Category: AEW

Paul Wight Teases Big Signing For AEW At Revolution PPV

Paul Wight formerly known as The Big Show has appeared on AEW programming for the first time since he jumped ship from WWE.

Wight returned to TNT for the first time in over 20 years when he debuted on the latest edition of AEW Dynamite.

During his segment, Wight plugged his upcoming color commentating spot on AEW Dark: Elevation. As noted, along with wrestling from time-to-time, Wight will commentate AEW Dark: Elevation on Mondays at 7 pm ET on AEW’s YouTube channel. The show premieres on March 15 and Tony Schiavone is set to be his broadcast partner.

During a chat with his former WCW colleague Tony Schiavone, Wight — who was wearing a t-shirt that said “no more BS” — clarified his new role with All Elite Wrestling.

“Raise your hand if you saw this turn coming,” he joked.

Wight then revealed that AEW has signed a major “hall-of-fame worthy” star, and said that they will debut at AEW Revolution on Sunday.

Check out Paul Wight’s AEW debut below.

Cody Rhodes Puts Shaq Through A Table On Dynamite

All Elite Wrestling’s Cody Rhodes managed to put NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal through a table on the latest edition of AEW Dynamite.

It all went down in the opening match which saw Cody team with Red Velvet to take on the powerhouse duo of Shaq and Jade Cargill.

At one point during the match, Cody cross-bodied Shaq off the apron through two tables on the outside!

An impressive performance from newcomer Cargill meant that Cody and Velvet ultimately lost the match.

After the bell, Shaq was stretchered into an ambulance, but when Tony Schiavone went to conduct a post-match interview with him, he had vanished.

Check out Shaq’s brutal table bump in the clip below.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Legendary Promoter Jim Crockett Jr. Passes Away At 76

The legendary pro-wrestling promoter Jim Crockett Jr. has tragically passed away at the age of 76.

Crockett’s death from organ failure was confirmed by multiple sources on Wednesday evening.

Jim’s father — Jim Crockett Sr. — started the hugely influential Jim Crockett Promotions in 1931. Crockett Sr. passed away in 1977, and Crockett Jr. officially took the reigns of JCP in 1977. The company, which ran affiliated with the NWA, was started by his father, and was sold in 1988 to Ted Turner, who re-named it WCW. Crockett Jr. was a three-term NWA President, last serving in the role in 1991.

In the wake of his passing, tributes poured in from Jim’s fans, friends, and colleagues.

“Rest In Peace Jim Crockett Jr. You will be missed by so many,” Robert Gibson of The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express wrote on Facebook.

“If not for my love of Jim Crockett promotions I doubt I ever would have considered a pro wrestling career,” Lance Storm tweeted. “Thank you Jim Crockett jr. May you Rest In Peace.”

WWE issued a statement:

WWE is saddened to learn that Jim Crockett Jr. passed away at the age of 76.

An influential promoter who helped champion the careers of WWE Hall of Famers such as Ric Flair, Ricky Steamboat and The Road Warriors, Crockett Jr. stewarded the family’s Crockett Promotions from 1977 to 1989. As part of the promotion’s affiliation, Crockett Jr. was later named President of the National Wrestling Alliance in 1980. During his tenure, Crockett Jr. helped expand the promotion’s footprint and held the inaugural Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. Under Crockett Jr.’s leadership, the NWA would eventually be sold and renamed as World Championship Wrestling.

WWE extends its condolences to Crockett Jr.’s family and friends.

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1367347395344924676

AEW and Impact Wrestling also issued statements via Twitter.

https://twitter.com/IMPACTWRESTLING/status/1367327469192310788
https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1367314318396690432

AEW Dynamite ‘The Crossroads’ Preview 3/3/21 – Women’s Tournament Finals, Paul Wight, Ladder Match Qualifier, Shaq Wrestling, Tully Blanchard

Tonight’s AEW Dynamite ‘The Crossroads‘ episode airs on TNT at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida.

* Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet with Arn Anderson vs. Shaq and Jade Cargill

* FTR and Tully Blanchard vs. Jurassic Express

* Chris Jericho and MJF hold Revolution press conference

* Paul Wight to make his first appearance

* Hangman Page and John Silver vs. Matt Hardy and Marq Quen

* 10 VS. Max Caster with Anthony Bowens (Face of the Revolution Ladder Match Qualifier)

* Nyla Rose vs. Ryo Mizunami (Finals of the AEW Women’s Title Eliminator Tournament)

WWE And AEW Possibly Running Events In Texas And Mississippi Soon

Live pro wrestling events could return to the states of Texas and Mississippi soon.

Governors in both states announced this week that they are rescinding mask mandates and re-opening businesses and schools due to a drop in COVID-19 cases.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on Tuesday that he was lifting the mask requirement and allowing businesses to fully re-open.

“It is now time to open Texas 100 percent,” Abbott said, adding that, “Covid has not suddenly disappeared,” but state mandates are no longer needed.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said his latest executive order to ease restrictions will be one of his final orders related to COVID-19. It allows businesses to operate at full capacity without any state-imposed rules.

“I am replacing our current orders with recommendations,” Reeves said. “The only rules that will remain in this order are a capacity limit of 50% on indoor arenas and those that govern K-12 schools.”

This follows a trend around the country of governors and mayors deciding what is feasible, what is safe, and politically practical, according to the New York Times. Chicago public schools have re-opened while restaurants in Massachusettes were allowed to operate without capacity limits, and South Carolina has done away with its limits on large gatherings. San Francisco is allowing indoor dining, museums, movie theaters and gyms to re-open on a limited basis. Other states have been slowly re-opening for several months now.

Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced on Tuesday that she was easing restrictions on businesses and allowing family members who have tested negative for COVID-19 to visit nursing home residents. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker also announced that while residents should continue to wear masks in public, it’s time for more limits on businesses to be eased.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear stated last week that the state’s falling infection statistics show that immunizations are beginning to have an impact. Most school districts in Kentucky are now offering in-person classes.

“It means vaccinations work,” Beshear said. “We’re already seeing it. We’re seeing it in these numbers. It’s a really positive sign.”

We could potentially see pro wrestling companies like WWE and AEW begin running in Texas after Wednesday, March 10 when Governor Abbott’s lifting of limits goes into effect.

WWE previously indicated that they could return to live events with fans later this year, but it remains to be seen if plans will change as more states re-open. WrestleMania 37 is expected to run with limited capacity on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11 in Tampa, Florida at Raymond James Stadium.

AEW Dynamite Preview 2/24/2021

Tonight’s AEW Dynamite episode airs on TNT at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida.

* Lance Archer vs. Rey Fenix in a Face of the Revolution Ladder Match qualifier

* Hangman Page vs. Isiah Kassidy

* Jake Hager vs. Brandon Cutler

* The Varsity Blonds vs. Brian Cage and Ricky Starks

* Sting will appear and he’s coming for revenge from Brian Cage and Team Taz

* Jon Moxley vs. Ryan Nemeth

* Dr. Britt Baker vs. Nyla Rose (Women’s World Title Eliminator Tournament Semis)

Paul Wight (Big Show) Leaves WWE And Joins AEW

Big Show is no longer with WWE.

AEW announced today that Paul Wight has joined the company, signing a long-term contract.

Wight will serve as a commentator for AEW’s newest show on YouTube, AEW Dark: Elevation. Elevation will air on Mondays at 7pm ET, complimenting the weekly AEW Dark show that airs on Tuesdays at 7pm ET. Elevation will showcase AEW’s established and rising talent, as well as top indie talents.https://14833a136a38a5723e97b3b6ff6cff7f.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html

Wight said it’s been amazing to watch what AEW has done in a few years since launching.

“It’s been amazing to watch what AEW has built in just a couple of years,” Wight said in a press release. “AEW Dark is an incredible platform to hone the skills of up-and-coming wrestlers, but I also love that established AEW talent can build out their personalities and showcase themselves in new ways on Dark. It’s no exaggeration when they say that AEW is boundless.”

AEW CEO, General Manager and Head of Creative Tony Khan also commented on why Wight wanted to come to AEW.

“Paul Wight is one of the most recognizable and impressive professional athletes in the world,” said Tony Khan, CEO, GM and Head of Creative of AEW. “He wanted to come to AEW because he believes that we’re the best promotion in wrestling, and we believe that he has a lot to offer us, both in the ring as a wrestler, and also outside the ring as a commentator, host and ambassador for AEW.”

“Paul is one of the most experienced stars in all of wrestling, and he’s eager to work with our diverse roster,” added Khan. “He can benefit and guide our young talent with his mentorship, and his expert commentary on AEW Dark: Elevation will educate and entertain our fans, and also educate the younger wrestlers on the roster. Furthermore, Paul enters AEW as a licensed wrestler, and he’s very much looking forward to studying our talent firsthand from the commentary desk in preparation for his return to the ring!”

AEW is promising more details on Wight’s signing during tonight’s Dynamite show on TNT.

Big Show’s last WWE match came on the July 20, 2020 RAW episode, a loss to Randy Orton. He had only worked a handful of matches last year, and spent all of 2019 on the shelf with an injury. He did appear for The Undertaker’s “Final Farewell” segment at the Survivor Series in 2020, and appeared at RAW Legends Night back on January 4 of this year. Show first signed with WWE back in February 1999. He leaves the company as a Grand Slam Champion – a two-time WWE Champion, a one-time ECW Champion, a two-time World Heavyweight Champion, a three-time WWE Hardcore Champion, a one-time WWE United States Champion, a one-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, and a eight-time Tag Team Champion.

Stay tuned for more. Below is the full announcement issued to us today by AEW:

Wrestling Legend Paul Wight Signs Long-Term Deal with AEW

— Wight Joins Commentary for New YouTube Extension, AEW Dark: Elevation —

February 24, 2021 – As 2021 shapes up to be the year for AEW’s biggest shows yet, today the promotion announced that wrestling legend Paul Wight signed a long-term deal, adding yet another universally regarded name to AEW’s roster of stars, legends, and upcoming talent. Wight will have an extensive role within AEW, and on top of his return to the ring, he will serve as a commentator on AEW’s newest show, AEW Dark: Elevation.

Complementing AEW Dark on Tuesdays, AEW Dark: Elevation will air on Mondays at 7 p.m. ET on AEW’s YouTube channel, and will showcase AEW’s established and rising stars, as well as the top independent wrestlers within the industry, competing against each other in the ring in pursuit of wins. AEW Dark: Elevation will also maintain continuity with AEW DYNAMITE, AEW Dark, AEW pay-per-view shows and streaming events, with wins and losses factoring into each wrestler’s ranking in the company.

With new wrestling programming now available three nights per week, AEW continues to solidify its position as the fastest growing and hottest promotion in professional wrestling.

“It’s been amazing to watch what AEW has built in just a couple of years,” said Paul Wight. “AEW Dark is an incredible platform to hone the skills of up-and-coming wrestlers, but I also love that established AEW talent can build out their personalities and showcase themselves in new ways on Dark. It’s no exaggeration when they say that AEW is boundless.”

“Paul Wight is one of the most recognizable and impressive professional athletes in the world,” said Tony Khan, CEO, GM and Head of Creative of AEW. “He wanted to come to AEW because he believes that we’re the best promotion in wrestling, and we believe that he has a lot to offer us, both in the ring as a wrestler, and also outside the ring as a commentator, host and ambassador for AEW.”

“Paul is one of the most experienced stars in all of wrestling, and he’s eager to work with our diverse roster,” added Khan. “He can benefit and guide our young talent with his mentorship, and his expert commentary on AEW Dark: Elevation will educate and entertain our fans, and also educate the younger wrestlers on the roster. Furthermore, Paul enters AEW as a licensed wrestler, and he’s very much looking forward to studying our talent firsthand from the commentary desk in preparation for his return to the ring!”

Already a monumental day for AEW, be sure to tune in to AEW DYNAMITE tonight on TNT at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT for additional announcements surrounding Wight’s signing, the new AEW Dark: Elevation show, and the identity of Wight’s commentary partner.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AEW Dynamite Preview 2/17/2021

Tonight’s AEW Dynamite episode airs on TNT at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida.

* FTR vs. Matt Sydal and Mike Sydal

* Matt Hardy and Hangman Page vs. TH2

* NWA World Women’s Champion Serena Deeb vs. Riho (AEW Women’s World Title Eliminator Tournament Match)

* The Young Bucks (c) vs. Santana and Ortiz (AEW World Tag Team Championship)

* Sting will call out Team Taz as he and TNT Champion Darby Allin prepare to face them at Revolution in a Street Fight

* Jon Moxley, Lance Archer and Rey Fenix vs. Eddie Kingston, The Butcher and The Blade w/The Bunny

* Orange Cassidy with Chuck Taylor vs. Luther with Serpentico

AEW Dynamite Preview 2/10/2021

Tonight’s AEW Dynamite episode airs on TNT at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida.

* Ryan Nemeth vs. PAC

* World Title Eliminator Tournament First Round Match: Thunder Rosa vs. Leyla Hirsch

* Chris Jericho and MJF vs. The Acclaimed

* Cody Rhodes and Lee Johnson vs. Cezar Bononi and Peter Avalon

* TNT Champion Darby Allin defends against Joey Janela

* AEW World Champion Kenny Omega and KENTA vs. Jon Moxley and Lance Archer in a “Falls Count Anywhere, Anything Goes” match

* Tony Schiavone to interview Sting

* Hangman Page will speak

Dustin Rhodes Asks Fans To Pray For Terry Funk

AEW star Dustin Rhodes took to Twitter to ask fans to pray for WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk.

Rhodes revealed that he talked to the 76-year-old today and that he is in a lot of pain.

He tweeted, “Just got off the phone with Terry Funk. He is in a lot of pain and could use some prayers. One of the greatest #TrueLegends to ever be in the ting. Appreciate y’all”

https://twitter.com/dustinrhodes/status/1358502857851473930

Last Thursday, Funk sent out a video on Twitter asking fans to please stop sending fan mail to his home.

https://twitter.com/TheDirtyFunker/status/1357089707214188548

Source: Wrestling Inc.