Category: AEW

Samoa Joe Returns On AEW Dynamite Maximum Carnage

AEW’s latest episode of Dynamite delivered another unforgettable moment as Samoa Joe made his highly anticipated return to the company. The former ROH World Television Champion came to the aid of Hook, who found himself outnumbered after a disqualification victory over Christian Cage.

The chaos began when Hook’s match against Cage concluded, only for Kip Sabian and Nick Wayne to blindside the FTW Champion. The Patriarchy’s two-on-one assault left Hook at a serious disadvantage. Just when things were looking grim, the familiar strains of Samoa Joe’s theme music echoed through the arena, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Joe stormed the ring, clearing out Sabian and Wayne to even the odds and offer his assistance to the young champion.

Joe’s appearance marks his first in-ring return to AEW programming since July. His last match was the grueling Stampede Street Fight against Chris Jericho on Dynamite, after which Joe stepped away to focus on other projects. Fans of the hard-hitting veteran may recognize him from his role as Sweet Tooth in the Peacock streaming series Twisted Metal. While Will Arnett provided the voice for the character, Joe’s physical portrayal of the terrifying, ice cream truck-driving villain left a lasting impression in the show’s first season. Joe has reportedly been working on season two of the popular series in recent months.

Outside of his on-screen projects, Joe has continued to express enthusiasm for AEW’s growing roster and exciting matchups. In an earlier interview, he praised the company’s trajectory, highlighting the additions of top-tier talent like Will Ospreay and the return of Kenny Omega, who recently battled back from his struggles with diverticulitis. With the company expanding its talent pool and Joe back in action, the future looks bright for AEW fans.

Now that Samoa Joe has reinserted himself into the AEW landscape, fans are left wondering what’s next. Will this alliance with Hook evolve into something more? Or is Samoa Joe setting his sights on a larger prize? One thing’s for sure—his return has once again shaken things up in AEW, and the locker room better take notice.

AEW Dynamite ‘Maximum Carnage’ Preview 1/15/2025

Tonight’s AEW Dynamite: Maximum Carnage episode will air live on TBS beginning at 8:00 pm ET and live coast to coast on Max, from the Andrew J. Brady Music Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.

  • AEW World Championship: Jon Moxley (c) vs. Powerhouse Hobbs
  • Casino Gauntlet Match for a title shot at the AEW Women’s Championship at the Grand Slam Australia event on Saturday, February 15
  • The Hurt Syndicate (MVP, Shelton Benjamin and Bobby Lashley) vs. Mark Briscoe and AEW World Tag Team Champions Private Party (Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy)
  • Kenny Omega vs. Brian Cage
  • We will hear from Ricochet
  • Christian Cage vs. Hook

Jeff Jarrett Discusses Final In-Ring AEW Contract, Plans Moving Forward

The wrestling world is bracing for an emotional wave of farewells as several veteran stars prepare to hang up their boots. Among them, WWE’s John Cena has already begun a heartfelt farewell tour, while NJPW legend Hiroshi Tanahashi has announced his retirement at Wrestle Kingdom 20 in January 2026. Adding to the list, AEW’s “Last Outlaw” Jeff Jarrett has confirmed that his latest contract with the promotion will mark the final chapter of his in-ring career.

Jeff Jarrett’s Final Run in AEW

Jeff Jarrett, a wrestling veteran whose career spans multiple decades and promotions, recently shared insights into his future on his podcast My World. While discussing his new AEW contract, Jarrett reflected on his decision to remain active in the ring a little longer, even as retirement loomed on the horizon.

“I am very grateful,” Jarrett said, recalling conversations with his family, including his wife Karen and their daughters, as well as close wrestling colleagues like Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal. “Do I keep going? Do I hang it up? Or do I head strictly 100% down the business path?”

Jarrett revealed that he initially wanted to pursue an AEW World Tag Team Championship run alongside Lethal. However, plans shifted, and he found himself competing for the Trios Tag Titles with Satnam Singh instead. Although Jarrett and Lethal have fallen short in multiple tag title attempts, the 56-year-old isn’t done yet. In fact, he’s eyeing the AEW World Championship as the ultimate prize to cap off his career.

“Jay [Lethal], among others, said, ‘Jeff, are you kidding me? Go out swinging.’ Either I’m gonna die trying or I’m going for it all, so I am really excited,” Jarrett declared.

A Season of Goodbyes

Jarrett’s retirement plans are part of a broader wave of farewells from iconic wrestlers across promotions. John Cena’s farewell tour has brought nostalgic moments to WWE fans, as he bids adieu to an illustrious career that redefined sports entertainment. Meanwhile, Hiroshi Tanahashi, the “Ace of New Japan,” is set to leave an indelible mark on the industry when he retires at Wrestle Kingdom 20.

For fans, this transitional period is bittersweet. These legends have provided decades of unforgettable matches and moments, but their retirement also signifies a new era in professional wrestling.

The Last Outlaw’s Legacy

As Jarrett moves toward his final curtain call, his ambition remains as fiery as ever. A run for the AEW World Championship would be a fitting way to conclude a career filled with innovation, reinvention, and resilience. Whether or not he captures gold, Jarrett’s contributions to the business—as both a performer and a promoter—will leave a lasting legacy.

Stay tuned to Wrestling News Blog for updates on Jeff Jarrett’s final chapter, as well as more coverage on the retirement plans of wrestling’s biggest stars.

Credit “My World” Podcast

Darby Allin Steps Away from AEW to Conquer Mount Everest

Darby Allin, one of AEW’s most daring and unconventional stars, is taking a break from the ring, but not for rest or recovery. Instead, Allin is setting his sights on a new kind of challenge: climbing Mount Everest. After a brutal assault by the Death Riders on the December 27 episode of AEW Rampage, which left Allin battered and tossed down steel steps, the former TNT and World Tag Team Champion has been conspicuously absent from AEW programming. Now, reports shed light on his extended hiatus.

Preparing for Everest

According to Fightful Select, Allin is off the road and will remain away from AEW for an extended period to prepare for his ambitious climb of the world’s tallest mountain. While a return date hasn’t been officially confirmed, it’s believed Allin will be back in the spring.

Climbing Mount Everest is no small feat. Expeditions typically last six to ten weeks, depending on weather and acclimatization, and demand rigorous preparation, according to Benegas Brothers Expeditions. However, Allin’s extensive athletic training and fearless persona may give him an edge in accelerating the process.

This isn’t Allin’s first attempt at tackling Everest. His initial plans to summit the iconic peak earlier in 2024 were derailed after he suffered a broken foot during a match at AEW Dynamite: Big Business. Now, with recovery behind him, Allin is back on track to achieve this personal milestone.

Wrestling Plans on Hold

Allin’s last AEW match was a hard-fought draw against Ricochet in the Continental Classic’s Blue League during the December 25 episode of AEW Dynamite. Reports suggested that AEW had big plans for Allin following the tournament, including a potential push. While those plans are now delayed, fans can expect his eventual return to feature unfinished business—particularly with Jon Moxley and the Death Riders, who left him sidelined in storyline.

The Return of a Daredevil

Darby Allin has always embodied a fearless spirit, whether it’s diving off ladders in the ring or taking on extreme challenges outside of wrestling. While fans will miss his unique energy on AEW television, his Mount Everest expedition adds another layer to his larger-than-life persona.

As Allin sets his sights on the climb of a lifetime, anticipation will only grow for the day he returns to AEW, ready to pick up where he left off and, perhaps, conquer new heights in the ring as well.

Stay tuned to Wrestling News Blog for updates on Darby Allin’s Everest journey and eventual AEW comeback!

AEW Collision Preview 1/11/2025

Tonight’s AEW Collision live on TNT and will be simulcast on Max from the Akins Ford Arena in Athens, GA.

  • Dax Hardwood vs. ROH World Champion Chris Jericho
  • “Rated R Superstar” Cope vs. Big Bill
  • AEW Women’s World Champion Mariah May vs. Harley Cameron
  • AEW World Trios Champion Pac vs. ROH World TV Champion Komander

Is Malakai Black Leaving AEW? Speculation Surrounds Former Trios Champion’s Future

The wrestling world is buzzing with rumors that former AEW World Trios Champion Malakai Black may be on his way out of All Elite Wrestling. A new report from Fightful Select suggests that Black might be finishing up with AEW, though no official confirmation has been made. This speculation comes despite earlier statements indicating Black’s AEW contract would run through 2027.

Contract Confusion

Black’s contract status has been the subject of intense discussion for months. According to Fightful, Black’s deal was initially reported to expire in early 2025, with additional option years built in. However, AEW President Tony Khan previously stated that Black was locked in until 2027, raising questions about whether an option year was declined or if Black sought an early exit.

Adding fuel to the fire, Black’s House of Black teammate Buddy Matthews recently faced Will Ospreay on AEW Dynamite. Following the match, Ospreay delivered a promo encouraging Matthews to aim for singles gold, even offering to stand in his corner if needed. Some fans saw this as a potential hint at a shake-up within the faction, though no direct mention of Black was made.

WWE Connection and Speculation

Rumors of Malakai Black returning to WWE have been swirling for some time, especially after Paul “Triple H” Levesque took over creative responsibilities in WWE. Black has publicly praised Triple H, and WWE is reportedly interested in bringing him back to the fold. His wife, Zelina Vega, is currently a prominent member of WWE’s Raw roster, which has only added to the speculation.

Back in September, similar rumors about Black’s AEW departure emerged but were ultimately debunked when he returned to AEW programming. As of now, Black is still listed on AEW’s official roster page, but Fightful noted they were unable to confirm whether his contract has been terminated, renewed, or altered in any way.

What’s Next for Malakai Black?

If Black does leave AEW, the move could have significant implications for both AEW and WWE. Black’s dark, enigmatic persona has been a standout feature of AEW programming, particularly as the leader of the House of Black. His potential departure could signal a shift in AEW’s roster dynamics and storylines. Meanwhile, a WWE return would mark an intriguing chapter in Black’s career, especially under Triple H’s creative direction.

For now, fans will have to wait and see how the story unfolds. Whether he stays with AEW or moves on, one thing is certain: Malakai Black remains one of the most compelling figures in professional wrestling today. Stay tuned to Wrestling News Blog for updates on this developing story.

AEW Dynamite Preview 1/8/2025

AEW Dynamite air live tonight on TBS at 8:00 pm ET and live on Max coast to coast beginning at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT from the F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, Tennessee.

  • AEW World Title No. 1 Contenders Match: Casino Gauntlet
  • Buddy Matthews vs. Will Ospreay
  • Bobby Lashley vs. Mark Briscoe
  • Kenny Omega returns live
  • Jeff Jarrett to appear
  • MJF to appear live

Konosuke Takeshita Kicks Off 2025 With Gold, Glory, And A Triple Contract Status

Konosuke Takeshita is setting the wrestling world ablaze as he kicks off 2025 with an unprecedented level of success and a packed schedule. “The Alpha” is now leaving Japan not only with two championship belts but also with contracts from three major promotions: AEW, NJPW, and DDT. Takeshita’s rise in prominence highlights his undeniable talent and the growing collaboration between wrestling companies across the globe.

A Triple Threat Career

Since signing with AEW in 2022, Takeshita has balanced his commitments with DDT while making waves in the U.S. wrestling scene. Now, with a one-year deal freshly inked with NJPW following the Wrestle Dynasty event on January 5, Takeshita has expanded his already busy schedule. Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer shed light on how this unique arrangement works.

“Takeshita’s primary contract is still with AEW,” Meltzer explained. “He can work indies and has been active in Japan with DDT. But now, he’ll be wrestling more for New Japan. AEW remains the priority, but Tony Khan and Rocky Romero are collaborating to ensure he can perform for both AEW and NJPW effectively.”

A Historic Start to 2025

Takeshita’s latest accomplishments in Japan only add to his growing legacy. On January 3, he teamed with his mentor Jun Akiyama at a DDT event. Just one day later, at NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 19, he defeated Shingo Takagi to claim the NEVER Openweight Championship. The momentum didn’t stop there. At the Wrestle Dynasty event on January 5, Takeshita retained both the NEVER Openweight and AEW International Championships in a hard-fought battle against Tomohiro Ishii.

With two championships to defend and three promotions to juggle, Takeshita is set for a whirlwind year. His next major challenge will come at NJPW’s Battle in the Valley on January 11, where he’ll defend his NEVER Openweight Championship against KUSHIDA.

Collaboration Across Promotions

Takeshita’s triple-contract situation is a testament to the evolving wrestling landscape. The collaboration between AEW, NJPW, and DDT highlights a willingness among promotions to share talent and provide fans with unforgettable matches. For Takeshita, this means greater opportunities to showcase his skills on multiple platforms, while for fans, it promises exciting cross-promotional matchups in 2025.

As Takeshita embarks on this monumental chapter in his career, one thing is clear: “The Alpha” is poised to dominate the wrestling world and redefine what it means to be an international star. Stay tuned to see how he balances this historic run!

NJPW x AEW Wrestle Dynasty 1/5/2025 (Results)

Sorry for this post being so late, but here in Southern Indiana we are dealing with problems from a winter storm with a lot of ice from freezing rain that left a lot of people without power from frozen tree limps falling on power lines. Some are still without power.

So below is the results from Wrestle Dynasty:

Pre-Show:

  • Momo Watanabe def. Athena, Persephone, and Willow Nightingale via pinfall to win the International Women’s Cup
    Momo Watanabe triumphed in a thrilling four-way bout against Athena, Persephone, and Willow Nightingale to claim the International Women’s Cup. The match featured fast-paced action with wrestlers rotating in and out of the ring to break up pinfalls. Athena appeared poised for victory after hitting her O-Face on Willow, but interference from Thekla pulling the referee out gave Watanabe an opening. She capitalized by using her signature bat and finishing with Peach Sunrise to score the pin on Athena. This marked Athena’s first pinfall loss in two years, a point commentary emphasized. Watanabe now has the opportunity to challenge any champion of her choosing.
  • Sons of Texas (Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara) def. House of Torture (SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru) via pinfall to retain the Ring of Honor Tag titles
    Dustin Rhodes and Sammy Guevara defeated House of Torture’s SHO and Yoshinobu Kanemaru to retain their ROH Tag Team Championships. Guevara started hot before the challengers’ underhanded tactics slowed him down. A hot tag to Dustin brought the crowd to life as he hit signature moves. After whiskey mist antics from Kanemaru, Rhodes returned the favor and set up Guevara to seal the victory with a 630 Splash.

Main Card:

  • Taiji Ishimori wins the 8-Man Lucha Gauntlet
    In an eight-man lucha gauntlet, Taiji Ishimori outlasted competitors including El Desperado, Hechicero, and Titan to secure the win. Desperado, the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, became the primary target, enduring finishers from several participants. Ishimori used clever strategy, throwing the referee onto Desperado and Kosei Fujita before applying the Gedo Clutch on the champ to steal the victory.
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Katsuyori Shibata’s five-minute exhibition match ends in a draw
    The exhibition match between two legends ended in a five-minute time-limit draw. The grappling-focused bout carried emotional weight for fans familiar with their storied history, as every lock-up and chop exchange felt significant.
  • Mercedes Moné  def. Mina Shirakawa via pinfall to win the RevPro British Women’s championship
    Mercedes Moné added another title to her collection, defeating Mina Shirakawa in a hard-fought contest. Shirakawa targeted Moné’s knee throughout the match, but Mercedes adapted, using her resilience to stay in the fight. A Moné Maker sealed the deal, though Shirakawa rejected a post-match handshake in frustration.
  • David Finlay def. Brody King via pinfall
    The Bullet Club War Dogs leader overcame Brody King in a physical clash. King dominated early with his size and power, but Finlay exploited an opening with an eye poke, eventually hitting Overkill for the win. Post-match, Finlay seemed preoccupied with the loss of his IWGP Global title at Wrestle Kingdom.
  • Shota Umino def. Claudio Castagnoli via pinfall
    Shota Umino defeated Claudio Castagnoli in a statement-making victory. Claudio dominated early, using his power and technical prowess, but Umino rallied with Moxley-inspired elbow strikes and a Death Rider to secure the pin.
  • Konosuke Takeshita def. Tomohiro Ishii via pinfall to retain New Japan’s NEVER Openweight title & AEW International title
    One night after claiming the NEVER Openweight title, Konosuke Takeshita successfully defended it alongside his AEW International Championship against Tomohiro Ishii. The match was a brutal affair, with both men exchanging stiff strikes and power moves. Takeshita ultimately prevailed with his Raging Fire finisher.
  • Young Bucks def. Great-O-Khan & Jeff Cobb and Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi to win the vacant IWGP Tag Team titles
    The Young Bucks emerged victorious in a chaotic triple-threat match against Great-O-Khan & Jeff Cobb and LIJ’s Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi. True to form, the Bucks waited for their moments before diving into the action. They outlasted their opponents and sealed the win with a TK Driver, securing the vacant IWGP Tag Team Championships.
  • Yota Tsuji def. Jack Perry to retain the IWGP Global championship
    Yota Tsuji retained his newly won IWGP Global Championship in a match against Jack Perry. Perry played the heel, using dirty tactics to target Tsuji’s back. Despite Perry’s nearfalls, Tsuji rallied with a Gene Blaster spear to secure the win.
  • Kenny Omega def. Gabe Kidd via pinfall
    Kenny Omega’s return to action was a violent showdown with Gabe Kidd. The match featured suplexes, table spots, and even steel chair exchanges. Despite Kidd’s resilience and brutal piledrivers, Omega hit Kamigoye and the One-Winged Angel to emerge victorious. Post-match, NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi was seen visibly emotional, suggesting Kidd’s promising future.
  • Zack Sabre Jr. def. Ricochet via submission to retain the IWGP World Heavyweight championship
    In the night’s main event, Zack Sabre Jr. retained the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in a highly technical match against Ricochet. Ricochet’s high-flying offense was countered by Sabre’s calculated submission holds. After dodging a 630 splash, Sabre locked in The Inexorable March of Progress, forcing Ricochet to submit. Sabre closed the show with a passionate promo reaffirming his loyalty to NJPW and TMDK.

AEW Collision Preview 1/4/2025

AEW Collision live tonight on TNT & streaming on Max from the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, NC.

  • The Learning Tree vs. Rated FTR
  • AEW World Tag Team Championship: Private Party (c) vs. Action Andretti & Lio Rush
  • AEW TNT Championship: Daniel Garcia (c) vs. Mark Briscoe
  • Deonna Purrazzo vs. Toni Storm
  • Jeff Jarrett in action
  • Rock N’ Roll Express expected to appear

There will be a special meet and greet before the show with legends Rock N’ Roll Express

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1874953827440546236