AEW Dynamite on 34th St. Christmas Special on TBS from New York City.
After spending a year and a half recovering from injury, Bandido’s long-awaited return to AEW turned bittersweet over the weekend. The Mexican wrestling star made a surprise appearance at ROH Final Battle, confronting Chris Jericho and The Learning Tree in what was expected to be the start of a heated new storyline. However, Bandido’s moment was cut short after he suffered a concussion almost immediately upon entering the ring.
Taking to Instagram, Bandido confirmed the concussion and shared his thoughts on the challenging road ahead.
“What a weekend!” Bandido wrote. “All I can do is thank God for allowing me to wake up another day after all that has happened! The blow was in a delicate area of my head, now just to wait till there is no brain inflammation.”
While expressing gratitude to his fans for their support, Bandido admitted to being frustrated by the turn of events. He described the recovery process as the “hardest battle” of his career and invoked an inspiring message, paraphrasing Rocky Balboa: it’s not about how hard you get hit, but how you get back up.
The injury comes at a tough time for Bandido, who has faced a string of setbacks since joining AEW. His debut match in 2023 saw him take on Chris Jericho in a memorable contest for the ROH World Championship on AEW Dynamite. Unfortunately, Bandido suffered a broken wrist in June while wrestling Konosuke Takeshita on AEW Rampage, sidelining him for months.
The recent concussion not only delays Bandido’s in-ring return but also derails a planned feud with Jericho, as reported by F4WOnline. While no timeline has been provided for his recovery, the severity of concussions often varies, meaning Bandido’s time away will depend on how quickly his brain heals.
Despite the setbacks, fans and colleagues remain optimistic about Bandido’s eventual return. Known for his high-flying style and incredible charisma, Bandido has the potential to be a cornerstone of AEW and ROH once he’s fully healthy. For now, however, the focus remains on his recovery and ensuring he doesn’t rush back too soon.
Here’s wishing Bandido a full and speedy recovery
After three years on the air, AEW Rampage is officially taking its final bow—at least for now. Tony Khan broke the news during Sunday’s AEW Dynamite taping, confirming that this Friday’s episode will be the last for the foreseeable future. The announcement, made to the live crowd, left room for a potential return down the line, but for now, Rampage will bid farewell as AEW looks toward the future of its programming.
The final Rampage episode will feature four matches, taped at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. The card includes appearances from fan favorites like Private Party, Thunder Rosa, and HOOK. In the night’s biggest match, Chris Jericho defeated Anthony Bowens of The Acclaimed, though his ROH World Championship was not at stake.
The taping capped off AEW’s three-night stay at the iconic Hammerstein Ballroom, where they also held the ROH Final Battle pay-per-view and a Saturday edition of AEW Collision. Fans at the venue and watching at home praised the shows, signaling that AEW’s experiment with smaller venues may be paying off.
While Rampage is wrapping up, speculation is swirling about what’s next for AEW’s television offerings. Rumors suggest that AEW has been in talks with another media company, with Fox frequently mentioned as a possible partner. Earlier this year, AEW trademarked the name “Shockwave,” sparking chatter that it could be the title of a new series. However, no official details have been announced.
AEW’s move to sunset Rampage comes on the heels of their new media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, potentially signaling a shift in their overall strategy. Whether this means a fresh weekly show or other innovative programming, fans are eager to see how the company will evolve its approach.
Tony Khan’s phrasing—“for the foreseeable future”—keeps the door open for a Rampage return. In the meantime, AEW’s focus appears to be on refining its other flagship programs and exploring new opportunities for growth.
AEW Christmas Collision live on TNT from the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City.
ROH Final Battle: Top Highlights, Shocking Moments, and Title Changes
Ring of Honor’s Final Battle delivered a thrilling mix of in-ring artistry, dramatic storytelling, and jaw-dropping surprises. From stunning heel turns to unexpected alliances, the event left fans buzzing. Let’s dive into the most memorable matches and moments.
The action kicked off with GYV targeting John Silver’s injured hamstring, utilizing their ruthless efficiency to outmaneuver the Dark Order. Despite a fiery hot tag to Alex Reynolds and Evil Uno’s antics involving Mr. Brodie Lee’s papers, GYV capitalized with their Grit Your Teeth finisher to secure the win.
Stardom’s powerhouse, Hanako, showcased her strength, shrugging off Harley Cameron’s Shining Wizard. A brutal backbreaker followed by a torture rack buster sealed the deal for the dominant Hanako.
Amid chaotic interference from Shane Taylor and Trish Adora, The Kingdom’s experience shone through. Despite a near-fall after Infantry’s Boot Camp finisher, The Kingdom rebounded with the Rockstar Supernova combo to win.
Lee Johnson and EJ Nduka fell to the imposing Gates of Agony after a brutal double crucifix slam. Post-match, Johnson and Nduka blindsided their opponents in a shocking heel turn, cementing their status as dangerous adversaries.
Atlantis Jr. bested Mansoor with a picture-perfect frog splash, but the moment fans will remember came courtesy of a masked intruder—Danhausen. With a “very evil” crotch punch to Mason Madden, Danhausen tipped the scales in Atlantis Jr.’s favor, setting up a post-match curse and teeth-laden assault.
Katsuyori Shibata’s technical brilliance was on full display as he countered Tommy Billington’s flying headbutt with precise strikes. A well-timed sleeper hold secured a tap-out victory for the wrestling maestro.
This match was pure madness, with QT channeling NWO Randy Savage and Lethal embracing his Black Machismo persona. Highlights included dueling figure-four leg locks and Jeff Jarrett smashing Aaron Solo with a guitar. Lethal’s back-to-back Lethal Injections finally put QT down in a highly entertaining spectacle.
In a physical showdown, Velvet resorted to underhanded tactics, clocking Leyla Hirsch with a hidden wrench to retain her championship. The post-match reaction hinted at a full-blown heel turn for Velvet.
Nigel’s surprise return brought an old-school feel to the Pure Championship match. After an intense back-and-forth, Lee Moriarty forced Nigel to submit with the Border City Stretch, overcoming McGuinness’s legendary wit and rule-bending.
Tied to their respective opponents, Rhodes and Guevara delivered a violent spectacle. Highlights included Dustin smashing Dutch through a barbed wire table and Sammy’s GTH to Vincent. A Dusty Rhodes-inspired cowbell shot from Dustin sealed the victory.
Komander outlasted five other competitors in an electric elimination match to become the new champion. His dazzling high-flying offense, including a rope-walking shooting star press, earned a standing ovation as he pinned Blake Christian to claim the gold.
Chris Jericho embraced his “Le Champion” theatrics, entering to Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” before engaging in a grueling contest with Matt Cardona. Despite Cardona’s best efforts and a seven-count visual pinfall, outside interference from Bryan Keith secured Jericho’s victory. Afterward, Bandido made a surprise return to fend off Jericho and his cronies, setting up a likely title clash down the road.
In an emotional battle, Athena’s relentless targeting of Starkz’s knee led to a decisive victory after the O-Face flying stunner. After the match, Athena laughed at Starkz crying on the mat.
AEW Rampage Holiday Bash tonight on TNT.
After spending all of 2024 sidelined with diverticulitis, former AEW World Champion Kenny Omega is finally set for an in-ring return. Omega’s first official match back will see him face NJPW STRONG Openweight Champion Gabe Kidd at Wrestle Dynasty on January 5, 2025, in the iconic Tokyo Dome. But while fans eagerly await Omega’s return to Japan, reports suggest his comeback to AEW could happen even sooner.
According to Fightful Select, Omega’s return to AEW is likely to take place before his NJPW bout. In fact, there’s been significant internal discussion about potentially bringing Omega back at AEW’s final pay-per-view of the year, Worlds End, on December 28. Although nothing has been officially confirmed, this would be a monumental way for AEW to close out 2024 and kickstart Omega’s next chapter.
Omega’s return has been highly anticipated, and AEW has already begun building momentum. A vignette promoting his comeback aired during the Holiday Bash edition of AEW Dynamite, sparking excitement among fans. However, AEW has noticeably avoided mentioning Omega’s Wrestle Dynasty match against Gabe Kidd, raising questions about what role Omega might play upon his return.
Interestingly, Omega’s choice to have his first match back in Japan rather than AEW is reportedly part of a goodwill gesture to New Japan Pro Wrestling. Sources close to the situation indicate that AEW President Tony Khan personally approved the decision to strengthen the working relationship between AEW and NJPW. Omega himself has also spoken about the move, expressing his desire to repay NJPW for its role in shaping his career.
Before his health setback, Omega was reportedly on track for a high-profile feud with Kazuchika Okada, a rivalry that would have reunited two of the best to ever compete in NJPW. While it remains unclear if AEW will pick up those plans, Omega’s return opens up countless storytelling possibilities, especially as AEW heads into 2025 with growing momentum.
Omega’s absence this year left a noticeable void in AEW, but his return promises to reignite the fanbase. Whether it’s at Worlds End on December 28 or another major AEW show leading into the new year, the wrestling world will be watching closely to see how “The Cleaner” re-establishes himself on the AEW stage.
Stay tuned to wrestlingnewsblog.com for further updates on Kenny Omega’s return, his role in AEW, and his upcoming clash with Gabe Kidd at NJPW’s Wrestle Dynasty. One thing’s for sure: 2025 is about to get a whole lot cleaner.
Former AEW TNT Champion Adam Copeland has been absent from the ring since suffering a brutal tibia injury during his Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match against Malakai Black at Double or Nothing in May. The injury forced Copeland to relinquish the TNT Championship and put him on the sidelines for months. However, it seems his time away is finally coming to an end.
According to a report from Fightful Select, Copeland has officially been medically cleared to return and could be making his comeback sooner rather than later. Most in AEW reportedly believe that his return will take place on the January 1 episode of AEW Dynamite: Fight for the Fallen. The timing and location make a lot of sense for several reasons.
Firstly, AEW’s January 1 Dynamite marks their streaming debut on MAX, making it a major milestone for the company. Secondly, the show will take place in Asheville, North Carolina, a city where Copeland currently resides. Adding more fuel to the speculation, FTR, who are also Asheville locals, recently teased that they wouldn’t be coming to Fight for the Fallen “alone.” If those comments are anything to go by, Copeland could very well be joining them in some capacity.
While Copeland has reportedly been training in preparation for his in-ring return after being medically cleared , he’s also been keeping busy outside the ring. He’s currently shooting the second season of Disney+’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians, where he plays Ares, the God of War. The filming is expected to wrap in January, so it remains to be seen whether Copeland’s potential appearance at Fight for the Fallen will be a one-off or if he’ll resume a more consistent schedule.
Interestingly, Copeland’s acting career has been thriving. He recently earned a Children’s and Family Emmy Award nomination for his work as Ares in the first season of Percy Jackson. Between his wrestling success and his Hollywood recognition, Copeland is proving once again why he’s one of the most versatile stars in the industry.
Adding to the importance of Fight for the Fallen, all proceeds from the show will go toward hurricane relief efforts in Asheville and surrounding areas following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. With AEW combining a charitable cause, a major streaming debut, and a potential surprise return, the January 1 Dynamite could be one of AEW’s biggest shows of the year.
Will Adam Copeland return to AEW on January 1 and kick off 2025 with a bang? If the speculation holds true, fans are in for an unforgettable night in Asheville! Stay tuned to wrestlingnewsblog.com for any updates on Copeland’s status and AEW’s Fight for the Fallen.
AEW Dynamite Holiday Bash airs live tonight on TBS from the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington, DC.
TBS Championship Match: Mercedes Mone’ (c) vs. Anna Jay
Jon Moxley, PAC and Wheeler Yuta vs. Hangman Page, Orange Cassidy and Jay hite
Continental Classic Gold League Match: Will Ospreay vs. Darby Allin
Continental Classic Blue League Match: Shelton Benjamin vs. The Beast Mortos
Hook and Katsuyori Shibata vs. Christian Cage and Nick Wayne
We’ll hear from FTR in a message from their hometown of Asheville, North Carolina
MJF will appear live
It looks like “Alwayz Ready” Matt Cardona might be closer than ever to a major return to the big leagues. According to Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer, AEW has officially offered Cardona a contract, with discussions reportedly nearing the finish line. While it’s unclear if the deal has been signed yet, Meltzer noted, “I know he was offered a contract. I don’t know if he signed. I guess maybe [he’s] close, yeah.”
If this deal comes through, it would mark Cardona’s first long-term contract with a major promotion since his WWE release in 2020. Cardona has been one of the busiest and most talked-about names on the independent scene since then, building a reputation in promotions like GCW, NWA, and IMPACT Wrestling. Now, he’s making waves again through a storyline with Chris Jericho that has been turning heads across AEW and its sister promotion, Ring of Honor (ROH).
Further fueling speculation about Cardona’s future, AEW has started selling official Matt Cardona merchandise through its online store. The shirt, featuring a skull rocking Cardona’s signature headband and the text “Alwayz Ready,” includes a notable detail in the fine print: “All Merchandise is owned by Ring of Honor.” This suggests that while Cardona may technically be signed to ROH, AEW’s flexible contracts would still allow him to make appearances on both platforms.
Cardona’s recent presence in ROH has been significant. On December 5, he stepped into the spotlight to challenge ROH World Champion Chris Jericho, setting up a showdown at Final Battle on December 20. Adding even more fuel to their feud, Jericho crashed Cardona’s December 14 booking at GCW, disguised in a hoodie and face bandana. Jericho blindsided Cardona with a baseball bat shot, allowing Effy to pick up the victory. But Jericho wasn’t done — after revealing his identity, he left Effy lying with a Judas Effect, adding an exclamation point to the chaos.
In AEW itself, Cardona has also been picking up momentum. On the December 13 episode of AEW Rampage, he secured a victory against rising star Bryan Keith. This win and the ongoing angle with Jericho suggest AEW may already be positioning Cardona for bigger things. However, if he does sign on the dotted line, the current story developments indicate that Cardona might see his primary role in ROH — at least for now — while still having the flexibility to shine under the AEW banner when Tony Khan and his creative team see fit.
For Matt Cardona, a major AEW/ROH contract would be the culmination of years of hustle and reinvention since his WWE departure. Cardona has proven himself as a versatile performer, capable of working as both a dominant main-eventer and an entertaining heel. From his hardcore battles in GCW to his indie world championships, Cardona has shown he can thrive anywhere. Now, as his feud with Jericho picks up steam, fans will be watching closely to see how this storyline unfolds — and where exactly Alwayz Ready ends up in AEW and ROH’s expanding universe.
With Final Battle just around the corner and the AEW/ROH machine gaining momentum, Cardona’s next move could be one of the biggest stories of the month. Stay tuned!
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