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Atsushi Onita Announces ‘Exclusively’ Explosion Match Promotion

Jake Skudder
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Japanese Deathmatch wrestling legend Atsushi Onita has announced the formation of a brand new wrestling promotion. The man who is regarded as one of the greatest Deathmatch competitors in history will be bringing back the FMW initials, although this new brand will be called FMWE.

Speaking recently at a press conference, the 63-year-old Japanese star confirmed that the promotion’s first ever show will be taking place in July at the Tsurumi Fruit and Vegetable Market in Yokohama City.

“The meaning of E is explosion,” Onita said. “It is an explosion. It is an organization specializing in hardcore that is said in the world. There is a request to see an electric current blast in the United States, and we are doing an electric current blast all over the world.”

Atsushi Onita Talks FMWE

In terms of the ‘electric current blast in the United States’ that Onita refers to, he is clearly referencing the AEW Championship match from the Revolution PPV. Kenny Omega defended his AEW Championship in the main event of that show against Jon Moxley.

The ending of that bout was a complete dud; with the ‘explosions’ not really being as big as fans had anticipated. AEW even had to address the dud explosion and weave it into the storyline with Moxley, Eddie Kingston and Omega.

“E is also entertainment” Onita added during the press conference. “Because of this era, I would like you to feel the power from FMW by returning to the origin.”

Will you be watching FMWE if it’s available on PPV? Let us know in the comments

AEW Dynamite Results (5/5): Blood & Guts Match, Kenny Omega & Orange Cassidy

Robert Lentini
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AEW Dynamite aired live from Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida. Inner Circle battled The Pinnacle in a Blood & Guts match tonight. It was also announced that Miro will face Darby Allin next week for the TNT Championship.

Dynamite Results (5/5)

  1. Jon Moxley & Eddie Kingston def. Kenny Omega & Michael Nakazawa
  2. Cody Rhodes def. QT Marshall
  3. Britt Baker def. Julia Hart
  4. SCU def. Varsity Blondes, Jurassic Express, The Acclaimed to earn a shot at the AEW Tag Team Championships next week
  5. The Pinnacle def. Inner Circle in the Blood & Guts match

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

The Elite Attacked Moxley & Kingston

AEW Champion Kenny Omega & Michael Nakazawa faced Jon Moxley & Eddie Kingston in a tag team match to begin the show. Before the match, Don Callis took over for Justin Roberts and said that AEW Champion Kenny Omega was unable to attend tonight. Callis told Nakazawa that he will wrestle the match alone tonight as Tony Schiavone shouted that Callis is lying because we have seen Kenny Omega here tonight.

Moxley and Kingston slowly made their way through the crowd and Omega attacked them from behind. Omega hit Moxley and Kingston with the AEW Championship and rolled Eddie into the ring. Nakazawa stomped Kingston down and tagged in Kenny Omega.

Jon Moxley sent Nakazawa out of the ring but turned around into an elbow to the face from Omega. Moxley battled back with a Side Slam and then delivered a Suicide Dive onto Nakazawa outside the ring. Kingston and Moxley isolated Nakazawa in the corner and took turns beating him down.

Nakazawa hit Kingston with a low blow and choked him while the referee was distracted. Omega tagged in and raked Kingston’s face across the top rope. Omega connected with a slam and went for the cover but Eddie was able to kick out at two. Omega went for a Suplex but Kingston was able to block it.

Kenny hit Kingston with a chop but Eddie shrugged it off. Kingston lit up Omega’s chest with some chops but the AEW Champion battled back with an Enziguri. Omega went for a Moonsault but Kingston dodged it. Eddie followed it up with a Clothesline and tagged in Moxley.

Nakazawa tagged in as well and Moxley beat him down in the corner. Jon stomped Nakazawa down and then whipped Kenny to the canvas. Nakazawa went for a Clothesline but Moxley didn’t go down. Moxley connected with a German Suplex and then a Piledriver but Omega broke up the cover at two.

Omega rolled out of the ring and wouldn’t get back inside as Moxley applied a Guillotine choke. Kingston held open the ropes but Kenny walked away and left Nakazawa behind. Eddie and Moxley hit a German Suplex/ Clothesline combo for the pinfall victory.

After the match, AEW Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks came down to the entrance ramp. Good Brothers attacked Kingston and Moxley from behind and planted Eddie with a Magic Killer. Matt Jackson hit Jon Moxley with a Superkick and then Nick hit another one as AEW Champion made his way back to the ring with his personal camera man, Brandon Cutler. Omega lifted Eddie up in the Electric Chair and planted him with the One Winged Angel.

Cody Tapped Out QT Marshall

Cody Rhodes squared off against QT Marshall tonight on Dynamite. Cody controlled the match early and lifted up QT for a Suplex. Rhodes opted to just drop QT on his face instead. Cody took off his belt but the referee ripped it away. QT grabbed his own belt and whipped Cody across the back.

Marshall hit Cody with a couple chops but Rhodes battled back with some chops of his own. Cody raked QT’s eyes and followed it up with an elbow to the face. Cody climbed to the top rope and it backfired as Marshall slammed him to the canvas. Marshall followed it up with a German Suplex that sent Cody out of the ring to regroup with Arn Anderson.

QT went after Cody and brought him back into the ring. QT argued with Arn and shoved him. Arn then shoved QT’s face into the ring post and several referees kicked him out from ringside as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, QT hit Cody with a boot to the face. Rhodes battled back with a Moonsault and went for the cover but QT kicked out at two. Cody went for a Cutter but QT countered into the Cross Rhodes on Cody for a two count. Marshall went for a Diamond Cutter but Cody blocked it. Marshall connected with a Buckle Bomb and went for a Tombstone Piledriver but Cody countered into one of his own for a near fall in an awesome sequence.

Cody then hit the Cross Rhodes and went for the cover but QT somehow kicked out at two. Rhodes got Marshall in the Figure Four in the middle of the ring and QT tapped out. Anthony Ogogo attacked Cody after the match and put the UK flag on him.

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Ethan Page & Scorpio Sky Beat Darby Allin Down

Scorpio Sky and Ethan Page were interviewed by Alex Marvez tonight. TNT Champion Darby Allin showed up and tried to get some revenge on them for attacking him. Allin hit Page with a Coffin Drop but the numbers game caught up to him. Scorpio and Page beat Allin down and threw him down a staircase.

Britt Baker Dominated

Britt Baker faced Julia Hart tonight on Dynamite. Baker and Julia went to lock up but Britt booted Hart in the midsection instead. Hart hit a punch but Baker quickly planted her with a Slingblade. Reba handed Baker a glove and Britt hit a slam. Baker then applied the Lockjaw for the submission victory. Britt Baker will face Hikaru Shida for the AEW Women’s Championship at Double or Nothing.

SCU Earned A Title Shot Next Week

Jurassic Express, Varsity Blondes, SCU, and The Acclaimed battled in a Tag Team Eliminator match. The winning team will face The Young Bucks next week for the AEW Tag Team Championships.

Frankie and Jungle Boy started off the match by locking up in the middle of the ring. Jungle Boy took Frankie down to the mat but Kazarian hopped up. Jungle Boy and Frankie traded roll-ups before Max Caster tagged himself in. Pillman Jr. tagged in and a massive brawl broke out. Luchasaurus hit Caster with a boot to the face as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Luchasaurus Chokeslammed Griff Garrison on top of Pillman. Luchasaurus then Chokeslammed Frankie onto the Varsity Blondes outside the ring. Jungle Boy tagged in and tried to cover Caster but Daniels broke it up at two.

Pillman leveled Jungle Boy with a Clothesline for a near fall. Jungle Boy climbed to the top rope but Daniels tripped him up. Frankie hit Pillman with a Clothesline and then turned Jungle Boy inside out with a Clothesline as well. Pillman tried to roll-up Kazarian but he kicked out at two. SCU hit a BME/Piledriver combo on Pillman for the pinfall victory. SCU will face Young Bucks next week for the AEW Tag Team Championships.

PAC Will Face Orange Cassidy Next Week To Determine A #1 Contender

Tony Schiavone interviewed AEW Champion Kenny Omega tonight. Nakazawa carried Omega’s Impact and AAA Championships to the ring. Omega asked the crowd if they were ready for Blood & Guts and they cheered. Kenny said he has been a busy man and boasted about all his title wins.

Schiavone announced that PAC will face Orange Cassidy next week to determine who will face Kenny at Double or Nothing. Orange Cassidy interrupted and Omega laughed in his face. Kenny told Orange that he understands what he means to AEW and has seen kids dress up like him for Halloween. Omega added that Cassidy ripped off the shade look from him and took Cassidy’s sunglasses.

The Pinnacle def. Inner Circle

Sammy Guevara and Dax Harwood started off the Blood & Guts (WarGames) match. Sammy connected with a big Back Body Drop but Dax responded with a shoulder tackle. Guevara leveled Harwood with a Dropkick but Dax shrugged it off and hit a Spinebuster. Harwood went for the cover but the match hadn’t officially started yet. More importantly, you can only win the match by submission or surrender. Harwood beat Sammy down int he corner of the ring. Sammy battled back and bounced Harwood’s face off the turnbuckle several times. Guevara sent Harwood into the cage and Dax grabbed his knee in pain.

Guevara slammed Dax’s face into the steel cage and then hit a Clothesline. Sammy hit a Cutter as Shawn Spears entered the match with a steel chair. Spears hit a Spinebuster and then set up the chair in between the ropes. Shawn hit Sammy with a chair shot to the head as the crowd booed in Daily’s Place. Harwood stumbled to his feet and he busted open.

Ortiz entered the match next and hit Spears with a Dropkick. Ortiz hit Harwood with a Clothesline and then a chair across the back. Ortiz hurled the chair at Dax’s face and slammed Spears’ neck on the chair. Sammy then hit Spears with an awesome Spanish Fly off the top rope.

Cash Wheeler entered the match and almost fell on face before gathering his balance and hitting a Clothesline. Spears applied a Sharpshooter on Sammy as Wheeler slammed Ortiz’s face onto the cage. Ortiz fell in between the ring and the cage as Santana entered the match. Guevara went for some kind of springboard dive but slipped and fell to the mat.

Santana planted Cash with a Uranage and then delivered a Suplex to Dax as Dynamite went to a commercial break. Jake Hager entered the match and started unloading Clotheslines to The Pinnacle. Hager got Spears in the Ankle Lock in the middle of the ring. Spears tapped but the match doesn’t officially begin to all ten men are in the ring.

Wardlow and Hager then traded punches in the middle of the ring. MJF entered the match last and the live crowd greeted him with an “asshole!” chant. Wardlow hit Hager with a chop block and MJF followed it up with some stomps. MJF posed int he corner of the ring and told Jericho that he is a dead man when he gets in the ring.

Wheeler had blood pouring down his face as well as Pinnacle retreated to one ring. Jericho entered the match and the bell rang. The Pinnacle and Inner Circle were in opposite rings and charged at each other. The two factions met in the middle and brawled.

Jericho unloaded some strikes with Floyd the bat as Shawn Spears climbed up the cage. Jericho choked Spears against the cage and then hit Wardlow with a shoulder tackle as Dynamite went to a commercial break. When Dynamite returned, Inner Circle Piledrived FTR onto the exposed wood under the ring mat.

Jericho hit MJF with a Codebreaker as a loud “AEW!” chant broke out. Guevara put a steel chair up against Spears’ face and hit the Coast to Coast Dropkick. Santana busted MJF open with a fork and the blood poured down his face.

Wardlow hit Hager with a Body Slam but Santana and Ortiz beat him down with a steel chair. Wardlow tried to slam Hager but it was botched and he just got beat down again with chairs as Dynamite went to a break.

MJF and Jericho started climbing the cage during the break. When Dynamite returned, Le Champion had MJF in the Walls of Jericho on top of the structure. MJF broke the hold with a low blow and locked in the Salt of the Earth Armbar. Jericho escaped but MJF stomped on his left hand and then bit it. MJF went back to the Armbar but Jericho didn’t tap out. MJF took out the Dynamite Diamond Ring and punched Jericho in the face with it. MJF got fired up as the crowd booed him.

MJF looked over the cage and dragged Jericho to the edge of it. MJF shouted that if Inner Circle does not surrender he will throw Jericho off the top of the cage. Guevara told MJF that they surrender to end the match. After the match, MJF shoved Jericho off the top of the cage and onto the entrance ramp.

Opinion: There were a few sloppy moments in this match but it was fun as hell. The match started off chaotic and it never relented. The finish looked weak and I don’t know why they went with a camera angle that showed the gimmicked entrance ramp. Jericho could have just fallen off screen and it would have been fine with me. It definitely would have better than the ending tonight. Overall, this week’s Dynamite was a very entertaining show and next week’s card looks great as well.

The Pinnacle Win First-Ever AEW Blood And Guts Match

Andrew Ravens
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All Elite Wrestling presented its highly anticipated Blood and Guts match on Wednesday night during a special edition of Dynamite. 

Even though Dynamite is a 2-hour show, AEW booked the show around this match, which aired during the second hour as AEW wanted to build it up as much as possible. It was also a long match that saw The Inner Circle (Chris Jericho, Jake Hager, Sammy Guevara, Santana, and Ortiz) battle The Pinnacle (MJF, FTR, Wardlow, and Shawn Spears). 

It was a 10-man elimination match featuring ‘old school’ rules with no pinfalls. There were two rings with a big steel cage around it and a roof hanging over it.

The match saw various stars bleed, the top rope on one of the rings taken off, various weapons used, and part of the ring being exposed so Santana and Ortiz could hit a double piledriver on it to FTR. At one point, Sammy hit coast to coast.

Jericho chased MJF to the top of the structure and they brawled up there. When MJF threatened to throw Jericho off the top of the structure, Sammy surrendered to save his leader. After the match, MJF shoved Jericho off the cell and landed on a crash pad. 

https://twitter.com/FiteTV/status/1390123588192198659
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Britt Baker vs. Hikaru Shida Set For AEW Double Or Nothing

Andrew Ravens
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All Elite Wrestling has announced the first match for their upcoming Double Or Nothing pay-per-view event. 

On Wednesday’s episode of Dynamite, it was confirmed that Hikaru Shida will defend the AEW Women’s Championship against Britt Baker.  This comes as Baker has won five straight television matches with notable victories AEW Dark: Elevation and Dynamite.

On Wednesday’s edition of All Elite Wrestling’s flagship show, she beat Julia Hart in a quick squash match.  Baker has stated that she was climbing up the rankings in an attempt to get a championship opportunity. Now, that will happen. 

It was also announced on this show that AEW World Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega’s opponent at Double Or Nothing will be determined by the winner of next week’s PAC vs. Orange Cassidy match. 

The AEW Double Or Nothing pay-per-view event will take place on Sunday, May 30, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida at Daily’s Place. 

The event is expected to begin at 8 p.m. ET and stream live on the BR Live platform in the United States. All Elite Wrestling will be announcing more matches in the coming weeks. 

What are your thoughts on this match being added to the card? Sound off in the comment section.

Dario Cueto Returns On MLW As Azteca Underground’s El Jefe

Michael Reichlin
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Dario Cueto made his return to pro wrestling on Wednesday’s MLW Fusion season finale. The former boss of Lucha Underground was revealed to be the mysterious El Jefe figure behind Azteca Underground. He was not referenced by name.

Cueto, portrayed by actor Luis Fernandez-Gil, served as the owner, promoter and on-screen authority figure of Lucha Underground during its 4-season run.

El Jefe appeared in a video package that aired at the conclusion of the broadcast. He chastised a kidnapped Selina De La Renta for her recent actions. He declared, “Im building a new temple.”

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1390094845176393729

Following the blockbuster debut of Dario Cueto, MLW heads to the ‘off season’ on a major cliffhanger. Fusion is now going on hiatus until the summer. MLW returns in July in front of a packed house at Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena.

MLW recently announced a partnership with the VICE TV cable network. They’re airing recap shows Saturdays at 12 noon (Eastern).

You can watch this week’s MLW Fusion below, including the arrival of Dario Cueto as El Jefe de Azteca Underground:

Sammy Guevara On Having The “It” Factor, Impact Controversy

Michael Reichlin
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Sammy Guevara goes to war tonight on AEW Dynamite. He’ll compete in the most violent match of his career when the Inner Circle battles The Pinnacle in the first-ever Blood and Guts match.

Guevara spoke with Steven Muehlhausen for DAZN this week to hype the event. He discussed a wide range of topics, including where he’s at in his career and the controversy surrounding his nixed appearance for Impact Wrestling.

Room to Grow

Sammy Guevara is part of a young crop of wrestlers in AEW for whom the sky is the limit. When asked about people saying he’s got the “it” factor, the 27-year-old says he’s ready to show people what he’s capable of.

“I definitely think everybody has room to grow,” he began. “Anyone who says like, ‘I’m the man right now’, they’re lying, or they’re just full of themselves. I definitely think I’m ‘it.’ I definitely think I am ‘it factor’. If you want ratings, I can give it to you all. It’ll all come in time. I feel like a lot of us young people, as performers, it’s just that waiting game is the hard part. But you got to be patient. I look forward to showing everybody.”

Impact Controversy

Sammy Guevara was expected to appear at Impact Wrestling earlier this year as part of the partnership with AEW, but it wasn’t meant to be. It was reported that Guevara showed up to Impact ready to perform, but decided against it after hearing what they had booked for him. Guevara sets the record straight and claims the “dirt sheets” blew things way out of proportion.

“Basically, some stuff was presented to me, I didn’t feel like it worked for me and for what Sammy Guevara is, so I declined that. This Then they declined to want to use me or whatnot.. Then all of a sudden, it wound up on the dirt sheets, and it blew up. I wish you could have stayed close to the vest. I felt like it wasn’t necessary for any of this to become public knowledge because it was done behind doors. So why are we opening the doors for everyone to see? But it is what it is. You can’t change what we can’t change. I wish Impact nothing but the best.”

Visit DAZN to check out their full interview with Sammy Guevara.

Tommasso Ciampa Shows Off Incredible Body Transformation

Michael Reichlin
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Tommasso Ciampa is showing off his insanely ripped body in a new Instagram post.

The former NXT Champion underwent a 13-week transformation that has yielded jaw-dropping results. It’s not like he was out of shape, by any means. In fact, most of us will never look as good as his ‘before’ photo. However, that didn’t stop him from undergoing what he admits is an “insane” training regimen.

Ciampa says he prepped, weighed and cooked six meals for himself each day, every day. There were no cheat meals. As for exercise, he did five weight training sessions and eleven cardio sessions per week.

He thanks his wife for supporting his journey, his trainer AJ and his training partnres, the ‘Dump Boys’

So, what motivated him? According to Ciampa, “Celebrating being two years removed from career ending neck surgery, wanting to push myself beyond my limits without using ‘being a dad’ as an excuse, turning thirty-six years old, and taking control of the things that I can control… this was as much a mental health journey as it was a physical health journey.”

There’s no doubt it was a difficult process, but he says the best part is that he enjoyed every second of it.

Check out Tommasso Ciampa’s before and after photos here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/COgIvktpLlK/

MLW Fusion Season Finale Preview: Rush vs. Reed 2, El Jefe

Michael Reichlin
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Major League Wrestling returns tonight for a special edition of MLW Fusion. This is the Season Finale before MLW goes on hiatus on July.

MLW is hyping the following matches for tonight:

  • RUSH vs. REED 2: World Middleweight Championship Lio Rush defends against former champion Myron Reed
  • Caribbean Champion Richard Holliday vs. Ariel Dominguez
  • Laredo Kid vs. Gringo Loco

We’ll hear from MLW Champion Jacob Fatu and Alicia Atout will have breaking news about the next season of MLW Fusion

Last but not least, we may finally learn the identity of El Jefe, the leader of the mysterious Azteca Underground organization.

Visit the MLW Website for a more-detailed preview of tonight’s broadcast.

Catch the season finale of MLW Fusion tonight at 7pm (Eastern) on the MLW YouTube Channel.

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Backstage News On The Future Of R-K-Bro

Chris Stephens
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Matt Riddle and Randy Orton have formed an unlikely team on RAW as of late. It does not appear as though this is a short-term angle for R-K-Bro either.

According to a report from PW Insider, Riddle and Orton are expected to receive a sizeable push as a team on RAW. There are no plans to break them up and RK-Bro merchandise is expected to be produced and marketed shortly.

Randy Orton Speaks On His Impression of Matt Riddle

Orton was on the Kurt Angle podcast recently and spoke about having been impressed with Riddle thus far.

“Matt Riddle, yeah. I think he is going to do fantastic, I think he has already kind of outshined most of his little class of NXT that have kind of come up over the last year. I mean, you have a lot of those guys doing well,” Orton said about Riddle (transcriptions via Sportskeeda).

Orton also spoke about his first time meeting Riddle during the interview.

“I walk by Matt Riddle, and my olive branch was basically me all looking at Matt, and I just said, I go, ‘Oh, there he is, there he is!’ Just kind of icebreaker, expecting maybe a, ‘Oh, hey Randy. My name is Matt; nice to meet you.’ But instead, Matt just kind of barely, you know, with the bloodshot eyes glanced over at me, he is just like, and he just kept walking. I remember thinking, ‘that motherf****r’.”

Tony Khan Comments On How “Forbidden Door” Decisions Are Made

Chris Stephens
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Tony Khan opened what he has coined “The Forbidden Door” in wrestling this year by seemingly breaking down barriers between promotions. He spoke with Entrepreneur recently regarding how “Forbidden Door” decisions are made.

Khan began by talking about how when he was younger, it was common for wrestling promotions to work together.

“When I was younger, there were partnerships between a lot of the other wrestling companies. And there was the Wrestling Peace Festival, which was a great idea, and some of those companies did keep working together,” Khan said.

“You saw wrestlers from AAA in WCW, and you saw wrestlers from New Japan in WCW, and so I think it’s very natural. Twenty years later, things have come back full circle, and now you’re seeing those wrestlers from New Japan and AAA competing again on TNT. You’re seeing IWGP titles defended on TNT. I think it’s the natural balance of the universe just coming back.”

How Are Forbidden Door Decisions Made?

Khan was also asked how the promotions involved make decisions on who wins, loses, and more. He would say that he goes into it with the same mentality as a sports general manager goes into making trades with other teams.

“I have to make sure we’re getting taken care of, and obviously the promoter we’re working with is going to have stuff they need to make sure they’re getting taken care of,” Khan continued. “And I’m pretty reasonable. I don’t want to screw it up for anybody. So whether it’s Konnan with AAA or dealing with the New Japan office or talking to Scott [D’Amore] and Impact, I just generally go into it like I’m dealing with another party in sports if you’re making a trade or something. You know, you just try to work it out and be a good person and a fair partner in the negotiation.”

The “Forbidden Door” will open again on next week’s Dynamite, when NJPW’s Yuji Nagata challenges Jon Moxley for the IWGP United States Championship.

Jeff Jarrett Talks Comparisons Between Cody, Dustin, & Dusty Rhodes

Chris Stephens
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Throughout Jeff Jarrett’s long career in wrestling, he’s worked with Dusty Rhodes, Dustin Rhodes, and Cody Rhodes. In a recent interview with Comicbook.com, Jarrett spoke about the similarities and differences between the 3 Rhodes’.

“Me and Dusty used to have conversations about Cody,” Jarrett said. “The acting bug and his amateur [background], to fast forward, when he came on board (in Global Force) for that short period, he’s got a charisma like his father, and I’ve worked with Dustin back in the late ’80s.”

Jarrett then spoke about how Dustin made a success out of the Goldust gimmick.

“Dustin took his character of Goldust and that could have been… It goes without saying, that wasn’t the easiest character, but you talk about taking a character and making it your own? Dustin has a unique ability that Cody doesn’t, but Cody has the ability, like his father.”

Jarrett continued to praise Cody during the interview.

“You talk about the acorn not falling from the oak tree, he’s got a magnetic charisma about him. He looks the part and he’s obviously a great athlete,” Jarrett said. He would add, however, that he feels Cody is one of the few in AEW that is connecting with the audience.

“On AEW when you see him and he’s one of the few, in my opinion, that really is connecting with his audience, and that is what sets him apart,” Jarrett continued to say of Cody.

The first episode of Jarrett’s new podcast was released this week:

Goldberg Files Two New Trademark Applications (Photos)

Michael Reichlin
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WWE Superstar Bill Goldberg recently filed several new trademark applications. The United States Patent and Trademark Office database shows that William Goldberg filed applications on April 30th for logos displayed below:

gberg logos

The ‘Goods and Services’ usage description for both logos are for a wide variety of merchandise, including mouse pads, video cassettes, fridge magnets, luggage, temporary tattoos and more. Michael E. Dockins is listed as the Attorney of Record.

Expect to see these logos on WWE-licensed Goldberg merchandise in the months ahead.

The 54-year-old legend is signed with WWE through the end of 2022 and is contracted to wrestle twice per year.

AEW Launches Global Online Shop For Official Merchandise

Michael Reichlin
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All Elite Wrestling has launched a new global online shop for official AEW merchandise.

ShopAEW.com has been expanded to include Global.Shop.AEW. Effective immediately, fans from 224 countries can order and save up to 60 percent on shipping costs and reduce delivery time by up to 50 percent.

The online shop will offer more than 400 t-shirts for purchase, with additional items available soon. The apparel will ship directly from AEW’s global distribution warehouses in Toronto, Canada; Tijuana, Mexico; Barcelona, Spain; Riga, Latvia; Amakusa, Japan; and Victoria and Brisbane, Australia.

“We now have a world-class online shop to go with our world-class roster, and we’re thrilled to be able to share the hottest AEW merchandise with our fans around the globe,” said Dana Massie, Chief Marketing and Merchandising Officer of AEW.

For more information and to get started shopping, visit Global.ShopAEW.com

QT Marshall Interview: AEW Blood And Guts, Cody Rhodes (Exclusive)

Michael Reichlin
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QT Marshall spoke with SEScoops this week to promote Wednesday’s special Blood and Guts edition of AEW Dynamite on TNT.

The leader of The Factory faces his former friend, Cody Rhodes, at Blood and Guts. During our discussion, QT explained why he turned on Cody, athletes like Anthony Ogogo crossing over to the world of professional wrestling, how The Factory is different than other factions and more.

Topics discussed include:

  • His role as AEW’s Director of Creative coordination
  • AEW gearing up for the post-pandemic era
  • His Nightmare Factory training facility
  • What he looks for in trainees
  • Athletes and celebrities crossing over to pro wrestling
  • Why he turned on Cody Rhodes
  • How The Factory stands apart from AEW’s other factions

Check out our exclusive interview below and make sure to Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Catch AEW Blood and Guts Wednesday night on TNT.

Stephanie McMahon Explains Meaning Behind New WWE Slogan

Chris Stephens
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WWE recently updated its famed “Then, Now, Forever” slogan to include a fourth word. The official slogan is now “Then, Now, Forever, Together.”

Stephanie McMahon recently spoke with Forbes about the significance behind the change.

“Ultimately what the signature does is it recognizes our fans. It recognizes our community, and the message of inclusivity is so important,” Stephanie McMahon said. “WWE has always been about inclusivity. … We are all about bringing people together, putting smiles on people’s faces and creating moments and memories that last a lifetime.”

Stephanie would continue to talk about the significance of WrestleMania 37 during the interview. It was the first time WWE had welcomed back fans since the onset of the global pandemic.

“Standing on the stage for WrestleMania 37 at Raymond James Stadium looking out at history being made in that moment was absolutely the shining moment that brought it all together.”

She would continue to say that WWE’s goal is to make every fan feel like family.

“No matter who they are, no matter what they do for a living, no matter where they live, no matter how much money they make, they belong, they are a part of WWE and that’s the inclusive nature of our community and the bigger WWE family.”

In an interview with Adage last year, Stephanie spoke about efforts WWE is taking in this regard.

“You need to make sure diversity is real. And it’s not just representation, but that those voices are really heard, and that those voices matter.”

2 NJPW Wrestlers Test Positive For COVID-19

Chris Stephens
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After NJPW pulled several wrestlers from yesterday’s Wrestling Dontaku Night 2 event, the promotion has revealed that 2 wrestlers have tested positive for COVID-19. NJPW has not revealed who the two wrestlers that have tested positive are, however.

Kazuchika Okada, Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, SHO, and YOH were all removed from yesterday’s event. A scheduled IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship match between El Desperado and YOH was scrapped from the show.

The two wrestlers who recently tested positive were both discovered to have a fever the morning of the show.

“According to protocol, they were taken for immediate testing, while those that had close contact with the individuals in the last two events were removed from proceedings. NJPW has learned that the individuals’ tests were positive for COVID-19,” reads an NJPW update on NJPW1972.com. 

Both wrestlers are said to be experiencing mild symptoms and are under medical care.

NJPW has two significant events upcoming this month. On May 15th, the promotion presents Wrestle Grand Slam in Yokohama Stadium. No matches have been announced thus far fro that show. Then on May 29th, NJPW will present Wrestle Grand Slam from the Tokyo Dome. Kazuchika Okada is currently scheduled to challenge IWGP World Champion Will Ospreay on the show.

MJF: Britt Baker In The Pinnacle “Makes Complete Sense”

Alex Laybourne
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Factions are a big part of AEW. MJF and The Pinnacle are one of the most talked-about factions on the roster. Tonight, they go head-to-head with The Inner Circle in a Blood and Guts match.

Yet, in speaking during an interview with Steel Chair, MJF admitted that he was looking beyond dismantling The Inner Circle and would be open to further expanding The Pinnacle.

MJF admitted that the Pinnacle have a goal in AEW, and that is to hold every title belt. That would naturally include the women’s belt. When pressed on this, MJF said that his group would consider opening their doors to a female star joining their ranks.

Rumours abound that Britt Baker is set to join the Pinnacle at some point in the future. Putting both her and MJF together has the potential for magic. They are both the ultimate heel at the top of their game. Ironically both call themselves the face of their respective divisions. As long as a power struggle could be avoided, Britt joining The Pinnacle could be a fantastic move.

MJF on Britt Baker Rumors

However, MJF was coy when discussing the matter. Remaining in steadfast character as he does so well.

“I will say this about Brittany, she is clearly not just the face of the women’s division in AEW, but at this point, I think it’s fair to say she’s the face of women’s wrestling as a whole, just like I feel it’s fair to say that I’m the face of men’s professional wrestling as a whole. I get why people keep bringing this up, it makes complete sense.”

This is a clear non-rejection of the notion, which could very easily be read as a cryptic admission that MJF has an appointment with the doctor.

Chris Jericho Wants AEW to Sign Samoa Joe

Alex Laybourne
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Chris Jericho is a man who loves to talk. In a recent NY Post interview, he raised a number of newsworthy points. Including declaring which former WWE superstar he wants in AEW.

Jericho was open and honest when he pointed specifically to the recently released Samoa Joe as being a talent he wants to see in AEW sooner rather than later.

Since Joe’s release from WWE there have been lots of rumours about his future destination, and several wrestlers have laid down a challenge to the man. However, given Jericho’s executive position within AEW, you must feel that there is a little more weight behind his words.

Chris Jericho on WWE Releases

“Obviously, the one name that stands out as an established main-event heavyweight champion guy is Samoa Joe.” Chris Jericho said.

There is no denying that Joe is a main event calibre wrestler. He would add a very interesting dynamic to the current AEW roster. There is a chance Jericho knows a little more than he was willing to let on. If you are willing to examine his choice of words, perhaps there is a hint of a deal already being struck.

“Those guys have three months before they can go anywhere. But I’d love to see Joe in an AEW ring at some point.”

Jericho went on to say that he has his eyes on another recently released talent. Although he added that man would need to prove himself a little bit more first.

“You look at a guy like Tucker for example, I don’t know if we would take him tomorrow, we might, but it seems to me if he goes and proves what he can do and what he’s capable of, well then absolutely.”

One thing is for sure, all eyes will be on the news for the next few months. Waiting for all of these guys to make an announcement about where they will be heading next.

Jim Ross: Darby Allin Is An ‘Extraordinary’ Ratings Success

Jake Skudder
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AEW commentator and WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently spoke about AEW’s ratings success. Discussing how well the company has done on Wednesday nights since NXT moved, JR specifically brought up how Darby Allin has been bringing in ‘extraordinary’ numbers.

“I was surprised that we did as well as we did,” Jim Ross began on Grilling JR, talking about the first AEW Dynamite event with NXT having moved a few weeks ago. “I thought we might do [900,000], I thought that was being generous. But to do 1.2 million, that was pretty phenomenal.”

Jim Ross on Darby Allin

As AEW Dynamite looks to establish momentum with viewers, Jim Ross knows the best way to do that is by putting on a great product consistently.

“Hopefully we will earn the trust and the dedication from the audience and the only way we’re going to do that is to have a hell of a show every week,” said JR. “Is that possible? I don’t know, but I know the effort will be there.”

He then turned his attention to the TNT Champion specifically. “A lot of our young talents are getting better, they’re getting over,” Ross said. “I think they’re getting better and assuming their roles better. Look at the ratings, quarter hour ratings for Darby Allin were extraordinary and he’s a home grown talent.”

Are you enjoying seeing Darby Allin in the main event of Dynamite recently? Let us know in the comments

MJF Talks How AEW Is ‘Creeping Up’ on RAW Ratings

Jake Skudder
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AEW star MJF recently discussed All Elite Wrestling and how their ongoing ratings successes appear to mean they are ‘creeping up’ on WWE RAW on Monday nights.

Although last week’s rating fell below the 1 million mark, AEW has been doing extremely well ever since NXT were forced to move nights and broadcast on Tuesdays.

This week’s episode marks the 4th episode of Dynamite unopposed and looks set to break the 1 million rating mark again. This week is of course Blood & Guts between The Pinnacle and The Inner Circle.

MJF: Dynamite Hunting Raw

“There has not been a wrestling show that has been able to even sniff ‘Monday Night Raw’ in decades” MJF began in a recent interview with Yahoo! Sports. “We’re creeping up every single week in that key demo.”

“If I’m not mistaken, I believe we beat them a few weeks at points on their show in the key demo,” MJF said, discussing the key 18-49 demo. “Which is absolutely insane, because we have only been a professional wrestling company on television for a year and a half, two years. It’s unheard of and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Although AEW will have to be extremely consistent to challenge WWE going forward; it is interesting that such a young show has grown in today’s television landscape to be even this close to the market leader in WWE.

Do you think that AEW could match RAW at some point? Let us know in the comments

Raquel Gonzalez to Defend NXT Women’s Championship against Mercedes Martinez

Alex Laybourne
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NXT has a reputation for laying on big matches for its weekly show. Next week will be no different, as current NXT women’s champion Raquel Gonzalez defends her crown against Mercedes Martinez.

The rivalry between Raquel Gonzalez and Mercedes Martinez has been building for months. It actually dates back to before Gonzalez won the belt back at NXT: Stand and Deliver.

This bout will mark the first title defence for Raquel Gonzalez, and despite the tenacity of her opponent you have to say she is the clear favourite to pick up the win. However, it cannot be forgotten that the previous time Gonzalez held gold, she lost it in the first defence. Granted, that was for the NXT women’s tag team titles, but a defeat like that surely lingers in the mind.

Raquel Gonzales has risen through the NXT ranks, building quite the name for herself in recent months. She will be eager to cement her legacy with a solid performance next Tuesday and a long run as NXT champion. Moreover, she has an ace up her sleeve in the form of Dakota Kai. In a recent reversal of roles, Kai now has the chance to repay her former muscle for all the times she came to her aid.

One thing that is for certain, the match between the pair will be a banger of a fight, between two of the toughest, baddest women on the NXT roster right now. This match should also end the feud and leave Raquel Gonzalez open to a new rival. Then eyes must turn to the woman she has in her corner. How long will Gonzalez be able to trust her friend Dakota Kai?

Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell Are the New NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions

Alex Laybourne
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Congratulations to Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell. The female duo from NXT faction The Way are your new NXT women’s tag team champions. The Way is making their mark in NXT, and look set to be a faction to be reckoned with.

Tuesday night, four women went to war in the NXT ring. With all competitors laying it on the line in a street fight that will be long remembered. With tables, chairs, and weapons aplenty, this was a match that lacked nothing in terms of intensity.

The win adds more gold to The Way’s waists, with Johnny Gargano already holding the North American Championship. How long he will be champion remains to be seen, with his upcoming fight with Bronson Reed.

The tag title victory is the first time that either Candice LeRae or Indi Hartwell have held gold in WWE. Moreover, it will be interesting to see how long their run lasts. The first two sets of champions, however, were unable to hold onto the belts for that long.

NXT will be eager to build prestige around their newest title. Historically, that works best when champs have a solid run. Logically speaking, Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell should be set for a solid reign as champs.

With Gargano and Austin Theory in their corner, you have to say that the future is looking golden for the new NXT women’s tag team champions.

Daniel Bryan’s WWE Contract Has Expired

Alex Laybourne
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Daniel Bryan’s WWE contract legitimately expired last week after his title-versus-career match against Roman Reigns on Friday’s Smackdown. The news was first reported by Fightful and has been independently confirmed.

The nature of Bryan’s sendoff, without any fanfare, indicates that WWE is still optimistic they can keep him in the fold. It would be a lackluster way for Daniel Bryan to leave WWE, despite strong booking in his final matches.

The Return of Bryan Danielson?

Daniel Bryan has been talking about his contract expiring in recent interviews. The former WWE Champion told TV Line last week,

“It’s funny that people gravitate towards the date ‘September,’ and I think it’s because that’s when my last contract ended, but it doesn’t end in September,”

Bryan also made some very interesting comments later in the interview about what his wrestling plans could entail. Making a big point about being an independent contractor.

“One of the coolest things about wrestling, and just be being an independent contractor in general, is that you can say, ‘Well, I really only want to do this amount of work.’”

Either way, it looks as if Daniel Bryan is planning on taking a break to spend time with family and give his neck a rest. However, his words definitely speak of a man who is not yet completely done with in-ring competition.

WWE NXT Results (5/4): Finn Balor Returns, Street Fight, Falls Count Anywhere Match

Andrew Ravens
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The May 4, 2021 episode of WWE NXT aired live on the USA Network from Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center. 

WWE NXT Results 

  • Isaiah ‘Swerve’ Scott def. Leon Ruff.
  • Cameron Grimes def. Asher Hale (fka Anthony Henry).
  • Timothy Thatcher & Tommaso Ciampa def. Grizzled Young Veterans (James Drake & Zack Gibson).
  • Sarray def. Zayda Ramier.
  • LA Knight def. Jake Atlas.
  • Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell def. Ember Moon and Shotzi Blackheart to win NXT Women’s Tag Team title

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Legado del Fantasma Segment

Legado del Fantasma

Legado del Fantasma came out for an in-ring promo. Santos Escobar cut a promo about history and lineage. He said that he is the undisputed empire of lucha libre. He said that the fans witnessed an iconic moment. He said that he will get back the NXT Cruiserweight Title. 

Raul Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde pointed out how they didn’t get pinned at TakeOver last month in the triple threat match and they embarrassed MSK last week. They want the NXT Tag Team Titles. 

Escobar said that a true master is best when he doesn’t do everything for himself, but what he can do for his brothers. 

Kushida appeared on the big screen and challenged Escobar to a match for his title on next week’s show. Escobar accepted. 

Falls Count Anywhere Match

pjimage 2021 05 04T163452.162

A Falls Count Anywhere Match between Leon Ruff and Isaiah “Swerve” Scott was booked. 

This was a great way to kick off the show and they got plenty of time to do their story. At one point, Ruff hit a springboard reverse hurricanrana off the apron to the floor. Scott hit an AA to Ruff onto the apron. 

The finish saw Ruff clothesline him over the barricade then was about to climb onto a platform, but AJ Francis caught him then hit a neck breaker onto the barricade. Scott hit his finisher for the win. 

Francis, who is currently hosting WWE Hidden Treasures, has been training at the Performance Center. 

https://twitter.com/JJWilliamsWON/status/1389737522561945605

Finn Balor Returns, Everyone Brawls

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Karrion Kross and Scarlett walked out to the ring for a promo. He said that he made things clear three weeks ago about challengers stepping up. However, no one has stepped up yet and people keep saying that they’re not afraid of him. He wonders what they’re waiting for. 

Kross said that he doesn’t have to prove himself, but he’s not waiting. He told Austin Theory, who is facing Kross next week, that he will drop him on his head and leave him laying. 

Kyle O’Reilly came out and told Kross that he’s not afraid of him and this is the match he wants. He said that he thinks this is the match Kross wants. Pete Dunne walked out and said he doesn’t care that Kross is champion because he’s the baddest man in NXT. He dared to prove them wrong. 

Finn Balor came out and said that he’s wrestled all of them except for Kross. He punched Kross, but Kross knocked him down. A brawl broke out with them all going after Kross. Security eventually broke them up. 

When Kross was left standing, Theory and Johnny Gargano attacked him. They hit a double superkick. Kross was left on his back. 

This marked the first time that Balor spoke or even appeared on NXT TV since Kross defeated him to win the NXT Championship at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver night two last month.

Tag Team Match

pjimage 2021 05 04T163456.350

Timothy Thatcher and Tommaso Ciampa vs. Zack Gibson and James Drake in a tag team match took place. 

Thatcher hit Gibson in the face with Wade Barrett’s shoe then locked in an arm submission for the win. 

Both teams have stated that they want to challenge MSK for the NXT Tag Team titles. Just last week, The Grizzled Young Veterans cut a promo calling themselves the leaders that the NXT tag team division needs. 

This led to Ciampa and Thatcher coming out to confront them and let them know they want the next title shot. The segment ended with Ciampa and Thatcher attacking Gibson and Drake.

These two teams did work with each other earlier this year as the Grizzled Young Veterans defeated Ciampa and Thatcher when they faced off in the men’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic semifinals. 

Street Fight

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NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions Ember Moon and Shotzi Blackheart defended against The Way’s Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell in a Street Fight. 

They used various weapons throughout the match whether that was chairs, kendo sticks or trash cans. 

They did a spot where they hit Heartwell with a double dropkick with a trash can on her head. Moon hit a face buster off the barricade onto a chair. They then placed Heartwell on a stack of chairs and Blackwell was going for an outside dive, but LeRae sprays a fire extinguisher in their faces. 

Shotzi hit a back splash off the top rope onto Heartwell who was on a ladder. Shotzi climbed a beam support and jumped off of it onto Heartwell on the announce table. Indie hit a spring board elbow drop to Moon through a table on the floor. LeRae hit a midfield curbstomp to Shotzi on a steel chair. The Way are the new Women’s Tag Team Champs

https://twitter.com/WWENXT/status/1389761211403735045

Nick Aldis Talks Mickie James’ Trash Bag Incident After WWE Release

Andrew Ravens
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0

Mickie James was released by WWE last month due to what the company blamed on budget cuts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Days later, she was part of the trash bag incident as her personal belongings were sent to her house by WWE in a trash bag that resulted in Mark Carrano being blamed for it and fired.

James’ husband and current NWA World Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis gave his take on the situation while speaking with Spencer Love of Love Wrestling. 

“Well, I hope this doesn’t destroy anyone’s delusion of it. But, you know, the craziest thing about all that for us was that she really – it wasn’t like she was super offended. It wasn’t like she was really upset. She was kind of laughing at the symbolism.It wasn’t like this thing where she  went ‘ah, I’m devastated, I’m heartbroken, how would they do this to me,’ and I’ve seen some  people sort of refer to it like that as if that was the sort of tone.”

Aldis continued, If you go back and look at her post with the video and stuff, she was very tongue-in-cheek about it. She was very kind of, ‘well,  that’s about fucking right!’ In other words, they chew you up and spit you out, and that’s just the way the business is. 

And, look. She’s been through a hell of a lot worse. The reality is, is that symbolism and sort of tone-deaf gesture, I guess, is the best way to describe it, it’s not even in  the top-10 of the most cold, heartless things that have happened to her or me in this business. So,  it’s kind of like, hey, man, we’ve got thick skins. 

She just thought it was enlightening, I guess, to sort of share with the world like, ‘Hey, you think it’s all special and glamorous? It’s sometimes  not so much.’ I was very amazed at the level of traction it got. 

And, I was amazed at the level of response on the corporate level from those guys. From Triple H, and Stephanie [to] Vince, they all – and, hey, I will say that Vince McMahon went out of his way to express to Mickie his respect for her and her contributions. That’s at least some consolation to take from it. Although, I  would politely suggest that maybe a little more respect could have been shown to her while she  was there.”  

Aldis also talked about the return of the National Wrestling Alliance, why he didn’t headline the All In pay-per-view event with Cody Rhodes a few years ago and more. 

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