Tag: Hook

Hook Returns to AEW with a New Theme Song — Here’s Why the Change Happened

Hook made his long-awaited return to AEW this week on Dynamite, but fans quickly noticed something different about the presentation — the music. The former FTW Champion no longer walks out to Action Bronson’s “The Chairman’s Intent,” instead making his entrance to Jay Jay Johanson’s “So Tell The Girls I Am Back In Town,” a track that dates all the way back to 1996.

According to a report from Fightful Select, the switch comes after some behind-the-scenes friction between AEW and Action Bronson. The rapper previously described the AEW locker room atmosphere as “weird,” which reportedly didn’t sit well with the company. While things between both sides have since cooled down, AEW had already chosen to move forward with a new theme for Hook. To add to it, the rights to use Bronson’s track had officially expired back in January, making the change inevitable.

Hook’s comeback wasn’t just about a new song — it was about revenge. Appearing at the historic 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, the son of Taz stormed the ring to go after Wheeler Yuta of the Death Riders. Yuta and his crew had taken Hook out of action for months, and the young star wasted no time in getting payback.

It was also a strong night for Hook’s faction, The Opps, who successfully defended the AEW World Trios Championship against Ricochet and the Gates of Agony. With Hook back in the mix, the group looks stronger than ever heading into the fall.

Whether fans miss the old Action Bronson entrance or prefer the eerie vibe of Johanson’s track, one thing is clear — Hook is back, and he’s got unfinished business.

Hook’s AEW Return Still Uncertain Following Concussion

It’s been a quiet few months for AEW’s silent assassin, Hook. The young star hasn’t wrestled since April due to a concussion, and while fans were hopeful after his brief appearance at Double or Nothing, it looks like that may have been a one-off. According to a recent Fightful Select update, there’s still no clear timetable for Hook’s return to in-ring action.

Hook popped up during the wild Anarchy in the Arena match in May, siding with The Opps and their allies against the Death Riders. While he made his presence felt—landing a shot on Claudio Castagnoli with a golf club, no less—Hook wasn’t involved in any physical bumps or attacks, suggesting he wasn’t medically cleared at the time.

Before the injury, Hook had found his footing in The Opps faction alongside Samoa Joe and Katsuyori Shibata. The trio was on track to pursue AEW Trios gold, but Hook’s concussion threw a wrench into those plans. Powerhouse Hobbs eventually stepped in, and the new lineup captured the AEW World Trios Championships in April.

Now, with Samoa Joe also off TV due to his commitments promoting Twisted Metal Season 2, The Opps have been noticeably absent from AEW programming. A double comeback for both Joe and Hook would be a big moment—but at this point, it all hinges on Hook’s health.

For now, AEW is keeping things close to the vest. If Hook is nearing a return, they’re not letting it slip. Until then, fans will just have to wait and see when the “Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil” resurfaces in the ring.

HOOK Retires FTW Title Following Successful Defense On AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam

The FTW Championship is no more.

On Wednesday’s “AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam,” FTW Champion Hook retained the title in a hard-fought battle against Roderick Strong. Strong shared a moment of respect following, shaking Hook’s hand after submitting to the Red Rum hold. After the match, Hook stood up in front of the Queens, NY crowd and declared that the time had come to retire the title. After he did so, Hook hugged his father, AEW Broadcaster -and the belt’s originator- Taz in an emotional display.

AEW revived the title in 2020, initially won by Team Taz’s Brian Cage. Since then, Hook has gone on to be a three-time champion, feuding with the likes of Jack Perry and Chris Jericho over the title. Hook’s recent reign began on August 25, when he defeated Chris Jericho to regain the title in Wembley Stadium, thanks to help from his father. Taz had initially created the belt in the 1990s, while Taz was in ECW. The belt had been most famous for the brutal feud between Taz and Sabu, who had heavily-lauded matches for the vanity title.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AEW’s Hook Reportedly Considering Free Agency

Hook, the current AEW FTW Champion and considered one of the most promising young stars in AEW, is reportedly considering his options as he becomes a free agent later this year.

“SEScoops” has reported that the AEW star may not necessarily re-sign with AEW, while a source close to WWE reportedly claimed that the TKO-owned promotion may be interested in signing the 24-year-old. Hook won’t be the first person to leave Tony Khan’s company and join the juggernaut that is the WWE if it happens as the likes of CM Punk, Jade Cargill, Cody Rhodes, and Andrade joining the company in recent years. AEW, too, has signed some big-name stars in recent months, with the likes of Mercedes Mone, Will Ospreay, and Kazuchika Okada joining the roster. 

Hook joined his father and former WWE star Taz in AEW in 2020, debuting as part of Team Taz. He quickly rose through the ranks, and even got a fun catchphrase, “Send Hook,” which the internet wrestling community lapped up. The youngster, who is touted to be a big star in the pro wrestling industry, is currently in his second reign as the FTW Championship having won it from Jack Perry at All In last year. 

In his short career in AEW, Hook has shown that he can mix it up with the best, even earning a shot at the AEW World Champion Samoa Joe earlier this year, though he lost valiantly. He has also teamed with WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam on a few occasions and is currently teaming with Chris Jericho.

Source: Wrestling Inc.