Juice Robinson’s hopes of closing out 2024 with a strong showing in AEW’s Continental Classic Gold League were dashed when the charismatic “Rock Hard” star suffered a broken fibula in his opening round match against Will Ospreay. The injury forces Robinson out of the tournament, paving the way for luchador Komander to step in as his replacement.
According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer, Robinson’s injury occurred just three minutes into the match while attempting to block an Ospreay sunset flip. Though a still photograph reportedly reveals his left foot bending unnaturally, Robinson showed no immediate reaction and soldiered on. His performance included a high-risk top-rope move, demonstrating remarkable resilience despite unknowingly competing with a serious injury. The only noticeable hiccup came when his leg buckled during an Ospreay hurricanrana attempt.
AEW has yet to provide an official timeline for Robinson’s recovery, leaving fans to wonder how long the fan-favorite star will be sidelined. In the meantime, the company has made an intriguing choice by replacing Robinson in the Gold League with Komander, a high-flying luchador and former AAA World Cruiserweight Champion.
Komander’s journey in the Continental Classic kicks off on Rampage this Friday, where he’ll face Ricochet in what promises to be an exhilarating clash of styles. The high-stakes action continues just one day later on Collision, with Komander taking on Darby Allin.
While Robinson’s exit is undoubtedly a blow to the tournament, Komander’s inclusion brings a fresh dynamic to the competition, offering fans the kind of thrilling, high-octane action that has defined AEW’s in-ring style. Fans will now watch closely to see if Komander can capitalize on this unexpected opportunity.
AEW star Juice Robinson may be facing a significant setback after sustaining an injury during his Continental Classic match against Will Ospreay at last week’s AEW Collision tapings. The injury, which appears to affect his left foot or ankle, was serious enough that Robinson was spotted using crutches and wearing a wrap at WrestleCade shortly afterward.
Latest on Robinson’s Condition
On a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer provided updates on Robinson’s medical status. According to Meltzer, the Bullet Club Gold member is concerned that he may have suffered a broken foot. Robinson has already undergone X-rays, but the results had not been made public as of earlier this week.
If the worst-case scenario is confirmed, Robinson’s participation in AEW’s prestigious Continental Classic tournament could be in jeopardy. Robinson is currently competing in the Gold League of the tournament, where each match carries significant weight in determining the eventual champion.
Potential Outcomes for AEW’s Tournament
Should Robinson be unable to continue, AEW faces a challenging decision. Meltzer speculated on possible scenarios, including Robinson being forced to forfeit his remaining matches or AEW introducing a replacement to fill his spot. Both options would undoubtedly shake up the tournament landscape, which is a cornerstone of AEW programming in the coming weeks.
The stakes are particularly high for Robinson, as the Continental Classic offers competitors the opportunity to elevate their status within the company while vying for a title opportunity.
What’s Next?
Fans and officials alike are eagerly awaiting further updates on Robinson’s condition. If the injury proves to be less severe than feared, Robinson may still compete with limited physicality. However, AEW’s emphasis on wrestler safety means they are unlikely to take unnecessary risks.
For now, the wrestling world sends its best wishes to Juice Robinson as he navigates this difficult time. Whether he continues in the Continental Classic or takes time off to heal, his in-ring charisma and relentless fighting style will be missed by fans around the globe.
Stay tuned as more details about Robinson’s injury and AEW’s plans for the tournament emerge in the coming days.
Maria Kanellis, a beloved figure in AEW and ROH, has shared an uplifting health update after months of concern surrounding a rare medical diagnosis. Back in July, Kanellis revealed that doctors had discovered a mass on her adrenal gland, later identified as a pheochromocytoma—a rare tumor affecting only 8 out of every 1,000,000 people.
This type of tumor can cause dangerous spikes in adrenaline, impacting vital functions like blood pressure and heart rate. In October, Kanellis underwent surgery to remove the tumor but experienced complications during her recovery. Despite the challenges, she remained positive and determined, supported by fans and the wrestling community.
Yesterday, Kanellis took to her X account (formerly Twitter) to deliver the news everyone was hoping for:
“Hello. I wanted to give you guys an update. I know it’s been a little bit. It took a little bit for the pathology to get back, but I wanted to let you guys know that I am cancer-free. The tumor was not cancerous. We are so incredibly grateful and thankful to be moving into this holiday season cancer-free and to not have that worry. Thank you so much for all of the well-wishes and the prayers.”
The diagnosis and treatment were undoubtedly daunting, but Kanellis’ announcement brings hope and relief not only to her family and fans but also to those who may be battling similar health challenges. Her journey serves as a testament to resilience and the power of a supportive community.
As she celebrates this milestone, Kanellis can now look forward to focusing on her family and career without the shadow of this rare condition hanging over her. With the holiday season upon us, her news is a reminder of what truly matters—health, gratitude, and the strength to overcome life’s obstacles.
Adam Copeland, better known to fans as the “Rated R Superstar,” is on the mend and eager to make his in-ring return. The AEW star has been sidelined since Double or Nothing 2024, where he suffered a tibia fracture after leaping off a steel cage in a high-risk stunt. Now, Copeland has been medically cleared to compete and recently offered fans a glimpse of his recovery progress.
“My Brain Forgets I’m 51”: Copeland Reflects on His Injury
Appearing on The Leafs Nation podcast, Copeland shared insights into both his recovery and his mindset.
“I feel good,” Copeland stated. “You know, my brain forgets I’m 51, but my body quickly reminded me: ‘Yeah, you just jumped from 21 feet, a**hole. Like, that’s technically three stories. You’re 51, quit it.’ But I feel good. I’m ready to get back at it and to get busy again.”
The comments reflect both Copeland’s signature humor and his determination to resume his AEW career. Despite his readiness to return, he didn’t disclose exactly when fans might see him back in the ring.
Balancing Wrestling and Hollywood
Part of the reason for Copeland’s delay in returning to AEW television is his involvement in the entertainment world. The veteran wrestler is currently filming the second season of Disney+’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians, where he plays the god of war, Ares. Production is expected to wrap in January 2024, which conveniently lines up with several major events on AEW’s calendar.
Opportunities for a Grand Return
AEW has no shortage of opportunities to reintroduce Copeland in a big way. January marks the highly anticipated AEW x NJPW Wrestle Dynasty event, a collaboration with stars from Stardom and CMLL. Meanwhile, February sees AEW traveling to Australia for its first-ever Grand Slam event Down Under. Either event would be a fitting stage for the Rated R Superstar’s comeback, especially given the international buzz surrounding both shows.
A Legacy in AEW
Since debuting at WrestleDream 2023, Copeland has wasted no time making an impact in AEW. His highlights include becoming TNT Champion and reigniting his storied rivalry with Christian Cage, who now leads the devious Patriarchy faction. Their emotional and intense feud has brought a deeply personal element to AEW’s programming, cementing Copeland as a key player.
What’s Next for Copeland?
As Copeland wraps up his acting commitments and prepares for an in-ring return, fans can expect him to pick up right where he left off. Whether continuing his feud with Christian Cage or targeting new challengers, the Rated R Superstar’s comeback is sure to shake up AEW in 2024. Stay tuned as the countdown to his return begins!
AEW is airing new episodes of AEW Collision and Rampage back-to-back tonight on TNT with alternate times. Collision starts at 4:00 pm EST on TNT. It will be followed immediately by a special Saturday episode of Rampage starting at 6:00 pm EST.
Collision
Continental Classic Blue League Match: Kazuchika Okada vs. Daniel Garcia
Continental Classic Blue League Match: The Beast Mortos vs. Kyle Fletcher
Continental Classic Blue League Match: Will Ospreay vs. Juice Robinson
Mistico & Private Party vs. MxM Collection & Johnny TV
The Outrunners vs. Iron Savages
Wheeler Yuta vs. Hangman Page
Mina Shirakawa vs. Leila Grey
Rampage
Atlantis Jr., Katsuyori Shibata & Mascara Dorada vs. Top Flight & Action Andretti
BREAKING NEWS If you have a ticket to #AEWGrandSlamAus you should have received this email… Brisbane Entertainment Centre will be hosting the event on February 15th pic.twitter.com/KKm8ck9GDx
AEW’s ambitious plan to make a splash in Australia with Grand Slam: Australia is reportedly under review, with the event potentially moving to a smaller venue due to underwhelming ticket sales.
The event, initially scheduled for February 15, 2025, at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, was set to be a landmark moment for AEW, marking the promotion’s debut in the Southern Hemisphere. Suncorp Stadium, a massive venue with a capacity exceeding 50,000, would have hosted its first-ever wrestling event with the show. However, according to a report from Fightful Select, AEW is exploring alternative, smaller venues to better accommodate the event’s current demand.
Ticket Sales Struggle to Meet Expectations
While AEW has seen record-breaking success with its All In events at Wembley Stadium, drawing crowds of over 60,000, Grand Slam: Australia has not experienced similar enthusiasm. Reports in September suggested that ticket sales were falling far below expectations, with the event being described as performing “not good.” The lackluster sales prompted discussions of a venue change, and an official announcement regarding the potential move is expected soon.
What’s Next for AEW in Australia?
Despite the challenges, AEW’s foray into the Australian market remains significant. Moving to a smaller venue could create a more intimate and energized atmosphere while allowing the company to avoid the optics of empty seats in a massive stadium.
AEW’s decision to push into international markets has been a cornerstone of its growth strategy, as evidenced by the success of its UK shows. The company will likely look to adapt its approach in Australia to ensure the debut leaves a lasting impression, even if it means scaling down expectations for the first attempt.
The Bigger Picture
While the ticket sales may not be what AEW hoped for, this situation highlights the challenges of entering new markets. Australia has a passionate wrestling fanbase, but building momentum in a new region often requires more than just one big event. Whether AEW can regroup and capitalize on the Australian wrestling community remains to be seen.
Stay tuned for updates on the fate of Grand Slam: Australia.
For the first time in four years, The Young Bucks, Matt and Nick Jackson, are heading back to Japan, and they’re making their return on one of the grandest stages in professional wrestling. The AEW EVPs are set to compete at NJPW’s Wrestle Dynasty event at the iconic Tokyo Dome on January 5, with one goal in mind: reclaiming the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships.
The Bucks announced their intentions in a special video sent to New Japan Pro-Wrestling, with Nick Jackson declaring, “There’s one thing Matt and I need to accomplish before we retire, and that’s getting the IWGP Heavyweight Titles back around our waists one more time.” Matt chimed in with his trademark bravado, saying, “Tokyo, your rich god-fearing uncles are coming back. See you soon.”
A Complicated Road to Gold
The Young Bucks’ ambition to leave the Tokyo Dome as champions comes with one major wrinkle—they don’t yet know who they’ll face. Current IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions HENARE and Great-O-Khan are still competing in NJPW’s World Tag League tournament. If the champions fail to win the tournament themselves, they’ll defend the titles against the tournament winners at Wrestle Kingdom 19 on January 4. The victorious team from that bout will then face The Bucks at Wrestle Dynasty the following day.
This situation adds an air of unpredictability to an already stacked Wrestle Dynasty card.
Bucks’ History with IWGP Gold
The Young Bucks are no strangers to IWGP tag team success. In 2018, they captured the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships by defeating EVIL and SANADA at Dominion, cementing themselves as one of the most versatile teams in NJPW history. They are one of only two teams to have won both the IWGP Junior Heavyweight and IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, a feat that underscores their legacy.
However, reclaiming those titles at this stage of their career could represent a final chapter in their storied NJPW run, a momentous achievement before they hang up their boots.
A Star-Studded Wrestle Dynasty Card
The Wrestle Dynasty event is shaping up to be an unforgettable night, with several high-profile matches already announced, including:
Kenny Omega vs. Gabe Kidd for the NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship
Shota Umino vs. Claudio Castagnoli
Jack Perry vs. Yota Tsuji
The International Women’s Tournament final
Tomohiro Ishii vs. either Konosuke Takeshita or Shingo Takagi
Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Ricochet
With the return of The Young Bucks and a stacked lineup of matches, Wrestle Dynasty promises to be a landmark event for NJPW and a treat for wrestling fans worldwide.
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