’t doing none of that.'”

Booker T on turning down a retirement match at Starrcast VI next year.

During the latest episode of the “Hall of Fame” podcast, Booker T said that he has been approached about a final match to end his career (via Wrestling Inc)

“I was approached actually to have a final match next year at Starrcast. Harlem Heat’s final match, here in Texas. I said ‘Hell no. We ain’t doing none of that.’ I just had a match a couple of weeks ago, my knee was killing me. I can only imagine what it’s going to feel like next year. Y’all can forget about seeing me do one last match.”

Booker explained that while he is still having matches, and pans to wrestle more, he’s not planning on having a ‘last match’ which is made into a big deal.

The two-time WWE Hall of Famer last wrestled less than a month ago, teaming with Brian Keith, Mysterious Q, Blake Cortez, and Gaspar Hernandez in a ten-man tag match for his own promotion, Reality of Wrestling.

Following the success of Ric Flair’s Last Match, should other legends follow suit? We dig into this topic in our latest column below:

Ric Flair’s Last Match Was A Success—Should Other Legends Follow Suit?

Popular Independent Wrestler Debuts for AEW

Ryan Droste
-
0

There was a new name in the fold this week at AEW’s tapings in Columbus, Ohio.

Fresh off his victory in the Bunkhouse Battle Royal at the Ric Flair’s Last Match PPV this past Sunday in Nashville, Mance Warner made an appearance during the AEW Dark Elevation tapings before Dynamite went on the air this week.

Photos making their way around social media show Warner had a custom entrance video produced that used his “Southern Psychopath” nickname.

This episode of Dark Elevation will air next Monday, August 8th. Warner reportedly worked against Serpentico.

https://twitter.com/TheForestFuller/status/1554971614290137088

Warner has been a popular star for Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) and Major League Wrestling (MLW), among other places. He has been advertised to appear for MLW again soon.

Warner Has A Big Match Friday Night

FZR 6vQXgAE lOr

It was also revealed during the Dynamite broadcast that Warner will wrestle AEW Interim World Heavyweight Champion Jon Moxley this Friday night on AEW Rampage in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

This match takes place five days before Moxley faces Chris Jericho in a title defense next Wednesday night at the AEW Dynamite broadcast in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Make sure to check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube. 

Watch: Vince McMahon Mentioned on AEW Dynamite

Ryan Droste
-
0

There were lots of headlines coming out of this week’s AEW Dynamite, a show that was near universally praised as a great two-hour broadcast. One of those headlines, potentially one of the most eye-popping moments of the show, happened when Max Caster brought up the name of the former head of World Wrestling Entertainment.

Caster and partner Anthony Bowens (The Acclaimed) were making their entrance for a Dumpster Match with The Gunn Club when, after taking out their opponents on the ramp, Caster got on the mic for one of his trademark raps.

“We make the ass boys retire like Vince McMahon,” Caster said during the rap.

Check out the video below.

The Acclaimed Continue To Impress

Caster and Bowens have really made a name for themselves in the AEW tag team division over the last year. They suffered a set-back when Bowens was injured, but with both members now back in the fold, it’s not hard to imagine an AEW Tag Team Championship reign for the duo down the line.

Few teams in the division draw the kind of crowd response that The Acclaimed do. Tag team wise, it harkens back to the fan response that The New Age Outlaws had back in the late 1990s.

That being said, the belts currently reside with Keith Lee and Swerve Strickland, so a potential championship reign for The Acclaimed is still probably some time away.

Make sure to check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube. 

What Happened After AEW Dynamite: Moxley Mentions Cody

Michael Reichlin
-
0

All Elite Wrestling presented AEW Dynamite on Wednesday night from Columbus, Ohio at the Schottenstein Center. The main event saw Chris Jericho defeat Wheeler Yuta to earn a shot at AEW World Champion Jon Moxley next week at Quake by the Lake.

Dynamite went off the air with Moxley and Jericho talking trash about the upcoming title match.

Rick Ucchino of Cageside Seats was in attendance and tweeted throughout the show. He provided an update about what happened after Dynamite and before AEW began taping Friday’s episode of Rampage.

Moxley Mentions Cody’s Rhodes

According to Ucchino, Jon Moxley cut a promo after Dynamite went off the air.

While Moxley was talking, he was interrupted by QT Marshall. This led to Mox to name-drop none other than Cody Rhodes while burying the leader of The Factory.

The main event of Friday’s AEW Rampage will see Jon Moxley vs. the debuting Mance Warner.

Also on Rampage, the legend Madison Rayne also debuts, and AEW World tag team champions Keith Lee & Swerve Strickland are in action against Tony Neese and Josh Woods.

image 13

The Best Way to Get Front Row Seats for WretleMania Hollywood

Michael Reichlin
-
0

WWE brings WrestleMania to Hollywood in 2023. WrestleMania 39 is scheduled to take place Saturday April 1st and Sunday April 2nd from Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. The venue holds an estimated 70,000 fans.

WrestleMania Hollywood tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, August 12th.

The day before (Thursday, August 11th), a WrestleMania ticket launch event will be held at Sofi Stadium. The free event will feature live in-ring matches, as well as celebrity appearances from Snoop Dogg, JoJo Siwa and Gabriel Iglesias. WWE superstars advertised to appear include Seth “Freakin” Rollins, The Miz, Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan, The Usos, Theory and more.

WrestleMania Hollywood Front Row Tickets

SoFi Stadium
SoFi Stadium

If you want to score front row or ringside tickets for WrestleMania Hollywood, your best bet is WWE Priority Pass. WWE has partnered with On Location to offer premium all-inclusive ticket packages for WrestleMania.

“A limited number of the top-tier packages remain available and are the only way to guarantee a front row seat today to WrestleMania.”

– WWE Priority Pass

“Also included is the most robust offering in history of WWE’s all-inclusive ticket packages, including a selection of private event transportation, an exclusive backstage experience, an evening event with a WWE Superstar and an excursion at Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Brewery or Mattel’s Design Studio where WWE’s Action Figures have been developed for over a decade.”

There are five tiers of ticket packages available, all including lots of perks, starting at $675 per person.

AEW Dynamite Results (8/3/22): Chris Jericho & Jon Moxley, ThunderStorm, Dumpster Match

Robert Lentini
-
0

AEW Dynamite aired live from the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio. Wheeler Yuta battled Chris Jericho tonight. The winner of the match will face AEW Interim Champion Jon Moxley next week at AEW Dynamite Quake by the Lake.

AEW Dynamite Results

  • Jay Lethal def. Orange Cassidy
  • Britt Baker & Jamie Hayter def. ThunderStorm
  • Powerhouse Hobbs def. Ren Jones
  • Christian Cage def. Matt Hardy
  • The Acclaimed def. Gunn Club in a Dumpster Match
  • Chris Jericho def. Wheeler Yuta to earn a title shot at Quake at the Lake next week

Here are the takeaways from this week’s AEW Dynamite:

Jay Lethal def. Orange Cassidy, Wardlow vs. Jay Lethal Set For Battle of the Belts

Orange Cassidy battled Jay Lethal to begin this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite. Sonjay Dutt and Satnam Singh accompanied Jay to the ring. Orange started off the match in control and put his hands in his pockets as the crowd cheered. Jay went for a Clothesline but Orange ducked and connected with a Dropkick. Cassidy posed in the ring before hitting Jay with a Suicide Dive through the ropes. Orange delivered some of his lazy kicks to Jay as he crawled up the entrance ramp.

Satnam Singh distracted Orange and Jay capitalized with some strikes. Best Friends then comically arrived on top of each other to have a face-to-face with Satnam. The action returned to the ring and Jay slammed Cassidy’s knee into the steel steps. Lethal trapped Cassidy’s knee in the steps and hit a Dropkick as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Lethal was still in control of the match and was focusing his attack on the injured knee. Cassidy battled back and climbed to the top turnbuckle. Lethal tripped him up and sent Orange down to the mat. Jay locked in a Figure Four on Orange in the middle of the ring but Cassidy got to the bottom rope to break the hold.

Jay went for a Suplex but Cassidy countered into the Stundog Millionaire. Cassidy went for a Tornado DDT but Jay countered into one of his own for a near fall. Lethal climbed to the top turnbuckle but Orange slowly rolled to the opposite corner. Orange sent Jay into the turnbuckle and delivered an uppercut.

Cassidy hopped to the middle turnbuckle but Jay caught him with a chop to the chest. Orange and Jay traded punches and Cassidy got the better of the exchange. Orange then hit the diving DDT off the top rope and followed it up with a Tornado DDT for a near fall. Cassidy went for the Orange Punch but his knee gave out.

Lethal laughed at Orange before setting up for a move. Orange countered into Beach Break out of nowhere and went for the cover but Jay was able to kick out at two. Cassidy geared up in the corner and went for the Orange Punch but Jay was ready. Jay hit Cassidy with a boot to the knee and followed it up with Lethal Injection for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Sonjay, Jay, and Satnam went to attack Cassidy but Best Friends rushed the ring. TNT Champion Wardlow joined the party but the heels retreated. It was announced that Wardlow will defend the TNT Championship against Jay Lethal at Battle of the Belts this Saturday.

Hangman Page Helped The Young Bucks

Adam Cole returned alongside Kyle O’Reilly, Bobby Fish, The Young Bucks, and Brandon Cutler. Cole said he’s a great leader and brought up the Trios tournament. Adam claimed that The Young Bucks won’t be physically capable of being in the tournament before O’Reilly and Fish attacked them from behind. Hangman Adam Page showed up and helped the Young Bucks to end the segment.

Britt Baker & Jamie Hayter def. ThunderStorm, Eddie Kingston Challenges Sammy Guevara

AEW Women’s Champion Thunder Rosa & Toni Storm (ThunderStorm) battled Britt Baker and Jamie Hayter tonight on Dynamite. Rebel accompanied Baker & Hayter to the ring. Baker went for the Lockjaw early but Thunder Rosa escaped and countered into a slam.

Jamie tagged in and Thunder Rosa greeted her with a Clothesline. ThunderStorm took control of the match and isolated Hayter in the corner. Rosa hit some chops and followed it up with a kick to her back for a two count. Baker and Hayter eventually battled back and trapped the champion in the corner of the ring.

When Dynamite returned from a break, Storm hit a Crossbody on Hayter and then planted Baker with a DDT on the floor. Toni climbed to the top turnbuckle and hit Jamie with another Crossbody. Toni followed it up with an Alabama Slam but Hayter kicked out at two.

Thunder Rosa tagged in and they went for a double Suplex but Jamie countered and sent them both to the mat. Baker tagged in and Thunder Rosa hit her with a Death Valley Driver. Storm tagged in and climbed to the top rope but Britt escaped. Rebel distracted Toni and Baker capitalized with a punch. Britt hit an Air Raid Crash off the top rope and tagged in Hayter. Jamie hit a big Clothesline and Britt followed it up with a Stomp. Jamie went for the cover but Rosa broke it up at the last moment.

Britt Baker and Thunder Rosa got in each other’s face and started trading strikes. Britt went for a Neckbreaker but Rosa blocked it. Britt hit Thunder Rosa with an Air Raid Crash but Toni slammed her down. Hayter hit Storm with a Codebreaker and all four wrestlers were down. Toni hit a series of Hip Attacks but Baker pulled Thunder Rosa in the way. Toni accidentally hit her tag partner and then turned around into a big lariat from Hayter for the pinfall victory.

Eddie Kingston cut a backstage promo and challenged Sammy Guevara to a match at AEW All Out.

Powerhouse Hobbs Dominated & Got The Better Of Ricky Starks

Powerhouse Hobbs made his way to the ring for a singles match. Hobbs betrayed Ricky Starks last week and attacked him after he lost the FTW Championship to Hook. Hobbs dominated Ren Jones for the easy pinfall victory after connecting with a Running Powerslam. Hobbs followed it up with a Clothesline and pinned Ren by kneeling on him. After the match, Ricky Starks sprinted down to the ring and shoved the referee out of the way. Hobbs planted Ricky with a Spinebuster and stood tall to end the segment.

Christian Cage def. Matt Hardy & Avoided Jungle Boy

Matt Hardy battled Christian Cage to begin the 2nd hour of Dynamite. Jungle Boy tried to attack Cage in the parking lot earlier on the show but security stopped him. Matt started off the action in control and beat Christian down in the corner of the ring. Cage battled back and unloaded several punches to Matt’s face. Matt battled back and connected with a slam for a near fall and Christian rolled out of the ring to regroup.

Hardy followed him out there but Cage shoved him into the steel steps. Christian then delivered a running knee strike to Matt’s head against the steel steps and rolled back into the ring as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Matt planted Christian with a Superplex and went for the cover but Cage kicked out at two. Matt followed it up with a Back Body Drop and some punches to the face in the corner of the ring. Cage booted Matt in the face and started climbing to the top rope. Matt hit him with a Back Body Drop off the top rope and followed it up with an Elbow Drop for a near fall.

Cage sent Matt to the canvas and hit a diving Headbutt of the top turnbuckle for a two count. He choked Matt against the turnbuckle and went for a Clothesline but Hardy countered into a Side Effect for a two count. Matt delivered another Side Effect on the ring apron before setting up a table ringside. Matt went for an Elbow Drop but Christian got out of the way and Hardy went crashing through the table. Back in the ring, Christian planted Matt with the Killswitch for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Christian exited the ring but stopped at the bottom of the entrance ramp. Cage brought in a couple of steel chairs into the ring and set up for the con-chair-to. Luchasaurus’ theme hit and the big man marched down the entrance ramp. Jungle Boy tried to sneak attack but Christian was ready and escaped through the crowd.

Stokely Hathaway Gave Ethan Page His Business Card

Ethan Page cut a promo tonight on Dynamite and complained about not being on TV every week. Ethan wondered why he doesn’t have an action figure as Stokely Hathaway made his way to the ring.

Page went on a rant about how the fans don’t have his back and buy Orange Cassidy merchandise. Stokely asked the microphone and shouted “what are you doing?!” before whispering something in Ethan’s ear. Stokely then handed Ethan his business card and exited the ring. Ethan Page then followed him to end the segment.

The Acclaimed Won The Dumpster Match

The Acclaimed battled Gunn Club in a Dumpster match. Before the match, Max Caster and Anthony Bowens attacked Billy Gunn on the ramp and slammed him into the dumpster. Caster then did his rap before the match began. Bowens planted Austin and Colten Gunn with a Suplex on the entrance ramp and the match officially started.

Gunn Club isolated Bowens and tried to get him in the dumpster but Caster broke it up. Gunn Club Powerbombed Bowens into the dumpster and then sent Caster in. The Acclaimed blocked Gunn Club from shutting the lid as Dynamite went to a break.

When Dynamite returned, Gunn Club launched Bowens off the dumpster and onto some trash cans below. Colten delivered a Neckbreaker to Bowens on the entrance ramp. Austin Gunn climbed on top of the entrance tunnel but Caster snuck up behind him. Max shoved him down as Colten was put on a table below. Caster hit the Mic Drop through the table and then The Acclaimed put Gunn Club in the dumpster to win. After the match, The Acclaimed shoved the dumpster off the entrance ramp.

Jon Moxley vs. Chris Jericho Is Set For Next Week

Wheeler Yuta battled Chris Jericho in tonight’s main event. The winner of the match will face Jon Moxley next week at Dynamite Quake at the Lake for the Interim AEW Championship. Before the match, Moxley versus Vance Warner, Madison Rayne debut, and Swerve in our Glory versus Tony Nese & Josh Woods was announced for Rampage this Friday. Daddy Magic and Cool Hand Ange accompanied Jericho to the ring. ROH Claudio Castagnoli showed up just before the bell to be in Wheeler’s corner and prevent interference from Jericho Appreciation Society.

Yuta controlled the action early and went after the broken nose of Le Champion. JAS was kicked out from ringside as Jericho took control by tripping Wheeler up on the top rope. Chris posed for the crowd before reigning down some punches to Yuta’s head. Jericho went for a Superplex but Yuta blocked it. Wheeler went for a Crossbody but Jericho countered into a Dropkick for a two count. Jericho unloaded some elbow strikes to the side of Wheeler’s head and gave the crowd the middle finger.

Yuta connected with an Enziguri and a Clothesline in the corner. Wheeler hit the Crossbody off the top rope and both wrestlers were down. Wheeler hopped to his feet and unloaded some punches to Jericho’s face. Both wrestlers went for a running Crossbody at the same time and collided in the middle of the ring. Jericho and Yuta traded slaps to the face for a bit on their knees and then on their feet.

Wheeler connected with several German Suplexes in a row before bridging into the cover for a two count. Chris battled back and locked in the Walls of Jericho in the middle of the ring. Wheeler was able to get to the bottom rope to break the hold and Jericho started arguing with referee Aubrey Edwards. Jericho went for a Codebreaker but Wheeler countered into a Back Body Drop that sent Chris to the outside.

Yuta followed it up with three Suicide Dives before bringing Jericho back into the ring. Wheeler hit a Crossbody off the top rope and went for the cover but Jericho kicked out at two. Jericho responded with a Backbreaker but Yuta shrugged it off. Yuta knocked Jericho to the mat and climbed to the top rope. Wheeler leaped right into a Codebreaker from Jericho for a two count.

Jericho charged at Yuta but he tripped him up in the middle of the ring. Yuta applied a submission hold in the middle of the ring but Jericho escaped to the corner. Jericho grabbed the baseball bat but Aubrey Edwards ripped it away. Chris hit a low blow while the ref was distracted and went for Judas Effect but Wheeler was able to duck. Chris then applied the Walls of Jericho for the submission victory but wouldn’t let go of the hold.

Several referees shoed up and tried to break it up before AEW Interim Champion Jon Moxley’s theme hit. Jon got into the ring and Jericho finally released the hold. Jericho retreated as Moxley trash talked in the ring. Jon Moxley will defend the AEW Interim Championship against Chris Jericho next week at Quake at the Lake. Jericho vowed to show up as the Lionheart next week and “stretch the shit” out of Moxley.

Becky Lynch Didn’t Get the Memo that She Should Take it Easy While Injured

Michael Reichlin
-
0

Becky Lynch won’t be wrestling for several months due to a shoulder injury, but that isn’t stopping Big Time Becks for kicking Big Time Butt in the gym.

Lynch last competed at Saturday’s WWE SummerSlam event, where she challenged Bianca Belair for the Raw Women’s Championship. Lynch sustained a shoulder injury during the match.

After the event, Fightful was first to report that it was a separated shoulder.

Becky Lynch “Back” in the Gym

Becky Lynch is not really “back” in the gym, because she doesn’t appear to have missed much if any time since her pre-SummerSlam training.

The Man checked in on social media Wednesday afternoon to show the injury will keep her from wrestling, but not training.

WWE’s injury report stated that she’s expected to be out for several months.

CM Punk Says He Feels A Special Connection With The Audience Since Epic Return A Year Ago

Joey Galizia
-
0

CM Punk feels more connected to the pro-wrestling audience than ever before.

The AEW world champion returned nearly one year ago (August 20th) after being absent from the business since 2014, with his departure and fallout with WWE becoming a national story. Punk coming back was never a guarantee, but the fans never forgot him, and chanted his name as often as they could.

The champ spoke about this bond during a recent interview with Screenrant, calling the love a currency that he will not take advantage of.

“I think I have a currency with the audience just having been around for so long, coming from the Indies, going to the old WWF, and you know being around the block. Leaving, coming back after seven years, there’s a connection that I have.”

Punk adds that being a top babyface is always hard work, but feels like turning heel while the audience still loves him is a move he is not prepared to make just yet.

“I don’t necessarily enjoy being a good guy. I feel like it’s hard work. It’s a lot easier to get people to dislike you. But I feel it would be wasteful to, as I said, discard this currency that I have with the audience because it is, I feel, a special connection.”

He also plans on treating every appearance as special.

“You know, they’re chanting my name for seven years. I came back. They’re still stoked about it. So I feel like every time I’m in the ring is special to me and I don’t want to squander that, and I feel like it’s just a giant party with a bunch of your friends, you know? I just want to have a good time with them.”

Punk has been absent from in-ring action since May due to a broken foot. This occurred only days after he defeated Hangman Page to capture the world title.

Gunther Aims To Elevate WWE Intercontinental Title, Wants John Cena Match

Andrew Ravens
-
0

Although Gunther initially didn’t want to move to the United States full-time when he signed with WWE for the NXT UK brand, he has found a lot of success on the WWE main roster. 

Gunther is now on SmackDown as the Intercontinental Champion, and is looked at a future World Champion. Now that he’s on the main roster, it opens up a new page of dream matches for him that were previously considered impossible.

While speaking with Sports Illustrated, Gunther discussed wanting to give the Intercontinental Championship it’s prestige back. He also expressed interest in wrestling John Cena.

“I am going to give this title the prestige it needs and make it the greatest prize in wrestling. I would like to wrestle John Cena and anyone else who is considered elite. I didn’t come here to be mediocre. I came here to be in the ring with the best.”

Gunther is currently in a storyline with Shinsuke Nakamura with many expecting a match to take place at last Saturday’s SummerSlam. That didn’t happen, but it’s possible the bout is saved for Clash at the Castle on September 3rd.

Liv Morgan Explains How John Cena Influenced Her Career

Jon Fuentes
-
0

Liv Morgan was heavily influenced by John Cena in her professional wrestling career.

Morgan was recently interviewed on Complex, where she explained how Cena helped influence her career inside the squared circle as a young fan.

“I loved John Cena, I thought he was the s***. I had such a crush on him. He would pump his little sneakers, and I’d pump my sneakers, and I didn’t even have pumps. I would just press my little tongue [on her shoe].

“Yeah, I thought he was amazing. And so, he, I think, has been, whether I know it or not, a subconscious influence on my career, you know, because he wore sneakers for the majority of his career, so I think maybe it’s something that kind of embedded in my mind, and maybe a reason why I like to wear sneakers.”

Morgan is currently in the middle of her first-ever reign as a World Champion in WWE. She won the SmackDown Live Women’s Title at Money In The Bank against Ronda Rousey.

Liv Morgan at Money In The Bank

Earlier in the night, Morgan won the women’s Money In The Bank ladder match. She cashed in the briefcase later that same night after Rousey defeated Natalya to retain the SmackDown Women’s Title.

Recently, at SummerSlam, Morgan successfully retained her title against Rousey in a rematch, in controversial fashion. As for Cena, he hasn’t been a full-time regular with WWE in several years.

He will, however, return on occasion for a one-off match every so often. Recently, he returned to Monday Night RAW this past June to celebrate his 20th anniversary since making his main roster debut.

During his promo, Cena promised he’d be back for another match, but he didn’t clarify when. Whenever that time comes, it’s certain to be a massive event.

Quotes via 411Mania

1...652653654...3,098Page 653 of 3,098