Tonight’s episode of AEW Dynamite live from the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial in Rochester, New York.
The following line-up is announced for tonight:
There has been backstage news behind OVW’s (Ohio Valley Wrestling) deal with Netflix.
It was first announced in May that OVW had a deal with the popular streaming service Netflix.
According to a new report from Fightful Select, the streaming deal had been in the works for a while. The producers involved with the Netflix original series, “Last Chance U” are also involved with OVW’s new series.
It was also noted in the report, that filming started on May 27 in Georgetown, Kentucky.
Netflix retains the right of first refusal on the ability to gain OVW’s TV rights.
Fightful noted that Netflix could one day be a major player in the rights fees negotiations surrounding WWE or AEW since Netflix is interested in live streaming content.
Al Snow purchased the promotion from Danny Davis in April 2018. The ownership structure changed again in 2021 when Craig Greenberg and Matt Jones led an investor group to purchase a majority interest in the company.
The current OVW Heavyweight Champion is Omar Amir and the OVW National Heavyweight Champion is Mahabali Shera.
Source: Wrestling Inc.
A new report details several factors that suggest WWE is benefitting from an increase in fan interest.
Several factors suggest that things are looking up for WWE, at least as far as general fan interest is concerned.
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t WrestleTalk), Dave Meltzer used several examples which indicate that WWE is benefitting from a jump in interest. Meltzer cited the success of recent shows even though Roman Reigns (the company’ s top star right now) hasn’t been used as much lately.
“Whatever it is, there’s definitely an upswing in interest in the product, for whatever reason,” Meltzer stated.
According to Meltzer, ticket sales have been soaring, and merchandise sales were through the roof at Money in the Bank. He also cited the recent increase in television ratings for WWE. The drop in ratings have been well-documented over the years, so WWE has to be pleased with this trend even if it’s a short sample size.
“Also at the Vegas show on Saturday (Money in the Bank), they did monster merchandise numbers in Vegas,” Meltzer explained. “They had a hot crowd as well, but they did monster merchandise numbers. It was blowing people away. It was like double per head what they did last year at SummerSlam in the same market, which is incredible because when you have those big shows like SummerSlam or WrestleMania, the merchandise sales are way up from a usual show, and this was just a regular pay-per-view compared to a SummerSlam.”
WWE just finished running the Money in the Bank 2022 pay-per-view in Las Vegas, Nevada. Though the company has been heavily criticized for several recent business and booking decisions, Money in the Bank was largely praised by the wrestling world. Now it’s on to SummerSlam 2022 season, which will be headlined by Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar in a Last Man Standing bout for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
Meltzer noted before Money in the Bank, that the show had sold out, and that the “get-in price” on the secondary market was $84. So from a ticket sales standpoint, WWE made the right decision to relocate MITB from Allegiant Stadium (in Paradise, Nevada) to the smaller MGM Grand Garden Arena in Vegas.
Only time will tell if this is a temporary trend, or if merchandise/ticket sales and TV ratings will continue to increase for WWE. It’s a short sample size, sure, but Vince McMahon and officials won’t complain about the short-term improvement they’re seeing here. It’s now on the higher-ups and WWE creative to keep the product interesting and enticing for fans. That has been a challenge for a while now, but with so many different superstars to push, WWE has the chance to make this product far more enjoyable compared to previous years.
Source: TheSportster
AEW’s Tony Khan said it was unlikely, but he’d be open to discussing the possibility of a cross-promotional show between his company and WWE.
According to the President of AEW himself, Tony Khan, he’s open to the idea of AEW and WWE working together to put on a supershow, much like he did with NJPW for Forbidden Door. While he admits the idea seems far-fetched, he’s not opposed to it and would be open to discussing with the higher-ups in WWE.
The comments stemmed from a conversation Khan had on the The Ringer’s “The Masked Man Show.” podcast where he was asked about AEW stars appearing on WWE programming recently for the 20-year celebration of John Cena. Khan said he was approached about it and said yes because it was for a good cause. When the follow-up question was about whether he would be open to a pay-per-view with WWE, he didn’t shy away from answering yes.
Khan said, “I’m not sure if that’s gonna happen (AEW and WWE doing a joint show). But, I would be open to talking about that type of thing. It’s not crazy but it’s a bold prediction.”
Like the scene from Dumb and Dumber where Llyod Christmas was told by the female lead that it’s a million-to-one odds she’d ever be interested in him, his response was, “so you’re saying there’s a chance”. AEW and WWE working together seem incredibly unlikely, but Khan is not ruling it out as something worth considering down the line. As for whether WWE would like to pursue it, that might depend on who is in charge. Being a publicly-traded company, every decision is about revenue and the shareholders. If there’s a good financial reason to do so, WWE might be open to it as well.
The question fans will immediately ask is, what matches would make the most sense? Bobby Lashley teased on Raw this week that no one could beat him for his United States Championship, including anyone from another promotion. He seems to be thinking about it already. From there, Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, Riddle, Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair would be names at the top of WWE’s list. For AEW, CM Punk, Hangman Page, Kenny Omega, Jade Cargill and Britt Baker would be among the more intriguing options.
Source: TheSportster
WWE presents a special The Great American Bash episode of “NXT” tonight, with four title matches on the card.
The following line-up is announced for tonight:
The former manager of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express, former color commentator for the NWA, and current podcaster, Jim Cornette, has never shied away from sharing his feelings with the public or taking part in controversial situations.
Kenny Omega and Cornette have not been in each other’s good graces for a long while, with neither man seeming to even remotely respect the other. While on Twitch with “CEOGaming“, former AEW World Champion Kenny Omega discussed Jim Cornette, Cornette’s followers, and his opinion on Cornette’s situation.
“I think Jim Cornette has backed himself up into a corner where, now, he’s found this group of extremely pathetic human beings who have no other thing to aspire to become, or no one to base their life off of, no one to listen to, no one to adhere to their commands,” Omega said. “And so, when it became a character that he could play as though he was still traveling up and down the strip in the indies, like back in the old days, now he’s got this group of people hanging off his every word. And all he has to do is sit and talk on a podcast with some other guy.
“When he realized he could make money by delivering hateful speech, he backed himself into a corner, and now, if he wants to make rent, if he wants to buy his fancy McDonald’s double cheeseburger meal, he has to talk about the things that are going to get attention and a lot of the time, that’s going to be your’s truly.”
Omega has received criticism from Cornette before on his wrestling style and matches but has still had success, helping to create the second-largest professional wrestling company in North America: All Elite Wrestling. Omega, Nick + Matt Jackson, and Cody Rhodes were the original EVPs of AEW, alongside Tony Khan, the owner of the company.
Over his 20+ year career, Omega has been able to win the Impact World Championship, the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, and the AEW World Championship, which he holds the record as the longest-reigning AEW World Champion in history.
Omega has not been traveling with AEW recently due to multiple different injuries his body had sustained working over the past few years. Cornette’s criticism does not stop at Omega, as Cornette has had multiple criticisms regarding AEW as a whole. Despite not traveling with AEW at this very time, Omega revealed whether or not Cornette’s comments have any effect on backstage life at AEW.
“That seeps into our locker room too. Yeah, it does. Everyone is so afraid of the f*cking cult of Cornette army and people that have like, you know, anti-AEW sites that they want to be — they want to do whatever the f*ck they can to stay safe.”
Omega last wrestled on November 13th, 2021 when he lost the AEW World Championship to ‘Hangman’ Adam Page in a 25+ minute match, completing a story that had begun during AEW’s exposition.
Source: Wrestling Inc. with credit to CEOGaming on Twitch
WOMEN’S MONEY IN THE BANK MATCH
Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka vs. Becky Lynch vs. Lacey Evans vs. Liv Morgan vs. Raquel Rodriguez vs. Shotzi
Winner: Liv Morgan
WWE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Bobby Lashley defeated Theory (c) (**TITLE CHANGE**)
“RAW” WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Bianca Belair (c) defeated Carmella
Carmella attacks Belair after the bell. She pounds on Belair with some forearms and leaves the ring. Belair recovers to hold up her title in the ring as Carmella is backing up the entrance aisle.
UNDISPUTED WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
The Usos (c) defeated Street Profits
The replay seems to show that one of Ford’s shoulders was not down during the pin. They spot shadow Ford’s shoulder on another replay and commentary agrees Ford had his shoulder up. Ford and Dawkins are saying as much in the ring. The Usos are long gone at this point as they have headed backstage.
We get a mysterious, spooky hype video that includes some religious imagery.
“SMACKDOWN” WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Ronda Rousey (c) defeated Natalya
Liv Morgan’s music plays and she runs down to the ring with the Money in the Bank briefcase. The ring announcer announces that Morgan is cashing in on Rousey.
“SMACKDOWN” WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Liv Morgan defeated Ronda Rousey (c) (**TITLE CHANGE**)
The bell rings and Rousey grabs an ankle lock on Morgan. Morgan fights for the ropes but Rousey keeps pulling her back. Morgan slips out of the ankle lock. Morgan rolls up Rousey and gets the pin!
Rousey hands the title to Morgan and they hug. Rousey raises Morgan’s hand and leaves the ring to Morgan for her to celebrate.
Adam Peace walks out before the bell and announces that we’re adding an eighth participant to this match: Theory.
MEN’S MONEY IN THE BANK MATCH
Drew McIntyre vs. Omos vs. Riddle vs. Sami Zayn vs. Seth Rollins vs. Sheamus vs. Madcap Moss vs. Theory
Winner: Theory
COUNTDOWN TO AGAINST ALL ODDS
Black Taurus w/Crazzy Steve defeated Laredo Kid
COUNTDOWN TO AGAINST ALL ODDS / IMPACT DIGITAL MEDIA CHAMPIONSHIP “DOT COMBAT” MATCH
Brian Myers defeated Rich Swann (c) (**TITLE CHANGE**)
Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) defeated Bullet Club (Ace Austin & Chris Bey)
Deonna Purrazzo & Chelsea Green defeated Mia Yim & Mickie James
IMPACT X-DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Mike Bailey (c) defeated Trey Miguel
IMPACT KNOCKOUTS WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Rosemary & Taya Valkyrie (c) defeated Tenille Dashwood & Gisele Shaw
– After the match, Rayne gets involved and the three women attack the champions, leaving them in the ring. As they head to the back, Masa Slamovich appears and hands Dashwood a picture, letting people know she’s coming for her.
Impact World Tag Team Champions The Good Brothers (Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson), America’s Most Wanted (James Storm & Chris Harris) & Heath defeated Honor No More (Eddie Edwards, Matt Taven, Mike Bennett, Kenny King & PCO)
RAVEN’S CLOCKWORK ORANGE HOUSE OF FUN MATCH
Moose defeated Sami Callihan
Callihan gets a barbed wire baseball bat, but a cameraman then gets into the ring and hits a low blow..It’s Steve Maclin! He then nails Sami in the head with the barbed wire bat. Moose takes advantage by hitting a Spear and getting the victory.
IMPACT KNOCKOUTS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Jordynne Grace (c) defeated Tasha Steelz
IMPACT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Josh Alexander (c) defeated Joe Doering
DATE: July 2, 2022 8:00 pm
LOCATION: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
AVAILABLE ON:Peacock (U.S.), WWE Network (International)
CARD
“SMACKDOWN” WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Natalya vs. Ronda Rousey (c)
“RAW” WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Carmella vs. Bianca Belair (c)
WWE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Bobby Lashley vs. Theory (c)
UNDISPUTED WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Street Profits vs. The Usos (c)
WOMEN’S MONEY IN THE BANK MATCH
Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka vs. Becky Lynch vs. Lacey Evans vs. Liv Morgan vs. Raquel Rodriguez vs. Shotzi
MEN’S MONEY IN THE BANK MATCH
Drew McIntyre vs. Omos vs. Riddle vs. Sami Zayn vs. Seth Rollins vs. Sheamus vs. Madcap Moss vs. Theory
AEW will debut a new match concept on tonight’s episode of “Rampage”. The Royal Rampage match will kick off tonight’s show. It will be contested inside the same double-ring used for the Blood & Guts match on this past Wednesday’s “Dynamite”.
The following line-up is announced for tonight:
![Details On WWE Enduring An “Upswing In Interest” [Report]](https://wrestlingnewsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/wwe-e1553827961593.jpg?w=712&h=1&crop=1){kind=small}
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