Saraya Is Taking A Hiatus From AEW

Saraya Confirms AEW Hiatus, Teases New Projects

Saraya has been noticeably absent from AEW programming since October, when she competed in a high-energy Fatal 4-Way match against Willow Nightingale, Jamie Hayter, and Nyla Rose. Now, fans have some clarity on her absence, as the former AEW Women’s Champion revealed she’s taking a hiatus from the promotion to explore new opportunities outside the ring.

Branching Out Beyond Wrestling

During a recent appearance on The Buzz at the American Reality TV Awards, Saraya shared her reasons for stepping away from the squared circle, albeit temporarily.

“I’m taking a little break right now so I can do more of this stuff again,” she explained, referring to her growing interest in media and entertainment opportunities. “I haven’t been on a red carpet in a minute. It’s nice to be back.”

Saraya also dropped an exciting announcement, revealing her upcoming involvement with MTV’s hit series Catfish. “I’m actually going to be co-hosting Catfish soon,” she said, adding that she had already filmed an episode alongside longtime host Nev Schulman. “That should be fun.”

Balancing Wrestling and Entertainment

Saraya’s hiatus reflects her versatile career ambitions, as she continues to build a presence both inside and outside the world of professional wrestling. With years of experience in the industry and a larger-than-life personality, her foray into co-hosting and red carpet appearances highlights her ability to capture audiences in any setting.

When Will Saraya Return to AEW?

While Saraya hasn’t provided a specific timeline for her AEW return, fans will undoubtedly be keeping an eye on her next moves—whether it’s catching her on Catfish or waiting for her to reclaim her spot in the women’s division.

For now, it seems Saraya is focused on expanding her horizons, proving once again why she’s one of the most dynamic talents in wrestling today.

Paul Heyman Returns On WWE SmackDown, Introduces CM Punk As OG Bloodlines 5th War Games Team Member

Friday night’s episode of WWE SmackDown delivered one of the most electrifying moments of the year as CM Punk made his much-anticipated return. Joining the original Bloodline team for War Games, Punk’s comeback was orchestrated by none other than Paul Heyman, who also made a dramatic return to the fold.

Punk had been absent from WWE television, selling injuries sustained during his brutal Hell in a Cell victory over Drew McIntyre at Bad Blood. Fans were left guessing who would fill the fifth spot for the babyface War Games team, and the answer came in epic fashion when Heyman interrupted a tense in-ring confrontation between the two teams.

Solo Sikoa’s Power Play Backfires

Earlier in the night, Solo Sikoa took center stage, attempting to gain control of the narrative. With the opposing team seemingly unable to secure a fifth member, Sikoa called out Roman Reigns and the OG Bloodline faction for what he labeled “terms of surrender.”

Sikoa delivered an emotional plea laced with threats, telling Reigns and his crew that they could dominate WWE for decades if they joined forces. He wasn’t shy about pointing out Roman’s lack of a “Wise Man” or a fifth ally, raising the stakes with the ominous ultimatum: surrender and align with him, or face destruction.

The tension in the ring was palpable as Sikoa handed Reigns the microphone. But before Reigns could respond, Paul Heyman made his presence known.

Heyman’s Surprise and Punk’s Explosive Entrance

In classic Heyman style, the legendary advocate interrupted with a dramatic apology for his absence, referencing the brutal table spot at Madison Square Garden that took him out of action. Heyman then dropped the bombshell—War Games would indeed be five-on-five, revealing CM Punk as the final member of the OG Bloodline team.

As the unmistakable sound of Cult of Personality (Punk’s entrance music) hit, the crowd erupted. Punk sprinted down the ramp, wasting no time in igniting a brawl. The chaotic clash saw Punk and Roman Reigns dominate, with Tonga Loa and Tama Tonga each falling victim to a spear and Punk’s signature Go to Sleep (GTS).

The night ended on a powerful visual, as Paul Heyman stood on the ring apron, smiling broadly at the alliance between Punk and Reigns.

What’s Next for War Games?

With CM Punk’s return and his alignment with the original Bloodline, the War Games match has gone from must-see to absolutely unmissable. The dynamic between Punk, Reigns, and Heyman adds a layer of intrigue, as does the question of how Solo Sikoa will respond after his failed coup attempt.

SmackDown has officially raised the stakes for Survivor Series, and fans are eager to see what chaos unfolds when War Games hits the cage. Will Punk and Reigns be able to coexist, or is this alliance destined for implosion?

BONUS: CM Punk and The OG Bloodline stand tall: SmackDown exclusive, Nov. 22, 2024

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

WWE SmackDown Preview 11/22/2024

WWE SmackDown airs live tonight on the USA Network from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens will go face-to-face
  • WWE Women’s United States Championship Tournament – 1st Round: Bianca Belair vs. Chelsea Green vs. Blair Davenport

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.

Kylie Rae Joins ‘WWE ID’ Program

Kylie Rae has signed on with WWE’s “Independent Development” program.

During Freelance Wrestling’s ‘Thursday Night Slammasters’ event, it was announced that Rae has joined the WWE ID program.

Rae has previously worked for AEW, TNA Wrestling, GCW, and many other promotions.

Source: eWn

TNA Impact Preview 11/21/2024

TNA Wrestling will present a new episode of TNA Impact tonight on AXS TV.

  • No DQ Match for TNA Knockouts Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs. Alisha Edwards
  • Ash by Elegance vs. Jody Threat
  • Trent Seven, Hammerstone & Jake Something vs. The Hardys & Ace Austin
  • Frankie Kazarian vs. Rhino

ROH Preview 11/21/2024

ROH TV tonight on HonorClub.

  • Ariya Daivari vs. Shingo Takagi
  • ROH Women’s Championship Proving Ground Match: Athena (c) vs. Leila Grey
  • Tomohiro Ishii vs. Mike Bennett
  • ROH World Television Championship: Brian Cage (c) vs. AR Fox
  • NJPW Strong Openweight Champion Gabe Kidd vs. Angelico
  • JD Drake & Beef vs. Shane Taylor Promotions
  • Kevin knight vs. Serpentico