While Aron Stevens says he would have declined a return to WWE back in 2024, he’s more open to it now while giving praise to the NWA for helping get rid of the “bitter taste” he had from the pro wrestling industry.
Speaking on the Xenia Did That podcast, the former Damien Sandow in WWE was asked whether his WWE return was a closed chapter or something he would consider in the future.
He said there was no desire to with his current schedule and touched on his NWA run helping him reconcile with the bitter taste he had for the industry following his WWE release. He also talked about the change in TNA management which influenced his decision to leave that company.
“I don’t have a desire to (return to WWE). There’s just so many other things that I have on the horizon right now that I finally reconciled and that’s another thing: NWA has been great with me. When I left WWE, I had a very bitter taste for the wrestling industry and in TNA, that was good. That was a lot of fun in TNA and then they switched management and then management got a little you know, I just wasn’t really digging the way the company was going. So, I just left and was out in L.A. doing my thing.”
“And Billy (Corgan) calls, tells me about NWA. Well, I don’t know. He goes, ‘Oh, you got a plane ticket. Come on.’ And then I went to Georgia. Been with him ever since. And it’s truly helped me reconcile some internal stuff, you know what I mean? It’s been good. I don’t despise the industry anymore, you know what I mean? I have a different perspective now.”
Stevens added that his response would have been a definite no if WWE called him back 18 months ago, but now he would be open to considering it.
“If WWE called, it’s not something I really think about. If they called, alright, I would of course listen. I mean, I may say yes, I may say no. There are so many factors that go into that, but I would’ve said no a year and a half ago. I totally would have ve said no. Now it’s like, you never know. You never know, but I’m certainly not like, having any aspirations. I’m far too concerned with trying to do the best I can where I’m at.”
Stevens had two stints with WWE, the first from 2003 to 2007, and then from 2010 to 2016. He had a brief run with the NWA between the WWE runs and eventually made another comeback in 2019 there where he remains an active competitor.
Recently appearing on TMZ’s Inside The Ring, former WWE talent and tag-team champion, Damian Sandow, now known as Aron Stevens, opened up about his thoughts on Triple H running WWE.
When asked by the hosts about his opinion on Triple H as the head of creative in WWE currently, Stevens noted that the Hall of Famer was the “best guy” for the job.
“I think he’s the best guy for the job. He understands the corporate side of it. He’s been in that world for a long time, but he also understands the in-ring, in front of the camera side of it. So, to marry the two, he really, I think is the guy. Look, if I was CEO and I needed somebody to kind of create that equilibrium and make it work, yeah, I would use him.”
Stevens currently works for NWA, where he joined in 2019, following some brief stints in the indies and TNA Wrestling. A former Money in the Bank winner and a tag-team champion, Stevens was a part of WWE’s main roster from 2012 to 2016, where he became a part of several iconic storylines.
This week’s NWA Power from the Chicago area had all kinds of problems when it debuted on YouTube, crashing after the tag team title “win” you’ll read about below.
This week’s show continued the run toward next weekend’s Crockett Cup tournament.
Talos defeated Blake Troop
This was the definition of a nothing match in the opening minutes, but there was an excellent spot towards the finish when Talos went for a chokeslam on Troop, but Troop landed on the shoulders of Talos and locked on a triangle choke. Talos ended up powering out of it and hit a huge power bomb, but Troop went to the outside to recover. Troop was able to hit a stunner over the ropes and a series of MMA style strikes ending with a big right hand and then a figure four for the finish.
– Mike Knox and Trevor Murdoch were backstage with May Valentine who announced they were entering the Crockett Cup and aiming for the tag team gold.
– Kyle Davis ran down the seeds for the Crockett Cup, including Myzteziz Jr. & Octagon Jr., and Toxin & Arez — all joining from AAA.
NWA Tag Team Champions La Rebelion (Mecha Wolf & Bestia 666) vs. Magnum Muscle (Mims & Dak Draper) went to a no contest
La Rebelion got the heat on Mims right away, hitting a series of high impact double team moves before the referee forced one member to leave the ring. Bestia locked a sleeper on Mims to try and keep him down. Mims dodged a Stinger splash from Bestia, but Bestia was able to recover and knock Draper from the apron before he could recover.
Draper tagged in after Mims hit a double clothesline on both members of La Rebelion. Draper hit a springboard back elbow off the middle ropes, but La Rebelion were able to take his legs out and hit double knees to the face of Draper. Mims and Draper hit a combo powerslam and neckbreaker on Mecha Wolf for the pin and what they thought was the title win.
However, Billy Corgan came out and told the ref the legal man wasn’t pinned and the match was then ruled a no contest. Magnum Muscle were dejected after the decision and this appears to set up an obvious rematch.
NWA Junior Heavyweight Champion Kerry Morton defeated Jeremiah Plunkett in an openweight challenge
Talk early was that Plunkett didn’t meet the weight requirement, thus couldn’t challenge for the title.
Part of the story was that Morton was more aggressive, using the ropes to attack Plunkett’s arm and waiting until the ref had to break it up before releasing. Fans seemed to pick up on it as the fans started booing as well.
Plunkett had a run late, but Morton fought out of a pilediver and hit a flatliner, focused on injuring the arm. He missed a knee in the corner, but fought out of another Plunkett attack by wrenching the arm and hitting the Showstopper (Cross Rhodes) for the pin and win.
Masterlock Challenge
This wasn’t a match, but a challenge in that Aron Stevens had to survive the Masterlock (full nelson) by Chris Adonis.
Adonis addressed the crowd and thanked them for supporting the NWA. He reminded Stevens he said, “I give up” in their match several weeks ago which Stevens did not like.
Stevens then did a heel promo, saying Adonis was not the man he used to be and was going to prove it. He left his jacket on which the announcers questioned.
As Adonis went to approach and apply the lock, Stevens said to wait a minute and asked the official to check Adonis’ fingernails so his jacket didn’t get damaged.
A second attempt was also halted as Stevens then wanted to take his jacket off as it was given to him by the prince of Malta. A third attempt was then halted as Stevens claimed Adonis grabbed his ascot as it was a “choking hazard.”
He then stretched his legs to delay it and attempted to delay it another time, but Adonis had enough. He applied the lock, Stevens wailed and tapped immediately, and that ended a rather forgettable segment and show.
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back with tons to talk about including the latest on CM Punk and AEW, Dynamite ratings, and more, then Aron Stevens joins us to talk NWA and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
Aron Stevens, the former Damien Sandow in WWE, will wrestle in what he is billing as his “Swan Song” at June 11th’s NWA Alwayz Ready pay-per-view.
He will face Trevor Murdoch in Knoxville, Tennessee.
In an Instagram post, the in-character Stevens said the match “not only marks the finale of an unparalleled wrestling career but the dawn of a new age. When I first left wrestling, the business experienced one of the biggest lulls in its history. Since returning, my presence has not only proven a blessing to fans everywhere but the entire industry has been better off because I was a part of it. After June 11th I will keep the wrestling fans, all staff, the competitors, and the entire industry in my thoughts and prayers going forward as they all proceed without me. Thank you.”
It’s unclear if this will be his final match ever or if this is just a character change.
The 39-year-old was released by WWE in May 2016 and competed as Aron Rex in Impact Wrestling and the indies until taking a leave of absence from 2017 through 2019. He returned to the business with the NWA in 2019 where he has primarily wrestled since then.
Beginning his career in 2001, Stevens was in WWE developmental from 2003 through 2007 before getting his release. He was re-signed three years later and made his main roster debut in 2012. He and The Miz held the WWE Tag Team titles during his time there.
While in Impact, he held the now-defunct Grand Championship and has held the NWA National title and the NWA Tag Team titles.
Velvet Sky opened the show with a neon light on attempting to talk seductively. I have no idea what this has to do with wrestling. She threw it to the first match.
Cyon defeated Garrison Creed
Creed and Cyon started brawling and went to the floor quickly with Cyon locking eyes with Austin Idol at the commentary desk as he beat on Creed. Joe Galli pressed Idol for more information about being Cyon’s father, but Idol refused to say more. Creed got some offense after snapping Cyon’s neck off the ropes.
Idol was clearly cheering for Cyon, so that seems to be an advancement in the story. Creed hit a vertical suplex and rolled over to hit a headbutt. Creed called for a killshot with a running knee, but Cyon hit a death valley driver for the pinfall. Cyon locked eyes with Idol again after the match.
– JTG and Dango were with Sky and she proposed that she would manage them, among other things. There were many awkward lines here.
Paola Blaze defeated Tootie Lynn
Lynn hit some kicks and a monkey flip on Blaze for a two count. Lynn transitioned into an armbar, but Blaze fought out after poking the eyes which Idol called technical wrestling. Blaze locked on a chinlock and later hit some forearms in the corner, but missed with double knees. Lynn hit a series of kicks and then an enziguri for a two count. Lynn hit a roundhouse kick that dropped Blaze, but Blaze pulled the referee in the way when she charged and rolled up Lynn with her feet on the ropes for the win.
– Sky was with JTG and Dango again and there were a lot more awkward lines.
– Aron Stevens was in the ring for a wrestling clinic with KC Rocker. Stevens demonstrated an armbar and apparently dislocated his shoulder. Stevens then cranked his neck with a cravat, switching accents as he spoke. He ended with the Mongrovian side choke. Stevens had an incredible amount of spray tan on. He choked him out with the Mongrovian side choke, driving his thumb into the neck of Rocker and hitting him with several elbows in the corner to knock him out to end the demonstration.
– Idol interrupted Sky’s awkward monologue and asked her what she was doing. She claimed that Idol ruined her moment and she threw it to the main event.
This was a heel vs. heel match, so that immediately messed with the psychology. Jeez hit a dropkick to Stanley’s stomach, but got driven back to the corner where Rudo tagged in and hit a corner clothesline. Rudo hit a back suplex on Jeez, but Jeez got up and hit some chops.
Jeez went for a sunset flip, but Stanley broke it up and tagged and stretched Jeez with an abdominal stretch. Jeez tagged out after hitting another sunset flip on Rudo and Rockett came in for a big dropkick and near fall on Rudo. Rudo hit an STO on Rockett for another near fall Stanley hit a back body bomb, but missed an elbow after a cocky pin attempt. Rockett hit a powerslam for a two count and Jeez hit a flatliner on Stanley for another two count.
Jeez sent Rudo to the floor with a low bridge and then hit a tope con giro while Rockett hit Stanley with a Booker T-style side kick to get the win.
The show ended with Idol and Sky arguing and she walked off, leaving the mic with Idol. He then claimed it was Idol After Dark now.
Final Thoughts”
I can’t recommend watching this episode at all. It was completely missable and not worth your time. No real story advancement, and just a ton of awkward, bad segments.
NWA Power opened with Joe Galli breaking some news. He announced the Champion’s Series, a points-based tournament starting on July 13th. More news on how the tournament is going to work will be forthcoming.
Jennacide (with Taryn Terrell) defeated Lady Frost
This wasn’t bad. Lady Frost looked quite good, and it’s clear that they’re trying to make Jennacide a star. She is still quite green, but there is a lot of potential there, and she has a great look too.
Frost was given quite a bit in this little match, but she stood out and looked great. Jennacide was able to turn the match around when Terrell distracted the referee and Jennacide knocked Frost off the top rope.
Jennacide worked over Frost with armlocks, keeping her grounded. Every time Frost went to escape, Frost was able to go back to the arm. Frost hit a big spinning kick, but Jennacide caught her on the ropes and hit a tombstone (Jenna 9000) for the pinfall.
–Sal Rinauro won a TV title #1 contender match against PJ Hawx and Colby Corino, which happened on something called NWA High Voltage. I had no idea this existed until they mentioned it here, and they showed highlights. I managed to find the match on YouTube. I figured this was going to be on Power when they built it a few weeks ago.
Rinauro cut a great promo about how all he needed was 3 seconds to become the TV Champion, and that while Pope was a great champion, he was coming for it. Colby Corino attacked him from behind and went to give him a brainbuster on the apron, but Rinauro’s feet hit the ropes on the way down, which caused both of them to crash to the floor, and both men hit really hard. That was brutal, I hope they’re okay.
–Austin Idol and Tyrus came out. Idol buried Rinauro and Corino, saying Tyrus is the real star. Pope came out, and since his match was canceled with Rinauro, he decided he was going to fight him right now, putting the title on the line. Idol kept Tyrus back and said it would be on their time.
Aron Stevens stepped in with a match that was unannounced for the crowd due to Rinauro’s injury.
Aron Stevens, Mims, & Captain YUMA vs. Kratos, PJ Hawx, & Luke Hawx went to a no contest
Well, this was interesting from a story perspective with Kratos and Stevens actually smiling and getting along with each other. Honestly, I hope they don’t break up as a team. I really like the dynamic of Stevens being a nice guy and Kratos being a miserable monster, but somehow make the team work. I hope that continues. I think La Rebelion vs. Stevens & Kratos will be great.
Joe Galli said that Kratos and Stevens came up with this match when the injury happened as a make-good. Kratos and Stevens fist-bumped, but Kratos didn’t fist bump the others. Stevens and Kratos went to a neutral corner, discussing the match and smiling. I sense trouble brewing, as Kratos is way too happy.
Mims and Luke Hawx started the match, and Mims used hit size and power to keep the veteran down. Mims tagged Stevens in, even though he was at the wrong turnbuckle because he was holding the tag rope. Stevens did a few spots with Hawx before PJ Hawx and YUMA were in.
YUMA wanted Kratos, and he tagged in, but he looked like he would rather stay in the corner chatting with Stevens. YUMA must have a death wish, as Kratos no-sold a shoulder tackle. Kratos murdered YUMA with a forearm, and the massacre began, as he threw YUMA across the ring with a suplex.
La Rebelion came out and mocked the match in the ring saying that the teams involved were making a mockery of the titles and the sport. Kratos did not look pleased. La Rebelion attacked YUMA, and the ref threw the match out. La Rebellion then attacked Kratos. All 6 men were not pleased and chased them off.
–Jax Dane and Crimson were with May Valentine. Dane talked about how he thought Crimson went too far in his match with Slice Boogie last week, and they promised to address the issue live in front of fans at Power soon.
–JTG and Chris Adonis joined Kyle Davis at the podium to discuss their upcoming NWA National Championship match. JTG reminded everyone that he was there for gold, and that anyone in his way is in a very unlucky position.
Adonis said he was ready for war, and that the NWA National title is a title that he never lost, so he is going to do what it takes to win it back, and his insurance policy of Strictly Business was there to help him. Fred Rosser came out and said he was going to back JTG up.
–The Mystery Man was with May Valentine and continued to say his identity did not need to be known right now. He talked about how he dedicated his life to wrestling, and he is here because he believes he is the best technical wrestler in the world, and he wanted to become a champion, and his identity didn’t matter.
–Thunder Rosa told May Valentine that she was going to stay out of Melina’s match with Kylie Rae tonight.
Kylie Rae defeated Melina
Melina got booed by the audience despite being a babyface in recent weeks. Rae was cheered quite a bit, and Melina worked this match as a heel, so that feels like a phantom heel turn. I hate that. This was a good match by Melina standards, so it was fine. Rae looked fantastic in the match, she’s an exceptional worker.
Melina tried to ground Rae, but Rae was able to counter every move. Rae offered a handshake, but Melina hit some hard forearms and started striking Rae hard, including poking the eyes. Melina hit a DDT for a near fall, but Rae kicked out. Rae spun out of an inverted DDT position and hit a superkick on Melina for the pinfall. The show went off the air as Rae celebrated, winning clean as a sheet.
New NWA Tag Team Champions were crowned on this week’s edition of UWN Primetime Live.
Aron Stevens & JR Kratos defeated James Storm & Eli Drake on Primetime Live last night to win the NWA Tag Team titles. The match was originally announced as Storm & Drake vs. Stevens & The Question Mark, but Stevens came out for the match alone. Kratos attacked Storm & Drake, then Stevens said no one could prove Kratos isn’t The Question Mark.
Stevens & Kratos got the win after Kratos low blowed Storm.
Prior to losing the titles last night, Storm & Drake had been NWA Tag Team Champions since defeating The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson) and The Wild Cards (Thomas Latimer & Royce Isaacs) in a triple threat match at the NWA’s Hard Times pay-per-view this January.
This is the fourth NWA title change to take place on Primetime Live since the weekly PPV series debuted this September. Trevor Murdoch defeated Stevens for the NWA National Championship in September. Last month, The Pope (Elijah Burke) defeated Zicky Dice for the NWA Television title and Serena Deeb defeated Thunder Rosa for the NWA Women’s Championship.
