Tag: AEW

WWE And AEW Possibly Running Events In Texas And Mississippi Soon

Live pro wrestling events could return to the states of Texas and Mississippi soon.

Governors in both states announced this week that they are rescinding mask mandates and re-opening businesses and schools due to a drop in COVID-19 cases.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on Tuesday that he was lifting the mask requirement and allowing businesses to fully re-open.

“It is now time to open Texas 100 percent,” Abbott said, adding that, “Covid has not suddenly disappeared,” but state mandates are no longer needed.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said his latest executive order to ease restrictions will be one of his final orders related to COVID-19. It allows businesses to operate at full capacity without any state-imposed rules.

“I am replacing our current orders with recommendations,” Reeves said. “The only rules that will remain in this order are a capacity limit of 50% on indoor arenas and those that govern K-12 schools.”

This follows a trend around the country of governors and mayors deciding what is feasible, what is safe, and politically practical, according to the New York Times. Chicago public schools have re-opened while restaurants in Massachusettes were allowed to operate without capacity limits, and South Carolina has done away with its limits on large gatherings. San Francisco is allowing indoor dining, museums, movie theaters and gyms to re-open on a limited basis. Other states have been slowly re-opening for several months now.

Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced on Tuesday that she was easing restrictions on businesses and allowing family members who have tested negative for COVID-19 to visit nursing home residents. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker also announced that while residents should continue to wear masks in public, it’s time for more limits on businesses to be eased.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear stated last week that the state’s falling infection statistics show that immunizations are beginning to have an impact. Most school districts in Kentucky are now offering in-person classes.

“It means vaccinations work,” Beshear said. “We’re already seeing it. We’re seeing it in these numbers. It’s a really positive sign.”

We could potentially see pro wrestling companies like WWE and AEW begin running in Texas after Wednesday, March 10 when Governor Abbott’s lifting of limits goes into effect.

WWE previously indicated that they could return to live events with fans later this year, but it remains to be seen if plans will change as more states re-open. WrestleMania 37 is expected to run with limited capacity on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11 in Tampa, Florida at Raymond James Stadium.

AEW Dynamite Preview 2/24/2021

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

* Lance Archer vs. Rey Fenix in a Face of the Revolution Ladder Match qualifier

* Hangman Page vs. Isiah Kassidy

* Jake Hager vs. Brandon Cutler

* The Varsity Blonds vs. Brian Cage and Ricky Starks

* Sting will appear and he’s coming for revenge from Brian Cage and Team Taz

* Jon Moxley vs. Ryan Nemeth

* Dr. Britt Baker vs. Nyla Rose (Women’s World Title Eliminator Tournament Semis)

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