Category: AEW

AEW Full Gear 11/23/2024 (Card)

AEW Full Gear – Saturday, November 23 – Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey

AEW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP:
Jon Moxley (c) vs. Orange Cassidy

AEW INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP:
Konosuke Takeshita (c) vs. Ricochet

Kyle Fletcher vs. Will Ospreay

AEW TNT CHAMPIONSHIP:
Jack Perry (c) vs. Daniel Garcia

AEW TBS CHAMPIONSHIP:
Mercedes Moné (c) (with Kamille) vs. Kris Statlander

Swerve Strickland vs. Bobby Lashley

AEW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP:
Private Party (c) vs. The Outrunners vs. Kings of the Black Throne (Malakai Black and Brody King) vs. The Acclaimed

MJF vs. Roderick Strong

Jay White vs. “Hangman” Adam Page

[ZERO HOUR]
Deonna Purrazzo (with Taya Valkyrie) vs. Anna Jay

[ZERO HOUR]
“Big Boom!” A.J. (with Big Justice) vs. Q. T. Marshall

[ZERO HOUR]
Dante Martin vs. The Beast Mortos vs. Komander vs. Buddy Matthews

AEW Rampage Preview 11/22/2024

AEW Rampage tonight on TNT/

  • The Dark Order vs. The Conglomeration (Mark Briscoe, Tomohiro Ishii & Rocky Romero)
  • Mariah May & Mina Shirakawa vs. Nyla Rose & Harley Cameron
  • Juice Robinson vs. The Butcher
  • QT Marshall and Big Boom! AJ Weigh-In for AEW Full Gear Zero Hour

AEW Prepares To Move Shows To Smaller Venues

AEW is making moves to refine its live event experience, starting with a winter lineup that features smaller, more intimate venues. Notable locations include the iconic Hammerstein Ballroom, among others in cities the company has previously visited. While the strategy signals a shift in AEW’s touring model, it also comes with logistical challenges.

According to Bryan Alvarez of Figure Four Weekly, one of the hurdles AEW is facing involves their production equipment. The promotion’s current lighting rig—known for its size and weight—proved incompatible with the smaller venues on their upcoming schedule.

To address this, AEW is reportedly retooling its setup to better suit these spaces. This adjustment is part of what is expected to be “a lot of changes” to the company’s production as it heads into 2024.

Why the Move to Smaller Venues?

AEW’s decision to pivot toward smaller arenas could stem from several factors. These more intimate settings can offer fans a closer, more electric experience while also addressing ticket demand in certain markets. Iconic locations like the Hammerstein Ballroom also bring a level of prestige and history that resonates with wrestling audiences.

While the lighting rig dilemma highlights the challenges of adapting to these venues, it’s clear AEW is committed to ensuring a smooth transition. The promise of updated production in the new year suggests fans can expect an evolved look and feel at AEW shows going forward.

What Could “A Lot of Changes” Mean?

The term “a lot of changes” has already sparked speculation among fans. From revamped lighting and staging to new camera setups or even enhanced audio systems, these adjustments could modernize AEW’s overall presentation while maintaining its distinct identity.

As AEW prepares for its winter run and looks toward the future, it’s clear the company is aiming to deliver a polished product that works for venues of all sizes. Whether it’s in a massive arena or a historic ballroom, AEW seems determined to make every show feel special.

Tony Khan Provides An Update On Toni Storm’s Future

AEW President Tony Khan has shed light on the status of “Timeless” Toni Storm following her recent dramatic announcement about retiring from professional wrestling.

Earlier this week, Storm made waves by declaring that she was stepping away from the ring after a string of high-profile losses. Reflecting on her recent setbacks, the former AEW Women’s World Champion stated, “I’ve failed at everything. I lost in AEW, I lost in Japan, I lost in Mexico. This is the last you’ll hear from me again.”

The heartfelt declaration left fans stunned, sparking concerns about the future of one of AEW’s most unique and charismatic stars.

Speaking during a media call on Thursday to promote the upcoming AEW Full Gear 2024 pay-per-view event, Khan addressed Storm’s emotional remarks and provided some clarity.

“Timeless Toni Storm has been a great world champion for AEW. I think reports of her demise have been greatly exaggerated,” Khan said. He added, “I still expect Toni Storm will have a great wrestling career, but she’s really struggling, clearly, with what’s happened. She lost the world title, she lost her protégé. I think she feels like she lost everything, and now she’s lost.”

Khan expressed hope for the return of Storm to AEW, emphasizing her importance to the promotion. “I hope Toni Storm can find herself and come back to us in AEW because Timeless Toni Storm is a great part of AEW,” he concluded.

What’s Next for Toni Storm?

It’s no secret that Storm has been one of AEW’s most captivating performers, particularly since embracing her “Timeless” persona. A mixture of old Hollywood glam and unhinged unpredictability, Storm’s character has been a breakout hit, offering some of AEW’s most entertaining segments in recent months.

Still, her losses in the ring—both in AEW and abroad—seem to have taken a toll on her confidence. Fans are left wondering if Storm’s comments signal a character-driven development or a genuine moment of introspection for the star.

As Full Gear approaches, Storm’s future remains a hot topic. Whether this is the end of “Timeless” Toni Storm or the start of her next great chapter, the wrestling world will be watching closely.

AEW’s Kenny Omega Challenges NJPW Star To Match At Wrestle Dynasty

After spending all of 2024 sidelined due to a battle with diverticulitis, AEW’s Kenny Omega is officially ready to make his long-anticipated return to the ring. The former AEW World Champion wasted no time stirring the pot, issuing a challenge that could define NJPW’s Wrestle Dynasty on January 5, 2025. Omega is prepared to face NJPW STRONG Openweight Champion Gabe Kidd, with tensions between the two already boiling over after their heated exchange at NJPW’s Power Struggle event earlier this month.

The Challenge That Shook NJPW

In an interview with NJPW1972.com, Omega opened up about the incident with Kidd and expressed his desire to resolve their issues in the ring. Omega emphasized his respect for the business and the relationship between AEW and NJPW while laying the groundwork for a monumental clash.

“I’d like to address recent circumstances, and things that have happened with Gabe Kidd,” Omega stated. “I’ve had time to reflect after Power Struggle, and I feel I would regret not being able to make things right. I would hate for this situation to cause a rift between AEW and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. So after conversations I’ve had with President Tanahashi and other executives in NJPW, I’ve decided that if New Japan requests it, if Gabe requests it, and if the fans want it, then I will wrestle Gabe Kidd, as a professional, at Wrestle Dynasty January 5.”

This public challenge now puts the ball squarely in Kidd’s court. Known for his brash attitude, Kidd has already been vocal about his disdain for Omega, criticizing the former AEW star for his supposed arrogance during his NJPW appearances. With Wrestle Dynasty just weeks away, all eyes are on Kidd to see if he will accept what could be the biggest match of his career.

Plans Shift for Wrestle Dynasty

Omega’s challenge has not only captivated fans but also shaken up the plans for January 5. Omega was initially rumored to team up with NJPW legend Hiroshi Tanahashi to face The Young Bucks in a high-profile tag match. With Omega now setting his sights on Kidd, it appears those plans have been shelved—or perhaps transformed into a different storyline altogether. The Young Bucks, former AEW World Tag Team Champions, have already confirmed their participation in Wrestle Dynasty, though their opponents remain a mystery.

A New Year, A New Chapter for Omega

Omega’s return marks a significant moment not only for NJPW fans but for professional wrestling as a whole. Having been absent for an entire year due to illness, his comeback is expected to reignite his storied career while potentially solidifying his legacy in NJPW. A clash with Gabe Kidd offers an opportunity for both men to showcase their skills on one of wrestling’s biggest stages.

As the road to Wrestle Dynasty heats up, Omega’s challenge has set the stage for what could be one of the Tokyo Dome’s most talked-about matches. Will Gabe Kidd step up and seize the opportunity, or will Omega’s return take a different twist? Wrestling fans will have their answer soon enough.

AEW Dynamite Preview 11/20/2024

Tonight’s AEW Dynamite, which is the go-home show for Saturday’s Full Gear will air live on TBS and take place from the Santander Arena in Reading, Pennsylvania.

  • All Star 8-Man Tag Team Match: Will Ospreay, Ricochet, Powerhouse Hobbs & Mark Davis vs. Don Callis Family (Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Lance Archer & Brian Cage)
  • CMLL stars Hechicero, Atlantis Jr., and Mascara Dorada will be in action
  • Contract signing with Chris Jericho and Tomohiro Ishii ROH World Championship Match at Full Gear
  • Big Boom! AJ of the Costco Guys to appear
  • Orange Cassidy vs. Wheeler Yuta
  • Darby Allin vs. Claudio Castagnoli
  • Kris Statlander vs. Hikaru Shida

Danhausen’s AEW Future in Limbo Amid Long Hiatus

Danhausen, AEW’s “Very Nice, Very Evil” sensation, has been notably absent from television since Worlds End 2023, and a new report reveals that his status with the company remains uncertain. According to Fightful Select, Danhausen is not currently part of AEW’s creative plans, and discussions about his return have been minimal at best.

Communication Breakdown

Sources indicate that communication between AEW and Danhausen has been sporadic, limited primarily to securing approvals for his independent wrestling bookings. While this practice is standard for talent under AEW contracts, it highlights the lack of ongoing dialogue about his role within the company.

Plans for Danhausen’s return from injury were reportedly in the works last year but were later shelved. Frustrated by the situation, Danhausen directly approached Tony Khan to express his concerns. Earlier this year, there were attempts to integrate him back into AEW programming, with Bryan Danielson championing his return. Despite this support, no concrete plans materialized.

Creative Challenges and Personal Priorities

One potential sticking point was scheduling. AEW insiders reportedly believe Danhausen prioritized independent bookings over AEW’s Collision, which airs on Saturdays. However, Danhausen has maintained that his availability was dictated by family commitments, which fluctuated throughout the year.

Contract Status

Danhausen’s AEW contract is set to expire in the summer of 2025, leaving the door open for a potential return or departure from the company. For now, no active creative plans are in place, and it seems his focus remains on independent wrestling, where his eccentric persona continues to thrive.

What’s Next for Danhausen?

Fans of Danhausen, known for his unique mix of humor and supernatural antics, are left wondering what the future holds. Whether he finds a path back to AEW or explores opportunities elsewhere, his charismatic presence remains in high demand on the indie circuit.

Stay tuned to WrestlingNewsBlog.com for updates on Danhausen’s status and all the latest AEW news!

AEW Collision Preview 11/16/2024

AEW Collision tonight on TNT, tonight’s show was taped at the MVP Arena in Albany, New York on Thursday night.

  • AEW Full Gear Contender Series Match: La Faccion Ingobernable (Rush and Mortos) vs. The Acclaimed
  • AEW Women’s World Championship – No DQ Match: Mariah May (c) vs. Anna Jay
  • Harley Cameron vs. Mina Shirakawa
  • Johnny TV vs. Daniel Garcia
  • Shelton Benjamin vs. Komander
  • Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Bulk Bronson

AEW Rampage Preview 11/15/2024

AEW Rampage tonight on TNT.

  • Ricochet vs. Dante Martin
  • Mark Briscoe vs. Ariya Daivari
  • Leila Grey vs. Hikaru Shida
  • Rocky Romero vs. Komander
  • La Faccion Ingobernable in action

Speedball Mike Bailey Done With TNA, Expected To Sign With AEW

The wrestling world is abuzz with speculation following the news that “Speedball” Mike Bailey’s contract with TNA Wrestling officially expired on November 1. The dynamic former X-Division Champion, known for his high-octane in-ring style, is now a free agent—but it appears his next move is already in the works.

According to a report from Fightful Select, Bailey is expected to sign with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in the near future. Sources close to Bailey and those within TNA have indicated that the talented star won’t be on the market for long. Interestingly, the report also highlighted that if Bailey were destined for WWE, whether on the main roster or NXT, there would have been no need for TNA to write him off television. This detail stems from the existing working relationship between TNA and WWE, which allows talent transitions without storyline departures.

Bailey’s potential move to AEW comes after a strong year of performances in TNA, where he showcased his versatility and ability to deliver standout matches. His fan-friendly style and undeniable charisma make him a natural fit for AEW’s diverse roster. Notably, Bailey was spotted backstage at an AEW Collision taping earlier this summer, reportedly visiting friends—a sighting that now seems more significant in hindsight.

Bailey’s last TNA Wrestling appearance came on the November 7 episode of “Impact,” when he lost the X-Division Championship to Moose. Afterward, Bailey’s ally Trent Seven shockingly betrayed him with a low blow and a lariat.

Bailey walks away from TNA Wrestling as a three-time X-Division Champion. Prior to losing the title to Moose, Bailey successfully defended it against El Hijo del Vikingo at TNA Bound for Glory, marking their first singles match since the GCW’s Joey Janela’s Spring Break event in 2023.