Lance Archer ended his eight-year-long relationship with NJPW when he chose to leave the promotion and sign with AEW from the many opportunities he had at the time. During a recent interview with TalkSport, the former IWGP US Champion talked about his decision to join the upstart promotion and revealed the reason behind it.
Archer admitted that there was lots of stuff on his table and claimed that his decision was not a quick one. He explained that it was a long thinking process for him and according to the former NJPW star; it ultimately came down to the fact that the people in AEW were much more attentive:
“It ultimately came down to the people in AEW were much more attentive to having me apart of AEW. The numbers were adding up in the right way. As I said, the prayers I was doing were leading me towards AEW and just everything was leading me towards it.
The opportunity to be a part of something that is growing, help that and help AEW become even greater than it already is, that challenge was just too enticing.” said Lance Archer. “Nothing was quick about the process. It took it’s time and I made some tough decisions, but ultimately the right decision in my opinion. That’s what led me to AEW and now we’re here, I’m ready to kick some ass.”
The former TNA star signed a deal with AEW in February earlier this year and he made his debut for the promotion in March when Jake “The Snake” Roberts introduced him as his new client. Archer has been given a push in AEW and he is currently scheduled to face Cody Rhodes in the finals of the TNT Championship Tournament at the upcoming Double Or Nothing PPV on May 23.
When AEW started last year, many assumed Kenny Omega would be a staple in the main event picture. Then he lost a single’s match to Chris Jericho at last year’s Double or Nothing. Jericho moved on to defeat Hangman Page and won the inaugural AEW World Championship and Omega moved into storylines with the Young Bucks. He hasn’t been near the world title picture since.
Omega recently discussed his last year in AEW during an interview with SI.com. During the discussion, he mentioned that he currently prefers to help create new stars.
“To me, I would rather take more unknown names, guys that don’t have that big reputation yet, and show there is something special about them,” Omega said. “I want to be a force to help introduce new stars to the world and magnify the work of those around me.”
Omega also mentioned that many AEW fans might not be familiar with his work in Japan. He continued to say that he wants to become an all-round performer. This involves having matches in different styles with different opponents and teammates.
“I want to be a true, all-around, real ‘best in the world’ performer,” Omega continued. “That means singles matches, tag matches, mixed tags, battle royals, you have to be able to do it all. With AEW, I’ve been allowed the creative freedom to develop myself as more of an all-around performer.”
Kenny Omega Still Best In The World?
Fans hoping that Omega will eventually return to the world title picture should not lose hope, however. Omega continued to say that the time is nearing for him to remind everyone that he is the best in the world.
“When it’s time, which is sooner than people think, I’ll remind people why I’m the best in the world,” said Omega. “And it’s coming. It’s not a matter of if it’s going to happen, it’s just a matter of when.”
Omega is currently 1/2 of the AEW World Tag Team Champions along with Adam “Hangman” Page. The team won the titles aboard the Jericho cruise. They have since defended the belts successfully against SCU, the Lucha Bros, and the Young Bucks.
The full interview with Kenny Omega can be read here.
The Street Profits have received a push since their arrival in the main roster and reports have suggested that the Raw Executive Director Paul Heyman is behind the success of the former NXT stars.
During a recent interview with TalkSport, the current Raw Tag Team Champions talked about their interactions with the ECW founder and revealed the advice they received from the advocate of Brock Lesnar.
According to the duo, Paul talked to them as soon as they got to the main roster and his advice for the former NXT stars was to be themselves and do what they usually did:
“As soon as we got up there, he was like ‘ay, ya’ll be ya’ll. We brought you up here for a reason, ya’ll be ya’ll. Don’t do anything else, just be the Street Profits. Do what the Street Profits would usually do. This is just like NXT for you’. And we’re like ‘alright, cool!’ He gave us the keys and we ran with it.
Any time we began to teeter and not really be like the Street Profits a little bit, he’d be like ‘woah, woah, woah! Remember, you’re the Street Profits, keep that same energy’.”
The former NXT Tag Team Champions also talked about their WrestleMania 36 match and Montez Ford discussed how he got to work with his wife Bianca Belair in the bout.
The Street Profits started making appearances on Raw back in July last year. They have been given a push since officially being called up to the main roster and they won the Raw Tag Team Championships in March earlier this year.
Former WWE Superstar Ryback recently commented on the WWE Championship situation on his Conversation With The Big Guy podcast. The ‘Big Guy’ would praise Drew McIntyre; discussing how he went from perennial jobber for life to become one of the most promising prospects of the next decade.
Another Superstar that Ryback would comment on was Jinder Mahal. The former 3MB member of course teamed with McIntyre for a big chunk of his WWE career alongside the now released Heath Slater. Both Mahal and McIntyre have held WWE main event gold; however while the seemingly ‘shocking’ WWE Championship win of Mahal seemed to be an anomaly? McIntyre looks set to remain in the main event picture.
Jinder Mahal Returns
Ryback would discuss how Jinder Mahal is a potential opponent for McIntyre down the line, seeing as both have parallels in their career paths and their history in the 3 Man Band stable. “He [Jinder Mahal] was off TV I think for like nine or 10 months? For a pretty significant period of time” Ryback would begin. “They [WWE] just assume that everyone forgets everything.”
Ryback would then talk about how WWE fans have a good memory when it comes to the perception of talent, with Jinder having previously played a lower-card comedy character. The subsequent rise of Mahal to the WWE Championship originally was such that unlike McIntyre, fans didn’t really seem to latch on to the ‘Modern Day Maharaja’ as a main event character.
In The ‘Circle’
“This is one of those things, I don’t think Jinder is in the ‘circle'” Ryback would continue. “I don’t think he ever was in the ‘circle.’ I think that he served a purpose for them by putting the title on him, because of the rumours of that whole thing with India? Whatever the reason was.”
The ‘Big Guy’ would then finish by talking about how Jinder was dropped down the pecking order by WWE after he lost the WWE Title. Ryback would also claim that talents in that coveted ‘circle’ do not get demoted after they lose a title. “You see the guys that are in the circle? They will stay [in the main event] well after. Jinder didn’t, and he was relegated back to no entrance, which is the worst thing for any wrestler. When you’re getting put out there with no entrance? That sh*ts not good.”
Scottish Psychopath vs Modern Day Maharaja?
Ryback finished by saying that he believes Jinder will get a shot at the title, but it will be a short program with McIntyre. “I think he’ll be used for a matchup for Drew. They’re [WWE] gonna make Jinder look like he was this former champion, build them up and to serve the purpose of getting a one off probably. My personal opinion? I hope it’s more for Jinder. But, just based on how they have used him throughout? He’s never, never been in the circle.”
Do you think that Jinder Mahal will get a match for the WWE Championship? Let us know in the comments
Charlotte Flair has taken an interesting route in her career in recent months and after winning the Royal Rumble, she decided to challenge for the NXT Championship instead of the Women’s Champion from Raw or SmackDown.
She won the title by beating Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 36 and The Queen is now in a unique position where she wrestles at both Raw and NXT at the same time.
The current NXT Champion was recently interviewed by Sports Illustrated and when asked if she worries about the competition on Wednesday nights, Charlotte said that she tries not to get caught up in the business side of the things:
“I try not to get caught up in the business side. When I have that opportunity to highlight my opponent and myself, that’s what we’re here to do. Going into this match, we’re trying to raise the bar.”
The interview was done before this week’s episode of NXT where Charlotte Flair defended her title against Io Shirai in a one on one match. The bout ended in a disqualification after the reigning champion introduced a kendo stick into the match.
She continued attacking her opponent after the match but Rhea Ripley made her return to WWE programming for the first time since her WrestleMania loss. She made the save and it appears that the two will be reigniting their rivalry in the coming times.
A new SEC filing has revealed that WWE Executive Vice President of Global Talent Strategy & Development Triple H has unloaded WWE stocks worth more than $1 million recently.
The WWE Hall Of Famer sold a total of 23,255 shares of Class A Common Stock on Monday, May 4. The shares were valued at $43.80 per share, totalling at approximate $1,018,569.
Triple H and others had unloaded a large number of shares last year as well and the sale included Vince McMahon selling away over $250 million worth of WWE shares to fund XFL. The filing reveals that The Game still has 144,646 shares of Class A Common Stock left.
This week’s episode of NXT saw the current champion Adam Cole retaining his title over Velveteen Dream in a one on one match with help from his Undisputed Era teammates.
The stable was interviewed backstage after the successful title defense from Cole where the reigning NXT Champion talked about his victory during the latest episode of the Black And Yellow brand.
During the interview, Adam Cole said that he has defeated everybody in NXT and the title should now be retired in his name. You can check out the post-show interview below:
The coronavirus pandemic has affected all businesses and even though wrestling companies have found a way to continue their programming, the promotions are losing money on cancelled events and live audiences. During his recent appearance on AEW Unrestricted podcast, president Tony Khan talked about this loss in revenue and discussed the possibility of releasing talents due to it.
Khan first discussed how they were on schedule to do shows with some of the largest audience in the company’s history between Revolution and Double or Nothing. He then admitted that they have lost millions of dollars in live event revenue and there might come a day when they have to let some people go, but he claimed that now is not the time:
“We’ve lost millions and millions of dollars in live events. I don’t take it lightly, but I can’t take it out on the people that work here because it’s not their fault.” said Tony Khan. “We’ve really not let anybody go here as a company, and look, I’m gonna be honest, there’s gonna come a day where somebody, we’re gonna have to, but now is not the time.
This is a hard time for everybody. It’s a hard time for us, but I have to look at the bigger picture. In the big picture, we’re in such good shape. We’re the second healthiest wrestling company in the world, and that’s a really great place to be. And we haven’t let a single person go to do it.”
Tony went on to explain how eventually they are going to have the audience back at the shows but the revenue they have lost in between will not be coming back. Apart from this, he also talked about putting together the recent AEW tapings, being excited for the upcoming Double Or Nothing PPV, and more.
The Bella Twins recently appeared on Busted Open Radio to promote their new book Incomparable and during their appearance; they revealed how it’s like to deal with Vince McMahon in real life.
Brie was the first to speak. She said that the Boss is “definitely intimidating.” Agreeing to her comments, Nikki said that you do get scared when you go to meet Vince in his office.
Though Brie continued by saying that Mr McMahon does appreciate when you come up with ideas and she then claimed that their conversation with him were always gentle:
“Every time we sat down with Vince it was always a gentle conversation. I mean, he definitely yelled at us a couple of times in ‘Gorilla [Position]’ and that was scary,
But to actually sit down and we always walked out of there either understanding our story or the bigger picture or just changing something in a way that we all were kind of like, ‘Oh, you’re right. Maybe it should go this way.'”
Nikki then jumped in to say that Vince McMahon is straight up with talent and you would know exactly which direction your character will be going to after talking to him:
“When you would talk to him, it’s kind of like, you couldn’t be disappointed on what was going to happen or what direction you’re going in, because you knew it,”
The Bellas also talked about how many talents do not build a relationship with Vince McMahon and always look at him as the ‘scary Vince’. You can check out the duo’s comments in the clip below:
Karrion Kross, accompanied by Scarlett, made his long awaited NXT debut on Wednesday night. Dubbed as the ‘Tandem of Terror’, the former Impact Wrestling star made an impressive entrance. The high production values suggest WWE is looking to invest big on their latest high-profile talent acquisition.
Kross went up against Leon Ruff who is an enhancement talent from WWE’s partners Evolve in a one on one match and he picked up an easy victory over his opponent.
The debuting star first hit two brutal looking Doomsday Saito suplexes to weaken his opponent and he then used the Jacket submission to make him tap.
You can check out footage of Karrion Kross’ debut below:
There is no word yet on what the company is planning for Karrion Kross but the previous reports have suggested that they have planned a big push for the monstrous athlete.
He has been seen in the background of a Johnny Gargano segment and Kross also attacked Tommaso Ciampa recently. So it’s likely that his first rivalry in the company will be against one of these two former tag team partners.
The May 6, 2020 episode of WWE NXT aired live on the USA Network from the Winter Park, Florida at Full Sail University.
The show was headlined by The Velveteen Dream challenging Adam Cole for the NXT Title.
WWE NXT Results (5/6)
Johnny Gargano def. Dominik Dijakovic
Akira Tozawa def. Jack Gallagher – Interim Cruiserweight Title Tournament Match
Chelsea Green def. Xia Li
Karrion Kross (w/Scarlett) def. Leon Ruff
Io Shirai def. NXT Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair via DQ
Cameron Grimes def. Denzel Dejournette
KUSHIDA def. Jake Atlas
NXT Champion Adam Cole def. The Velveteen Dream
Here are the 5 takeaways from this week’s show:
Finn Balor Speaks
Finn Balor in NXT
So Finn Balor is back on NXT television after his short absence.
Balor was attacked two weeks ago that prevented him from taking on The Velveteen Dream in one of the top matches featured on the show.
During this week’s show, Balor cut a promo at a podium where he stated that he used to think that the snakes were in the office but he’s not sure anymore. He said that wrestling playbook 101 is that someone might get the push with the lights and lasers but once you get into the ring with the prince, there is nowhere to hide.
He said that he’s a patient man but whoever attacked him, they shouldn’t expect a push but rather a squash.
Moments later, Cameron Grimes defeated Denzel Dejournette in a quick match. After the match, Grimes cut a tough-talking promo about how he would slap Balor in the face. This led to Balor walking out and taking out Grimes. Balor talked into the camera and stated that the best way to take out a snake is to chop of its head.
Another great promo by Balor. The mic work that he has done in NXT in his second run has been the best of his career.
Karrion Kross, the former Killer Kross, made his in-ring debut against Leon Ruff with his girlfriend, Scarlett Bordeaux, in his corner.
The real life couple was first seen on NXT television as they were shown in the background after Johnny Gargano was walking to his car with his wife, Candice LeRae, after his Empty Arena Match.
This comes after he made his television debut a few weeks ago by attacking Tommaso Ciampa. Before that, WWE had been airing vignettes hyping his debut.
Kross went over strong in this contest and rightfully so. When he first signed with the company, it was reported that he was being brought in as a top star and WWE is living up to that expectation.
In a more interesting match, Johnny Gargano vs. Dominik Dijakovic in a singles bout was booked.
In the end, it was Gargano going over. WWE gave them about 20 minutes to work and they did just that in a fun entertaining bout. It was actually the opening contest.
This only had a one week build, which made it more intriguing. Perhaps, WWE is going further with these two stars and creating a program out of it. The company has been pushing Dominik for the last few months most notably a feud against Keith Lee for the NXT North American Title.
With Gargano not portraying a heel character and seemingly getting a bigger push than normal, the company could go forward with such a feud.
It would make sense due to him not feuding with Tommaso Ciampa no longer and can’t go after the top title in the NXT Championship since Adam Cole is also a heel.
The first of two title matches on this show saw Charlotte Flair put the NXT Women’s Title on the line when she defended it against the #1 contender in Io Shirai.
As expected, Flair went over to successfully retained her title. The finish doesn’t take away from the performance that these two stars put on in this contest but it was a lackluster one.
Flair hit her with a kendo stick, which led to a post-match attack. Rhea Ripley returned to TV and made the save.
Clearly, Io is someone that Triple H sees as a big star and her work in the ring, especially with Flair, only backs up that belief. Many people believe that Io can be the next version of Asuka if not bigger depending on how WWE books her.
This came after Flair had just beaten Mia Yim on last week’s show. Obviously, WWE still has the Ripley card in play for Flair but it appears that WWE is waiting on booking that rematch for a bigger date, perhaps SummerSlam. In the meantime, a triple threat match appears to be in on the table.
WWE saved the biggest match for last as The Velveteen Dream challenged Adam Cole for the NXT Title in the main event.
It was a great back and forth match. In the end, it was Cole who went over to successfully retain the title.
Cole and Dream had been feuding for several weeks up until this point and rightfully so. Throughout Cole had been doing some of his best promo work from the poolside at his home.
It will be interesting to see where Cole and Dream go from here. While yes, it’s possible due to the pandemic that WWE continues this feud going forward.
At the same time, WWE had planned for this match to take place at NXT TakeOver: Tampa Bay but due to the event being postponed, the promotion pushed it back to this show.
Typically, WWE likes to have a new feud for each TakeOver specials, but with the next special not likely until August, things are up in the air.
Adam Cole was not dethroned as WWE NXT Champion by The Velveteen Dream as he was able to retain his title.
WWE closed Wednesday’s episode of NXT on the USA Network in Winter Park, Florida at Full Sail University with Cole making his latest title defense against Balor.
This match saw Cole successfully retain the NXT championship. It served as the main event and was a back and forth affair.
WWE set up this contest over the last few months on NXT television. There had been some speculation on WWE possibly taking Dream out of the title scene due to recent accusations.
As noted, Dream has stated on social media that he denies the allegations and he’s having a third party looking into the matter.
Last month, Cole became the longest-reigning NXT Champion and did so by breaking Finn Balor’s record of 292 days.
Cole’s previous title defense came against Tommaso Ciampa in the headliner of the WWE NXT TakeOver: Portland event from the Moda Center back in February.
In advance of next week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, the promotion has announced several matches.
In addition to these matches, All Elite Wrestling has confirmed an interview segment with Jake Roberts and Lance Archer.
This will be done to further hype the upcoming contest between Archer and Cody Rhodes for the AEW TNT Title as part of the finals of the tournament at the AEW Double or Nothing pay-per-view event will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2020.
Chris Jericho will be in action against an unknown opponent while MJF returns after being out of action next Wednesday.
It’s been reported that AEW will tape this episode of Dynamite on TNT from Jacksonville, Florida at Daily’s Place on Thursday.
AEW will return on May 20th with a live show, which will be the go-home show of Double or Nothing. Here is the updated card for next week’s show:
Chris Jericho in action against an unknown opponent
MJF returns in action against an unknown opponent
Brodie Lee vs. Christopher Daniels
Interview segment with Jake Roberts and Lance Archer
Hikaru Shida vs. Penelope Ford vs. Britt Baker vs. Kris Statlander
Jurassic Express (with Marko Stunt) vs. Best Friends (with Orange Cassidy)
All Elite Wrestling has announced new matches for their upcoming Double or Nothing pay-per-view.
First up is the likely main event of this show, which will be AEW World Heavyweight Champion Jon Moxley defending the title against Brodie Lee. AEW set up this contest during on Wednesday’s episode of Dynamite that saw Moxley beat Frankie Kazarian in a non-title match.
The Dark Order attacked Moxley after the contest. Lee hit Moxley with a discus lariat. He then cut a promo about how he is just here to answer the bounty that Moxley put on his head last week.
Brodie said that there is no one here to save Moxley. Lee then challenged Moxley to a World Title Match at Double or Nothing, which Moxley accepted. The Dark Order beat down Moxley once again.
Also set for this show is a singles match between MJF and Brodie Lee as well as a Casino Ladder Match for future AEW World Championship shot.
AEW Double or Nothing Card
The AEW Double or Nothing pay-per-view event will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida at Daily’s Place and will be held in front of no fans on a closed set.
The event is expected to begin at 8 p.m. ET will be available for purchase via BR Live, iN DEMAND cable operators, DirecTV, DISH. AEW fans outside the United States can order via the FITE streaming service. Here is the updated card:
AEW World Heavyweight Champion Jon Moxley vs. Brodie Lee
Cody Rhodes vs. Lance Archer – AEW TNT Title Tournament Finals
Jungle Boy vs. MJF
TBA vs. TBA – Casino Ladder Match for future AEW World Championship shot
What are your thoughts on this match being added to the card? Sound off in the comment section.
Charlotte Flair’s first title defense as the NXT Women’s Champion is in the books.
Flair successfully retained the title in a hard-fought yet entertaining bout against Io Shirai during Wednesday’s episode of NXT on the USA Network in Winter Park, Florida at Full Sail University.
Flair lost the match but kept her title due to the DQ finish that saw Flair hit Io with a kendo stick. Post-match, Rhea Ripley made her return to TV by making the save.
WWE set up this contest on the April 8th episode of NXT when the company held a match that would determine who would be next line for a title shot.
A Ladder Match that saw Chelsea Green, Mia Yim, Tegan Nox, Io Shirai, Candice LeRae, and Dakota Kai took place with the winner becoming the next challenger to the title.
Shirai was victorious, earning the right to challenge Flair for the NXT Women’s Title.
Flair beat Ripley to win the NXT Women’s Title at WrestleMania 36 – Night 2 in Orlando, Florida at the WWE Performance Center last month. Up to this point on NXt TV, Ripley hadn’t been seen since Mania.
AEW Dynamite aired live from Daily’s Place this week. Chris Jericho & Sammy Guevara battled Kenny Omega & Matt Hardy in a Street Fight to close the show.
AEW Dynamite Results (5/6)
Cody def. Joey Janela
Nyla Rose def. Kenzie Paige
Jon Moxley def. Frankie Kazarian
Lance Archer def. QT Marshall
Le Sex Gods (Jericho & Guevara) def. Kenny Omega & Broken Matt Hardy
Here are 5 takeaways from this week’s show:
Cody Picked Up A Win
Cody Rhodes
Jim Ross and Excalibur made their returns to Dynamite tonight and joined Tony Schiavone on commentary. Cody squared off against Joey Janela in the first match of the night.
Match Recap: Cody and Janela shook hands before the match and then locked up after the bell rang. Cody took control early and hit a couple of shoulder tackles. Janela and Cody traded a series of roll-ups and then some chops in the middle of ring.
Cody lifted Joey up for a Suplex for a near fall. Joey tripped up Cody and hit him with a kick to the face. Joey launched Cody into the turnbuckle and followed it up a Splash. Janela hit a Back Suplex and went for the cover but Cody kicked out a two.
The action spilled out of the ring and Janela threw him into the barricade. Janela ran down the entrance ramp and leaped but Cody dodged him. Cody connected with a Disaster Kick and followed it up with a Moonsault off the stage.
Back in the ring, Janela hit a Superkick and made his way to the top rope. Joey hit an Elbow Drop and went for the cover but Cody was able to kick out at the last moment. Cody battled back and hit a reverse Suplex off the top rope for another near fall.
Janela avoided the Cross Rhodes and hit an elbow to the face. Cody battled back with a Powerslam for a two count. Joey hit a German Suplex and then a massive Clothesline. Joey climbed to the top rope and went for a Moonsault but Cody got out of the way.
Cody connected with a Cutter for another two count. Janela and Cody traded shots in the middle of the ring. Cody got the better of the exchange and connected with Cross Rhodes for the pinfall victory.
Opinion: It is great to have Dynamite back live and back at Daily’s Place. Cody and Janela had a very good match tonight and the wrestlers making noise in the crowd makes the show feel as close to normal as possible.
AEW Women’s Champion Nyla Rose made her return and was in action tonight on Dynamite. Tony Schiavone interviewed Nyla before the match. Rose shouted that she is the most dominant force in AEW and told Tony to shut up and go do his job. Kenzie Paige was Nyla Rose’s opponent.
Match Recap: Nyla Rose marched to the ring and booted Kenzie in the midsection. Rose shoved her boot in Paige’s face and beat her down in the corner of the ring. Kenzie went for a roll-up but Nia didn’t budge. Rose absolutely leveled Paige with a Clothesline as MJF was shown in the crowd.
Rose made her way to the top rope and hit a Senton. Nyla went for the cover but opted to get up after a two count. Rose hit three Powerbombs in a row for the easy victory.
Match Recap: Moxley and Frankie battled in the corner of the ring to start things off. Kazarian brought Jon to the canvas and applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring. Moxley broke free but Frankie hit him with a shoulder tackle and went right back into the Headlock.
Jon escaped and applied a Wrist Lock before stomping on Frankie’s wrist. Moxley and Kazarian traded a couple of chops before Moxley brought Frankie back to the mat. Kazarian got Moxley trapped in a Headlock once again.
Moxley battled back with a Backbreaker for a two count. Jon sent Frankie flying out of the ring and Kazarian landed on his knee as Dynamite went to a commercial break. When Dynamite returned, Moxley was in control and hit a knee to the face that sent Frankie tumbling out of the ring.
Jon climbed to the top rope and went for a Splash but leaped right into a Superkick from Kazarian. Back in the ring, Frankie hit a Dropkick and followed it up with a DDT for a two count. Moxley hit a German Suplex but Frankie shrugged it off and connected with a Backstabber.
Moxley and Frankie traded Dropkicks and both wrestlers fell to the mat. Moxley got up first and went for the Paradigm Shift but Kazarian countered into an Ankle Lock in the middle of the ring. Jon went for a Spear through the ropes but Frankie countered into a Leg Drop.
Frankie planted Moxley with a German Suplex and followed it up with some right hands to his face. Jon hit a powerful Clothesline but Kazarian rolled up Jon for a two count. Kazarian connected with a Suplex that sent Moxley into the ropes. Kazarian climbed to the top rope but Moxley caught him. Jon then hit the Paradigm Shift for the pinfall victory.
After the match, members of the Dark Order rushed the ring and beat the hell out of Moxley. SCU tried to make the save but the numbers game caught up to them. Dark Order attacked Frankie outside the ring as well. The Exalted One Brodie Lee made his way to the ring and leveled Moxley with the Discus Lariat. Brodie said that he was just hear to answer the bounty that he put on his own head last week. Lee stated that he is a leader and that he makes lives extraordinary.
Brodie added that he wants the AEW Championship and challenged Jon to a match. Lee demanded that Moxley answer his challenge or they will make him. Brodie dropped the microphone next to Jon and Moxley told Lee that all he had to do was ask. Moxley laughed before Brodie Lee leveled him with a boot to the face. Dark Order stomped the hell out of Moxley once again as The Exalted One left the ring with the AEW Championship.
Opinion: I thought this was a terrific old school wrestling match between Moxley and Kazarian. I’m also all for Moxley versus Brodie Lee at Double or Nothing. This week’s episode of Dynamite has been excellent so far.
Lance Archer made quick work of QT Marshall tonight in a singles match. Before the match, Brandi Rhodes told Jake Roberts to keep his name out of her mouth during a vignette.
After Archer defeated QT Marshall with the Blackout, Britt Baker attacked Brandi Rhodes outside the ring. She rolled Brandi into the ring and Jake Roberts made his way through the ropes.
Jake then took out the snake and placed it on Brandi. Roberts then laid above Brandi and mocked her while doing so.
Opinion: I thought this was awesome and it just adds to how personal the rivalry between Archer and Cody has become. Their match for the TNT Championship at Double or Nothing is one of the bouts I’m looking forward to the most.
“Le Sex Gods” Sammy Guevara and Chris Jericho faced Kenny Omega & Broken Matt Hardy in a Street Fight. It was the main event of this week’s episode of Dynamite.
Match Recap: Matt Hardy bit Sammy’s hand right when the bell rang. Omega and Jericho battled outside the ring and Le Champion sent Kenny into the steel steps. In the ring, Matt planted Guevara with a Powerbomb for a two count.
Matt and Jericho then battled outside the ring as Omega went for a Moonsault but Sammy got his knees up. Chris and Hardy battled through the entrance tunnel and to the backstage area.
Jericho returned by himself and joined Sammy in beating Kenny Omega down for the next several minutes. Matt Hardy rushed the ring and sent Sammy flying with a Back Body Drop. Matt hit the Side Effect and went for the cover but Guevara kicked out at two.
Hardy connected with a Cutter on Jericho and went for the cover but Sammy broke it up. Kenny planted Sammy with a Snap Dragon Suplex as Jericho brought a bat into the ring. Jericho hit Kenny with the bat and Sammy made his way to the top rope.
Guevara went for a Shooting Star Press but Omega got his knees up. Hardy threw Jericho out of the ring and then brought a ladder inside. Omega set up a table in the ring and set Sammy on top of it. Matt climbed up the ladder and hit a Splash through the table. Jake Hager pulled the referee out of the ring to break up the cover. Hager slammed Kenny’s face onto the ring apron before trading some words with Pineapple Pete as Dynamite went to a break.
When Dynamite returned, the action had spilled backstage and into the concourse area. Matt hit Jericho and then Hager with a pipe. Jericho grabbed a bag of ice and hit Matt across the face with it. Hager and Jericho put Hardy on ice before Omega showed up with a trash can.
Kenny bashed Jake and Jericho in the face and then sent Chris flying onto a golf cart. Sammy hit Kenny over the head with a trash can before sending him into the ATM machine. Some money flew out of it and Sammy pocketed it.
Omega Powerbombed Sammy into a garage door and then sent Hager flying on top of him. Kenny hit Hager with the V-Trigger before Jericho came out of nowhere and ran a storage cart into Omega’s midsection.
Jericho Suplexed Omega on top of a barricade as Hardy emerged from the ice. Matt was in his Damascus character and hopped in the golf cart. Hardy drove the golf card and clipped Jericho. Omega hopped in the cart and they ran down Sammy.
Kenny climbed to the top of a scissor lift and Moonsaulted onto Jericho, Hager, and Matt Hardy. Santana and Ortiz came out of nowhere and Inner Circle beat Omega and Hardy down. Hager Powerbombed Matt through a table and then Jericho Powerbombed Kenny on top of the golf cart. Jericho then hit Omega with the Judas Effect for the victory. Inner Circle then flipped everyone the bird as their logo was shown on the screen above the football field in the background.
Opinion: I enjoyed every second of this match and this week’s episode of Dynamite. It was one of the best shows AEW has done in some time and the two hours absolutely flew by. The epic final shot of the show was just the icing on the cake.
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre recently did an interview where he looked back on his big championship win.
McIntyre beat Brock Lesnar to win the WWE Title at WrestleMania 36 last month.
This came in his second run with the company. While WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon deemed McIntyre a future world champion during his initial run with the company, that didn’t happen. Instead, McIntyre had to be released by the company, reinvent himself and then be signed by WWE and prove himself again.
While talking with Alan John of Sportskeeda, McIntyre looked back on his special night at a unique WrestleMania setting.
McIntyre started out about how the backstage reaction was non-existent because of the setup there was nobody back there initially.
He called it kind of weird as WWE had such minimal personnel there. He did point out how the people who were there, especially the crew, had watched him grow up.
“You know everybody was very happy and very proud. I think for Vince and Hunter themselves, they were just very happy to see that I have finally kind of grown up and realized the potential they had seen in me all those years ago.”
McIntyre is now slated to defend the WWE Title against Seth Rollins at Money In The Bank this Sunday.
Fans have been wondering what’s next for Cain Velasquez now that he’s no longer under contract with the WWE.
The former UFC Heavyweight Champion was released by the company as part of their talent and staff cuts made last month. Back in February, it was reported that Velasquez successfully had his knee scoped and is feeling completely healthy.
There had been mixed reports about him being spotted at WWE’s training facility, WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, to get more reps in the ring while awaiting his next match.
American Kickboxing Academy head coach Javier Mendez, who used to train Cain, made an appearance on Wednesday’s episode of the Luke Thomas Show on SiriusXM.
This is where he stated that the former UFC star wouldn’t be making a return to the UFC. Instead, “he’s wrestling,” Mendez, Velasquez’s longtime coach, said.
Prior to signing with WWE, he had been working for AAA and reportedly had interest from other wrestling promotions looking to sign him.
Velasquez lost his debut match under the WWE banner when he faced WWE Champion Brock Lesnar at Crown Jewel.
Moxley spoke about the experience during a recent interview with SEScoops to promote his new movie Cagefighter: Worlds Collide. You can hear his comments below.
“You know it was a thing where I just got to Jacksonville,” Moxley began. “We had no real plan we just knew we had to film stuff. We were only allowed 10 people in the building at that time. So we didn’t even have anybody dotted in the audience to make any energy whatsoever.”
The match was set up when Moxley attacked Hager at the March 25th edition of Dynamite. AEW hyped the bout for several weeks before delivering on April 15th. Moxley says they went into the 3/25 show without much of a plan and decided on the spot to film the angle and the match that night ‘just in case.’
“It was a thing where it’s just like, ‘Alright well let’s just get this in the can.’ We kind of cobbled together a little program really quickly, ‘You can drop me, no sell a DDT and choke me out. Then we’ll go to the World Title match, let’s just do it tonight and get it in the can.’ Because we didn’t know when we’d be able to film again.”
It turned out to be the right call. The COVID-19 pandemic quickly brought about dramatic changes to AEW’s production schedule. The company began taping several weeks of shows in advance, with most of the roster unable to appear.
Moxley describes a ‘different energy’ from the no-crowd experience. AEW’s rabid crowds provide the performers with a ton of energy to feed off, but the champ had to get into his own headspace this night.
“We just went out to the ring and and wrestled. It was actually really fun, it’s different energy, you know? It’s obviously so awesome, the adrenaline spike and just the crazy fun of coming out with the crowd at a live AEW Dynamite; where the house is packed and they’re going nuts and walking through the people high five-ing and getting ready to get into a big brawl or whatever, you know? The adrenaline is like off-the-charts.”
“With this you have to go to a different place. To me? For some matches I worked myself up to the point where with matches or promos or whatever? I worked myself up to a point where I think ‘I really hate this guy and I really want to go out there and hurt him.’ So, I guess it’s similar in that way to a movie. You got to bring the energy from within. And then that match, add that nice Florida humidity, and I broke a nice little sweat. I got into a groove, just kind of free flowing and wrestling. And we beat the absolute hell out of each other and it was quite fun.”
Zack Ryder (real name Matt Cardona) was released from WWE last month. He first signed with the company in February of 2006. In his time with WWE, Ryder won the Intercontinental and United States titles once and the tag team titles twice. He spoke with Chris Van Vliet recently about his release from the company.
Ryder spoke about how the morning of his release, WWE talents were sent a video from Vince McMahon.
“It was a video from Vince McMahon talking about the state of the company and the state of the world and basically saying layoffs would be coming,” Ryder said.
He then continued to say after seeing the video, he felt it was likely that he would be one of the ones let go.
“I’m a smart guy, I’m like ok, prowrestlingtees.com/mattcardona let’s set it up right now,” he said. “I already had it set up, I had my logo guys making logos, ProWrestlingTees making logos for me, I knew it was coming. I mean, I didn’t know but I had a pretty good idea.”
Zack Ryder On Recent Contract Negotiations With WWE
He continued to talk about how for the last year he had been in negotiations with WWE over renewing his contract.
“My contract would have been up in August, I had never resigned,” he continued. “For about over a year we had been in contract negotiations and the anxiety that I was living with ‘do I stay, do I go?’ I grew up wanting to be a WWE Superstar, of course, but my career has been up and down, up and down, and with all the new opportunities out there, do I really want to stay here or go somewhere else?”
“When the decision was made for me? Oh my god, it was like ‘thank you!'” he continued. “Instantly relieved.”
Ryder’s comments can be heard in the player below:
Tony Khan was the guest this week on the AEW Unrestricted podcast. During the show, Khan spoke about the challenges involved in filming empty arena shows recently in Jacksonville, Florida, and Norcross, Georgia.
The last episode of Dynamite to air with a live audience was on March 11th from Salt Lake City in Utah. The company was forced to pivot and move future shows to Jacksonville and then Norcross from that point on.
“What was really hard for me was that I didn’t want to force anyone to come to work under these circumstances,” Khan said on the show.
He also mentioned that the company had to think quickly on what they were going to do.
“I had to figure out by the next morning where we’re going to be because the trucks needed to know where to take the rings and the set,” he continued.
Khan also said he spoke with TNT about AEW continuing to produce content.
“I talked to the network and they were excited for us to keep putting on shows,” Khan said about TNT’s reaction.
Tony Khan on the Quality of Dynamite Shows
Khan continued to talk about how much he enjoyed the first empty arena show they did and the most recent one.
“The two best shows that we’ve done since the shut down I think would be the first one we did and the most recent one,” Khan continued. “I loved them both.”
Khan also talked about sports/wrestling with national tv deals being deemed essential in some states.
“I never considered us or tried to force us to be an essential business. I never tried to stay open against restrictions and so when we heard that Florida and Georgia were going to shut down, we were shutting down too. We needed to tape as much content as we could before that shutdown.”
He continued to talk about how many wrestlers stayed in the area for the tapings and the different challenges they faced.
AEW airs live tonight from Daily’s Place in Jacksonville. AEW President Tony Khan confirmed that all wrestlers and employees tested negative for COVID-19 prior to the broadcast.
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is doing its best to ensure the safety of its talent and staff ahead of Dynamite tonight.
With the current coronavirus pandemic going around, there’s a lot of controversy as to whether or not live shows/sporting events should be allowed to continue. However, AEW is being allowed to continue taping its shows in Jacksonville, Florida from Daily’s Place. With that being said, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) took to Facebook to reveal the safety measures for tonight’s Dynamite.
Everyone involved in the tapings was not allowed into the venue without first receiving a COVID-19 rapid test. Other measures have been taken, such as implementing portable wash stations, hand sanitizer stations, mandatory masks, and enforcing social distancing – especially during breaks. Furthermore, in the comments of the post, IATSE confirmed that the tests were supplied by AEW themselves.
It was added that tonight’s taping of AEW Dynamite will be a closed set with no crowds, despite the fact that Florida is allowing sports venues to have fans as long as its 25 percent capacity of the venue.
When asked what would happen if someone tested positive for COVID-19, IATSE confirmed that all personnel tested negative. However, had anyone tested positive, they would have been referred for a Molecular test, which determines if you can work.
It seems like AEW is pulling out all the stops to ensure everyone is working as safe as possible. We’ll keep you updated on the situation as more information becomes available to us.
AEW President Tony Khan noted that all wrestlers and employees tested negative for COVID-19 ahead of Wednesday’s live AEW Dynamite from Jacksonville, FL.
#AEWDynamite is live tonight on TNT at 8pm ET/7CT! I’ve tested negative for COVID as have all wrestlers & staff here, we’re taking best precautions possible & it’ll be a great show with the debut of Matt Hardy teaming w/ Kenny Omega v. Jericho & Guevara, + @JonMoxley v. Kazarian! pic.twitter.com/Kh56Drk5I4
AEW has released its weekly rankings for May 6th, 2020.
AEW Men’s Single’s Rankings
Champion: Jon Moxley (9-0)
Cody (8-1)
Lance Archer (4-0) (+2)
Kenny Omega (4-0) (-1)
Brodie Lee (4-0) (previously unranked)
Darby Allin (5-3) (-1)
There was quite a bit of movement in the men’s single’s rankings this week. Lance Archer moves up 2 spots after defeating Dustin Rhodes and advancing to the finals of the TNT title tournament. Cody also maintained his #1 spot in the rankings by defeating Darby Allin in the tournament semi-finals. The two top-ranked competitors in the rankings will meet in the finals of the tournament at Double or Nothing.
With the loss in the semi-finals to Cody, Darby Allin drops 1 spot to the #5 position.
Jake Hager drops out of the rankings this week after losing his AEW World Championship match to Moxley on the April 15th episode of Dynamite.
Brodie Lee improved to 4-0 last week after defeating Marko Stunt. He now occupies the #4 spot in the rankings.
AEW Women’s Division
Champion: Nyla Rose (4-1)
Hikaru Shida (7-1)
Kris Statlander (2-3)
Yuka Sakazaki (1-1)
Britt Baker (3-3)
Riho (3-3)
There was no movement in the women’s divisional rankings this week. No women’s matches took place on Dynamite or Dark last week.
The division could be in for a big night tonight, however, as champion Nyla Rose Tweeted out that she will will “See y’all soon” earlier today.
AEW Tag Team Division
Champions: Kenny Omega & Hangman Page (6-0)
The Dark Order (5-0)
Best Friends (6-3)
The Young Bucks (2-2)
SCU (2-3)
Lucha Bros (1-2)
There was no movement this week in the tag-team rankings either. The Best Friends did pick up a key victory over Kip Sabian and Jimmy Havoc, however, allowing them to maintain the #2 spot in the rankings.
Jon Moxley stars in Cagefighter: World Collide, a film about about a pro wrestler who crosses over to the world of mixed martial arts. Cagefighter premieres (outside the United States) Saturday night, May 16th at FITE.TV.
Moxley also spoke about wrestling with no crowds and cinematic matches. The Ace of AEW wrestled Jake Hager in an empty arena last month on Dynamite. We asked Mox about what it was like to practice his craft in such a different environment than he’s used to. This prompted him to tell a great story about some advice he got from the late all-time legend, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper.
Below, check out Jon Moxley’s comments about wrestling with no audience, cinematic matches and valuable advice he got from “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. His comments about Piper come at the 1:38 mark.
Roddy Piper’s Advice for Jon Moxley
Jon Moxley enjoyed a good relationship with WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, a master of pro wrestling psychology. Moxley already had a lengthy career under his belt by the time he worked with Piper in WWE, but there were still some lessons to learn from the master.
“You know Rowdy Roddy Piper told me once, I had a pretty good relationship with him,” he began. “One time he came to like a Smackdown or something? I can’t remember exactly how he phrased it, but I was out there wrestling; I did something and I was just kind of soaking in the adulation of the crowd or playing to the crowd or something like that, you know?”
Piper then dropped some invaluable knowledge on Moxley about how to enhance his connection with the audience by basically ignoring them.
“He came to the back and found me, he’s like ‘you went too much babyface’ or something. I can’t remember exactly [what he said] but he’s like ‘don’t even worry about them’ [the fans]. He’s like ‘you look at the guy’s shoes.’ Basically saying you stay focused on your opponent. You’re there to hurt him, kind of thing.”
Piper’s Starrcade 1996 Entrance
Jon Moxley recalled Piper’s ring entrance at WCW Starcade 1996 as an example of Hot Rod completely immersing himself in the moment.
“If you go back and watch? One of the best instances you’ll ever see, again on a weird tangent, but one of the best instances you’ll ever see is Roddy Piper at Starrcade 96 against [Hulk] Hogan. Where he beat Hogan with the Sleeper, but yet it’s somehow inexplicably not for the world title, I think?”
“If you watch just Roddy Piper’s entrance? From the moment he walks through the curtain his eyes are locked on Hogan. And it’s just like, it’s like this death march to the ring. Even though he was in his 50s with an artificial hip? When you watch that and you watch the entrance you’re like ‘this dude’s going to war.'”
You can watch “Rowdy” Roddy Piper’s match against Hollywood Hogan from WCW Starrcade 1996 below. Ironically, the clip includes the entire match, minus their entrances.
Visit FITE.TV to order Cagefighter: Worlds Collide (Outside the United States. The film will be released in the US later this year)
Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood, the Revolt, were guests this week on Talk is Jericho. The former members of the Revival spoke on a variety of subjects including Vince McMahon and WWE’s attitude toward southern accents. Harwood first spoke about how the team’s former trainer, Dusty Rhodes, liked that they were both southern wrestlers.
“I think that Dusty enjoyed the fact that we’re both southerners and we both sound like southerners,” Harwood said.
“Some people atop the WWE may not like that southern accent and I think Dusty enjoyed the southern accent because he had one himself but also because he knew that the upper chain in WWE didn’t, so he just liked to push back a little bit.”
The topic of conversation then moved to the belief that Vince McMahon doesn’t like southern accents. The Revolt then spoke about how they were told by some that they likely wouldn’t get much promo time because of Vince’s aversion to southern accents. Cash then mentioned they brought this up with Vince.
“He never said that directly to us, we actually brought it up to him,” Cash said. “He laughed about it. He said ‘well, I’m from North Carolina’ and I said ‘yeah man, I know.'”
“Then why are you ashamed of it?” Harwood chimed in.
“We didn’t understand it,” Cash continued. “I don’t think it’s just a Vince thing. I think its maybe a worldwide thing that just because you have this southern accent you are perceived as a dumbass.”
“That was one thing that when Daniel and I first started teaming, I told him ‘man, I really want to show these people that you can be a southern wrestler and you can be a southerner without being an idiot.”
The Revolt On Meetings With Vince McMahon
The team continued to speak about their interactions with Vince McMahon during the podcast.
“Anytime we had interactions with Vince, they always went really well. He was very open, he would listen, he was very responsive and complimentary,” Cash continued. “We were taken aback sometimes that he was aware of things that we didn’t think he would be.”
Cash continued to talk about how it wasn’t just Vince who didn’t like southern accents.
“It wasn’t just a Vince thing, I think a lot of the upper management there, for some reason, they just think with a southern accent, you’ll only go so far,” he continued.
On the RAW before WrestleMania 36, Montez Ford took a nasty bump to the outside. The Street Profits teamed with Kevin Owens and faced Seth Rollins, Angel Garza and Austin Theory that night. Ford jumped to the outside and was not caught by anyone. He posted the following to Twitter shortly after:
Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins were recently interviewed by the Mirror UK and Ford spoke about making it to WrestleMania after “breaking his back.”
“The bump to outside? That was nothing, just another day at the office,” he said. “I will say this though, I broke my back and still made it in time three days before WrestleMania!”
Ford was also asked if he’ll look back at WrestleMania 36 with fond memories.
“Absolutely, of course. Just the fact that not only did we walk in as champions and walked out as champions, I had my wife by my side, my brother by my side,” Ford said.
“We came out with a WrestleMania win, as of right now The Street Profits are 1-0 at WrestleMania. Just one of the things we will cherish, it’s WrestleMania and still no matter what, it’s the greatest stage of them all and something we will cherish till we can no longer move.”
The full interview with the Street Profits can be read here.
