Tag: AEW

Paul Wight (Big Show) Leaves WWE And Joins AEW

Big Show is no longer with WWE.

AEW announced today that Paul Wight has joined the company, signing a long-term contract.

Wight will serve as a commentator for AEW’s newest show on YouTube, AEW Dark: Elevation. Elevation will air on Mondays at 7pm ET, complimenting the weekly AEW Dark show that airs on Tuesdays at 7pm ET. Elevation will showcase AEW’s established and rising talent, as well as top indie talents.https://14833a136a38a5723e97b3b6ff6cff7f.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html

Wight said it’s been amazing to watch what AEW has done in a few years since launching.

“It’s been amazing to watch what AEW has built in just a couple of years,” Wight said in a press release. “AEW Dark is an incredible platform to hone the skills of up-and-coming wrestlers, but I also love that established AEW talent can build out their personalities and showcase themselves in new ways on Dark. It’s no exaggeration when they say that AEW is boundless.”

AEW CEO, General Manager and Head of Creative Tony Khan also commented on why Wight wanted to come to AEW.

“Paul Wight is one of the most recognizable and impressive professional athletes in the world,” said Tony Khan, CEO, GM and Head of Creative of AEW. “He wanted to come to AEW because he believes that we’re the best promotion in wrestling, and we believe that he has a lot to offer us, both in the ring as a wrestler, and also outside the ring as a commentator, host and ambassador for AEW.”

“Paul is one of the most experienced stars in all of wrestling, and he’s eager to work with our diverse roster,” added Khan. “He can benefit and guide our young talent with his mentorship, and his expert commentary on AEW Dark: Elevation will educate and entertain our fans, and also educate the younger wrestlers on the roster. Furthermore, Paul enters AEW as a licensed wrestler, and he’s very much looking forward to studying our talent firsthand from the commentary desk in preparation for his return to the ring!”

AEW is promising more details on Wight’s signing during tonight’s Dynamite show on TNT.

Big Show’s last WWE match came on the July 20, 2020 RAW episode, a loss to Randy Orton. He had only worked a handful of matches last year, and spent all of 2019 on the shelf with an injury. He did appear for The Undertaker’s “Final Farewell” segment at the Survivor Series in 2020, and appeared at RAW Legends Night back on January 4 of this year. Show first signed with WWE back in February 1999. He leaves the company as a Grand Slam Champion – a two-time WWE Champion, a one-time ECW Champion, a two-time World Heavyweight Champion, a three-time WWE Hardcore Champion, a one-time WWE United States Champion, a one-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, and a eight-time Tag Team Champion.

Stay tuned for more. Below is the full announcement issued to us today by AEW:

Wrestling Legend Paul Wight Signs Long-Term Deal with AEW

— Wight Joins Commentary for New YouTube Extension, AEW Dark: Elevation —

February 24, 2021 – As 2021 shapes up to be the year for AEW’s biggest shows yet, today the promotion announced that wrestling legend Paul Wight signed a long-term deal, adding yet another universally regarded name to AEW’s roster of stars, legends, and upcoming talent. Wight will have an extensive role within AEW, and on top of his return to the ring, he will serve as a commentator on AEW’s newest show, AEW Dark: Elevation.

Complementing AEW Dark on Tuesdays, AEW Dark: Elevation will air on Mondays at 7 p.m. ET on AEW’s YouTube channel, and will showcase AEW’s established and rising stars, as well as the top independent wrestlers within the industry, competing against each other in the ring in pursuit of wins. AEW Dark: Elevation will also maintain continuity with AEW DYNAMITE, AEW Dark, AEW pay-per-view shows and streaming events, with wins and losses factoring into each wrestler’s ranking in the company.

With new wrestling programming now available three nights per week, AEW continues to solidify its position as the fastest growing and hottest promotion in professional wrestling.

“It’s been amazing to watch what AEW has built in just a couple of years,” said Paul Wight. “AEW Dark is an incredible platform to hone the skills of up-and-coming wrestlers, but I also love that established AEW talent can build out their personalities and showcase themselves in new ways on Dark. It’s no exaggeration when they say that AEW is boundless.”

“Paul Wight is one of the most recognizable and impressive professional athletes in the world,” said Tony Khan, CEO, GM and Head of Creative of AEW. “He wanted to come to AEW because he believes that we’re the best promotion in wrestling, and we believe that he has a lot to offer us, both in the ring as a wrestler, and also outside the ring as a commentator, host and ambassador for AEW.”

“Paul is one of the most experienced stars in all of wrestling, and he’s eager to work with our diverse roster,” added Khan. “He can benefit and guide our young talent with his mentorship, and his expert commentary on AEW Dark: Elevation will educate and entertain our fans, and also educate the younger wrestlers on the roster. Furthermore, Paul enters AEW as a licensed wrestler, and he’s very much looking forward to studying our talent firsthand from the commentary desk in preparation for his return to the ring!”

Already a monumental day for AEW, be sure to tune in to AEW DYNAMITE tonight on TNT at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT for additional announcements surrounding Wight’s signing, the new AEW Dark: Elevation show, and the identity of Wight’s commentary partner.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AEW Dynamite Preview 2/17/2021

Tonight’s AEW Dynamite episode airs on TNT at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida.

* FTR vs. Matt Sydal and Mike Sydal

* Matt Hardy and Hangman Page vs. TH2

* NWA World Women’s Champion Serena Deeb vs. Riho (AEW Women’s World Title Eliminator Tournament Match)

* The Young Bucks (c) vs. Santana and Ortiz (AEW World Tag Team Championship)

* Sting will call out Team Taz as he and TNT Champion Darby Allin prepare to face them at Revolution in a Street Fight

* Jon Moxley, Lance Archer and Rey Fenix vs. Eddie Kingston, The Butcher and The Blade w/The Bunny

* Orange Cassidy with Chuck Taylor vs. Luther with Serpentico

AEW Dynamite Preview 2/10/2021

Tonight’s AEW Dynamite episode airs on TNT at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida.

* Ryan Nemeth vs. PAC

* World Title Eliminator Tournament First Round Match: Thunder Rosa vs. Leyla Hirsch

* Chris Jericho and MJF vs. The Acclaimed

* Cody Rhodes and Lee Johnson vs. Cezar Bononi and Peter Avalon

* TNT Champion Darby Allin defends against Joey Janela

* AEW World Champion Kenny Omega and KENTA vs. Jon Moxley and Lance Archer in a “Falls Count Anywhere, Anything Goes” match

* Tony Schiavone to interview Sting

* Hangman Page will speak

Details On AEW – NJPW Working Relationship

The wrestling world was stunned when KENTA attacked Jon Moxley on AEW Dynamite following the end of the main event. The two are set to face off for Moxley’s IWGP United States Championship at NJPW Strong and follows Moxley’s attack on KENTA at the last NJPW Strong show.

On the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer confirmed that AEW and NJPW are in a working relationship. He said that a deal needed to be made for NJPW to have Moxley on their shows to defend the U.S. Title and in return, KENTA would show up on Dynamite.

Post-Dynamite, AEW World Champion Kenny Omega met up with KENTA backstage. Things did not go smoothly between them with KENTA telling Omega to “shut the f**k up.” However, Omega challenged Moxley and Lance Archer to a Lights Out, Falls Count Anywhere Match where he would team up with KENTA.

The future of AEW and NJPW’s relationship is unclear going forward due to the pandemic, travel restrictions and quarantine preventing talents from both companies traveling to and from the U.S. and Japan. Meltzer noted that KENTA could easily crossover because he lives in Orlando, and it is possible for other NJPW talent that live in the U.S. to possibly crossover as well.

Meltzer also noted that there are people in AEW that cannot wait to go back to Japan. He followed up by saying that once travel restrictions and quarantine regulations are cleared up, anything is possible including IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champion Kota Ibushi and AEW World Champion Omega facing off, something that the two want to happen someday.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

KENTA Appeared At AEW ‘Beach Break’

Former WWE Superstar and current New Japan Pro Wrestling roster member KENTA has appeared on AEW programming for the first time.

KENTA showed up at the end of this week’s special Dynamite episode, which was titled “Beach Break.”

The man formerly known as Hideo Itami invaded the ring with his face covered and attacked Jon Moxley following the main event. He then pulled down his face mask to reveal himself before hitting Mox with a G2S.

The New Japan star — who was wearing a “G2Sleep” Bullet Club t-shirt — also stared down former Bullet Club member Kenny Omega.

Check out KENTA’s AEW debut in the clip below.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1357162388861177857

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

AEW Dynamite ‘Beach Break’ Preview 2/3/2021

Tonight’s AEW Dynamite: Beach Break episode airs on TNT at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida.

* Lance Archer vs. Eddie Kingston in a Lumberjack Match

* The wedding of Kip Sabian and Penelope Ford

* Dr. Britt Baker vs. Thunder Rosa

* Tag Team Battle Royal to determine the new #1 contenders to AEW World Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks for a title shot at Revolution

* AEW World Champion Kenny Omega and Impact World Tag Team Champions The Good Brothers vs. Jon Moxley, PAC and Rey Fenix

* Matt Hardy and Hangman Page vs. Chaos Project

AEW Dynamite Preview 1/27/2021

Tonight’s AEW Dynamite episode airs on TNT at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida.

* Hangman Page vs. Ryan Nemeth

* Chris Jericho and MJF vs. The Varsity Blondes

* Dr. Britt Baker vs. Shanna

* Lance Archer vs. Eddie Kingston

* Dax Harwood vs. Jungle Boy (Cash Wheeler and Tully Blanchard will be handcuffed to Luchasaurus to prevent outside interference)

* AEW World Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks and Impact Wrestling World Tag Team Champions The Good Brothers vs. The Dark Order

* Cody Rhodes will respond to recent comments from NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal

* Sting and TNT Champion Darby Allin will discuss their Revolution Street Fight against Brian Cage and Ricky Starks

* Jon Moxley will discuss his Beach Break six-man match with PAC and Rey Fenix vs. AEW World Champion Kenny Omega and Impact World Tag Team Champions The Good Brothers

AEW Confirms Sting Will Compete In A Street Fight At Revolution

All Elite Wrestling has officially confirmed that Sting will team up with Darby Allin to take on Team Taz in a Street Fight at Revolution

In case you missed it, Team Taz laid down a challenge to “The Icon” and Darby on this week’s edition of Dynamite.

“You wanna take it to the streets? Balls in your court, bitches,” Taz said in a backstage promo aimed at Sting and the TNT Champion, who were in the ring.

“Be careful what you wish for,” Darby replied, before leaving with the ring alongside the WWE Hall of Famer.

The match was officially confirmed by AEW on social media on Thursday. It will be Darby Allin and Sting vs. Brian Cage and Ricky Starks in a Street Fight at Revolution February 27.

This will be Sting’s first match since retiring due to injury following a match with Seth Rollins in September of 2015.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

AEW Dynamite Preview 1/20/21

Tonight’s AEW Dynamite episode airs on TNT at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida.

* Peter Avalon vs. Cody Rhodes

* Penelope Ford vs. Leyla Hirsch

* Chris Jericho and MJF vs. Santana and Ortiz vs. Sammy Guevara and Jake Hager (Winner is the official tag team of the Inner Circle)

* Hangman Page, Colt Cabana, John Silver, and Alex Reynolds vs. The Hybrid2 and Chaos Project (Page to give his answer on joining the group after the match)

* Top Flight and Matt Sydal vs. Matt Hardy and Private Party

* Miro to give an update on his new butler Chuck Taylor

* Jon Moxley in action

* Sting to congratulate AEW TNT Champion Darby Allin

* AEW World Champion Kenny Omega to reflect on his dominance

AEW/Impact Partnership Continues, Tony Khan, Jerry Lynn, Matt Hardy And Private Party Appear On Impact

AEW President & CEO Tony Khan appeared on tonight’s Impact Wrestling episode, along with several AEW wrestlers.

The opening segment on tonight’s show featured a clip of AEW World Champion Kenny Omega, Impact World Tag Team Champions The Good Brothers, and Don Callis hanging out and celebrating their main event win over Impact World Champion Rich Swann, Moose and Chris Sabin at last Saturday’s Hard To Kill pay-per-view. The clip was from backstage after Saturday’s win. Callis noted that he and Omega were headed back to Jacksonville for Dynamite and to “disappear for a while,” but he didn’t want anyone to forget what they’ve done while here at Impact. He also said that Omega and The Good Brothers were already planning what’s next and while they are taking a hiatus from Impact, they will be back.

Tonight’s show also featured an in-ring segment where The Good Brothers came to the ring to brag about last Saturday’s Hard To Kill main event. They were interrupted by Sabin, who said he wanted a rematch for the titles. The Good Brothers pointed out how Alex Shelley wasn’t here again tonight, but Sabin said he had another guy. That’s when James Storm made his return to the company. Storm and Sabin went to the ring to make a case for a title shot, but were interrupted by AEW’s Matt Hardy and Private Party. Matt praised Private Party and said they should be the ones getting a title shot. He also plugged the six-man match on this week’s Dynamite, which will see Hardy and Private Party take on Matt Sydal and Top Flight. Hardy also mentioned that he saved Impact from collapsing in 2016, and that he and brother Jeff Hardy technically never lost the Impact World Tag Team Titles.

It was then announced that the main event would feature Storm and Sabin vs. Private Party with the winners being named the new #1 contenders to The Good Brothers.

Khan and Tony Schiavone later released another “paid advertisement” segment on tonight’s Impact, but this time AEW producer Jerry Lynn was featured at Khan’s side. They plugged tomorrow’s AEW Dynamite and revealed that they were in Nashville for tonight’s show.

Shortly after the tag team main event began, Khan and Lynn brought two chairs out to get a closer look at the action. Hardy was also out as he accompanied Private Party to the ring. The finish saw Lynn interfere to help Private Party get the pin to win, and become the new #1 contenders to The Good Brothers’ World Tag Team Titles.

After the main event, The Good Brothers faced off with Private Party until Sabin and Storm attacked them. Impact went off the air after a big brawl broke out.

There is no word on when Private Party vs. The Good Brothers will take place for the titles, or if Sabin and Storm will be added to the match due to the interference.

On a related note, Swann appeared on tonight’s show and mentioned that he’s not sure if his feud with Omega is finished, but he did know that Omega was not in the building tonight. Swann then continued his feud with TNA World Heavyweight Champion Moose.

AEW has announced that Omega will be on tomorrow’s Dynamite show to “reflect on his dominance” as of late. Callis will be with him, but there’s no word yet on if any other Impact stars will be appearing.