A misbehaving fan who was harassing Skye Blue as he sat ringside during the ROH tapings following the live Dynamite got ejected from the arena.
The incident was firstly reported on Reddit’s SquaredCircle forum by someone with the username Wintertime13, who wrote that a man in front row kept making vulgar comments towards Blue. The fan allegedly kept saying, “Get on your knees for daddy,” “Daddy likes when you’re on the top rope baby girl,” “Nice ass peaches,” etc.
Eventually, AEW and arena security got to him after the match when referee Aubrey Edwards motioned for them to eject him. The fan, who also had a child with him, put on a fight but was escorted out.
Rachael Ellering, who was wrestling Blue during the tapings, wrote on social media that the speed which she and Edwards got out of the ring to get the creep kicked out was remarkable.
“Olympic medalist speeds. I’ve NEVER in my career heard such vulgar things being said to talent during a match. Sexual harassment is not heckling,” she wrote. “This guy wasn’t a fan. He was a pervert who should be banned from shows for life.”
Edwards also chimed in, saying that if you are at a show and yell disgusting, vile, and hateful things at her coworkers, she will make sure your ass gets kicked out.
“There is no place for that in wrestling. Heckling is fine, but when you’ve made the performers (me included) feel uncomfortable in their place of work, you’ve gone too far,” she continued.
It’s also important to add that during Dynamite, Saraya got the camera over to point out at a couple of fans at ringside saying, “These two right here are creeps,” although it’s unclear if the one ejected was one of them.
Smackdown is moving to USA Network a few weeks prior than anticipated with the network announcing that the blue brand will move over starting September 13.
September 13 is a Friday so that means the show will keep its Friday time slot despite it’s a dreaded slot for television at that time.
NBCUniversal won the rights for Smackdown with a new $1.4 billion deal. FOX, which has been airing the show since 2019, did not bid to keep it even though it’s often #1 on the charts in the 18-49 demo.
USA Network will air both Raw and Smackdown in Q4 2024 as they also agreed to a $25 million deal to air Raw for the final three months of the year before they move to Netflix. The sum amounts to $41 million less than what NBCU is currently paying for Raw every quarter in this current deal.
USA Network also lost NXT which is now moving to The CW in October.
In a statement given to Ariel Helwani of The MMA Hour, Gable Steveson’s manager Dave Martin said that his client was grateful to WWE for the opportunity he received.
“Gable Steveson is very grateful for the opportunities he had with WWE and would like to thank everybody in the organization who helped him get there. He would also like to thank all the fans who have supported him on his professional wrestling journey,” Martin said.
The Olympic gold medalist was released last week from his WWE deal and despite unlimited potential, his pro wrestling career never really took off as anticipated.
The statement continued, “Now, Gable is ready to resume competing against elite-level competition and looks forward to sharing big news with you all very soon.”
Helwani said that Steveson has been doing MMA training at Kill Cliff FC and a few NFL teams have also reached out for mini camps.
After footage emerged of his confrontation at a pizzeria in Gainesville, Georgia, Ric Flair now says that he was wrong to lose his temper like that.
Appearing as a guest on The MJ Morning Show on Q105, the Nature Boy explained his side of the situation.
“When I feel like I’m put in that area, where I’m uncomfortable…all of a sudden everything just fell apart, I got upset,” Flair said.
Flair explained that the kitchen manager approached him while he was in the bathroom and he said that he doesn’t shake hands or take photos in bathrooms.
“Any man that goes into a bathroom knows you can see into the stall,” Flair continued. “I said, ‘Get your ass off there, I need to use the restroom.”
But now, Flair admitted he was wrong and probably just should have just walked out the door.
“But it caught me so off-guard because we were having a wonderful time. Then all of a sudden…someone in their kitchen said I did something wrong in the bathroom and there’s no one there except me and him,” Flair said.
The footage leaked shows Flair confronting the kitchen manager at the bar and asking him to meet him outside to settle it. Another customer, who was sitting by the bar, jumped to the defense of the employee and the video ends there.
Flair denied that he was intoxicated when all of this happened, saying he only had two beers and two mixed drinks.
SummerSlam 2024 tickets are now on general sale on Ticketmaster.com.
The north, west, and east sides are open as well as some sections in the south side but there are still sections closed off in those available ones.
The cheapest tickets you can get right now are $200 each plus taxes and fees in the 100 Level. The most expensive ticket is $8,250 at ringside across the hard cam.
SummerSlam will take place from the Cleveland Browns Stadium on Saturday, August 3.
NXT drew 659,000 viewers this week, up 95,000 viewers from last week 2024 low. This was the fifth most-watched episode of NXT this year so far. In the 18-49 demo, NXT had a 0.19 rating, up 0.05 from last week and was #10 on the top 50 cable chart for the night. (Ratings credit: SpoilerTV)
WWE began round one of its King and Queen event in style as we prepare for the most prestigious event on the wrestling calendar. A pay-per-view lavished in grandeur and high stakes, all eyes will be on the highly anticipated King and Queen of the Ring tournament returns, bringing together the best male and female WWE Superstars to compete for the coveted titles.
Set in the grand Jeddah Superdome in Saudi Arabia, this event promises to deliver high-octane action against the backdrop of one of the world’s most impressive arenas, and judging by the action on the opening night of previews, there are some blockbuster matches that the WWE can capitalise on.
Monday Night Raw showcased several big names with the highlight of the action being Shamus excruciatingly losing to Gunther, with the wounds the Irishman had inflicted on him setting the tone for things to come. The former Intercontinental champion returned from injury in April and will be a key player for the new look WWE beyond the King of the Ring. Elsewhere, Ricochet’s bout with Ilja Dragunov had fans talking on social media, while Lyra Valkyria vs Dakota Kai got the Queen of the Ring Tournament off to a strong start.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the rest of the event and assess just why you should return to catch the remainder of the tournament.
The Roster
Since the turn of the year, WWE has boasted a star-studded roster that is transitioning from its old style and introducing a new generation of superstars. While Wrestlemania saw familiar faces like The Rock and The Undertaker, those viewing in Saudi Arabia will witness a blend of current legends and a crop of new talent that will be keen to get over for future years.
The current bracket includes the likes of Randy Orton, AJ Styles, Kofi Kingston and Rey Mysterio, all established stars with years of experience, but also has the youthful exuberance of LA Knight and Santos Escobar across Smackdown and Raw. The King and Queen of the Ring tournament boasts a diverse roster of competitors, each eager to leave their mark on wrestling history.
The Royal Crowning
Who will emerge victorious and claim the throne as the King and Queen of the Ring? Expect fierce competition and thrilling matchups as WWE’s finest vie for supremacy. In years gone by, winning the King of the Ring tournament has been a defining moment for a number of superstars.
There are several candidates for future king and when assessing the best betting apps in the U.S. it would make sense for one of Bobby Lashley or Carmelo Hayes to write their names in the history books.
You only have to look at how Booker T changed his character to King Booker when he won the tournament in 2006, going on a run of wins that saw the former WCW Champion win the Heavyweight title and feud with Batista.
But most famously, Stone Cold Steve Austin gave his iconic speech at the 1996 tournament when he won. He cut what is now known as the 3:16 promo, changing his character and indeed, the course of professional wrestling throughout the attitude era, forever.
“All these years later for the fans to just take it upon themselves and make 3:16, March 16 something because of Austin 3:16.” The Texan said.
“Now it’s kind of like unofficially, an official holiday. Only the wrestling crowd could do that and pull it off. I’m not saying it is, they did. You don’t give yourself a cool nickname, someone’s gotta do it for you. I didn’t make Austin 3:16 day. I cut the promo and the fans did it.”
The Fan Engagement
Join the conversation on social media as fans worldwide share their predictions, reactions, and favorite highlights throughout the event. The finals will be shown live on Peacock and WWE Network, ensuring fans around the world don’t miss a moment of the action.
With the power of Twitter (X), fans can go viral with hashtags and debate everything from their predictions for the matches to the unique blend of sports entertainment and Saudi Arabian culture, as WWE brings its electrifying brand of entertainment to a global audience from the heart of Jeddah.
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Overall, the WWE King and Queen of the Ring Event is making a name for itself as one of the most popular dates of the year, up there with the Royal Rumble and SummerSlam on the wrestling calendar. With plenty of action between now and the final it will be interesting to see who is crowned the champion when we reach the business end.
One of the nephews of The Dynamite Kid will be making his AEW television debut this Saturday on Collision.
Tommy Billington, who is using the same nickname of The Dynamite Kid, will face Dax Harwood of FTR in Vancouver during Saturday’s broadcast.
Tommy and his brother Mark often work together under the Billington Bulldogs name and made their wrestling debut in August 2018. They have wrestled for different indie promotions in the UK and Canada and last year for Major League Wrestling as well.
Monday Night Raw will remain on USA Network until the end of 2024 after TKO announced yesterday that it has entered into an agreement worth $25 million to keep the show on the network until its move to Netflix.
The transition to Netflix will happen on January 6, 2025, but WWE’s current media rights deal for Raw was ending on September 30, 2024, leaving Raw without a home for three whole months.
This will give USA Network 13 more Raw broadcasts and for just three months, it will be the exclusive home of both Raw and Smackdown as Smackdown moves to USA from FOX in the beginning of October.
While $25 million sounds like a good deal, WWE had zero leverage in this case and they are getting paid way less for the last three months than what USA is currently paying.
NBCUniversal paid WWE $1.325 billion over a five-year period for Monday Night Raw, which translates to $265 million per year and $66.25 million per quarter. The $25 million deal represents a decrease of $41.25 million in media rights for that quarter for WWE.
The important announcement teased by Kenny Omega before Dynamite was the return of Anarchy in the Arena match which will take place at Double or Nothing in Las Vegas.
Appearing via video from the hospital, Omega said that the match will pit The Elite – The Young Bucks, Kazuchika Okada, and Jack Perry – against Team AEW.
FTR were the first two names revealed for Team AEW and later in the broadcast, Eddie Kingston and Bryan Danielson joined the fray, with all eight participants being involved in a big brawl to close the show.
The Anarchy in the Arena match has been done twice so far, in 2022 and 2023, both of which at the Double or Nothing pay-per-view.
TKO announced financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2024.
“TKO is off to a strong start in 2024 with multiple record-setting live events, new brand partnerships, and media rights deals for WWE Raw,” said Ariel Emanuel, Executive Chair and CEO of TKO. “With our momentum in the first quarter and solid financial results, we have raised our full year 2024 guidance. We also reached an agreement to settle all claims asserted in both UFC antitrust lawsuits. These positive developments, along with the strength in our underlying businesses, give us more conviction than ever in
the combination of UFC and WWE, and in TKO’s ability to deliver sustainable long-term value for shareholders.”
Revenue increased 105%, or $323.0 million, to $629.7 million. The increase reflected an increase of $6.3 million at UFC, to $313.0 million, and the contribution of $316.7 million of revenue at WWE.
Net Loss was $249.5 million, a decrease of $337.4 million from net income of $87.9 million in the prior year period. The decrease reflected an increase in operating expenses partially offset by the increase in revenue. The increase in operating expenses primarily reflected an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of $475.6 million, an increase in direct operating costs of $111.8 million, and an increase in depreciation and amortization of $91.9 million. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses included a legal settlement of $335.0 million related to a UFC antitrust matter.
Adjusted EBITDA increased 63%, or $109.6 million, to $282.2 million, due to an increase of $8.8 million at UFC and the contribution of $140.2 million of Adjusted EBITDA at WWE, partially offset by an increase of $39.4 million in corporate expenses.
Cash flows generated by operating activities were $59.3 million, a decrease of $10.4 million from $69.7 million, primarily due to lower net income and the timing of working capital.
Free Cash Flow was $27.8 million, a decrease of $37.3 million from $65.1 million, due to the decrease in cash flows generated by operating activities and an increase in capital expenditures, which was primarily related to WWE’s new headquarter facility.
Cash and cash equivalents were $245.8 million as of March 31, 2024. Gross debt was $2.752 billion as of March 31, 2024.
Right to Copeland arriving, Arkady asked how he felt facing King tonight. Copeland said he wasn’t feeling great, his mind has been wandering to places he doesn’t want it to. And he needs to stop it. He just got off the phone with Tony Khan and tonight it’s no dq.
Crowd cheered.
Like last week – the entire opening package is just the Elite.
Orange Cassidy vs Trent Beretta
Backstory: Trent turned on Cassidy and ‘ended the career’ of long-term tag partner Chuck Taylor
Lights low, shots tight despite Schiavone claiming they had a great crowd. He shouted out Taz, who isn’t there due to legit knee issues. Trent came out to a murmur of boos. Same music and video. Which seems weird. You’re gonna repackage the guy? Then do it properly.
They raced at each other, Beretta had to bail outside to avoid a Punch but took a tope, Orange nearly crashing to the mat he was moving so fast. He beat Trent around ringside, crowd into the action. Already better than the fans last week.
They’re doing a countdown clock for Cage/Swerve. Like they did for the Perry/Punk vid.
Trent got on top, shots from the mount, still outside, ref not bothering to count. He mocked Cassidy’s pose then beat him some more till Cassidy hopped the barricade on a whip and they fought into the crowd. This is so AEW – go to all the trouble to push the main event as no dq then have the opening match with regular rules ignore countouts and brawl into the crowd.
They’re maintaining that Tony Khan’s comms are still cut off by the Elite but he can text the announcers.
Cassidy tripped Trent atop the barricade, the latter landing hard on his surgically repaired neck. Don’t do that Trent. We want you to be able to walk when you’re fifty.
Finally back inside after legit 5+ mins outside the ring: Trent flying knee, Cassidy hit right back with a Punch before both plummeted to the mat. Don Callis came out.
Break. Presumably that’ll be a Swerve Bro! and he’ll side with Trent.
Slugging it out – yay/boo – announcers asking Callis about recruiting Cassidy. Trent sought a suplex, blocked slumdog, Cassidy ducked a lariat and hit a tornado ddt. Callis really putting him over on comms. Cassidy went to work with the kicks, pulled away by the ref but rushing back to rain blows from the mount. Certainly done a good job making this feel heated/personal.
Trent ducked a Punch, half and half, ripcord lariat. Crowd here are small but really into this, giving Trent the business. He hit a piledriver but the announcers pointed out that neither has attempted a pin yet – they’re just trying to hurt each other.
He hit another piledriver. Then mocked the stupid hug, instead hitting another running knee. Then removing the buckle pad. Paul Turner might as well be a scarecrow, just asking Trent what he was doing with it.
Allowing Cassidy to remove the opposite pad and roll up Trent to sneak a win. Kinda craps on the story that neither was trying for a pin. Trent gave Orange a piledriver on the steps. Then gave him a very weak catapult into the underside of the ring. Orange sold these brutal moves by standing up and grabbing a chair.
Callis went and talked him out of using it, Statlander ran down to get behind he and Trent. Callis escorted Cassidy backstage, asking if he was okay.
Good action once it got back in the ring. Trent’s a good worker but between never winning and playing a comedy geek for the years, the damage has been done. None of this is raising him up, it’s just sucking down Cassidy. And will do the same to the Family if he joins. And they need all the help they can get.
Winner: Orange Cassidy
The Elite arriving earlier. They talked crap about Canada. Then parked in Tony Khan’s reserved spot.
*****
Then we went to a recap of Kenny’s superb promo last week.
And a post-show promo from Jack Perry. Sporting a shiner courtesy of the Canadian, he said Omega hit his patented moves in his hometown for the last time in his career. He’s ‘not the hero we needed’, the Elite don’t need him anymore and neither does AEW because ‘we’re going to change the world without you.’
He used the ‘We all have to sacrifice,’ line again… ‘and you just made yours.’
As was the case before he left, Perry’s much better taped than live.
*****
To Kenny in the hospital. He said the Bucks had been family for fifteen years and yet here we are. So it’s hard not to take things personally. So he thanked the Bucks for reminding him last week that it wasn’t personal, it was just business.
Which made him think, May 26th marks the five-year anniversary of AEW. So challenged them to Anarchy in the Arena against ‘Team AEW,’ starting with ‘the greatest team in AEW history,’ FTR. As for the others, they’ll reveal themselves tonight, ‘sooner than you might think.’
He did his goodbye/goodnight thing.
Not as good as last week – never gonna be – but solid nonetheless.
*****
None of this was allowed to sink in or be talked about because we raced to Tony bringing Serena Deeb to the stage.
Deeb played to the crowd. And Schiavone and the fans at home. She said she’s a fan of Toni and is aware that people are saying she won’t beat her. So she wants to explain why losing at DoN is not an option.
She was out for the hardest fifteen months of her life. The crowd chanted ‘Let’s go Oilers.’ She said she had three seizures. It was incredibly scary. She saw doctors, did scans, no-one could figure out why it happened.
She said the hardest part is often we don’t know what causes them. The thing that stuck in her mind was a dream of being women’s champ.
Toni Storm came out. She said she thought she was hearing from her challenger but instead heard from a charity case. Deeb said she suggested that Toni ‘give a shit’ and take things seriously, since she’s been fighting for her life.
Crowd lightly chanted for Toni. Storm said she didn’t give a ‘single solitary shit’ about what Deeb’s gone through. Crowd chanted louder for Toni. Toni tried a cheap shot but was laid out with a right.
Utterly dreadful. Pretty sure they were in opposite roles last week. Roles which better suit them. Going to legit medical issues two weeks in a row is overkill.
*****
Rocky Romero came to check on Orange and said if he wins tonight against Jay White, he, Orange and a third get a trios title shot. Then suggested they could even mend things with Trent. Cassidy almost got angry but said they’d figure it out.
Apparently that makes that match ‘high stakes’ per Excalibur. Nice he thinks so.
Callis made the only reference to the whole Omega promo by saying he was glad Kenny was in the hospital. Forget pushing a huge ppv match and the mystery of who Kenny’s sending after the Elite, we’ve got the Best Friends to get to right?
Mariah May vs Harley Cameron
Backstory: NONE
Mariah came out without Storm. So seems they’re positioning her as the babyface now? Both here, since Cameron came out with Saraya. And in the wider sense vs Storm who was just demonstrably at-least-supposed to be a heel. What a mess.
Cameron hit an early running knee strike for two. May hit strikes in the corner, running forearm, spinning slam, shotgun, nice flurry. Cameron went outside and hit May with weak kicks as she reached over for her.
Ads.
Both hit the deck looking for the same move. As we went to Saraya yelling outside for a change. Boy, haven’t missed that.
They exchanged rights from their knees, to their feet – yay/boo – wild flurry from May, Cameron followed her to the ropes with a lariat, May reciprocated then hit sky high for two. May blocked a Cameron kick and absolutely nailed her with a headbutt.
Shotgun from the top, hip attack coming, Saraya pulled Cameron outside to freedom. But was laid out by May. Cameron got a ‘near fall’ with a rollup after the distraction. Cause she totally might win right? May immediately hit Mayday to win.
May was very good here. Cameron’s talented in many ways but did not look ready to wrestle on tv. Saraya attacked immediately after the bell. Mina Shirakawa ran out, levelled Harley with a spinning back elbow then leapt into May’s arms. They teased a kiss, Mina pulled away, May looked disappointed.
Mina then asked for champagne and the two danced and drank. This story could be intriguing if the roles weren’t so frustratingly vacillatory (probs not a word but you get it).
Winner: Mariah May
Arkady was with Pac backstage. Pac looked like he was sedated, staring blankly the same way he was after his loss to Okada. She asked about Death Triangle.
And was interrupted by BCG. Jay White said no one was concerned with Death Triangle because they were dead. White said Pac had lost to Okada but there was somebody who does know how to get the job done against Okada, so maybe he should go after the Continental Title and add goal to their haul (they’re carrying all six belts around).
White said Pac should watch him against Rocky and learn about winning.
God Jay White’s good. He talks and you almost forget he’s been made into a nobody.
*****
Malakai Black spooky promo. Fires and darkness and polysyllabic words aimed at Adam Copeland.
*****
To a deliberately saccharine package pushing the Bucks and the Elite as the creators of AEW who’d ‘change the world.’
To the Bucks, who said the guy who made that needs a raise. They looked at the format and yelled ‘Go get em!’ to Swerve. Sarcastically of course.
*****
Swerve stomped to the ring, face fixed, no Nana, no nonsense. He said he was in a foul mood. And a fighting mood. He sent to a replay of Cage attacking him last week then said that was why.
He said everyone wants a piece of you when you’re AEW champ. Which must be news to most of us who wonder why top names never seem to want it.
He said he can understand seeing someone at the top and going after them. He said he’s the Connor McDavid of wrestling. Sparking another pro-Oilers chant. Swerve demanded Cage bring ‘the rest of the Addams Family’ and get out here.
Btw Callis is just staying on comms for the show.
Cage obliged. Cheap heat at the local crowd. So very creative. Cage said every week he’s going to take something from Swerve, starting with the dread last week. Crowd chanted over him re: the Oilers.
Cage said Swerve’s ridden a wave to the top but waves always crash and that’ll happen at DoN. Swerve’s not in his league, he deserves to be the champion. But Strickland can take comfort in knowing that when his house crashes down, he can see gold whenever he wants by looking in the mirror at his teeth.
‘Unless I take those from you right now.’
Swerve said he’d told Cage he wasn’t coming alone. Bryan Cage and the Gates appeared behind him. Swerve compared Christian Cage to Drake, saying he’d whoop him like Kendrick Lamar. Cage got to where he is by politicking; Swerve fought his way there.
He dared Cage to come in and take his gold, as the crowd chanted ‘Swerve’s house.’ He said that’d put Cage in an uncomfortable position though and we all know when Cage ends up in uncomfortable positions, he’s gonna say ‘I quit.’
Cage was speechless until the very predictable beatdown from behind happened by the rest of the Embassy. Though they did need separating from Swerve so it at least solves that. They gave Swerve a triple powerbomb then ran off refs who tried to help. Christian Cage just watched all this.
Bryan Cage then tossed Swerve out over the ropes via military press. Then setup the steps. So presumably there’ll be a Cage/Strickland match we’re supposed to care about sometime soon. Might have been an idea to not have him lose easily to Claudio last week.
The Gates then slammed Swerve through the announce table off the steps. As Cage and co laughed and left.
Strong angle. Easily the best thing on the show so far. Swerve came across as well as he’s done in months and the heel was a coward who had to cheat to get his way after being verbally outdone.
Backstage, the Bucks congratulated Cage and Cage thanked them for the idea. They all said it was the start of a fruitful relationship. The Bucka asked each other whether what happened to Swerve could be considered ‘a bitch move?’
*****
Wow we are racing through segments amid zero wrestling tonight. Clearly they’re reacting to the ratings. They showed Willow beating Skye last week.
Arkady brought Willow in. The champ said she wasn’t great physically but emotionally and spiritually she’s good. Arca asked whether she was ready for Mercedes. Willow said she’s ready for her and any challenge – international or other. Almost downplaying her match with Mercedes.
And asked whether Mone was ready for her, ready for DoN, because last time they wrestled, Willow won. She respects Mone and feels bad Mone got hurt but since then she’s been on the run of her life. So Mone might win all the red carpet attention but in ‘a professional wrestling match I am going to be the winner.’
At DoN, ‘you better be ready. So, are you ready for the fight of our lives?’
Killer. Great stuff. Haven’t done it justice here. Willow still seemed nice but had an edge and carried herself like a champion should.
Jay White vs Rocky Romero
Backstory: If Rocky wins – which he won’t – he gets a shot at the trios titles
Excalibur said there was lots of history between the two. Glad he’s aware of it. He then made fun of Callis for explaining ‘Azucar.’ Again, I didn’t know that, it’s never been explained on AEW tv. Shows Excalibur’s whole approach.
White talked smack, got smacked and rolled up for two. They aimed knees back and forth, Romero made White follow him outside then ran back in, dropkicking White off the apron then aiming a tope.
Romero headscissors, rights in the corner, White ducked a lariat and absolutely decapitated Rocky with one of his own.
Ads. Has it always been White’s approach to just get his ass whupped no matter who he faces? It’s so counterproductive.
Rocky in a chinlock, big chop from Jay, Rocky slipped behind, boot up, uppercut, springboard tornado, both down. White toppled outside, Rocky aimed a rana off the steps then flung White back in, to the top, cross body for two.
White boots up in the corner, Rocky countered a sleeper suplex into a cradle for two, big right, White blocked sliced bread, into a Blade Runner, Rocky again countered into a rollup for two. Best sequence on the show so far, tremendous.
Romero running sliced bread for another two. Callis is so good on comms. So understated but adds so much. White hit a high angle suplex before dragging Romero up into a Blade Runner for the win.
Some good action given their limited time. Also, why would this earn someone a trios title match
The heels were beating down Romero when Pac decided to continue their chat from earlier. I hate that I’m so excited for Pac and Jay White, it’s everything AEW bank on – regardless of how each has been used and/or forgotten about, fans will love the match.
Winner: Jay White
To a Samoa Joe package, training with pads, voiced by the former champ. He said ‘fear’ is what drives a warrior. Fear of not being good enough, meeting an opponent you can’t beat. But he’s not the warrior that fears others, ‘I am what these men fear in the first place.’
Good stuff. Glad they’re not forgetting joe. Part of what makes a title belt is the strength of previous champions.
Chris Jericho & Big Bill vs Jabari? & ???
Backstory: Bill’s petitioning to get under Jericho’s wing and helped him beat Shibata last week
Jericho’s basically playing his cheesy babyface character from 1996 again. ‘Jabari’ took him down via armdrag; he tagged out to Bill. The White Guy tagged in, Bill ran through both opponents. To cheers – which will happen when a name whoops on nobodies.
He tagged Jericho in to take the glory – Judas Effect, win. At least they don’t seem to be making this a faction.
Jericho took a mic and thanked the fans. He called the place Calgary (deliberately), so got some boos. The fans were dumb so chanted that he’d F’d up. He said that learning from mistakes is what the Learning Tree does. He said he’d be on Dynamite for two hours straight if he could.
And reiterated his For The World title is for all of us. He complimented Bill and said he’s already learning how to win. And thanked Shibata for their match last week – saying it got the highest rating on cagematch. Fans quiet cause yeah.
He said we still haven’t seen Hook since he essentially hit himself in the face with a baseball bat – great line. Schiavone entered the ring to say Hook’s back next Weds. Jericho said he was excited and thanked everyone again as Excalibur asked how disingenuous someone could be.
Winner: Chris Jericho & Big Bill
Adam Copeland vs Brody King (No DQ, TNT Title)
Backstory: The entire House are utilizing the Cope Open to challenge the champ for his title while trying to goad him toward the dark side after misting him
Brody nailed a shoulder block to leave Copeland down. And the House actually drew some boos for once. Copeland slipped behind but was elbowed to the mat, blocked a powerbomb, sent Brody to the apron, hit a shoulder to the gut but took a punt attempting a second. Then a neckbreaker in the ropes.
Ads.
Fighting outside, Brody set Copeland on a chair, prepping his cross body against the barricade. The vet smartly had no intention of taking it and moved, Brody crashing. Before Copeland grabbed a chair. Had forgotten it was no dq. Copeland aimed several shots to the back before they brawled to the apron where Copeland landed an impaler.
‘Remember we’re still going to hear from Matthew and Nicholas Jackson,’ mentioned Excalibur casually. We are!!?? When did that happen?
Brody a bloody mess now, he smiled and spat at the Canadian. Who hit a cross body off the top for two as they finally moved back to the ring. Copeland went to grab another chair and broke the legs off before jamming it in the buckle.
Allowing Brody to nail a lariat, both down. Excalibur said if he’d missed that would’ve been it since it was all he had left. Nice work.
Ads.
Back to Brody grabbing his apron choke, looking to drag Copeland out there but being brought in via snapmare. King just pouring blood as they crashed with several lariats before dropping. TiA from the crowd.
They finally mentioned the Kenny/Elite thing. Just piss poor promotion. Again.
As Copeland dragged Brody onto his shoulders but collapsed under his weight, King getting two. Then nailing a wince-inducing cannonball in the corner. For the same. Copeland slipped out of a Gonzo Bomb to hit a reverse facebuster. Readying a Spear, Brody grabbed and rode him back to the corner then hit a piledriver.
To the apron, Copeland again dragged Brody onto his shoulders, dvd on the apron. Before Spearing Brody through the ropes, off the apron and through a ringside table. Crazy. And doesn’t seem to be the finish. Crazier. Though back inside, Copeland immediately hit a Spear to win.
Strong match.
King attacked immediately after the bell, raining blows. Kyle O’Reilly ran out to murmurs, aiming a flurry at King before he and Copeland removed Brody together. Just don’t get using tv time on Kyle. There are so many guys who could benefit from associating with Copeland.
No mention of the spooky mist which is a big plus, though Copeland did hint at it opening the show.
Winner: Adam Copeland
To Mercedes with Arkady. She asked the same question, is Mercedes ready? Mone said she’s so excited about making her return to the sport she loves. Where the best wrestle. She thrives under that spotlight and pressure.
Tomorrow she’ll be front row at the Celtics game then is throwing out the first pitch for the Red Sox. Before heading back to the gym to get ready. Willow took something from her she’ll never get back – time. She’d kept wondering why her injury happened and had questioned whether she’d ever be as good again.
Then said damn right she would, better than ever. And said there’s an asterisk over Willow’s win. And vowed to wipe the ‘stupid smile’ off Willow’s face. At DoN, ‘money changes everything.’
Woeful. In stark contrast to Willow, didn’t believe a word Mone said. Just terrible acting. On top of which – she went back and forth from wrestling-loving-babyface to smarmy-spotlight-seeking-heel to concerned-for-her-career-babyface to money-changes-everything-heel. In one minute.
*****
Rushing to Lexy with Copeland. She asked about Kyle helping him. Copeland said it was a relief and thanked Kyle. Kyle asked for a favor, Saturday he wants to face Copeland for the belt in his hometown. Copeland wasn’t impressed – I think – at Kyle being so obvious at helping him just for that. Though intimated that he was.
*****
The Elite came out. The Bucks said the show doesn’t end till they say it does. Matt said he’d got an overrun from the network. Nick heeled on Canada. Okada addressed Omega – he called himself the Best Bout Machine and said ‘Get well soon,’ then aimed a kiss a la Kenny. With just the best smarmy look on his face.
Such a phenomenal prick.
Matt said speaking of unwell people, Tony Khan’s the best boss he’s ever had and wishes Tony could’ve recognized they were here to help AEW. But he got in their way. And Kenny decided last week to end a fifteen-year friendship. So they had to take him out too.
Nick said FTR only saved him because they hate the Bucks, not because they like Kenny. He agreed to Anarchy in the Arena then said good luck finding two guys to team with them. FTR came out. Dax said after a bit of convincing, they’d found a couple of guys with big enough balls. Eddie Kingston came out. Crowd very happy to see him. Mox next? Nope, Bryan Danielson. That’s a weird foursome, Danielson’s somewhat feuded with all three this year.
Schiavone said he was on a text chain with Khan and Kenny: Danielson’s cleared and will return to wrestling this weekend.
The four headed to the ring, a brawl broke out and they announced the match as the show ended.
The Elite vs FTR, Kingston & Danielson (Anarchy in the Arena)
Next Collision (On TBS, didn’t say a time, Rampage is in a block with it again):
Didn’t announce anything, but presumably Copeland vs O’Reilly
Next Dynamite:
Hook’s back
Thumbs Up/Down
Swerve/Cage angle
Willow’s promo
Decent job hyping Swerve – both via the countdown and the Bucks
Generally entertaining – not a ton of wrestling which I don’t mind if it’s not every week but others might
Copeland/Brody
*****
Again, a show full of predictable finishes – nothing intriguing ahead of time
Storm/Deeb – when you have someone cheered for saying they don’t give a shit about a babyface having seizures, your booking’s a mess
Mixed promotion – better job hyping Swerve but almost no mention of who Omega’s other guys might be – which is the sort of thing that can hook viewers to stay tuned if actually brought up
For the second week in a row, where’s Ospreay? Mox? Don’t mean much if their absences aren’t felt
Jack Perry has become backseat already
Mercedes promo
Appreciate you reading. Hope you’re having a good week.
Week 10 of WWE’s block on A&E continued with Rivals and Most Wanted Treasures at 8PM and 9PM ET respectively.
Rivals, which took a look at John Cena vs Batista, drew 271,000 viewers, down 12,000 viewers from last week’s show of Steve Austin vs Booker T. It had a 0.08 rating in 18-49, up 0.01 from last week and placed #39 on the chart.
Most Wanted Treasures followed with Triple H’s memorabilia as the subject. It had 299,000 viewers, up 63,000 viewers over last week’s show and a 0.10 rating in 18-49, up 0.04. It placed #27 on the chart. (Ratings credit: SpoilerTV)
AEW remains in Canada for another Dynamite, this time in Edmonton, Alberta. Tonight’s show is focused around Kenny Omega and his “important announcement” following last week’s beat down by The Elite.
Matches announced are Adam Copeland vs Brody King for the TNT title, Orange Cassidy vs Trent Beretta, Mariah May vs Harley Cameron, and Chris Jericho and Big Bill will be in action too.
Plus, Swerve Strickland and Christian Cage come face-to-face and Serena Deeb will have an in-ring promo.
The post-Backlash Monday Night Raw drew 1,619,000 viewers, down 64,000 viewers from the draft episode of last week. This was the fourth least-watched episode of Raw of 2024 so far.
Raw started with 1,706,000 viewers but dropped to 1,692,000 in the second hour and then to 1,460,000 viewers in the third hour. The third hour is the third least-watched of 2024 so far.
The show was #4, #5, and #6 in the top 50 cable chart among the 18-49 demo with 0.56, 0.55, and 0.48 ratings respectively for an average of 0.53, down 0.02 from last week. (Ratings credit: SpoilerTV)
With single tickets now available for both Smackdown and Clash at the Castle: Scotland, pricing seems a bit “better” although the cheapest for the premium live event remains at a whopping £300.
According to @WrestleTix, WWE has sold nearly 10,000 tickets for both shows, with Smackdown at 9,073 and Clash at the Castle at 9,809. The arena is set up for 11,119 for both shows.
With just over a month for the shows, WWE is likely heading to a complete sellout for both events, especially if they decrease the prices in the final few days. The ringside area remains largely unsold due to its extremely high ticket prices.
Turki Alalshikh, the Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, has told ESPN‘s Mike Coppinger that an enhancement to the current 10-year deal with WWE will be announced soon at the King and Queen of the Ring tournament.
The enhancement will include to bring one of the big five premium live events to the country, most specifically the Royal Rumble or WrestleMania.
In addition, Alalshikh also said that Riyadh Season will sponsor the UFC 306 pay-per-view from the state-of-the-art location of The Sphere in Las Vegas, the first sponsorship of its kind from Saudi.
Saudi Arabia will also host Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk for the Undisputed Heavyweight title in Riyadh a week before King and Queen of the Ring.
“We will do big things with the UFC and TKO,” Alalshikh said.
The Saudi deal with the UFC was facilitated by former TKO Executive Chairman Vince McMahon.
The current WWE deal sees Saudi pay around $50 million per show.
NXT ring announcer Alicia Taylor has finished up with the brand and was promoted to the main roster where she will be the ring announcer for Friday Night Smackdown.
In a video published on Shawn Michaels’ X account, Michaels is seen announcing the news with Taylor by his side and the NXT locker room around her.
He then presented with the NXT title signed by everyone on the back.
“An irreplaceable part of the soundtrack for countless unforgettable #WWENXT moments, and now she’s bringing her unending passion to #SmackDown,” Michaels wrote. “@AliciaTaylorNXT, thank you for everything you’ve brought to the #NXTUniverse… and congratulations on your next step!”
The 43-year-old drummer started working for WWE in 2018 and started ring announcing a few months later.
She replaces Mike Rome on Smackdown, who will be taking her place on NXT.
Now, for the first time ever, both Raw and Smackdown will have female ring announcers with crowd-favorite Samantha Irvin doing the announcing on Raw.
The taped Smackdown from Lyon, France last week drew 2,148,000 viewers, up 5,000 viewers from the prior week. It was the second least-watched episode of Smackdown of 2024 so far. The show had a 0.60 rating in 18-49, up 0.02 from last week and was #1 on all of network television for tonight but #3 overall behind NBA Playoffs on ESPN. (Ratings credit: SpoilerTV)
The qualifying matches for the NXT Women’s North American title will start next week on NXT after 12 participants were selected.
The selection came through rankings on an NXT combine held yesterday throughout the show.
Sol Ruca topped the combine with 95 points overall followed by Thea Hail with 93, and then Jaida Parker, Brinley Reece, and Michin all with 91 points. Fallon Henley, Lash Legend, Ivy Nile, and Izzi Dame all had 90 points each while Kelani Jordan had 89. Tatum Paxley scored an 88 and the last one was Wren Sinclair with 85.
The 12 will now face off each other in six qualifiers with the first two being Sol Ruca vs Izzy Dame and Ivy Nile vs Lash Legend.
The ladder match with the six finalists will take place at the NXT Battleground premium live event at the UFC APEX next month.
