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“The Ball Is In His Court” – Triple H Says WWE Is Open To Signing NBA Star

Robert Lentini
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WWE held a press conference for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match between Roman Reigns and Logan Paul at Crown Jewel.

After the conference, Triple H was interviewed by Sporting News about several topics. The Game revealed that he has discussed signing Tyson Fury but the world-class boxer knows he has a few big fights left in the boxing ring.

Triple H stated that he hopes Tyson is still interested in joining the WWE after he’s finished boxing. Tyson knocked out Austin Theory when he tried to cash in his Money in the Bank contract at Clash at the Castle.

WWE’s Chief Content Officer spoke about NBA star Dwight Howard showing up at a recent tryout and claimed that he is open to signing the 2020 NBA champion.

“I think the ball is in his court. It’s a funny thing, Dwight in the conversations we had was like ‘you know I really want to do this, I’m serious, I really want to do this.’ But we hear that a lot and there’s a difference between saying I want to do this and putting in the grind and doing the work to get there.

He came by our tryouts in Nashville. He was incredibly entertaining, jumping in promos by himself and then with others, incredibly entertaining. Really driven to want to do this, it is just a matter of him, he’s got a lot of things going on right?

So when he says ‘hey I want to give this a shot’ he’s got my phone number and all he’s got to do is call me and we will see what can happen. If he’s willing to put in the grind and the drive that guys like Logan Paul, Bad Bunny, and Tyson Fury are willing to put in then let’s go.”

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit Sporting News & give a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.

“There’s Something About Sadie Sink” – MJF Gushes Over Stranger Things Star & Answers Questions From Fans

Robert Lentini
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Maxwell Jacob Friedman has quickly become one of All Elite Wrestling’s most popular stars and made the media rounds to promote AEW Grand Slam. He stopped by Barstool Sports for an interview on Wrasslin’ and appeared on Barstool’s Answer The Internet.

After his “pipebomb” promo on the Dynamite after Double or Nothing, MJF went missing from AEW television for months. The 26-year-old returned at All Out to win the Casino Ladder match and had a stare-down with former AEW Champion CM Punk. MJF has a guaranteed title match at a time and place of his choosing.

He appeared on Barstool Sports’ Answer The Internet and answered questions on a wide variety of topics.

Which celebrity would MJF most like to see in a sex tape?

“My brain immediately goes to a grotesque place because I can look at any woman naked if I want to now. God invented the internet. So I think I’d want to see someone like gross and fat. I want to see Oprah. That would be rad.“

Would you rather have your porn search history shared with your Twitter followers or your parents?

“Dude, post it on Twitter, I don’t give a sh*t. I don’t talk to my parents. They f***ing suck.“

Should you lock a dog out of the room when you’re having sex?

“So I have a cat, love my cat. The cat’s name is Piper. When it’s go time, when it is time for the fiancé to hop on the maximum ride, love Piper to death but Piper is going out the door. Because it gets loud, it gets sweaty, and it’s not a safe environment for any pet.”

Who is the hottest celebrity you’d have a chance with if they got to know you?

“Sadie Sink. There’s something about Sadie Sink. And maybe it is because I got like a redhead thing, but there is SOMETHING.“

Kevin Clancy (KFC) of Barstool wondered if Sadie would like MJF if she met her and the AEW star joked “Stranger Things have happened”. Sadie Sink plays Max in the massively popular Netflix show Stranger Things.

Please credit Barstool Sports with a H/T to SEScoops if you use quotes from this video.

You can check out all of MJF’s NSFW responses in the video below.

“I Oversee Everything” – Triple H Explains His Role As Chief Content Officer & How WWE Recruits Talent

Robert Lentini
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Triple H joined LADbible TV today for an interview and discussed several topics, including what his role is in WWE. There has been a seismic shift at the top of the company and it has resulted in more power than ever afforded to The Game.

He was recently given the title of “Chief Brand Officer” and explained what that entailed during the interview. The 53-year-old stated that he oversees everything when it comes to the promotion’s creative, as well as run talent development and the recruitment process.

“I do a little bit of everything for WWE. If you want the exact title, I’m the Chief Content Officer for WWE. I oversee everything that has to do with creative of everything we do from top to bottom.

Run our talent, run our talent development, our recruiting process, sort of the life cycle of the talent from the moment we identify them in college, or wherever they’re going to start from. All the way through to the end of their careers.”

Triple H On How WWE Recruits Talent

The Game was asked where WWE goes to try and find talent. He brought up Gable Steveson as an example of collegiate athletics being difficult to recruit from and described WWE’s strategy for finding new talent.

“They changed the rules for what’s called NIL (name, image, likeness) that college athletes can use their name, image, and likeness to create a business for themselves. So they can be paid for those things, they can do endorsements, all these other things.

It opened up a world for us. We don’t see it as paying somebody a small amount of money to say ‘hey I watched WWE and isn’t that great’.

For us, it’s a recruiting tool. For us, it’s long-term recruiting. We look at college athletes in almost any sport and we try to work with them on what WWE is, what we are as an entertainment property, but what we are also behind the scenes.

Some of those we will offer deals to under the NIL program. We’ll pay them a sum of money, they will be WWE athletes. We help them build their brand, we help them with media training, with life skills, anything that WWE does that they can have access to.

“They can come to our performance center, they can do all those things. Meanwhile, they’re out there for us sort of talking about WWE to every sporting event they go to.

Athletes around the country they’re talking about WWE and for most of them when they graduate college, WWE is the opportunity they are looking at to become a WWE Superstar.

For ones that don’t, that promotion the entire time is phenomenal for us.”

Please credit LADBible and give a H/T to SEScoops if you use quotes from this article.

Triple H Outlines His Vision For WWE NXT: “Almost A World Cup Scenario”

Robert Lentini
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WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H was interviewed recently by LADBible TV and spoke about his plans for the future of NXT.

Triple H has gained a significant amount of power in WWE recently since Vince McMahon resigned from the company. He replaced John Laurinaitis as EVP of Talent Relations and has also taken over creative responsibility for the promotion. The 53-year-old has brought back several released talents and is seemingly about to bring NXT back to its Black & Gold days.

During the interview, The Game discussed his vision for NXT Europe moving forward and suggested that it would be “almost a World Cup scenario”. He stated that “the World Cup finals” for NXT could happen in any city in the world and that you’ve got to think big.

The King of Kings compared NXT to college football and noted that they are trying to build a fanbase for the talent before sending them to the main roster to become WWE Superstars.

“The intent will be to take NXT Europe and bring that around the world. So NXT Europe, NXT Australia, NXT South Africa, South America, and Mexico. All those things and eventually build it into a global system that will lead to almost a World Cup scenario.

The World Cup finals for NXT will one year be in London, the next year maybe Mexico City, you’ve got to think big. And all the while, really what you are doing is you are building a fanbase for college football, while you are building stars for the major leagues.”

What do you think of Triple H’s vision for the future of NXT and NXT Europe? Let us know in the comments section below.

Please credit LADBible and give a H/T to SEScoops if you use quotes from this article.

Eddie Kingston & Sammy Guevara Have Provided The Template For CM Punk & The Elite To Move Forward

Robert Lentini
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Sammy Guevara and Eddie Kingston are set to battle this Friday night at AEW Rampage Grand Slam from Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Grand Slam is one of All Elite Wrestling’s biggest events of the year and there are several exciting matchups on both Dynamite and Rampage this week. Friday’s Grand Slam edition of Rampage will be a special two-hour show.

Guevara and Kingston were supposed to square off at All Out but real-life personal issues prevented the match from happening. The issue stemmed from a Rampage taping in August. Sammy cut a promo in the ring with Tay Melo and called Eddie a “fat piece of sh*t”. Kingston got heated about the comments and confronted Sammy backstage.

The altercation led to Eddie getting suspended for two weeks and their match at AEW All Out being canceled. Eddie apologized for his actions, Sammy issued a statement, and the two men have apparently put the real-life issue behind them so that they can work together again. The promo never aired on television but a fan uploaded the footage and you can check it out below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zYSIwrxvMg&t=42s

The Benefit of Using Real-Life Drama In Storylines

Eddie Kingston cut a promo about the upcoming match and stated that he doesn’t respect Sammy Guevara and thinks he’s a horrible person. Kingston vowed to “beat the piss” out of Guevara this Friday at Rampage Grand Slam.

“You may think I don’t like you or I don’t respect you because of the things you say, or because you are so in love with Twitter, and the only reason why you are in this great sport is to be famous. You don’t care, but nah Sammy, it is not because of any of that. No man, I don’t like you and I don’t respect you because inside when I look into your eyes, I see nothing but a horrible, rotten human being. You make me sick and that is why I am going to beat the piss out of you in Queens.”

Eddie’s brief promo above is a great example of how a real-life issue can be spun into a positive in the wrestling business. He clearly does not like Sammy personally, but that doesn’t mean they cannot provide an entertaining product to fans as professionals. The Mad King is always passionate in his promos, but you can tell when there is something extra behind it.

There was nothing cute about what he said about Sammy Guevara and there were no jokes. He simply called Sammy a horrible person that he wants to beat the hell out of in the match. Enough said, I’m sold. Kingston also got personal in his memorable rivalry with CM Punk leading up to their match at Full Gear and it added to the rivalry. This was before CM Punk decided to get offended about such things.

Can CM Punk & The Elite Do The Same?

It seems ludicrous to suggest that CM Punk, Kenny Omega, and The Young Bucks could put their issues behind them at this point, but some fans are still holding out hope. In case you’ve been under a rock, CM Punk went on an expletive-filled rant about Colt Cabana, Hangman Page, and The Young Bucks following winning the title at All Out.

Instead of talking about becoming champion again, Punk opted to go on a twenty-minute rant while eating muffins. To make matters worse, he was also injured during the match and relinquished the title again. He is a two-time AEW Champion without making a single title defense.

The former AEW Champion claimed that the EVPs (Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks) could not even manage a target and blamed them for starting the rumors that he wanted to get Colt Cabana fired. The EVPs then confronted CM Punk in his locker room and a wild Ace Steel appeared. Ace Steel is/was an AEW producer that was unknown to the audience until the Wednesday before All Out, in which he delivered a passionate promo to convince CM Punk to accept the match against Jon Moxley.

The circumstances surrounding the brawl make it seem highly unlikely that CM Punk and The Elite could work together in the future, but they would have everyone’s attention if they did. AEW Brawl Out remains one of the biggest stories of the year and people are still awaiting to find out the repercussions for everyone involved.

While CM Punk probably shouldn’t be relied on to carry the company anymore as he’s injured again, a Trios match with FTR against The Elite would be instant money for AEW. One can only hope that CM Punk and The Elite can follow in Eddie Kingston’s footsteps and put the past behind them. Hopefully, a positive can be found in Punk’s injury and it might actually allow the time needed for cooler heads to prevail.

  • CM Punk is Probably Not Returning to AEW

White Rabbit is WWE’s Latest Cryptic Teaser Campaign (Updated)

Michael Reichlin
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White Rabbit is at the center of WWE’s latest mystery. The classic rock song by Jefferson Airplane has played at several live events in recent weeks, leaving wrestling fans to wonder who (or what) is behind this viral campaign.

We’ve seen several other clues dropped on WWE television in recent weeks, which we’ll break down below. WWE has hyped debuting/returning Superstars using cryptic vignettes, flickering lights and other techniques. WWE’s TV productions are carefully orchestrated and (almost) nothing happens by accident.

The following is a breakdown of what we know about WWE’s White Rabbit. We’ll use this article as a master resource to track everything in the lead-up to the big reveal.

The Song by Jefferson Airplane

The White Rabbit mystery began when WWE began playing Jefferson Airplane’s 1967 song at live events. It first happened during a commercial break at a recent Friday Night SmackDown taping.

It occurred once again over the weekend, prior to the WWE live event from Oakland, CA.

QR Code, More Clues

image 8

The September 19th edition of WWE Raw brought more clues about the White Rabbit.

Just before a match between Austin Theory and Kevin Owens, a QR code appeared on screen. When the code is scanned, it sends fans to a hidden section at the WWE website.

That URL displays a video showing a game of ‘Hang Man’ with the question, “Who killed the world?” The answer to the puzzle is, “YOU DID”.

A white rabbit then hops around an alarm clock that reads 9:23, an indication that a reveal may be coming on 9/23, which coincides with the September 23rd edition of SmackDown.

“Go ask Alice, when she’s ten feet tall.”

Lyric from White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane

Later in the show, Alexa Bliss dropped a White Rabbit clue that some fans may have missed. She told Bayley, “You act like you’re 10 feet tall.” In passing, there doesn’t seem to be anything unusual here. It just so happens, “like you’re 10 feet tall” are lyrics taken from “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane.

Who is WWE’s White Rabbit?

There are two prevailing theories about the identity of WWE’s White Rabbit.

One Possibility: Karrion Kross

Killer Kross White Rabbit

SmackDown Superstar Karrion Kross portrayed a character called White Rabbit during his time wrestling for Lucha Underground, the defunct promotion that ran from 2015-2018.

Lucha Underground’s White Rabbit, as well as the Jefferson Airplane song, are references to the White Rabbit in “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” which represents following your curiosities.

We’ve seen Kross portray several gimmicks during his short time with WWE. If WWE is laying the groundwork for Kross as the White Rabbit, this could be the vehicle he needs to finally make a meaningful impact on the main roster.

Ever since Triple H took over as the head of creative and talent relations, fans have understandably compared his approach to that of his predecessor, Vince McMahon. We saw how McMahon presented acts that were dark, mysterious and even supernatural. It would be interesting to see how a similar approach would be handled in 2022 under Triple H.

More Likely: Bray Wyatt

WWE White Rabbit

Whenever anything remotely mysterious or spooky happens in the WWE Universe, some fans are convinced it’s a sign that Bray Wyatt is returning home.

WWE has had many supernatural characters over the years, but few have resonated like the Eater of Worlds. This time, there’s actually a lot of substance behind the wishful thinking.

WWE has given us a lot of dots to connect and breadcrumbs to follow. There is a theory going around that Bray Wyatt is WWE’s White Rabbit. We were skeptical at first, but it’s actually very convincing. In fact, there are so many coincidences here that we’d be legitimately surprised if Bray Wyatt is not revealed as the White Rabbit.

Check out the theory below and decide for yourself.

A Fan Theory May have Cracked WWE’s ‘White Rabbit’ Mystery

Jim Ross Reveals Ex-WWE Champion Vince McMahon Opposed Signing

Thomas Lowson
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Jim Ross signed plenty of big names to WWE during his tenure as the promotion’s Head of Talent Relations, but not everyone was to Vince McMahon’s liking.

JR was appointed Head of Talent in 1997, with a Wrestling Observer Newsletter report at the time calling him the most powerful man in the then-WWF not named McMahon.

Signing the Legend Killer

It was during JR’s tenure as Head of Talent that Randy Orton was signed, the second-ever third-generation WWE Superstar (after The Rock.)

Speaking on this week’s ‘Grillin’ JR’ podcast, Ross spoke about the future World Champion, and how Vince McMahon opposed the idea.

“When Vince found out that Randy Orton was court-martialled, he didn’t want me to hire him. I resisted with good reasons. I said ‘look Vince, everybody deserves a second chance. How many chances have you gotten?’ I’ve gotten plenty and I’m thankful for them.”

” I said ‘look Vince, everybody deserves a second chance. How many chances have you gotten?'”

Jim Ross on defending the hiring of Randy Orton.

Orton would be signed in 2001 and would debut on WWE SmackDown the following year.

The OVW Class

Orton was just part of the esteemed Ohio Valley Wrestling class, which included John Cena, Batista and Brock Lesnar.

Speaking about Cena, arguably the most successful man in the group, JR said that he gave the future Hollywood megastar a chance despite McMahon having no interest in him.

“I hired so many guys that Vince [McMahon] had never heard of. Never seen. He didn’t know who the hell John Cena was.

“He [Cena] wasn’t on the mainstream working in Hollywood. He was working two or three jobs and he was learning to wrestle.”

JR reflected on his tenure as Head of Talent, and highlighted the huge names he would sign to WWE.

“It was a fun job, and we left our mark. Our administration left our mark on the company that’s still being felt today.”

Head of Talent Relations

In 2001, Jim Ross would be replaced as WWE’s Head of Talent Relations by John Laurinaitis, who was fired by WWE earlier this year.

In his absence, WWE has appointed Triple H to the role, in addition to appointing him Head of WWE Creative.

Speaking about the Game, Jim Ross had high praise for the man who once terrorized him on-screen.

“We didn’t have the staff that they utilize now. And I think that’s important for those guys, that you’ve got a leader that understands the business thoroughly in Triple H. And that’s what you’ve got to have.”

“You’ve got a leader that understands the business thoroughly in Triple H.”

Jim Ross on WWE’s new Head of Talent Relations.

“The lead decision maker has got to have product knowledge. I still think and this may be naive, but I believe that you still need to be a fan.”

For use of these quotes please give a h/t to SEScoops.

Jim Ross Beleives Lex Luger Should be in WWE Hall of Fame

Toni Storm on AEW’s Women’s Division: “It’s Going to Change the Entire Game”

Andrew Ravens
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Toni Storm believes the AEW Women’s Division is primed to ‘change the entire game.’

Although Storm is only the Interim AEW Women’s World Champion, she is invested in the permanent history of the AEW women’s division and wants to see it grow. 

Toni Storm’s Vision

Toni Storm

While speaking with TV Insider, Storm talked about the future of the division:

“It’s a story as old as time. Women’s wrestling struggles to get the same amount of time as the guys. We are put in a different position, but I really do believe we are headed in the right direction. We’ve got a locker room full of really hardworking and talented women that I believe are the future. It’s going to change the entire game. I think we’re going to overcome and get more time and see more emphasis on ourselves. But we’re doing the hard work. I’m very confident in this entire division.”

Storm stated that she’s proud to be at the top and will do whatever it takes to push it to where it needs to go. 

“I’m proud of everyone back there. “I’m choosing to be positive. I think, little by little, there will be more emphasis on us in AEW. We just need to keep breaking down that door. I also think consistency is what will get us there.”

Storm successfully retained the Interim AEW Women’s World Championship on Wednesday night at the Dynamite: Grand Slam event in a fatal 4-way match against Athena, Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D., and Serena Deeb.

What Was The Original AEW ALL OUT PPV Main Event Going To Be?

Joey Galizia
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Last night’s AEW Grand Slam Dynamite saw Jon Moxley capture his third-world title under the AEW banner, a definite departure from the company’s original booking plans following a number of issues with former champion, CM Punk.

The Second City Saint broke his foot shortly after winning the world title from Adam Page at May’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view, which was going to kickstart a renewed Summer of Punk, and would have seen him walk into ALL OUT 2022 holding the top prize. While Punk managed to reclaim the gold at ALL OUT from Moxley, the original booking plan would have seen him face one of his most recent rivals.

CM Punk vs. MJF III Was Originally Going To Headline ALL OUT 2022

According to Dave Meltzer from the Wrestling Observer, Punk was originally going to be defending the AEW world title against MJF. This would have been the two top stars third meeting, with each holding a victory over the other. MJF handed Punk his first loss on Dynamite thanks to an assist from Wardlow. Punk would get his revenge at Revolution in a critically acclaimed Dog-Collar matchup.

It was not specified in the report whether MJF’s temporary hiatus would have played out the way it did on television. MJF has since won the Casino Ladder Match, and has the right to challenge for the AEW world title whenever he pleases.

Stay tuned.

John Cena Makes History with the Make-A-Wish Foundation

Andrew Ravens
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John Cena has set a new record for the most wishes granted through the Make-A-Wish Foundation with 650. The Make-A-Wish Foundation announced the news today and the milestone has been recognized by Guiness World Records.

Since becoming a top star in WWE after his rise in 2005, he was portrayed as a babyface who was a hero for fans and the face of WWE’s “Be a Star” anti-bullying campaign. 

Cena made his first wish come true in 2002 and granted Make-A-Wish’s 1000th wish to a fan named Cardon in 2012. 

John Cena’s Inspiring Work

John Cena Make a Wish
John Cena

The non-profit organization helps fulfill the wishes of children who have been diagnosed with a critical illness. Children between the age of 2 and 18 can choose to meet a celebrity, go to an event, or even give a gift to someone else. 

When children meet the former WWE Champion, they can take photos with him and hang out. 

He told Reuters: “If you ever need me for this ever, I don’t care what I’m doing, I will drop what I’m doing and be involved because I think that’s the coolest thing.”

“I just drop everything,” Cena said when he was honored for granting 500 wishes. “If I can offer a fantastic experience, I’ll be first in line to do my part.”

Cena is the most requested celebrity, and nobody else has ever granted more than 200 wishes in the 42-year existence of the foundation.

Next Challenger for Jon Moxley’s AEW World Championship (Spoiler)

Andrew Ravens
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The next challenger for the AEW World Heavyweight Title, currently held by Jon Moxley, has been revealed. 

Moxley’s first title defense will come in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, on a special live Tuesday edition of Dynamite set for October 18th. 

AEW President announced to the live crowd at Grand Slam on Wednesday that the Golden Ticket battle royale winner taped for Friday’s Rampage will get their title opportunity on this upcoming Dynamite episode. 

Hangman Page is Next

Hangman Page
(via AEW)

Hangman Page won the match that included Rush, The Butcher, The Blade, Dark Order, Private Party, Danhausen, Dante Martin, Penta El 0 M, Brian Cage, Ari Daivari, Lance Archer, Daniel Garcia, Cole Carter, Best Friends, Jake Hager, Dalton Castle, Lee Moriarty, Matt Hardy, and Jay Lethal. Page last eliminated Rush to pick up the win.

Moxley regained the title on Wednesday night with his win over Bryan Danielson in the finals of the Tournament of Champions after CM Punk was stripped of the title. 

With Page getting the opportunity ahead of MJF, who also holds a title shot due to his Casino ladder match win at All Out, the belief is MJF will cash in that chip at the Full Gear pay-per-view in Newark, New Jersey, in November. 

AEW Rampage: Grand Slam Spoilers (Airing Sep. 23)

Michael Reichlin
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All Elite Wrestling will present a special 2-hour “Grand Slam” edition of AEW Rampage this Friday night on TNT. These matches were taped Wednesday night after Dynamite from Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing, New York.

The tapings saw rapper Action Bronson making his pro wrestling in-ring debut, a Battle Royal to determine Jon Moxley’s next challenger for the AEW World Championship, an Unsanctioned Lights Out Match and more.

  • Chris Jericho, Jim Ross, Excalibur and Jim Ross are on commentary.
  • Tony Khan announced the winner of the Golden Ticket Battle Royal later in the show will challenge Jon Moxley for the AEW World Championship on the special Tuesday, October 18th edition of AEW Dynamite. (Pre-emption due to Major League Baseball playoffs)
  • Sting and Darby Allin def. House Of Black (Buddy Matthews and Brody King) in a No DQ Match.
  • Action Bronson and FTW Champion Hook def. Jericho Appreciation Society’s “Cool Hand” Angelo Parker and “Daddy Magic” Matt Menard.
  • Jade Cargill def. Diamanté to retain the AEW TBS Championship.
  • TNT Champion Wardlow and ROH World Television Champion Samoa Joe def. Tony Nese and Josh Woods.
  • Jungle Boy def. AEW World Trios Champion Rey Fenix.
  • Eddie Kingston def. Sammy Guevara, but the decision was reversed and Guevara was awarded the win.
  • “Hangman” Adam Page won the Golden Ticket Battle Royale to become the new #1 Contender to the AEW World Championship.
  • “Absolute” Ricky Starks def. Powerhouse Hobbs in an Unsanctioned Lights Out Match.

WWE Senior Vice President Confirms “Up or Out” Policy

Thomas Lowson
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WWE’s recruits will be on the clock to improve or face being released, a Senior Vice President of the promotion has confirmed.

The promotion has drastically changed their hiring process in recent years, once scouting established stars from other promotions such as AJ Styles.

After that, WWE sought the top names from the independent scene, before introducing their Next in Line program last year.

Up or Out

WWE SVP James Kimball recently spoke with Wrestle Rant about the company’s process of recruiting talent (via Wrestling Inc.)

Kimball explained how new recruits are expected to ‘survive’ at least two years, after which they’re moved upwards to the next level in WWE, or let go.

“It literally is six-month intervals, two-year mark, you’re up or out. Obviously, there’s constant evaluation down the Performance Center in Orlando.

“Coaching staff, our staff, on-site, all the time constantly evaluating, but formal, deliberate evaluations occur in six-month periods.

“At that time, and again these all kind of flow in and around the same kind of entry points, we’ll do a tryout, and then we’ll do a set of releases.”

Kimball added that the policy was introduced unofficially around the time of the Next In Line program was announced last year.

He also noted that this policy affects recruits who are expected to move up to NXT as well as NXT superstars expected to move to the main roster.

Next in Line

WWE introduced the Next in Line program in 2021 with the signing of Olympic Gold Medalist Gable Steveson.

WWE’s focus is now on signing collegiate athletes and training them in their own style of wrestling.

Despite being the face of the NIL program, Steveson hasn’t been the hit WWE had hoped, with reports that his main roster call-up has been delayed for not showing significant in-ring improvement in training.

William Regal Weighs In On a Blackpool Combat Club Heel Turn

Thomas Lowson
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William Regal isn’t interested in a Blackpool Combat Club heel turn but isn’t against the idea either.

The group came together earlier this year, with the name being the brain-child of Jon Moxley, not Regal as many believe.

The BCC consists of AEW World Champion Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta with Regal serving as manager.

Couldn’t Give a Jot

William Regal is no stranger to being a heel, but isn’t fully on board with returning to his darker routes.

Speaking on the appropriately titled ‘Gentleman Villain’ podcast, Regal said that the group isn’t looking for cheers or boos from fans.

“None of us [in the Blackpool Combat Club] could care less, a mere jot, whether we’re booed or cheered. If people cheer us, great. If they boo us, great. We’ll lean into that.

William Regal.

Speaking about the group being booed at All Out, where Moxley faced home-town hero CM Punk, Regal enjoyed the experience.

“Going out with Jon Moxley the other week and getting booed out of the building in Chicago, like music to my ears. I haven’t had that for a long time, since I was 41 or 42 [Regal is now 54 years old.]

“Like Music to my Ears.”

William Regal on being booed at AEW All Out 2022.

“It was wonderful because that’s what I thrive on. The word on the tin. Villain. I like getting it. I went out of my ways to get boos and I haven’t. Because after a while in WWE when I was still wrestling, people were cheering me because I think they were just happy I was still alive [laughs.] I wasn’t dead!”

A Future Heel Turn?

Regal spent years of his career as a villain, hence the title of his podcast, but believes his days as being a character are behind him.

When asked by co-host Matt Koon if he could be a villain again, Regal said he could, but hopes to avoid the turn, believing it would take the focus off others.

“You have no idea. If I ever have to do that again [I am ready.] This is going to be a weird thing to say, but I hope it doesn’t.

“The only reason I hope it doesn’t is not because of me. I hope it’s the person I’m walking out with who’s getting the boos if they want them, and it’s not about me.”

On this week’s AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam, Moxley defeated fellow BCC member Bryan Danielson to win his fourth AEW World Championship.

For use of these quotes please give a h/t to SEScoops.

William Regal Addresses Reports of Backstage Drama in AEW

AEW is Going Through “Addition by Subtraction” After All Out Controversy

Thomas Lowson
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All Elite Wrestling is dealing with its share of problems at this time, following the events of AEW All Out.

After the September 4, Pay Per View, CM Punk had explosive comments for several people on the roster, including AEW’s Executive Vice Presidents The Elite.

Backstage, a fight broke out, which Punk is believed to have instigated and thrown the first punch.

The Meeting

Despite these issues, AEW has not slowed down with its content production, with last night being the AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam special.

According to a report from Fightful, the meeting was held in the afternoon, hours before AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam went live.

It was not confirmed who spoke, but it is reported that the meeting was considered a ‘pep-talk’ and was said to be “very positive.”

This is the latest meeting for the promotion after a talent-wide meeting was held last month to address reports of talent being unhappy.

A meeting was held earlier this month following the controversy following AEW All Out.

Addition by Subtraction

The meetings held by AEW so far have been received positively by attendees, and it’s reported that the mood backstage has begun to improve.

One veteran AEW talent said the backstage atmosphere recently has been a lot more relaxed since All Out and the post-show incidents.

Another talent added that the locker room at the last three tapings has been the best it’s been in a while.

One source said that AEW is going through a process of “addition by subtraction;” making the promotion better by the removal of some members of the roster.

It is unclear who this source is referring to, though CM Punk, Kenny Omega, the Young Bucks and Ace Steel have all been removed from programming.

Tony Khan Makes Big Announcement After Grand Slam, AEW Title Match Set For Upcoming Dynamite

Al Snow Says he Was Kicked Out of Restaurants for Dining with Head

Thomas Lowson
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Al Snow struggled to enjoy a nice meal out in peace during the Attitude Era, as staff and other customers didn’t appreciate his choice of company.

During the late 1990s, Snow would appear on WWE programming with ‘Head’ a mannequin head who he’d speak to and who would seemingly speak back to Snow.

Dining Out

Al Snow, like any other wrestler, had to find time to eat during his career, but that was easier said than done.

Speaking to SEScoops’ correspondent Steve Fall, the former WWF Hardcore Champion recalled keeping in character at the time.

“I carried the head everywhere. When I went out to eat after shows I took it to a restaurant, sat directly across the table. I ordered two meals. We’d argue, we’d fight. Waitresses would come up to you. ‘Sir you’re making the other customers uncomfortable you’re gonna need to leave.’

“Sir you’re making the other customers uncomfortable you’re gonna need to leave.”

Al Snow recalls being asked to leave restaurants over Head.

“I’m like ‘well they’re making us uncomfortable how are we gonna eat our food? They [Head] have got an upset stomach. Now I’ve paid for their dinner box it up please we’re gonna go.’ And then I would just take the second meal back and eat it in the hotel room later that night.”

The Comic Book

Snow and Head struggled to have a nice meal together, but the veteran wrestler and his friend have made it in the world of comic books.

Earlier this year, a Kickstarter was launched for ‘The Ballad of Al Snow & Head’ a comic about the fictional life of his WWF character.

The project made nearly double it’s original $3,000 and Snow had plenty of praise for the project.

“The Ballad of Al Snow and Head is about 40-pages long and I was blown away by [it.] I mean these are top talents in the comic book industry that worked on it and the artwork for each and every one of these comic books is different and unique. Absolutely incredible. Just beautiful.

“The story for the first one ‘The ballad of Al Snow and Head’… I’m wrestling an opponent very short and then I land on my head or whatever and then we go off into the post-apocalyptic world. Everything takes place basically inside my mind because I’m quote-unquote insane and I’m running a detective agency in this post-apocalyptic world.”

More information about ‘The Ballad of Al Snow and Head’ can be found here.

For use of these quotes please give a h/t to SEScoops.

Al Snow Says No Wrestler In WWE Is Underrated

Tony Khan Makes Big Announcement After Grand Slam, AEW Title Match Set For Upcoming Dynamite

Robert Lentini
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AEW President Tony Khan addressed the crowd after Dynamite Grand Slam went off the air.

He announced that the winner of the Golden Ticket Battle Royal on Friday’s episode of Rampage will battle Jon Moxley for the AEW Championship on the October 18th edition of Dynamite.

It will be a special Tuesday night episode of Dynamite on the 18th airing from the Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, AEW Champion Jon Moxley’s hometown.

Moxley lost the Interim Championship to CM Punk at All Out. However, Punk had to vacate the title due to an injury as well as the brawl with The Elite during the media scrum.

In the main event of Dynamite Grand Slam, Jon Moxley battled Bryan Danielson for the vacated AEW Championship. The two Blackpool Combat Members gave it everything they had, but in the end, Moxley captured the title once again by putting Danielson to sleep with the Bulldog Choke. William Regal stood in the ring as Bryan Danielson put the belt around Moxley’s waist after the match.

Here are the comments from Tony Khan and you can check them out in the video from Solomonster below.

“At this year’s first Tuesday night Dynamite, October 18th, in Cincinnati, Ohio. The winner of the Grand Slam Golden Ticket Battle Royal will get a shot at the first-ever three-time AEW World Champion, Jon Moxley, if he is still the champion on that Tuesday.

Everybody is coming back to their seats, we are about to get started for Rampage. Justin (Roberts) you want to fire things up and get everybody going?!”

“God I’m Freaking Cool” – MJF Sends Message To His ‘Devil Worshippers’ After AEW Dynamite Grand Slam

Robert Lentini
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MJF made his presence felt throughout the show tonight during AEW Dynamite Grand Slam.

Former ROH Pure Champion Wheeler Yuta was set to be interviewed by Tony Schiavone but Maxwell immediately interrupted. The Casino Ladder match winner did a Ric Flair strut as the crowd in Arthur Ashe popped.

MJF verbally beat Wheeler down and insulted Bryan Danielson and Jon Moxley ahead of their title match. Maxwell brought up William Regal’s addiction issues and got a slap to the face from Wheeler Yuta. MJF delivered a headbutt to Yuta and then shoved poor Tony Shiavone to the floor.

Yuta attacked MJF but The Firm’s W. Morrissey (FKA as Big Cass in WWE) grabbed Yuta from behind. AEW security then showed up and separated everyone to end the segment. MJF then watched from the crowd as Jon Moxley defeated Bryan Danielson to become the AEW Champion. Maxwell earned a future title shot at a time of his choosing by winning the Casino Ladder match at AEW All Out earlier this month.

MJF Thanks His ‘Devil Worshippers’ After AEW Grand Slam

Maxwell took to Twitter after Dynamite Grand Slam went off the air to put himself over some more. The 26-year-old said that his “Devil worshippers” were out in full force tonight and noted how cool he is.

“My Devil worshippers were out in full force tonight with their pitch forks in hand. God I’m freaking cool.”

The Firm Helps MJF Win The Casino Ladder Match At All Out

The Casino Ladder match kicked off AEW All Out and the match ended in a bizarre fashion. A bunch of masked individuals rushed to the ring and attacked the participants. It was then revealed to be Stokely Hathaway’s stable, The Firm, and they retrieved the chip suspended above the ring.

A man in a devil’s mask then entered the match as The Joker (the final & mystery participant in the Casino Ladder match). Stokely handed the chip to the masked man and they exited the ring.

After CM Punk defeated Jon Moxley, it was revealed that MJF was the man in the devil’s mask and he had a stare-down with the former champion to close the PPV. MJF and Jon Moxley have shared some harsh words in recent weeks and it will be interesting to see when Maxwell chooses to have his title match.

AEW & WWE Stars React To Saraya’s Debut At Dynamite Grand Slam

Robert Lentini
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Saraya made her stunning debut at AEW Dynamite Grand Slam tonight in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

She arrived after Toni Storm retained the AEW Interim Women’s Championship by rolling up Britt Baker in a Fatal 4-Way match. After the match, Britt Baker, Rebel, Serena Deeb, and Jamie Hayter attacked the champion and Athena.

Falling in Reverse’s “Zombified” blasted through the speakers and Saraya’s name flashed on the screen. The crowd erupted as the inaugural NXT Women’s Champion made her way to the ring.

Saraya Breaks Silence, WWE & AEW Stars React To Her Debut At Grand Slam

Shortly after AEW Dynamite Grand Slam went off the air, Saraya simply posted “hi” on Twitter and it has already garnered thousands of likes.

https://twitter.com/Saraya/status/1572776113402941440?s=20&t=chT_kDUSmDqWNK6evjWv4w

Former WWE personality Renee Paquette (Renee Young) reacted to Saraya’s debut and wondered if we can all just take a moment.

Sonya Deville and Bayley, Mickie James and CJ Perry (FKA as Lana in WWE) also reacted to the 30-year-old’s return to wrestling.

AEW star Kip Sabian also reacted on Twitter and welcomed Saraya with kind words.

“14 years later. Welcome @Saraya, my friend.”

Paige Exits WWE

WWE opted not to re-sign Paige on earlier this summer and her contract expired on July 7th. The Anti-Diva had not competed in the ring as an active competitor since a neck injury at house show in 2017. She teamed with Absolution (Sonya Deville & Mandy Rose) against Bayley, Mickie James, and Sasha Banks.

She spoke about WWE’s decision to not renew her contract on a Twitch stream in June and said the following:

“I’m appreciative of WWE,” she said. “I really am. They helped me so much they got me a therapist when I had drinking and alcohol issues. They kept me a long time even after my neck surgery, sitting on my ass. I felt like I had so much left to give there as someone who can cut a decent promo and do a managerial role. It is what it is.” H/T F4WOnline

“Massive Chills! Love You” – WWE Hall of Famers React To Saraya (Paige) Debut At AEW Dynamite Grand Slam

Robert Lentini
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Saraya, formerly known as Paige in WWE, made her shocking debut tonight for All Elite Wrestling.

Toni Storm put the AEW Interim Women’s Championship on the line against Britt Baker, Athena, and Serena Deeb. Britt Baker somehow got nose busted open again during the match but appeared to have the match won. The D.M.D. set up for for the Lockjaw but Storm countered into a roll-up to retain the AEW Interim Women’s Championship.

After the match, Britt Baker attacked Toni from behind. Serena Deeb joined in on the attack as well as Athena went for the same. Jamie Hayter made her way to the ring and argued with Britt before revealing that their alliance was still strong. Hayter, Deeb, and Britt all attacked Athena and Toni as the crowd in Arthur Ashe Stadium booed.

Saraya then arrived and the crowd went crazy. She came down to the ring and the heels retreated. Saraya, Toni Storm, and Athena stood tall in the ring to end the segment.

The Bella Twins React To Saraya’s AEW Debut

WWE Hall of Famers Nikki and Brie Bella took to Twitter to react to Saraya’s shocking debut in All Elite Wrestling. The Bella Twins were cast-mates with Paige on the Total Divas reality show on the E! Network.

Paige also battled Nikki & Brie in WWE during her career, once spraying The Anti-Diva with tanning spray like the nWo. The Bella Twins posted that they got “massive chills” when Saraya arrived in AEW.

“Massive Chills! Love you @Saraya”

Saraya (Paige) Debuts at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam

Andrew Ravens
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Saraya (Paige) is All Elite as the former WWE star made AEW debut on Wednesday’s episode of Dynamite following the fatal 4-way match that saw Interim Women’s Champion Toni Storm retain her title over Britt Bake, Serena Deeb, and Athena. 

Following the match, Baker was going to attack Storm. Jamie Hayter came out to join in on the beatdown along with Deeb on Storm and Athena. This is when Saraya made the save by walking out, and the heels got out of the ring. She got an insane pop and told the crowd this was her house.

Tony Khan officially welcomed Saraya to AEW with the official All Elite graphic.

The wrestling world had a lot to say about Saraya’s AEW debut. Renee Paquette, Mickie James, Bayley and Sonya Deville are just some of the WWE and AEW stars who reacted to the historic moment.

AEW & WWE Stars React To Saraya’s Debut At Dynamite Grand Slam

Saraya wrote the following on Twitter about her AEW debut and thanked her boyfriend Ronnie Radke for letting her use his song Zombified a her AEW entrance music.

She also posted a photo of herself backstage at Grand Slam before her big appearance.

https://twitter.com/Saraya/status/1572878316721389569
https://twitter.com/Saraya/status/1572918271271108611

Paige has not wrestled since December 2017 due to her having spinal stenosis. Her in-ring career ended after she took a bad bump on the back of her neck during a six-woman tag team match. She officially retired from wrestling in April 2018 due to a neck injury.

This past July, Paige announced that the decision to not renew her WWE contract was made by WWE and she wanted to stay with the company. 

What Happened With Jon Moxley After AEW Dynamite Grand Slam Went Off The Air

Robert Lentini
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Jon Moxley competed against fellow Blackpool Combat Club member Bryan Danielson in the main event of AEW Dynamite Grand Slam to crown the new AEW Champion.

It was a back-and-forth matchup that saw Moxley kick out of Danielson’s running knee and escape the LeBell Lock. Moxley hit a Deathrider on the entrance ramp and got Bryan back into the ring but too much time had passed and The American Dragon kicked out at two.

Moxley reigned down elbow strikes and then captured the AEW Championship by applying the Bulldog Choke until Danielson passed out.

What Happened After AEW Dynamite Grand Slam Went Off The Air?

After winning the AEW Championship once again, Jon Moxley addressed the crowd in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Here are Moxley’s comments and you can check it out in the video below.

“Let me tell you this, I am now once again the AEW World Champion. It is among one of the best things that I will ever do but it is not even near the top of the list. This championship doesn’t define me. Being a good man, being a good father, being the kind of man people can look up to, that is what defines me.

But when it comes down to the best wrestling promotion on this planet. Blood, sweat, tears, passion. This belt doesn’t define me, but I define this belt!”

Jon Moxley Wins AEW World Heavyweight Title

Andrew Ravens
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Jon Moxley vs. Bryan Danielson headlined the 2022 AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam event on Wednesday night from New York City at Arthur Ashe Stadium with the Vacant AEW World Championship on the line. 

The match got plenty of time, with MJF watching from the grandstands and laughing as the match ended when Moxley choked out Danielson with a rear-naked choke. 

How We Got Here

On last Wednesday’s Dynamite, Moxley and Danielson won the AEW Grand Slam Tournament of Champions semifinal matches. With their victories, they advance to the finals.

In the opening match of the show last week, Moxley defeated Sammy Guevara. Following Jericho’s crossface submission, Danielson defeated Jericho in the main event. Moxley entered the ring after the contest, and they exchanged looks. Danielson then offered his hand, and Moxley shook it as the show came to a close.

Following CM Punk’s suspension from the organization for a backstage brawl between himself & Ace Steel and Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks that occurred after AEW All Out, the AEW World Championship was declared vacant. Punk was also recently sidelined after undergoing surgery for a torn tricep. 

6 Takeaways From AEW Dynamite Grand Slam (9/21): Saraya Arrives, New Champions, MJF, The Acclaimed

Robert Lentini
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AEW Dynamite Grand Slam aired live from Arthur Ashe Stadium tonight. Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson battled to crown the new AEW Champion. Four other title matches went down tonight and Saraya (FKA Paige in WWE) made her debut in All Elite Wrestling.

Dynamite Grand Slam Results

  • Chris Jericho def. Claudio Castagnoli to capture the ROH Championship
  • The Acclaimed def. Swerve in Our Glory to become the new AEW Tag Team Champions
  • PAC def. Orange Cassidy to retain the All-Atlantic Championship
  • Toni Storm def. Britt Baker, Athena, Serena Deeb to retain the Interim AEW Women’s Championship
  • Jon Moxley def. Bryan Danielson to become the AEW Champion

Here are the takeaways from this week’s special edition of AEW Dynamite:

Chris Jericho Stole The ROH Championship

Claudio Castagnoli defended the ROH Championship against Chris Jericho to start off the match. Jericho and Claudio shook hands before shoving each other to start off the action. Castagnoli took control and knocked Chris out of the ring. Jericho attacked former ROH owner Cary Silkin ringside.

Back in the ring, Claudio hit a big uppercut but Chris responded with a chop to the chest. Chris went for a springboard move but leaped right into another uppercut from the champ. Jericho and Claudio traded punches on the ring apron. Jericho connected with a Suplex off the ring apron and to the floor below as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Chris went for a Hurricanrana but Castagnoli caught him. Claudio lifted him up for a Powerbomb but Jericho amazingly countered into a Hurricanrana anyway for a near fall. Chris went for the Codebreaker but Castagnoli countered into an uppercut for a two count.

The Wizard booted Claudio away but the champ responded with a stomp for a two count. Claudio locked in a Sharpshooter in the middle of the ring. Jericho battled through the pain and reached the bottom rope to break the hold. Chris went for a low blow but Claudio blocked it. Claudio hit the Ricola Bomb but Jericho kicked out at two.

Chris went for the Walls of Jericho and locked it in on Claudio in the center of the ring. Claudio broke free and stomped on Chris’ face a few times. Castagnoli hit the Swing for at least twenty rotations and followed it up with a big Clothesline for a two count. Jericho hit Claudio with a low blow and followed it up with the Judas Effect for the pinfall victory. Chris Jericho is the new Ring of Honor World Champion.

After the match, ROH Pure Champion Daniel Garcia reluctantly celebrated with Jericho Appreciation Society outside the ring.

The Acclaimed Captured The AEW Tag Team Championships

Swerve in Our Glory defended the AEW Tag Team Championships against The Acclaimed (Max Caster & Anthony Bowens) tonight at Dynamite Grand Slam. It was a rematch from their tremendous match at AEW All Out.

Keith Lee and Anthony Bowens started off the action. Keith Lee hit a ridiculous Hurricanrana that sent Bowens across the ring. Swerve booted The Acclaimed in the face as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

Back from the break, Caster sent Keith into the turnbuckle and delivered a Powerslam to Swerve Strickland. Max planted Keith with a Brainbuster and tagged in Bowens. Anthony hit Swerve with a Back Body Drop and dropped Keith with a lariat. Strickland caught Bowens with an Enziguri and climbed to the top rope. Lee lifted Bowens up but Anthony escaped. Bowens dodged a Stomp and Powerbombed Swerve onto the ropes.

Strickland accidentally hit his own partner and The Acclaimed knocked him out of the ring. Bowens hit a Blockbuster and Max went for the Mic Drop but his knee gave out. Keith tagged Swerve in and Strickland backed Caster to the corner. Swerve hit an Enziguri but Caster responded with a Back Body Drop. Max hobbled to the top rope but Swerve got back up.

Swerve bashed Max in the face as Keith Lee got into the ring. They hit a shoulder tackle and Powerbomb combo but Max somehow kicked out at two and the match continued. Billy Gunn and Swerve traded words ringside and Billy hit him with the Fameasser while the referee was distracted. Bowens slammed Swerve to the canvas and Caster followed it up with the Mic Drop for the pinfall victory. The Acclaimed are the new AEW Tag Team Champions.

FTR were interviewed backstage when The Firm’s Gunn Club interrupted. Austin and Colten mocked FTR and claimed that they were the younger and better version of them.

MJF Interrupted Wheeler Yuta

Tony Schiavone was set to interview former ROH Pure Champion Wheeler Yuta but MJF interrupted to an insane pop from the crowd. Maxwell referred to them as his “devil worshippers” and called Tony Schiavone a “fat old prick”. MJF told Wheeler that he will never get a reaction like that because he’s a god to these people. Maxwell joked that there isn’t a single man in the arena that wouldn’t let him sleep with his wife but he won’t because he has standards.

Yuta interrupted and told MJF that he is a generational talent but added Maxwell has more catchphrases than friends. MJF said that Yuta has the personality of a pet rock and referred to the Blackpool Combat Club as the “Blackpool Cuckold Club”. Maxwell added that Wheeler can get advice from Danielson on how to be injury prone and scramble his brain.

MJF added that he can ask William Regal about how to pop pills. Wheeler slapped MJF in the face and MJF beat him down. MJF then shoved Tony Schiavone down and Wheeler attacked from behind. W. Morrissey of The Firm showed up and attacked Wheeler before security broke it up.

PAC Cheated To Retain The All-Atlantic Championship

PAC defended the All-Atlantic Championship against Orange Cassidy tonight. The champion dominated the action early and bounced Orange Cassidy’s face off the ring apron a couple of times. Pac launched Cassidy into the ring post and the challenger fell to the floor. Pac flipped onto Cassidy before rolling him back into the ring. The champion climbed to the top turnbuckle and hit Cassidy with a Dropkick for a two count as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Pac connected with a Northern Lights Suplex for a near fall. Pac climbed to the top turnbuckle and set up for Red Arrow but Cassidy rolled away. Pac hit him with a release German Suplex and the champion climbed back to the top rope. Orange Cassidy put his legs up and dared Pac to jump.

The champion jumped down and Cassidy rolled him up for a two count. Cassidy connected with the Stundog Millionaire and followed it up with a Suicide Dive. Orange made his way to the top rope and connected with a diving DDT and hopped to his feet. Cassidy hit another DDT and went for the cover but Pac powered out at two.

Pac went for the Brutalizer but Cassidy countered into a roll-up for a two count. Cassidy connected with the Orange Punch but Pac grabbed the bottom rope to break up the cover at two. The champion used the timekeeper’s hammer and bashed Cassidy over the head with it. Pac brought Cassidy back into the ring and covered him to retain the All-Atlantic Championship.

Toni Storm Retained, Saraya Is All Elite

Toni Storm defended the Interim AEW Women’s Championship against Serena Deeb, Athena, and Britt Baker in a Fatal 4-Way. All four wrestlers were down after a Tower of Doom spot as Dynamite went to a break.

When Dynamite returned, Toni Storm had a Half Crab on Britt Baker while Deeb had a Half Crab applied on Athena. Toni and Serena traded punches and Storm got the better of the exchange. Toni hit a German Suplex but Britt caught her with a Neckbreaker.

Deeb and Baker traded strikes in the corner of the ring. Deeb connected with a Neckbreaker and then a Dragon Screw on Athena. Serena hit another Neckbreaker on the champion and went for the cover but Toni kicked out at two.

Serna locked a Half Crab again but Britt broke it up with a Superkick. Athena showed off her strength and caught both Deeb & Baker with a Fallaway Slam. Athena went for a Pilediver but Storm blocked it. Athena hit an incredible Codebreaker for a two count. Britt went to roll-up Toni but she countered into a cradle of her own for the pinfall victory. After the match, Britt attacked Toni and Jamie Hayter rushed the ring. Jamie made it seem like she was going to turn against Britt but they attacked Storm.

Britt hit Athena with a stomp before music hit. Saraya (formerly known as Paige in WWE) made her way to the ring to an incredible pop from the crowd. The heels retreated as Saraya, Toni Storm and Athena stood tall in the ring.

Jon Moxley Won The AEW Championship

Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson battled for the AEW Championship in the main event of Dynamite Grand Slam. William Regal joined commentary for the match. MJF was shown in the crowd with the chip as the bell rang.

Danielson and Moxley locked up to begin the match as Tony Schiavone said that they will stay with the match as long as it takes (twenty minutes left until 10PM EST). Danielson dominated the match early with chops and kicks to the chest and back of Moxley. Bryan continued to beat Moxley down as Dynamite Grand Slam went to the final commercial break of the night.

When Grand Slam returned, Danielson had Moxley grounded as MJF enjoyed the match from the crowd. Jon unloaded some forearm strikes to the face and went for a Clothesline but the American Dragon ducked. Danielson hit Jon with a knee to the face for a two count and followed it up with a snap Suplex.

Danielson climbed to the top turnbuckle and jumped but Moxley caught him. Jon locked in a Half Crab in the middle of the ring and then transitioned into an Ankle Lock. Bryan hobbled to his feet but Moxley sent him down with a Suplex. Moxley and Danielson battled on the turnbuckle and Jon raked his nails across Bryan’s back.

Jon hit Bryan with several headbutts and went for a Superplex but Bryan escaped. Bryan shoved Jon and he fell groin-first onto the turnbuckle. Danielson hit a Belly to Back Suplex off the top rope as MJF applauded. Bryan went for the cover but Moxley was able to kick out at two.

Bryan unloaded some punches to Moxley’s midsection and then they somehow managed to trade punches upside down. Danielson locked in the Cattle Mutilation but Moxley escaped. Jon turned Danielson inside out with a Clothesline and went for the Paradigm Shift but Danielson escaped. Bryan leveled Moxley with the Running Knee and went for the cover but Jon kicked out at the last moment.

Moxley battled back and delivered a Stomp to Danielson. Jon followed it up with the Deathrider and went for the cover but Danielson kicked out at two and the match continued. Bryan and Jon traded elbow strikes in the middle of the ring. Bryan took Moxley down and stomped on his face as the crowd chanted “yes!”.

Jon booted Danielson in the face a few times and Bryan responded with some more stomps of his own. Danielson applied a Triangle submission and transitioned into the LeBell Lock in the middle of the ring. Moxley worked his way to the ropes and broke the hold. Bryan climbed to the top turnbuckle and delivered a knee strike to Jon’s shoulder. Moxley responded with a Deathrider on the entrance ramp and rolled Bryan into the ring. Moxley went for the cover but Danielson kicked out at two. Jon applied the Bulldog Choke in the middle of the ring and Danielson passed out. Jon Moxley is the AEW Champion once again.

The Acclaimed Win AEW Tag Team Titles at Dynamite: Grand Slam

Andrew Ravens
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Swerve In Our Glory (Keith Lee & Swerve Strickland) made their latest defense of the AEW Tag Team Championships against The Acclaimed (Max Caster & Anthony Bowens) at the Dynamite: Grand Slam event on Wednesday night from New York City.

The match was the second bout on the card. There was a moment where Strickland hit Lee by accident, and it looked like The Acclaimed was going to win, but it was a near fall. Billy Gunn hit Strickland with the fameasser on the floor when the referee wasn’t looking and Caster and Bowens hit their finisher to him in the ring for the win. 

The Acclaimed’s Journey

This was a rematch from All Out, which saw Swerve In Our Glory retain the titles, a surprising finish as many fans expected to see a title change. 

Lee and Strickland became the champions on the July 13th edition of Dynamite when they beat then-champions The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) and Team Taz (Powerhouse Hobbs and Ricky Starks) in a triple threat match. 

What are your thoughts on Max Caster & Anthony Bowens winning the AEW Tag Team Titles? Was this the right call by AEW officials? Sound off in the comment section.

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