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Tony Khan Says WWE Reached Out To Him Recently

Chris Stephens
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Tony Khan recently noted that WWE reached out to him recently. According to comments Khan made on My Mom’s Basement with Robbie Fox, WWE wanted to interview some current AEW wrestlers for upcoming documentaries. AEW has previously permitted Chris Jericho to appear on “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s podcast on the WWE Network.

“They wanted to interview some of the people that wrestle here that used to wrestle there and some people that have had history there or [with] the other libraries that they own,” Khan said on the show. “So, we’ll see. I think I’m open to talking.”

Khan continued to say that he is considering granting WWE’s request. He noted that the call was very respectful.

“As long as everything’s classy,” Khan continued. “And just the way they approached me was very classy. So I have nothing bad to say about that. So, I don’t know if we’ll see that … but I’m considering some of these requests on some of these biographies and it was actually a very nice call I received the other day.”

Khan also recently addressed WWE running the UBS Arena before AEW did. More on that story is available in the link below.

Tony Khan Comments On WWE Running The UBS Arena Before AEW

H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions.

Jeff Hardy Released By WWE

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Jeff Hardy is no longer a member of the WWE roster. The news was first reported by Sean Ross Sapp.

WWE reportedly made the call to let Jeff Hardy go after he refused to enter a rehabilitation program.

Word of Jeff Hardy’s release comes just days after an incident at a live event.

Fans grew concerned after video surfaced of a house show match in Edinburg, Texas. Jeff teamed with Drew McIntyre and Xavier Woods to take on Roman Reigns and The Usos.

Hardy appeared to be lethargic during his entrance. When it got to the match, Jeff Hardy made a hot tag to McIntyre and then exited through the crowd. The match hadn’t finished and Hardy was pulled from the Sunday house show in Corpus Christi.

Jeff has a history of drug problems. In 2003, Hardy had been released by WWE due to his drug issues. At the time, it was reported that Hardy refused to go to rehab. It sounds quite similar to the situation right now.

Many thought Hardy had his final wake-up call on March 13, 2011. Hardy headlined the TNA Victory Road PPV that year against Sting. He was in no condition to compete and the match ended in one minute and 28 seconds.

SEScoops wishes Jeff Hardy all the best during this difficult time.

The Rock Given “People’s Champion” Award At The People’s Choice Awards

Chris Stephens
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The Rock is now officially the “People’s Champion” after having been given the very specific award at the People’s Choice awards. He was presented the award on Tuesday night but he would not hold onto it for long.

“His achievements are legend. His work ethic is unparalleled. He transcends all demographics. He is impossible not to like and he can sure put down a lot of pancakes,” Amazon’s Jeff Bezos said while introducing the Rock. “But even with all that, the thing that really stands out the most? He’s kind. … You see, kindness is a choice. And what I admire most in Dwayne is his choice to show unwavering kindness to everyone around him.”

After being given the award, Rock then gave it to a teen girl from the Make-A-Wish program.

“I met her earlier. I told her how inspired I was by her story. She is a survivor, she has fought literally for her life,” Rock said. “She has inspired her family, her friends, now you guys here, now the world that is watching.”

Rock told the girl, “you represent everything that it means to be a people’s champion” and presented her with the award.

Footage of the Rock giving away his People’s Champion award can be viewed in the player below:

Update On Johnny Gargano & Kyle O’Reilly Possibly Staying In WWE

Chris Stephens
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On NXT this week, it seemed as though both Johnny Gargano and Kyle O’Reilly were written off television. According to comments made by Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, however, there is reason to believe that both will be back in the company.

“Both of their contracts are up or will be up in a couple of days. Neither has signed,” Meltzer said. “The feeling from what I was told from people in NXT is that they believe they are going to be back.”

It was noted that both Gargano and O’Reilly are having children early next year. The belief from some in NXT is that the angles on Tuesday night were meant to write O’Reilly and Gargano off television but that they will both return later.

“Both are having children early next year. Gargano talked about it, O’Reilly it’s the same situation. The feeling is the angles were to injure them, take them out for awhile and then they would comeback.”

Meltzer noted that if they are returning in 2022, then why had they not signed new contracts with WWE?

“If that’s the case, do you let your contract just expire? If that was the case then why didn’t you just sign a new contract? I don’t know exactly what the deal is. I know that in one of the cases, one of those people was very much considering AEW but had not made that choice.”

He concluded that WWE would not have done the angle they did for Gargano if they were expecting him to show up on AEW shortly after, however.

“WWE didn’t do that thing for Johnny Gargano to have him show up next week in AEW,” Meltzer said.

Tony Khan Comments On WWE Running The UBS Arena Before AEW

Chris Stephens
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Both AEW and WWE have run the new UBS Arena in Long Island in recent weeks. WWE’s episode of RAW in the arena on November 29th sold or distributed 5,887 tickets. AEW’s show last night from the same arena sold or distributed 9,583 tickets.

Tony Khan spoke to News 12 recently about outdrawing WWE in the UBS Arena. Khan says that he isn’t trying to compete with WWE, rather they keep trying to go head-to-head with him in various ways.

“I just came to run a show on Long Island and it’s like hey, you know, they jump in the front of the line, run a show ahead of me, try to beat me in a market. Well how did it work out?”

Khan also spoke about the week that WWE extended an episode of Smackdown (airing that week on FS1) so that it would go head-to-head with Rampage.

“You try to compete, like [a] 30-minute window, head-to-head on FOX, FS1 against TNT and I didn’t make that choice for them to extend the broadcast by 30 minutes. I was very surprised to see it. My comments were genuine when I saw it. I’ve been expecting something like that and luckily, we had CM Punk and Ruby Soho and some great stars lined up to wrestle that week or I might have had to change the card and granted, Matt Sydal, CM Punk’s opponent for example, not the biggest star in wrestling.”

AEW vs WWE Ticket Sales

The Twitter account @WrestleTix has been providing updates on WWE and AEW ticket sales.

As illustrated in the charts below, AEW averaged larger attendance for their shows than WWE in November and September. WWE beat AEW in the same category in October, August, and July, however. Bolstered by a John Cena tour and a highly attended SummerSlam event, WWE beat AEW by a wide margin in the summer months.

Khan’s full comments to News 12 can be heard in the video below:

Hook Makes In-Ring Debut During AEW Rampage Tapings

Chris Stephens
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Taz’s son Hook made his in-ring debut last night in Long Island’s UBS Arena during the AEW Rampage tapings which took place after Dynamite. As Taz announced on commentary during last night’s show, Hook took on Fuego Del Sol.

Footage of Hook making his in-ring debut at the tapings is available in the below Tweets:

https://twitter.com/Zamazenta/status/1468792010895151105

In addition to Hook’s in-ring debut, 3 other matches have been scheduled for Rampage this week. These will all air Friday night at 10 PM est. Continuing the feud between the Best Friends and the Super Kliq, Adam Cole will face Wheeler Yuta. After being attacked backstage this week, Ruby Soho will be joined by Tay Conti and Anna Jay to go up against Nyla Rose, the Bunny, and Penelope Ford. Also, the tag team titles will be on the line when the Fenix & Penta El Zero M defend against Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler.

AEW Rampage 12/10 Lineup

  • Hook vs Fuego Del Sol
  • Ruby Soho, Anna Jay and Tay Conti vs. Nyla Rose, The Bunny and Penelope Ford
  • Adam Cole vs Wheeler Yuta
  • AEW Tag Team Championships: The Lucha Bros (Fenix & Pental El Zero M) (c) vs FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) w/ Tully Blanchard

Killer Kross to star in upcoming action movie (Updated)

Michael Reichlin
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Former WWE Superstar Karrion Kross has a new project in the works.

WWE released Kross on November 4th. Despite excelling in WWE’s developmental system, the former NXT Champion floundered on the main roster due to lackluster booking.

Since his release, he’s back to using the name Killer Kross. He’s also been posting teaser videos on social media, as seen below.

Killer Kross’ New Project

Killer Kross (real name Kevin Kesar) has landed a leading role in an upcoming action film, according to Fightful. Production is scheduled to begin in early 2022.

As of this writing, no further details are available. However, an action movie seems to be a great fit for the 6-foot-4, 265-pounder.

Kross does have some acting experience. He previously co-starred in the 12-episode series, Before the Dark (2013-2014).

Killer Kross

Scarlett Bordeaux Comments

Kross’ significant other, former WWE Superstar Scarlett, has confirmed that he’s landed a “really big” movie role.

During a recent appearance on The Asylum Facebook show, she said they’re both keeping busy with different projects.

“Kross just got a really big movie role. I’m [securing] photoshoots for magazines, stuff like that. So, we’re enjoying not being tied down anything right now.”

As for their future plans in wrestling, she added, “Anything’s on the table. Let’s put it that way.”

From WWE to Hollywood

Killer Kross is not the only former WWE Superstar crossing over to the world of acting.

Windham Rotunda, best known as Bray Wyatt, will be starring in a horror movie that is currently in production. More about that project here:

Windham Rotunda (Bray Wyatt) horror movie to begin filming this month

AEW Revolution 2022 Date & Location, Fan Fest

Michael Reichlin
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All Elite Wrestling has announced details of the company’s first pay-per-view event of 2022, AEW Revolution.

AEW holds four PPV events each year: Revolution, Double or Nothing, All Out and Full Gear. Double or Nothing has historically been held in Las Vegas, while every All Out haas taken place from Chicago.

AEW Revolution 2022 comes to fans live on Sunday, March 6th from Orlando, Florida at the Addition Fi Arena.

AEW is going “all out” by making this a weekend-long event, including a Friday night Rampage taping and the first-ever AEW Revolution Fan Fest on Saturday, March 6th.

Tickets for AEW Revolution weekend go on sale next Friday, December 17th at AEWTix.com. Limited combo offers will be available, for fans looking to attend more than one of the weekend’s events.

Watch: MJF Addresses Long Island Fans After AEW Dynamite

Michael Reichlin
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Hometown hero Maxwell Jacob Friedman addressed the Long Island crowd after Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite and Rampage tapings.

After the Rampage taping wrapped up, AEW President Tony Khan came out to thank the crowd for sticking around late night. He then introduced MJF, who came out to Billy Joel’s classic song, My Life.

MJF called Tony Khan his “best friend” but once again joked that TK will have to cough up a lot of money to re-sign him in 2024 when his contract expires.

He then took some shots at CM Punk, saying he “f**king sucks” and so does the city of Chicago. MJF said Long Island is the “most magical place in the world” and he’s living his dream by competing on this big stage in front of his friends and family.

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MJF Addresses AEW fans on Long Island

You can check out video sof MJF addressing the Long Island crowd in the tweets embedded below:

Updated Card For AEW Winter Is Coming

Chris Stephens
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For the second year in a row, AEW will run an event in December titled Winter is Coming. This year’s event will be headlined by Hangman Page defending the AEW World Championship against Bryan Danielson.

On last night’s broadcast of AEW, the promotion announced more matches to take place on the show.

After Dante Martin and Maxwell Jacob Friedman were the last two remanning in the Dynamite Diamond battle royal, they will face off next week. The winner of that match will earn the Dynamite Diamond ring. MJF has won the ring the last two years.

Also next week at Winter is Coming, Hikaru Shida and Serena Deeb will have their rubber match. In their first contest, Deeb pulled off the upset over the former AEW Women’s Champion. They would then meet again in the TBS Title tournament where Shida would avenge her loss. Deeb then came out of the stands to attack Shida in her next tournament match, allowing Nyla Rose to pick up the victory.

In the main event next week, Bryan Danielson will challenge Hangman Page for the AEW World Championship. Danielson has wrestled and defeated 4 Dark Order members in their hometowns leading up to this match.

AEW Winter is Coming 2021 Lineup:

  • AEW World Championship: Hangman Page (c) vs Bryan Danielson
  • Dynamite Diamond Ring: Dante Martin vs Maxwell Jacob Friedman
  • Hikaru Shida vs Serena Deeb

AEW Dynamite Results (12/8): CM Punk & MJF, Trent Returns, Diamond Battle Royale

Robert Lentini
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AEW Dynamite aired live from the UBS Arena at Belmont Park in Elmont, NY. The Dynamite Diamond Battle Royale was tonight and Bryan Danielson battled John Silver in the main event. It was the final episode of Dynamite before Winter is Coming next week. In addition to the takeaways below, AEW Revolution was announced for March 6th in Orlando.

Dynamite Results (12/8)

  1. MJF & Dante Martin won the Dynamite Diamond Battle Royale & will face each other next week at Winter is Coming
  2. Jurassic Express & Varsity Blonds def. 2point0 & The Acclaimed
  3. Young Bucks def. Chuck Taylor & Rocky Romero
  4. Riho def. Jamie Hayter
  5. Bryan Danielson def. John Silver

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

CM Punk Mocked MJF & His Hometown

CM Punk made his way to the ring to a chorus of boos from MJF’s hometown crowd. MJF’s theme played but it was Punk trolling the audience. Punk mocked the crowd and joked that Chicago was so much louder. CM Punk joked about the Islanders not being able to win a game in this building because of the crowd before bring up MJF.

Punk asked the crowd if MJF was their guy and a “no! chant broke out. CM revealed he was wearing a four pillars with MJF replaced by Britt Baker. Punk noted how MJF claimed that he was trying to get in Britt Baker’s pants by simply complimenting her and called Maxwell an incel. He joked that MJF said tonight was going to be better than Piper in Portland, when it won’t be as good as Piper in Hell Comes To Frogtown. Punk again mocked the crowd as they couldn’t put together a chant just like the Islanders can’t put the puck in the net.

CM said he hated Dennis Rodman as a kid but wound up loving him when he played for the Bulls, so he understands why they like MJF, he just feels sorry for them that is their guy. Punk said he is watching the AEW Championship match and he wants next, and has to believe MJF wants the next title shot. Punk joked that Larry has more balls than MJF and he’s neutered. CM Punk took another shot at the Islanders before challenging MJF to a fight and suggested that they do it tonight. Punk claimed that MJF wouldn’t accept the challenge and that the crowd were all chicken shit before leaving.

MJF & Dante Martin Will Battle Next Week For The Dynamite Diamond Ring

A ridiculous vignette for MJF aired before he made his way to the ring to a great reaction for the Diamond Battle Royale. MJF mocked CM Punk’s poses during his entrance. The final two men in the Battle Royale will compete next week at Winter is Coming for the Dynamite Diamond Ring.

The Bunny gave Matt Hardy brass knuckles and he hit Jay Lethal with them. Hardy then threw Jay Lethal over the top rope. Matt was quickly eliminated as well before Lio Rush eliminated Powerhouse Hobbs with a handspring into a kick. Ricky Starks sent Lio Rush to the apron but he held onto the ropes as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, MJF hit a cheap shot on Dante Martin as he was hiding behind Wardlow in the corner. Lio tried to eliminate MJF but he was able to hold onto the ropes. Wardlow grabbed Lio but Dante broke it up with a Dropkick. MJF snuck up from behind and eliminated Wardlow, Lio Rush, and Lee Johnson.

It was down Ricky Starks, Dante Martin, and MJF. The final two will face next week. Dante Martin turned his back on Ricky Starks and sent him over the top rope. Dante Martin will battle MJF next week at Dynamite Homecoming. MJF shook Dante Martin’s hand and left the ring. Ricky Starks then attacked Dante Martin and MJF didn’t bother to help for a bit.

MJF sprinted to the ring and then attacked Dante Martin with Ricky Starks. CM Punk joined the party and MJF retreated. MJF jogged out of the ring as Punk had a stare down with Ricky Starks. Dante Martin hit Ricky with an Enziguri and Punk followed it up with the GTS. MJF continued to mock CM Punk to end the wild opening thirty minutes of Dynamite.

Jurassic Express & Varsity Blonds Picked Up A Win

Jurassic Express & Varsity Blonds faced The Acclaimed & 2point0 in an 8-man tag team match. Anthony Bowens & Max Caster (The Acclaimed) took turns beating down Brian Pillman Jr. of Varsity Blonds to begin the action. Jeff Parker leveled Pillman with a kick to the face and tagged in Caster.

Max dragged Pillman back to the corner and hit a Suplex for a two count. Parker tagged back in and knocked Griff Garrison off the apron before continuing the never-ending beatdown of Pillman. Anthony Bowens tagged in and booted Brian in the face. Caster tagged back in and went for a Suplex but Brian finally battled back.

Luchasaurus got the tag and hit some Clotheslines. Luchasaurus stacked Acclaimed and 2point0 in opposite corners and delivered a few Splashes. Luchasaurus set up for a Chokeslam but Max Caster broke it up. He then Chokeslammed Bowens on top of Max Caster. Jungle Boy tagged in and hit Parker with a Clothesline. Pillman hit a Falcon Arrow as Jungle Boy hit Max Caster with a DDT. Jungle Boy applied the Snare Trap as Daniel Garcia hopped on the ring apron for a distraction. Eddie Kingston broke it up but Max Caster capitalized on the distraction. Caster went for an Elbow Drop but Jungle Boy got out of the way and applied the Snare Trap for the submission victory.

After the match, Eddie Kingston cut a promo to the camera next to the entrance ramp. I’m sure it was a great promo but neither the crowd or the audience at home could hear it. Santana & Ortiz showed up and then 2point0 and Garcia attacked them.

Trent & Sue Returned

The Young Bucks squared off against Chuck Taylor and Rocky Romero tonight. Adam Cole & Orange Cassidy were ringside for the match. Nick Jackson and Rocky started off the action. Nick went for a Backbreaker but Rocky countered into a head scissors takedown. Romero applied an Armbar but Nick quickly battled to his feet.

Chuck Taylor tagged in and sent Nick to the ropes. Matt tagged himself in and Nick hopped out of the ring. Chuck rolled up Matt for a two count before bouncing his head off the top turnbuckle. Rocky tagged in and Nick dragged him out of the ring. Nick Dropkicked Chuck off the apron but was then sent out of the ring. Rocky hit him with a Suicide Dive but turned around into a Dropkick from Matt Jackson.

Back in the ring, Rocky hit Matt with some chops to the chest. Matt raked Rocky’s eyes and dragged him to the corner. Matt flipped for no reason and then raked Rocky’s back. Brandon Cutler sprayed Rocky in the back with the coolant before Nick tagged in.

Chuck connected with a DDT and then flipped onto the Young Bucks outside the ring. Chuck traded words with Brandon Cutler before turning around into a Dropkick. Rocky went for a Crossbody but Young Bucks caught him. Matt and Nick hit a Superkick and launched Rocky into the barricade.

Young Bucks made it seem like they were going for a move but wound up just giving Adam Cole some smooches. Nick connected with a Senton before mocking Orange Cassidy. Back in the ring, Matt tagged in and set up Chuck on the ropes. Nick climbed to the top rope and connected with a Swanton as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Chuck was wearing Orange Cassidy’s sunglasses and connected with a Suplex. Rocky tagged in and hit Matt and Nick with some Clotheslines. Rocky hit Nick with a Hurricanrana outside the ring and then a Neckbreaker on Matt Jackson for a two count.

The referee was distracted by Brandon Cutler for an eternity as Adam Cole and Orange Cassidy interfered. Cutler accidentally sprayed Matt with the coolant but Nick broke up the cover. Young Bucks connected with the Meltzer Driver on Rocky for the pinfall victory. Wheeler Yuta rushed the ring but Young Bucks and Cole beat him down. Cole then planted Orange Cassidy with the Panama Sunrise.

Sue then drove into the arena with a returning Trent. Trent had a bald head and made his way down the entrance ramp. Trent hit Cutler with a Spear and followed it up with a Clothesline to Matt Jackson. Trent hit Cole with a Clothesline and hit Nick with a Suplex. Trent Clotheslined Nick out of the ring and posed for the crowd. Best Friends then all shared a hug with Statlander and Sue.

Cody Will Face Sammy Guevara For The TNT Title On Christmas Day

Tony Schiavone was set to interview TNT Champion Sammy Guevara tonight but Cody Rhodes interrupted. Cody informed Sammy that he will be defending the TNT Championship against him on the Christmas episode of Dynamite. Cody teased heading backstage via the “heel” tunnel while leaving. Ethan Page and Scorpio Sky were shown in the crowd. Ethan announced that Dan Lambert is coming back and complained that Cody was just given a title shot after he had to go through a bunch of hoops to get his shot.

Riho def. Jamie Hayter

Riho faced Jamie Hayter on tonight’s Dynamite. AEW Women’s Champion Britt Baker and Rebel were in Jamie’s corner for the match. Riho went for a shoulder tackle but Hayter shrugged it off and connected with a Body Slam for a two count. Hayter followed it up with a Backbreaker and then an elbow to Riho’s face.

Riho hit a Hurricanrana and delivered a 619. Riho climbed to the top rope and connected with a Crossbody for a two count. Hayter rolled out of the ring to regroup and Riho went for a Crossbody. Hayter caught Riho and bashed her into the ring post before rolling her into the ring.

Jamie stomped on Riho and slammed her head into the middle turnbuckle. Hayter went for a cover and then applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring. Riho tried to escape but Jamie planted her with a Suplex as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Hayter connected with another Suplex as Britt laughed ringside. Jamie hit a Backbreaker but Riho battled back with a Double Stomp and both wrestlers were down. Riho connected with a snap Suplex for a two count. Hayter hit a Chokeslam/Backbreaker for a near fall and then locked in a Half Crab in the middle of the ring.

Riho hit a knee to the face and then a Sunset Flip Bomb for a two count. Riho hit a Double Stomp off the top rope for yet another near fall. Riho climbed back up to the top rope but Jamie hit her with some jabs. Hayter went for a Superplex but Riho blocked it.

Rebel grabbed Riho’s leg for a distraction but Riho booted her away. Riho hit a Crucifix Bomb off the top rope and followed it up with a running knee to the face for the pinfall victory. Britt Baker attacked Riho after the match.

Tony Schiavone went to interview Varsity Blonds but the lights went out. Malakai Black showed up and spit mist at Julia Hart.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1468773829765959681?s=20

Hangman Page Warned Bryan Danielson

Bryan Danielson faced John Silver in the main event of this week’s Dynamite. Danielson hit Silver with a shoulder tackle and posed in the corner. Silver responded with a shoulder tackle of his own and flexed for his hometown crowd. Danielson went to lock up with Silver but booted him in the chest instead. Silver caught Danielson with a kick to the midsection and Bryan fell against the ropes.

John hit some more kicks and Danielson rolled to the apron so the referee would break it up. Danielson took the opportunity to trip Silver up and bashed his knee into the apron. Bryan unloaded a bunch of uppercuts before hitting Silver with a knee to the head as Dynamite went to the final commercial break of the night.

Silver connected with a Powerbomb when Dynamite returned. Silver applied a Heel Hook and ate some punches to the face but wouldn’t let go. Danielson reached the ropes to break the hold and got out of the ring to regroup. Silver leaped onto him and rolled Danielson back inside. Silver went for a Suplex but Danielson landed on his feet.

Bryan shouted “too easy” at the crowd and waited for Silver to get to his feet. Danielson went for the Running Knee but Silver dodged it. Silver hit Danielson with a kick to the head and a Northern Lights Suplex but Bryan kicked out at the last moment. Danielson hit a bunch of elbows to the face and followed it up with a Gotch Style Piledriver. Danielson applied a submission hold but Silver had passed out from the Piledriver.

After the match, Danielson said he was a man of his word and promised to kick John Silver’s head in. Danielson unloaded some kicks to Silvier’s face until AEW Champion Hangman Page rushed the ring. Hangman beat Danielson down a bit before Bryan got out of the ring. Hangman vowed to kick the Cowboy Shit out of Danielson next week at Winter is Coming in their title match.

Blackjack Lanza Passes Away at 86

Michael Reichlin
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Wrestling legend Blackjack Lanza (Jack Lanza) has passed away. He was 86 years old.

Jim Ross announced the news on social media on Tuesday afternoon.

Lanza was one half of the popular Blackjacks tag team, along with the late Blackjack Mulligan. They wrestled all of the world during the 1960’s and 70’s.

They team championship gold in WWE (the World Wide Wrestling Federation), American Wrestling Association and World Wrestling Association.

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After he retired from active competition, Blackjack Lanza transitioned to a role behind the scenes in WW. He worked as the head road agent during the 1990’s at the height of the Attitude Era.

Lanza and Mulligan were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006.

SEScoops sends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the great Blackjack Lanza.

Blackjack Lanza Remembered

Shawn Michaels Opens Up About His New NXT Role

Anutosh Bajpai
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When Shawn Michaels originally started working behind the scenes in NXT, he only intended to help out the talents improve their presentation. However, HBK has not only found himself doing much more than he originally thought, but he has had to practically run things in the absence of Triple H. If the added responsibilities weren’t enough alone, Michaels has had to lead the brand in one of the toughest times, as it tries to forge a new identity for itself after the rebranding.

Shawn opened up about his newfound responsibilities during a chat with TVinsider. He disputed the notion that NXT 2.0 is a Vince McMahon and Bruce Prichard production:

“I started out doing two hours a day, three days a week. Now I’m doing it about 23 hours a day, seven days a week. People out there thinking it’s all Vince McMahon and Bruce Prichard type of production. They just are the ones who gave us the direction of what it is they wanted from NXT going into the future. It is still all the team Hunter [Triple H] put in place doing it here.”

Shawn Michaels Has Learned Things He Never Thought He Would

Shawn Michaels greeted Kyle O'Reilly and Johnny Gargano after NXT
Shawn Michaels greeted Kyle O’Reilly and Johnny Gargano after NXT

Shawn Michaels also discussed how he has had to take over the responsibilities of Triple H. The game underwent a heart procedure in September and he has been focusing on his health since then. The former world champion explained how he has found a greater appreciation for everything his DX partner did as the in-charge of NXT:

“I love learning and growing in the different aspects of WWE, but I have a greater appreciation for everything he took on. I now understand how you cannot return a text when you get it. I’ve never had so many emails, learning computer stuff. Things I swore I would never want to do. But have since learned to do that. It has been a blast. To be able to step in for my friend is my honor to do.”

Carmelo Hayes Seen As A Shawn Michaels ‘Project’ In NXT

Corey Graves Responds To Criticism From Former NXT On-Air Talent Alyssa Marino

Chris Stephens
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Corey Graves has responded to criticism from former NXT backstage interviewer, Alyssa Marino. Recently, Marino commented that she does not enjoy when wrestling commentators speak on the physical attractiveness of the wrestlers, most notably the female ones. She never did mention Corey Graves specifically, however.

“When an announce team can’t “focus” on a match and is constantly commenting on the physical appearance of competitors (especially when it’s women in the ring), it’s time to find professional broadcasters who can tell the story without being “distracted” by the athletes,” Marino Tweeted.

“I don’t often share my takes on things, but I work hard to prepare myself as a broadcaster. I’ve studied how great commentary teams can elevate matches, but it’s really grating to hear announcers get lost in how attractive they think competitors are in the midst of a match.”

Marino did not mention Corey Graves or his commentary regarding his fiancé Carmella, but he responded to her comments all the same.

“Well then, I suggest you find a different field than sports entertainment. If you can’t differentiate between a TV character and an ACTUAL journalist, then I don’t trust anything you have to say. Good luck,” Graves Tweeted in response to Marino.

Lance Storm evidently sided with Graves on this one.

https://twitter.com/LanceStorm/status/1468413532743995397

Graves continued to respond to people as well.

Marino was released as part of the pandemic WWE roster cuts in April of 2020. She has since worked on commentary and ring announcing for numerous independent wrestling promotions. She did not offer a response to Graves’ comments but did respond to others about the situation.

WWE Unveils Inagrual NIL Class

Chris Stephens
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WWE announced last week plans to create a college recruiting program that will allow athletes to monetize their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program.

Today, WWE unveiled the first class of college athletes who will be taking part in the program. Some of the athletes will be offered the opportunity to sign a WWE contract once their college athletic eligibility is up.

Gable Steveson is the first member of the class. He will continue to compete in NCAA wrestling during his senior year of school while being signed to WWE.

WWE NIL Program Signees

  • John Krahn – Football player from Portland State University. 7-foot 400lbs.
  • Carlos Aviles – Track and Field athlete from Ohio State University. 6-foot-6 and 305lbs.
  • Haley Cavinder – Basketball player from Fresno State. 5-foot-6.
  • Hanna Cavinder – Basketball player from Fresno State. 5-foot-6.
  • A.J Ferrari – Wrestler from Oklahoma State University. 6-f00t 200lbs.
  • Lexi Gordon – Basketball player from Duke University. 6-foot.
  • Aleeya Hutchins – Track and Field from Wake Forest University. 5-foot-5, originally from Toronto.
  • Glen Logan – Football player from LSU – 6-foot-5 305lbs.
  • Isaac Odugbesan – Football player from University of Alabama. 6-foot-4 275lbs, originally from Lagos, Nigeria.
  • Mason Parris – Wrestler from the University of Michigan – 6-foot-2 275lbs.
  • Masai Russel – Track and Field athlete from University of Kentucky – 5-foot-5.
  • Jon Seaton – Football player from Elon University. 6-foot-1 285lbs.
  • Joe Spivak – Football player from Northwestern University. 6-foot, 300lbs.
  • Dalton Wagner – Football player from University of Arkansas, 6-foot-9 330lbs.
  • Riley White – Track and Field athlete from University of Alabama. 5-foot-6.

Eddie Kingston Doesn’t Respect “Big Swiss Idiot” Cesaro

Anutosh Bajpai
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Eddie Kingston is known to include real-life situations in his rivalries. His recent on-screen interactions with CM Punk were a great example of how Kingston can use genuine emotions to elevate a feud. The AEW star opened up about the tension between him and the former WWE star during a recent interview with News 12.

During the talk, Kingston also took shots at WWE star Cesaro. He claimed that they are going to have a problem if the Swiss Superman ever finds his way to AEW:

“There is certain people in wrestling I do not like. Punk is one, Cesaro is another one. The big Swiss idiot at WWE. Whatever, I don’t like him, I don’t respect him. If he ever comes here, we are gonna have a problem. Whenever his contract is up, I don’t really pay attention to what he does.”

Eddie Kingston has a long history with Cesaro. The two feuded with each other numerous times in the independent circuit. They faced off in promotions such as Chikara, CZW and ROH. This rivalry was halted when Cesaro signed with WWE in 2011. Though it appears that The Wild Card will not hesitate in reigniting this rivalry if the WWE star ever decides to cross over.

If you use any quotes from this article please credit SEScoops with an H/t for the transcription

Cora Jade Comments On Wrestling In WarGames Match

Chris Stephens
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Cora Jade got the pin for her team in the women’s WarGames match on Sunday. The 20-year-old has only wrestled in 11 matches in WWE thus far. She recently spoke to Sports Illustrated about what her match at WarGames meant to her.

“I started crying and it was such raw emotion,” said Jade. “I fell in love with this when I was eight. It’s what I’ve wanted and worked for over the past 12 years. To go into the back after the match, after a WarGames match, and have people like Shawn Michaels and Road Dogg shake my hand, it’s the craziest, most amazing thing.”

Jade made her professional debut at only 17 years old in 2018. She then wrestled on the independents for a period. Jade was also squashed by Havok once on Impact and wrestled on 2 episodes of AEW Dark. In 2021, she was signed by WWE and debuted in the Women’s Dusty Rhodes Classic where she partnered with Gigi Dolin. They were eliminated in the first round.

“I wrestled on the indies before this, but there is nothing that can ever compare to tonight,” said Jade. “And I’ll always remember standing up on top of that cage. It’s pretty high and scary. But when opportunity arises, you go get it.”

Jade dove off the cage and went through a table during WarGames. She then sold an injured arm for the remainder of the match. Jade would later say that her dive off the cage symbolized that it’s her time now in NXT.

“The ‘Generation of Jade’ is here in NXT 2.0,” said Jade. “It’s a new generation, a new time, and that dive off the cage symbolized that.”

Chris Jericho Comments On When He Plans To Retire

Chris Stephens
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Chris Jericho’s 31-year wrestling career does not appear to be coming to an end anytime soon. He was asked recently about how much longer he plans to wrestle in an interview with Newsweek. Jericho simply said he plans on wrestling until he doesn’t want to anymore.

“I think part of the reason I’ve had such longevity is that I go with the flow and I follow my heart,” Jericho said. “Did I ever expect to be 31 years on the job? I can’t say that I did, but I can’t say that I didn’t.”

“When people ask ‘how long are you going to do this,’ I say ‘I don’t know. When I feel like I don’t want to do it anymore.’ I don’t feel that way right now.”

Jericho made his professional debut at 19 years of age in 1990. Now 51 years old, his career has spanned more than 3 decades. In that time he’s wrestled in CMLL, FMW, Smoky Mountain Wrestling, WAR, ECW, WCW, WWE, NJPW, and now AEW.

“There’s really no reason to stop for me because it’s fun for me to work with this whole new generation of stars that are growing into their own and helping them,” Jericho continued. “I think when you kind of live in the now it makes things a lot better, a lot more important and a lot more special in what you are doing. I think we’ve done a great job with that and we’ve really only just begun in a lot of ways.”

“If I didn’t enjoy it and I didn’t have fun with it, I wouldn’t f**king do it,” Jericho said.

In WWE, Jericho became the first Undisputed World Champion in 2001. He’s also won the World Heavyweight Championship 5x. He holds the record for the most runs with the Intercontinental Championship with 9. Jericho has also won tag team gold in WWE 7x. In WCW, Jericho was a 4x cruiserweight champion and 1x TV champion. In AEW, he was the inaugural world champion.

Jericho has won the Wrestling Observer Wrestler of the Year award 3x. He won back-to-back in 08-09 and then again in 2019.

Bron Breakker Comments On Being The 3rd Steiner To Wrestle In WarGames

Chris Stephens
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When Bron Breakker wrestled in the men’s WarGames match on Sunday, he became the 3rd member of his family to do so. Both Rick and Scott Steiner were in the 1991 War Games match, and Scott also participated in the 2000 men’s War Games match.

“It’s a night I’ve dreamed about for a long time,” said Breakker in an interview with Sports Illustrated. “WarGames was an unbelievable opportunity, and I put absolutely everything I had into it.

“The path that my family has paved for me is something I have always wanted to do,” he continued. “I’m very blessed and privileged to be in a spot where I can look to my family for advice. They always give me great advice and pointers of where I can improve.”

Breakker also commented on being in the match with Johnny Gargano. He also wrestled and defeated Gargano to earn his team the WarGames advantage on the November 30th episode of NXT.

“To be in a WarGames with Johnny Gargano, that means the world to me,” Breakker said. “Johnny is a fantastic performer, among the best in the world. He’s so great out there, as tough as nails, he’s gone out of his way to help and give me advice. He’s a fantastic human being and performer, and I can’t say enough good things about Johnny Gargano.”

Bron Breakker’s 12 Professional Wrestling Matches

The WarGames match on Sunday was just the 12th professional wrestling match in Bron Breakker’s career. In addition to the matches he’s had on NXT, Breakker wrestled 5x on WWE’s recent live event tour in the UK. Breakker is 6-1 in matches on NXT. He’s also 0-5 in matches on house shows, where he lost a triple threat match to Tommaso Ciampa (Sami Zayn was the 3rd wrestler) 4x. He also lost one singles match to Ciampa on the tour.

5 Matches Announced For Next Week’s NXT

Chris Stephens
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Bron Breakker pinned NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa in the men’s War Games match on Sunday. He will face Roderick Strong on next week’s episode.

Breakker came out on last night’s NXT ready to issue a challenge for the title but instead he was interrupted by Diamond Mine manager, Malcolm Bivens, as well as the Creed Brothers and Ivy Nile. Bivens told Breaker that while he may have Ciampa in his sights, Strong’s sights are focussed on him.

When Breakker faces Strong next week, it will be just his 13th professional wrestling match. He was defeated by Tommaso Ciampa in an NXT title match at Halloween Havoc in just his 4th professional match.

4 other matches have also been scheduled for the December 14th show.

We will also see the in-ring debut of Parker Boudreaux, aka Harland next week. He has been aligned with Joe Gacy since October. No opponent has been announced for him for next week.

Cameron Grimes and Duke Hudson will continue their rivalry next week. They will meet in a no holds barred match.

Tony D’Angelo will also be in action next week when he takes on Andre Chase.

Boa will also face Edris Enofe on the show.

MJF Responds To Being Referenced On Raw: “I’m Not Mad”

Anutosh Bajpai
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The war of words between AEW and WWE has reached a new level in the past few weeks with both sides acknowledging each other in various promos. It all started when MJF and CM Punk delivered an instant classic promo on Dynamite a couple of weeks ago. One of the most noteworthy moments of this battle was when Punk dubbed MJF as a ‘less famous Miz.’

This prompted a response from WWE on the following Raw episode. In an exchange of their own, Edge told the Miz that he has got people in other companies saying his name for a cheap reaction. MJF was asked about this reference in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated. The fastest rising star of pro wrestling said that he is not mad:

MJF Says He Might Be Working With Edge In 2024

“They’re just trying to make their show the best they possibly can I’m not mad, I completely understand it. And who knows, I might be working with those two guys in 2024.

And that line by Punk about me being a ‘less famous Miz,’ that resonated because people used to actually think that. But I’m smart enough to know better. My match last month at Full Gear against Darby Allin proved otherwise. I am equally as outstanding in the ring as I am on the stick. That match with Darby proved I’m anything but one-dimensional.”

MJF and CM Punk have continued their verbal feud since the fiery promo. The promotion is building towards a match between these two but they haven’t confirmed a destination for the same. The Miz and Edge on the other hand are set to battle each other at the upcoming Day 1 PPV on January 1, 2022.

MJF Addresses The Miz & Adam Cole, Snubs Wardlow

Watch Shawn Michaels Greeting Johnny Gargano And Kyle O’Reilly After NXT

Anutosh Bajpai
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Shawn Michaels has been a mentor for many NXT stars that have gotten through the brand over the last few years, including Johnny Gargano and Kyle O’Reilly.

The close bond among these stars was visible when they greeted each other after this week’s episode of the show went off air.

The show ended with Gargano delivering an emotional speech about his future. After the cameras stopped rolling, Michaels came out and shared a moment with both Gargano and O’Reilly as seen below:

https://twitter.com/covalent_tv/status/1468442791067926533

Both Johnny Gargano and Kyle O’Reilly’s WWE contracts expire this month. There has been a lot of speculation on what’s next for these stars.

They were brought to a SmackDown episode last month. Latest reports suggest that the officials have offered them multi-year deals to stay with the promotion.

Though like the other recent NXT departures such Adam Cole and Bobby Fish, many believe that Johnny Gargano and Kyle O’Reilly are both likely to be heading to AEW once done with their WWE obligations.

Now this emotional greeting with Shawn Michaels has added another layer to the belief that Gargano and O’Reilly are leaving and it’s only a matter of time before we see them on AEW TV.

WWE NXT 2.0 Results (12/7): Johnny Gargano Speaks, Steel Cage Match

Andrew Ravens
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The December 7, 2021 episode of WWE NXT aired live on the USA Network from Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center. 

WWE NXT Results 

  • Von Wagner def. Kyle O’Reilly.
  • Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen def. Diamond Mine (Brutus Creed & Julius Creed).
  • Toxic Attraction (Jacy Jayne & Gigi Dolin) (w/Mandy Rose) def. Valentina Feroz & Yulisa Leon.
  • Santos Escobar def. Xyon Quinn 

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Bron Breakker Has Something To Say 

pjimage 2021 12 07T193420.270

Team 2.0 (Bron Breakker, Carmelo Hayes, Grayson Waller, and Tony D’Angelo) (with Trick Williams) defeated Team Black & Gold (Johnny Gargano, LA Knight, Pete Dunne, and Tommaso Ciampa) in a WarGames match this past Sunday night. 

On this show, Breakker came out to the ring for a promo. He said he has a lot of respect for Team Black & Gold. However, he wants Ciampa for the NXT Championship since they’ve both beaten each other in the past. 

This led to Diamond Mine coming out and Bivens calling him Lebron. He congratulated him on being the real deal, but he’s not the only one successful at WarGames. Bivens said Roderick Strong has no more challengers in the cruiserweight division and he’s lifting the weight restrictions. Bivens said Strong gave Team Black & Gold the blueprint of how to build it. Bivens said Strong has sights set on Bron. Bivens said next week, Strong will put a stop to Breakker. Bron accepted the challenge. 

Xyon Quinn vs. Santos Escobar

Xyon Quinn vs. Santos Escobar in a singles match took place. The match was saved as technically the main event. Escobar was in control of the majority of it. Elektra Lopez put brass knuckles on the hand of Quinn, who hit Joaquin Wilde with it and allowed Santos to hit his finisher for the win. 

Quinn and Escobar have been feuding in recent weeks. It all started when Escobar returned to join with the rest of the stable (Wilde and Raul Mendoza) in attacking Quinn following a match against Andre Chase. 

Last week, Lopez met Quinn in the parking lot as he was walking by and wished him luck as he would need it.

Johnny Gargano Speaks

pjimage 2021 12 07T210946.081

As promised, Johnny Gargano addressed his future on this show as his contract was set to expire on December 10th. His deal was originally going to expire on December 3, but Gargano agreed to a short-term extension.

This was expected after NXT WarGames went off the air on Sunday, Gargano stated that he would tell all on this show. At WarGames, Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, Pete Dunne & LA Knight lost to Bron Breakker, Carmelo Hayes, Tony D’Angelo & Grayson Waller in a WarGames match as Breakker pinned Ciampa to get the win.

So what did he say? He said the one regret he has is not enjoying his time in NXT the most because he was always worrying about whether he gave the fans the best. He said that he hoped he gave the fans what they want. He brought up having a tryout in 2015 and was told he would never be signed. He gave credit to William Regal for giving him a dark match against Apollo Crews and because of the fans, WWE brought him back and eventually signed. He said the only place he felt special was in the ring. Gargano said he believes in NXT and that’s why he never went to the main roster. He named his friends in NXT and his family is in WWE. He said that change is scary and sometimes it needs to happen. He said that you will never fail if you bet on yourself. He said his future is still up in the air. Gargano said in February, he will start the most important job of his life and that’s being a dad. Grayson Waller attacked him from behind with a steel chair. Waller put him through a table and said that this isn’t Gargano’s house anymore. This closed the show. 

Steel Cage Match

0NXT

Von Wagner vs. Kyle O’Reilly in a steel cage match opened the show. These guys worked hard and had over 10 minutes. Wagner beat him with a low blow then hit his finisher for the win. Post-match, Wagner attacked him by slamming the cage door in his face. 

At NXT WarGames, Wagner tried to attack O’Reilly after their tag match against champions Imperium (Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner). O’Reilly noticed and attacked him instead. O’Reilly threw out the challenge in a promo following an altercation as he said that he saw the turn coming. He asked to leave the cage set up as he challenged Wagner to the cage match.

His WWE contract is set to expire this month, but the specific date is not known.

Former Head Writer Brian Gewirtz To Release Book About Time With WWE

Andrew Ravens
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0

Brian Gewirtz is scheduled to release a book about his time with WWE. 

The former WWE head creative writer is planning to release a book on his run with WWE sometime in the summer of 2022, according to PWInsider. It’s being published by Twelve Books, an imprint of Hachette Book Group.

He started with WWE in 1999 and eventually worked his way up to the role of head writer before leaving in 2012 although he stayed on as a consultant through 2015.

He got hired by the company after a recommendation from The Rock. When he left WWE, he went to work for The Rock’s production company, Seven Bucks, where he has helped to create Titan Games, Young Rock, and other projects for Rock as the Senior Vice President of Development. 

The Rock’s “Red Notice” movie, which is his latest film to be released, has been a big success for Netflix as it became the most-watched film in its first 28 days of release on the streaming service. 

The Rock’s animated “DC League Of Super-Pets” film where the former WWE Champion stars as the voice of Krypto the Super-Dog is set to hit theaters on May 20, 2022.

Bully Ray Shares How He Thinks Edge-Miz Feud Can Be More Interesting

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Bully Ray has an idea on how the feud between Edge and The Miz can be more intriguing.

Edge and Miz have begun a program on WWE TV. To some, this has been disappointing as there were high hopes for the next Edge rivalry following his highly regarded Hell in a Cell match with Seth Rollins at Crown Jewel.

Bully Ray Adds Spice To Edge vs. The Miz

Bully Ray took to an episode of Busted Open Radio to throw out his suggestion on how to create more buzz around this program.

He explained why at the moment he isn’t invested and how things can change.

“Not really because I know what I’m gonna get. This is just a typical WWE storyline. I would like something different.

“I would like something other than typical — do I think I’m going to get a great match between The Miz and Edge? Absolutely. Am I gonna get great promos from The Miz and Edge? Absolutely.

“I know what I wanna see though. I wanna see them go beyond The Miz and Edge. I’d like to see The Miz have somebody standing next to him and her name would be Maryse Mizanin, and I wanna see Edge having somebody standing next to him and that woman’s name is Beth Phoenix.

“I want The Miz and Maryse vs. Edge and Beth moving forward because Edge and Miz — okay yeah, sure. Two WWE superstars, great promos, great matches been there done that but the intergender stuff with the wives, now we’re onto something.

“Especially if they have to have a dance-off cause if there’s a dance-off then you know all the sh*t hits the fan.”

The Miz and Maryse are no strangers to ruffling the feathers of fellow real-life couples. Things got physical during The Miz’s 2016 feud with Dean Ambrose, known as Jon Moxley outside of WWE.

Moxley’s wife, Renee Paquette slapped The Miz and Maryse returned the favor by slapping Renee. Miz and Maryse also had a feud with John Cena and Nikki Bella back in 2017.

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