Category: TNA

W. Morrissey Leaving Impact Wrestling

Tonight’s episode of Impact Wrestling will be a memorable one, as it will be the last time you see a certain Impact performer in the company.

PWInsider is reporting that W. Morrissey has departed Impact, effective immediately. As such, his match on tonight’s episode of “Impact Wrestling”, in which he’ll team with PCO to take on Moose and Steve Maclin, will be his official swan song for the promotion.

While PWInsider does not give a potential destination for Morrissey, they noted that “one could easily connect the dots to where his next destination is likely to be.”  Morrissey recently appeared on an episode of “AEW Dynamite” in a loss to Wardlow, suggesting a potential relationship with that promotion.

After the match with Wardlow, however, it was reported that WWE officials had been highly impressed with Morrissey’s performance, indicating they may be interested in bringing the big man back to the company. Morrissey worked for WWE from 2011 to 2018 as Colin Cassidy and later simply as Big Cass, part of a tag team with former WWE star Enzo Amore. The two were enormously popular in “NXT” and continued teaming on the main roster, though they never won a tag team championship and Morrissey eventually turned on Amore, splitting the team. He was reportedly released “due to personal conduct issues,” which allegedly included public intoxication and an in-ring incident that saw him directly contradict the instructions of Vince McMahon, in 2018

Morrissey joined Impact on a short-term deal in April of 2021 after a hiatus from wrestling, during which he worked to overcome the addiction to alcohol that plagued him throughout his WWE run. Though he won no championships in Impact, the big man’s comeback received numerous accolades from fans and critics alike, culminating in his well-received appearance on “AEW Dynamite.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Miro Returns To AEW, Defeats Johnny Elite On Dynamite

“The Redeemer” ended his seventh-month AEW hiatus to face John Morrison on the June 1 edition of Dynamite on TBS.

Miro returned to AEW, cut a promo on God himself, and defeated Johnny Elite on this week’s edition of AEW Dynamite on TBS.

It all went down at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, California on June 1. The segment in which Miro made his long-awaited return began with hometown boy Johnny Elite making his way to the ring ahead of the match with a mystery opponent. The mystery was soon revealed when the man known as “The Redeemer” appeared on the big screen in a pre-taped promo vignette.

In his promo, Miro resumed his war with God and vowed to take God’s home by force … make of that what you will. The Bulgarian’s music started playing after the promo concluded, and Miro made his way to an AEW ring for the first time since last November.

In the ring, Miro made fairly short work of his fellow former WWE Superstar, finishing Johnny off with the brutal Game Over submission maneuver.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1532162319836381184

Miro has reportedly been nursing a hamstring injury for some time, which explains why he has worked a match since losing to Bryan Danielson at Full Gear on November 13.

According to Fightful Select (subscription required and recommended), Miro injured his hamstring prior to taking a hiatus from in-ring duties, which is why his leg was bandaged up during his last few matches. There was no official word from either Miro or AEW regarding recovery time, but the former TNT Champion appeared in a hype vignette on the Christmas Day (which also happens to be Miro’s birthday) edition of Rampage.

As you might recall, The artist formerly known as Rusev won the TNT Championship after defeating Darby Allin in the main event of the May 12 edition of AEW Dynamite on TNT. Miro plowed through veterans like Lance Archer and demolished upstarts like Dante Martin during his 141-day reign, but lost the title to Sammy Guevara on the September 29 edition of AEW Dynamite.

Source: TheSportster

MJF Asks Tony Khan To Fire Him As AEW Cuts His Mic On Dynamite

Max Friedman asked AEW to fire him during a passionate shoot (?) promo on the June 1 edition of AEW Dynamite on TBS.

MJF picked up a mic on live TV for the first time since the news of backstage hostility between himself and AEW higher-ups broke … and he did not disappoint. It all went down at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on June 1. The man who lost, emphatically, to his former valet Wardlow at Double Or Nothing last Sunday came to the ring during this week’s edition of AEW Dynamite on TBS and made his feeling known to the world.

Speaking as Max Friedman (his real name) MJF cut a (presumably) worked-shoot promo in which he rated about how he isn’t being paid what he deserves because AEW president Tony Khan can’t stop spending money on ex-WWE guys. He had a lot to get off his chest, and he held nothing back. MJF also pointed out that there were some important Warner Bros. Discovery execs in attendance, and seemingly threatened to derail the show in an attempt to get under TK’s skin. Mission accomplished.

https://twitter.com/DjPanda253/status/1532162347459936257

Toward the end of the segment, MJF begged Tony Khan to fire him as he didn’t want to wait another two years to leave AEW (his contract expires in 2024). He cussed a whole bunch and whatever he said was bleeped out on the TV feed … and then the production team cut his mic and the show went to commercial break.

According to those in attendance, AEW World Champion CM Punk came out to confront MJF during the commercial break, but MJF fled through the crowd.

https://twitter.com/BensonRichardE/status/1532158810223087616

Source: TheSportster

AEW Dynamite Preview 6/1/22

Coming off the heels of its “Double or Nothing” pay-per-view on Sunday, AEW is in southern California for the first time ever. Tonight’s episode of “Dynamite” is being held at The Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. One of the biggest crowds in AEW’s history is expected.

The following line-up is announced for tonight’s “Dynamite”:

  • AEW Tag Team Champions Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus, Christian Cage, Darby Allin & Matt Hardy vs. Bobby Fish, Kyle O’Reilly, Hikuleo & The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson)
  • Daniel Garcia vs. Jon Moxley
  • Dr. Britt Baker & Jamie Hayter vs. Ruby Soho & Toni Storm

Behind the scenes, Tony Khan recently revealed that Warner Bros. Discovery executives are expected to be at tonight’s “Dynamite”.

Matt Cardona Reveals He Has A Torn Bicep

The current NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Matt Cardona has revealed he is going to be out of action for the near future due to suffering an injury.

The former WWE Superstar is currently enjoying a strong run right now on the independent scene where he has thrived in a variety of top promotions. Cardona is currently working with Impact Wrestling, while he is also making a big name for himself in other places such as Game Changer Wrestling and the NWA.

Unfortunately during his recent match against Blake Christian at GCW Downward Spiral on May 28, Cardona suffered an arm injury which led to him heading back to Orlando to get the situation looked at. It has now been confirmed that it is a serious issue, as he has torn his bicep.

Despite his brilliant performances as of late and his domination across a variety of different promotions, Cardona is now going to have to take some time on the shelf because his injury does require him to undergo surgery, which will then need to be rehabbed moving forward.

Cardona wrote: “Got a MRI today. Bicep is torn. Surgery needed. Will unfortunately need to cancel some dates.”

It is currently unclear the exact moment when Cardona will be medically cleared to return, and it is unknown what will be happening to his current NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship run. He was originally scheduled to defend the title at NWA Alwayz Ready against Nick Aldis on June 11, but that match is now unlikely to be taking place.

On top of that, Cardona currently holds the AIW Absolute and AIW Intense Championships, which are keeping him a busy man, but for now, his focus is going to be on returning to full health.

Source: TheSportster

An Update On Jeff Hardy’s Health After AEW Star Gets Pulled From This Week’s Dynamite

AEW star Jeff Hardy didn’t look himself at Double or Nothing this Sunday. Taking part in a tag match alongside his brother Matt against The Young Bucks, the younger Hardy appeared to be a bit sluggish, prompting concern from fans online.

Since then, Jeff has been pulled from a match set for Dynamite this Wednesday. AEW had announced a 10-man tag match involving The Hardys, Jurassic Express and Christian Cage against the Undisputed Elite but trimmed it to an eight-man affair, with Jeff and Adam Cole getting pulled. It’s believed to be because of the former’s status.

According to Dave Meltzer, Hardy went into Sunday’s match still banged up from the Owen Hart Cup match in which he faced Darby Allin on May 11. It appears Hardy hasn’t fully recovered from what he’s been putting his body through and is in need of a rest.

“Jeff Hardy was a mess going into Double Or Nothing. From what I was told, it was really the Darby Allin match, he’s beat up. The one thing, when he went to AEW, you can watch those highlight reels and see how he did some big stunts at his age and he’s paying for it now.” Meltzer said on Wrestling Observer Radio (H/T WrestlingNews.co).

“Jeff was having a tough go in that tag team match. Every time he moved, it was a painful reminder that this guy is hurting really bad.”

Source: TheSportster

Update On MJFAEW Situation, MJF And Tony Khan’s Meeting Will Take Place

According to Dave Meltzer on the latest edition of “Wrestling Observer Radio,” MJF and Tony Khan are set to meet tomorrow following the controversy surrounding AEW’s Double Or Nothing weekend.

Problems between the two sides began at the AEW Double or Nothing fan fest this past weekend as MJF no-showed a meet and greet, despite people having bought tickets. While he wasn’t the only wrestler not to appear, Samoa Joe also didn’t turn up, his situation was different as he seemingly knew he was supposed to be there and opted not to appear.

It was then reported that a plane ticket had been purchased for MJF to leave Las Vegas. However, he did not board the aircraft and fulfilled his duties at AEW’s Double Or Nothing where he competed in the opening match against Wardlow. He was defeated in convincing fashion as Wardlow hit a record 10 Powerbombs during his latest symphony of destruction. The win allowed Wardlow to get out of his contract with MJF and officially join the AEW roster, all in storyline, of course. MJF ended up being stretchered to the back.

MJF reportedly turned up just before his match and then left the building immediately after it. During the post-show media scrum, Wrestling Inc. Managing Editor Nick Hausman asked Khan about the MJF situation, but the AEW President declined to comment.

MJF is apparently set to be taken off the road for at least the next couple of weeks by AEW, although the length of his AEW TV absence could be extended.

Tensions between MJF and AEW have been well-known for several months, with the three-time Dynamite Diamond Ring winner having made several comments during interviews and on social media about his frustrations. He has also alluded to the possibility of joining WWE when his contract expires in January 2024.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AEW Double Or Nothing Results 5/29/2022, Stokely Hathaway, Athena And Rush

“BUY-IN” PRE-SHOW
Danhausen & Hook vs. Mark Sterling & Tony Nese

Wardlow defeated MJF

After the match, MJF is placed onto a stretcher and taken to the back. Tony Schiavone then speaks to Wardlow and reveals that he has heard from Tony Khan and Wardlow is officially All Elite, with the graphic being shown on the big screen.

The Hardys (Jeff Hardy & Matt Hardy) defeated The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson)

TBS CHAMPIONSHIP
Jade Cargill (c) defeated Anna Jay

Stokely Hathaway then comes down and distracts Anna as Cargill hits Jaded from the top rope to retain.

 After the match Jade and The Baddies confront Anna, but Kris Statlander comes out to help, they’re then joined by…Athena!!!

House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King & Buddy Matthews) defeated Death Triangle (Pac, Penta Oscuro & Rey Fenix)

OWEN HART FOUNDATION MEN’S TOURNAMENT FINAL
Adam Cole defeated Samoa Joe

OWEN HART FOUNDATION WOMEN’S TOURNAMENT FINAL
Dr. Britt Baker defeated Ruby Soho

 After the match, Dr. Martha Hart makes her way out as Adam Cole and Britt Baker celebrate their victories. She thanks the fans for their warm welcome, she then puts over the work of Owen Hart and says we can now celebrate him again in the squared circle.  She thanks Tony Khan, Chris Jericho, the Dark Side Of The Ring, Pro Wrestling Tees, and her family. She then presents the winners with a title each, and the trophy itself.

Scorpio Sky, Ethan Page & Paige VanZant defeated Sammy Guevara, Frankie Kazarian & Tay Conti

Kyle O’Reilly defeated Darby Allin

AEW WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP
Thunder Rosa (c) defeated Serena Deeb

ANARCHY IN THE ARENA
Jericho Appreciation Society (Chris Jericho, Angelo Parker, Daniel Garcia, Jake Hager & Matt Menard) defeated Bryan Danielson, Eddie Kingston, Jon Moxley, Ortiz & Santana)

 Andrade El Idolo is shown in a video package signing a new member to the Andrade Family…Rush!

AEW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus (c) defeated Keith Lee & Swerve Strickland vs. FTW Champion Ricky Starks & Powerhouse Hobbs

AEW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
CM Punk defeated Hangman Page (c) to become new AEW World Champion

AEW Double Or Nothing 5/29/2022

DATE: May 29, 2022 8:00 pm
LOCATION: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
AVAILABLE ON: Pay-Per-View, Bleacher Report

AEW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
CM Punk vs. Hangman Page (c)

AEW WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP
Serena Deeb vs. Thunder Rosa (c)

TBS CHAMPIONSHIP
Anna Jay vs. Jade Cargill (c)

AEW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Keith Lee & Swerve Strickland vs. FTW Champion Ricky Starks & Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus (c)

OWEN HART FOUNDATION MEN’S TOURNAMENT FINAL
Adam Cole vs. Samoa Joe

OWEN HART FOUNDATION WOMEN’S TOURNAMENT FINAL
Dr. Britt Baker vs. Ruby Soho

ANARCHY IN THE ARENA
Jericho Appreciation Society (Chris Jericho, Angelo Parker, Daniel Garcia, Jake Hager & Matt Menard) vs. Bryan Danielson, Eddie Kingston, Jon Moxley, Ortiz & Santana

MJF vs. Wardlow
(*If Wardlow loses, he can never sign an AEW contract)

The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) vs. The Hardys (Jeff Hardy & Matt Hardy)

Death Triangle (Pac, Penta Oscuro & Rey Fenix) vs. House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King & Buddy Matthews)

Darby Allin vs. Kyle O’Reilly

Scorpio Sky, Ethan Page & Paige VanZant vs. Sammy Guevara, Frankie Kazarian & Tay Conti

“BUY-IN” PRE-SHOW
Danhausen & Hook vs. Mark Sterling & Tony Nese

AEW Rampage Preview 5/27/22

The last stop before AEW’s “Double Or Nothing” pay-per-view on Sunday is a live episode of “Rampage” tonight. The show at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada begins at a special early start time of 6:30 PM ET.

The following line-up is announced for tonight:

  • Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament Semifinal: Kris Statlander vs. Ruby Soho
  • Bryan Danielson vs. Matt Sydal
  • Scorpio Sky receives a new TNT Title
  • The Young Bucks will be in action
https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1530157872847327232