Wrestling Observer Live: AEW Grand Slam fallout, new champs, injuries, more!

Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back with tons to talk about including all the fallout from AEW Grand Slam, new champions, great crowd, great matches, HORRIBLE PEOPLE ON TWITTER burying an injured Britt Baker, and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!

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AEW Golden Ticket battle royale winner to get World title shot in October

New AEW World Champion Jon Moxley’s assumed first title defense will come in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio.

During an off-camera moment at AEW Grand Slam Wednesday, Tony Khan told the crowd that the winner of the Golden Ticket battle royale that was taped for Friday’s Rampage will get their opportunity on a special live Tuesday edition of Dynamite set for October 18th.

That week’s show is being moved to Tuesday due to TBS airing the Major League Baseball playoffs, meaning it will go head-to-head with that week’s WWE NXT.

Moxley regained the title Wednesday with his win over Bryan Danielson in the finals of the Tournament of Champions to crown a new titleholder. 

The winner of the battle royale (spoilers here) will get the opportunity ahead of MJF, who also holds a title shot due to his Casino ladder match win at All Out. It’s believed he will cash in that chip at November’s Full Gear in Newark, New Jersey.

AEW Grand Slam Rampage & Dark Elevation spoilers

The following are spoilers for Friday’s AEW Grand Slam edition of Rampage in addition to Monday’s episode of AEW Dark: Elevation — both emanating from Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York.

Rampage:

  • Sting and Darby Allin defeated Brody King and Buddy Matthews. The finish had Matthews about to attack Sting with a baseball bat when the lights went out. The Great Muta’s music played as Muta came out and sprayed mist on Matthews. This caused Matthews to bump Julia Hart off the apron and onto a table. Sting pinned Matthews to pick up the win. Sting and Muta hugged after the match.
  • Hook and Action Bronson defeated Matt Menard and Angelo Parker. Hook scored the win for his team after applying a double redrum.
  • Jade Cargill defeated Diamante (with Trina) to retain the TBS Championship. After the match, Trina turned on Diamante, slapping her and shaking hands with Cargill.
  • Samoa Joe & Wardlow defeated Tony Nese & Josh Woods. Joe and Wardlow dominated the match, with Joe pinning Nese. Woods and Nese attacked Joe after the match. Wardlow made the save and also laid out Mark Sterling with two powerbombs after he attempted to interfere. Joe picked Sterling up then threw him into Wardlow, who powerbombed him again.
  • Jungle Boy defeated Rey Fenix. After the match, Christian emerged wearing a sling. Luchasaurus then attacked Jungle Boy from behind. Christian told Jungle Boy that Luchasaurus was his right hand of destruction. Luchasaurus then powerbombed Jungle Boy.
  • A backstage segment with the Jericho Appreciation Society revealed there will be an appreciation event held on next week’s Dynamite.
  • Sammy Guevara defeated Eddie kingston. Guevara cut a promo before the match saying he’s sorry…sorry he didn’t call Kingston “a fat piece of s***” sooner. Kingston hit Guevara with three back fists, then submitted Guevara for the win. However, he refused to let go of the hold, so the referee overturned the match. Kingston ended up destroying security after that decision.
  • Hangman Page won the Golden Ticket Battle Royal. Page will get the title shot on the October 18 edition of Dynamite, which will air on a Tuesday. Other participants included Rush, The Butcher, The Blade, Dark Order, Private Party, Danhausen, Dante Martin, Penta El 0 M, Brian Cage, Ari Daivari, Lance Archer, Daniel Garcia, Cole Carter, Best Friends, Jake Hager, Dalton Castle, Lee Moriarty, Matt Hardy, and Jay Lethal. Page last eliminated Rush to pick up the win.
  • Ricky Starks defeated Powerhouse Hobbs in a Lights Out match. Starks speared Hobbs through a table before laying out Hobbs with his finisher for the win. 

Dark Elevation:

  • Penelope Ford & Kip Sabian defeated Skye Blue & Shawn Dean
  • Ortiz defeated Serpentico (w/ Luther)

Jon Moxley regains AEW World title at Dynamite Grand Slam

In the main event of a newsworthy AEW Dynamite Grand Slam, Jon Moxley submitted Bryan Danielson to win the vacant AEW World title in the finals of the Tournament of Champions.

As expected, the match was a violent and competitive display with Danielson displaying his kicks, forearm uppercuts and chops. Moxley was happy to engage, landing his own chops and kicks to Danielson’s back.

In a notable moment, Moxley and Danielson were each on their top of their heads, legs intertwined with each other, slapping each other in the face.

After both men scored near falls and near submissions on each other, Danielson stomped on Moxley and hooked in a dragon sleeper. After Moxley rolled through, he ensnared Moxley in a Lebell lock. Moxley made it to the ropes and as action went to the outside, Moxley hit Danielson with a Death rider on the ramp that got a near fall.

Moxley then clamped on a rear naked choke that Danielson attempted to reverse, but the former two-time champion was determined and kept it locked on, eventually getting Danielson to pass out for the win.

With the victory, Moxley begins his third reign as champion.

MJF, who holds a future shot at Moxley by virtue of his Casino ladder match win at All Out, was present for the match and shown frequently on-screen, sitting in a suite with the casino chip. Earlier in the night, he and W. Morrissey got physical with Wheeler Yuta during a promo segment.

At 2020’s All Out, Moxley successfully defended the title against MJF in their only singles meeting.

Another contender will be crowned at Rampage Grand Slam in a Golden Ticket battle royal that will taped after tonight’s show.

Moxley vs. Danielson was a rematch of their clash at March’s Revolution that Moxley won and helped lead to the creation of the Blackpool Combat Club.

The tournament was made necessary following CM Punk being stripped of the title after he regained it from Moxley at All Out. Punk suffered a torn left triceps in the match and is out indefinitely following surgery. His status is also unknown following the infamous fight after his post-event media session.

In total, three new champions were crowned Wednesday with The Acclaimed defeating Swerve in our Glory for the AEW Tag Team titles and Chris Jericho defeating Claudio Castagnoli for the Ring of Honor World title in the show opener.

AEW Dynamite Grand Slam live results: Moxley vs. Danielson World title match

A new AEW World Champion will be crowned tonight at Dynamite Grand Slam in New York City. 

In the finals of the Grand Slam Tournament of Champions, Jon Moxley takes on Bryan Danielson for the vacant AEW World Championship. 

Four other titles will be on the line on tonight’s show as well. 

Interim AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm defends her title in a four-way against Britt Baker, Athena, and Serena Deeb. 

Swerve In Our Glory’s Swerve Strickland and Keith Lee will defend the AEW World Tag Team titles against Max Caster and Anthony Bowens of The Acclaimed. 

PAC is set to defend the AEW All-Atlantic Championship against Orange Cassidy. 

Claudio Castagnoli will put the Ring of Honor World Championship on the line against Chris Jericho. 

Tonight’s Dynamite Grand Slam airs live from Arthur Ashe Stadium in the Queens borough of New York City. 

Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

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AEW Dynamite Grand Slam opened with Excalibur welcoming us along with Taz, Tony Schiavone and Ring of Honor’s Ian Riccaboni as we are ready for our first title match of the night. Bobby Cruise does the ring introductions and former ROH owner Cary Silkin is sitting ringside as Judas hits and the crowd at Arthur Ashe sings along.

Chris Jericho defeated Claudio Castagnoli for the Ring of Honor Heavyweight Championship

Jericho opted for a slap in the face instead of adhering to the Code of Honor, which lit a fire under Claudio immediately. Claudio was an uppercut machine early, as he pressed Jericho over his head and crotched him in the ropes. Jericho rolled outside and hid behind Cary Silkin, shoved him into Claudio to gain control briefly. Back inside, a chop battle commenced until Jericho went for a springboard attack and Claudio hit an uppercut in mid air.

Forearm exchange on the apron led to a Jericho eye rake and suplex to the floor. Jericho remained in control back in the ring until Claudio got off a boot in the corner. Claudio pulled himself up to the top, but Jericho fought him off with a hurricanrana attempt. Claudio nearly got a super Ricola Bomb, but Jericho countered into a hurricanrana for two. Claudio powered out of a Code Breaker into a pop up uppercut for two of his own.

Anvil elbows from Claudio and double stomp to the chest led to a Sharpshooter, but Jericho got the rope break. Claudio blocked a low blow kick and hit a Ricola Bomb for a very close two. Claudio wanted his springboard uppercut, but Jericho countered into a Code Breaker for a near fall. Jericho sank the Walls of Jericho in the center of the ring, but Claudio rolled through into stomps of his own.

Claudio got nearly 20 revolutions of a giant swing and huge lariat, but Jericho again kicked out. Jericho scurried to get Floyd the bat, but Claudio blocked the swing. Jericho backdropped Claudio nearly into referee Aubrey, who was getting rid of the bat, as Jericho caught a low blow kick and Judas Effect to win the title and become The Ocho in an excellent opener. Jericho Appreciation Society celebrated at the ramp with a very reluctant Daniel Garcia as well.

-We get an abbreviated version of the fantastic video package for Bryan Danielson vs. Jon Moxley shown during the Control Center highlighting tonight’s main event.

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The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) w/Billy Gunn defeated Swerve In Our Glory (Keith Lee & Swerve Strickland) for the AEW World Tag Team Championships

Rapper Fabolous joined the champions, while DJ Whoo Kid joined The Acclaimed for their entrances. Caster more than made up for not having a rap on TV in recent weeks. Bowens foolishly shot a single leg on Lee to start and was immediately rag dolled. Lee did a misdirect hurricanrana which shocked the crowd and The Acclaimed. Caster countered a big beal into an arm drag, but Swerve cut off the scissoring shenanigans.

Swerve & Lee kept Caster isolated the entire commercial break, working over his leg, until Caster was able to avoid a Lee splash and hit Swerve with a powerslam. A wild brainbuster on Lee allowed for the Bowens hot tag, as he ran wild on the tag champs. Lee cut Bowens off, but Bowens fought off the powerbomb and double stomp. Lee dropped Bowens with a headbutt and bealed Bowens clear over the top to the stage.

Lee missed a moonsault off the second, as Swerve tried to cheap shot Caster with the boombox, but Caster ducked and Swerve hit his partner. Bowens hit the spinning neckbreaker, but as Caster leapt for his Mic Drop, his knee gave out from being worked on earlier in the match. Swerve hit a back kick in the corner on Caster and hit a fireman’s carry release into a Pounce almost from Lee. An assisted powerbomb delivered to Caster, who kicked out at two.

With The Acclaimed on the floor, Swerve did a springing 450 onto them and had a faceoff with Billy Gunn. The referee was turned to Lee, as Bowens hit a spinning forearm and Gunn hit the Fame-Asser. Back inside, Bowens hit his spinning neckbreaker and Caster nailed the Mic Drop for the win as confetti poured down with The Acclaimed and Gunn scissoring in victory.

-Lexy Nair interviewed FTR backstage, who congratulated The Acclaimed on their win and said they’ve been number one ranked since April. They were about to challenge the champs until Gunn Club interrupted and called themselves the younger FTR.

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-Tony Schiavone interviewed Wheeler Yuta about his thoughts on the main event until MJF interrupted to a huge ovation. MJF called Schiavone a fat, old prick and told Yuta he was mid and would never receive a reaction like that in his life. He said the crowd loved him so much the crowd would drink his spit and allow him to sleep with any of their wives. Yuta mentioned MJF’s engagement and said she’ll walk out on a spineless MJF, just like he walked out on AEW. MJF wished good luck to the Blackpool Cuckold Club and whoever wins will lose to him. MJF ran down Danielson and Moxley, but when he got to Regal and referenced pills, Yuta decked him. MJF got a headbutt, shoved Schiavone down as Yuta shot a double leg. W. Morrissey made the save and attacked Yuta along with MJF, as security separated them.

-We get a segment from earlier in the day with Diamante interrupting Jade Cargill and told her that her backup for their TBS title match at Rampage is rapper Trina. This upset Jade, who asked if Kiera Hogan knew about this before storming off.

PAC defeated Orange Cassidy to retain the AEW All-Atlantic Championship

Cassidy threw his sunglasses at PAC and got a few early takedowns to cause a frustrated PAC to regroup outside. In the ring, Cassidy did his little kicks, dropkick, but PAC responded with a shotgun dropkick of his own. Commentary asked if Tony Schiavone is ok having rejoined the booth and Tony said MJF will be fined for this, but it doesn’t matter since MJF can do anything he wants and has a ton of money. PAC launched Cassidy into the post, went for Black Arrow, as Cassidy rolled to the floor again.

PAC did a crazy twisting dive where his hip was what took out Cassidy. In the ring, PAC hit a top rope dropkick and controlled the action the entire commercial break. Cassidy gave a thumbs up to PAC and it just caused him to be more relentless as a result. Cassidy tried to roll outside again to avoid Black Arrow, but PAC stopped him with a snap German suplex. PAC went for the finish again, but Cassidy lifted his feet up and told PAC to jump onto them.

Cassidy nearly suckered PAC into a roll up for two and Stundog Millionaire that sent PAC outside, where Cassidy hit a dive through the ropes and diving DDT off the top back in the ring. Cassidy hit his satellite DDT perfectly, but PAC kicked out at two. PAC countered Orange Punch into a Brutalizer attempt, which Cassidy turned into a roll up for two.

Cassidy connected with an Orange Punch, but PAC got the rope break and went outside. PAC grabbed the ring hammer from the ring bell, shielded himself as he hit Cassidy with the hammer and rolled him back in the ring for the tainted victory. Commentary questioned the way PAC won, since PAC didn’t think Cassidy deserved the title shot to begin with.

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Toni Storm defeated Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. (w/Rebel) & Serena Deeb & Athena to retain the Interim AEW Women’s Championship

Storm & Athena quickly dispatched of Deeb & Baker to get a brief interaction. Deeb broke up a backslide attempt, was able to roll both Athena & Storm over into a clever double pin attempt for two. Deeb got a leg lock on Storm and abdominal stretch into a suplex on Athena. Baker got a series of pin attempts and Sling Blade onto Deeb. Storm dropped Baker with a shotgun dropkick and went to the top rope where she was cut off by Baker & Deeb. Athena joined for the Tower of Doom spot.

Athena ran wild momentarily before Baker cut her off with a thrust kick. They spilled to the floor, as Rebel got in a series of cheap shots. Deeb hit a slingshot under the rope throat first on Storm and controlled her in the ring. Deeb had Athena in a Boston Crab, while Storm had Baker in one as well, as both ladies traded slaps with the holds still applied. Storm was able to get free and deliver some Sweet Cheek Music until Baker cut her off.

Deeb cut off Baker in the ropes with a neckbreaker, dragon screwed Athena’s leg in the ropes and hit a snap neckbreaker on Storm. Serenity Lock was applied until Baker broke it up. Athena had Baker in a fireman’s carry and powered up Deeb at the same time for a fall away slam and Samoan Drop, which I believe broke Baker’s nose. Athena hit a gnarly spinning face buster on Storm, but Deeb broke the count. Athena sent Deeb outside; bur ran into a Storm Tornado DDT. Baker nearly got a curb stomp, but Storm countered into a roll up for the victory. Post match, Baker attacked Storm, as Jamie Hayter showed up and just like last week, teased going for Baker, but joined in the Storm beat down.

As Athena & Storm were beaten up by Baker, Hayter & Deeb, new music hit and out walked Saraya, the former Paige in WWE for the very few who are unaware, to a massive ovation. She stared down Baker and company, as she yelled it was her house.

-A Darby Allin video plays hyping his No DQ tag team match on Rampage with Sting against House of Black. Darby is carrying a bodybag on the subway, in a taxi and told the driver to take him to Arthur Ashe.

AEW Rampage Grand Slam 09/23/22

-Sting & Darby Allin vs. House of Black (Brody King & Buddy Matthews) in a No Disqualification Match

-Golden Ticket Battle Royale for a future AEW World Championship match

-Jade Cargill defends the TBS Championship against Diamante

-Action Bronson & HOOK vs. Matt Menard & Angelo Parker

-Rey Fenix vs. Jungle Boy

-Eddie Kingston vs. Sammy Guevara

-TNT Champion Wardlow & ROH TV Champion Samoa Joe take on Tony Nese & Josh Woods

-Powerhouse Hobbs takes on Ricky Starks in a Lights Out Match

**********

Excalibur welcomed Lord William Regal to the commentary table for the main event, as Regal is all business tonight, meaning no funny saying about the Man in the Mask.

Jon Moxley defeated Bryan Danielson in the finals of the AEW Tournament of Champions for the vacant AEW World Championship

MJF is shown in the balcony with his chip that grants him a future AEW championship match. A back and forth series early with Danielson getting the takedown and strikes to the neck. Danielson poured on strikes, Moxley getting off minimal damage, as Danielson hit multiple running boots in the corner until finally Moxley avoided one to take over.

It was Moxley’s turn to dish out punishment with a double stomp to the chest and some kicks until Danielson fired back with violent chops. A diving knee off the apron outside led to a Danielson dropkick off the top back in the ring. Moxley had Danielson locked in a choke while on the apron, but Danielson countered into a German suplex and posted Moxley shoulder first to follow.

Danielson zoned in on the left shoulder, keeping Moxley grounded and finally hit a Busaiku Knee. Danielson went for a top rope dropkick again I believe, but Moxley slammed him down and sank in a single leg crab with a transition into an ankle lock. Danielson nearly escaped, but Moxley got a leg capture release suplex that dropped Danielson on his head. The referee checked Danielson, as Moxley set him up in the corner, raked at the back, tried for a superplex, but Danielson crotched him and got a back superplex of his own.

Moxley countered a roll up into a LeBell Lock, but Danielson escaped into forearm strikes. Both men locked legs and bridged up at the same time, slapping each other. Danielson won that battle and sank in Cattle Mutilation briefly, but transitioned into Anvil elbows. Moxley rose to his feet, ate strikes and turned Danielson inside out with a lariat. Danielson back dropped out of a Death Rider attempt and hit another Busaiku Knee for two.

Moxley dared Danielson to kick him, took Danielson’s bad leg out, hit a Curb Stomp and Death Rider for a very close two. Forearm battle commenced off a test of strength with Danielson driving down boots to the side of the head until Moxley was nearly motionless. Moxley powered out of a triangle sleeper, but Danielson got the LeBell Lock and Moxley nearly tapped.

Moxley rolled to the stage and avoided a diving Danielson to hit a Death Rider out there. Back inside, Moxley quickly covered for two. Moxley sank in a rear naked choke, Danielson nearly kicked free, but ultimately faded and Moxley wins the AEW title in a classic main event. Regal joined both of them in the ring, as Moxley had the title and Danielson was asking Regal if he had passed out to end the show.

Final Thoughts

This was a phenomenal episode of Dynamite, arguably one of their best. The crowd was hot for the whole show, especially for the title changes, MJF segment, debut of Saraya and that amazing main event. Job well done to all involved, this was an excellent two hours of wrestling.

Tony Khan teasing surprises for both AEW Grand Slam Dynamite & Rampage

During his media rounds, AEW head Tony Khan continued to hammer home that tonight’s four hours of AEW Grand Slam Dynamite and Rampage action will be a major event — one that includes surprises.

On an appearance with Busted Open Radio Wednesday, Khan again used the phrase that he might “have a trick up his sleeve” for tonight’s show and that surprises might be in store for both Dynamite and Rampage, the latter of which is being taped for Friday.

He said tonight’s four hours is “the closest thing to a PPV on TV we’re going to get,” reiterating a point he made on a Tuesday podcast when he said it will be “the most stacked four hours we are ever going to present over two hours of Dynamite and two hours of Rampage.”

During the Busted Open Appearance, Khan hammered home that tonight’s show will be a big value for wrestling fans in the area buying tickets and urged them to come to the show if they are in the arena. Unlike last year, the event is not sold out.

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On the aforementioned Tuesday podcast appearance, he said Wednesday’s show will be “the single best live wrestling event in New York all year for live fans.”

Here’s a few other notes from that appearance on In The Kliq:

  • He couldn’t comment on MJF’s contractual status following his appearance talking about it on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Hour. Khan said MJF being back is great for wrestling fans and has brought “a lot of ratings momentum.”
  • He confirmed that AEW would make this Northern California/Bay Area debut, but couldn’t confirm whether it would be for next March’s Revolution.
  • Asked about what could have been, he couldn’t rule out the possibility of The Elite vs. The Undisputed Elite in the future.
  • He couldn’t discuss any industry speculation/rumor about a future WBD/NBCUniversal merger.
  • He reiterated that he would love to bring Ring of Honor back as a weekly TV show and that he is continuing to talk to WBD “pretty frequently” about it. The fact this year’s two pay-per-views have been among the top three or four most successful for the company has helped those conversations.

We’re Live, Pal: Live at Raw, WarGames is coming, AEW Grand Slam predictions

It’s a brand new episode of We’re Live, Pal.

Andrew Zarian and I are back to talk about all the news in wrestling.

First, we go over RAW, which I attended live. I talk about all the things not shown on TV and how different a live RAW taping is compared to years ago.

Also, on the topic board:

  • How Triple H is undoing a lot of things Vince McMahon did
  • WarGames is coming to Survivor Series
  • Tony Khan’s comment about New York City being the crown jewel
  • The AEW Grand Slam Card
  • Who wins between Bryan Danielson and Jon Moxley

You can also listen to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Click Here To Listen

Daily Update: AEW Grand Slam, Young Rock, GCW notes

Daily Update

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

Latest Free YouTube Video:

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

The aftermath of the AEW brawl after All Out
Why suspensions were lifted
The CM Punk injury and how it changes things
AEW video game promotion in Japan
What people under suspension aren’t allowed to do
Tony Khan position
Clearing up some wrestling stories
Ideas for AEW to improve the developmental rate of its young talent
The most important thing for AEW long-term
Ways to get wrestlers more time in the ring
Ways to get wrestlers more time learning promos and angles
Complete coverage of UFC 279
The life and death of UFC star Elias Theodorou
Coverage of this past week’s Stardom PPV show
How every wrestling show this past week did in the ratings, competition, football, where WWE & AEW fall in entertainment standings, how the segments on the major shows did
Unique finish to set up CMLL tournament final
Final build to the anniversary show
CMLL star undergoes surgery
Promotion talk about new reality show idea
Stardom Five Star Grand Prix update
New Japan and Stardom business rundowns, profits, losses, revenue, streaming numbers
Kota Ibushi update
Yuji Nagata celebrates 30 years in the ring
New Japan Strong TV for the future
Talk about the Desperado vs. Jun Kasai bloodbath
Generational dream match announced between 80 legend and modern legend
Konosuke Takeshita’s ten year anniversary
Ricky Steamboat returns to the ring
How viewing is changing
Story behind Steamboat’s comeback
More on movies about 80s stars and a movie on the life of modern star
Hall of Famer from Japan wants match with Moxley
Wrestling cartoon show canceled
Latest on WBD and wrestling
More AEW injury news
Ticket sale numbers for WWE & AEW shows
International TV numbers
Streaming numbers
More on the business of doing major shows
Commission examining UFC backstage brawl
More Clash at the Castle news
WWE projected revenue for this year
Why Raw will have a problem next week
Gable Steveson update
New talent coming to NXT
A&E bio news

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter:

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Tuesday News Update

WWE

  • Damian Priest, Finn Balor, and Rhea Ripley will be the guests on WWE’s The Bump tomorrow morning.
  • Matches added to WWE’s YouTube page today include Big E vs. Roman Reigns from the September 20, 2021 edition of Raw, New Day vs. The Bloodline also from the September 20, 2021 edition of Raw, and Goldberg vs. Kane from the December 8, 2003 edition of Raw.

AEW/ROH

  • This week’s AEW Road to, focusing on Wednesday’s Grand Slam event.
  • Tony Khan announced on social media that Grand Slam is now the highest grossing TV show in AEW history.
  • Khan also wrote on Twitter: “To celebrate the biggest live gate tomorrow night at AEW Grand Slam, we have a special gift for the ticket buyer who puts us at or above the $1 million mark for the first time ever: a commemorative Grand Slam chair signed by greats from the Tournament of Champions!”
  • Action Bronson was on Ariel Helwani’s podcast talking about his match at AEW Rampage Grand Slam.
  • John Silver was interviewed by NY Sportsday ahead of Wednesday’s AEW Grand Slam event.
  • Silver also talked to Wrestling Junkie about balancing comedy with wrestling. “The thing is, some of the biggest stars in wrestling have been funny also,” he said. “If you look at The Rock, all his promos are pretty funny. Kurt Angle. These are people that can go in the ring that are the biggest stars ever, but they bring a lot of comedy to it as well. I really don’t worry about it. The real fans are going to appreciate the comedy, but also the wrestling. So I really don’t think about it that much.”
  • In addition to his interview with Helwani, MJF was also on the Rasslin podcast with Brandon Walker.
  • This week’s Sammy Guevara vlog.

Other Wrestling

  • PWInsider reported that the third season of Young Rock officially kicked off production on Monday in Memphis, Tennessee.
  • Tony Deppen will face YAMATO at GCW Fight Club on October 8.
  • Jonathan Gresham will be working dates for GCW, including October 8, 9, 22, 23, and November 20.
  • The second season of Heels on Starz will premiere on October 9.
  • David Finlay was interviewed by NJPW’s website.
  • The upcoming wrestling RPG WrestleQuest has released a new combat trailer.
  • The Rock shared a new poster for the upcoming film Black Adam on social media.
  • Masked Republic announced in a press release that they have teamed with Carlos “Spiff TV” Suarez and DJ Luian will be featured in “a new transmedia franchise” inspired by lucha libre films.
  • NWA stars Cyon, Natalia Markova, and Bryan Idol appear in the new Smashing Pumpkins video “Beguiled”.
  • Greg “The Hammer” Valentine turns 71 today. Other birthdays include Ethan Page and Arn Anderson

AEW’s Tony Khan: Real crown jewel of wrestling is Northeast U.S., ‘not some BS overseas in Saudi Arabia’

As AEW head Tony Khan does the media rounds this week to help hype up Wednesday’s Grand Slam in Queens, New York, he took a shot at WWE in one interview while putting over the Northeast region of the U.S.

Speaking to News 12 (seen below), Khan was answering a question about the run of New York State events this month in addition to upcoming shows in Philadelphia and Boston when the said the following:

“We’re running a lot of great shows around the Northeast. It’s so many great wrestling markets in one geographic region. I’ll say it: (it’s) the crown jewel of wrestling markets — the real crown jewel of wrestling markets, not some BS overseas in Saudi Arabia. The real crown jewel — New York City — is where you want to be.”

WWE, of course, runs twice a year in Saudi Arabia as part of a partnership with their government that is a financial windfall for WWE. Their next show is set for early-November.

Khan is running Arthur Ashe Stadium for the second straight year for Wednesday’s dual Dynamite/Rampage event.

AEW’s Hook says Taz told him to be ‘anything but a pro wrestler’ when he was younger

When Hook was younger, Taz wanted him to be “anything but a pro wrestler.” 

Hook and his father both spoke to the NY Post recently and discussed Taz’s hesitation to encourage his son to go into the same industry he did. 

“When I was younger, my dad told me to be anything but a pro wrestler,” Hook said. “As I got older, things changed, and the business today is not the same business that he broke into.”

Taz began training his son in early 2020 along with Pat Buck and Curt Hawkins at the Create a Pro wrestling school in Hicksville, NY. It didn’t take long for Hook to convince his father that he could be successful in the business. 

“I realized [our] third session, he’s something pretty unique here,” Taz said. “And that was it.”

“He’s gonna be handled different,” Taz continued. “He’s unique. I can’t tell you what it is about him that’s unique, but I could tell you keeping him special means you’re not gonna see him every single week on TV. You’re not gonna see him where he’s constantly on social media or doing stuff like that. Good luck. I can’t even get the guy to return a text message.”

“We might not see Hook for a little bit, but when he’s there, it’s something like, ‘Boom!,’ impactful, like what the hell just happened,” Taz said. “That’s Hook. That’s kind of what he is. A lot of people want more. You know what, last I checked, that’s a good thing.”

Hook will team with Action Bronson on Wednesday at AEW Grand Slam. They will take on The Jericho Appreciation Society’s Angelo Parker & Matt Mendard in tag team action. Taz says Hook and Bronson are similar to the team of Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart, describing them as “the Porsche and the tank.” 

“That’s always stuck in my head,” Taz said of the team. “Imagine getting two guys that have that kind of vibe, and that’s what I think when you see Hook and Action Bronson compete. You’re gonna see the Porsche and the tank. I promise you.”

Daily Update: WWE Raw, MJF, AEW Grand Slam

Daily Update

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

Latest Free YouTube Video:

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

The aftermath of the AEW brawl after All Out
Why suspensions were lifted
The CM Punk injury and how it changes things
AEW video game promotion in Japan
What people under suspension aren’t allowed to do
Tony Khan position
Clearing up some wrestling stories
Ideas for AEW to improve the developmental rate of its young talent
The most important thing for AEW long-term
Ways to get wrestlers more time in the ring
Ways to get wrestlers more time learning promos and angles
Complete coverage of UFC 279
The life and death of UFC star Elias Theodorou
Coverage of this past week’s Stardom PPV show
How every wrestling show this past week did in the ratings, competition, football, where WWE & AEW fall in entertainment standings, how the segments on the major shows did
Unique finish to set up CMLL tournament final
Final build to the anniversary show
CMLL star undergoes surgery
Promotion talk about new reality show idea
Stardom Five Star Grand Prix update
New Japan and Stardom business rundowns, profits, losses, revenue, streaming numbers
Kota Ibushi update
Yuji Nagata celebrates 30 years in the ring
New Japan Strong TV for the future
Talk about the Desperado vs. Jun Kasai bloodbath
Generational dream match announced between 80 legend and modern legend
Konosuke Takeshita’s ten year anniversary
Ricky Steamboat returns to the ring
How viewing is changing
Story behind Steamboat’s comeback
More on movies about 80s stars and a movie on the life of modern star
Hall of Famer from Japan wants match with Moxley
Wrestling cartoon show canceled
Latest on WBD and wrestling
More AEW injury news
Ticket sale numbers for WWE & AEW shows
International TV numbers
Streaming numbers
More on the business of doing major shows
Commission examining UFC backstage brawl
More Clash at the Castle news
WWE projected revenue for this year
Why Raw will have a problem next week
Gable Steveson update
New talent coming to NXT
A&E bio news

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter:

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Monday News Update

Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Raw and the latest pro wrestling news. You can also send questions to the show to [email protected] We often don’t get to questions but if you’ve got anything related to current news or interesting history I will try and get to it tonight.

Raw is tonight in San Jose. There were more than 7,500 tickets out as of earlier today which is normal for Raw these days. Bobby Lashley defends the U.S. title against Seth Rollins, Austin Theory has a rematch with Kevin Owens and there is a Miz TV segment where Miz has invited Dexter Lumis.

Raw has killer competition today. There two different NFL games tonight, a Bills-Titans gae at 7:15 p.m. Eastern and a Vikings-Eagles game at 8:30 p.m. One is on ABC and the other is on ESPN. Last week was killer competition because the game was so big and drew 20 million viewers, but from 8:30 to probably 10:30 Raw will go against two different games at the same time. If ratings are in the same range as last week or even down, that will be the major reason.

MJF was with Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour today. There was trouble the last time he did that show because he didn’t clear his appearance but this time the appearance was cleared. He seems to have dropped the I can’t wait to go to WWE direction and now is going with the idea that he will go to whoever pays him the best when his contract is up and he’s happy in AEW and the company is doing great.

Tony Khan noted today that Wednesday’s show at Arthur Ashe Stadium has passed last year’s show at the gate, which would be $960,000. He’s hoping it will be the first AEW television show in history to do a $1 million gate. Tickets sold will be well below the 18,300 of last year’s show (sales, the number in the building was just over 20,000 last year) but with higher ticket prices the gate is already the largest ever for a Dynamite or a Rampage. With a great last few days it could threaten the company’s all-time record at Double or Nothing this year.

We’re looking for live reports from the show tonight for Main Event matches and any dark matches as well as reports from WWE last night in Oakland to [email protected]

We’re also looking for your thoughts on the CMLL Anniversary show on Friday night, you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]

MLW taped last night in Norcross, GA, its first television taping in several months. Hugo Savinovich, the legendary announcer (who is part of the AAA creative team with Konnan) worked as a backstage agent at the show.

Just to clarify everything on the Kenny Omega to TripleMania story. AAA was hoping to get Omega to wrestle El Hijo del Vikingo for the Mega championship on 10/15. Because Omega is suspended and under contract to AEW, if AEW would have allowed it they wouldn’t be able to based on the suspension. It wasn’t as if the match was planned but AAA was hoping for that match or if not, Vikingo vs, Fenix for the title. It looks like Vikingo vs. Fenix will be the match. Pending resolution of the suspension, this all could change but as of right now the betting line is Vikingo vs. Fenix as the title match on that show.

The article on Jay Dumont that had been taken down twice in the last week by WWE is back up. Hopefully whatever issues caused it to be taken down have been rectified.

Ronda Rousey reportedly worked as a heel last night in Oakland in the Rousey & Shayna Baszler vs. Shotzi & Xia Li match. Rousey & Baszler have been regularly working as a tag team on house shows.

Other Notes

Jairzinho Rozenstruk vs. Chris Daukaus has been added to the 12/10 UFC 282 PPV show from Las Vegas. The two were to fight on 10/1 but UFC has moved the fight for undisclosed reasons.

UWC on 10/1 in Bordentown, NJ at the Elks Lodge with a five-person trick or treat match. Five wrestlers begin with a match in the ring and the first to score a pin or submission gets a future championship match. The loser gets nothing and the other three get an envelope that will contain either a trick or a treat.

Kurt Angle has been added to The Gathering Event coming to Charlotte.

Jesse Ventura is coming out with a book called “American Conspiracies: Lies, Lies and More Dirty Lies that the Government tells up” in 2023.

Missy Hyatt had filed a trademark for the nickname “First Lady of Professional Wrestling” for marketing ideas.

Combate Global, which has been running Friday nights, is running Saturday night from their usual building in Miami at 11 p.m. Eastern with Lucero Acosta (2-2) vs. Mariel Celimen (2-1) in a women’s match. There is a Campbell McLaren (CEO of Combate) quote in the press release saying, “This fight between La Loba (Acosta) and Mariel Celimen will be the most watched women’s MMA fight in history and it will be a good indicator as far as which of these reinas will eventually rule the women’s flyweight division in Combate Global.” I’m still trying to come to grips with making sense out of this quote, like somehow more people are going to watch this than Ronda Rousey’s fights. Acosta is billed as an Internet sensation on YouTube, Instagram and Snap and there was something between the two of them in the gym where they had a sparring session that got serious according to the release.

Action Bronson not nervous ahead of debut at AEW Grand Slam

With his pro wrestling debut two nights away, Action Bronson isn’t nervous ahead of his match at Wednesday’s AEW Grand Slam in Queens, New York.

The rapper appeared on Ariel Helwani’s The MMA Hour on Monday to promote the show and talk about his career.

He teams with Hook to take on Matt Menard & Angelo Parker Wednesday in a match that will air on Friday’s AEW Rampage. He got physical with Menard & Parker at this month’s All Out following Hook’s win over Parker, putting things in motion.

He said he will rap his song “Chairman’s Intent” (Hook’s entrance song) as they walk the ring.

Bronson said he isn’t nervous ahead of the match, saying he’s performed for 100,000 fans before and has thrown people off stages at shows.

A wrestling fan since his late grandfather introduced him to it, Bronson said AEW first had the idea for him to walk Hook to the ring Wednesday. He started training at Create A Pro Wrestling under Pat Buck nine or ten weeks ago, set up by Taz, and started showing athleticism that made the match possible.

He said he isn’t a full-time roster member, but is a “hired gun, an assassin.”

Training at CAP was his first time taking bumps even though he wrestled with friends growing up. He likes running the ropes, calling it “intense, makes me feel good.”

He said he never thought wrestling would be attainable for him as he was just a fan that enjoyed it. Wednesday’s match isn’t just for him, but his grandfather and all his friends he watched with growing up.

DJ Whoo Kid to be special guest announcer at AEW Grand Slam

Longtime radio host and DJ Whoo Kid will be a “special guest announcer” as part of this Wednesday’s AEW Grand Slam at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York.

Coming via a press release, it wasn’t clarified if he will be a guest commentator during a match or if he will be a guest ring announcer.

“I’m excited to be a part of this event. It promises to have a lot of surprises in store. As a radio personality and co-host, I’m looking forward to branching out and announcing a wrestling match. I hope this is just the beginning of my being part of the AEW family,” he said.

The 46-year-old is a host on the Shade 45 channel on SiriusXM.

As noted in the release, Kid won’t be the only hip-hop act on Wednesday’s show as rapper Action Bronson will team with FTW Champion Hook against Matt Menard & Angelo Parker. The match will be taped for Friday’s two-hour Rampage special.

Eddie Kingston vs. Sammy Guevara set for AEW Rampage Grand Slam

In a match that was originally scheduled for All Out, Eddie Kingston will take on Sammy Guevara as part of next Friday’s Grand Slam edition of AEW Rampage.

The reason for the match being initially scrapped was due to a backstage altercation that sprung from comments Guevara made in a taped promo regarding Kingston’s weight. Kingston was suspended for two weeks for his actions and both men had different matches at the pay-per-view.

In total, seven new matches were announced on Friday for the two-hour special that will be taped after Wednesday’s live Dynamite at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York.

  • TBS Champion Jade Cargill will defend against Diamante. The latter has racked up an impressive record on Dark and Dark: Elevation over the last year or so, but hasn’t wrestled on either Dynamite or Rampage since December 2020. Diamante said an “OG baddie from the 305” will be joining her.
  • There will be a Golden Ticket battle royale where the winner will earn a future AEW World title match at a set time and place. Hangman Page, Lance Archer, Jay Lethal, Penta El Zero Miedo and Dark Order were announced for the match.
  • In an angle that took place on Friday’s Rampage, Darby Allin will team with Sting to take on House of Black (Brody King & Buddy Matthews).
  • Following the end of Friday’s Rampage, TNT Champion Wardlow will team with ROH TV Champion Samoa Joe to take on Tony Nese & Josh Woods.
  • Powerhouse Hobbs will rematch with Ricky Starks. Hobbs beat Starks clean at All Out, but Starks ran off Hobbs last Wednesday in an effort to get another match.
  • Rey Fenix will take on Jungle Boy for the first time ever.

The new additions join the previously announced Hook & Action Bronson vs. Matt Menard & Angelo Parker tag team match.

Here’s the current lineup for the show:

  • Eddie Kingston vs. Sammy Guevara
  • TBS Champion Jade Cargill defends against Diamante
  • Golden Ticket battle royale for an AEW World title shot
  • Ricky Starks vs. Powerhouse Hobbs II
  • Rey Fenix vs. Jungle Boy
  • Samoa Joe & Wardlow vs. Tony Nese & Josh Woods
  • Darby Allin & Sting vs. Brody King & Buddy Matthews
  • Hook & Action Bronson vs. Matt Menard & Angelo Parker