‘Speedball’ Mike Bailey is on his way out of TNA and many expect him to be AEW-bound imminently. Though latest reports suggests that it will still be a few weeks before he is officially able to make his next move.
The former X-Divison Champion finished his run with the Anthem-owned promotion during their Detroit tapings in October. He was absent from this month’s tapings from Fayetteville, NC. The former champion further signified the end of his current run by filing a trademark application for his name.
Fightfulis now reporting however that Bailey’s contract has not actually expired. While he has effectively finished up with the company, his contract officially expires at the end of the year.
Mike was allowed to talk to other companies starting in November but he won’t be able to actually sign a contract with a different promotion until next year.
Mike Bailey is believed to be headed to AEW following his Impact departure. Though this complication means that he will likely not be making his debut as part of the 2024 Continental Classic tournament as fans expected.
The 34-year-old made his wrestling debut back in 2006. He competed for promotions such as Ring of Honor, CZW, PWG and more during his early years.
The Canadian star joined the TNA roster in October 2021. He’s used the TNA spotlight well and has made a name for himself as one of the best in-ring talents in the world.
CM Punk’s tenure in AEW elevated the company to unprecedented heights, achieving milestones it has struggled to replicate since his departure. During his time, Punk delivered unforgettable moments, including feuds with top stars like MJF and “Hangman” Adam Page. However, his legacy in AEW is equally defined by the notable backstage controversies that plagued his run.
The most infamous incident was the AEW All Out brawl, stemming from tensions between Punk, Ace Steel, and The Elite (Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks, Matt and Nick Jackson). This altercation followed Punk’s scathing remarks at the post-event press conference, where he criticized several wrestlers. Another notable controversy involved Jack Perry during All In 2023, which ultimately led to Punk’s departure from the company.
In an interview with Peter Rosenberg, Punk reflected on his time in AEW. When asked if there were any stories he wished he had the chance to tell, Punk replied:
“No. I feel like I wasted some matches on some people, for sure. That is what it is. Some people understand the business, and some people don’t. I think everybody here [in WWE] understands the business.”
Punk’s remarks highlight his candid perspective on his AEW stint, suggesting both professional regrets and a sense of closure. His departure left a significant void in AEW, underscoring the profound impact of his turbulent but memorable run.
AEW has revealed its Winter 2025 live event schedule, spanning from December 18, 2024, to March 12, 2025. The lineup features several notable debuts, including AEW’s first-ever event at New York City’s historic Hammerstein Ballroom and the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
The winter tour kicks off on December 18 with Dynamite at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C., and culminates with a special Dynamite and Collision taping at Fresno’s Save Mart Center on March 12. Notably, the schedule includes a special Fight for the Fallen edition of Dynamite on January 1 in Asheville, N.C., marking AEW’s debut broadcast on the Max streaming platform. Proceeds from this event will benefit victims of Hurricane Helene.
AEW’s Hammerstein Ballroom debut is slated for three consecutive nights, starting with the Ring of Honor Final Battle on December 20, followed by Collision on December 21, and a special Dynamite taping on December 22. The Crypto.com Arena will host the AEW Revolution pay-per-view on March 9, marking another milestone for the company.
Winter 2025 Event Highlights
Hammerstein Ballroom Debut: December 20–22 in New York City.
Fight for the Fallen: January 1 in Asheville, N.C., benefiting hurricane victims.
AEW Revolution Pay-Per-View: March 9 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Full Winter 2025 Schedule
Wednesday, December 18:Dynamite – Entertainment and Sports Arena, Washington, D.C.
Friday, December 20:Ring of Honor Final Battle – Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC.
Saturday, December 21:Collision – Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC.
Sunday, December 22: Special Dynamite taping – Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC.
Wednesday, January 1:Dynamite: Fight for the Fallen – Harrah’s Cherokee Center, Asheville, N.C.
Saturday, January 4:Collision – Bojangles Coliseum, Charlotte, N.C.
Wednesday, January 8:Dynamite – F&M Bank Arena, Clarksville, Tenn.
Saturday, January 11:Collision – Akins Ford Arena, Athens, Ga.
Thursday, January 16: Special Collision taping – Broadbent Arena, Louisville, Ky.
Wednesday, January 22:Dynamite – Knoxville Coliseum, Knoxville, Tenn.
Wednesday, January 29:Dynamite and special Collision taping – Probst Arena, Huntsville, Ala.
Saturday, February 8:Collision – Fort Bend County Epicenter, Houston, Texas.
Tuesday, February 11: Special Dynamite taping – H-E-B Center, Cedar Park, Texas.
Wednesday, February 19:Dynamite and special Collision taping – Arizona Financial Theater, Phoenix, Ariz.
Wednesday, February 26:Dynamite and special Collision taping – Frontwave Arena, Oceanside, Calif.
Sunday, March 9:AEW Revolution – Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, Calif.
Wednesday, March 12:Dynamite and special Collision taping – Save Mart Center, Fresno, Calif.
AEW Adjusts Venue Strategy
With recent reports of lower attendance figures, there have been rumors that AEW may shift towards hosting shows in smaller venues. The 2025 schedule reflects this shift, with several events booked at intimate locations such as the Hammerstein Ballroom and regional arenas across the Southeast and Southwest.
John Cena stunned wrestling and baseball fans alike last season with an unexpected at-bat appearance for the Savannah Bananas, a ‘baseball entertainment’ team known for their unconventional, circus-like approach to the sport. Bananas games feature choreographed dances, creative rule modifications, and theatrical performances.
Despite not swinging the bat—and striking out looking—Cena’s outta-nowhere appearance made a lasting impression on the team and their official mascot, Split.
Split, the self-proclaimed “King of Potassium,” recently took to social media platform X to express his wish for a Cena encore. Posting a picture of the 16-time WWE World Champion in a yellow jersey, Split added the caption: “Name a celebrity you want to see in a yellow jersey in 2025.”
Name a celebrity you want to see in a yellow jersey in 2025 ??
2025 is shaping up to be a monumental year for Cena, who recently announced a full retirement tour as he prepares to step away from professional wrestling. Returning to WWE for over 30 dates, Cena’s farewell tour will mark the end of his iconic in-ring career. While his schedule will be packed, the possibility of squeezing in another Savannah Bananas cameo remains a hopeful prospect for fans.
Meanwhile, the Savannah Bananas are preparing for a blockbuster 2025 themselves. Their epic nationwide tour will take them to several MLB stadiums. This expansive schedule might align with Cena’s travel plans, increasing the chances of another crossover between the wrestling legend and the Bananas.
We are just weeks away from WWE Raw’s debut on Netflix. As WWE embarks on its multi-billion-dollar deal with the streaming juggernaut, all eyes will be on the promotion to get things right and kick off this new era with a strong start.
Star Power
For such a historic episode of Raw, WWE is certainly not shying away from bringing in the stars, with John Cena, Cody Rhodes, and Roman Reigns all confirmed. One name fans will also see is rap artist Travis Scott, whose role was confirmed this week alongside WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque.
New Theme by Travis Scott
Not only will Scott be live at the show, but he will also provide the new theme song for the brand, so it was only fitting that ‘Cactus Jack’ was recently gifted a custom Hardcore title.
With over 60 million households tuning in to the recent Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight, Netflix certainly has the edge when it comes to attracting a global audience compared to Raw’s current broadcast partner, USA Network.
Though Tyson vs. Paul had streaming issues, WWE has reportedly been informed this won’t be the case for Raw. One WWE source is reported to have said that WWE would hardly be against tens of millions of fans tuning in each week, even if it leads to technical issues.
TV-14
This week, Raw was listed as TV-14 on Netflix, which allows for cruder dialogue, greater violence, and more suggestive themes compared to what fans receive today. WWE changed to TV-PG in 2008 in a move that, while financially sound, led to criticism from many fans who took issue with the ‘toning down’ of the product. AEW Dynamite has been TV-14 since the show’s inception in late 2019.
Stay tuned for more news on WWE Raw as the wrestling world prepares for the red brand’s premiere on Netflix on January 6.
For nearly a decade, The New Day has been one of the most beloved and enduring teams in all of professional wrestling. From hosting WrestleMania 33 (2017) to their very own Booty O’s cereal brand, the group has done it all. What is the secret to their longevity?
Speaking to the New York Post, Kofi Kingston said that the group has stayed strong since 2014 because their friendship is real.
“a lot of tag teams get thrown together… All of us, we really strive to push our brothers, to lift our brothers up. That’s what The New Day is all about. It’s all about brotherhood. And we really believe that to our core.”
In addition to their accolades as a trio and in tag team combinations, each New Day member has achieved success independently. Kofi and Big E each won the WWE Championship (in 2019 and 2021, respectively). While Xavier Woods has yet to hold singles gold, he won King of the Ring in 2021, a concept Woods himself advocated to return.
Kingston acknowledged that he and Woods haven’t exactly been seeing eye-to-eye as of late, but said such issues are ‘typical’ with sibling relationships, as he considers the New Day to be a brotherhood.
Latest On Big E
Since March 2022, the New Day has been down a member, as Big E has been out of action with a broken neck. Kingston explained that Big E literally came within an inch of his life, as even the slightest of changes could’ve made his situation so much worse.
“If his neck had broken one way, a degree, he would have had a stroke. If he would have broken it a degree, the other way, he would have been paralyzed a degree.”
It has been “motivating and inspiring” to see Big E get to where he is mentally, as the powerhouse has routinely displayed the New Day’s signature optimism since the unfortunate accident. Kingston even said that its easy to forget Big E was ever injured in the first place, such is the positivity of his fellow ex-WWE Champion.
The Odyssey Jones Exit
Earlier this year, WWE attempted to bring Odyssey Jones into the fold, seemingly as a Big E replacement, though that didn’t work out. Jones was removed over domestic violence allegations, an act that left Kingston and Xavier Woods having to adapt.
“Once Odyssey was out of the mix, we just had to figure out a way to pivot and keep the story going and keep on moving forward, because, as they say, the show must go on.”
Nick Aldis has praised Chelsea Green for her recent performances in WWE.
Green who made her wrestling debut in 2014 had runs with companies such as Impact and Lucha Underground before signing with WWE in August 2018. She failed to make a positive impression on WWE top brass, however, and got released from the company during the 2021 budget cuts.
Despite the setback, Green took things positively and went right back to work on the indie circuit. Her hard work paid off and the Endeavour-owned promotion brought her back on board in January last year. Green has become one of the most entertaining stars on WWE TV since then, and her work is said to be one of the catalysts for WWE introducing a Women’s US title.
Aldis talked about working with Chelsea during a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet. He explained that the female star has a great creative mind and she always has many ideas on how to make their segments better:
“I mean, it’s a night off. It’s great. You don’t have to think very hard because she’s just going to give you endless material. What a great example of maximizing your minutes.”
Nick Aldis mentioned how he and Chelsea have had somewhat of a similar path. They’ve worked for the same promotions and the opportunity they finally got is not necessarily what they may have envisioned.
Despite the challenges, however, Green has done her best. Aldis pointed out how she has made the most of any opportunity given to her:
“I think for her, there was this thing of will I ever get the shot on the main show? Then it comes. And I’m sure that this probably isn’t what she first had in mind. I don’t want to speak for her, but I would venture to say that what she’s doing, it probably isn’t like what she envisioned a long time ago. But man, Has she taken this and run with it.”
Apart from this, Aldis also talked about his role as the SmackDown General Manager and reflected on his WWE TV debut. You can check out what he revealed about his debut segment with Dominik Mysterio here.
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is gearing up to spread holiday spirit with some creative new trademarks. On November 18, the company filed for two festive names with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO):
Dynamite on 34th Street
Christmas Collision
Both filings fall under the category of entertainment services, hinting at upcoming holiday-themed wrestling events. The trademark applications specify coverage for a wide range of entertainment activities, including live professional wrestling performances, suggesting AEW is planning unique holiday-themed shows.
AEW Dynamite airs on Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25), while that week’s Collision is scheduled for Saturday, December 28.
These latest trademarks align with the company’s creative approach to themed programming. Past holiday and seasonal outings include Beach Break, Winter is Coming, Holiday Bash, New Year’s Smash and St. Patrick’s Day Slam.
Stay tuned for official announcements and updates on how AEW plans to incorporate these new trademarks into its programming.
WWE fans have been wondering which storyline will bring CM Punk back to TV after he took time off following his Hell In A Cell match. The latest episode of Raw suggests Punk might be getting involved in a completely unexpected feud upon his comeback.
This week’s episode of the Red Branded Show included a backstage segment featuring the world heavyweight champion Gunther. Speaking to his lieutenant Ludwig Kaiser, the Ring General asked Kaiser to ‘look into his eyes’ and tell him what he saw:
— Anutosh Bajpai || SEScoops || Wrestling News (@AuthorAnutosh) November 19, 2024
The line comes straight from the former AEW star’s beloved Cult of Personality theme song. Punk has used different versions of the Living Colour song as his entrance music since 2011.
The Straight Edge Star has taken time off from TV after defeating Drew McIntyre in a Hell In A Cell match at Bad Blood. It’s believed that the former World Champion would return to the company before or at the upcoming Survivor Series PPV on November 30.
Many have theorized that CM Punk could be revealed as the final member of Roman Reigns’ WarGames team. After Reigns tried calling Paul Heyman on Friday’s SmackDown, people pointed out that Punk has close ties with Heyman and the two have a lot of history together.
The Triple H regime, however, is known for its long-term planning and using MCU-esque easter eggs to give smart fans a preview of what’s to come.
Gunther’s latest promo is unmistakably a nod to the former WWE Champion and it definitely suggests that Punk will be going after the World Heavyweight Championship whenever he reappears on TV.
Cathy Kelley, a familiar face on WWE’s Monday Night Raw broadcast team, has shared her ambition to expand her role within the company. Known for her backstage interviews and on-air presence, Kelley recently revealed her interest in transitioning to a managerial role in the future.
Speaking with B4theBell, Kelley explained her commitment to professional wrestling, noting that the idea of managing is something she has given serious thought.
I would definitely be open to managing if it is the right pairing,” she said. “That is something that I would love to grow into, whether that’s, you know, tomorrow, whether that’s a decade down the line.
I do really see myself involved in WWE, in wrestling, in some way throughout my entire career.”
– Cathy Kelley
These remarks align with a growing trend in WWE, where talents like former ring announcer Samantha Irvin have expressed interest in stepping into managerial roles.
Currently, Kelley serves as a pivotal member of the Raw broadcast team, working alongside Joe Tessitore, Wade Barrett, Jackie Redmond, and Lilian Garcia. Her steady rise on WWE programming has made her a vital figure on screen, and her aspiration to manage talent could add another dimension to her already impressive résumé.
As Kelley continues to thrive on Raw, fans and industry insiders alike will be watching to see if—and when—she takes this next step in her WWE journey.
Gable Steveson, Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA wrestling champion, has decided to return to the University of Minnesota wrestling team for a fifth season. This follows brief stints with WWE and the NFL, both of which ended earlier than expected. During a recent press conference, Steveson shared insights into his decision and reflected on why his WWE journey didn’t pan out as planned.
Steveson acknowledged that his time with WWE wasn’t the right fit at the time. Despite being seen as a promising prospect, he admitted the competition in WWE was intense, and the timing simply wasn’t ideal. However, he harbors no resentment and remains open to a potential return down the line.
“I think WWE just wasn’t the right time,” Steveson said. “I had a lot of competitive edge to me, and they knew that. It was just not the time for it, and so maybe one day if the stars align, it’ll be a great opportunity to do it again. I have no bad feelings with it, I have no bad blood with it, and I would like to keep moving forward with everything.”
Steveson’s foray into the NFL was also a learning experience. Signed briefly by the Buffalo Bills, he acknowledged that his lack of prior football experience posed significant challenges.
“I got a few tackles and a couple of games and a few QB hits,” Steveson explained. “I had a few other teams reach out to me previously before coming back here, so maybe after the season, it’s another opportunity.”
Though his NFL stint ended before the regular season, Steveson remains optimistic about future opportunities in both sports entertainment and football.
Now back at the University of Minnesota, Steveson’s return has been warmly embraced by the wrestling program. As he prepares for his fifth season, he remains focused on his immediate goals while leaving the door open for new opportunities in the future. Despite the setbacks, Steveson’s confidence and drive to succeed remain unshaken.
All Elite Wrestling’s highly anticipated event, AEW Full Gear 2024, is set to take place on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Wrestling fans around the world are eagerly awaiting this action-packed pay-per-view event, which will be preceded by the exciting Zero Hour pre-show.
The Zero Hour pre-show is scheduled to begin at 7 PM ET (4 PM PT), one hour before the main event. This pre-show will kick off the excitement and set the stage for the night’s main card. Fans can expect thrilling matches and segments that will build anticipation for the pay-per-view.
One of the confirmed matches for the Zero Hour pre-show is a singles match featuring Big Boom! A.J. (accompanied by Big Justice) taking on QT Marshall. This match promises to be an exciting opener for the event, showcasing the talents of these rising stars.
How to Watch the Zero Hour Pre-Show
The best part about the Zero Hour pre-show is that it’s completely free to watch. Here are the ways you can tune in:
TrillerTV: The official free live stream of the Zero Hour pre-show will be available on TrillerTV.
AEW’s YouTube Channel: Traditionally, AEW has streamed its pre-shows on their official YouTube channel, so this is likely to be an option as well.
AEW’s Social Media Platforms: Keep an eye on AEW’s official social media accounts, as they may also provide links to the free live stream.
By tuning into the Zero Hour pre-show, fans can get a taste of the action and build excitement for the main event. Don’t miss this opportunity to catch all the AEW Full Gear 2024 action, starting with the free Zero Hour pre-show!
Nick Aldis has changed what it means to be a wrestling authority figure in many ways since his WWE debut in October last year. It all started with his very first segment with Dominik Mysterio, where Aldis mocked the young star with a simple line and established himself as a General Manager who will not be pushed around.
The former NWA champion reflected on the segment during a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet. He noted that he had already been working as a producer for the company for a couple of months at the time, so he had a bit more leeway to make improvements.
When his debut segment was presented to him, Aldis knew that the majority of the WWE audience would not be aware of his previous work. He had only one chance to make a strong impression. When he looked at the line with Dirty Dom, he knew that it was the one thing he needed to establish himself:
“I was like what if I put a pause in there, in my mind I was like that’s kind of my sense of humor. That’s my sort of sh*t-talker type of style. ‘I’m a big fan of your dad.’ I said it, and Hunter and whoever was around at the time, all sort of laughs.
Okay, so I went, ‘Okay, that might work.’ I knew that this segment isn’t necessarily about me. It’s I’m here to facilitate and that’s sort of what that character is a lot of the time. But at the same time, I’ve got 10 seconds here to f*cking smash something. I was like that’s it, that’s my bit.”
Nick Aldis also talked about Dominik Mysterio’s popularity and said that he is at the sweet spot for a heel character in the modern era. He explained that the young star is someone who you love to hate, and he has real heat which is very hard to get.
The SmackDown GM took the time to praise Dom’s partner in crime Liv Morgan as well. He mentioned how Morgan has been part of WWE for a long time so you can’t call her a break out star but for Aldis, she is definitely the MVP of 2024.
The Street Profits are not expected to follow the footsteps of Bobby Lashley and exit WWE, at least in the immediate future.
The former tag team champions have made headlines recently after referencing the WWE exit of Lashley and highlighting their struggles in the tag division in a passionate promo earlier this month. The promo was in preparation for their tag team title match against Motor City Machine Guns on the November 15 SmackDown.
The bout ended in disqualification after Tomasso Ciampa interfered and attacked members of both the teams. After the duo failed to capture the tag titles yet again, a lot of people wondered if this was a sign of them being on their way out of the company.
Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins are locked into WWE deals, and their recent grumbling in the media about their lack of success is merely part of a storyline to generate interest. (h/t PWInsider)
Ford is one of the WWE talents who has signed with Paradigm Talent Agency as part of their new Sports Division and he has been working on some outside projects. So it’s possible that he might be taking some time off from WWE programming for that. Beyond that, however, there is no internal chatter about the two potentially leaving the company.
The SmackDown match saw some interesting storyline development with the disqualification finish. When Johnny Gargano came out to confront his DIY partner, Ciampa shoved him aside, further teasing tensions between the two.
The Street Profits were also frustrated with their opportunity going to waste. When The Machine Guns offered to shake their hand, the duo of Ford and Dawkins ended up attacking the current champions. The post-match action makes it very clear that the Street Profits are not done with the legendary tag team.
The world of professional wrestling and politics have long shared a unique connection, with several notable wrestlers transitioning from the ring to public office.
As of November 2024, several former WWE, NWA, and TNA (now IMPACT Wrestling) stars are serving in elected positions across various levels of government. Here, we explore the current landscape of wrestlers-turned-politicians and their roles in shaping public policy.
WWE Superstars in Politics
Kane (Glenn Jacobs) – Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee
Glenn Jacobs, better known of course to wrestling fans as Kane, has been serving as the Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee since 2018.
The WWE Hall of Famer and former World Heavyweight Champion has successfully transitioned from his intimidating in-ring persona to a respected political figure.
Jacobs, a member of the Republican Party, has focused on fiscal responsibility and economic development during his tenure.
Matt Morgan – Deputy Mayor of Longwood, Florida
Former WWE superstar and TNA alumni Matt Morgan has made significant strides in local politics. After serving as the Mayor of Longwood, Florida from 2019 to 2020, Morgan currently holds the position of Deputy Mayor.
His political career began in 2017 when he was elected as the District 4 City Commissioner of Longwood. Morgan’s transition from wrestling to politics demonstrates the diverse skill set that professional wrestlers can bring to public service.
NWA and TNA Alumni in Office
Rick Steiner – Cherokee County School Board, Georgia
Rick Steiner, one half of the legendary Steiner Brothers tag team, has been serving on the Cherokee County School Board in Georgia since 2006. Representing District 4, Steiner also holds the position of Board Vice-Chair.
Raymond Rougeau – Mayor of Rawdon, Quebec
Former WWE and NWA wrestler Raymond Rougeau has been serving as the Mayor of Rawdon, Quebec since 2021. Rougeau’s political career demonstrates the global reach of wrestlers entering politics, extending beyond the United States to Canada.
Other Notable Wrestling Personalities in Politics
Jesse Ventura – Former Governor of Minnesota
While no longer in office, Jesse “The Body” Ventura’s tenure as Governor of Minnesota from 1998 to 2003 remains one of the most high-profile examples of a wrestler in politics.
Ventura’s successful gubernatorial run as an Independent candidate paved the way for other wrestlers to consider political careers.
Antonio Inoki – Former Member of the Japanese House of Councillors
The late Antonio Inoki, founder of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, served two terms in the Japanese House of Councillors.
His political career, which included diplomatic missions to North Korea, showcased the potential for wrestlers to engage in international relations.
AEW Full Gear 2024 is set to take place on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. As fans prepare for this exciting event, knowing the start times across various regions is essential to ensure you don’t miss any of the action.
AEW Full Gear 2024 Start Time in the United States
In the United States, the main card for AEW Full Gear 2024 will begin at 8:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) and 5:00 PM Pacific Time (PT). The pre-show, known as “Zero Hour,” will start at 12:00 AM GMT, which translates to 7:00 PM ET and 4:00 PM PT on November 23.
AEW Full Gear 2024 Start Time in Canada
Canadian fans can expect similar timings to their U.S. counterparts. The event will start at 8:00 PM ET for Eastern provinces like Ontario and Quebec, while those in British Columbia will tune in at 5:00 PM PT. The pre-show will also align with U.S. timings.
AEW Full Gear 2024 Start Time in Europe
For European viewers, the start times are as follows:
United Kingdom: Pre-show at 12:00 AM GMT (November 24), Main card at 1:00 AM GMT
Central European Time (CET): Pre-show at 1:00 AM CET, Main card at 2:00 AM CET
Eastern European Time (EET): Pre-show at 2:00 AM EET, Main card at 3:00 AM EET
AEW Full Gear 2024 Start Time in Australia
Australian fans will enjoy an early morning viewing experience. The expected start times are:
Sydney and Melbourne: Pre-show at 11:00 AM AEDT (November 24), Main card at 12:00 PM AEDT
Brisbane: Pre-show at 10:00 AM AEST, Main card at 11:00 AM AEST
AEW Full Gear 2024 Start Time in Asia
For fans in Asia, the start times vary by location:
Tokyo, Japan: Pre-show at 9:00 AM JST, Main card at 10:00 AM JST
New Delhi, India: Pre-show at 6:30 AM IST, Main card at 7:30 AM IST
AEW Full Gear 2024 Start Time in the Middle East
In the Middle East, viewers can catch the event early Sunday morning:
Dubai, UAE: Pre-show at 4:00 AM GST, Main card at 5:00 AM GST
Mickie James is an undisputed legend of the ring, and the former Women’s Champion is ready for one more match in either WWE or TNA Wrestling. When a fan on X shared their hope to see James back in either promotion, the 45-year-old wrestler teased that this could happen down the line.
James has a successful history in both promotions with several championship reigns to her name. James’ most recent match for WWE was as part of the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble match, though she entered as a representative for TNA (then Impact Wrestling.) James’ most recent match for TNA came at October 2023’s Bound for Glory event, where she challenged Knockouts Champion Trinity (now Naomi.)
As a legend of women’s wrestling, a return to either company would be huge for James and allow her to work with familiar opponents as well as talent she’s never stepped in the ring with. A return to WWE could also see James reunite with real-life husband Nick Aldis who joined WWE this year as SmackDown’s General Manager.
With WWE and TNA partnering in 2024, fans can’t count out James appearing in both promotions as part of this teased return to the ring. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Mickie James and the next steps in her pro-wrestling journey.
Here’s a preview for tonight’s WWE NXT, broadcasting live on The CW at 8/7c from the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida:
Tony D’Angelo vs. Brooks Jensen: This match follows an intense conversation between the two, with Jensen seeking to gain a shot at the NXT North American Championship.
NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Andre Chase vs. Ridge Holland: If Chase loses, Chase U must disband. The winner will face Trick Williams at Deadline.
Jaida Parker vs. Stephanie Vaquer: Vaquer competes in only her second singles TV match, with Parker coming off a big win over Lola Vice.
Ashante “Thee” Adonis & Karmen Petrovic vs. Dion Lennox & Brinley Reece: This match tests the compatibility of Adonis and Petrovic as a team.
We’ll hear from the Fatal Influence trio of Fallon Henley, Jacy Jane and Jazmyn Nyx.
Plus, Men’s and Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifying Matches:
Zaria vs. Wren Sinclair: Zaria seeks to punch her ticket to the Iron Survivor Challenge, coming off a big tag team win at NXT 2300.
Nathan Frazer vs. Eddy Thorpe: Frazer looks to qualify for the men’s Iron Survivor Challenge.
What Happened Last Week
Quick results from WWE NXT (November 12, 2024):
NXT Women’s North American Championship: Fallon Henley retained her title against Kelani Jordan, thanks to interference from Jacy Jayne.
Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer defeated Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson, remaining undefeated in the tag team scene after hitting stereo knees on Jackson.
Women’s Iron Survivor Qualification Match: Sol Ruca defeated Cora Jade with the Sol Snatcher to secure her spot in the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge.
Men’s Iron Survivor Qualification Match: Wes Lee beat Cedric Alexander with a Meteora after Alexander crashed into an exposed turnbuckle.
Nikkita Lyons defeated Adriana Rizzo with the Lyons Roar, but Rizzo retaliated with a crowbar attack after the match.
Men’s Iron Survivor Qualification Match: Je’Von Evans qualified for the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge by defeating Lexis King with a twisting splash.
WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio has announced the passing of his father Roberto Gutierrez at the age of 76 earlier this week.
The wrestling veteran shared some photos of his father alongside a tribute on Instagram. He thanked his dad for setting up a great example for him in every walk of life.
He mentioned that there are a lot of traits he picked up from his father and assured him that he will always take care of his mother and look out for her:
A three-decade veteran of the business, Rey Mysterio was contemplating retirement from active competition before his son Dominik Mysterio entered the business in 2019. Teaming with his son rejuvenated Mysterio’s passion for the business.
They even made history by becoming the first-ever father-son tag team champions in WWE history back in 2021. Dominik has since broken up the partnership to join Judgment Day instead, while his father has taken up a mentor role for Mexican talents as the leader of the revived Latino World Order.
In recent interviews, the 49-year-old has said that he doesn’t plan on wrestling beyond the age of 50. Though unlike John Cena, the master of 619 has not revealed a timetable for his retirement yet.
Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez opened the show, leading to a confrontation involving Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, Candice LeRae, Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, Naomi, and Iyo Sky. The segment culminated with Rhea Ripley returning to attack Liv Morgan, who managed to escape, while the babyfaces overpowered the heels.
Rey Mysterio & Zelina Vega defeated Chad Gable & Ivy Nile.
Finn Bálor motivated Dominik Mysterio and Carlito ahead of their match against the War Raiders.
The Miz and Karrion Kross issued a warning to the Wyatt Sicks, asserting their control over the situation.
Gunther attempted a sneak attack on Damian Priest, but Priest anticipated the move and countered effectively.
The Intercontinental Championship match between Bron Breakker (c) and Sheamus ended in a no contest due to interference from Ludwig Kaiser, who attacked both competitors and declared his intent to eliminate Sheamus.
Sami Zayn and The Usos approached Seth Rollins to join their WarGames team. Rollins declined, stating his refusal to align with Roman Reigns, even with the addition of Bronson Reed to the team.
Dominik Mysterio & Carlito were defeated by the War Raiders. Post-match, the Judgment Day attacked the War Raiders.
A vignette featured an upset Bo Dallas of the Wyatt Sicks, possibly addressing The Miz, warning of impending loss.
Xavier Woods announced that The New Day would face Otis and Akira Tozawa in the upcoming week, following an argument with Kofi Kingston.
Bronson Reed defeated Seth Rollins after interference from Solo Sikoa, landing a Death Valley Driver, two senton splashes, and a Tsunami for the pinfall. Post-match, Sikoa raised Reed’s hand.
The Women’s WarGames match for WWE Survivor Series 2024 was officially announced Monday night on Raw, featuring the surprise return of Rhea Ripley. The highly anticipated bout will showcase two teams of WWE’s top stars battling inside the iconic steel cage structure.
Official Teams Announced for Women’s WarGames Match
The confirmed participants for the Women’s WarGames match are:
Team Rhea Ripley: Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, Naomi, and IYO SKY.
Team Liv Morgan: Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, and Candice LeRae.
Updated Survivor Series 2024 Card
Additional matches announced for Survivor Series 2024 include:
Men’s WarGames Match: The OG Bloodline (Roman Reigns, The Usos, Sami Zayn) vs. The New Bloodline (Solo Sikoa and two unannounced partners).
Women’s WarGames Match: Team Rhea Ripley vs. Team Liv Morgan.
World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther (c) vs. Damian Priest.
Intercontinental Championship: Sheamus vs. Bron Breakker (pending confirmation).
Event Details
Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Location: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
How to Watch:
United States: Available on Peacock.
International: Streamable on WWE Network in participating regions, with Netflix taking over WWE streaming internationally starting in January 2025.
Rhea Ripley made her highly anticipated return on this week’s episode of Raw, which was taped last week at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, MI.
Ripley had been sidelined due to a fractured right orbital socket, an injury that forced her off television. The storyline injury was depicted earlier this month on NXT when Women’s World Champions Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez attacked Ripley with baseball bats.
The segment showed Ripley lying next to her car, with a cut on her head and fake blood pouring out. Reports suggest the injury stemmed from a headbutt spot during the October 21st episode of Raw.
As a result of Ripley’s absence, WWE had to make adjustments to the Crown Jewel premium live event, where she was originally scheduled to face Rodriguez in a singles match.
Ripley made a dramatic comeback at the start of Raw, targeting Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan. The confrontation escalated into a chaotic brawl involving Ripley, Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, Naomi, and IYO SKY, who stood tall over Morgan, Rodriguez, Tiffany Stratton, and Nia Jax.
While not yet confirmed, the events appear to be setting up a women’s WarGames match at Survivor Series next Saturday, adding to the excitement for the highly anticipated event.
Cathy Kelley and Kevin Owens experienced a dune buggy accident ahead of WWE’s Crown Jewel event from Saudi Arabia. As part of the pre-show festivities, WWE talent and staff participated in various activities, including dune buggy rides. During the Crown Jewel pre-show broadcast, it was revealed that Kelley and Owens had been involved in the accident.
Owens was originally scheduled to compete in a match against Randy Orton. However, the match took a dramatic turn as the two brawled outside the ring, leading to Orton being stretchered out of the venue. Speaking on B4TheBell, Cathy Kelley provided more details about the incident and reflected on her long-standing friendship with Owens. She shared:
“He’s been one of my friends for years. I’ve had many conversations with him off camera. We just got into a kind of traumatizing accident when we were in Saudi Arabia in a dune buggy. I kind of credit him for saving my life in that moment.
We rolled three and a half times in a dune buggy. He said his initial instinct was to protect me. I was holding onto a safety rail, he was right behind me. We could have gotten much more banged up than we did. We were really lucky that we walked out of it relatively unscathed.”
– Cathy Kelley on B4theBell
Kelley added that she came away with just a minor scratch on her hand, while Owens’ quick instincts potentially prevented more serious injuries.
Despite the harrowing experience, Owens is set to appear in a face-to-face segment with the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes on this Friday’s episode of SmackDown.
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has established a comprehensive championship structure since its inception in 2019, creating multiple paths to glory across its men’s and women’s divisions. Starting with the prestigious AEW World Championship, the company has expanded its title lineup to eight distinct championships, each serving a unique purpose in showcasing different aspects of professional wrestling.
From singles competitions to tag team battles, and from global contests to television-specific titles, AEW’s championship hierarchy provides clear goals and achievements for its diverse roster of talent.
Table of Contents
Here is an overview of the AEW’s active championships:
The AEW World Championship, established on May 25, 2019, was the company’s first championship. Its inaugural champions showcased the star power AEW had attracted, with Chris Jericho, Jon Moxley, Kenny Omega, “Hangman” Adam Page becoming early titleholders.
The AEW TNT Championship, introduced on January 15, 2020, became AEW’s first mid-card singles championship. The title’s early lineage included Cody Rhodes, Darby Allin, Miro, and Sammy Guevara, helping establish it as a prestigious stepping stone toward the World Championship.
The AEW International Championship, created on March 7, 2022, was originally known as the All-Atlantic Championship (and briefly the American Championship) before being rebranded to better reflect its global prestige. Orange Cassidy, PAC, Will Ospreay, and Konosuke Takeshita have held this title, emphasizing its international flavor.
The AEW Continental Championship, debuted on December 30, 2023, is one of the company’s newest titles. Eddie Kingston and Kazuchika Okada have been among its champions, further expanding AEW’s championship hierarchy.
The AEW Women’s World Championship was established on October 2, 2019, as the promotion’s first women’s title. Champions like Riho, Hikaru Shida, Britt Baker, Toni Storm, and Mariah May have helped build the women’s division’s credibility.
The AEW TBS Championship, launched on October 6, 2021, became the second women’s championship in the company. Jade Cargill, Kris Statlander, and Mercedes Moné have held this title, which has helped showcase the depth of AEW’s women’s roster.
The AEW World Tag Team Championship debuted on October 30, 2019, featuring iconic teams like The Young Bucks, FTR, The Lucha Brothers, and Private Party competing for tag team supremacy.
The AEW World Trios Championship, introduced on August 24, 2022, represented AEW’s commitment to six-man tag team wrestling. Teams like The Elite, Death Triangle, House of Black, and Blackpool Combat Club have competed for these titles, adding another dynamic element to AEW’s championship landscape.
This collection of eight active championships has helped AEW create multiple tiers of competition and provided various achievement levels for its diverse roster of talent.
AEW World Championship (Established: May 25, 2019)
AEW TNT Championship (Established: January 15, 2020)
AEW International Championship (Established: March 7, 2022)
AEW Continental Championship (Established: December 30, 2023)
Open to All Genders
AEW World Tag Team Championship (Established: October 30, 2019)
AEW World Trios Championship (Established: August 24, 2022)
Women’s Division
AEW Women’s World Championship (Established: October 2, 2019)
AEW TBS Championship (Established: October 6, 2021)
Inactive, Other Championships
The FTW Championship was an unsanctioned championship brought to AEW by Taz, paying homage to the original ECW title of the same name. While featured on AEW television, it was never officially recognized by the company. The championship has since been retired but played a significant role in several storylines.
The Owen Hart FoundationTournament Championship honors the legacy of Owen Hart. Each year, the Men’s and Women’s tournament winners receive championship belts, though these titles are not defended throughout the year. The tournament has become one of AEW’s most prestigious annual events. Notable winners include Adam Cole, Britt Baker, Ricky Starks, Ruby Soho.
Former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland raised eyebrows on Monday when he posted an x-ray image to social media, accompanied by the caption “These Hurt Syndicate beatings take a toll.”
While the image doesn’t appear to show any clear fractures or dislocations, the timing is concerning with Strickland’s high-profile match against the Hurt Syndicate’s Bobby Lashley looming at Full Gear this Saturday.
Lashley is set to make his AEW debut against Strickland in what promises to be a hard-hitting affair. Given Strickland’s reputation as one of professional wrestling’s toughest competitors, the match is expected to proceed as planned barring any official announcement to the contrary.
More details about Strickland’s condition may emerge during this Wednesday’s episode of AEW Dynamite.
MVP Reacts to Swerve’s X-Ray
MVP retweeted a fan who said the Hurt Syndicate lives up to its name, yet another dig at Swerve before Full Gear.