Category: AEW

Fans Who Pre-Order AEW Fight Forever Will Be Able To Play More Than One Matt Hardy

“AEW Fight Forever” will be available to play on all major consoles come June 29, 2023. However, fans who pre-order the game will be able to play as Matt Hardy for free when it’s released later this month.

Furthermore, AEW Games has released a trailer for “Fight Forever” to promote Hardy’s inclusion. The teaser features the veteran wrestler as his “Broken” and Hardy Boyz personas, both of whom will be included as playable characters in the game. Both iterations of the wrestling veteran even sit down to play the game in the trailer.

https://twitter.com/AEWGames/status/1664255668025425928

It’s worth noting that the trailer states pre-ordering the game is the only way to get Hardy added for free. However, it remains unclear if he’ll be available as a downloadable character at a later date. Of course, it’s been speculated that some top AEW stars will be left out of the upcoming release. FTR was reportedly dropped from “Fight Forever” last year, but they’re expected to feature as DLCs down the line. Jake Hager, Isiah Kassidy, Jeff Hardy, and The Acclaimed may also have missed the first cut, but the full roster is expected to be confirmed very soon.

The good news, though, is that Eddie Kingston and the Young Bucks have been confirmed for “Fight Forever.” They join a list of names that includes Chris Jericho, Britt Baker, MJF, Kris Statlander, and many more. Interestingly, Cody Rhodes is also expected to be part of the game, despite leaving AEW to join WWE last year.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Tony Khan Confirms CM Punk Return For AEW Collision Debut

Tony Khan took to the TBS airwaves during Wednesday night’s “Dynamite” to announce that former AEW World Champion CM Punk will indeed be featured on the “Collision” debut on June 17 at the United Center in Punk’s hometown of Chicago, Illinois. The announcement was met with a mix of cheers and boos from the live crowd in San Diego, California.

Tony Khan Confirms CM Punk Return For AEW Collision Debut
Vivien Killilea/Getty Images
BY ROSS W BERMAN IV/UPDATED: MAY 31, 2023 9:19 PM EST
With “AEW Collision” on the horizon, one question has lingered in the minds of AEW fans, when will CM Punk return to the company?

Tony Khan took to the TBS airwaves during Wednesday night’s “Dynamite” to announce that the former AEW World Champion will be featured on the “Collision” debut on June 17 at the United Center in Punk’s hometown of Chicago, Illinois. The announcement was met with a mix of cheers and boos from the live crowd in San Diego, California.

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Punk had long been rumored as returning to the company, with his difficulties with some members of the locker room creating the necessity for “Collision” and what is rumored to be a roster split for AEW. Khan had been tight-lipped about Punk’s possible return, even as he continued to tout the “Collision” premiere. The announcement that the show would take place in Chicago’s United Center, the location of Punk’s AEW debut, further fed the speculation that Punk would be returning to action.

“AEW Collision” will air on Saturday nights at 8 PM ET on TNT and run two hours, making it the second major show for AEW behind its flagship program “Dynamite.”

Punk has not been on AEW programming since his infamous tirade after AEW All Out in September of last year that led to a backstage brawl between Punk, Kenny Omega, Matt and Nick Jackson, Punk’s friend and trainer Ace Steel, members of the AEW talent relations staff, and Punk’s dog Larry. Omega recently downplayed rumors of animosity, seemingly making light of the situation during his feud with the Blackpool Combat Club. 

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AEW Dynamite Preview 5/31/2023

AEW Dynamite will air live tonight on TBS and emanate from the Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl San Diego State University in San Diego, CA.

  • Fallout from Double or Nothing
  • AEW CEO, President and General Manager Tony Khan is scheduled to make an announcement about the debut of Collision.
  • Adam Cole and Britt Baker vs. Chris Jericho and Saraya
  • Promo segment with Don Callis and Konosuke Takeshita
  • The return of TBS Women’s Champion Kris Statlander to Dynamite

AEW Star Matt Jackson Provides Update On Bicep Injury, Explains Not Choosing Surgery

This past Sunday saw Matt Jackson of the Young Bucks compete in an Anarchy in the Arena match, pitting The Elite against the Blackpool Combat Club at AEW’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view. It was Jackson’s first match back since partially tearing his bicep in a trios’ title match back in March, with the AEW star confirming (via Instagram) that his arm has fully healed, and in far less time than initially anticipated.

“I got hurt about 10 weeks ago, literally on day one of the beginning of a very important story that we started,” Jackson wrote. “I was told there was a good chance I wouldn’t be cleared to perform again for 6-7 months after surgery. … I opted not to do surgery, but rather try other therapeutic options that’d get me back quicker.” Though he said he doubted the decision at points, Jackson chose physical therapy and other techniques rather than surgery. In the end, he was able to return quicker, and the AEW star says that his arm feels great in the aftermath of the highly-physical match.

The former AEW World Tag Team Champion continued to play a prominent part on AEW television despite his injury, furthering the storyline between The Elite and their BCC rivals on a regular basis. Last month, an update on Jackson’s injury cited stem cell procedures and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy as two of the reasons for the AEW star’s quick recovery progress.

“A few days removed from my first match back, my arm is great,” Jackson continued. “My strength is completely back [and] I couldn’t be happier. Everything else on my body, including my foot? Not so much.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AEW Double Or Nothing 5/28/2023 (Results)

The Buy In

The Hardy’s and Hook def. Ethan Page and The Gunns

Double Or Nothing

AEW INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 21-MAN BLACKJACK BATTLE ROYAL MATCH:
Orange Cassidy (c) def. The Butcher, The Blade, Bandido, Komander, Lee Moriarty, Big Bill, Ari Daivari, Tony Nese, Chuckie T, Trent Beretta, Kip Sabian, Rey Fenix, Penta El Zero Miedo, Swerve Strickland, Brian Cage, Ricky Starks, Jay White, Juice Robinson, Keith Lee and Dustin Rhodes

UNSACTIONED MATCH: (Special Enforcer Sabu)
Adam Cole def.. Chris Jericho

Sabu made his presence felt early, wiping out members of the Jericho Appreciation Society and driving “Daddy Magic” Matt Menard through a table. The brawl, also featuring Roderick Strong, headed to the back and left Cole and Jericho to have their match.

Britt Baker hit the ring and unloaded on Jericho with a kendo stick, retribution for the assault she suffered at the hands of The Outcasts in the build to the match. When Saraya attempted to make the save for The Ocho, she suffered the same fate. 

Cole pummeled Jericho late, pounding away at the heel, who failed to defend himself. Aubrey Edwards called for the bell and a referee stoppage. 

AEW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: (Special Guest Referee Mark Briscoe)
FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) (c) def.. Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal

Jarrett accidentally delivered a guitar shot to Briscoe and Karen Jarrett not at all accidentally leveled Aubrey Edwards with one of her own, drawing hearty, and unsavory, chants from the AEW faithful.

Double J disrespectfully berated Briscoe for not counting his pinfall of Harwood. Mark responded, shoving him right into the Shatter Machine as FTR retained their titles.

AEW TNT CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER MATCH:
Wardlow (c) def.. Christian Cage (with Luchasaurus)

AEW WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:
Jamie Hayter (c) vs. Toni Storm def. Jamie Hayter (c) to become New AEW Women’s world Champion

Saraya and Ruby Soho beat Hayter all the way down the ramp, further damaging her shoulder along the way.

Soho blinded Hayter with spraypaint.

Baker and Shida took the fight to the heels in support of their friend but Storm still managed to put Hayter away to win the title.

AEW WORLD TRIOS CHAMPIONSHIP – OPEN HOUSE RULESMATCH:
House of Black (c) def.. The Acclaimed and Daddy Ass

AEW TBS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:
Jade Cargill (c) def.. Taya Valkyrie

Taya delivered Road to Valhalla for the closest near-fall of the match and one of the better fan reactions of the night. Cargill responded with Jaded for the successful title defense. 

“Smart” Mark Sterling issued an open challenge on behalf  of Jade

Kris Statlander returned to and answered the open challenge

AEW TBS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:
Kris Statlander def. Jade Cargill (c) to become New TBS Champion

AEW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FOUR PILLARS FOUR-WAY MATCH:
MJF (c) def.. Darby Allin vs. Jungle Boy Jack Perry vs. Sammy Guevara

MJF slid the world title in the way of Allin’s Coffin Drop. He then pinned Allin with the same insulting headlock takeover that he infamously used at Full Gear 2021.

“I’m getting bored,” the champ said as made his way up the ramp, imploring AEW officials to find him more competition.

ANARCHY IN THE ARENA MATCH:
Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, and Bryan Danielson) def.. The Elite (Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson and “Hangman” Adam Page)

Don Callis gave Yuta a screwdriver and he used it on Page. He attempted to do the same to Omega but ate a V-Trigger.

Takeshita appeared from out of nowhere, wiped Omega out and Yuta scored the win with a seatbelt pin.

AEW Double or Nothing 5/28/2023 (Card)

  • Date: May 28, 2023
  • Time: 8PM ET
  • Location: T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada

Card

AEW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FOUR PILLARS FOUR-WAY MATCH:
MJF (c) vs. Darby Allin vs. Jungle Boy Jack Perry vs. Sammy Guevara

AEW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:
FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) (c) vs. Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal

UNSACTIONED MATCH: (Special Enforcer Sabu)
Adam Cole vs. Chris Jericho

AEW TNT CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER MATCH:
Wardlow (c) vs. Christian Cage (with Luchasaurus)

AEW INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 21-MAN BLACKJACK BATTLE ROYAL MATCH:
Orange Cassidy (c) vs. The Butcher, The Blade, Bandido, Komander, Lee Moriarty, Big Bill, Ari Daivari, Tony Nese, Chuckie T, Trent Beretta, Kip Sabian, Rey Fenix, Penta El Zero Miedo, Swerve Strickland, Brian Cage, Ricky Starks, Jay White, Juice Robinson, Keith Lee and Dustin Rhodes

AEW WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:
Jamie Hayter (c) vs. Toni Storm

ANARCHY IN THE ARENA MATCH:
Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, and Bryan Danielson) vs. The Elite (Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson and “Hangman” Adam Page)

AEW TBS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:
Jade Cargill (c) vs. Taya Valkyrie

AEW WORLD TRIOS CHAMPIONSHIP – OPEN HOUSE RULESMATCH:
House of Black (c) vs. The Acclaimed and Daddy Ass

The Buy In at 7PM ET on YouTube

Ethan Page and The Gunns (Austin Gunn and Colten Gunn) vs. The Hardy Party (Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy and Isiah Kassidy)

AEW Rampage Preview 5/26/2023

AEW Rampage is expected air at its regular time of 10:00 pm ET tonight on TNT.

  • Rush, Dralistico, and Preston Vance vs. The Acclaimed and Billy Gunn
  • Britt Baker & Hikaru Shida vs. Nyla Rose & Marina Shafir
  • Ethan Page & The Gunns in action
  • Lee Moriarty & Big Bill vs. Trent Beretta & Chuck Taylor

Tony Khan Comments On Rumors Of A Brand Split In AEW

With Collision set to debut next month, will AEW split its roster between their new show and Dynamite?

AEW‘s newest weekly show, a two-hour Saturday series called Collision, is set to begin next month, June 17, from the United Center at Chicago. Much of the conversation has been about whether CM Punk will be there (the location announcement seems to confirm that he will be), but there’s perhaps an even bigger topic to be addressed for the company’s long term future.

In a media call in the lead up to this week’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view, Tony Khan spoke about Collision and addressed rumors that AEW would be doing a brand split between Dynamite and Collision, similar to what WWE does with Raw and SmackDown. “I haven’t given a lengthy explanation yet for what I’m planning regarding the future of the roster and how people will be allocated across Dynamite and Collision and our other shows. It’s a great question, certainly. I can see why wrestling fans all over the world would be interested and curious about that. That’s frankly by design that we want to build that curiosity in and get people wondering exactly what you’re asking, ‘what’s the future of the AEW roster, and what does this all mean going forward after Double or Nothing?’ It’s a really good question and something we’ll be excited to follow up on.” (h/t Fightful)

Source: TheSportster

NDAs & Other Legal Things Taken Care Of Ahead Of CM Punk’s AEW Return

After All Elite Wrestling and CM Punk put their differences aside, he is scheduled to make his return to AEW on the debut episode of Collision on Saturday, June 17 in Chicago.

Last week it was reported that Punk was at odds with AEW, leading to him being pulled from the Collision promotional material due to a miscommunication over Ace Steel, who was part of the All Out 2022 brawl, being brought back as Punk was upset that Steel could not physically be at the TV tapings and would have had to work remotely.

Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio today that AEW had to take care of legal things and NDAs before Punk could return.

Source: eWn

Sabu debuts on AEW Dynamite

It had become a running joke in AEW, lights go down, and someone jokes that “It’s Sabu,” when it never ends up being Sabu. That all changed on Wednesday night. 

Sabu appeared during a contract signing segment between Chris Jericho and Adam Cole that was done to hype their Unsanctioned match this Sunday at Double or Nothing.

Jericho and Cole went back and forth on the attack on Britt Baker and then Jericho made it clear to Cole that he has more backup than Cole for the match on Sunday. Cole, who knew that Jericho would say that, said that he was going to bring someone even crazier than him and the JAS and that person would be there, along with Roderick Strong, to back him up this Sunday night.

Sabu’s music played and he took out the JAS with chair shots to the face.

For all intents and purposes, Sabu is retired, having not wrestled a match since 2021, which makes him the latest in a long line of veteran wrestlers that have appeared in AEW as something of a mentor figure. Sabu is something of a left-field choice for Cole and Strong but with Kyle O’Reilly recovering from neck surgery and Bobby Fish seemingly on the outs with the company, Cole needs someone in his corner alongside Strong, and Sabu’s hardcore bona fides make him a good fit.

Sabu has a history with another piece of AEW’s lineage, as he is the only other man in the history of Extreme Championship Wrestling to hold the FTW Championship besides Taz, which has become something of a legacy title in AEW, currently held by Taz’s son Hook. Sabu has not received a graphic indicating that he is in any way signed to AEW.

Sabu was a key part of the ECW roster, helping popularize a particular type of high-flying action that would be emulated by countless wrestlers in the years that followed. Industry veterans who worked with Sabu, such as Rob Van Dam and Paul Heyman, believe Sabu should be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame for his contributions to the industry, and it seems Waltman would be in agreement. During his tenure with ECW, Sabu was a two-time World Heavyweight Champion and a three-time World Tag Team Champion. Additionally, Sabu previously performed in WWE, WCW, NJPW, TNA, and countless independent promotions over the years.

Sabu was hospitalized following a medical emergency just last month. Sabu later gave an update on social media, stating that he was feeling much better.