Tag: aew all out 2021

AEW notes: Possible Full Gear location, All Out revenue, Wyatt

Posted on by Josh Nason

In this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer said that the rumored location for November’s AEW Full Gear is Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota.

Meltzer said AEW didn’t confirm or deny the location. He also didn’t specify what venue.

AEW had to move the date from November 6th to November 13th due to heavy pay-per-view competition from UFC’s return to Madison Square Garden and a Canelo Alvarez title unification bout. The show was set for the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri, but the venue is booked for the new night.

Meltzer didn’t say whether the Enterprise Center in St. Louis was an option as the 19,000-seat home of the NHL Blues is available. Rampage is also scheduled for that Friday at the Chaifetz Arena.

In either case, Meltzer notes AEW will likely have to pull Jon Moxley from his New Japan Battle of the Valley event from San Jose, California, which is also scheduled for the same night as Full Gear.

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Meltzer noted that of the 200,000+ buys thus far for All Out, streaming numbers (both domestic and international) accounted for 115,000 which was twice the number of last year’s show. He estimated late buys could add another 10-15% to the final number and could be more than usual based on Bryan Danielson’s debut and the buzz about the Tag Team title cage match.

The amount of buys is the largest for a non-WWE PPV since 1999’s WCW Spring Stampede and could be more than the March 1999 Uncensored event when it’s all said and done.

Revenue-wise, he estimated AEW took home just under $5 million in post-partner split PPV revenue, live gate & merchandise, and movie theater buys with the total gross being just under $10 million. That number would be the most since February 1999’s SuperBrawl in Oakland, California, headlined by Ric Flair vs. Hulk Hogan ($14.1 million).

All Out set the company’s live gate record ($700,000 on 9000+ paid tickets) with “The First Dance” edition of Rampage bringing in around 15,000 paid for $635,000. The upcoming show at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York, will break the gate record.

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Meltzer said that the plans for the discussed “major” rematch in early-2022 between Women’s Champion Britt Baker and Thunder Rosa have ranged from a cage match to a hair vs. hair match to everything in between.

“The idea is to build it to be the biggest women’s match in company history,” he wrote.

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Meltzer said that it’s either going to be AEW or Impact Wrestling for Windham Rotunda, the former Bray Wyatt in WWE. If Wyatt signs, he said there is talk that his debut would be at the September 29th Dynamite in Rochester, New York — the hometown of former Wyatt Family member Brodie Lee.

September 13, 2021 Observer Newsletter: AEW All Out review, Gable Steveson signs with WWE

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Bryan Danielson, Adam Cole (Austin Jenkins), Ruby Soho (Dori Prange) and Minoru Suzuki were all unannounced surprises on AEW’s All Out on 9/5 from the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, IL.

The show may end up historical and certainly felt like it was historic in the building. It felt it just as much if not more watching on television with the announcers soundtrack. In the days that have passed, many have talked about it as the best U.S.-based PPV show in history and it has to be in the discussion. There have been a few better shows judged strictly by match quality, and it’s too soon to ascertain anything long-term of what it means. Short-term it led to Dynamite beating Raw for the first time ever same day in the same week.

But when you consider atmosphere, news value, crowd, announcing match depth and creativity, it’s a hard one to beat.

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AEW’s Tony Khan says All Out did over 200,000 buys

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: AEW

While the final numbers from linear pay-per-view providers still have to be calculated, AEW’s Tony Khan said that last Sunday’s All Out brought in more than 200,000 buys — a record for the company.

After those linear buys are figured out, that number is expected to grow significantly.

Speaking on his Friday segment for Busted Open Radio, Khan didn’t provide any other details but was very happy about the success, specifically thanking CM Punk, his roster and the fans. He said he planned this card for well over a year and had the date circled for quite some time.

Punk’s return after more than seven years away was the major selling point as he faced Darby Allin in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Rumors of Bryan Danielson and Ruby Soho debuting in some form leaked beforehand and came to fruition with the show also featuring the surprise debuts of Adam Cole and Minoru Suzuki.

Khan also noted they have sold more than 100,000 Punk t-shirts and thousands upon thousands of ice cream bars since his debut.

Bryan Danielson, Adam Cole debut at AEW All Out

Posted on by Josh Nason

On a night that featured the debut of Ruby Soho, the final segment of AEW All Out saw two other major free agents also make their debuts in Bryan Danielson and Adam Cole.

Danielson (fka Daniel Bryan) became a free agent after his WWE deal expired in April while Cole’s extended NXT deal was up after last month’s TakeOver where he lost to Kyle O’Reilly.

After Kenny Omega’s successful AEW title defense over Christian Cage in the main event, the rest of the Elite members came out to celebrate and started kicking Cage. That brought out Jurassic Express, but they also fell victim to the numbers game.

Omega was doing a promo about how he’s defeated all of his competition and that the only people that would ever have a chance to beat him aren’t in AEW, are retired or are already dead. The lights went out and when they came back on, Cole came out to a thunderous ovation. He made his way to the ring and as it appeared he was going to square off with Omega, he superkicked Jungle Boy instead. He then hugged the Elite members and said they were the most dominant faction in the history of the business.

Omega was then about to close the show with his “good-bye and good night” line when the opening to Flight of the Valkyries hit. Out came Danielson to another thunderous ovation. He got in the ring and stood with Jurassic Express and Cage against the Elite, but Omega bailed as a brawl broke out. Danielson hit Yes kicks in the corner and then a running knee to Nick Jackson as the Elite then scurried away to close the show.

Soho debuted earlier in the night, winning the women’s Casino Battle Royale.

CM Punk victorious over Darby Allin at AEW All Out

Posted on by Josh Nason

In his first match in over seven years, CM Punk was victorious at Sunday’s AEW All Out, defeating Darby Allin.

Punk won after hitting his second GTS of the match by reversing a poison rana attempt by Allin. After the match, Sting came out and shook Punk’s hand followed by Allin following suit.

Sporting a new look with tights, the 42-year-old hometown favorite worked a slow and methodical style, using his size and strength to his advantage. Outside breathing heavy in spots, Punk didn’t show any ring rust and held his own with the younger Allin.

Allin had his moments, nearly picking up a win after hitting a series of palm strikes followed by a Code Red. He also took his usual amount of punishment with high risk spots, hitting a flying shoulder tackle to the outside, followed by a senton from the top rope to the outside. Earlier in the match, Allin took a big bump off a Punk throw in the ring post. 

The last few minutes featured several reversals and near falls. One such sequence saw Allin mock Punk’s GTS hand gesture before missing a Coffin Drop. As Punk sat up, Allin quickly got ensnared him for a near fall. A Last Supper also nearly got him the win as well.

This was Punk’s first singles match since January 2014 when he defeated now-fellow AEW rostermate Billy Gunn. His last match of any kind was the 2014 Royal Rumble.

Ruby Soho debuts at AEW All Out, wins women’s Casino Battle Royale

Posted on by Josh Nason

The former Ruby Riott is now #AllElite as Ruby Soho debuted at AEW All Out Sunday in the women’s Casino Battle Royale, winning the match to earn a future shot at Women’s Champion Britt Baker.

As had been rumored, Soho was the final entrant (the joker) into the match, entering to Rancid’s “Ruby Soho” to a loud ovation with a wide smile on her face.

Soho, Thunder Rosa and Nyla Rose were the final three women in the match. Rosa eliminated Rose and she and Soho battled for several minutes, eventually spilling to the ring apron.

Soho looked for a belly-to-back suplex but couldn’t get it while Rosa looked for a death valley driver and also couldn’t hit it. The end came when Soho hit a jumping head kick that staggered Rosa until she fell off the apron to the floor.

After five years in their system, Soho was released by WWE in June and recently began sharing videos teasing her comeback. 

Lucha Brothers win AEW Tag Team titles at All Out

Posted on by Josh Nason

In a match of the year candidate, the Lucha Brothers defeated the Young Bucks in a steel cage match for the AEW Tag Team titles at All Out Sunday.

The titles are the first for Penta El Zero Miedo and Rey Fenix as they become the fifth champions in company history following SCU, Kenny Omega and Hangman Page, FTR and the Young Bucks. They lost in the finals to SCU to be crowned the first-ever champions in November 2019. They earned Sunday’s opportunity by winning a four-team tournament.

The end came when Fenix jumped off the top of the cage with a crossbody onto Matt and Nick Jackson as Penta held both men, knocking everyone down. Fenix and Penta then hit their assisted piledriver finish to pick up the win.

As expected, the match featured wild spots, weapons and blood. At one point, Brandon Cutler threw in a bag that contained a sneaker that’s bottom was covered in thumbtacks. Jackson then threw superkicks with the sneaker before Penta and Fenix eventually got the sneaker and used it on both Bucks.

The win ends the Bucks’ 300-day run as champions. They won the titles from FTR at Full Gear in November 2020 and had nine successful title defenses before Sunday.

Anna Jay returns to AEW TV on Dynamite

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Anna Jay returned to AEW tonight on Dynamite, aiding Tay Conti from a Hardy Family Office attack.

Conti had defeated Penelope Ford on tonight’s show, but was attacked after the match by both Ford and The Bunny. The Dark Order’s music then played as Jay came out and chased away both Ford and Bunny.

It was announced immediately after Jay had made her return that Tony Khan had added her to the Women’s Casino Battle Royal that will take place at All Out this Sunday. The winner of that match will receive a shot at the AEW Women’s Championship.

Jay has been out of action since February with a shoulder injury. At the time, it was estimated that she would miss 6-12 months. The following month, she underwent surgery for the injury.

Signing with AEW in 2020, Jay aligned herself with the Dark Order and was seen on television forming a friendship with Tay Conti.

WOR: Tony Khan on CM Punk, All Out, future touring

Posted on by Garrett Gonzales

Dave Meltzer and I are back with an early Saturday edition of Wrestling Observer Radio. Joining us is AEW CEO and President Tony Khan.

We talk to Tony about CM Punk, the strategy behind The First Dance, Tony’s Twitter post in reference to WWE not wanting to sign independent talent, and his thought process behind finding talent.

We also talk about dealing with COVID-19 as a company, Jon Moxley’s legacy as it pertains to being the first to leave WWE for AEW, Giannis Antetokounmpo showing up on AEW Rampage and who was the person who made that happen, future touring, Jim Ross, and much more.

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Eight participants added to AEW All Out women’s Casino Battle Royale

Posted on by Skylar Russell

Thunder Rosa, Tay Conti and others were announced as participants for the women’s Casino Battle Royale at AEW All Out.

Aside from Rosa and Conti, Julia Hart, Big Swole, The Bunny, Red Velvet, Penelope Ford and Diamante were also confirmed for the match that will see 21 women compete for a future shot at the AEW Women’s title. 

The eight new names join Nyla Rose who was announced Tuesday. 

Here’s the full card for the September 5th All Out pay-per-view as currently announced:

  • AEW World Champion Kenny Omega vs. Christian Cage title match
  • AEW Women’s Champion Britt Baker vs. Kris Statlander title match
  • AEW Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks vs. Jurassic Express or Lucha Bros in a steel cage title match
  • CM Punk vs. Darby Allin
  • Chris Jericho vs. MJF with Jericho’s career on the line
  • Paul Wight vs. QT Marshall
  • PAC vs. Andrade El Idolo
  • Jon Moxley vs. Satoshi Kojima
  • Buy In pre-show: women’s Casino Battle Royale

Jon Moxley vs. Satoshi Kojima set for AEW All Out

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A match between Jon Moxley and NJPW’s Satoshi Kojima has been set for All Out.

On tonight’s episode of Dynamite, Moxley mentioned that he had sent out the challenge to Japan and only one person ended up signing a contract, Kojima. At first he said he thought that would be a great match, but then said he was insulted that Kojima thinks he can go toe-to-toe with him. He said at All Out, it would be the public execution of Kojima.

Moxley previously defended the IWGP United States title on Dynamite against Yuji Nagata. Other NJPW stars that have appeared on AEW television this year include Ren Narita, KENTA, and Hikuleo.

Here is the card announced so far for All Out, which will take place at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois:

  • AEW World Championship: Kenny Omega (c) vs. Christian Cage
  • CM Punk vs. Darby Allin
  • AEW Women’s Championship: Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. vs. Kris Statlander
  • AEW Tag Team Championships: Young Bucks (c) vs. Winner between Jurassic Express and Lucha Bros.
  • Andrade El Idolo vs. PAC
  • MJF vs. Chris Jericho — if Jericho loses, he will never wrestle in AEW again
  • Paul Wight vs. QT Marshall
  • Jon Moxley vs. Satoshi Kojima
  • Women’s Casino Battle Royale

AEW notes: Saturday Dynamite set for Miami, All Out countdown show

Posted on by Josh Nason

AEW will be returning to Miami, Florida, in October for a live edition of Rampage and the first of two straight weeks of live Saturday Dynamites.

Rampage will be on Friday, October 15th with Dynamite on Saturday, October 16th — both at the James Knight Center that hosted AEW’s return to touring in July with the Road Rager edition of Dynamite.

The following Saturday on October 23rd, Dynamite will be live in Orlando, Florida, for the first time as TNT will be airing the NHL playoffs for two straight Wednesdays.

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The All Out countdown show will air Friday, September 3rd on TNT at 11 PM Eastern immediately after Rampage.

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Dark: Elevation was taped before tonight’s Dynamite in Milwaukee while Rampage is being taped afterward. Two weeks worth of Dark were taped last Friday in Chicago and going forward, Dark will be filmed in a studio setting — something Tony Khan has discussed before.

Nyla Rose first entrant in AEW All Out women’s Casino Battle Royale

Posted on by Josh Nason

AEW formally announced their second-ever women’s Casino Battle Royale for All Out on Tuesday and its first participant, former Women’s Champion Nyla Rose.

Rose won the inaugural edition at 2019’s All Out, earning a spot in the match to crown the first-ever Women’s champion on the debut edition of Dynamite. She lost to Riho in that match but defeated her for the title four months later.

Like in 2019, the match will be on The Buy In pre-show with the winner earning a future title shot.

With the Sunday, September 5th pay-per-view less than two weeks ago, it’s expected more of the 21-woman field will be announced this week on Dynamite and Rampage.

Here’s the current card for All Out from Chicago:

  • AEW World Champion Kenny Omega vs. Christian Cage title match
  • AEW Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks vs. winners of Tag Team title eliminator tourney in a steel cage match
  • CM Punk vs. Darby Allin
  • PAC vs. Andrade El Idolo
  • Paul Wight vs. QT Marshall
  • The Buy In pre-show: Women’s Casino Battle Royale

Andrade El Idolo vs. PAC added to AEW All Out

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Andrade El Idolo will face PAC at the AEW All Out PPV on Sunday, September 5. 

The announcement was made on tonight’s Dynamite. 

PAC addressed Andrade in a backstage promo. He stated that Andrade is obsessed with Death Triangle and that he is willing to face Andrade anytime, anywhere. 

Later in the show, Andrade and Chavo Guerrero addressed PAC’s statements. Andrade called PAC ungrateful, then Chavo parroted him. Chavo said that Andrade can show PAC who’s boss at All Out. 

Over the last several weeks, Andrade has made overtures to PAC’s Death Triangle teammates, Penta El Zero Miedo and Rey Fenix. On tonight’s show, Penta told PAC that he wanted a shot at Andrade first. PAC told Penta and Fenix to focus their efforts on the tag team division, then issued the challenge. 

Andrade vs. PAC is the third match made official for All Out. Here is the announced lineup so far: 

AEW World Championship: Kenny Omega (c) vs. Christian Cage

Andrade El Idolo vs. PAC

Casino Battle Royale for a future AEW Women’s World Championship shot