At AEW WrestleDream, Bryan Danielson will defend his AEW World Championship against Jon Moxley in what is bound to be a violent contest between the former allies. The match will take place in Tacoma, Washington, just a stone’s throw from Bryan’s home in Aberdeen, and one local comic store has given the American Dragon an incentive to win.
If Danielson retains the gold at WrestleDream on October 12, Destiny City Comics will give away a free comic book to everyone who visits the store the next day. This was confirmed by the store’s owner Ethan, who also has experience in the ring.
Not to put any additional pressure on @bryandanielson, but if he retains the @AEW Championship here in Tacoma, I'll give everyone who comes by Destiny City Comics a free comic book the next day on Oct. 13th. pic.twitter.com/2y28mVEXQb
Bryan’s match with Moxley won’t just be about the AEW World Championship but the nature of the company itself. Since turning on Danielson at AEW All Out, Moxley has said he and his allies will create something that’ll last for years in AEW, a company that, in Moxley’s eyes, has been overcome with clashing egos. This is a daunting task that Bryan doesn’t “have the stomach for,” hence the betrayal last month in Illinois.
With Danielson being open about his career winding down, and of the opinion that neck surgery is in his near future, high-profile matches such as this one will become less and less frequent soon enough. Until then though, this match could result in a lot of happy comic book readers in the city of Tacoma. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from AEW WrestleDream 2024, including breaking news and live results from next week’s show in Tacoma, Washington.
WWE attempts to cover all of its bases when it secures bigger venues for its premium live events.
The company had filed a complaint with the Texas Attorney General to prevent the release of a bidding contract for the Royal Rumble in 2023. In the suit, the company claimed that the deal was a trade secret and contained proprietary information that fit an exemption in Texas’s public information law.
WWE opted last month to withdraw it. Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics shared a copy of the full contract he obtained between WWE and the state of San Antonio.
The initial release of the agreement had three pages noticeably missing, as WWE didn’t want it public. This is because it includes the wording of their exclusivity period.
In the contract, it was stated that the Alamodome could not run any other wrestling event from 90 days before the event and 60 days after it takes place. You can check out the wording of the exclusivity period part in the agreement below:
Because WWE withdrew its lawsuit, San Antonio released to Wrestlenomics their copy of the Royal Rumble 2023 agreement, which has a 3-page addendum not in the previously-published copy from the governor. The addendum includes an exclusivity clause.https://t.co/CahtkmyJUupic.twitter.com/hmeX6qfKnx
This shows the type of arrangement problems that other promotions, such as AEW, can deal with when booking venues for events and how much planning goes into it.
All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) flagship show, Dynamite, has been home to some of the most captivating moments in modern wrestling. As the program celebrates its 5th anniversary, it’s hard not to reflect on one of the most polarizing and influential figures to grace its ring: CM Punk.
From unforgettable promos to thrilling matches, Punk’s presence on Dynamite has left a lasting impact on the AEW landscape. In this retrospective, we’ll take a closer look at the best CM Punk moments on AEW Dynamite.
Punk’s first appearance on Dynamite following his debut was electric. The Chicago crowd’s reaction to their hometown hero was deafening, setting the stage for what many hoped would be a legendary run in AEW.
Unforgettable Promos
The MJF Feud Begins
One of the most memorable feuds in AEW history began on Dynamite when CM Punk and MJF engaged in a verbal sparring match that left fans in awe. Their promo battle was a masterclass in mic work, blending real-life history with kayfabe to create a compelling narrative.
Punk vs. Hangman Page Promo Showdown (May 2022)
As Punk continued to rack up wins on Dynamite, he eventually set his sights on the AEW World Championship. One of the most intense promo segments in this pursuit took place on the May 25, 2022, episode of Dynamite, where Punk faced off with then-champion Hangman Adam Page.
The tension between the two was palpable as Punk, the seasoned veteran, questioned Page’s ability to carry the company, while Page, full of pride, defended his title reign and reportedly went off script.
This segment elevated the stakes for their eventual match at Double or Nothing and highlighted Punk’s ability to push his opponents to their limits, both physically and mentally…although sometimes too far, and this promo would kickstart the events that would eventually lead to Punk leaving the company.
In-Ring Excellence
Punk’s First Match on Dynamite (September 2021)
After his triumphant in-ring return at All Out 2021, CM Punk made his much-anticipated Dynamite in-ring debut on October 27, 2021, in a match against Bobby Fish.
Fish, a veteran with a striking-heavy style in his own right, was the perfect opponent to test Punk’s endurance and skill on the national stage once again.
In the end, Punk secured the victory with his signature GTS, proving that he hadn’t missed a step despite his long hiatus.
Losing To MJF
A significant moment in Punk’s AEW run occurred on Dynamite in his hometown of Chicago. Despite the home crowd advantage, Punk suffered his first defeat in AEW at the hands of MJF. The match was restarted due to MJF’s cheating, but he managed to win twice, making the loss even more impactful.
Read More – Best AEW Dynamite Promos Ever: 5th Anniversary Retrospective
Memorable Team-Ups
Teaming With Darby Allin & Sting
On the Holiday Bash episode of Dynamite, Punk teamed up with Darby Allin and Sting in a six-man tag team match against MJF and FTR. This match was particularly memorable as all three babyfaces wore face paint, with Punk’s design paying homage to Sting.
These moments highlight CM Punk’s impact on AEW Dynamite, showcasing his promo skills, in-ring ability, and star power during his time with the company.
Former NXT North American Champion Wes Lee has made it clear that he wants to focus on carving his own legacy and he has The Rascalz in the rear view.
On last night’s NXT premiere on the CW, Wes Lee emerged victorious over his former tag team partner Zachary Wentz in a Street Fight. The gruesome battle featured an array of weapons and some high-risk spots. It was ultimately Lee who stood tall over his best friend-turned-bitter rival, whom he betrayed in August.
In an NXT Exclusive clip, Wes Lee reflected on his victory and stated that he felt great after beating Wentz the way he had planned. He said:
“I feel great. I beat my brother exactly the way that I said that I would. That goes out to anybody else that thinks that they can step to me and thinks they have a chance. I have shown a level that people do not want to see me reach ever again. Stay on my good side. Period, point blank.”
The former MSK member was also asked if he was done with The Rascalz (Wentz and Trey Miguel). He made it clear that he was over with them but raised the question if they were done with him. Wes Lee then said that he was focused on building his legacy and teased that he has a couple of things in mind.
“I’m done with The Rascalz. But are The Rascalz really done with me? Because I really know how those two operate. Only time’s gonna tell. But I’m definitely focused on more things to solidify my own legacy. Got a couple things in mind.
In the final moments of the match, Wentz hesitated to hit Lee with a chair which helped Lee capitalize on the situation. He then hit a chain-assisted Meteora to secure the pinfall victory. Wes Lee’s win over Wentz appears to be the end of their rivalry as Lee has successfully exacted revenge on his arch-nemesis.
Trick Williams is the newly-crowned NXT Champion and he celebrated his title win with CM Punk and some pizza.
Last night, NXT ushered in a new era on CW in Chicago and Williams reclaimed the top prize of the brand. He had challenged Ethan Page for the title with the hometown hero CM Punk serving as the special referee. Williams walked out of the jam-packed Allstate Arena as the new champ and later celebrated the victory with ‘The Second City Savior.’
In an NXT Exclusive, Trick Williams reflected on his memorable win and celebrated with some pizzas courtesy of CM Punk. He said:
“Chicago’s crazy, isn’t it? This is my first time in Chicago, and they showed me love. I’ll forever appreciate that, Chicago. Thank y’all. But as we said, as I told y’all, I was going back and getting my baby. Look at this thing. It’s pretty, isn’t it? I got the new title, man. Welcome to the CW, we in here.”
Punk then showed up with a pizza, and offered it to Williams. The new champ noted that it was from Lou Malnati’s, which he called the champion of pizza.
“I know this is your first time in Chicago. I know we talked about this before, you never had the pizza, so I got you some Lou Malnati’s. The champ of pizza for the champ of NXT,” Punk said.
Trick Williams then took a bite and stated that it was scrumptious. When asked about the atmosphere in the arena, Punk said that he’d take any chance to be in front of his hometown crowd. The former WWE Champion said:
“I’ve done everything in this building I think you can possibly do. To be a referee in front of that hometown crowd, any chance I get to be in front of that crowd, electric. I’ll take it. It’s absolutely stunning. The place is amazing. They love Trick, they love wrestling.”
Williams then proceeded to thank NXT head Shawn Michaels and the coaches for giving him an opportunity. He said:
“All jokes aside, we going to the CW, we taking NXT to great heights, and shoutout to all the coaches. Shoutout to Shawn Michaels, shoutout to Matt Bloom, shoutout to Terry Taylor, giving me an opportunity. I’m gonna take care of this [title] with my life.”
Following Williams’ title win, CM Punk had announced that fans will be given free Lou Malnati’s Pizzas along with C4 Energy drinks.
At WWE NXT Battleground, the brand introduced the NXT Women’s North American Championship, the first-ever Women’s mid-card title in company history. Many individuals, both in and out of WWE, believe that such a title should be introduced to the main roster and Drew McIntyre has now thrown his support behind the idea.
“That’s certainly something that’s going to come around in the near future… The women have been killing it for years now.”
McIntyre made clear that a Women’s mid-card title wouldn’t be introduced for the sake of it, but that the roster has shown why such a title needs to exist.
“There’s so many characters the women’s division has gotten over now. We’re at a point where if there’s a second title introduced, it’s absolutely justified.”
The Call For A Women’s Mid-Card Title
McIntyre is just the latest notable name to advocate for a women’s mid-card championship on WWE’s main roster. Here are some examples of others who back the idea.
Bron Breakker is someone who is very proud of his heritage and he is never afraid to tap into it. The 26-year-old always finds different ways to pay tribute to his family history.
One such way the former IC Champion always shows his admiration for the generation before him is through his ring gear. A memorable example of it is when Breakker replicated his father, Rick Steiner’s gear from the very first episode of Raw for his Spring Breakin’ 2022 match.
Breakker has now revealed that he has one more such gear planned for near future. The WWE star recently talked about it on Casual Conversations With The Classic podcast. He revealed that he has a very special ‘Steiner Math’ singlet in the works:
“Man, I don’t want to give any spoilers away, alright? I’m gonna try…I’ve got some ideas in the works for some gear that’s…Okay, so I’ll put it this way – all my PLE singlets are a tip of the cap or salute to the Steiners, for the most part. Some of them have my little bit of…You know I’ll change a little bit.
But most of them are, I’m bringing back the classics. There’s going to be one coming up soon that is a Bron Breaker version of the Steiner math. Cause I already did the pink one; it was huge, it was a cool thing. But I’m gonna do something different with that. I’m in the shop a little bit with the creative team. We’re gonna make something cool.”
Bron Breakker is referring to the infamous promo of his uncle Scott Steiner from his TNA days. Steiner was promoting the Sacrifice 2008 match between him, Samoa Joe, and Kurt Angle for the TNA World Title when he cut the promo that became a classic.
Apart from this, Breakker also talked about things such as his UpUpDownDown appearance, his extended family, his IC title run and more.
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has become a hub for exhilarating in-ring action and unforgettable surprise debuts. Over the past five years, AEW Dynamite has witnessed many jaw-dropping moments that fans still talk about today. Whether it was the arrival of a legend, a breakout star, or a controversial figure, these debuts often electrified the wrestling world.
In this retrospective, we revisit five of the best AEW Dynamite debuts ever as part of the show’s 5th anniversary celebration. These debuts not only shocked the audience but also set the stage for historic matches and feuds in AEW.
Sting’s Shocking AEW Debut (December 2, 2020)
Sting’s arrival on AEW Dynamite marked one of the most jaw-dropping moments in modern wrestling. A legendary figure in professional wrestling, Sting had not been seen in a wrestling ring since 2015 following his departure from WWE. When the lights dimmed and the snow began to fall during the “Winter is Coming” episode of Dynamite, fans had no idea that one of the most iconic stars in WCW history was about to make his return.
The reaction was instantaneous, and audience members at Daily’s Place and those watching at home couldn’t believe their eyes as Sting walked out to confront members of Team Taz, Darby Allin, and Cody Rhodes.
His mere presence created an immediate buzz and added prestige to AEW’s already impressive roster. Sting’s debut led to a long-term storyline, with the veteran eventually mentoring Darby Allin and taking part in multiple high-profile matches, including cinematic bouts that blended old-school flair with AEW’s innovative style.
Why It Stands Out:
Sting’s first appearance in AEW after decades in WCW and WWE
A cinematic atmosphere with the falling snow added drama
Sparked a multi-generational storyline with Darby Allin
KENTA and the Forbidden Door (February 3, 2021)
Another debut that sent shockwaves through the wrestling community was the arrival of KENTA. Fans had long dreamed of a working relationship between AEW and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), and KENTA’s appearance on Dynamite made that dream a reality.
On the February 3, 2021, episode, KENTA attacked Jon Moxley, hitting him with his devastating Go To Sleep (GTS) finisher.
This debut was not just about KENTA but about opening the “Forbidden Door” between AEW and NJPW, allowing stars from both promotions to face off. The excitement around this debut reverberated across social media, with fans eagerly anticipating future cross-promotional matches.
Why It Stands Out
Opened the “Forbidden Door” between AEW and NJPW
Marked KENTA’s first appearance in AEW, targeting Jon Moxley
Elevated the global appeal of AEW with international storylines
FTR (June 3, 2020)
When FTR (formerly known as The Revival in WWE) made their AEW debut on the June 3, 2020, episode of Dynamite, it was the culmination of years of anticipation. Wrestling fans had been clamoring for a match between FTR and The Young Bucks, two of the best tag teams in the world, since AEW’s inception.
FTR made their dramatic entrance by driving a pickup truck into Daily’s Place to save The Young Bucks from an attack by The Butcher and The Blade. Although they initially appeared as babyfaces, FTR quickly aligned themselves with Tully Blanchard and embraced their heel persona.
The subsequent showdown between FTR and The Young Bucks lived up to the hype, becoming one of the most acclaimed tag team matches in recent wrestling history.
Why It Stands Out
Long-awaited arrival of FTR in AEW
Set up one of the best tag team matches in AEW history against The Young Bucks
Reinforced AEW’s commitment to elevating tag team wrestling
Brodie Lee: The Exalted One (March 18, 2020)
The late Brodie Lee’s debut as the leader of The Dark Order, known as “The Exalted One,” was an unforgettable moment for AEW. On the March 18, 2020, episode of Dynamite, Lee (formerly Luke Harper in WWE) revealed himself as the mysterious figure behind The Dark Order faction. His arrival helped elevate The Dark Order from a mid-card stable to one of AEW’s most important factions.
Brodie Lee immediately made his presence felt, delivering dominant performances and quickly capturing the TNT Championship.
His feud with Cody Rhodes became one of AEW’s most emotionally charged storylines, culminating in an incredible Dog Collar match that further solidified his legacy in AEW.
Why It Stands Out
Brodie Lee’s transformation into a top-tier heel as “The Exalted One”
Elevated The Dark Order as a dominant faction in AEW
The emotional weight of his untimely passing, leaving a lasting legacy
Malakai Black (July 7, 2021)
Malakai Black’s debut on AEW Dynamite was another major surprise that caught fans off guard. On the July 7, 2021, episode, Black (formerly known as Aleister Black in WWE) appeared unexpectedly and immediately targeted Cody Rhodes, delivering his signature Black Mass kick.
What made this debut even more shocking was that Black had been released from WWE just over a month prior, leading fans to believe they wouldn’t see him in action for some time due to the standard non-compete clause.
However, AEW moved quickly, capitalizing on Black’s momentum and incorporating his dark, mysterious persona into a feud with Cody Rhodes that became a must-watch storyline.
Roxanne Perez says being part of a promo segment with CM Punk was a ‘pinch me’ moment.
The Straight Edge star has become a mentor for many NXT talents since returning to WWE. Two names that have especially become close to the wrestling veteran are Cora Jade and current NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez.
The latter recently got to share the screen with Punk as well prior to her title defense against Giulia. She opened up about the segment while speaking to New York Post, and claimed that the experience was really insane:
“Oh my gosh. I mean to have an in-ring promo with the best promo I think ever, was so insane. It definitely was a pinch me moment. But the fact that I’ve been able to create a friendship with him and sit under his Learning Tree for months now. I think being able to have that relationship definitely made me so much more comfortable.”
CM Punk played the role of a moderator in the segment between Roxanne Perez and Giulia during the September 17 episode of NXT. Perez talked about Punk being her childhood hero but said that she should have been a Drew McIntyre fan instead.
Speaking about her promo on the night, the NXT Women’s Champion said that it was ok for her to give Punk some attitude, because it was something he would have done himself a few years ago:
“I do remember getting in the ring and starting to say my lines and just really feeling it. Because I was just like, ‘Wow, this is insane. I’m standing in the ring with someone that I looked up to my entire life.’ A part of me was like, ‘Well I can’t believe this.’
But another part of me was like, ‘Wait, I can believe this, because this is everything I’ve ever worked for.’ And I felt like I definitely stood my ground. I said a little…I gave him a little bit of attitude, something that he would have done a few years ago. So it was really fun. It’s everything that I’ve been working for.”
Perez was successful in her title defence against Giulia at the CW Premiere episode of NXT last night. Though she had help from a returning superstar. You can check out more about it here.
WWE is set to revive one of its classic pay-per-view events with Bad Blood 2024, scheduled for Saturday, October 5th, 2024. This marks the first Bad Blood event in 20 years, promising an exciting night of action headlined by a Hell in a Cell match. Here’s everything you need to know about when and how to watch WWE Bad Blood 2024 across different time zones.
WWE Bad Blood 2024 will kick off at 6:00 PM Eastern Time on Saturday, October 5th. This earlier-than-usual start time is designed to avoid direct competition with UFC 307, which is scheduled for the same night. Here are the start times for different US time zones:
Eastern Time (ET): 6:00 PM
Central Time (CT): 5:00 PM
Mountain Time (MT): 4:00 PM
Pacific Time (PT): 3:00 PM
Australian Start Times
For fans Down Under, WWE Bad Blood 2024 will air on Sunday, October 6th due to the time difference. Here are the start times for major Australian cities:
Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra (AEDT): 9:00 AM
Brisbane (AEST): 8:00 AM
Adelaide (ACDT): 8:30 AM
Perth (AWST): 6:00 AM
Bad Blood European Start Times
European fans will need to stay up late or set their alarms early to catch the action live. Here are the start times for some major European cities:
London, United Kingdom (BST): 11:00 PM (Saturday, October 5th)
Paris, France (CEST): 12:00 AM (Sunday, October 6th)
Berlin, Germany (CEST): 12:00 AM (Sunday, October 6th)
Madrid, Spain (CEST): 12:00 AM (Sunday, October 6th)
Other International Start Times
For wrestling fans around the world, here are some additional international start times:
Tokyo, Japan (JST): 7:00 AM (Sunday, October 6th)
New Delhi, India (IST): 3:30 AM (Sunday, October 6th)
WWE is bringing back a classic pay-per-view event after a 20-year hiatus. Bad Blood 2024 is set to deliver an action-packed night of wrestling entertainment, featuring some of the biggest names in the company. This article will provide all the essential information you need to catch the live stream of this highly anticipated event.
How to Watch
United States Viewers
For fans in the United States, WWE Bad Blood 2024 will be available exclusively on Peacock, NBC’s streaming service. Peacock offers two subscription tiers that include WWE content:
Peacock Premium (with ads): $5.99 per month
Peacock Premium Plus (ad-free): $11.99 per month
Both options will allow you to stream WWE Bad Blood 2024 live, as well as access a vast library of WWE content and other sports and entertainment programming.
International Viewers
Outside of the United States, WWE Network remains the go-to platform for streaming WWE premium live events.
The WWE Network is available in over 180 countries and costs approximately $9.99 per month, depending on your location.
WWE Network offers several key benefits, including:
Access to every WWE premium live event, including WrestleMania, at no additional cost
Thousands of hours of on-demand programming, with new content added weekly
Exclusive access to shows like NXT and 205 Live
Groundbreaking documentaries, reality shows, and original series
Replays of Raw and SmackDown episodes, available 30 days after airing
United Kingdom Viewers
In the UK, WWE premium live events are typically broadcast on TNT Sports Box Office, which is offered through discovery+.
The standard subscription for discovery+ starts at £3.99 per month, with an additional pay-per-view fee (usually around £14.99) for events like Bad Blood.
UK fans can also subscribe directly to WWE Network for £9.99 per month, which many users find to be excellent value for the content provided.
AEW Dynamite has delivered some of the most compelling promos in modern professional wrestling since its debut in 2019. As we celebrate the 5th anniversary of the show, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the memorable mic work that has defined key moments in the company’s history.
Promos are an essential aspect of wrestling, and AEW has had no shortage of powerful, emotional, and explosive moments that have helped elevate talent and shape storylines, despite some claims that All Elite is all about the in-ring action and nothing else.
Here’s a look back at the best AEW Dynamite promos that have stood the test of time.
MJF and CM Punk: “Will You Be My Valentine?” (February 2022)
The rivalry between MJF and CM Punk produced some of the best promos in wrestling, but the February 2022 episode of Dynamite featured a particularly unforgettable exchange.
In this promo, MJF, who is of course often known for his arrogance and brashness, showed a rare moment of vulnerability, recounting how Punk was his childhood hero, or at least it seemed that way.
Punk’s response, laden with tension, escalated the feud to new heights, culminating in the famous “Will you be my Valentine?” line. The promo was a masterclass in storytelling, blending sincerity with heelish cunning.
Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston: “You Made a Promise to Your Mother” (November 2020)
Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston’s feud in 2020 delivered intense, emotion-packed promos, but none hit harder than their exchange during a November 2020 episode of Dynamite.
Moxley, the AEW World Champion at the time, reminded Kingston of a promise he made to his mother that he would become champion. The deeply personal nature of this promo, coupled with the raw intensity of both men, elevated their rivalry to new heights.
Moxley’s ability to tap into Kingston’s insecurities made this one of the most emotionally charged promos in AEW history.
Cody Rhodes: “Undesirable to Undeniable” (November 2019)
Cody Rhodes has always been a master of storytelling, and his promo on the November 2019 episode of Dynamite, where he proclaimed that he had gone from “undesirable to undeniable,” was one of his finest moments.
This line was a reflection of Cody’s personal journey in the wrestling business, and it struck a chord with fans who had followed his career. His passion and sincerity were on full display, making it a defining promo in the early days of AEW.
MJF: “You F*cking Mark, Fire Me!” (June 2022)
MJF has made a name for himself as one of the best talkers in wrestling, and his now-legendary “You f*cking mark, fire me!” promo from June 2022 ranks among his finest. Coming off a series of real-life contract negotiations and controversies, MJF blurred the lines between fiction and reality during a live episode of Dynamite. His fiery tirade directed at AEW President Tony Khan captivated the crowd as MJF vented his frustrations, calling out the company’s management in what was designed to look like an unscripted, off-the-cuff manner.
The promo sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, with fans and pundits alike debating whether the promo was real or part of a storyline. MJF’s passion and venom in his delivery made the moment unforgettable.
AEW Dynamite, since its inception in 2019, has provided wrestling fans with unforgettable matches that blend storytelling, athleticism and elements of strong style to create the first viable alternative to WWE since WCW, even arguably more so than TNA.
As the show celebrates its fifth anniversary, it’s the perfect time to reflect on some of the greatest matches that have defined AEW’s rise in professional wrestling. Below, we look at the standout encounters that continue to resonate with fans.
Kenny Omega vs. Bryan Danielson – Grand Slam (September 22, 2021)
The Dream Match Delivered
Kicking off with one of the most anticipated matches in AEW history, the non-title bout between Kenny Omega and Bryan Danielson was a wrestling purist’s dream.
Held at the first AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam in Arthur Ashe Stadium, this 30-minute time-limit draw left fans in awe. Danielson’s first match in AEW lived up to the hype, with both competitors delivering a technical masterclass.
Omega and Danielson’s chemistry, combined with the electric New York crowd, helped cement this match as one of AEW’s best.
MJF vs. Will Ospreay – International Title (July 17, 2024)
A Near-Hour of Chaos
MJF’s battle with Will Ospreay at AEW Dynamite 250 was an instant classic, lasting nearly 60 minutes and featuring breathtaking high spots and intense brawling.
This International Title match delivered everything a wrestling fan could want, from near-falls to action spilling into the crowd. Ultimately, MJF retained the title, albeit through his usual nefarious means.
The bout is a defining moment in both wrestlers’ careers, highlighting MJF’s own technical prowess and Ospreay’s high-flying and storytelling abilities over the hour.
Britt Baker vs. Thunder Rosa – Lights Out Match (March 17, 2021)
A Pioneering Women’s Match
Britt Baker vs. Thunder Rosa in a Lights Out unsanctioned match is not only one of the best women’s matches in AEW history but one of the greatest matches period. The brutal encounter featured tables, chairs, and thumbtacks, with both women pouring their hearts and bodies into the bout. Despite losing, Baker emerged as a megastar, with the iconic image of her bloodied face solidifying her status. This match significantly raised the profile of AEW’s women’s division.
Parking Lot Fight: Best Friends vs. Santana & Ortiz (September 16, 2020)
Brawling with a Creative Edge
The Parking Lot Fight between Best Friends and Santana & Ortiz was one of the most unique matches of 2020.
This no-holds-barred brawl took place in a parking lot, where both teams used cars, weapons, and everything in between.
The chaotic atmosphere, combined with clever spots and intense aggression, made this match unforgettable. Best Friends emerged victorious, but both teams gained respect for their grit and determination.
Cody Rhodes vs. Brodie Lee – Dog Collar Match (October 7, 2020)
An Emotional Farewell to Brodie Lee
The Dog Collar Match between Cody Rhodes and Brodie Lee for the TNT Championship was as emotional as it was violent.
This match was one of Brodie Lee’s final appearances before his untimely passing, and it was a fitting tribute to his legacy. Both men utilized the chain to devastating effect, delivering a hard-hitting match that concluded with Cody regaining the title. This bout is remembered for its physical intensity and emotional weight.
Jericho Appreciation Society vs. Blackpool Combat Club – Blood and Guts (June 29, 2022)
A Brutal War Inside the Cage
The Blood and Guts match between Jericho Appreciation Society and Blackpool Combat Club was a violent spectacle that saw the two factions settle their feud inside a steel cage with two rings.
Featuring brutal high spots, including Sammy Guevara’s dramatic fall from the top of the cage, the match encapsulated the chaotic nature of the rivalry.
The dual submission finish atop the cage ended the bloody war, with Blackpool Combat Club emerging victorious in a bout fans will never forget.
Kenny Omega vs. PAC – Iron Man Match (February 26, 2020)
A Display of Endurance and Skill
Kenny Omega and PAC put on an incredible 30-minute Iron Man match, demonstrating exceptional athleticism and storytelling.
The match was filled with high-flying maneuvers, hard-hitting action, and strategic wrestling.
After a competitive back-and-forth, Omega won in sudden-death overtime, cementing his legacy as one of the top stars in AEW. PAC also solidified his reputation as one of the most gifted in-ring performers of his generation.
Bryan Danielson vs. “Hangman” Adam Page – AEW World Championship (January 5, 2022)
A Champion’s Test of Grit
The rematch between Bryan Danielson and Hangman Page for the AEW World Championship was another classic. After their previous 60-minute time-limit draw, this match had no such restrictions. Both competitors pushed each other to the limit in an incredibly physical and emotionally charged encounter. Hangman retained the title, solidifying his reign as a top champion, while Danielson continued to prove his technical mastery.
CM Punk proved to be an impartial official during WWE NXT’s premiere on The CW which went off the air with Trick Williams winning the NXT Championship. After the match though, Punk hit his signature GTS on Ethan Page, an act that hasn’t gone down well with the now-former champion.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) October 2, 2024
In his first comments after losing the NXT Championship, Page shared photos of himself and his daughter on Twitter. The ‘All Ego’ Superstar didn’t reference Punk by name, but commented that “He’s been known to ruin locker rooms” and that Punk has ruined his life as well.
Punk’s infamous ‘locker room ruining’ ways would be on full display at AEW All Out 2022 where he made a series of incendiary comments on the post-show. Those comments, coupled with the backstage fight, would see Punk suspended from AEW for months and forever changed his relationship with Tony Khan’s promotion.
Given the hostility between Page and Punk during the NXT Championship match, fans are excited at the prospect of a match between the two Superstars. In the meantime, CM Punk will enter Hell in a Cell this weekend to face Drew McIntyre at WWE Bad Blood. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from WWE NXT’s new era on The CW as well as the career of CM Punk.
In recent days, the wrestling world has been concerned over the whereabouts of Journey Fatu, a member of the famed Fatu family who had been ‘missing’ and unable to contact. Journey’s alleged situation had been shared online by fellow wrestler Juicy Finau, who has this week apologized to fans who have taken issue with what’s turned out to be an angle.
On Twitter, Finau shared that he was sorry for “any emotional damage and distress” caused by the angle, which has been in the works since early August. Finau said he wasn’t aware of “the situation that is currently happening in the real world,” likely referring to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene that has killed over 100 people and impacted countless others. Finau added that the ‘missing’ Journey storyline “blew up” and again apologized to those offended.
Unfortunately I wasn’t aware of the situation that is currently happening in the real world. I want to apologize for My ignorance to current world events. I am sorry
To those I have offended with this I apologize sincerely.
This angle raises the question as to what is the line in pro wrestling when an angle goes from a gripping, envelope-pushing work of fiction to an offensive way to make money. WWE is no stranger to controversial angles, such as the use of the passing of Eddie Guerrero in November 2005, with many heels using his death for heat. In 2003, Triple H and Booker T had a feud that many felt had racially offensive undertones, though Booker has said he approved of the entire angle and its verbiage at the time.
More recently, controversial angles were brought up in Netflix’s Mr. McMahon docuseries, such as Trish Stratus being forced to bark like a dog for McMahon in 2001. In the series, Stratus defended the angle, saying that the “sensitive scene” elicited the right response from fans who were angry at the evil Mr. McMahon character.
While Journey’s brother Jacob Fatu is making huge waves in WWE as part of The Bloodline, his career, and that of Juicy Finau, could be seriously impacted by this controversial angle. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from the world of wrestling and the angles that some believe go too far.
In the main event of WWE Monday Night Raw, Braun Strowman defeated Bronson Reed in the Last Monster Standing match, thanks to a timely assist from the returning Seth Rollins. While Braun proved to be the true monster of WWE, more has come to light about the former Universal Champion’s condition after this match.
On Wrestling Observer Live, it was reported that Strowman suffered an injury during the match with Reed. Braun was seen grabbing his thigh/groin area after being hit with a Samoan Drop by Reed and was seen limping for the remainder of the match. Similarly, Braun was unable to build momentum when running, and after knocking Reed off the apron for a spot, the referee was “furiously communicating with the back” about an issue.
The concern within WWE is that Strowman has suffered a torn groin and that’s “certainly what they thought” after the match. This comes mere months after Braun returned to WWE programming in April after a year-long hiatus following neck fusion surgery. In July, Strowman shared that his knees have been ‘banged up’ and that he would be visiting a doctor to learn more.
Losing Strowman to the injured list is the last thing WWE Raw needs, especially with Ilja Dragunov set to miss months of action with an ACL injury. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on Braun Strowman and the physical condition of the Monster Among Men.
WWE has been under scrutiny recently due to a lack of representation for African American wrestlers in the company’s PLEs, and now Jinder Mahal has spoken up about similar treatment for South Asian talent.
The former WWE Champion who now goes by the name Raj Dhesi recently responded to the reports about representation on Twitter.
Mahal noted that despite the huge population of the region, there is currently only one South Asian talent signed to the promotion. He explained that talents from other sports can become stars if given the opportunity to be themselves:
There is only one South Asian currently in WWE (@SunnyDhinsa). With over 2 Billion population, 1/4 people in the world are South Asian. Not a single talent in NXT/Performance Center. This is an issue.
The former champion is not the only one who has spoken up about this issue recently. Former WWE star Sanga had previously criticized the company for wanting the viewership from India but not giving any representation to talents from the country.
The debate about lack of people to sign doesn’t work when Indian talents have shown their abilities on the international stage many times. Indian wrestlers have won at least one medal in the last 5 summer Olympics.
Names such as Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Aman Sehrawat are proving every day that talents from the region can make it big when given an opportunity.
This is not even counting someone like Vinesh Phogat who unfortunately missed her chance at a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics after being disqualified due to being above the stipulated weight on the day of the finals.
The unforeseen events led to many veteran wrestlers speaking up in support of Phogat. Prior to that, she had ended the incredible 82-0 international winning streak of Japan’s Yui Susaki in the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Editor’s Note
Forced inclusivity at the top at the cost of someone more deserving is never the goal of these talks. Mahal is not saying that people should be forced into the position because of their background. The question that we ask is how are talents supposed to reach that level without a fair opportunity to showcase their potential.
With the general lack of resources for people in these parts of the world, its industry leaders like WWE who have to step up to provide a chance to talents from all backgrounds to truly become global in every sense of the word.
WWE presented the CW Premiere episode of NXT tonight from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois. One of the featured bouts on the show was Roxanne Perez defending the NXT Women’s Championship against Giulia.
The Japanese star was making her official in-ring debut for the development brand in the opening match of the episode. As expected, she dominated most of the bout.
Giulia sent Perez crashing onto the outside floor towards the ending of the fight. The referee started a ten count but both competitors beat it. Roxanne Perez then grabbed the Women’s title belt to hit her opponent but the ref stopped her.
When the referee was busy, however, a hooded figure dragged the former Stardom star out of the ring and delivered a DDT on the floor. The mysterious star dumped Giulia back into the ring where Perez picked up the victory with a Pop Rox. The figure then revealed themselves to be a returning Cora Jade.
The 23-year-old had been out of action since January this year. She tore her ACL during an NXT Live Event match against Lyra Valkyria.
Jade previously won the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships with Roxanne Perez. Though their team didn’t last long as Cora Jade turned on her partner and then dumped the NXT tag title in a trash can.
It’s not clear if the events of tonight are leading towards a reunion between the teammates or if Jade has a different intention in mind. We’ll have to tune in to NXT in coming times to find out.
The NWA World’s Championship has been held by some of the all-time greats with Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, and Harley Race among its esteemed lineage. Now, Thom Latimer can add his name to that illustrious collection after finning the gold at NWA 76.
Latimer dethroned EC3 to capture the NWA World’s Championship at NWA 76, which is being aired as part of NWA Powerrr on X. The show had been taped on August 31, but was aired on a delay on October 1. EC3 had held the gold for 370 days at the time of the match after ending the reign and career of Tyrus at NWA 75 in August 2023.
Latimer is the third British wrestler to capture the NWA World’s Championship and follows in the footsteps of Gary Steele and Nick Aldis. Steele’s win at NWA 51 in September 1999 only saw him hold the gold for seven days and never defended the title in the UK. Aldis on the other hand, held the title for a combined 1,309 with the SmackDown General Manager boasting two reigns.
Now, it’s Latimer’s time to hold the coveted ten pounds of gold and lead the National Wrestling Alliance into the future with Billy Corgan at the helm. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on the NWA and the reign of new NWA World’s Champion Thom Latimer.
In recent days, Hurricane Helene has ravaged the United States, with at least 125 people losing their lives and many more being affected. Alongside national assistance, individuals have been trying to do what they can to help out, and the world of wrestling is opening its hearts, and its wallets, to those in need.
AEW’s Cash Wheeler has launched a GoFundMe to help those affected by Hurricane Helene which has proven to be a huge success. The fundraiser has already smashed past its original goal of $25,000 USD and at this time, is sitting at over $53,000.
Here are some notable names from wrestling who have pitched in:
AEW President Tony Khan – $10,000
Chris Jericho – $5,000
Nick Massie (aka Nick Jackson) – $2,000
Orange Cassidy – $1,500
Pamela Martinez (aka Bayley) – $1,250
MJF – $1,000
Matt Cardona – $500
Cezar Bononi – $300
Hurricane Helene has affected several plans in the world of wrestling, with MLW canceling its October 4, event due to the storm. TNA has similarly canceled its upcoming tapings in Spartanburg, South Carolina, that had been scheduled for October 4. CJ Perry’s mother was left stranded due to the storm, as was her father, though Perry has since shared that her mom and dad have now been reunited.
Hurricane Helene has devastated lives, and Wheeler’s GoFundMe will do a lot of good to help those most in need. We here at SEScoops are sending our very best wishes to those affected by Hurricane Helene.
The Straight Edge star is known to be very generous when it comes to promoting local businesses and treating fans of his hometown of Chicago.
He famously treated all the fans with ice cream bars, when they attended his AEW debut from the United Center during the August 20, 2021 episode of Rampage.
So when NXT’s CW premiere rolled around from the Allstate Arena with Punk as a special guest on the episode, fans just knew that there would be surprises in store and the former world champion didn’t disappoint.
Fans leaving the arena after tonight’s show noted that they were all given free Lou Malnati’s Pizzas along with C4 Energy drinks:
CM Punk played the role of the special guest referee for the main event of tonight’s show. The bout saw Trick Williams challenging Ethan Page for the NXT Championship.
Williams was able to defeat Page and he became a 2-time NXT Champion in the process. The confetti rained down as Trick celebrated his victory and the show went off air with Punk giving a GTS to Page.
Apart from this, the show also featured the official in-ring debut of Giulia who challenged Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women’s Title.
Everyone expected the Japanese star to pick up the victory in the bout but Perez retained the title with some help from a returning Cora Jade.
WWE NXT is home to a talented roster of women with names including Roxanne Perez, Giulia, the recently returning Cora Jade, and many more. Now, Australian wrestler Delta is on her way to the silver brand after being teased on WWE NXT’s premiere episode on The CW.
News of Delta’s signing was first broken by Fightful Select in July of this year, after she attended WWE’s tryouts in February during the week of Elimination Chamber: Perth. Delta was allowed to finish her independent dates after signing with WWE, with her final match being in her native Australia for Riot City Wrestling against her brother.
Now, Delta will be joining the ranks of WWE NXT which has kicked off its new era on The CW, and will bring her signature hard-hitting style to the women of the silver brand. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Delta and future changes to the WWE NXT roster.
After five years as part of the USA Network, WWE NXT has launched on The CW with an exciting two-hour show from the All-State Arena in Chicago, Illinois. The move marks the dawn of a new era for WWE NXT so it’s fitting that the gold brand has received a brand-new look.
New Logo
The new NXT logo is a silver logo, ending the use of black, yellow, and gold that has been in use since the show was first introduced as a game show back in February 2010.
With a new logo, WWE has created new championship designs for WWE NXT featuring the silver re-design. The company was wasted no time in releasing the brand-new NXT and NXT Women’s Championships on WWEShop.com.
New Entrance
The opening video includes some of the top names currently found in WWE NXT including Ethan Page, Trick Williams, Oba Femi, Roxanne Perez and many more. The new theme song for WWE NXT is ‘Millions From Now’ by 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne.
Neither man is a stranger to WWE, with 2 Chainz Gold Rush being used as the theme song of SummerSlam 2013 while We Own It (Fast & Furious) was the song for Royal Rumble 2014. Lil Wayne appeared on Let It Rock, the theme of Royal Rumble 2009, and Champion, the theme of Night of Champions 2012. He also appeared in person earlier this year, performing at WrestleMania 40 ahead of Jey Uso’s victory over his brother Jimmy.
WWE NXT has undergone a lot of changes with its relaunch on The CW, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the brand’s mission to provide entertaining matches and prepare talent for a future on WWE’s main roster. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on WWE NXT in its new home on a new network.
Pentagon Jr. has confirmed that he remains under contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and is fully focused on his current role in the promotion. Speaking with Mas Lucha, he stated that he has not yet considered his future beyond AEW.
“Everyone defends their interests,” Pentagon said. “Tony [Khan] is defending his interests, and we are defending ours.”
He continued, “I’ll tell you about my situation at present: I’m still under contract with AEW. That is my current focus. As for the future, I haven’t even started thinking about it because I prefer to live in the here and now, and my ‘now’ is AEW.”
These remarks come in response to rumors circulating about The Lucha Bros. potentially moving to WWE. However, regardless of what may happen in the future, Pentagon Jr. and Rey Fenix remain committed to AEW for the foreseeable future.
In the 2010s, no catchphrase took the wrestling world by storm like ‘YES YES YES’ as used by Daniel Bryan during his rise to the top of WWE. The three-word phrase was used on countless pieces of merchandise during Bryan’s time with the company, and though that tenure ended over three years ago, WWE isn’t ready to part ways with the phrase.
WWE has filed a trademark for YES YES YES with the USPTO for the use on various pieces of merchandise. WWE’s move to own the term comes after Bryan (now Bryan Danielson in AEW) filed for the term in July of this year. Speaking ahead of All In: London 2024 with Luke James Chats, Danielson shared that his manager told him that the term was available and didn’t cost much to trademark.
Following his application, Bryan claims he was sent a legal form of some kind by WWE that insinuated that he was infringing on something WWE owned, despite the term being available to be trademarked. As of September 20, the filing was labeled as abandoned.
Danielson certainly has shown no sign of returning to WWE, as he not only holds the AEW World Championship but has actively spoken about winding down his career in the ring. Nevertheless, WWE is seeking the term for the use on merchandise that one would assume would be about AEW’s resident American Dragon. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest trademark news as well as news on the AEW World Champion.
