AEW has uploaded their second Road to All Out episode of the week, with Brandi Rhodes cutting a promo on Shawn Spears ahead of his match against Cody at the August 31 pay-per-view:
Original —
The fifth episode of AEW Road to All Out can be seen below.
The first segment was a personality piece on the Best Friends, Trent Baretta and Chuck Taylor. They talked about why they teamed up and why they chose to go to AEW, pointing to the company’s tag team division.
The next piece was By the Numbers with Alex Marvez, which highlighted the Cody/Shawn Spears match ahead of All Out. Marvez noted that both Cody and Spears will be allowed to have a representative at ringside. Marvez speculated about who Cody would choose, from his wife Brandi Rhodes to Diamond Dallas Page.
Footage from Adam Page’s appearance at House of Glory also aired.
The episode closed with Kenny Omega talking about his match against Jon Moxley at All Out, saying he knows Moxley wants to prove he isn’t damaged goods but he’s not going to let him take the spotlight away.
After a lack of interest heading into the pay-per-view, Stomping Grounds was a show that exceeded expectations.
Given that there weren’t really any surprises at the PPV, that’s probably mostly due to expectations being set too low. Nothing on the show was dramatically better than it should have been. The PPV succeeded where most good WWE shows do. Even if the build was underwhelming, a talented roster was able to go out to the ring and have good matches throughout much of the card.
With a gigantic week of news, we’ve got a double issue of the Observer this week, leading off with a look at the career of Perro Aguayo, one of the biggest drawing cards in pro wrestling history.
We look at his career highlights, the feud that made him a superstar, the big rivalries and big business booms he was part of, his most famous matches, the formation of AAA and his biggest career wins.
We also have more on Eric Bischoff and Paul Heyman leading brands going forward. We look at the angles on Raw and whose fingerprints were on what, the level of power they look to have, why this move was made, Wall Street’s reaction to the move, how AEW fits into the picture, the audience they are trying to get back the Raw ratings increase that didn’t hold for Smackdown, Heyman and Bischoff talk about their new positions, when Bischoff starts and an analysis of Heyman’s first moves.
We also look at AEW’s Fyter Fest, the chair shot, the preshow, the business numbers, comparisons with WWE and UFC programming, match by match coverage with star ratings and poll results.
We also look at why the U.K. November tour is being rapidly changed, the Evolve special on WWE Network, Stomping Grounds business update, the story behind David Starr stomping on WWE tile belt and WWE reaction, Performance Center news, most-watched shows on the WWE Network and a rundown with business notes on all the WWE arena events this past week.
We also look at the career of Jacques Rougeau Sr, one of the biggest stars in Montreal wrestling history. We look at the history of the Rougeau family, how Jacques got into wrestling, why he quit at first, what brought him back, how role in making the career of Ivan Koloff, his sons getting into wrestling, his biggest matches, his Jarry Stadium main event, the first $100,000 gate in Canada, and the Rougeaus feud with the Garvins.
We also look at WWE’s tour of Japan this past week, with notes on both shows and business notes as well.
We run through New Japan’s tour of Australia, with business notes , Southern Showdown match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results and the Ospreay-Eagles match.
We also update Extreme Rules with matches announced and others that could be added.
We’ve also got full coverage of UFC in Minneapolis including detailed business notes.
We’ve got a rundown on ROH Bet in the World from Baltimore, with business notes, match-by-match coverage and star ratings.
We also look at the changing television situation in the U.K. with the WWE’s new deal with BT Sports and AEW’s new deal.
We look at the TripleMania card and the unique team of Cody & Psycho Clown & Cain Velasquez. There’s also notes from Killer Kross, who is training Velasquez.
We also look at the wrestling career of Yoshiaki Yatsu, who had his leg amputated over the past week. We look at his 1980s heyday when he was one of the best in the world, why he was important in history, his amateur background and his famous Pride match with Gary Goodridge.
We also look at the death of Jerry Seltzer, the famed Roller Derby promoter, how that game worked, how it exploded in popularity, why it died off, and Seltzer’s later role in the ticketing business.
We also run down the ratings of all the major TV shows, along with detailed demo info for the WWE shows.
We also have the results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
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THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE
As would be expected, AAA ran a tribute to Perro Aguayo Sr. at their show in San Luis Potosi last night. It would be a lock that CMLL does something similar tomorrow night.
With the deaths and the operation to Yoshiaki Yatsu, there is a ton of history in the new Observer. Pat Laprade did a great piece on the life of Jacques Rougeau Sr., and there is also piece on Yatsu, Perro Aguayo and Roller Derby promoter Jerry Seltzer.
UFC has its seasonal press conference at 5:30 p.m. Eastern and 2:30 p.m. local time tomorrow with Dana White, Max Holloway, Frankie Edgar, Daniel Cormier, Stipe Miocic, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier.
The UFC Hall of Fame ceremony is tomorrow night at the Pearl at the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas. Being honored are Rich Franklin, Michael Bisping and Rashad Evans plus the incredible Diego Sanchez vs. Clay Guida fight, which was held in that very building.
People have been talking the past 24 hours about this promo by Brandi Rhodes as one of the best of the year.
Due to political issues, Daga is replacing Brian Cage in teaming with Taurus against Cody & MJF on the AAA TV tapings on 7/18 in Aguascalientes.
WWE
Booker T, after agreeing to come, has pulled out of All Out. He evidently said when pulling out that he found out the WWE vs. AEW war was very real and he didn’t want to be in the middle of it. I’ve been told to expect another major counter by WWE shortly.
There are no WWE house shows tomorrow night. Both crews start Saturday. Both Braun Strowman and Bobby Lashley are still advertised for TV on Monday and Strowman for the house shows. For the Smackdown crew, Daniel Bryan & Rey Mysterio aren’t advertised. Roman Reigns is only advertised for Monday in Glens Falls and Tuesday in Manchester, NH. Randy Orton is advertised for all the Smackdown shows. There is a Monday Smackdown house show that hasn’t been canceled with most of the top stars including Reigns to appear.
Parma, OH mayor Tim DeGetter named yesterday “Mike the Miz Day” in the city where Miz grew up. He also visited his old high school Normandy High yesterday.
Zack Ryder, Curt Hawkins, Becky Lynch, Kofi Kingston and Rey Mysterio will be appearing on 7/18 at the San Diego Comic Con at 11:15 a.m. in Room 6A. There will also be an autograph session at the Mattel booth and Kingston will be at the Insight Editions booth on 7/19 at 1 p.m. signing copies of the WWE Official Cookbook.
WWE has a two-for-one ticket offer out for the 7/14 Extreme Rules show at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
UFC
UFC is working on a rematch with Paul Felder vs. Edson Barboza for the 9/7 show in Abu Dhabi. MMA Junkie reported that earlier today. Barboza beat Felder via decision in a 2015 fight.
Some of the winners of the World MMA Awards from Fighters Only from the show yesterday at the Pearl at the Palms in Las Vegas:Fighter of the Year – Daniel Cormier
Female Fighter of the Year – Amanda Nunes
International Fighter of the Year – Aung La Nsang
Fight of the Year – Tony Ferguson vs. Anthony Pettis
Knockout of the Year – Amanda Nunes over Cris Cyborg (can’t believe Yair Rodriguez didn’t win this one)
Submission of the Year – Zabit Magomedsharipov over Brandon Davis
Comeback of the Year – Angela Lee
Upset of the Year – Amanda Nunes over Cris Cyborg
Coach of the Year – Mike Brown
Best Promotion- UFC
Analyst of the Year – Daniel Cormier
Best Media Source – MMA Fighting
Journalist of the Year – Ariel Helwani
MISCELLANEOUS
Bein Sports has an all-day MLW marathon going on today until 12:30 a.m.
There will be a tribute to Gene Kiniski on Sunday at Kiniski’s Reef Tavern in Point Roberts, WA starting at 5 p.m. His son Nick & Kelly Kiniski will MC the event with James Cybulski from Sportnet 650 AM in Vancouver. Admission is free. Kiniski, nicknamed Canada’s greatest athlete, was one of the biggest stars in pro wrestling history worldwide, including holding the NWA title from 1966-69. For more info, check here. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)
C.M. Punk is being heavily featured in the trailer for the movie “Rabid” directed by Jen and Sylvia Soska. The movie premiers in August at FightFest in London, UK.
Tomorrow night’s King of Indies show in Daly City, CA has only a few tickets left at the door. This is a one-night tournament which includes the first-ever Dragon Lee vs Laredo Kid match in the first round.
Low Ki vs. Ricky Martinez has been added to Saturday’s MLW show at Cicero, IL Stadium.
Combate Americas runs 8/23 at Harvey’s in Lake Tahoe, NV on Univision, Univision Deportes and DAZN. The company’s bantamweight title will be at stake with champion Gustavo Lopez (10-4-1) facing Joey Ruquet (7-1) and the first featherweight champion will be crowned with Andres Quintana (18-2) vs. Bruno Cannetti (8-6). Quintana is coming off winning an eight-man one-night tournament on 12/7.
David Starr vs. Matt Sydal vs. Rory Gulak vs. Rabbi Swiss headlines an 8/26 show for the IPWA in Israel.
Scarlett Bordeaux vs.Xena vs. Nikki Van Blair will be on an FWA show in Sydney,Australia on 7/28. On 7/27, Bordeaux & Slade Mercer vs. Keegan Brettle & Jasmin Vottora takes place for Kingdom Pro Wrestling in Newcastle, Australia.
Evolve on 7/14 in Melrose, MA has announced Austin Theory & Arturo Ruas vs. Josh Briggs & Orange Cassidy, Babatunde vs. Joe Gacy, JD Drake vs. AR Fox and a main event of Matt Riddle vs. Curt Stallion.
MCW’s annual Shane Shamrock Memorial Cup takes place 7/13 in Joppa, MD at the MCW Arena with Nick Aldis defending the NWA title against Dirty Money plus Dante Caballero vs. Drolix in an unsanctioned match. First round of the Shamrock Cup has Brian Johnson vs. Kekoa, Marko Stunt vs. Jimmy Lloyd, Will Ferrara vs. Greg Excellent and Scarlett Bordeaux vs. VSK vs. Pat Buck.
Pro Wrestling Revolver on 8/23 in Dayton, OH with Tessa Blanchard vs. Daga, Jessicka Havok vs. Jimmy Havoc and more.
Pro Wrestling Revolver on 7/26 in Des Moines, IA at the Val Air Ballroom has Rhino & Tommy Dreamer & Jimmy Jacobs & Eddie Edwards vs. Sami Callihan & Jake Crist & Dave Crist & Mad Man Fulton in an extreme rules match, Larry D vs. Ace Romero for the Revolver title, Besties in the World vs,. Rich Swann & Jason Cade vs,. Ethan Page & Josh Alexander for the tag titles plus Caleb Konley vs. Andy Dalton and Killer Kross vs. JT Dunn.
Riho from AEW works 7/28 for PWR in Manila, The Philippines.
Pro Wrestling Phoenix on Friday at the Waiting Room Lounge in Omaha, NE.
Orange Cassidy works for PWA in Sydney Australia on 10/18 and 10/19.
IWF Tournament of Champions on 8/25 in Nutley, NJ at the RecCetner. They also run 10/11 in Wayne, NJ at the PAL Building.
Greektown Wrestling on 8/8 in Toronto at 310 Danforth Ave.
Alpha-1 Wrestling on 7/21 in Hamilton, ONT at the Knights of Columbus.
Rise runs a show on 9/1 at 5 p.m. in Berwyn, IL at the Eagles Club, the day after the All out show. There will be an eight-woman tournament.
– Today’s AEW Road to Double or Nothing episode included the first match announcement for Fight for the Fallen.
Brandi Rhodes vs. Allie was announced for Fight for the Fallen, which is taking place at Daily’s Place Amphitheater at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday, July 13. Proceeds from the gate will benefit Jacksonville’s Victim Assistance Advisory Council.
The match was set up by Rhodes calling Allie and saying she wants to wrestle her. Allie asked if it had to do with past issues between them, but Rhodes said they’re fine with each other. When the call was over, there was an angle where Rhodes called someone who wasn’t identified and asked if they could be in Jacksonville on the day of Fight for the Fallen. Rhodes said it was for “that personal thing I was telling you about.”
Rhodes is also the chief brand officer of AEW.
The ticket pre-sale for Fight for the Fallen begins on Ticketmaster tomorrow (April 18), with it running from 9 a.m. Eastern time to 9 p.m. Eastern. “AEWFIGHT” is the pre-sale code. Tickets will then go on sale to the general public at 9 a.m. Eastern this Friday.
Fight for the Fallen will be the third show in AEW’s history. Double or Nothing is being held in Las Vegas on May 25, while Fyter Fest is taking place in Daytona Beach, Florida on June 29. Fyter Fest is in partnership with CEO Fighting Game Championships.
– MJF and independent wrestler Sunny Daze (Dylan Frymyer) were confirmed for the Over Budget Battle Royale at Double or Nothing on today’s video. MJF has been feuding with Joey Janela leading into the show. Janela was part of the Road to Double or Nothing episode, vowing that he’s 100 percent and will top his performance from All In.
Sonny Kiss, Kip Sabian, Brandon Cutler, Ace Romero, Glacier, and Brian Pillman Jr. are also set for the Over Budget Battle Royale.
Sunny Daze is the main editor of the Road to Double or Nothing. His personal story was featured on today’s episode:
All Elite Wrestling issued a press release today announcing streaming details for next week’s Double or Nothing rally and naming Brandi Rhodes (Brandi Runnels) as the promotion’s chief brand officer.
Rhodes tweeted about her position in AEW: “I’ve dreamt of a life where I could marry my passions, combining my academic past with my entertainment future. I’m so excited to have been named Chief Brand Officer of AEW, and thrilled to continue to entertain inside and around the ring. 2019 is going to be amazing. #AEW”
The Double or Nothing rally will stream live on the Being the Elite YouTube channel, AEW’s Twitter account, Brandi Rhodes’ Instagram, and The Young Bucks’ Facebook page at 5 p.m. Eastern time next Tuesday (January 8). Double or Nothing is the sequel to All In.
The rally is taking place outside TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, which is the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars. AEW is hyping that it will feature “special guests, inside info and limited edition merchandise.” The Young Bucks, Cody & Brandi Rhodes, Hangman Page, Christopher Daniels, Frankie Kazarian, and Scorpio Sky are featured on an advertisement for the rally.
Next week’s SmackDown is taking place at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena on the same day as AEW’s rally.
Dave Meltzer has confirmed that Baker, 27, has signed with AEW. In the last year, she has worked for promotions such as Stardom, RISE, Shimmer and ROH. She also was an alternate for the Mae Young Classic and worked an NXT taping recently.
She was also part of the All In event in September where she competed in a fatal four way that also had Tessa Blanchard (who won the match), Madison Rayne (who has now signed with ROH) and Chelsea Green (who has signed with WWE).
Baker’s signing comes as AEW is continuing to take formative steps in establishing itself as a new promotion.
It is already known that Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks will have executive vice president roles within the organization. Meltzer is also reporting that Brandi Rhodes will be the key person when it comes to the women. Dana Massie, who is key to the Young Bucks merchandise business, will also be key in the merchandise for AEW.
Three more talents have been confirmed for All In, and unfortunately for Flip Gordon, he’s still not booked.
MJF and Madison Rayne secured their spots at a WrestlePro event this past Friday. They teamed up to take on Flip Gordon and Brandi Rhodes. As a continuation of a story that has been developing on Being the Elite, the stipulation to this match was that the winners of the match would advance to All In, with Rhodes assuring Gordon that everything would go their way.
The finish of the match had Rhodes low blowing MJF as he was about to strike her with a steel chair. The referee disqualified Gordon and Rhodes, therefore denying Gordon another shot at being booked for All In.
Meanwhile, the Young Bucks officially welcomed Don Callis to All In after they won the IWGP tag team titles at Dominion this morning. They walked over to Callis after the match and said he was All In, which indicates at some point this show will either be streaming or on video on demand. Calls happily accepted the invitation.
All In will take place September 1 at the Sears Center Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.
The news had gotten out months ago, and it played a part in her leaving Impact Wrestling, because of the feeling they weren’t cooperating with the project. Rhodes is currently wrestling some with Ring of Honor.
The WAGS show, with the initials meaning Wives and Girlfriends, debuted on E! in 2015, with cast members that have included Barbara Blank, who had been in WWE for years as Kelly Kelly, and was the girlfriend, and later married to NHL star Sheldon Souray, and Amber Nichole Miller, the girlfriend of Tito Ortiz.
Since then the show expanded with “WAGS Miami” and “WAGS Los Angeles.”
WAGS Atlanta will premiere on January 3rd, in a Wednesday 10 p.m. time slot.
Rhodes, real name Brandi Runnels, is listed as the wife of Cody Rhodes and daughter-in-law of Dusty Rhodes, and listed as a former announcer and current wrestler trying to find a balance between her personal and professional life. ROH was cooperating with E! as part of the series.
Previously: Eddie Edwards defeated Cody to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship in last week’s main event. After the match, Maria Kanellis ran down and attacked Brandi Rhodes. Also, Bobby Lashley defeated Moose to become the number one contender for the TNA World Championship.
Tonight: Cody and Brandi Rhodes take on the team of Mike Bennett and Maria. Additionally, Ethan Carter III tags with Jesse Godderz to battle the team of Aron Rex and Eli Drake. Plus, Broken Matt has invited everyone to the Hardy compound for Treat or Delete.
Show recap —
– The Hardy Family kicks off Impact from the Hardy compound. They’re celebrating Halloween. They enter a corn of maze created by Vanguard 1 and Senor Benjamin. Matt has a premonition that someone is going to send him a message later.
Eli Drake & Grand Champion Aron Rex defeated Ethan Carter III & Jesse Godderz
EC3 and Godderz controlled the early part of the match by double teaming Rex. The heels gained the advantage and worked over EC3. Godderz got the hot tag and ran wild. The finish came when Rex ran in and knocked Godderz out with a right hand with an illegal object. Rex used tape to cover up the object on his fingers.
– In the back, Maria was getting ready for her match later and was talking a bunch of trash about Brandi. Brandi showed up and Maria ran off.
– Jeremy Borash interviewed Grado. He promised to dress up as someone he’s always wanted to be for Halloween. He whispered it to Borash, who loved the idea.
– At the Hardy house, Matt gave green beans to kids that were trick or treating. Jeff sang obsolete to some of the kids.
– Grado called out Robbie E. because he wants to be a BroMan for Halloween. Grado went to the back and came out dressed as a BroMan. Robbie E. and Grado were dancing in the ring when the lights went out. The three masked men in black suits appeared. They attacked Robbie E. and Grado. The three masked men are known as DCC.
– Earlier today, Allie entered an empty Impact Zone and talked to Billy Corgan. Allie said that she knows she’ll probably lose to Laurel Van Ness but noted that sometimes you have to stand up for yourself.
Go for Broke (X Division Champion DJ Z, Mark Andrews & Braxton Sutter) defeated Rockstar Spud & Decay (Crazy Steve & Abyss) in Team X Gold
Go for Broke came out with a Team X Gold flag. The winning team gets to have the flag. The rules for the match are being strictly enforced. It was a good fast-paced X Division style match. The finish came when DJ Z hit the ZDT on Rockstar Spud to pick up the win for his team.
– In the back, Cody and Brandi discussed their upcoming match with The Miracle and Maria. Brandi promised to make Maria tap out.
TNA World Championship Contract Signing
Borash introduced the champion and challenger. Edwards and Lashley will meet next week for the championship. Borash announced that they cannot have any physical contact before next week’s match. Before Lashley signed the contract, Edwards taunted him until Lashley flipped the table and they teased fighting but didn’t. The title match is official for next week.
– In the back, Van Ness flirted with Sutter again this week. He still seemed uninterested in her.
– Back at the Hardy house, Gregory Shane Helms showed up dressed as The Hurricane but go denied green beans and left. Jeff showed up dressed as the fast talking Itchweeed. This is another of Jeff’s alter egos.
Laurel Van Ness defeated Allie
The story of the match was that Allie doesn’t know how to wrestle but she is determined to stand up to a bully. Laurel dominated the match but Allie made a comeback. It wasn’t enough as Van Ness hit the curb stomp to pick up the win.
– At the Hardy House, two people showed up in Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton masks. Benjamin told Trump that he’s going to build a wall and bury him under it. He shocked him with a taser. Jeff asked Hilary what happened to the 33,000 emails and Matt yelled, “Delete!”
– Another infomercial for “The Fixer” Tyrus aired.
– In the back, Jesse Godderz challenged Aron Rex to a match next week for the Grand Championship.
– At the Hardy House, a kid with a white mask dressed as Spider-Man gave Matt a message from DCC. The Hardys watched a video from the DCC. They challenged The Hardys to a match.
Cody & Brandi Rhodes defeated “The Miracle” Mike Bennett & Maria Kanellis-Bennett
Maria teased starting the match with Brandi but she tagged out, which meant the guys had to come in. Brandi was furious with Maria and wanted her back in. This distracted Cody and Miracle hit a superkick for a near fall.
Miracle dominated Cody for most of the match. Miracle bounced off the ropes and knocked Maria off the apron. Miracle and Cody ran into each other. Maria crawled around the ring and pulled down Brandi. Miracle held Cody for Maria but he moved and she gave Miracle a low blow. Brandi got the tag and ran wild on Maria. Brandi and Cody locked on dual submissions on Maria and Miracle to win the match.
Cody and Brandi walked backstage after the match. As they celebrated their win, Lashley jumped Cody and beat him down to end the show.
Next week: Eddie Edwards defends the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Bobby Lashley. Also, Aron Rex defends the Grand Championship against Jesse Godderz. Plus, we find out if The Hardys will accept the DCC’s challenge.
After TMZ reported last week that Brandi Rhodes had signed on with TNA Wrestling as an active wrestler, the company confirmed the news in a video on Monday morning.
In a short interview with Josh Mathews, Brandi noted that she was excited for the opportunity and had wanted to get in the ring for a long time.
“I am so excited to finally be in battle. I have wanted to wrestle for some time, and now that the opportunity has presented itself to be a part of the TNA Knockouts, I am just, just so excited. I cannot wait to get out there with some of those great, great Knockout gals and see what I can do.” Brandi said.
Brandi said that her intent when she entered the wrestling business was to compete inside of the ring but had other talents that she explored.
Dave Meltzer reported earlier this month that Cody Rhodes’ future would involve wrestling for both TNA and Ring of Honor, and that Brandi would have the opportunity to work for TNA as well. Cody hoped to work a program alongside his wife in TNA against Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis-Bennett.
