The first episode of “Being the Dark Order” was released on Monday.
Days after it was revealed that Being the Elite would not return, the BTE YouTube channel published a new video featuring The Dark Order on Monday. Evil Uno, Alex Reynolds, and John Silver spent the majority of today’s episode trying to recruit more people for the show.
In storyline, The Dark Order purchased the rights to BTE using sponsorship money from Chilis. At the very end of the first episode, Evil Uno is shown texting with Matt Jackson about the deal.
“I can’t believe you spent all your chilis money on a sinking ship like BTE. You are gonna F this up like you F everything up!” Jackson’s text to Uno reads.
Sources close to Matt and Nick are telling me that they have officially finished up with Being The Elite. pic.twitter.com/4o7HWV0fKw
Last week, Brandon Cutler posted to social media that The Young Bucks had “finished up” with BTE. Then on Friday, our own Dave Meltzer wrote in the Daily Update that the show really is done.
“We’ll write more about it this coming week, but BTE is not on hiatus, it’s actually done. As of this point in time, there are no plans to bring it back,” Meltzer wrote.
The Young Buck’s absence on their own YouTube show continues.
After losing the ROH Six-Man Tag Team Championships last week to the Mogul Embassy, Hangman Page, Matt Jackson, and Nick Jackson were all absent from BTE this week.
Three videos were uploaded to Being the Elite’s YouTube channel on Monday. The first featured a clip from a previous Halloween-themed episode and featured Cody Rhodes telling a spooky story.
The second was a short video featuring Brandon Cutler at a Memphis Wrestling event with Prince Nana. Clips of them interacting with fans at a pre-show meet and greet were shown.
The third video uploaded to the Being the Elite YouTube channel on Monday featured a dark match from last week’s Dynamite and Rampage show. Cutler and Colt Cabana were defeated by John Silver and Alex Reynolds in tag team action.
Following the loss to Brian Cage and the Gates of Agony on Wednesday, Matt Jackson appeared frustrated and banged a chair against the ring post several times. Later in the show, he confronted Kenny Omega about his alliance of late with Chris Jericho, saying he doesn’t forget what Jericho did to the Bucks’ father years ago.
MJF had a special message for Kenny Omega in the opening moments of Being the Elite this week.
The AEW World Champion visited Omega and The Young Bucks backstage and appeared to be very complimentary to everyone. However, MJF also leaned in and whispered in Omega’s ear, “26 days you f—ing b**ch.”
The 26 days comment could be a reference to how much longer MJF needs to be champion for to pass Omega’s 346-day reign with the AEW World Championship. At the time the scene was recorded on Wednesday, MJF was 26 days away from breaking Omega’s record. As of this writing, he’s been champion for 324 days.
Jon Moxley has held the AEW World Championship for more combined days than anyone else. He’s spent 347 days with the belt across three reigns.
Footage of the Bucks taking a private jet to Dynamite this week was shown. Brandon Cutler, Colt Cabana, and Matt Sydal teamed up for this week’s BTE dark match as well. They were defeated by The Dark Order.
Former UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson was also shown this week. He was involved in a trash talking segment, of sorts, with Omega.
Cutler cam footage of Nick Jackson vs. Fenix from Dynamite aired.
Cabana also debuted a new “Colt on the Street” segment and Matt Jackson posed for Tumblr again.
WrestleMania updates, including status of different matches that have been planned and not announced
Ticket sales notes and demand for tickets, plus notes on NXT Stand & Deliver
A study of the buying patterns of PPVs for AEW, including comparisons with one year ago, how many shows the average AEW PPV buyer purchases each year, the difference between satellite owners and others in the viewing patterns, update on Revolution numbers and how many different people bought an AEW PPV this past year
Letters from WWE to the Alamodome in San Antonio show how WWE counted Royal Rumble attendance, along with the actual numbers from the show
Richard Schaefer, the famed boxing promoter, heading Anthem’s wrestling, MMA and new boxing divisions and what are future plans for the divisions
New Japan Cup coverage with all the matches from the past week
Notes on AEW’s Canada tour
Mexican star taken to prison on domestic violence charges against another Mexican wrestling star
Full coverage of this past week’s major pro wrestling events and the UFC show
Update on the WWE Hall of Fame including stories on the careers of the inductees
Coverage of the WWE’s return to its most famous arena, Madison Square Garden
The life of former wrestler Jeff Gaylord and his very checkered life after wrestling and during wrestling
The most detailed look at the weekly television ratings, competition, how segments did, where shows are strong and weak.
Promotion adding a ton of new talent after young wrestlers impress in a special format
Mainstream angle being done in Mexico
Joint show announced in Japan for the Himeka retirement
A look at the Guerrero wrestling family
Legendary athlete passes away that a wrestling move done all over the world was named after including the person who actually named the move
New promotion starting taking the name of a legendary regional company
International Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame 2023 inductions and ceremony
Ric Flair Twitter war of words
Lots of indie notes including some big crowds this week
16 Carat Gold tournament in Germany news
Notes on recent Will Ospreay matches
Notes on major AEW negotiations
AEW cancels TV tapings and why
Update on social media abuse of Riho
Chris Jericho honored
Ticket sales for upcoming WWE & AEW shows
Streaming numbers for WWE & AEW this past week
International TV ratings updates including a company sets its all-time viewing record in Canada
Notes on AEW signees
UFC TV renewal talk even though it’s years away
Former UFC champion Benson Henderson retires
Update on WWE’s attempt to get legalized betting on its matches
Update on Jay White
Interest level mainstream of UFC, WWE and AEW big shows including geographical popularity split between AEW Revolution and WWE Elimination Chamber
Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
Monday Update
Bryan and I will be back tonight covering all the latest news from WWE and the rest of the wrestling world plus building to the shows during the rest of the week.
Raw is in St. Louis tonight. Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn, Logan Paul, The Usos, Rey Mysterio and Lita are all scheduled on the show. Charlie Dempsey is there as well, but he’ll likely be on Main Event because that’s where the NXT talent flown in usually works. Announced is a face to face with Reigns and Cody Rhodes, Austin Theory vs. Montez Ford non-title, Asuka & Bianca Belair vs. Chelsea Green & Carmella, plus Impaulsive TV with Logan Paul to likely shoot another angle with Seth Rollins. More than 12,000 tickets were out this morning so with walkup this will almost surely end up as a sellout. They will be up more than 64 percent from the last time they taped television in the building on 10/28, which tells you how hot things are compared to five months ago
Sting returns Wednesday night on Dynamite in a six-man tag with Darby Allin & Orange Cassidy vs. Kip Sabian & Butcher & Blade from Independence, MO. This is the show featuring the Kenny Omega vs. El Hijo del Vikingo match.
On Being the Elite, they did a phone chat gimmick with the Young Bucks, Adam Page and Kenny Omega but Omega bailed out of the chat, so the story is the Young Bucks are or have made amends with Page but Omega has yet to do so.
PW Insider reported that the fifth and final WWE Hall of Fame inductee this year is likely a referee who “someone the entire industry loved.” It would be the first referee ever inducted if that’s the case.
New Japan’s New Japan Cup finals are tomorrow at 4 a.m. Eastern from Niigata:
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Yuto Nakashima vs. Taichi & Douki
Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita vs. Ryohei Oiwa & Shota Umino
Tama Tonga & Tomohiro Ishii & Tomoaki Honma vs. KENTA & El Phantasmo & Chase Owens
Desperado & Ren Narita & Toru Yano & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Evil & Yujiro Takahashi & Sho & Dick Togo
Tetsuya Naito & Shingo Takagi vs. Great O’Khan & Aaron Henare
Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Aussie Open & Jeff Cobb
Hiromu Takahashi vs. Lio Rush for the IWGP Jr. title
Sanada vs. David Finlay in the New Japan Cup final
Besides the two main events, the undercard will likely set up matches for the 4/8 show at Sumo Hall.
Popular Northeast referee Sean Patrick O’Brien, known as SPO, passed way. We don’t have any details other than he refereed for a number of promotions including ICW NHB and was said to be best friends with John Wayne Murdoch, noting they were traveling partners. On Saturday night’s ICW NHB show on IWTV, they had all the talent in the ring while the crowd chanted “SPO” to start the show. Danny Demanto then came out to dedicate the show to O’Brien (thanks to Ross Blair)
The 3/30 episode of ROH television, which hasn’t been taped yet, will be taped on 3/29 at the Dynamite tapings in St. Louis, so they’ll tape ROH, Dynamite and Rampage.
The Undertaker has a One Man Show on 3/24 at The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.
The presale for Forbidden Door on 6/25 in Toronto takes place on Wednesday.
AEW will be taping Dark matches at Universal in Orlando from 6-10 p.m. on Friday night.
WWE did a combo ticket presale for both the Smackdown and Backlash shows on 5/5 and 5/6 in San Juan, Puerto Rico today. We don’t have numbers but the queue was long and I expect sellouts for both shows almost immediately when they go on sale to the public.
Denise Salcedo will be joining Busted Open radio every Saturday starting this coming weekend from 9 a.m. to Noon Eastern time working with Mark Henry on Sirius XM.
Denzel Freeman, who scored a 27 second knockout on Friday night’s PFL show, earning him a contract for the heavyweight tournament, was formerly in WWE developmental. After being picked by Randy Couture, Kayla Harrison and Wiz Khalifa for a contract based on being the most impressive winner on the show, he asked if Liv Morgan would go out with him. Morgan is in a relationship with Taylor “Uncle Howdy” Rotunda.
The episode of NCIS: Los Angeles with Sheamus aired last night. In the story, star Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) goes undercover in an underground Bare Knuckle fight club to catch dirty cops involved in a Fentanyl drug ring. Sheamus played Odin the head of the drug gang. The two had a fight at the end of the episode. He was billed in the credits a “WWE Superstar Sheamus” as opposed to Stephen Farrelly. (thanks to Grant Zwarych)
A correction from yesterday (it was corrected last night in the daily update) is that the next TKW show in Taylor, MI is on 4/21. We had listed it was 4/2 (thanks to Leonard Brand)
The new issue of the Observer is up on the site with these stories:
The return of Vince McMahon, the sales talks, and the departure of Stephanie McMahon
Who is in charge of running the company right now
What Vince McMahon’s role is today
How Vince McMahon got back in power
A look at different entities who have expressed interest in WWE
Can Tony Khan get control of WWE
What kind of numbers are we talking about for the deal
What is the current market value of WWE
The Saudi Arabia rumors
How far did the rumors spread
What the experience of the UFC sale in 2016 tells you about what is said publicly
Notes from the meeting Stephanie McMahon, Frank Riddick and Nick Khan had with all the company employees
If something happens with Saudi Arabia, what would be the likely repercussions based on previous sports world examples
What companies did Nick Khan bring up to employees when talking the sale
Changes in WWE morale
2022 Business year in review for pro wrestling, MMA and boxing major events
Biggest crowds of the year
Main eventers on top for the most biggest crowds
PPV numbers for the year
Who drew the most 15,000+ crowds
UFC gate numbers
List of $2 million gates
Biggest pro wrestling drawing card each year since 1916
Biggest drawing cards in history
The changing of the media landscape and how this effects AEW and WWE
Analysis of the losses incurred by FOX on Smackdown by Morgan Stanley
The career of wrestler and promoter Johnny Powers, one of the biggest stars of the 60s and 70s
The attempt to promote nationally and what happened
How he got his first break with Bruno Sammartino
Multiple world title matches around the world
His runs with major promotions
Being the star of the NWF
How Powers figured into the early days of New Japan Pro Wrestling and his biggest matches there
How Powers was promoted in Japan
Powers and the Greatest 18 Club
Full coverage of PWG Battle of Los Angeles with thoughts on the shows, where PWG stands, background of the appearance of Chris Jericho, who you should keep your eyes on and match-by-match coverage
A look back at the career of Black Warrior
The most detailed look at the ratings from all the shows this past week as well as segment-by-segment
Mexican iconic character looking at retiring
Sting’s last match in Japan
Major change in New Japan’s U.S. approach
Update on Sasha Banks/Mercedes Mone in New Japan with more dates
How Mercedes moved tickets for her first match
A look at the major matches on the next new Japan tour
Superstar Billy Graham health update
TV announcer starts up promoting new group
The death of the real Bobby Heenan, and how the pro wrestling legend found out about his brother and his family
Adam Cole’s return
Kyle O’Reilly gives health update
Streaming numbers for AEW and WWE
International TV numbers
Attendance for upcoming shows
California legislators critical of Dana White
Dana White talks at press conference about his situation
Bellator signs perhaps its top fighter
Phil Baroni charged with homicide and facing a lifetime in jail
PFL announces new tournaments
WWE tries to get things removed from the discovery process in MLW lawsuit
How slow the courts can be on these situations
How much did Shane McMahon earn from WWE in 2022
Former New Japan wrestler quietly started in WWE camp this week
Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
Monday Update
Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer Radio, talking the news of the day and Raw. You can send questions to the show to [email protected]
The movie “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Story” won Best Acting Ensemble cast and Best Comedy at last night’s Critic’s Choice Awards. Dave Bautisa was in that movie.
There was a lot of talk regarding The Young Bucks saying on BTE what a stressful week last week was before the show in Los Angeles. All kinds of rumors spread from it that weren’t close to true. Matt said it’s something he can’t talk about but maybe he would in the next book he’ll never write. The issue was that one of the wrestlers in the match had a visa issue and they didn’t know until Tuesday night if the Game Seven match would take place. But the issue was cleared up on Tuesday.
We’re looking for reports from Cincinnati from with the Main Event matches and any other dark matches or angles shot not on television before or after the show to [email protected]
Raw tonight is in Cincinnati. Very little has been announced for the show. Just Bobby Lashley , Solo Sikoa vs. Mustafa Ali and Judgment Day vs. Alpha Academy are on the show. Tonight will be the toughest competition Raw has had in many years. The belief is that the NFL playoff game with the Tampa Bay Bucs vs. Dallas Cowboys could hit 30 million viewers if the game is competitive. This could be Tom Brady’s last game as well. There is also a Lakers-Rockets NBA game tonight as well as a Suns-Grizzles game. Zoey Stark and Charlie Dempsey were at the show so good chance they’ll be on Mani Event. Also at the show according to PWInsider are Usos, Solo Sikoa, Drew McIntyre and Uncle Howdy. There were 7,148 tickets out for the show as of this morning. Basically if the rating is low, it’s nothing to worry about because next week’s number will be high, and tonight is Raw’s last time against the NFL until September.
There was another talent meeting before the show. It was basically the same as on Friday, telling the wrestlers and Paul Levesque was still in charge of creative and that the company has not been sold.
Because today is a holiday it means a different ratings release schedule. Smackdown and Rampage numbers will be out tomorrow. Raw will be out Wednesday.
A movie on the late Jon Huber aka Brodie Lee, called “This is Brodie Lee” will debut on 2/3 on Vimeo on Demand. Filmmaker Joe Brandt and Classy Wolf Media put the film together showing Huber’s breaking into pro wrestling in upstate New York, with friends, and relatives as well a wrestlers that were there with him from the start.
Superstar Billy Graham’s wife Valerie posted that his heart rate and blood pressure is stable enough to transfer him out of ICU to the Progressive Care Unit. That is still serious but a step in the right direction.
We’re also looking for your thoughts on Impact Hard to Kill from Friday with a thumbs up, down or middle, best and worst match to [email protected]
A celebration of life for Don West is scheduled for 5/20 at 1 p.m. at the Town Toyota Center in Wenatchee, WA.
Regarding the WWE tag titles, right now they are split up again. Instead of unified champions, the Usos are both Raw champions and Smackdown champions and will be defending the belt of the brand in future title matches. That’s a Paul Levesque decision for this week.
Impact tapes television on Friday and Saturday this week at the Osceola Heritage Park in the Orlando area.
Wednesday’s AEW show in Fresno, CA, is closing in on 5,000 tickets which is a solid showing. As noted, there has been an uptick in ticket sales at AEW events since the start of the year.
The movie “The Flying Greek” about 70s wrestler Mike Pappas, who recently passed away and because of his size, was frequently photographed with Andre the Giant for publicity photos, is free for one week on YouTube.
AEW in Laredo on 2/15 is offering a four-pack of tickets for $56 total using the code CITY as Laredo started off weak.
Other Notes
LFA on 2/17 at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, IN on UFC Fight Pass is headlined by Chepe Mariscal (12-6) vs. Guilherme Faria (18-9)
Bodyslam Wrestling from Saturday night in Aalborg, Denmark: Bobby Gunns b Emeritus, Robert Dreissker b Bam Bam Quaade, Baby Allison won three-way over Betty Rose and Aliss Ink, Peter Olisander b Maggot, Pete Phoenix won over Toby, Erik Sabel, Jackpot. Robert Star, Hunyadi Tamas, Eli Castle and Gabriel Faust, Carlos Zamora b Ahura to keep the Bodyslam title, Randers & Pagne b Arrows of Hungary to keep the tag titles (Thanks to Kristian Buss Kronvold)
Bill Goldberg was on NCIS: Los Angeles last night in his recurring role as DEA agent Lance Hamilton. He was noticeably lighter than the last time he was in a WWE ring (thanks to Grant Zwarych)
EPW from Saturday night in Western Australia: Lucas Fantasia b Anth Cava, Joey Graham & Leah Lovegrove b Chadwick Jackson & Viki Void, Aaron Hawk b Seth Tylors, Chris Target & Tommy Dux b Julian Ward & Taylor King, Rogan Karguis b Kris Kelly, Mattew Pace & Del Cano & Blake Walker b Julio Garcia & Dizzy Videl & Tye Thayer, Solomon Blackwell b Hector Jones, Elijah Henry b Cannon Connors to keep the Rising Star Club title. (thanks to Kevin Chiat).
Being the Elite returned today with its first episode since September 5. It was announced on September 12 that, following CM Punk and The Elite’s post-All Out Brawl, BTE was “on hiatus until further notice.”
The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega returned to AEW in a backstage capacity on October 26, which was after AEW’s investigation into the All Out incident was completed. The Young Bucks & Omega then made their return to the ring at Full Gear this past Saturday, unsuccessfully challenging Death Triangle (PAC, Penta El Zero Miedo & Rey Fenix) for the AEW Trios titles.
The new BTE episode covers The Young Bucks’ return to the road and The Elite’s match at Full Gear. While the reason The Elite were suspended from AEW isn’t directly addressed, the episode shows footage of the crowd chanting “F*ck CM Punk” at Full Gear.
“We’re officially back. We, however, have been technically back backstage for a few weeks. But now we’ve been onscreen, we’ve wrestled, we’ve done it, we’re back. Now Being the Elite is back and everything’s kind of back to reality,” Matt Jackson said.
“You know what, it didn’t feel like we were officially back though until last night [Full Gear],” Nick Jackson said. “We were around for four weeks, but it didn’t feel like it. There was something missing, I think. And I think that something missing was us performing live. So, we did that, we scratched that itch, and we’re back.”
Both Young Bucks said they had anxiety leading into their Full Gear match, with Nick Jackson saying he didn’t know if he could still perform at a high level.
“People — they don’t understand because we haven’t been able to really talk about it, but this has been two of the hardest months of my life,” Matt Jackson said. “I know [Nick] too and my family. Here we are, we got through it. You just never know what’s going to happen until you do it. Just to hear the support last night and to hear how happy and to see how happy a lot of people were to see us, that really meant the world to us and Kenny. It felt good. You know, we’re going through the healing process right now, but I think last night was a big step for us to get there. I feel good.”
Death Triangle vs. The Elite at Full Gear was the first match in a best-of-seven series. If the series goes to seven matches, it will conclude on the Wednesday, January 11, 2023 episode of Dynamite in Los Angeles.
Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including AEW and WWE ticket advances and business, AEW UK ratings, Big E. health update, AEW and NXT 2.0 line-ups for the week, a BTE tease, PWG anniversary and more, plus your full RAW review from Monday night. A fun show as always so check it out~!
John Silver, Trent Beretta, and Matt Menard took part in a #1 contenders game for a shot at the BTE Championship.
The game was to throw a hat and have it land on top of someone’s travel bag. All three competitors had serious trouble getting the hat to land on the bag.
After Menard bowed out of the competition, Silver and Trent were scheduled for a mustard throwing game next week.
The Young Bucks —
Matt Jackson hits the gym before Dynamite on Wednesday. He noted that he was nervous about the ladder match that night vs. the Jurassic Express.
Clips of the Bucks getting ready for the match were shown.
Peter Avalon and Ray Rosas —
Rosas told Avalon that he’s got a plan for him to get a date. Avalon then told him he got married to Leva Bates recently in Las Vegas. Rosas then declared himself the best “wingman” ever.
Chuck Taylor gets trained by the Dark Order —
With Wheeler Yuta gone from the Best Friends, and Trent Beretta and Rocky Romero teaming up now, Taylor has enlisted the help of the Dark Order. They are training him on how to be a “spooky pervert.”
Silver and Reynolds instructed Taylor to touch Ten’s “titty.” Taylor had trouble getting into it, however. His training continues.
Young Bucks win the AEW World Tag Team Championships —
Highlights of the Young Bucks backstage before and after their title match on Dynamite were shown.
Nick Jackson says he broke his nose in the match. Matt looked to be in some pain as well.
Highlights of their photoshoot with the belts were then shown.
Matt is then shown later that night. He talked about the Bucks becoming the first ever two-time AEW World Tag Team Champions.
The Dark Order —
The Dark Order were shown in the back talking about the United Empire.
Evil Uno is not sure where the “Forbidden Door” is located. He wants to find the door and lock it. They discussed who might know the location of the door.
Hangman Page then walked into the scene, which excited everyone. Page apologized to the Dark Order for abandoning them but thanked them for helping him get to the world championship.
The Dark Order told Page that they would always be friends.
Reynolds told Page that they just want him to be happy.
Evil Uno told Page that he didn’t look happy when he was AEW World Champion.
Page then gave the Dark Order a phallic looking map to the Forbidden Door. So perhaps, we will see the Dark Order walk through that door at some point.
Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including the death of Toro Bill Jr., ratings, some must-see matches, tons of MMA notes, BTE, the RAW report from Monday night with one of the better quality shows in awhile, and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
Timestamps:
Start: Toro Bill Jr. passes away, ratings
6:13: Blake Christian vs. Will Ospreay Warrior Wrestling match, this weekend’s events
13:43: BTE recap
17:16: UFC close to finalizing new United Kingdom TV deal
20:25: MMA news on Jorge Masvidal interested in boxing match with Jake Paul, Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury, Henry Cejudo
The Young Bucks opened the show in LA Clippers jerseys. They seemed to be shooting several videos which could be used at Crypto.com Arena during home games to hype up the crowd. They took a few shots at the Lakers for missing the playoffs as well.
Young Bucks vs FTR
Highlights of the Young Bucks facing FTR from last week’s Dynamite were shown.
Christopher Daniels defeats Adam Cole for the BTE Championship
Cole was confronted by Christopher Daniels in the back. He challenged him to a game of Blackjack for the BTE Championship.
The winner would be the first person to win five hands.
At one point during the game, Nick Jackson confronted Cole about having screwed them over the last two weeks.
Daniels was up 4-0 but Cole came back to tie it 4-4.
Finally, Daniels won the fifth hand to win the BTE Championship.
Ryan Nemeth goes to the LA Clippers game
The Hollywood Hunk was at the LA Clippers game. He was wondering when they would show him on the big screen. He kept wondering throughout the game.
Nemeth kept assuming that the in-house cameras would focus on him at some point but they never did. He didn’t like this.
The Dark Order and Hangman Page
John Silver was singing what I’m assuming was a made-up song in the back when Hangman Page walked in.
The Dark Order was gathered around and told Page they were writing eulogies for whoever loses the Texas Deathmatch between Cole and Hangman next week. The eulogies were pretty silly but Page decided to hang on to a page of them regardless.
The Young Bucks head home
Clips of the Young Bucks limping and getting on a plane with sad looks on their faces were shown to end the video. This was likely footage from them heading home after a disappointing loss to FTR on Dynamite.
The Men of the Year (Ethan Page & Scorpio Sky) were being interviewed by Tony Schiavone when Matt Jackson entered the scene and held up a candy bar. This was a callback to a previous reoccurring joke from BTE. When Scorpio turned around, his old SCU teammate Christopher Daniels was there. Kazarian entered moments later and Scorpio delivered the team’s old catchphrase about this being the worst town he’s ever been in, though the scene cut away before he could finish the line.
The Elite —
The Young Bucks said they had nothing special planned for their 300th episode.
Jay Lethal then entered the scene and him and Nick Jackson compared Macho Man impersonations.
The Hardy Boyz —
The Young Bucks asked the Hardys in the locker room if they have considered their Hall of Fame offer. The Hardys asked them if they were politicking backstage to get a “Cody deal.”
Matt Hardy put over the Young Bucks but said the Hardys are the greatest tag team of all time. He said to cement their legacy, they have to beat the Young Bucks.
The Young Bucks put over the Hardys to their faces but then buried them when they left the room.
Ryan Nemeth —
The Hollywood Hunk cut a short promo saying he’s “The Leading Man” as clips of him partying in a club were shown.
The Best Friends —
The Best Friends, Danhausen, Brandon Cutler Brian PIllman Jr. and others sucked on lollipops and strutted while music played over top.
“Smart” Mark Sterling —
A commercial for Mark Sterling aired. He said he’s never lost a case just like Jade Cargill has never lost a match.
Peter Avalon and Howdy Price —
Avalon helped Howdy Price find a new hat after -1 stole his old one. This then led to a weird animated scene that was taking place inside Howdy’s head.
Alex Jebailey and Kenny Omega —
Alex Jebailey was shown watching clips of his match from the first Fyter Fest with Michael Nakazawa. The camera panned back to reveal he was sitting with Kenny Omega.
Omega evidently has not been keeping up with AEW lately. Jebailey said it’s the best it has ever been.
Omega tried to call the Young Bucks but got no answer. He then tried to call Cody but the number was disconnected.
Karl Anderson/Sour Boy —
Anderson turned into his Sour Boy character. His kids seemed very upset with this.
50 seconds for 50+ —
Matt Jackson made a smoothie in a segment targeted at the over 50 demographic.
BTE Championship —
The Young Bucks and Adam Cole fought in the back over the BTE Championship. A montage of them wrestling in the locker room was shown.
They eventually decided their friendship was too strong and they shouldn’t fight. After the Bucks left the room, Adam Cole made referee Rick Knox count them out.
Jeff Hardy’s debut was shown from Cutler Cam backstage.
The Elite —
The Bucks and Cutler did a travel vlog.
The Bucks did a bit with 2point0 and The Hardy Boyz. After 2point0 left, The Hardyz and Young Bucks jawed at each other. Both teams swore to win the AEW Tag titles again.
BTE Championship —
Adam Cole defeated Jose The Assistant in blackjack to retain the title.
Peter Avalon–
Howdy Price tried to get his hat back. Avalon gave him kombucha to drink instead of urine. This is the worst stuff in the history of BTE.
Dark Order —
Hangman Page was too busy to hang out with his Dark Order friends. Alex Reynolds is fed up with Hangman, while the rest of the group is still willing to put up with his excuses.
Hollywood Hunk —
Ryan Nemeth gave blood and rambled incoherently during the process.
Christopher Daniels was seen preparing to enter for his match on Dynamite last week.
Nick Jackson gave Matt Jackson a pair of shoes for his birthday.
A lot of Cutler Cam video of last week’s tag team battle royale aired.
Another clip of Matt and Dana Jackson on Melissa Joan Hart’s podcast aired. The full episode drops Wednesday.
Matt and Nick arrived in Orlando for an AEW Dark taping. They told some stories of their time in TNA on the same soundstage years ago.
The group ate at a hibachi restaurant.
The Bucks and Matt Hardy had a meeting. Matt wanted an apology. The Bucks offered him a hall of fame week. The Bucks explained that they bought ROH for Matt. This was another lengthy tease for The Hardy Boyz vs. The Young Bucks in AEW.
Extended Cutler Cam footage from Revolution aired.
Post-Revolution, The Bucks congratulated Cole on his performance at Revolution. Cole said he really wished the Bucks had been ringside to support him.
In the closing scene, a Hangman vest was shown, foreshadowing a reunion with Hangman and The Elite.
Dark Order —
Colt Cabana has returned to his human form.
Hangman was not proud of the lengths he went to in order to keep the AEW title.
Hollywood Hunk —
Ryan Nemeth gave a tour of his hotel room. He pulled back the sheets on the bed to reveal a bunch of hamburger and hot dog buns. He recruited Trent to film a second bit with the buns.
Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including an update on the shooting incident involving Cain Velasquez, WrestleMania line-up after Raw plus the RAW report, BTE, AEW announcements, CM Punk in Esquire, Madison Square Garden and tons more. A packed show as always so check it out~!
Timestamps:
Start: Cain Velasquez arrested
2:04: Death of Black Man
9:10: Latest WrestleMania lineup
11:20: AEW heading to California, BTE recap
18:55: Ratings
23:23: CM Punk Esquire interview
27:48: Johnny Gargano choosing to remain a free agent
The Young Bucks stood just outside WWE headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut.
The Elite —
Matt Jackson bought new Dior shoes.
Tony Schiavone presented the Bucks with his resume in hopes of landing an EVP job. Matt and Nick said they’re not giving up their power.
Flip Gordon showed up for Dark: Elevation and was beaten up in the locker room by the Bucks, Adam Cole, and Silver and Reynolds.
Cutler Cam showed footage from the tag team battle royale on Dynamite last week.
The Bucks were interviewed by ESPN.
Christopher Daniels approached Danhausen with some paperwork. Orange Cassidy then appeared and gave Daniels some sunglasses.
Matt Hardy demanded the results of his drug test from last week. The Bucks ducked Hardy and offered him a spot in the AEW Hall of Fame. Hardy called them out on there not being a hall. Matt asked if Jeff would be inducted as well, but The Bucks said that Jeff doesn’t work there and it was an offer just for him. They teased The Young Bucks vs. The Hardy Boyz.
The Bucks announced Rampage in Ontario, California on June 3.
BTE Championship —
Adam Cole won the BTE title.
Hollywood Hunk —
Ryan Nemeth interviewed Chris Adonis.
Video of Arn Anderson attacking Nemeth on Dark was shown. Nemeth then cut a promo on Arn and his family.
Dark Order —
Hangman confronted Silver and Reynolds about sleeping with Adam Cole. Silver and Reynolds assured Hangman that they were on his side.
Mark Sterling —
A commercial played for Mark Sterling’s legal services.
