Tag: The Elite

The Elite Give Kenny Omega Vicious Beating Following Emotional Promo On AEW Dynamite

In his first appearance on “AEW Dynamite” since December of 2023, Winnipeg’s hometown hero Kenny Omega detailed his struggles with diverticulitis, up to and including doctors telling him that he was staring down the barrel of a colostomy bag at best, and way too close for comfort to flat out dying at worst when he was diagnosed at the time. And while “The Cleaner” stated that he’d love to mix it up right now if it were up to him, he admitted that doctors told him that any blunt force trauma to his abdomen could be catastrophic. Enter: The Elite, who clearly cared not about their former comrade.

The familiar sound of coins hitting the floor hit first, with longtime Omega nemesis Kazuchika Okada entering the ring and inciting a staredown for the ages with Omega asking for “a few months” so they could run back their legendary New Japan Pro-Wrestling feud under the AEW umbrella just as soon as possible. But Okada hesitated and walked away, leading to an assault from Jack Perry and The Young Bucks that culminated in an EVP Trigger. As the beatdown ensued, FTR hit the ring to prevent any further damage, but eventually, once Omega was wheeled to the back on a gurney, about to be loaded into an ambulance, The Elite struck again, tossing Omega from the gurney and onto the cement floor as a distraught Dax Harwood looked on.

Omega, who admitted to being nervous about tonight’s appearance, hasn’t wrestled since defeating Ethan Page on “AEW Collision” in early December and hasn’t been seen at all since announcing via X that he would be out indefinitely due to his diagnosis.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Jack Perry And The Elite Destroy Tony Khan In Closing Segment Of AEW Dynamite

After an eight-month absence from AEW television, Jack Perry returned on “AEW Dynamite,” hitting the ring in the main event segment to ask AEW President Tony Khan to shake his hand, reinstate him, and “continue to change the world together.” Perry got all that he asked for and more, punching Khan in the stomach and setting him up for further damage at the hands of The Elite.

Perry, who was last seen in AEW at All In in August of 2023 before Sunday’s surprise appearance at Dynasty, showed up with The Young Bucks and Kazuchika Okada at the start of tonight’s show, walking into the arena through the back and eventually ending up in Khan’s office. Later in the show, it was revealed that Perry and Khan would meet in the ring, setting the stage for the latter’s first physical involvement in the company’s five-year history.

Beginning the segment by addressing the Jacksonville crowd by saying he’s had some of the best times in his life there, Perry pivoted in saying that they had business to handle and that he wanted to do it face to face with Khan. After Perry admitted that the two have had ups and downs, not always seeing eye to eye, the former Jungle Boy said, “I swear to God, the only thing I have ever wanted is what’s best for AEW.” The two would then embrace, raising each other’s hands before Perry’s attack, and ultimately, The Young Bucks finishing Khan off with none other than the TK Driver.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1783488633615573029

As the show went off air, a slew of AEW stars rushed toward the ring and to Khan’s side, along with Shahid Khan, Tony’s father, and AEW co-owner, who looked stunned and concerned for his fallen son.

Backstage News On How Hard Tony Khan Is Selling Attack From The Elite On AEW Dynamite

Fightful Select reports that its sources in AEW say Khan didn’t simply sell the attacks on-camera, but has since been selling his resulting storyline injury as well. The upcoming Parking Lot Brawl between Trent Barretta and Chuck Taylor was filmed early on Thursday, and their sources say Khan was on set during the match, seen wearing a neck brace. Some have also questioned if Khan will be seen with the brace in the coming days during the NFL Draft, but for now it’s unknown if he will do so.

Khan’s involvement in the angle seems to have positioned Perry as an even bigger heel than he was before his suspension. Interestingly, while his heel turn was originally welcomed, he still received a significant amount of criticism. Since his return to wrestling and embracing his role in CM Punk’s AEW departure, it seems like fans are now warming up to him as a believable villain, especially after last night. Bully Ray and Tommy Dreamer also recently gave their takes on the heel version of The Elite, noting how Perry has sold lots of merch lately. However, both the veterans criticized Perry for directly referencing Punk, considering that he’s no longer signed to AEW. Bully also questioned Perry’s heel turn, and suggested that he should’ve actually been a babyface since Punk was the one who got physical first.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

The Elite Reportedly Voted To Decide Whether They’d Stay In AEW Or Join WWE

After a lengthy period of negotiations, it was announced yesterday that The Elite had signed new contracts with All Elite Wrestling, ensuring Tony Khan won’t have to think of another fitting adjective that starts with “E” — at least not for another few years.

On the latest “Wrestling Observer Radio,” journalist Dave Meltzer stated that all four members agreed they would stick together, leaving their destination up to a majority vote. Opinions, and votes, amongst the group reportedly changed over the course of negotiations, but all four eventually agreed to stay with AEW.

Additionally, Meltzer said he had heard about four-year deals being signed by all four, but neither he nor co-host Bryan Alvarez could confirm that number. The nature of AEW’s schedule, as opposed to the more grueling schedule of WWE, was reportedly the critical factor for the four men in their decision to stay. While he wasn’t sure of the exact day the contracts were signed, Meltzer believes the deals were put together several weeks ago.

Following the announcement of their new contracts, all four members of The Elite appeared on “AEW Dynamite” last night. Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks faced Jeff Jarrett, Jay Lethal, and Satnam Singh in a trios match. Following the match, “Hangman” Adam Page, along with Matt and Jeff Hardy, came to the aid of Omega and the Jackson brothers.

With less than four weeks until AEW All In at Wembley Stadium, possible match-ups for the members of The Elite are still up in the air. The group recently concluded a lengthy feud against the Blackpool Combat Club, and last night’s episode didn’t quite seem to set up what’s next for the faction. However, it was teased that fans can expect to see The Elite on “AEW Collision” soon in addition to “Dynamite.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

The Elite Sign New Multi-Year Deals With AEW

Sports Illustrated reported today that The Elite (Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, and Hangman Page) have each signed new multi-year deals with the company.

The article added Omega and the Bucks will also continue in their roles as Executive Vice Presidents.

Their deals were slated to expire at the end of this year and reportedly had interest from WWE.

“I’m excited to share that Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, and Hangman Adam Page will all be staying in AEW for years to come,” AEW owner Tony Khan said in a statement. “We look forward to celebrating the great news with fans around the world.”

Tony Khan confirmed that the new deals with The Elite were inked before tonight’s 200th episode of “AEW Dynamite,”

Here are the statements made by Omega and The Young Bucks:

Kenny Omega: “Our original goal was to create a wrestling alternative and give a platform to talented people that we’d all felt deserved a spotlight,” he said. “I feel like we did our best in that time, and hopefully some people you’d never heard of pre-AEW are folks you enjoy watching today. Or if you knew them from their previous work elsewhere, have maybe found a new appreciation for them. That feeling, combined with the feeling of knowing they can provide for themselves and their family doing what they love, was always the biggest reward of being an EVP/founder. Pro wrestling has a presence almost everywhere on the planet,” he continued. “In my pursuit to become as complete of a performer as possible, my goal was always to experience the styles of the world at their highest level. I believe that with AEW’s current working relationships, and possibly future, I can challenge all forms of pro wrestling and diversify my style so that I’m equipped for any scenario I may encounter in the ring. I was careful to weigh out all options and was open minded to all possibilities,” said Omega. “I’m here to help whomever I can while I’m still around. Up to this point, I’ve made the choice to sacrifice everything in the name of pro wrestling. I can’t say that family or my kids influenced the decision to stay with AEW–I’m not married and without kids–but what I can say is that I’m incredibly proud of my match catalog and the wonderful people I’ve met and continue to meet. AEW not only allows me to continue doing what I do at a high level, but allows the freedom to pursue some other passions I have in life–which, after nearly 25 years in the ring, have become more and more important to me.”

Matt Jackson: “We’re literally the ‘E’ in AEW,” he said. “The Elite are the main characters of this company. No matter how different AEW is now from its original inception, we are the DNA. And if you lose the foundation of your home, it eventually collapses. It’d be a lie if I said that didn’t weigh on us, when making the decision. In my older years of my career, being closer to the end than I am the beginning, I’m not really one who worries much about my legacy anymore,” he continued. “I’ve kind of noticed, like a summer tan, most memories fade. Or, they’re remembered differently or told with errors anyway. Oftentimes the memory is almost instantly forgotten, because you hit the refresh button. As far as my own personal stories, I’ll have enough to retell my grandchildren for a lifetime. And much of those stories can be about how I helped create a massively successful wrestling company where all of your favorites can be seen on live television every week.”

Nick Jackson: “If we’re going to be honest the schedule was a huge part of it,” he said. “I have a wife and three young children and seeing them as much as possible was a big factor. I’m not going to lie, the money was a huge factor, too. At this point of my life and career, I just couldn’t see myself being on the road half of the year or even more than that. I have so much respect for the guys and girls that are able to do that year after year. We for sure could’ve made memories in WWE, but what’s more important to me is making memories with my family. With the position we’re in, I’ll be able to do that and still make memories in AEW.”

“Top Name” Left AEW Dynamite In Bad Mood – Punk/Elite Situation Is A “Ticking Time Bomb” (Report)

One of the top stars in AEW was in a foul mood following this week’s episode of Dynamite which saw CM Punk appear on the broadcast.

Punk made his first appearance on Dynamite in months this week and earned an electric response from the crowd in his native Chicago.

When a deal was reached to bring Punk back to TV, it was believed that Punk would keep to AEW Collision while the Elite would remain fixtures of Dynamite.

In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reports that one “top name” of AEW was in a bad mood following this week’s Dynamite.

That top name, who was not named in the report, described the atmosphere within AEW due to the Punk-Elite situation as a potential “ticking time bomb.”

Source: eWn

Young Bucks’ Matt Jackson Likely To Remain On AEW TV Through Injury

Matt Jackson will reportedly be remaining on AEW television in some capacity moving forward, according to Fightful Select, despite the recent news that he suffered a partially torn bicep. The Elite member will obviously not be able to compete in matches for the foreseeable future due to his injury, but there are still plenty of ways the company could use him. Jackson is currently involved in a major storyline poised to reunite “Hangman” Adam Page with himself, his brother, and Kenny Omega, and he could end up appearing to continue that angle during his time on the shelf.

The injury took place during the AEW World Trios Championship match between the Young Bucks, the Jericho Appreciation Society, and the House of Black on March 15, which he worked through despite being hurt. Last week AEW ran an injury angle for The Young Bucks which saw them leave the arena in ambulances due to a backstage ambush, believed to be by the Blackpool Combat Club. Therefore, the company has a storyline reason to keep Jackson out of the ring that would allow him to turn up on television with his arm in a sling or brace. 

It is also believed that Jackson is hoping to avoid surgery, which would mean a faster recovery time to get back into the ring, and is another reason why AEW might be keen to keep him on television. However, it remains to be seen how things will be handled regarding the overarching storyline between The Elite and Blackpool Combat Club, and when a match between the factions will be possible.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AEW Is Working On Long-Term Deals For The Elite

Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks will have to decide whether they want to sign new AEW deals or see what they can get on the free agent market soon. 

Omega’s deal had been slated to expire earlier this year, but due to the time, he missed while on hiatus, time had been added to his existing deal. 

Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that AEW is keen to tie down The Elite to new deals.

“AEW is working on signing the Young Bucks and Kenny Omega to new long-term deals well before they become free agents.”

The Elite lost the AEW Trios Championships to the House Of Black at Revolution. Next week’s Dynamite, The Elite vs. Jericho Appreciation Society vs. House of Black, will take place.

Source: eWrestlingNews

Backstage Notes On The Elite’s Return, Usage Of New Theme Song, Kansas Reacts To The Elite Using Their Song 

As noted, The Elite (the Young Bucks and Kenny Omega) made their in-ring return Saturday night at AEW Full Gear, losing a match to Death Triangle for the AEW Trios Championships. The Elite came out to Kansas’ “Carry On Wayward Son” for their entrance theme. A report by Dave Meltzer from F4WOnline.com has more details on The Elite’s return, and the use of their new theme song.

According to the report, the plan is for The Elite to use “Carry On Wayward Son” as their entrance music specifically for trios matches. They won’t be using the song for regular tag team or singles matches. The Young Bucks have reportedly been looking to use the song for a long time, since the Bucks and their dad are big fans of the song. Previously, the Bucks used the song as entrance music when taking part in backyard wrestling as teenagers.

The use of the song reportedly did not have anything to do with the recent situation between The Elite and CM Punk. As many fans know, The Elite were suspended following the backstage incident that took place at All Out in September. The suspension for The Elite was lifted after the conclusion of an investigation into the incident. While The Elite were said to be aware that people think the two ideas are related, that’s said to not be the case, and they’ve wanted to use the song for a while.

Additionally, even though Saturday night’s match was contested for the Trios titles, that won’t be the case for all of the subsequent matches in their best-of-seven series with Death Triangle. The Elite can only win the titles outright if they win four matches in the best-of-seven series.

The band Kansas took to Twitter following AEW Full Gear to comment on The Elite using their “Carry On Wayward Son” song for their entrance at AEW Full Gear. You can check out their reaction below:

Source: EWrestlingNews

The Elite Returning At AEW Full Gear

Its official — The Elite will be making their return to AEW at Full Gear when they challenge Death Triangle for the AEW World Trios Championships. This comes on the heels of Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks being away from the company for an extended period of time following their post-All Out backstage altercation with CM Punk. As a result, the Trios Titles, which The Elite had just won at All Out, were vacated. 

While the Young Bucks did not show their faces on-screen at last night’s “AEW Dynamite, according to Fightful Select, they were indeed backstage though. Death Triangle instead passively hinted at meeting The Elite this Saturday at the pay-per-view with a new graphic popping up to reveal Death Triangle vs. The Elite as officially signed. The plan all along, since the backstage waters have calmed some, has been for The Elite to come back at Full Gear and not before, despite their presence backstage Wednesday.

Speaking of backstage presences, Kenny Omega’s right-hand man Don Callis has been making his felt behind the scenes on several different occasions over the last several weeks. He’s expected to accompany Omega once again upon his return, as has become the norm over the years. Omega had only just recently returned to action in the weeks leading up to All Out, joining the Bucks to enter the brackets of the AEW World Trios Championship tournament, after being sidelined to treat a series of major injuries he had sustained over the years.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AEW Teases The Return Of The Elite On This Week’s Episode Of Dynamite

The Elite look to be on their way back to AEW soon.

On Wednesday night’s episode of Dynamite, a video package aired showcasing some of The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega’s biggest moments. For what it’s worth, The Elite were actually backstage at Wednesday’s TV tapings.

The group have been out of action for the past several months due to suspension after their involvement in a post-show scuffle with CM Punk backstage at All Out.

You can check out a video of the vignette below:

Source: EWrestlingNews