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Latest on WWE’s Issues With Bodhi Hayward Before NXT Release (Report)

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Bodhi Hayward was well-liked by fans and in the middle of a popular storyline, but that wasn’t enough to keep his job with WWE NXT.

Hayward was one of five Superstars released from the developmental brand this week, alongside Sloane Jacobs, Erica Yan, Ru Feng, and Damaris Griffin.

It has been reported that unlike previous years of ‘budget cuts,’ the releases this week were down to WWE not seeing enough improvement.

Trouble Backstage

Hayward’s release was the most surprising of the five, given that he was part of the Chase U stable at the time.

It was reported not long after that Hayward’s release was down to issues WWE had with him and not due to a lack of improvement.

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer shared more details about Hayward’s backstage issues.

With Bodhi Hayward, it was more than that [not showing enough progress.] They didn’t like the work ethic. They didn’t like that he was late to shows and didn’t show up to shows. The primary reason for everyone [else] was lack of progression. But for him it was a little bit more than that. It had to be enough to overcome the fact that he was actually in a storyline that was a long-term storyline, and that the crowd liked him.

Speaking about future prospects for Hayward, Meltzer said that there are options for the former NXT Superstar.

“He does have friends. He might be able to get hooked up some place. He has a good look. He’s got that going for him. People naturally liked him. So it took a lot for him to get cut. He would be the kind of guy they would want to keep. He did get injured, which didn’t help.”

What’s Next?

After his release, Hayward shared a video saying that he is “hurt” and “embarrassed” to be release.

Hayward also promised to bounce back from his release, in a speech that fans have heard from several released Superstar’s before.

Speaking about the video, Meltzer acknowledged that there is a big difference between promising big things and delivering.

“There are so many guys when they get cut from WWE, they do the big speech. ‘I’m going to come back and this and that.’ And there are guys who do. But seven or eight out of ten, you never hear from them again. They don’t do indies. Remember Dan Matha? ‘Oh yeah you’ll be seeing me! You’ll be seeing me!’ I never saw him again.”

While not confirmed, it is believed Hayward is dealing with a 30-day non compete clause, as is customary for releases from NXT.

WWE Crown Jewel Betting Odds

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WWE Crown Jewel comes at us this Saturday, live from Saudi Arabia. Despite recent warnings of violence and an “imminent attack” in the nation, WWE has pressed on with running the show. Several members of the WWE crew are already overseas getting ready for the event.

Here are the betting odds for WWE Crown Jewel, courtesy of Bet Online:

  • Roman Reigns (-5000) is heavily favored to retain his WWE Undisputed Universal Championship over Logan Paul (+1000).
  • Bianca Belair is a slight favorite (-160) to retain the WWE Raw Women’s Championship against Bayley (+120).
  • The Usos (-4000) are heavily favored to retain their WWE Undisputed Tag Team Championships against The Brawling Brutes (+900).
  • Asuka and Alexa Bliss (-200) are favorites to retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships over Damage CTRL (+150).
  • Brock Lesnar (-450) is a clear favorite over Bobby Lashley (+275).
  • Drew McIntyre is a slight favorite (-140) in his steel cage match against Karrion Kross (+100).
  • Braun Strowman is a heavy favorite (-700) to defeat Omos (+400).
  • The O.C. (-400) is favored to defeat The Judgment Day (+250).

Keep it locked to SEScoops this weekend, as we’ll be covering WWE Crown Jewel from all angles, including results and news coming out of the event.

First Look at Becky Lynch as Cyndi Lauper on ‘Young Rock’

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Becky Lynch is crossing over to the universe of Young Rock, the hit show about the life of pro wrestler turned Hollywood megastar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Friday night’s Season 3 premiere, titled The People Need you, takes place in 1985 during the lead-up to the first WrestleMania event. Hulk Hogan, Mr. T, Vince McMahon, Lou Albano, Liberace ans Cyndi Lauper will also be depicted.

The episode synopsis reads, “After losing the election, Dwayne Johnson is ready to withdraw from politics. In 1985, Rocky Johnson learns there’s consequences to crossing Vince McMahon.”

On Thursday morning, Dwayne Johnson provided a ‘first look’ at Becky Lynch as Cyndi Lauper on Young Rock.

The Rock says he was present for Becky’s audition for the role, and “We were all very impressed at her high level commitment as an actor to become Cyndi Lauper.”

Becky Lynch is one of the most popular Superstars in WWE. This appearance on Young Rock is not her first time testing the waters in Hollywood. She’s already appeared on a 2020 episode of the show Billions as well as the 2021 Paramount+ movie, Rumble.

The Man has been off WWE television since SummerSlam, when she suffered a separated shoulder during her match against Bianca Belair. Lynch was written out of storylines the next night on Raw due to a vicious attack from Damage CTRL.

Young Rock returns this Friday 8:30 PM EST on NBC.

Bray Wyatt’s Return Praised for Serious Increase in Viewers

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Bray Wyatt’s return to WWE was well-received by fans, and has been big business for the company.

Wyatt returned at the WWE Extreme Rules 2022 Premium Live Event, fifteen months after his controversial release in July 2021.

At the time, it was reported that Bray’s high-dollar contract and creative differences with then-CEO Vince McMahon led to the decision.

The White Rabbit

During the recent 2022 Q3 earnings call, WWE Head of Creative and Talent Relations spoke about Wyatt’s return.

The Game explained that ‘The White Rabbit Project’ was an incredibly effective tool in generating hype, as fans tried to decipher the use of the Jefferson Airplane song at Live events.

Triple H added that interest in the White Rabbit only grew with the introduction of QR codes, and said that these drove up the viewership of the 9pm hour of the September 23, 2022, SmackDown by 20%.

That episode was the most-watched episode of SmackDown since March of 2020.

Best for Business

After weeks of teases, the White Rabbit would be revealed to be Wyatt who earned a thunderous response from the live crowd.

Triple H explained how Bray, who he called “one of our biggest Superstars” has been a provable draw, going by their metrics (via NoDQ.com.)

“Bray Wyatt’s return at Extreme Rules resulted in a 30% increase in total viewership and became the most-watched Extreme Rules in history. Monday Night Raw just two nights later also benefitted increasing our audience to nearly 2 million, an increase of 14% week over week.”

An appearance by Wyatt has been announced for this Saturday’s Crown Jewel event.

Merchandise

Wyatt’s return to WWE has come with a ton of merchandise, which has been selling well so far.

On the call, Triple H explained that when Bray returned, his first shirt back became the top-selling item – not just among WWE merchandise – but across Fanatics’ entire network of e-commerce sites.

More merchandise is expected following the debut of the Uncle Howdy character on last week’s SmackDown.

What Happened with Matt Hardy After AEW Dynamite Went Off the Air?

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The action didn’t end when this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite went off the air.

Last night’s episode aired from the Chesapeake Arena in Baltimore, Maryland, and saw Tony Khan’s promotion continue on the road to Full Gear.

The show is most notable for the debut of WWE Hall of Famer ‘Double J’ Jeff Jarrett, who has signed as the promotion’s Director of Business Development.

Joe and Wardlow

In the main event of the show, ROH World Television Champion Samoa Joe put his title on the line against Brian Cage.

In an unsurprisingly physical match, Joe got the win via submission, but he was attacked by the Gates of Agony and other members of The Embassy.

The show ended with TNT Champion Wardlow running the group off, before being attacked by Powerhouse Hobbs, who ended AEW Dynamite by raising the title in the air.

According to several fan reports, Powerhouse Hobbs went backstage while the referee checked on Wardlow after the show.

Samoa Joe got back into the ring and shook hands with Wardlow, and the two champions raised hands before leaving.

Matt Hardy

After Wardlow and Joe left, Tony Khan came out and introduced Matt Hardy, but the pair were interrupted by Stokely Hathaway and The Firm.

Hathaway told Khan to go to the bank because he owns the contracts for Private Party and Matt, who he called “Matthew Hardy.”

Ethan Page told Hardy that he isn’t going to help him, and touted himself as a future AEW World Champion.

 While Page and W. Morrisey’s backs were turned, Hardy hit Hathaway with a Twist Of Fate to send the crowd home happy.

WWE Announces Upcoming Talent Search in Africa Starting Very Soon

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WWE has big plans to launch NXT Europe next year, but the promotion will soon be traveling to Africa to recruit talent.

This week, WWE had its 2022 Q3 earnings call with investors, in which co-CEO Nick Khan confirmed a talent search starting next week.

Khan confirmed that the search will begin in Nigeria, but it is unclear whether the search will travel to other parts of the continent.

WWE had initially planned a two-day tryout back in 2020, but those plans were canceled due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Broadcast Deal

WWE isn’t just searching for their next Superstars in Africa, but have also reached a deal regarding their content.

In a statement, WWE announced that the streaming service Showmax will become the new home of the WWE Network in sub-Saharan Africa.

Matt Drew, WWE Senior VP of International, was optimistic about plans for the new deal.

“Adding WWE to the Showmax platform is an exciting development that we know our entertainment and sport-loving African subscribers are going to enjoy, making WWE even more accessible and affordable.”

WWE and Africa

WWE has never hosted a Premium Live Event in the continent of Africa but has hosted several African-born Superstars.

Arguably the most successful of these stars is Kofi Kingston of Ghana, who has become a WWE Champion, Grand Slam Champion, and one of WWE’s longest-tenuring stars.

The colossal Omos also comes from Africa, having been born in Lagos, Nigeria, and is a former Raw Tag Team Champion.

In 2008, Justin Gabriel signed with the promotion, becoming the first South African wrestler under control, and would become FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion in September 2009.

Called up the following year, Gabriel would become a three-time WWE Tag Team Champion before he quit the company in January 2015, one day before being scheduled to appear at the Royal Rumble.

WWE Higher Up Says Rehiring Vince McMahon Would be a Major Step Back (Report)

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Could Vince McMahon return to WWE now that the investigation into him is over? Don’t bet on it.

In June, it was reported that McMahon had paid a total $12 million in NDA pay outs to female employees who it is alleged he had extramarital affairs with.

After an investigation into the matter was set up, McMahon retired from all roles with WWE in July with his role as Chair of the company going to Stephanie McMahon.

A Return on the Horizon?

During WWE’s recent 2022 Q3 filings, it was confirmed that the investigation into McMahon has finished and the committee looking into the matter disbanded.

As part of the filing, it was said that “Mr. McMahon can effectively exercise control over our affairs,” leaving some to speculate on a return.

That isn’t the case, as a spokesperson from WWE who spoke to Fightful Select said that McMahon is “done, done” with the promotion.

Another WWE higher-up said that the morale in WWE post-McMahon has been the highest they’ve seen it in over a decade that they’ve been around.

Another longtime WWE employee said that rehiring the former Chairman would be a major step backward, and that the company’s success since his retirement proves it.

Still Paying

McMahon is alleged to have paid a total $12 million across 16 years to women it is reported he slept with to keep hush-hush about what happened.

In their statement on the matter, WWE disclosed that the investigation into the allegations totaled an estimated $19.4 million.

McMahon, who has a net worth of $2.7 billion, has agreed to pay the costs of the investigation.

Bobby Fish Reacts to Surprise Return on AEW Dynamite: “One of the Good Ones!”

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Chris Jericho is the Ring of Honor Champion and has made it his mission to destroy the legacy of the promotion. Jericho challenged any former Ring of Honor to face him tonight on Dynamite and his Open Challenge was answered by Colt Cabana.

Colt got a big pop from the crowd in Baltimore and put up a good fight against The Wizard. In the end, Jericho connected with a Codebreaker to retain the title.

After the match, Jericho tried to attack ROH announcer Ian Riccaboni but Claudio Castagnoli broke it up. Jericho Appreciation Society and Blackpool Combat Club battled on the stage until security broke it up.

Bobby Fish Reacts to Colt Cabana’s Return

Bobby Fish had a bizarre run in All Elite Wrestling that came to an end earlier this year. The Undisputed Era wasn’t meant to be in AEW but Bobby has since found a new home in Impact Wrestling. Fish took to Twitter to post Colt Cabana’s entrance said it was great to see Chicago’s own Colt Cabana.

Great to see this on my TV Tonight. Chicago’s own, @ColtCabana . One of the good ones!

Former two-time AEW World Champion and Chicago’s own CM Punk and Bobby Fish had a match on Dynamite in October last year. Speaking with Steve Fall on NBC Ten Count following his exit from All Elite Wrestling, Fish had some strong words for CM Punk.

“Phil is not a bad pro-wrestling, but what Phil is not is a martial artist,” said Fish. “I’ve been doing martial arts since I was eight years old so I take a lot of pride in it… You are insulting the audience’s intelligence. It’s honestly insulting for you as one of my co-workers. As a martial artist you’re asking me to go out and sell, put over your bunk-ass martial arts. It’s insulting to the audience. It’s insulting to me. At the same time, I’m working for AEW. They’re the ones paying my check. You asked me to go out and put my shoulders down for Phil Brooks. I go out and I do it.”

Jim Ross Reveals Bret Hart Didn’t Speak to Him for Years after Montreal Screwjob

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AEW commentator and wrestling legend Jim Ross recently revealed on his Grillin JR podcast that Bret Hart didn’t speak to him for years following Survivor Series in Montreal.

The famous Montreal Screwjob match between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels went down at Survivor Series 1997. Jim Ross stated that The Hitman hated him after Screwjob took place.

“We went for years [and] never spoke because he didn’t believe I was not a party to it. The truth was, I was not a party to it. The truth was, I didn’t even know the f***ing finish.”

JR added that he and Jerry Lawler were “whisked away by security” during the chaos as Earl Hebner signaled for the timekeeper to ring the bell for a submission while The Hitman was in the Sharpshooter.

Ross said that he was upset after the show because he didn’t think it could “go to that extreme”. The 70-year-old referred to the championship as “a prom, a goddamn prop… stage attire-type thing. It’s a prop for a fictional presentation”.

Jim admitted that he is tired of hearing about the Montreal Screwjob but is glad Bret and Shawn finally settled their differences.

I’m glad to some degree that the story has a happy ending. It was emotional for Bret to come back, get a hug and be in a ring and then finally have his meeting with Shawn.

H/T: Wrestling Inc

Does Bret Hart Like Goldberg?

A fan recently caught up with The Hitman at a signing and asked Bret if he liked Goldberg. You can check out Bret Hart’s full response below.

Details on Jeff Jarrett’s New Executive Role with AEW

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Jeff Jarrett shocked the wrestling world by showing up on AEW Dynamite. Moments before, Cole Karter was revealed as the person dressed as Sting who attacked Darby Allin.

Two weeks ago, Jay Lethal told Allin that he had friend that knew his weaknesses. Jarrett has a history with Lethal, Sonjay Dutt, and Sting. While standing over a bloodied Allin, “Double J” told him that his admiration of Sting has made him Allin’s “biggest weakness”.

Jarrett also addressed the crowd by running down his family’s many decades in wrestling business from his grandmother, Christine, and his dad, Jerry. After insulting the audience, Jarrett declared:

“By the time I’m done with this place, there will be full of body bags. So AEW fans, you can choke on that, Slapnuts!”

– Jeff Jarrett

Jeff Jarrett Has A Backstage Position

Jeff Jarrett

Tony Khan tweeted that not only was Jeff Jarrett All Elite, he is also the AEW Director of Business Development. Khan is looking forward to expanding the live events calendar next year with JJ’s help. Jarrett held a similar position in WWE earlier this year. He was only employed by WWE for 3 months after a surprise appearance as a special guest referee at SummerSlam.

In addition to briefly working for WWE, Jarrett wrestled EFFY in GCW earlier this year. He was also a special guest referee in NWA when Nick Aldis defended the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Matt Cardona. Jarrett and Lethal faced Ric Flair and Andrade El Idolo in Flair’s last match.

Orange Cassidy to Defend All-Atlantic Championship in Dream Match

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The winner of the triple threat All-Atlantic Championship match between Orange Cassidy, Luchasaurus, and Rey Fenix would get to defend the title in a dream match this Friday on Rampage.

Jungle Boy returned with a surprise attack on Luchasaurus to take care of him. PAC tried to get Fenix to use the ring bell hammer to cheat. Cassidy ended up pinning Fenix and immediately paid for it when PAC attacked the champion. “The Bastard” was about to live up to his moniker and attack Cassidy with the hammer when Katsuyori Shibata’s music hit (yeah, you read that right).

Following him out of the tunnel was Rocky Romero and Best Friends. Shibata also had a hammer in hand while PAC safely awaited on the other side of the ring. He needn’t worry because “The Wrestler” wasn’t coming for him, he was coming for the All-Atlantic Champion. Cassidy handed Shibata the contract and a pen, which he signed on the spot.

Shibata had Orange Cassidy’s back at Forbidden Door

Katsuyori Shibata

Shibata was last seen in AEW back in June at Forbidden Door. Will Ospreay attacked Cassidy and Shibata made the save. That makes it surprising that he wants to challenge Cassidy for his title.

Shibata hasn’t wrestled since January at Wrestle Kingdom 16. He beat his protege, Ren Narita. Last October, Shibata made his surprise in-ring return at the G1. He and Zack Sabre, Jr. went to a time-limit draw in a grappling match. Shibata stopped wrestling (he says he wasn’t retiring) in 2017 after suffering a subdural hematoma in a match against Kazuchika Okada, which left the right side of his body paralyzed.

His match on Rampage will only be his third match since that fateful day.

Title Match Set For AEW Full Gear

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AEW announced another title match for Full Gear during this week’s episode of Dynamite.

Thunder Rosa was the AEW Women’s Champion heading into AEW All Out in September but announced that she was pulling out of the event due to an injury on the Dynamite before the PPV. She has not appeared on AEW television since. Toni Storm went on to win the Interim AEW Women’s Championship at All Out by defeating Jamie Hayter, Hikaru Shida, and Britt Baker in a Fatal 4-Way.

It was announced tonight that Toni Storm will put the AEW Interim Women’s Championship on the line against Jamie Hayter at Full Gear on November 19th. The PPV will air live from the Prudential Center in New Jersey.

A video package aired during the show and Toni Storm noted that she and Jamie go way back. She noted that the two actually lived together during the pandemic.

A lot of people don’t know this, but me and Jamie Hayter go way back. During the pandemic, me and Jamie actually lived together in England.

So we spent a lot of months together, and we became best friends. If anything, we became like sisters.

I knew straight away that we weren’t friends anymore. It is very obvious that she is Britt’s (Baker) friend now.

Toni Storm on her friendship with Jamie Hayter

Jamie Hayter then responded that she hasn’t changed at all.

I’m the same old Jamie Hayter that I’ve always been. Maybe people just didn’t notice who I was before.

Britt Baker and Jamie Hayter are set for a tag team match on Rampage this week. Britt was supposed to sit down with Saraya and Renee Paquette for an interview but didn’t show up. Renee asked Saraya if she was cleared to wrestle but she didn’t answer. Saraya said there is one more doctor she needs to check with (Britt Baker) next week on Dynamite.

https://twitter.com/Saraya/status/1587979453308739585?s=20&t=WzwFcTlJL3mU3LyFVRAdrA

9 Takeaways From AEW Dynamite (11/2): Title Matches, Colt Cabana, Powerhouse Hobbs, Jeff Jarrett

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AEW Dynamite aired live from the Chesapeake Arena in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to the takeaways below, a vignette for House of Black aired during the episode. There were three title matches on this week’s Dynamite and a celebration for Daddy Ass Billy Gunn. Toni Storm versus Jamie Hayter was set for AEW Full Gear as well.

Dynamite Results (11/2)

  • Jay Lethal def. Darby Allin
  • Jon Moxley def. Lee Moriarty in a World Title Elminator
  • Chris Jericho def. Colt Cabana to retain the ROH Championship
  • Jade Cargill def. Marina Shafir to retain the TBS Championship
  • Samoa Joe def. Brian Cage to retain the ROH TV Championship

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Jeff Jarrett Arrived In AEW

Darby Allin battled Jay Lethal in the first match of the night. Sonjay Dutt and Satnam Singh were ringside for the match. Singh provided a distraction and Jay capitalized by launching Allin into the steel steps. Lethal then beat Allin down against the barricade before returning to the ring to pose for the booing crowd.

Jay continued to beat the hell out of Allin by stomping on his ribs in the ring. Allin went for a Suicide Dive but simply bounced off Satnam Singh. Someone dressed as Sting rolled Darby into the ring. It was revealed to be Cole Karter and he got absolutely no reaction from the crowd. Jay hit Lethal Injection for the pinfall victory.

Another mysterious figure appeared and it was Jeff Jarrett. Double J bashed Darby over the head with his guitar. Jarrett grabbed a microphone and mocked the “rabid & delusional AEW fanbase”. Jeff said his family got into the wrestling business in 1946, and has made an impact for over 75 years. Jarrett sent out a warning to the locker room to close the show.

Jon Moxley def. Lee Moriarty

Jon Moxley battled The Firm’s Lee Moriarty in a World Title Eliminator match and Ethan Page joined commentary. Moxley controlled the match early and applied a headlock. Moxley controlled the first few minutes of the match as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Moxley and Moriarty traded strikes in the middle of the ring. Jon connected with a Clothesline and followed it up with several boots to Lee’s face. Moxley continued to beat Lee down and applied an Armbar for the submission victory.

After the match, The Firm’s Ethan Page rushed the ring and leveled AEW World Champion Jon Moxley with a Clothesline. Ethan posed in the ring as Stokely Hathaway angrily stared at Moxley.

Saraya Will Announce if She is Medically Cleared Next Week

Renee Paquette interviewed Saraya earlier today in the arena. Saraya noted that she has had to build divisions wherever she went and Britt should have felt lucky to have this interview. Britt was supposed to be a part of the interview but didn’t show up.

Saraya stated that she feels like she can help the women’s division. Paquette asked Saraya if she was medically cleared to compete and she didn’t answer. Saraya stated that she will save it for next week because there is one more doctor (Britt) she wants to consult on this.

William Regal Sent a Message to MJF

William Regal was interviewed backstage by Tony Schiavone. Regal said that MJF has all the potential in the world but still has a long way to go before he becomes a full villain. William added that Maxwell will face a real demon in Jon Moxley at Full Gear,

FTR Saved The Acclaimed

AEW World Tag Team Champions The Acclaimed made their way to the ring with a big reaction from the crowd. Billy Gunn had his hands taped up because Swerve Strickland attacked them with pliers. They put a foam scissor hand on Billy so he could still scissor with the team. They also gave Daddy Ass a World’s Greatest Dad trophy.

Bowens and Caster then produced a certificate for adoption and the crowd chanted “sign it!”. Gunn Club interrupted and provided a distraction as W. Morrissey attacked from behind. ROH Tag Team Champions FTR made the save and The Firm retreated. FTR then took a look at the AEW Tag Team Championships before handing them to The Acclaimed and backing away.

Chris Jericho def. Colt Cabana to Retain the ROH Title

Chris Jericho defended the ROH Championship against any former ROH Champion. Jericho joked that he will even whip Lamar Jackson’s ass and the Ravens QB was shown in the front row. Colt Cabana answered the challenge and drove Jericho to the corner of the ring.

Cabana leveled Jericho with a shoulder tackle and then followed it up with another one. Colt perched Jericho up on the top turnbuckle but they both tumbled to the floor as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

Colt drove Jericho to the corner but Cabana battled back. Cabana connected with a Splash and climbed back up to the top rope. Jericho tripped Cabana up but Colt battled back once again. Cabana applied a reverse Walls of Jericho in the middle of the ring on the ROH Champion.

Jericho escaped but Cabana rolled him up for a near fall. Cabana connected with a Moonsault onto JAS outside the ring. Back in the ring, Jericho hit a Codebreaker for the pinfall victory. Chris Jericho is still the ROH Champion.

Chris was about to attack ROH announcer Ian Riccoboni when Blackpool Combat Club broke it up. JAS and Blackpool Combat Club then brawled on the entrance ramp until AEW security separated the two factions.

Orange Cassidy Retained The All-Atlantic Championship

Orange Cassidy defended the All-Atlantic Championship against Luchasaurus and Rey Fenix in a Triple Threat match. Cassidy connected with a Tornado DDT and went for the cover but Rey Fenix kicked out.

Luchasaurus got into the ring and leveled them both with a giant shoulder tackle. He followed it up with a couple of Splashes as Dynamite went to a commercial break. When Dynamite returned, Fenix and Orange Cassidy teamed up and went for a Suicide Dive. Luchasaurus was ready for it and caught them both.

Luchasaurus sent Fenix through a table with a Chokeslam outside the ring. Jungle Boy then showed up and hit Luchasaurus with a Crossbody off the entrance ramp and through a table below. PAC came to the ring with the timekeeper’s hammer but Fenix refused to use it. Cassidy then hit the Orange Punch to retain the title.

After the match, PAC attacked but Katsuyori Shibata showed up with Best Friends and Rocky Romero. Shibata confronted Orange Cassidy and said he wanted a title match. They signed a contract and the match is official for Wednesday.

Jade Cargill Dominated

Jade Cargill was set to defend the TBS Championship tonight against Marina Shafir. Nyla Rose and Vickie Guerrero distracted Jade and she almost got counted out. Jade leveled her with a pump kick and followed it up with Jaded for the pinfall victory. Nyla left Kiera Hogan laying on the entrance ramp after the match.

Samoa Joe Retained the ROH TV Title, Powerhouse Hobbs Attacked Wardlow

Samoa Joe defended the ROH TV Championship against Brian Cage in the main event of tonight’s show. Joe dominated the match early and hit him with an elbow drop for a two-count. Brian Cage battled with a couple of Clotheslines and followed it up with a German Suplex.

When Dynamite returned from the final break of the night, Joe hit an Atomic Drop, a big boot, and followed it up with a Senton for a near fall. Samoa Joe followed it up with a Powerslam for a two count.

Cage hit an Elbow Drop but the champion wouldn’t stay down. Brian hit a Pump-Handle Slam and went for the cover but Samoa Joe powered out at two. Cage leveled Joe with a big lariat for another near fall. Joe locked in the Coquina Clutch for the submission victory. Samoa Joe is still the Ring of Honor TV Champion.

The Gates of Agony attacked after the match but TNT Champion Wardlow made the save. Powerhouse Hobbs then planted Wardlow with a massive Spinebuster and posed over him with the TNT Championship to close the show.

Bobby Lashley Thinks Brock Lesnar Feud Will Continue After WWE Crown Jewel

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For years, fans and Bobby Lashley had wanted to see him share the squared circle with Brock Lesnar under the WWE banner. 

That dream became a reality at WWE Royal Rumble 2022, where Lashley challenged Lesnar for the WWE Championship. Thanks to some interference from Roman Reigns, Lashley scored the win. 

Although they were booked in an Elimination Chamber Match the next month, it wasn’t what fans had hoped to see as Lashley was removed from the bout due to an injury. Lesnar ended up winning the WWE Title.

Fast forward to last month, WWE started the feud again and booked a rematch between the two stars at Crown Jewel.

Lashley on Lesnar

Bobby Lashley & Brock Lesnar
(WWE)

Speaking with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri, Lashley was asked to describe how he feels about the build to this bout compared to the first match. 

“I like the buildup because I think the buildup is really important because of what happened last time. There wasn’t that real resolution to anything except me pinning him. This time is going to be a lot more hype. I think that it’s not going to be the last time. I think that is so much more that Brock and I can actually get into. So I think that this feud is going to be a feud that’s going to keep going, and it’s going to keep looking different, and there is going to be a lot more involved with it.”

Lashley stated that Lesnar wants to fight and is the type of person that’s just going to let somebody beat him up two times in a row and then not even come to avenge it, so the feud will continue in his eyes.

WWE Completes Investigation Into Alleged Misconduct by Vince McMahon

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WWE announced today in its third quarter 2022 earnings report that the investigation into alleged misconduct by Vince McMahon “is now complete, and the Special Committee has been disbanded.”

McMahon resigned from his duties as Chairman and CEO of WWE amid the WWE Board investigating him for alleged sexual misconduct and hush money.  The investigation cost WWE $19.4 million. 

WWE’s Statement

Vince McMahon

“As previously announced, a Special Committee of independent members of the Board of Directors was formed to investigate alleged misconduct by Vincent K. McMahon, the Company’s former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, who resigned from all positions held with the Company on July 22, 2022 but remains a stockholder with a controlling interest, and another executive, who is also no longer with the Company. The Special Committee investigation is now complete and the Special Committee has been disbanded. Management is working with the Board to implement the recommendations of the Special Committee related to the investigation. For the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2022, the Company’s consolidated pre-tax results include the impact of $17.7 million and $19.4 million, respectively, associated with certain costs related to the investigation. Please see the Company’s SEC filings, including, but not limited to, its annual report on Form 10-K/A and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q/A and Form 10-Q for further details and ongoing risks regarding this matter.”

The Wall Street Journal broke the news earlier this year about the WWE Board of Directors investigating McMahon over a $3 million settlement that McMahon had agreed to pay a former employee with whom he allegedly had an affair. McMahon allegedly paid them more than $12 million to four women formerly with the company to “suppress allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity.” WWE later found more payments that were made.

McMahon resigned from WWE as Chairman and CEO. Since Vince’s resignation, Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan have been named co-CEOs, while Triple H has been named Head of Creative.

Butch on Working Under Triple H in WWE & How Sheamus Impresses Him

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WWE’s Butch, fka as Pete Dunne in NXT, recently joined Ryan Satin on the Out of Character podcast. He discussed numerous topics, including Triple H as a boss in WWE and how Sheamus is having the best run of his career.

Butch and Ridge Holland are scheduled to battle The Usos this Saturday at WWE Crown Jewel for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships. The Bloodline brutally attacked Sheamus on a recent episode of SmackDown and the challengers will look for revenge at WWE Crown Jewel.

  • WWE Crown Jewel 2022 Preview

Butch on His Relationship with Triple H

During the conversation, Satin asked if Butch had a good relationship with WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H and the the 28-year-old said that their relationship was great.

It is great. He is a great boss to work for. There are no bad things to say at all. I loved the time under him in NXT and NXT UK was a blast. He has always been great with me and super approachable.

To be honest, I was just really happy to see him back in any capacity. Obviously, when he came back from his troubles, it was just great to have him around and to see him in some capacity and see him back to work.

Now for him to be heading creative and all that kind of stuff, it is even better because he is there every single week fully involved. He’s so approachable, I could go to him with any small thing. To be honest, a lot of the time I just leave him to it and I have full trust in him.

Sheamus Having the Best Run of His Career

Sheamus is the leader of The Brawling Brutes and Butch said that the 44-year-old is having the best run of his career.

The great thing about Sheamus is how hungry he still is. He has been with WWE probably as long as I have been wrestling, 14-15 years, whatever it is. But he is as hungry as day 1 and he actually has said quite a few times that this is his favorite and best run of his career.

Because this connection that he’s got with the crowd now is so organic and real. From my perspective, a lot of this is built on the effort he has put in during those matches. And I think that is more rewarding than any other run up until this point.

Butch noted that there is a “visceral” reaction from the crowd toward Sheamus and he can see how proud The Celtic Warrior is of that. The 28-year-old added that Sheamus still isn’t satisfied.

There is like a visceral reaction when he comes out and you can see how proud he is of that. But he is not satisfied with it, he wants to keep pushing forward.

And not just to elevate us (The Brawling Brutes) but to have the best run of his career.

Even though he’s been there that long and that is the most impressive thing about Sheamus I think.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit the Out of Character podcast with a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.

Something Big is Happening on Tonight’s AEW Dynamite (Report)

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It looks like AEW President Tony Khan has something special planned for the fans with tonight’s (November 2, 2022) edition of Dynamite that will have them talking after the show. 

On today’s Wrestling Observer Live, Bryan Alvarez said that he was told on Tuesday about something big happening on tonight’s show, and he has heard similar things from other sources. He did note that he doesn’t know exactly what is happening but several people have told him that “something’s happening.”

Khan did appear on Busted Open Radio earlier in the day and previewed the show, but didn’t hint at any surprises for the show. The leading speculation will be about Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks returning to television because they were backstage last week after being suspended for the All Out Brawl with CM Punk. 

AEW Dynamite Card

AEW Dynamite
(via AEW)
  • ROH Champion Chris Jericho defends against a former ROH Champion of any kind
  • AEW All-Atlantic Champion Orange Cassidy vs. Rey Fenix and Luchasaurus
  • TBS Champion Jade Cargill vs. Marina Shafir
  • AEW World Heavyweight Champion Jon Moxley vs. Lee Moriarty in a title eliminator match
  • Darby Allin vs. Jay Lethal
  • Saraya/Britt Baker interview with Renee Paquette
  • The Acclaimed’s Daddy Ass Birthday Bash
  • ROH TV Champion Samoa Joe vs. Brian Cage

Butch Reveals His Initial Reaction to Name Change in WWE

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WWE Superstar Butch, fka as Pete Dunne in NXT, joined Ryan Satin on the Out of Character podcast today.

Butch is currently in the Brawling Brutes faction and they have entered into a feud with The Bloodline. The Brawling Brutes are scheduled to battle The Usos this Saturday at WWE Crown Jewel for the Undisputed Tag Team Championships.

  • WWE Crown Jewel 2022 Preview

Pete Dunne had an impressive NXT career and is a former NXT UK Champion. He was called up the main roster this year and given the name “Butch”. Satin asked Pete about getting called and The Bruiserweight revealed that he wasn’t in a hurry to get to the main roster.

I knew that I was bound to be called up in the coming months, years, whatever it was going to be. Before that, I was all about NXT. I loved NXT with what we were doing in the UK and over here, I was in no rush to get up to the main roster.

Dunne added that WWE started bringing him up for matches on main event and dark to prepare him for the main roster. He said he was given the new name “Butch” and spent an entire flight trying to figure out how he was going to make it work.

I was just about to board the plane and I got a call saying the new name and a basic rundown of the vision. Yeah, then I spent the whole flight thinking to myself ‘how is this going to be received?’, knowing how it was going to be received for the most part.

Pete added that he talked to legends of the business such as William Regal and Shawn Michaels to get their take on it. He concluded that people didn’t connect with Pete Dunne because of the name, they connected with him for what he does in the ring.

The 28-year-old discussed children liking the Butch character and noted that he’s been told by parents that they he is their kids favorite wrestler.

What I will say about it, especially about the earlier Butch stuff, it is the first time in my career when I meet people in the street they say ‘you are my kids’ favorite wrestler’.

Before it has always been ‘you are my favorite wrestler’. It is always people around a similar age to me. Now it is a lot more like ‘my kid loves you’ and that was nice to see.

Okay, now I’m connecting with a completely different portion of the audience. And trust me when I’m in the ring it is going to come back again, I’m the same guy and going to put on the same show.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit the Out of Character podcast with a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.

Jake Paul: “I’d Love to Have Paul Heyman in my Corner”

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Logan Paul is just days away from having the biggest pro wrestling match of his career thus far when he steps into the ring to challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title in the main event of Saturday’s Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia. 

Paul’s brother, Jake, will be paying attention to the match, and he thinks Logan can dethrone Reigns as the champion. 

Jake Paul Wants Paul Heyman in his Corner

Paul Heyman

“My brother is going to become champion. I believe that. This is his time. It’s crazy, so crazy Logan has this match,” Paul said to Sports Illustrated. “I’m so proud of him. It’s surreal he has this opportunity, and it’s serendipitous that his event and my event are happening on back-to-back weekends. We’re taking over the world. We’re the next Kardashians.”

Jake is four days removed from picking up a boxing victory against former UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva. He sees himself potentially working with WWE and would be open to partnering with the legendary Paul Heyman, the special counsel of Reigns. 

“Paul Heyman is very entertaining and smart. I love a lot of the WWE characters, and he’s on another level. I’d love him in my corner. We’d be Paul and Paul.”

100 Days On: Triple H’s WWE is What is Best for Business

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In July this year, Vince McMahon’s four-decade reign on top of the wrestling world came to a shocking end.

A month after stepping down as CEO and Chairman, McMahon’s time on top of the wrestling world ended in controversy, as he announced his retirement from his own promotion.

McMahon had been under serious scrutiny following the shocking allegations of Non-Disclosure-Agreements, totaling over $12 million, reported by the Wall Street Journal.

With McMahon gone, his daughter Stephanie has filled his shoes as Chairwoman and WWE, while she and Nick Khan share the title of Co-CEOs.

Best for Business

While Stephanie and Khan are the ones running the company, much of the responsibilities have fallen to Triple H.

Today marks 100 days since the Game was appointed Head of WWE Creative, replacing McMahon, and also serves as Head of Talent Relations, replacing John Laurinaitis.

At the time of McMahon’s retirement, there was plenty of uncertainty, but the stock market has bounced back nicely.

Last month, WWE’s stock reached a four-year high, closing the trading day at $74.12 a share.

This, ironically, benefitted Vince McMahon more than anyone else, as he still owns 28 million shares in the company, making him the majority shareholder.

When McMahon stepped down from his roles in June, WWE’s stock was at $62.23, and the new regime has certainly been good for the market.

Evidently, the markets appreciate what Triple H has done, and this is earning those with large shares in the company a small fortune.

Morale

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Morale in WWE was said to be at an all-time low in January this year after Shane McMahon was released from his father over conduct at the Royal Rumble event.

It’s not just the markets that have been pleased with WWE’s post-Vince McMahon era, but the atmosphere behind the scenes has been said to have improved.

Not long after McMahon was gone, reports came out that things were far more relaxed backstage and employees no longer feel like they were walking on eggshells.

Many on WWE’s main roster first honed their talents in WWE working as part of NXT, and are said to be much happier working for him again.

An August 2022 report from Fightful said that morale backstage lifted “immediately” with Triple H in charge, a far cry from morale being at a reported all-time low in January this year.

It was during the Ruthless Agression era that fans would critique Triple H as someone who only thought of himself and his own ego, but the Game has proven to be a team player in his roles.

It’s hardly surprising, that someone who spent decades as a wrestler, knows what his wrestlers want, and Triple H has been an effective leader thus far.

Returns

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Triple H’s leadership has led to some huge returns, the biggest being Bray Wyatt at Extreme Rules 2022.

Triple H’s tenure as Head of Creative and Talent Relations has been distinct with how many Superstars he’s been able to bring back.

Names like Dakota Kai, Braun Strowman, Candice LeRae, Johnny Gargano, Hit Row, Karrion Kross, and more have all returned to WWE under the watchful eye of the King of Kings.

Triple H’s biggest success story is by far Bray Wyatt, whose return at Extreme Rules 2022 racked up millions of views within hours on YouTube.

At the time of his controversial release in July 2021, it was reported that Waytt had been creatively frustrated working with McMahon, but the future looks very bright now with Triple H in charge.

What’s next?

Triple H is just 100 days into his roles as WWE’s Head of Creative and Talent, but with the success so far, he won’t be leaving the role anytime soon.

Even now, the Cerebral Assassin continues to make big moves, including allowing Shinsuke Nakamura to compete at the Pro Wrestling NOAH event on January 1.

As to what the future will bring, that’s uncertain, but the Game has already proven to be someone WWE talent and higher-ups can rely on.

At a time when AEW has been thrown into dissary, with multiple suspensions and injuries to their name, Triple H’s work so far has only proven to fans not to give up on WWE just yet.

WWE has a lot of options open going into 2023, including allowing more Forbidden Door crossovers, seeking more international PLEs and the return of top stars such as Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton.

In just a few weeks time, WWE will kick off their first Road to WrestleMania with Triple H in charge, and if the past 100 days are indicative of the future, expect a wild road with the Game in the driver’s seat.

Backstage Update on CM Punk’s Pro Wrestling Future

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CM Punk’s pro wrestling future is up in the air for his involvement in the All Out brawl with The Elite and Ace Steel after a controversial All Out media scrum where he ripped Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, Colt Cabana, and Hangman Page. 

Punk is still on the shelf with an injury suffered at AEW All Out as he had surgery, and the expectation is he will be out of action for several months. The former AEW World Heavyweight Champion continues to be in talks with AEW about them buying out his contract and potential litigation. It’s been reported that most people do not expect Punk to return to AEW. 

Punk’s Future

CM Punk
(AEW)

Fightful Select confirmed a previous Wrestling Inc report about no active litigation against Punk. There are no working plans to bring Punk back to the company.

A WWE source indicated the company would likely be interested in possibly working with Punk again. Fightful notes that representatives from multiple pro wrestling companies have said they would at least be interested in having talks with Punk. Still, they aren’t sure how motivated he’d be to continue his wrestling career. 

Several people still expect a big demand for Punk to make appearances if he’s available.

One source close to Punk said they would not rule out him wrestling in the future because he “got the wrestling bug again.”

Punk is far from being able to wrestle again due to his torn left triceps injury, so it’s unclear whether Punk will feel the same way months down the line. The source close to Punk indicated that it’d been made clear to them that at least options would be available if and when Punk wanted to wrestle again.

Mid-Card Titles and Main Events: Dana Brooke has Big Plans for the Women’s Division

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Dana Brooke has big plans for her 24/7 Championship, including possibly turning the belt into a women’s mid-card title.

Brooke, a fifteen-time champion, has the second-highest total number of days at 328 (only behind R-Truth at 413 days.)

Her win as 24/7 Champion in November 2021 marked the first title the fitness enthusiast has ever held in WWE.

Changing the Title

Since first winning the championship a year ago, Brooke has been a constant fixture of the WWE 24/7 title picture.

While the title can be won by all genders, there are only three titles on the main roster exclusively for women (the Raw and SmackDown Women’s titles and Women’s Tag Titles.)

Speaking to SEScoops correspondent Steve Fall, Brooke said she hopes to change that.

“I’ve been wanting to transition the 24/7 Title into a [Women’s] IC title. I think it would be amazing. We’re building a roster, we have amazing women on the roster. With everyone coming back, why not? We have the tag team titles, but not everyone is teamed up. You have the storylines that are going for the women’s titles, but the rest are just little stories in the mix. Why not go for an IC Title?” 

Despite calling her proposed idea a Women’s Intercontinental Championship, Brooke doesn’t believe it would have to be less relevant than the Raw or SmackDown Women’s Titles.

“It’s not secondary. It’s just another thing to pour your heart and soul in and have that title and be given that opportunity. I just feel like it would enhance the Women’s Division.”

Dana Brooke outlines her plan for a new Women’s Championship.

Brooke is hardly alone in her search for a women’s mid-card championship, as both Bayley and Raquel Rodriguez have been vocal about a female Mid-Card title.

Evolution

Since 2015, WWE has made an effort to treat women’s wrestling with more respect.

WWE’s Women’s Revolution culminated in 2018’s Evolution event, the promotions first, and to date, only all-female show.

Speaking about a possible sequel, Brooke said that she is optimistic given the leaps WWE has made since Evolution.

“Women have always, for the last decade or so, have been pushing the bar and really stepping up and at those Crown Jewel pay-per-views, we’ve been making history. So I definitely feel as though it’s something that we will see again soon.”

Brooke’s involvement at WWE Evolution saw her compete in a battle royal which was won by Nia Jax.

Saudi Arabia

WWE’s women’s division is allowed to compete at Saudi shows these days, but that wasn’t always the case.

Initally, women were banned from the events, and some suggested in 2018 that Evolution was nothing but WWE’s attempt to save face amid the Saudi controversy

While Women’s matches are allowed now, Superstars must dress fully covered, in accordance with Saudi Arabia customs.

Speaking about WWE’s Saudi deal, Brooke believes there will be a day when women are in the main event.

“Definitely [the women will headline a Saudi Arabia event.] The momentum is high. We’re breaking ground. We’re breaking barriers. We’re making history every time we go over there. The last time we were on billboards that was a huge accomplishment. I think it’s definitely something that will happen soon.”

This Saturday’s Crown Jewel will see the Raw Women’s Championship and the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles defended.

More Gold?

Brooke already has big plans for the 24/7 Championship, but doesn’t want to stop just there.

When addressing the possibility of adding more gold to her collection, Brooke remained open to going for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles.

“I would love to go out there find a tag team partner and go after those Tag Team titles.”

Brooke’s most recent shot at the titles came on the November 2, 2020, episode of Raw, where she and Mandy Rose unsuccessfully challenged Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler.

Logan Paul Shows Off His WWE Crown Jewel Entrance Gear

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Logan Paul has a date with destiny this Saturday at WWE Crown Jewel. With only two pro wrestling matches under his belt, Paul looks to do the impossible. He’ll challenge Roman Reigns for a chance at becoming the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion and become the industry’s new top dog.

Make no mistake about it, Paul is a heavy underdog in this match. According to BetOnline, Paul’s odds currently stand at +1000, with Reigns a -5000 favorite to retain. That said, the bigger the risk, the bigger reward.

The social media influencer turned pro wrestler will put his physical wellbeing on the line when he steps in the ring against his most dangerous opponent to date. Paul has looked impressive thus far, displaying athleticism and charisma far beyond his experience level.

Paul has provided a first look at the vest he will wear to the ring at Crown Jewel. He’s keeping the signature black and yellow colors we saw at WrestleMania and SummerSlam, but this time he’ll be showing off his ‘guns.’

Check out Logan Paul’s “Maverick Paul” entrance gear for WWE Crown Jewel, courtesy of his Instagram story:

Logan Paul Crown Jewel Vest

WWE Star Returns After Nearly a Year Away Due to Injury

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Odyssey Jones is excited about the comeback after returning to the ring on Tuesday’s episode of NXT. 

Last week, Jones appeared as he brought the party to Malik Blade & Edris Enofé after they failed to win the NXT Tag Team Titles from Pretty Deadly. 

Jones suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in January and had not competed on NXT television since December 2021. Jones was in the 2021 NXT Breakout Tournament finals, losing to Carmelo Hayes.

Odyssey Jones is Back

Odyssey Jones

That changed on Tuesday’s show when he quickly defeated Javier Bernal in a singles match. Following the match, he spoke with WWE digital about what his in-ring return meant to him. 

“Oh, Kelly, the journey was long and difficult, but you know what kept me going through it all? This moment right here, right now. Knowing that I would be back in all black in the black, and gold in front of those beautiful fans and hearing them chant Odyssey Jones. Didn’t mean to rhyme, but it did.”

Jones continued, “I was excited to get back into the ring. Mr. Michaels is always looking out for me. He gave me a good opponent. Javier is a great, hard worker, but today he didn’t have enough to hang with Big O.”

If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit WWE with an h/t to SEScoops for the transcription.

Freddie Prinze Jr. is Certain MJF Will be AEW Champion at Full Gear

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Freddie Prinze Jr. is so impressed with Maxwell Jacob Friedman, he thinks it would be a travesty if MJF does not walk out of Full Gear as the new AEW World Champion.

Prinze, a Hollywood star and former WWE writer, hosts the popular Wrestling With Freddie podcast. He’s been singing MJF’s praises for a long time now, but kicks the gushing into an even higher gear on this week’s show.

“It’s MJF, and everybody else is after that. The stories this kid is telling at 26 years old are unbelievable. I mean, it’s so good.”

– Freddie Prinze Jr. on MJF

MJF has walked a fine line between hero and villain since he returned to AEW in September at the company’s All Out pay-per-view. He’s arguably the best pure heel in the business, but fans have been warming up to the Long Island native. His storylines are drawn largely from personal experiences and has somehow evolved to be relatable, a hallmark trait of babyface characters.

“Everything is based in reality,” Prinze continued. “He’s not a heel or a babyface. He is Maxwell Jacob Friedman, and he is completely unique to everyone else in this business right now. Nobody can touch him. Watch what this kid does.”

MJF’s Golden Opportunity at Full Gear

Full Gear 2022 Main EVent

MJF won the Casino Ladder Match at All Out to earn the right to challenge for the AEW World Championship anytime he chooses. A heel might ‘cash in’ that opportunity when the champion is vulnerable, perhaps after a grueling match. However, MJF said he wants to fight Jon Moxley when he’s 100%, so there are no excuses when he’s crowned the youngest AEW World champion in history.

Prinze can hardly contain himself when he proclaims, “I am in young with this young man” and says he is certain that MJF defeat Moxley at Full Gear.

“I don’t know how they’re going to end this story, but he has a match with the AEW World Champion Jon Moxley, he said “So, I am certain MJF beats Jon Moxley at the pay-per-view. But I am in love with this young man. This dude is awesome. I will blow smoke up his a** every single week on this podcast.”

Listen to the latest episode of the Wrestling with Freddie podcast: