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Report: AEW Talent Refusing to Work With CM Punk if he Returns

Thomas Lowson
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CM Punk’s days with AEW are seemingly at an end, but things will be far from easy for him if he somehow is brought back.

Punk has been suspended from AEW since September’s All Out Pay-Per-View for his role in the backstage fight.

Earlier this month, it was reported that AEW is seeking to buy out the remainder of his contract.

Refusing to Work

Many suspect that Punk will be released from AEW soon, but nothing has been confirmed by Tony Khan at this time.

In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reports that some of the “top people” in AEW have been saying that he is gone.

One unnamed star with AEW told Meltzer that Punk is not worth the trouble he’s brought.

“Punk won’t be back. His value on screen isn’t one percent worth the hassle and black cloud he causes backstage.”

Meltzer reports that Chris Jericho has made it very clear that he believes Punk’s time with AEW is over.

Jericho, who’s been with AEW since the start, has also said that he is unwilling to work with Punk again if he somehow returns.

The Observer adds that “many if not most of the key top names were saying that they wouldn’t work with him.”

Return to WWE?

If Punk is released from AEW, then WWE will likely be the only promotion that can afford his asking price.

WWE and Punk have been heavily critical of each other, stemming from Punk’s walkout in January 2014.

AEW reportedly is concerned about Punk returning to WWE and is negotiating a non-compete clause as part of their buy out.

Kazuchika Okada: I’m Embarrassed Jay White is IWGP World Heavyweight Champion

Thomas Lowson
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Kazuchika Okada has made his thoughts on Jay White abundantly clear ahead of their IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match at Wrestle Kingdom 17.

At the January 4 event (the first time since 2019 Wrestle Kingdom will be a one-night show) the two will face off in a rematch from their Dominion 6.12 in Osaka-jo Hall collision.

At Dominion, White pinned Okada to win the title in a 36-minute main event to begin his first reign as World Heavyweight Champion.

Embarrassed

Okada earned his rematch against the New Zealand-born wrestler with a victory in the G1 Climax, becoming a four-time winner and a back-to-back winner.

Speaking to Sports Illustrated, Okada spoke about White and his attitude as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.

“I find Jay White’s attitude embarrassing, to be honest. It’s a disgrace to have him representing New Japan Pro-Wrestling as our top champion, and that’s why I have to show just how great an Okada title match is at the Tokyo Dome—and to end that era of his.”

Kazuchika Okada.

Okada added that he will have his work cut out for him, as White has emerged victorious in four of their last five matches.

Forbidden Door

Okada’s most recent title opportunity against White came at the AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door crossover event in June of this year.

That match also saw Adam Cole and ‘Hangman’ Adam Page involved but it was White who won the fatal four-way.

Speaking about his relationship with AEW, Okada had plenty of praise for Tony Khan’s first foray into wrestling.

“There are places where they win out over NJPW, and areas where New Japan is superior as well. I think both sides came away with something to learn and work on, and I’d love to have another event with those lessons learned.”

Okada also expressed his hope that the next Forbidden Door event will happen in his homeland.

“Last time was in the U.S., so let’s have it in Japan next time.”

Kazuchika Okada.

While Okada hopes for a Japan show, Tony Khan has ruled out any future Forbidden Door shows going outside North America.

Okada Teases We Haven’t Seen The Last of Him in AEW

Chris Jericho Told CM Punk he is a Cancer After AEW All Out Fight

Thomas Lowson
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CM Punk wanted wrestlers who have an issue with him to speak to him face-to-face, and Chris Jericho certainly did that.

During the AEW All Out 2022 post-show media scrum, Punk had explosive comments for AEW’s EVPs The Elite, former best friend Colt Cabana and ‘Hangman’ Adam Page.

Backstage, a fight broke out which resulted in Punk, Kenny Omega, the Young Bucks, and others being suspended.

Cancer

AEW’s roster is reported to be ‘anti-Punk’ at this time, with many believing he has proven to be toxic to the company.

Fightful Select was told by numerous sources that after the fight, Chris Jericho confronted Punk and was extremely unhappy with what had happened.

Jericho told Punk that he is a cancer to the AEW locker room, and that he has been detrimental to the company.

While Punk’s response was not captured verbatim, the two-time former AEW World Champion effectively told Jericho that it wasn’t his business and he should leave.

When Fightful reached out to Jericho and AEW regarding the matter, they did not hear back, but sources close to Punk confirmed the interaction happened.

After the heated words between the two, Jericho, fresh off an All Out win over Bryan Danielson, appeared on the media scrum.

Time’s Up for Punk

This week, it was reported that AEW’s third-party investigation into the All Out fight has concluded.

On his Wrestling Observer Radio show, Dave Meltzer said it was obvious by this week’s Dynamite who has been punished and who hasn’t.

While Dynamite saw no mention or sighting of Punk, a promo package aired highlighting the return of the Elite.

There have been talks that AEW will buy out the remainder of Punk’s contract, but fear he will sign with WWE.

Backstage Update on Triple H Potentially Bringing CM Punk Back to WWE

Jon Moxley Appears at NJPW Night Before Rumble on 44th Street

Ryan Droste
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Jon Moxley thrilled fans in New York City on Thursday night as he made a surprise appearance at the NJPW Night Before Rumble on 44th Street event at Palladium Times Square.

The AEW World Champion teamed with Eddie Kingston, Amazing Red, Homicide, Shota Umino, and Kazuchika Okada in a 12-man elimination match. They faced Tom Lawlor, Royce Isaacs, Jorel Nelson, El Phantasmo, Juice Robinson, and Jay White.

Moxley’s team ended up being victorious. The AEW Champion eliminated El Phantasmo by throwing him over the top rope. There was a large brawl that left Moxley and Lawlor alone in the ring. Lawlor attempted a Death Rider, but Moxley hit one instead to eliminate Lawlor. Later, Moxley pinned Robinson after he was hit by Okada with a Rainmaker (Okada was then eliminated by White when he was tossed over the top rope). White and Moxley then faced off before Kingston helped Moxley eliminate White to win the match.

Jon Moxley Will Wrestle on Rampage This Week

It was revealed this week that Moxley’s fellow Blackpool Combat Club member Wheeler Yuta was double booked for AEW Rampage (airing live from Connecticut) and New Japan’s Friday night show in New York.

To cover this problem, Moxley will work a match on Rampage in Yuta’s place so that he Wheeler can work his originally scheduled match for New Japan. Moxley will wrestle Matt Menard on Rampage in an AEW World Title Eliminator Match.

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

Jon Moxley Announced as Replacement for AEW Star in Match Tomorrow Night on Rampage

Bryan Danielson Reveals He Almost Signed with Ring of Honor in 2018

Robert Lentini
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AEW star Bryan Danielson is currently a member of the Blackpool Combat Club with World Champion Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, and Sir William Regal.

Danielson recruited Wheeler Yuta to the group and brought in Claudio Castagnoli as his replacement at AEW Forbidden Door.

The American Dragon and Wheeler Yuta have been arguing as of late on Dynamite. Danielson has come up short in every title match he’s been a part of in AEW and recently lost his ROH title match to Chris Jericho due to interference from Daniel Garcia.

Bryan had been trying to convince Garcia that he’s a professional wrestler but ultimately Daniel chose to be a sports entertainer in the Jericho Appreciation Society. Yuta questioned how Danielson didn’t see the betrayal from Garcia coming and seemed disappointed in him.

Bryan Danielson Considered Going to Ring of Honor in 2018

It was announced in March 2018 by WWE that Bryan Danielson was cleared to return to the ring.

Daniel Bryan Says He Cried When He Received The News Of His Clearance

In a recent interview with Inside The Ropes, Danielson revealed that his contract with WWE was coming up around that time and he considered going to Ring of Honor. He was in contact with Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks but discovered that their deals with ROH were also coming up around the same time.

“It was really interesting. My contract with WWE was up in 2018 and I was considering going to Ring of Honor and I was talking to The Young Bucks and I was talking to Cody [Rhodes] just to kind of see — all their contracts were up with Ring of Honor and I was like, ‘What are you guys gonna do?’ Because even my lawyer, who doesn’t know anything about pro wrestling, he said, ‘Hey, I don’t think you’d wanna sign with Ring of Honor if these Young Bucks aren’t going because they’ve got this YouTube show.

I don’t know if you’ve heard of it, called Being The Elite’ and it’s essentially the driver for the popularity of Ring of Honor at the time, right? And so those guys go away, we don’t know if Ring of Honor will nearly still be as popular and then with Cody’s contract coming up, if they leave and Cody leaves, what will Ring of Honor’s popularity be like? So that was a part of the discussion.”

Danielson added that AEW World Champion Jon Moxley, The Elite, and Chris Jericho are the heart of All Elite Wrestling.

“It’s cool for me that Mox is where he’s at. To me, there was that excellent interview segment with CM Punk and Jon Moxley and he talked about being the heart and soul of kind of AEW and I see him as that as well. Him, Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks is kind of like — and Chris Jericho, you know what I mean?

But I see those kind of people as the guys, right? And it’s cool that when I first wrestled him, it was in front of like 75 people on a Wednesday show in the middle of nowhere. Mox actually knows exactly where it was but I don’t even remember so it was like, all of that kind of stuff is just neat.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFYP_OphRHY

H/T: Post Wrestling

Stardom’s Syuri Tops PWI Women’s 150 List

Robert Lentini
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Pro Wrestling Illustrated has announced that STARDOM’s Syuri has ranked number one on PWI Women’s 150 list. The 33-year-old is the current World of Stardom Champion.

She dethroned last year’s winner, Bianca Belair. The RAW Women’s Champion didn’t fall too far down the list as The EST ranked in at #2. Syuri was ranked #7 last year and #78 in 2020.

The PWI list is based on in-ring success and the evaluation period occurred from October 2021 to the end of September this year.

PWI provided the following reason as to why Syuri ranked in at the top of this year’s list:

“Already regarded by many as the best wrestler of any gender in the world, Syuri achieved what she (and her fans) saw as her destiny last December when she was finally able to beat Utami Hayashishita for the World of Stardom championship… As holder of Stardom’s coveted “Red Belt,” Syuri has lived up to expectations, already defending the title eight times.”

The top moment during the evaluation period was when Syuri defeated Utami Hayashishita at Stardom Dream Queendom on December 29th. The two had wrestled to multiple draws prior to the match.

RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, and Charlotte Flair were the WWE Superstars that made the top ten. AEW Women’s Champion Thunder Rosa and TBS Champion Jade Cargill made the top ten as well. Britt Baker ranked #13, while Liv Morgan and SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey ranked #17 and #18 respectively.

Jon Moxley Announced as Replacement for AEW Star in Match Tomorrow Night on Rampage

Robert Lentini
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0

All Elite Wrestling star and member of the Blackpool Combat Club, Wheeler Yuta, has commented on being double booked for Rampage and NJPW tomorrow. Rampage will be live tomorrow night from Uncasville, CT.

  • 5 Reasons Jon Moxley is AEW’s MVP in 2022

AEW’s official Twitter account posted the following video from Wheeler Yuta and here are his comments:

Well, folks it seems that I’ve found myself in a little bit of a pickle. I got a little too excited celebrating my birthday, and my big win on Dynamite. I accidentally double-booked myself for Friday, committing to a match on AEW Rampage as well as one for New Japan Strong.

Now, I did make the New Japan Strong commitment first and in the Blackpool Combat Club we honor our commitments. I will be at New Japan Strong this Friday.

But don’t fret AEW fans, New Japan will be sending one of their best and brightest stars very soon. And there will be a replacement match featuring a Blackpool Combat Club member, he’s the World Champion, Jon Moxley.

A graphic then appeared in the video to announce that Jon Moxley of Blackpool Combat Club will battle Matt “Daddy Magic” Menard in a AEW World Championship Eliminator match tomorrow night on Rampage.

3 Ways Jon Moxley Saved AEW This Year

WWE Superstar Karl Anderson is currently in a similar situation with NJPW. Karl is the NEVER Openweight Champion and was scheduled to defend against Hikuleo at Battle Autumn on November 5th. However, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows recently returned to WWE and reunited with AJ Styles.

The OC have been booked against The Judgment Day in a 6-man tag team match at WWE Crown Jewel on November 5th. NJPW recently warned Karl Anderson that he must defend the title on November 5th at Battle Autumn or he will have to vacate it.

NJPW Warns Karl Anderson Over Booking Conflict with WWE Crown Jewel

People in AEW Pushing for MJF to Become a Full-Blown Babyface

Andrew Ravens
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After returning to AEW programming at the end of the All Out pay-per-view event, MJF has been greeted with cheers from the crowd at AEW events.

He has done some heel antics in his promos and other times as a babyface. He told Renee Paquette to shut up in a promo for his Full Gear bout with the AEW World Heavyweight Champion Jon Moxley on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite. This was an example of the back-and-forth that his character is doing. 

He was attacked by The Firm on the show, indicating he is a full-fledged babyface, though that might be a swerve.

On today’s Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that MJF wants to stay as a heel and does not want to be a babyface. Bryan Alvarez said on Wrestling Observer Live that people in AEW want MJF to become a full-blown babyface. 

Alvarez pointed out how the fans have wanted to cheer him since he came back and was supposed to be a heel when he returned. AEW went to the point where he would come out before the show and bury the crowd to try to make sure they would boo him, but that still didn’t help him from getting cheered. 

MJF to Give in?

MJF SK 2
(AEW)

“Well, now they are no longer doing that. Now they are just going with it at this moment. The question is do you go all the way with it or do you do whatever and he ends up being a heel again. What I can tell you is there are people within AEW that strongly believe that they should go with him as a babyface right now. They feel that he could be a massive babyface star for AEW. They think that is what he should do now.”

“There are people who believe he could be a generational babyface. That was not the intention when he came back but things happen.”

MJF is the heavy-betting favorite to defeat Jon Moxley to win the AEW World Heavyweight Title at Full Gear. 

WWE Considering Interesting Idea for Austin Theory’s Money in the Bank Cash-in

Andrew Ravens
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WWE has discussed doing something new with Austin Theory’s Money In The Bank cash-in attempt.

Over the summer, Theory won the briefcase at this year’s Money In The Bank after being added to the ladder match as a last-minute entry over Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Omos, Sami Zayn, Riddle, and Madcap Moss.

The Pitch

WWE Superstar Austin Theory
(WWE)

WrestleVotes revealed that there had been an internal pitch for Theory where he would keep the Money in the Bank briefcase for almost an entire year. 

“There is an idea that he is the first guy to wait a full year, like the day of or let’s say, night of Money in the Bank next year,” the person behind the Twitter account stated in an interview with GiveMeSport. “That’s the storyline, like ‘you have to cash this in two and a half hours. You have to cash this in 90 minutes.’ That type of thing. I know that idea is on the table.”

As of this writing, it is unclear whether or not the current plan is for Theory’s cash-in to be successful.

Theory last wrestled on this week’s edition of Raw, defeating Mustafa Ali in singles action. He doesn’t have a match announced for Crown Jewel on November 5th in Saudi Arabia. 

John Cena and Idris Elba to Star in Amazon’s ‘Heads of State’ Movie

Andrew Ravens
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John Cena has another Hollywood role lined up as the former WWE Champion has signed onto a new project. 

The Hollywood Reporter reports that Cena will star in Ilya Naishuller’s next film, “Heads of State” along with Idris Elba. In October 2020, Amazon Studios picked up the rights for “Heads of State” during a competitive Zoom presentation.

The film will be produced by Peter Safran, co-chair and co-CEO of DC Studios, and John Rickard via The Safran Company, while the initial script was created by Harrison Query, who recently set up My Wife and I Bought a Ranch

Josh Appelbaum & André Nemec, who worked on the recently wrapped Beverly Hills Cop reboot, wrote the final draft. 

Cena’s Other Films

The film is described as “Air Force One meets Midnight Run,” centered on a mismatched pair who are in over their heads in a high-stakes situation.

Cena recently finished filming movies such as The Independent, Snafu, Coyote v. Acme, Argylle, and Freelance while he is currently filming Honeymoon Friends.

As previously noted, The Independent, which comes out next month, will be exclusively on Peacock. 

John Cena Stars as Presidential Candidate in Peacock’s “The Independent” Film

Jim Ross Provides Update on Skin Cancer Battle and Recovery

Thomas Lowson
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AEW commentator Jim Ross is optimistic that a new treatment will speed up his recovery time after defeating cancer.

In October 2021, Ross was diagnosed with skin cancer which resulted in him missing several weeks of AEW programming.

Ross informed fans that December that he was cancer-free and made an immediate return to the announcer’s desk.

New Treatment

JR may be cancer free now, but he still has a long road to recovery before he is fully healed.

Speaking on the latest episode of Grilling JR, Ross explained the new treatment he will be starting soon.

“I’ve had a good week regarding my cancer issues. I’m going to start next week with some treatment. I can’t remember what the thing is called. Hyperbaric Chamber? Something along those lines. I’m going in on Tuesday for my first test run. See how it works. They think it will speed up the healing. And if it does, I win. And that’s what I’m looking for.”

Hyperbaric Chambers are often used during a cancer battle, but have been used after people have beaten cancer.

Recover Time

While JR will start treatment soon, the WWE Hall of Famer is well-aware that his recovery process will not be quick.

On the podcast, Ross explained that it’ll be at least a year before he’s 100%.

“We’re making some progress there. But I still think it’s going to be about a year of healing this wound. I’m just tired of dressing it and undressing it. Medicating and all that s***.”

Ross remained positive in the face off his new treatment, saying:

“Life is good. I’m alive, I have no cancer and I’m just healing. These burns, that’s what they look like. It looks like I’ve been caught in a fire. But it’s looking a lot better than it did.”

Jim Ross Can’t Understand Why AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam Didn’t have More Viewers

CM Punk’s Dog Larry Being Injured at All Out “Outright Lie” (Report)

Thomas Lowson
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The claims that CM Punk’s dog Larry was injured during the backstage fight at AEW All Out may not be entirely truthful.

Larry, a rescue from a Chicago shelter, was reportedly present during the backstage fight which pitted CM Punk and Ace Steel against the Young Bucks and Kenny Omega.

The fight has resulted in Punk, Steel, the Bucks, and Omega (among others) being suspended from AEW, with Steel later being fired.

Outright Lie

This week, CM Punk’s side claimed that Larry was injured before the fight backstage, as the Elite ‘kicked’ the door open.

It has been said the door hit Larry in the face, resulting in two of his teeth being knocked loose and later removed.

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio Dave Meltzer said that when speaking to the Elite’s side, he was told this was a complete fabrication.

“What was said is basically, it’s an outright lie. I did have that told to me.”

Dave Meltzer.

Meltzer added that the timing of this ‘revelation’ about Larry is very suspect, given that Punk’s side has been reportedly sitting on this information for nearly two months.

“I had heard from his [CM Punk’s] side on and off since a couple of days right after it happened… Never in seven weeks have I heard anyone mention anything about the door opening [and] hitting the dog. The dog being hurt or anything like that. I just find that so weird.

“The side that was trying to defend him, all along, never brought that up once, and now all of a sudden, that’s the story. And like I said, the other side just called it a lie.”

Investigation Over

On his show, Meltzer added that the investigation into the matter is now complete.

He also added that judging by who was featured on AEW Dynamite last night and who wasn’t, it’s clear who is being punished.

Last night’s Dynamite saw no reference to Punk, but did feature a video package hyping the Elite’s return.

Investigation Into AEW All Out 2022 Backstage Fight is Over (Report)

Investigation Into AEW All Out 2022 Backstage Fight is Over (Report)

Thomas Lowson
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The investigation into the backstage fight at AEW’s All Out 2022 Pay-Per-View has reportedly reached its end.

After the show, CM Punk had explosive comments during the media scrum, lashing out at the Elite, former best friend Colt Cabana, and ‘Hangman’ Adam Page.

After Punk’s comments, a fight broke out backstage resulting in Punk, the Elite and others being suspended.

The Investigation

After the fight, AEW arranged for a third-party investigation into the matter to determine what happened and who is responsible.

Speaking on the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that while talent are banned from discussing the matter, the investigation is over.

“Everyone is still banned publicly from talking about what happened and the situation. The investigation is over and you can tell by who’s back and who’s not back [who will be punished.]”

Dave Meltzer.

During this week’s AEW Dynamite, a video promo teased the return of Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks, and the trio was reported to be backstage.

This week’s Dynamite saw no mention of Punk, who is believed to have thrown the first punch.

CM Punk

There is a growing belief that CM Punk will lose his job with AEW as all signs have pointed to him instigating the fight.

On his show, Meltzer suggested that comments made by those close to Punk are a sign that the former World Champion is unhappy with the investigation.

“[Punk’s camp] mentioned that the investigation never talked to Lucy Guy [wife of Ace Steel who was present at the fight] which is true. They never did… He mentioned that which would tell you that he was not happy with the investigation.”

Dave Meltzer.

Ace Steel, who aided Punk in the fight, was fired from AEW last week, presumably for his role in what happened.

Meltzer added that with AEW teasing the return of the Elite this week, while avoiding Punk, it is clear what the investigation has determined.

“If what happened, happened as he [Punk] claimed, it would be the other way around. He would be the one back and they would be the ones not back. So I think that is pretty clear as far as to what the investigation found.”

Dave Meltzer.

Punk’s side have claimed that the Elite kicked the door open and instigated the fight, and if Punk threw the first punch, it was because he feared that the Bucks and Omega were about to fight him.

Backstage Update on Triple H Potentially Bringing CM Punk Back to WWE

CJ Perry on Miro’s Lack of AEW TV Time: “Tony Khan has his Favorites”

Thomas Lowson
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0

CJ Perry has insinuated that Miro not being a ‘favorite’ of AEW President Tony Khan has resulted in the Bulgarian not getting regular TV time.

Miro, formerly Rusev in WWE, joined AEW in September 2020 and is a former TNT Champion.

Over the past year though, Miro’s TV time has greatly diminished and he has been the victim of lengthy absences from programming.

Playing Favorites

Weeks and months can go by without an appearance from Miro, which his wife is, unsurprisingly, not a fan of.

During an appearance on Busted Open Radio on Tuesday, Perry was asked about her husband’s stop-start booking in AEW (via F4W Online.)

“Tony Khan has his favorites and he’s going to push the favorites just like Vince [McMahon] would push his favorites, just like Hunter is going to push his people. It’s show business.”

CJ Perry on her husband’s AEW booking.

Miro himself has teased being unhappy in AEW, liking a tweet that suggested he would do better back in WWE.

The Bulgarian worked for WWE from 2010 to 2020 and held the United States Championship three times.

Miro has wrestled just one match in the past four months for AEW, competing at All Out 2022 where he teamed with Sting and Darby Allin to defeat the House of Black.

Unhappy

Miro doesn’t wrestle in AEW nearly as much as he did in WWE, but the former Superstar still has big dreams.

When asked whether her husband is enjoying his time working for Tony Khan, Perry responded:

“I mean, he wants to be champion so he’s not going to be happy until he’s champion. I’m just going to leave it at that.”

CJ Perry.

There have been rumors that AEW could sign Perry to a contract, presumably as the on-screen manager for her husband.

Miro Addresses His Lack Of Television Time In AEW

Latest On Karl Anderson’s Status With WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling

Thomas Lowson
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0

Will Karl Anderson miss NJPW Battle Autumn as he claims? Perhaps, but that isn’t a bad thing.

Earlier this month, Anderson returned to WWE as the NJPW Never Openweight Champion and was booked for a title match at Battle Autumn on November 5.

Anderson has made it clear that he intends to compete at WWE Crown Jewel on November 5 and will miss Battle Autumn.

The Update

Anderson, WWE, and New Japan appear to be at odds, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Fightful Select reports that there have always been plans for the ‘Machine Gun’ to compete for New Japan despite his WWE return.

It is unclear what will happen with the Never Openweight Championship, which NJPW has insisted must be defended at Battle Autumn or Anderson will be stripped of the title.

The report adds that New Japan was aware that Anderson and Luke Gallows would be returning to WWE as early as August.

Sources close to the situation said that “things are fine” between Anderson and the two promotions.

More Appearances

In their report, Fightful reported that New Japan expects more appearances from Anderson and Gallows after Battle Autumn and that WWE is fine with this.

It was previously reported that NJPW is hopeful that Gallows and Anderson will make multiple appearances in the run-up to their big annual event Wrestle Kingdom.

NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 will take place on January 4, 2023, marking the first time since 2019 the show has happened in one day.

Four matches have been announced so far, including the crowning of the inaugural NJPW World Television Champion.

Billy Corgan Open to the NWA Being a Developmental System for WWE

Thomas Lowson
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WWE’s new regime has shown it isn’t afraid to work with other promotions, but could the Sports Entertainment juggernaut one day team up with the NWA?

In 2017, the NWA was purchased by Smashing Pumpkins star Billy Corgan, who has breathed new-life into the historic part of wrestling.

Once a governing body, the NWA’s control over wrestling dipped in the 1980s with the rise of the WWF, and today is just one singular promotion.

Working with WWE

The NWA has come a long way under Corgan’s leadership, but the promotion could soon become part of WWE’s empire.

Speaking to the Metro, Corgan recalled conversations he’s had with WWE regarding getting his promotion on the WWE Network and Peacock.

“Very, very good discussions, very open and cool. They certainly liked what I was trying to do, and they’ve always been cool about what I was doing in the NWA, so I remain optimistic going into the future that there might be some business there to do.”

Billy Corgan.

Corgan added that the NWA could potentially be a developmental brand for the WWE where he can “help develop” wrestlers who aren’t main-roster ready.

Other Options

Corgan is open to working with WWE, but they’re not the only promotion on the Smashing Pumpkin star’s radar.

In the interview, Corgan added that he is willing to work in a similar way with All Elite Wrestling, saying the Tony Khan-run company “has a tremendous amount of talent under contract.”

While WWE uses NXT as their developmental program, AEW features young talent on Dark and Dark: Elevation before calling them to Dynamite or Rampage.

NWA Host Talent-Wide Meeting After Recent Tapings

Watch: Liv Morgan Killed on Latest Episode of ‘Chucky’ TV Series

Robert Lentini
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Liv Morgan has undergone an attitude adjustment following WWE Extreme Rules.

She defended the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Ronda Rousey in an Extreme Rules match at the Premium Live Event.

The 28-year-old wanted to prove to The Baddest Woman on the Planet that she was extreme and she was successful in doing so. Unfortunately for Liv Morgan, it still wasn’t enough and Ronda defeated her to become the new SmackDown Women’s Champion. After the match, Liv was approached for an interview but was in no mood to talk.

Watch: Liv Morgan Is In A Dark Place Following Title Loss At WWE Extreme Rules

Liv Morgan Killed on Chucky TV Show

The horror movie villain Chucky has made some cameos on NXT during the Halloween season. Now, WWE Superstar Liv Morgan has appeared on the Chucky TV show on SyFy. The former SmackDown Women’s Champion appeared on the fourth episode of season 2 of the series. Liv’s cameo on the show was brief as she was brutally murdered by the doll as seen below.

Liv Morgan was recently interviewed by USA Insider about her appearance on the show and revealed she reached out to WWE and USA Network to be a part of the show.

So I just went to WWE and I was like, ‘Do you think there’s any opportunity for me in any capacity? Because I’d love to be involved in any way, shape, or form.’

And so they reached out, and I was actually put in touch with Don Mancini, the show’s creator – he’s been so gracious to me.

We jumped on a Zoom and he was able to write me into the script. It’s been almost a pipe dream come true. It started with an ask that turned into something unbelievable.

“Austin-esque” – Jim Ross Compares AEW Star to Stone Cold During Dynamite

Robert Lentini
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AEW commentator and wrestling legend Jim Ross took to Twitter tonight and said that AEW World Champion Jon Moxley reminded him of a WWE legend.

Jon Moxley defended the AEW World Championship against Pentagon Jr. in the main event of this week’s episode of Dynamite.

It was a back-and-forth matchup, but in the end, Jon retained the AEW World Championship via pinfall after connecting with the Paradigm Shift. Jim Ross compared Jon Moxley to Stone Cold on social media toward the end of the title match.

.@JonMoxley is Austin-esque. Love his game.@AEW#Dynamite

The Firm Attacks MJF & Jon Moxley

After the match, Stokely Hathaway’s stable The Firm attacked Jon Moxley. MJF hired The Firm as his stable on retainer, and the group helped him win the Casino Ladder match at All Out, ensuring him a future title show.

However, Maxwell had warned Stokely earlier on the show to not lay a hand on Jon Moxley before Full Gear. MJF wants to prove that he can earn the title on his own to William Regal and has vowed to not use the Dynamite Diamond Ring as a weapon at the PPV on November 19th.

The Firm ignored MJF’s request and attacked the champion at the end of the show. W. Morrissey, The Gunn Club, Lee Moriarty, and Ethan Page beat down Moxley as MJF paced around on the entrance ramp.

MJF made it seem like he was going to go backstage but wound up sprinting to the ring. The numbers game was too much and The Firm beat both men down. Ethan Page planted MJF with the Ego’s Edge and W. Morrissey sent Maxwell through a table with a Chokeslam as the show went off the air. Jon Moxley will defend the AEW World Championship against MJF on November 19th at the Prudential Center in New Jersey.

8 Takeaways From AEW Dynamite (10/26): Jon Moxley Defends Title, Bryan Danielson, The Firm & MJF

Sasha Banks, Naomi, New Day & Jimmy Uso Attend ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Premiere

Robert Lentini
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Sasha Banks and Naomi have not appeared in WWE since the May 16th edition of RAW.

They were the Women’s Tag Team Champions at the time but creative called for them to enter singles programs ahead of the Hell in a Cell PLE. Sasha and Naomi were scheduled to compete against each other in a Six-Pack Challenge but that never happened.

The Women’s Tag Team Champions walked into former EVP of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis’ desk, left the titles behind, and walked out of the arena. There have been rumors of their return to the company but nothing has come to fruition yet.

The former Women’s Tag Team Champions recently walked the runway at a fashion show in NYC with Bayley in attendance.

Sasha, Naomi, Jimmy Uso, and New Day Attend Movie Premiere Today In Los Angeles

Sasha Banks, Naomi, Jimmy Uso, Kofi Kingston, Big E, and Xavier Woods attended Wednesday’s premiere for ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ today in Los Angeles. The crew arrived together and danced on the purple carpet.

The stars walked the purple carpet during the premiere for the Marvel Studios film. Xavier Woods and Naomi posted photos from the event on social media.

Former WWE Champion Big E posted a slow-motion video of the New Day walking the purple carpet. Big E has been out of action since March after suffering a neck injury. He is scheduled to be reevaluated next March to see if he can return to the squared circle.

Several fans have posted videos and photos of the stars at tonight’s movie premiere and you can check them out below.

https://twitter.com/KingZairois/status/1585467133793894402?s=20&t=5axzFJNfdDQPjOfSAoAjtw

“She Needs Some Damage Control” – Bayley & Saraya React to Interview on AEW Dynamite

Robert Lentini
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Renee Paquette, formerly known in WWE as Renee Young, recently signed with All Elite Wrestling.

She appeared several times during this week’s episode of Dynamite. Renee was set to interview Saraya, formerly known as Paige, when Britt Baker interrupted.

Britt and Saraya traded words until Renee shut them both up. Paquette said that they were going to do this properly if they wanted to talk about it and Britt stormed away.

Saraya debuted in All Elite Wrestling last month at Dynamite: Grand Slam. Toni Storm defeated Britt Baker, Athena, and Serena Deeb to retain the AEW Interim Women’s Championship. After the match, the heels attacked and Britt set up for the Lockjaw on Storm. Saraya’s music hit and Britt retreated with Jamie Hayter, Rebel, and Serena Deeb.

Bayley Reacts to Interview on AEW Dynamite

Bayley is currently involved in a bitter rivalry with RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair. The Role Model battled her for the title in a Ladder match at Extreme Rules but came up short. Bayley defeated The EST in the main event of RAW. A repackaged WWE Superstar interfered in the match and it led to Bayley picking up the victory.

Watch: Repackaged WWE Superstar Interferes in RAW Main Event

After Renee Paquette put an end to the bickering between Saraya and Britt Baker on Dynamite, Saraya took to Twitter and claimed that she loves “spicy” Renee.

https://twitter.com/Saraya/status/1585446773446819840?s=20&t=kT-J1lXK55_SNL3vUTbWPQ

Bayley responded and said that Renee was in “a bit of a pickle”. Saraya then joked that she needed some “damage control”. Bayley is currently the leader of the Damage CTRL faction with Women’s Tag Team Champions IYO SKY & Dakota Kai.

She needs some damage control…

https://twitter.com/Saraya/status/1585463293820420096?s=20&t=kT-J1lXK55_SNL3vUTbWPQ

8 Takeaways From AEW Dynamite (10/26): Jon Moxley Defends Title, Bryan Danielson, The Firm & MJF

Robert Lentini
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AEW Dynamite aired live from the Cartway Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. In addition to the takeaways below, AEW ran a video package with The Elite being dissolved away. It was reported earlier that Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks will be returning to the company soon.

AEW Dynamite Results

  • Blackpool Combat Club (Castagnoli & Yuta) def. Jericho Appreciation Society (Chris Jericho & Daniel Garcia)
  • Swerve in Our Glory def. FTR to become the #1 contenders for the AEW Tag Team Championships
  • Bryan Danielson def. Sammy Guevara
  • Jamie Hayter def. Riho
  • Jon Moxley def. Pentagon Jr. to retain the AEW World Championship

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Blackpool Combat Club def. Jericho Appreciation Society

Blackpool Combat Club’s Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta battled Jericho Appreciation Society’s Chris Jericho and Daniel Garcia to begin the show. JAS and William Regal were ringside for the match.

Castagnoli unloaded several uppercuts and followed it up with a Clothesline on Jericho to start off the action. Garcia tagged in and the former ROH Champion leveled him with an uppercut as well before tagging in Wheeler Yuta.

Wheeler booted Daniel in the face and started taunting the ROH Pure Champion. Yuta connected with a Dropkick and started bending back Garcia’s fingers. BCC took control but Hager hopped on the ring apron for a distraction. JAS regrouped outside the ring but Claudio and Wheeler went after them.

Claudio launched Jericho into the ring post as Wheeler rolled Garcia back inside the ring. Castagnoli went for The Swing but Garcia was able to escape. Jericho tagged in and traded strikes with Claudio in the middle of the ring. Castagnoli got distracted by Hager and Jericho capitalized with a Dropkick as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Garcia had Claudio in a Headlock in the middle of the ring. Claudio showed off his power and countered into a Vertical Suplex. Jericho tagged in and bashed Wheeler off the apron before Claudio could get the tag. Chris went for the Walls of Jericho but Claudio blocked it. Castagnoli hit a big uppercut and both wrestlers fell to the canvas.

Yuta tagged in and hit Jericho with a Splash for a two count. Wheeler and Daniel traded punches and Yuta knocked the ROH Pure Champion out of the ring. Yuta connected with a slam on Jericho for a near fall. Claudio tagged in after Yuta hit a DDT. Castagnoli went for the cover but the ROH Champion kicked out at two. Claudio went for a springboard uppercut but Jericho countered into a Codebreaker.

Jericho went for the cover but Wheeler broke it up. Yuta jumped onto JAS outside the ring as Jericho brought Floyd the baseball bat into the ring. Claudio countered with the Ricola Bomb and then hit Jericho with the Swing while holding Daniel Garcia on his shoulders at the same time. Castagnoli hit Hager with a Senton and beat the hell out of JAS as he marched around the ring. Back in the ring, Claudio hit Jericho with the Neutralizer on Jericho for the pinfall victory.

Bryan Danielson & Wheeler Yuta Continued To Argue

Renee Paquette interviewed Bryan Danielson backstage ahead of his match against Sammy Guevara. Danielson said he was frustrated about losing to Chris Jericho, Daniel Garcia betraying him, Wheeler Yuta talking back to him, etc. Danielson stated that he has no issue with Sammy Guevara other than his smug face and his stupid vlogs.

Wheeler Yuta showed up and boasted about just beating Garcia and Jericho. Yuta and Danielson started shoving each other. Castganoli broke it up and said they are all going to work out their differences after Danielson beats Guevara.

Swerve In Our Glory Are #1 Contenders

FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) battled Swerve in Our Glory (Keith Lee & Swerve Strickland) to determine the #1 contenders for the AEW Tag Team Championships. The champions, The Acclaimed, took a seat on the entrance ramp to watch the match.

Strickland and Wheeler locked up to start off the match. Wheeler took control and got Swerve in a Headlock. Strickland broke free and took Wheeler down. Swerve then danced around the ring as the Gunn Club were shown dressed as FTR in the crowd.

Dax tagged in and connected with a Suplex for a near fall. Keith Lee tagged in and shot a look at Strickland before entering the ring. FTR went for Big Rig but Keith blocked it. Keith then leapfrogged both members of FTR in an awesome spot and leveled them with a Crossbody as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Harwood and Swerve traded strikes in the middle of the ring. Keith Lee broke it up but Dax sent him to the outside. Strickland rolled up Harwood for a near fall. Strickland went for a move off the top rope but tripped. Harwood hit a German Suplex and tagged in Wheeler.

Cash and Dax isolated Swerve in the corner. Harwood hit a Powerbomb and Wheeler followed it up with a Northern Lights Suplex for a two count. Strickland and Wheeler traded uppercuts in the corner. Keith Lee tagged in and Swerve in Our Glory hit a combo move on Wheeler. Lee popped Wheeler up and Swerve hit a Powerbomb for a two count.

Strickland climbed to the top rope but Wheeler battled back. Harwood planted Strickland with a massive Powerbomb but turned around into a shoulder tackle from Keith Lee. FTR went for the Big Rig on Keith Lee but Strickland broke it up. Wheeler booted Swerve in the face and FTR hit Keith with the Big Rig. Cash went for the cover but Strickland broke it up at two. Lee accidentally hit Strickland and Dax rolled him up for a near fall.

Keith hit a massive Powerslam on Dax as Gunn Club held up Cash Wheeler against the barricade. The Gunn Club attacked FTR before AEW Tag Team Champions The Acclaimed broke it up. Swerve in Our Glory are the new #1 contenders.

MJF Warned Stokely Hathaway

Renee Paquette was about to interview Saraya when Britt Baker showed up. They started arguing and Renee told them both to shut up. She added that they are going to have to talk about it properly instead of yelling over each other. Britt Baker walked away to end the segment.

Renee then interviewed MJF on the entrance ramp. Maxwell will be facing Renee’s husband, Jon Moxley, for the AEW World Championship at Full Gear. MJF asked the Virginia crowd if there were any devil worshippers in the crowd and they cheered.

MJF took the microphone away and mocked the way Jon Moxley walks and talks. Maxwell claimed that Jon was “mid”. Renee noted that MJF can’t just say “with all due respect” and then insult someone, Maxwell responded by saying “Renee, with all due respect, shut up” to pop the crowd.

  • 5 Reasons MJF Should Win the AEW World Championship

Maxwell noted that he’s still MJF and got ahead of himself by saying that he was going to wrestle the match at Full Gear clean. MJF called William a “disgusting old rat” and promised that he will not use his Dynamite Diamond Ring at the PPV because he doesn’t need it. Maxwell added that he is fighting every single sorry scumbag that told him he’s not good enough at Full Gear.

Stokely Hathaway of The Firm interrupted and said that they won’t lay a hand on Jon Moxley ahead of the PPV. MJF told Stokely that he needs Mox at 100% at Full Gear so nobody has any excuses. MJF threatened to fire Hathaway if he touches Moxley before the PPV. Stokely smirked and walked away. Maxwell then said his “I’m better than you” catchphrase and had the crowd chant “you know it!”.

Bryan Danielson def. Sammy Guevara

Sammy Guevara of JAS battled Bryan Danielson tonight on Dynamite. Tay Melo was ringside for the match and William Regal joined commentary. Guevara dominated the action early and connected with a springboard Cutter for a near fall.

Bryan battled back and unloaded chops and kicks to Sammy’s chest in the corner of the ring. Guevara tried to battle back but Danielson responded with even harder chops. Bryan knocked Sammy to the mat with an uppercut and started bending back Guevara’s fingers. Sammy reached the ropes but Danielson stomped on his elbow.

Danielson connected with a Butterfly Suplex and went for an Armbar but Sammy got his boot on the ropes to break up the hold. Danielson unloaded punches to Sammy’s face until the referee stopped him. Guevara rolled out of the ring and Danielson hit him with a Dropkick through the ropes. Sammy responded with absurd springboard Moonsault and got a smooch from Tay as Dynamite went to a break.

When Dynamite returned, Sammy unloaded some kicks to Danielson’s chest. Bryan smacked Sammy in the face and he fell to the corner. Danielson unloaded a bunch of chops and kicks. Bryan followed it up with a Clothesline and fired up the crowd. Danielson sent Guevara flying out of the ring with a Back Body Drop and quickly followed it up with a Suicide Dive.

Back in the ring, Danielson climbed to the top turnbuckle and delivered a Dropkick to Sammy’s face. Bryan hit some Yes Kicks but Sammy battled back with a Standing Spanish Fly for a near fall. Guevara climbed to the top turnbuckle but Danielson tripped him up.

Bryan joined Sammy on the top rope and went for a Suplex but Sammy landed on his feet. Guevara went for a Standing Moonsault but Danielson countered into the LeBell Lock in the middle of the ring but Guevara reached the bottom rope. Danielson climbed to the top rope but Guevara took him down with a Spanish Fly for a close two count.

Danielson connected with a reverse Hurricanrana and then the Running Knee to the face. Bryan didn’t go for the cover and began kicking Sammy in the face over and over. Danielson then applied a Triangle submission and unloaded elbow strikes until Guevara passed out.

Jamie Hayter def. Riho

Jamie Hayter battled Riho tonight on AEW Dynamite. Riho hit an Armdrag but Jamie responded with a massive shoulder tackle as Rebel and Britt cheered her on ringside. Riho sent Hayter to the ropes but got tripped up by Baker. Riho knocked Hayter out of the ring and hit a Crossbody off the top rope.

Back in the ring, Hayter battled back with a Suplex for a near fall. Jamie followed it up with a Powerslam and went for the cover but Riho kicked out at two as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Riho connected with a knee strike and knocked Rebel off the ring apron. Riho went for a 619 but Hayter blocked it. Riho connected with a Fisherman’s Suplex and went for the cover but Jamie kicked out at two.

Riho climbed to the top turnbuckle and went for a Crossbody but Hayter caught her. Jamie connected with a Brainbuster and went for the cover but Riho wouldn’t stay down. Hayter unloaded a forearm strike and went for a slam but Riho countered into a Bulldog.

Riho hit a Hurricanrana but once again got tripped up by Baker. Jamie capitalized with a slam and went for a Powerbomb but Riho countered into a Code Red for a near fall. Hayter went for a Clothesline but Riho ducked and hit a Snap Dragon Suplex for a two count. Jamie hit a big boot and followed it up with a thunderous Clothesline for the pinfall victory. AEW Interim Women’s Champion Toni Storm posed on the entrance ramp and had a staredown with Hayter after the match.

Eddie Kingston Wants to be Left Alone

Renee Paquette interviewed Eddie Kingston backstage and noted that several of his friends are worried about his behavior. Kingston didn’t want to talk about it and had an insane grin on his face. Eddie brought up Moxley and picked him to win the AEW World Championship match tonight. Kingston added that everyone else can leave him alone to end the promo.

Jon Moxley Retained The AEW World Championship, The Firm Attacked Moxley & MJF

Jon Moxley defended the AEW World Championship against Pentagon Jr. in tonight’s main event. Alex Abrahantes accompanied Penta to the ring for the match.

  • 5 Reasons Jon Moxley is AEW’s MVP in 2022

Moxley and Penta locked up in the middle of the ring to begin the match. Penta drove the champ to the corner and taunted him. Moxley responded with some chops to the chest. The champ and challenger traded strikes in the middle of the ring as the crowd cheered.

Penta booted Moxley in the midsection and rolled him up for a near fall. Jon went for a lariat but Penta ducked and taunted him some more. Moxley responded by flipping Penta the bird. Pentagon Jr. sent Moxley out of the ring and flipped onto him as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Moxley hit some punches and bit Penta on the top of his head like a maniac. Penta responded with a Slingblade and went for the cover but the champion kicked out at two. Moxley battled back and applied a Crossface in the middle of the ring.

The challenger escaped and went for a submission hold of his own. Jon sent Penta to the canvas and booted him in the face a few times. Penta tackled Moxley to the mat and then snapped back his arm. Penta went for the cover but the champ powered out at two and the title match continued.

Penta and Jon battled on the ring apron and then onto the steel steps. Moxley bounced Penta’s face off the steps and rolled him back inside the ring. Jon leveled the challenger with a Clothesline and went for the cover but Penta kicked out at the last moment. Pentagon Jr. planted Moxley with a Piledriver for a near fall. Jon battled back and connected with the Paradigm Shift for the pinfall victory. Jon Moxley is still the AEW World Champion.

After the match, The Firm (W. Morrissey, Gunn Club, Ethan Page, Lee Moriarty) attacked Jon Moxley in the ring as Stokely Hathaway made his way down the entrance ramp. The Firm beat Jon Moxley down until some AEW security ran down to the ring. The rest of the security couldn’t make it as someone had chained the doors shut.

Moxley started to fight back but Ethan hit him with a big boot. MJF showed up on the entrance ramp but was conflicted. Maxwell was about to stop The Firm but walked backstage. MJF charged down to the ring and pushed The Firm away. Maxwell fired Stokely Hathaway and The Firm then attacked MJF as the crowd booed. Ethan Page planted MJF with the Ego’s Edge and Morrissey dumped him out of the ring. W. Morrissey Chokeslammed MJF through a table to close the show.

The Elite Were Backstage at AEW Dynamite (Report)

Samantha Schipman
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The Elite, Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks, were backstage at Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite, according to PWInsider.

AEW teased The Elite early in the show with this clip featuring the EVPs being erased.

The Elite off AEW television

Kenny Omega Young Bucks
Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks

The Elite have not been on AEW programming since ALL OUT on September 4. The infamous BRAWL OUT happened that night, leading to suspensions of The Elite, CM Punk, and Ace Steel. The first four were stripped of their respective titles.

In recent days, it seemed like The Elite may be coming back to TV soon. Steel was released last week. There have also been reports that the investigation is winding down. In another twist to the saga, Punk’s camp says that his dog, Larry, was injured during BRAWL OUT.

Earlier today, Fightful Select reported that Don Calls is also backstage.

CM Punk Camp Says Larry the Dog Was Injured in Backstage Fight

Nick Perkins
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To borrow a phrase from the kids, ‘Big if true.’

With rumors of an imminent return of The Elite (Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks) to AEW television, a new report from Nick Hausman with Wrestling Inc. adds another layer to the already muddled situation between CM Punk and the AEW EVP’s.

This layer, however, seemingly paints Punk in a more sympathetic light than has otherwise been reported.

According to Hausman, AEW hasn’t even reached out to Punk since the fallout of AEW All Out. Reports state that after Punk verbally tore down Omega, Adam Page, MJF, The Young Bucks, and Colt Cabana during the All Out Media Scrum, he returned to his locker room and a ‘brawl’ between Punk, Kenny Omega, Nick Jackson, Matt Jackson, Ace Steele, Ace Steele’s wife, and Larry the Dog commenced.

Accounts vary as to who was at fault, who punched whom, who bit whom (though everybody is pretty sure that it was Ace Steele that bit Kenny Omega) and more, but most recent reports suggest that Punk was the one who ‘threw the first punch.’

CM Punk All Out

Larry the Dog Was Injured

Now, however, a new report from Hausman seems to suggest that Punk may have been justified in his anger.

“From the perspective of Punk’s camp, the scrum itself — which became the talk of the wrestling world due to Punk’s comments on Colt Cabana, “Hangman” Adam Page, and The Elite — didn’t seem like a big deal, and only escalated once Punk’s locker room door was “kicked in” and accidentally hit Punk’s dog, Larry, in the face,” Hausman wrote. “At a pre-scheduled veterinarian appointment a few days later, Punk was informed that two of Larry’s teeth had been knocked loose and had to be removed.”

If that is indeed the case, many people believe Punk may have been justified in throwing hands.

“It was noted to us that Punk felt threatened and reacted in a legal way under Illinois’ Castle Doctrine laws, which allow for the use of force in defense of a person in their dwelling,” Hausman reported. “At this time, there is no litigation against Punk on behalf of anyone involved. It was also relayed to us that Steel’s wife, Lucy, was in the room during the incident, but has not been interviewed as part of the internal investigation into the matter.”

Hausman did not specify from whom in Punk’s camp he spoke with.

It should also be noted that most reports stated that The Elite brought AEW’s Head of Legal with them to confront Punk, which led to speculation that The Elite weren’t actually “looking for a fight” when they entered Punk’s locker room.

Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the third part investigation was nearing its conclusion, but that it was Punk who was stalling the proceedings. Meltzer also reported that Ace Steele was released from his AEW contract. Reports suggest that AEW is going to ‘buy out’ CM Punk’s contract, but that Punk doesn’t want to agree to any non-compete clauses should a buy out occur.

Could that mean that CM Punk has intentions to return to WWE? Was CM Punk the aggressor in the backstage fight? Is there any chance Punk could return to AEW? Is this whole thing one big storyline? Stick close to SEScoops for more information as it develops in this complicated, and utterly fascinating, story.

Zelina Vega: ‘For the Longest Time, I Felt Like WWE Was Afraid to Give me the Ball’

Andrew Ravens
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Zelina Vega made her return to WWE on the October 7 episode of WWE SmackDown by being the new manager of Legado Del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde, and Cruz Del Toro) to attack Hit Row (Top Dolla, B-Fab, & Ashante “Thee” Adonis).

Throughout her career with WWE, Vega has filled multiple roles, including managing Andrade in NXT and the main roster, winning the first-ever Queen of the Ring tournament and the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. 

While speaking on Busted Open Radio, Zelina discussed her opportunities in WWE and wanting the ball.

Wanting The Chance

Zelina Vega
(via WWE)

“I had those questions like, ‘Can I do this by myself? Can I carry all about me?’ Damn right I can. Then, I became Queen,” she said when discussing moving away from being utilized more as a manager. “Now, it’s taking both parts and combining them together and doing this for me but also doing this for my team and getting people to see that side of me. For the longest time, I was like, ‘Damn, they have no idea what they have.’ I always told them, ‘Give me the ball. If I drop it, screw me, but you’ll never know until you try.’”

Vega noted that you have to trust people and give them a chance as WWE did with Liv Morgan once fans got behind her. 

She continued, “I heard from so many different people, ‘it’s just a matter of time. When is Zelina going to get this chance?’ I’m waiting. I’m here. For the longest, I felt like they were afraid to do it. The only thing they’re going to regret is that they didn’t do it sooner, that they didn’t take a chance on me sooner. They have no idea. This is one side of me, and you’re getting a different side now, but imagine what could happen if you actually give me the ball to just be me and have that opportunity. I feel like, for the longest, they were afraid to do it. What’s stopping you? Clearly, I can do for me alone, I can do it for other people, why not give me the actual chance? Are they afraid? What could you really lose when it comes to me? I’ve handled literally everything that has been handed to me. I think it’s just a matter of time.”

Before her return, Vega had been off television for several months due to an injury as she last wrestled on the April 11 episode of WWE Raw, losing to Bianca Belair.

On Friday’s WWE SmackDown, Legado Del Fantasma will be in six-man tag team action when they take on Hit Row and their mystery partner.

H/T to Fightful for the transcription

Backstage Update on Triple H Potentially Bringing CM Punk Back to WWE

Robert Lentini
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CM Punk and All Elite Wrestling are reportedly about to go their separate ways.

The 44-year-old returned to professional wrestling last year on Rampage: The First Dance. AEW sold out the United Center in Chicago on a rumor that CM Punk would be there and the crowd absolutely erupted when he arrived.

A year later, CM Punk appears to be on the way out of All Elite Wrestling following the brawl with The Elite at the All Out media scrum. The Elite are reportedly on their way back to the promotion.

  • CM Punk Probably Won’t Return to AEW
AEW Negotiating to Buy Out CM Punk’s Contract (Report)

Update on how Triple H Feels About Bringing CM Punk Back to WWE

WrestleVotes recently spoke to GiveMeSport and provided an update on how Triple H feels about bringing CM Punk back to WWE. It was previously reported that The Game was open to bringing the former AEW Champion back to the company but likely not on a full-time deal.

During the interview, WrestleVotes revealed that Triple H wanted nothing to do with CM Punk, and even less to do with the person (Phil Brooks) in July.

I was told, I mean, pretty straightforward, that Triple H wants nothing to do with CM Punk, and even less to do with Phil Brooks. Well, that’s what I was told and that was July.

However, WrestleVotes claims that The Game’s stance on CM Punk has “softened” recently but animosity between the two still remains.

I did ask over the last couple of days, and it has softened a little bit from what I understand. I still think there’s animosity, I still think there’s a lot of pieces that need to be picked up between the two of them specifically. But Hunter, learned from Vince [McMahon] and Vince made amends with everybody.

WrestleVotes added that it is “ridiculous” to say that the door is closed for Punk to return to the company, especially in the ‘war’ that is happening right now between the promotions.

H/T: GiveMeSport

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