Wrestling Observer Live: Punk vs. Perry footage and aftermath, internal reaction, Dynamite, WWE business, more

Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez is back with tons to talk about including all of our thoughts on the CM Punk/Jack Perry footage from Dynamite and where things go from here both on and off screen, other Dynamite thoughts, WWE doing huge business at Mania, and more, plus Lance Storm joins us! A fun show, so check it out~!

Right Click Save As

Wrestling Observer Radio: CM Punk vs. Jack Perry footage, Dynamite, death of Akebono, more

Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including the AEW airing of the CM Punk vs. Jack Perry footage, tons of thoughts on the angle and the show itself, the death of Akebono, huge ratings for WWE, NXT, Rampage and more. A fun show as always so check it out~!

Timestamps:

Start: AEW airs the CM Punk/Jack Perry altercation

22:05: Akebono passes away

35:16: Osamu Nishimura battling cancer for a second time

36:44: Ratings

44:33: AEW Dynamite recap

1:06:57: WWE NXT notes

1:18:39: AEW Rampage spoilers

Right Click Save As

AEW airs footage of CM Punk/Jack Perry altercation from All In

Video of the backstage altercation at All In between CM Punk and Jack Perry was shown on AEW Dynamite.

The Young Bucks introduced the footage, playing into their storyline with FTR who were associated with Punk during his run in the company. They ultimately blamed the backstage situation for their loss at All In against FTR.

The footage, which had no audio, showed Punk walking up to Perry and engaging in a conversation with him. Punk then suddenly shoved Perry and placed him in a front facelock. Samoa Joe, Jerry Lynn, and Chris Hero, who were in the area, immediately broke up the altercation. Punk could be seen talking to someone off-camera, as Sonjay Dutt could be seen talking to Perry. Malakai Black walked up to Punk to talk to him. The footage ends with Punk leaving.

In character, The Young Bucks praised Perry, calling him a “loveable kid. ” They did not name Punk, but said the “other individual” tried to make it about himself, someone who were good friends with FTR. They insinuated that FTR were the masterminds behind the altercation, though later took it back as it was unprofessional.

The altercation ultimately led to Punk’s firing from AEW and his return to the WWE a few months later at Survivor Series. Perry was suspended from the promotion and has since been working NJPW dates using the moniker “The Scapegoat,”. Matthew ended their segment on Wednesday showing he was wearing a Scapegoat t-shirt.

Tony Khan says AEW Dynamite is the ‘right time and place’ to air All In footage

Tony Khan said Wednesday’s Dynamite is the ‘right time and place’ to air the altercation that took place at All In last August.

Speaking to Uproxx, Khan said that the footage they are airing on Wednesday’s show between Jack Perry and CM Punk is relevant to upcoming plans for The Young Bucks, who are set to face FTR in the finals of the AEW Tag Team title tournament at AEW Dynasty on April 21.

“For us, this is a decision based on the timing of our upcoming pay-per-view, AEW Dynasty, and given where the Young Bucks stand going into the World Tag Team Championship Tournament finals at AEW Dynasty,” he says. “This was the right time and place for them to play this footage and talk about why it’s relevant to them and AEW going forward and what this means going into AEW Dynasty.”

The company announced on Saturday that The Young Bucks will be airing backstage footage from All In on AEW Dynamite, with Nicholas & Matthew Jackson talking about the footage for the first time. The altercation between Perry and Punk ultimately led to Punk’s firing from AEW and Perry’s suspension from the company.

AEW Dynamite live results: Young Bucks present backstage All In footage

The Young Bucks will present backstage footage from All In purportedly showing an altercation between CM Punk & Jack Perry on tonight’s AEW Dynamite. 

FTR & The Young Bucks are set to square off in the finals of a tournament to crown new AEW Tag Team Champions at Dynasty on April 21, and the footage will play into the storyline, according to Tony Khan. 

A World title eliminator match is also set for tonight’s show, with World Champion Samoa Joe facing Dustin Rhodes. 

Adam Copeland will defend the TNT Championship tonight against Penta El Zero Miedo. 

Women’s World Champion Toni Storm will toast her Dynasty challenger Thunder Rosa on tonight’s episode in Charlestown, West Virginia. 

Mariah May will go one-on-one with Anna Jay in a women’s division contest. 

After returning to the company on Collision and aligning with Shane Taylor Promotions, Anthony Ogogo will team with Shane Taylor & Lee Moriarty against Chris Jericho, Hook & Katsuyori Shibata in a trios match tonight.

AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Tony Schiavone & Taz as we go to the entrances for the opening contest. AEW Champion Samoa Joe made his way out of the tunnel, but immediately attacked by Swerve Strickland. Joe quickly gained control and set up a table off to the side of the stage, but Strickland side stepped and tackled Joe through the table. Security and officials pulled Strickland away, as Joe is left to stumble backstage.

Excalibur said they had to pivot, so we see footage of Trent Beretta turning on Orange Cassidy last week. Kris Statlander confronted Beretta backstage and he whispered something to her before walking off. Renee Paquette was standing outside Orange Cassidy’s locker room and she was told Cassidy will be wrestling on Rampage Friday and will address the issues then.

Adam Copeland defeated Penta el Zero Miedo (w/Alex Abrahantes) to retain the TNT Title

(I thought this was excellent, as I’m really glad it went through multiple breaks and went right about 20 minutes. Penta put up one heck of a fight and controlled a lot of this, but Copeland hung tough and showed the Spear can put anyone away at any time. Post match, we almost saw Julia Hart mist Copeland, but Nightingale making the save was a good way to incorporate both PPV matches into this.)

Trash talk from Penta to start, as an early Spear connected for two. Penta followed with a top rope double stomp for another near fall. Copeland spun out of Fear Factor, but ran into a superkick and clothesline to the floor. Copeland dodged a dive, as the match reset back inside with Penta tattooing Copeland with chops that took things to commercial.

Copeland gained control briefly during break, but Penta was in the driver’s seat when things returned. Copeland delivered an old school flying head scissors, but Penta escaped with a pump fake kick to the head. A series of leapfrogs from Copeland, as each man traded tilt a whirl head scissors before colliding with three clotheslines in succession, causing the double down. Both slugged it out on their knees as a Countdown clock to The Young Bucks is shown in the corner with 19 minutes remaining. Penta connected on a Sling Blade to send Copeland to the floor, as a follow up somersault dive hit. Copeland beat the 10 count, as Penta set Copeland up on the edge of the apron and punted him in the neck, taking things to a second commercial break.

When things returned, Penta, who controlled the whole break, delivered a corner backstabber for two. Penta went for it again, only this time Copeland countered into an Electric Chair face buster. Copeland locked on the Edgecator, reverse Sharpshooter, transitioned into an Ankle Lock, but Penta escaped. Penta wanted the arm breaker, but Copeland reversed into a Crossface. Penta got the ropes, tried a springboard to the apron, but Copeland cut him off. Both tried home run moves on the apron, but it was ultimately Copeland delivering a pretty cool powerslam on the edge of the ring. Copeland wanted a Spear on the floor, but Abrahantes leapt in front of Penta and took the bullet, much to the delight of Taz.

Back inside, both fought to the ropes, as Penta hit an Avalanche Code Red for a very close two. Penta quickly snapped the arm back, but again, Copeland kicked out. Fear Factor attempt was spun out of, as Penta tried a springboard, but leapt back right into a Spear to give Copeland the win.

The lights went out as Julia Hart and Brody King were in the ring, as King attacked from behind and ran down Copeland in the corner. King choked out Copeland, as Hart was going to mist him when Willow Nightingale hit the ring and tackled Hart. King pulled Hart away, as Copeland sent King packing and retreating with Hart, while Nightingale checked on Copeland.

-Renee Paquette is backstage with Chris Jericho, HOOK & Katsuyori Shibata, as she talks about their six man tag tonight against Shane Taylor Promotions. Jericho said HOOK brought in Shibata on his own, which means he’s learning. Tonight, they both can sit under the learning tree of Jericho, who pretty much went over the entire match with them. Jericho said if they breathe the verified air of Jericho, they’ll be successful. Jericho walked off and Shibata said through his phone What’s His Deal? HOOK said don’t worry about it, before Shibata looked at Paquette and told her he liked her necklace.

Footage from the previous three meetings of The Young Bucks and FTR are shown, with The Bucks winning the first battle, while FTR have won the following two. Excalibur said up next, The Bucks will discuss and show their footage from All In London.

**********

-Renee Paquette is backstage with Mark Briscoe & Eddie Kingston, congratulating Briscoe on winning the ROH Title from Kingston this past weekend. Both are amped up for their match at Dynasty, as Adam Copeland walked into the shot with Willow Nightingale & Stokely Hathaway. Copeland said they’re all good for Dynasty, before Hathaway told Copeland to put the TNT Title on the line against Nightingale next week. Nightingale said that was ridiculous, but asked for a mixed tag next week with Copeland against Julia Hart & Brody King. Hathaway tried to apologize to Eddie Kingston for saying he smelled like Burger King & Newports last time they saw each other, Kingston rolled his eyes and walked away.

The Young Bucks Show Unaired Footage from All In London

Matthew & Nicholas Jackson were backstage and said the TV audience is ready to see the footage, but not before context. Nicholas said Dynasty is coming up and it’s FTR vs. The Young Bucks, which got them to think about the wounds from All In London, so this is a perfect time to talk about it. The biggest show in company history, as a lot of critics said whoever won that match would be the greatest team of the generation. Matthew said before their match, an incident occurred between Scapegoat, the loveable kid, Jack Perry, who reminded them a lot of them at his age. The other individual, tried to make it all about himself, someone who is good friends with FTR. Nicholas wondered if FTR were the masterminds of the entire situation, which Matthew said they couldn’t say, as that’s unprofessional. There was a cut and Matthew said that incident put the locker room in disarray, as they didn’t have time to prepare for the match, not even time to pray. If you asked anyone in the room, there should be an asterisk next to that FTR win. Matthew said the footage is short and it’s similar to a high school scrap. However, the ramifications were anything but, as it threatened to bring down the biggest show of all time.

They roll the tape with no audio and we see Jack Perry backstage, as CM Punk walks up and talks to him. Samoa Joe is getting ready for his match in the top corner of the shot, as after talking briefly, Punk shoves Perry first and puts him in a guillotine, as Joe stepped in, pulling Perry away. You could see Tony Khan trying to reach over the table to calm Punk, but Punk did seem to go after Khan, only to be pulled away by Chris Hero, Malakai Black and I believe Jerry Lynn, who ultimately ushered Punk away.

Matthew said that wasn’t the worst of it, the worst was filling a building for such a great wrestling show and losing on that night. Matthew said FTR had the balls to shake their hands, which they won’t do at Dynasty. Nicholas storms off, while Matthew shows he’s wearing a Scapegoat shirt.

FTR stormed the ring and asked what The Bucks hoped to accomplish showing that footage aside from having an excuse on why they lost at Wembley? Wheeler said he’s sick and tired of this, as everyone wants to move on. Instead of showing the talent doing their best work ever, we get footage from 8 months ago, thanks to Rod & Todd Flanders (which is fitting, since Wheeler is wearing a Simpsons shirt). Wheeler said he’s sick of The Bucks being petty bitches. Harwood said that’s the EVPs, who say without them, AEW wouldn’t exist and folks would be without jobs. Harwood said he kind of agrees, as without The Bucks, he might still be shaving Wheeler’s back. What makes The Bucks sick, is FTR has eclipsed them as the best team on this planet. At one time, The Bucks cared about AEW, but whether it’s greed, they lost that and they only care about themselves. Harwood said on the backs of every single man and woman who want to be there, they will build things on their backs, not just for them, but for the future of pro wrestling, so it gives people a decision on where fans decided to spend their money. If The Bucks don’t want to be part of that AEW, grab your ball, FTR has got this.

Harwood said this isn’t about Wembley or All In, this is about the AEW World Tag Team Championships at Dynasty. Two teams walk in, one walk out the first three time Tag Team Champions. The Bucks might’ve built the foundation, but FTR will build the roof and have no issue blowing it off, top guys, out.

This footage will be talked about by a lot of people as it did show Punk initiating contact with Perry, who didn’t get any shots off, then ultimately going after Tony Khan, but was held back. FTR’s frustrations this was even brought up all this time later probably echoes a lot of people’s thoughts, but it did show Punk getting physical first, so there’s that.

**********

-A video package for Bryan Danielson & Will Ospreay was shown as Renee Paquette introduces Ospreay to the stage. Ospreay said Tony Khan told him he had 5 mintues to talk, as TV time is expensive. Ospreay said there’s a rumor going around he’s afraid of the grind. Ospreay said he travels from the UK every single week and delivers the best pro wrestling matches the world has seen. Normally he wouldn’t be baited by this, but since the one who said this is only in the position he’s in because he was grinding the bosses daughter. You don’t throw stones at an Assassin with a machine gun. The only way Bryan Danielson has any chance to beat him is by grounding the Arieal Assassin. Many have tried, but all have failed, except Danielson is a living legend, so Ospreay can’t call himself the greatest in the world until he pins him. This is AEW, where the best wrestle and it’s Ospreay’s time to show everyone what he’s about and what he brings to this table and why he’s the Ace of AEW. Danielson finds out at Dynasty why his name is Will Ospreay and why he’s on another level. 

Thankfully this is what was needed following the previous segment, as Ospreay is the future of AEW and it’s time to focus on the future, not dwell on the past.

-A video package of Julia Hart telling Willow Nightingale the House Always Wins is shown ahead of their match at Dynasty.

Shane Taylor, Lee Moriarty & Anthony Ogogo defeated FTW Champion HOOK, Chris Jericho & Katsuyori Shibata

(The wheels have already started to fall off for LionHOOK. This was however, Moriarty’s biggest win to date, as hopefully this actually leads to something for Shane Taylor Promotions and not just a one and done win that happened out of sheer luck. I’ve really enjoyed Taylor & Moriarty as a duo. Ogogo barely got into this match, so the jury is still out on how he really is in the ring.)

This is the Wooo Energy Match of the Night, as Schiavone tells us this is Ogogo’s first match on Dynamite since 2021, as Moriarty was taken down by Jericho quickly, as Lionsault connected for two. Jericho hit a bad looking dropkick before dishing out a series of corner clotheslines and chops until a corner hurricanrana connected. Shibata made the tag and absolutely starched Moriarty with a chop until Taylor made the tag, as HOOK did as well. Ogogo got a cheap shot to allow Taylor to connect with a lariat to stay in control during commercial.

When things returned, HOOK delivered a massive overhead suplex on Taylor, as Shibata made the hot tag and ran wild with kicks, chops and forearms. Corner running dropkick from Shibata got a two count, but Jericho unintentionally took a stray shot from Shibata, dropping him to the floor. HOOK wanted to make a tag, but Jericho pulls him to the floor, talking about his learning tree. HOOK & Jericho argued, as Shibata sank in a choke on Moriarty, but Taylor came in and fired off a right hand, leading to Moriarty connecting on a suplex Flatliner to get the win.

HOOK checked on Shibata post-match, as Jericho was upset they lost, which is ridiculous if you think about it. HOOK told Jericho it didn’t have to be like this and told Jericho to get lost. Jericho walked up the ramp, as HOOK showed respect to Shibata.

-Renee Paquette is backstage with Dustin Rhodes and said Samoa Joe is medically cleared to compete tonight. Rhodes said this doesn’t change his strategy, as he still has nothing to lose, but everything to gain. The time for talking is over, grit, work ethic, passion and glory, it’s what Rhodes is all about and tonight is no different.

Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada defeated Cristiano Argento

Okada no sold a few shots before clubbing Argento with shots before an Air Raid Crash connected. Okada almost looks bored, as he dared Argento to hit him, which resulted in more no sells and the picture-perfect dropkick. Rainmaker connected for the easy victory for Okada. Post match, Okada took the mic and said he accepts PAC’s challenge for Dynasty. PAC came out to the stage and applauded Okada before pacing back and forth. PAC was headed to the ring, but was attacked by The Young Bucks from behind. The crowd chanted for CM Punk, as The Bucks hit a superkick, as Okada lifted PAC for a Rainmaker, but FTR made the save and slugged it out with The Bucks. FTR wanted Shatter Machine, but Okada came back with chair shots to drop Harwood & Wheeler. The Bucks hit a double EVP Trigger to FTR, while Okada hit a chair shot to the side of the head of PAC to complete the beatdown.

-Footage of The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass attacking Bullet Club Gold at Supercard of Honor is shown before we go to Switchblade Jay White & The Gunns backstage tonight. They do a recap of crushing Darby Allin’s dream, successfully defending their ROH Six Man Titles last weekend and finally White putting the biggest beatdown on Billy Gunn last week. White said he’s ready to do it again on Rampage, but not against Billy (thankfully), against someone Austin & Colten line up.

**********

Timeless Toni Storm’s Charleston Championship Champagne Toast to Thunder Rosa

Renee Paquette introduces Thunder Rosa to the stage, who was followed by Timeless Toni Storm & Luther. Storm’s side of the shot is in black and white, while Paquette & Rosa are in color. Everyone has champagne, as Paquette gives Storm the floor, but she immediately tosses the drink in Rosa’s face and clocks her with Luther’s tray. Storm wipes the face paint off Rosa, as Deonna Purrazzo runs out, with Luther standing between the two. Purrazzo helps out Rosa, who shoves off the assistance, which Purrazzo said screw it and left. Commentary said Rosa must’ve not have known it was Purrazzo who helped, even though she was looking right at her. Referees checked on Rosa, as Mariah May came out for her match, with Storm giving her a kiss and it seemed to Hulk up May.

Mariah May defeated Anna Jay

(The big story here is the debut of Mina Shirakawa on AEW TV, as it looks like May’s mentor from Stardom is here to help her as well. I like this, as it could start planting seeds of not just May breaking away from Storm, forcing May to choose between the two, but perhaps May winning the Women’s Title down the line.)

Both ladies took turns firing off chops, with May’s echoing a lot louder, so Jay turned to forearms to take control briefly until May hit a sliding trip. Jay side stepped a shotgun dropkick and delivered a flipping neckbreaker and almost a ripcord forearm. May backed Jay to the corner, licked her hand and hit a double chop before a hand stand head scissors sent Jay flying to the mat. Jay regained control with a neckbreaker through the ropes, but May responded quickly with a hard forearm that sent Jay to the outside during commercial.

Back from break, Jay hit her running corner spin kick and Iconoclasm for a near fall. May side stepped a corner charge and hit a high kick before a top rope dropkick connected. Sweet Cheek Music hit, but Jay kicked out. Jay floated over and hit a thrust kick, followed it up with a Flatliner for another near fall. Jay wanted her Gory Bomb, but May rolled through into a flash pin. Post match, a frustrated Jay choked out May with the Queenslayer until Mina Shirakawa made the save, with Jay bailing. Excalibur talked about May & Shirakawa reuniting at Ring of Honor last weekend, as they are former tag team partners and stablemates in Club Venus in Stardom. Shirakawa asked for two glasses of champagne and helped May drink before planting a kiss on her.

-Alex Marvez is backstage somewhere with Mercedes Mone and talked about deciding to make history at Double or Nothing, where she’ll have her debut. Mone was asked about the TBS Title match at Dynasty and Mone said they are the very best, as Julia Hart is unpredictable and has Willow Nightingale’s number for sure. Nightingale is a force to be reckoned with for sure, she’s dangerous. Marvez asks her to elaborate and Mone brought up her match with Nightingale getting injured and losing the chance to be the first ever NJPW Women’s Champion. Mone said she’s now on a mission, to be TBS Champion at Double or Nothing and was about to answer who she wants to face on that show when the lights went out and we hear Mone getting beat up. A very non panicked Marvez asked for the lights to turn on and when they did, Mone was down and Marvez just asked folks for help. This segment was fine, but Marvez’s non acting made this hilarious when it wasn’t meant to be.

**********

Samoa Joe defeated Dustin Rhodes in an AEW World Title Eliminator

(I was entertained quite a bit by this main event, as despite having an uphill battle to pull out a win, the crowd bit at Rhodes near falls. The one thing Dustin should’ve learned from Cody this past weekend, it takes more than one Cross Rhodes to defeat a World Champion. Joe stealing the win here was fine, as it made the heel sneak out a win, only for Strickland to ultimately get his comeuppance from last week’s beating he suffered. I thought this was a good chapter in this feud before the go home Dynasty Dynamite next week.)

Joe, with Swerve Strickland’s chain, limped to the ring, as Rhodes attacked right at the bell with corner strikes. Joe tossed Rhodes to the outside and drove him into the barricade, but Rhodes battled back. Joe was right back in control, posting Rhodes, who bled as things went to commercial.

It was all Joe during break, as Rhodes tried to battle back, but being busted open really messed with his equilibrium. Joe kept pouring down shots until Rhodes fired off a snap powerslam. Rhodes fired up with the Flip, Flop and Fly punches before a perfect Code Red connected for two. Joe dodged a Bulldog and clobbered Rhodes with a lariat that sent him outside. Joe tried to post Rhodes again, this time Rhodes turned the tables and sent Joe into the post before tossing the AEW World Title into the ring. The ref pleaded not to do it, as Rhodes put the title down and booted Joe before hitting Cross Rhodes for a close two. Joe went to the corner and suckered Rhodes in to charge and hit a STO. Joe grabbed the chain and the ref took it away, allowing Joe to deck Rhodes with the AEW Title. Joe made the cover and stole the win.

Post match, Joe sank in the Coquina Clutch before Swerve Strickland appeared out of nowhere with a House Call kick. Strickland grabbed the chain and leveled Joe with a punch. Strickland tried to whip Joe, but he bailed, as security and wrestlers had to keep them separated. Prince Nana presented the AEW World Title to Strickland, who held the title in the air and stared down a pissed off Joe to end the show.

AEW Rampage 4/12/24

· Orange Cassidy vs. Alex Reynolds

· Switchblade Jay White vs. Matt Sydal

· Julia Hart defends the TBS Title against Leyla Hirsch

· Cool Hand Ang vs. Zak Knight

AEW Collision & Battle of the Belts X 4/13/24

· Roderick Strong vs. Rocky Romero in an International Title Eliminator

AEW Dynamite 4/17/24

Adam Copeland & Willow Nightingale vs. Brody King & Julia Hart

Daily Update: WWE WrestleMania 40 Sunday, CM Punk/Jack Perry

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest Free YouTube Video

F4W/WON Convention

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Among the highlights in this issue:

  • WrestleMania weekend preview, the matches, the plans for the matches, favorites in every match, where things can go next and how we got there
  • How plans changed throughout the period
  • Dwayne Johnson’s preparation to get into ring shape
  • How Johnson’s return came about
  • Stand & Deliver preview
  • Business notes on all the shows including the insane scalper market setting a new all-time pro wrestling record
  • The lawyers grapple in Janel Grant lawsuit against Vince McMahon.
  • What we’ve learned new and the strategy McMahon’s side is taking
  • AEW cuts and the current realities of AEW business
  • CM Punk’s interview on the Ariel Helwani show in detail and each subject covered
  • The most heated pro wrestling show in decades from last week at Arena Mexico featuring top AAA talent, and how the crowd makeup was different, and exactly what happened at WrestleMania 30 that led to this show taking place
  • The most detailed look at the the ratings from the past week, weekly rankings, competition, segment-by-segment, analysis, how it compares with one year ago
  • Notes from three Stardom PPV shows this past week
  • Preview of two major New Japan events
  • Lots of Mania week shows talked about
  • Main event for RevPro’s biggest show of the year
  • Bloodsport coverage
  • How Kingston vs. Briscoe came about
  • Ticket sales for upcoming WWE & AEW shows
  • Streaming numbers and international TV ratings
  • AEW PPV updates
  • McGregor sets record
  • Dana White talks about blowing off a sponsor
  • PFL signs boxing champion
  • Nick Khan talks Vince McMahon, Netflix deal and bringing in Dwayne Johnson
  • Details behind Vince McMahon’s most recent stock sale
  • WWE numbers in quarter one
  • Martha Hart talks Vince McMahon
  • Ronda Rousey and Drew Gulak controversy
  • WWE star likely returning
  • Merchandise sale updates
  • Update on amateur wrestlers in WWE system
  • Notes from all the house shows

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter

Sunday Update

– Bryan and I will be back tonight talking about day two of Mania, ROH Supercard of Honor, and other stuff.

– On last night’s show, we got into the C.M. Punk footage story and the Jon Jones story. We’ll probably talk more about that tonight. The main thing is probably to wait until Wednesday night to see how it’s done. I lean toward the negative but let’s wait to see how it looks and where it goes. It is likely a storyline leading in some form. What we have seen is that Jack Perry did Young Bucks moves in his match at Sakura Genesis and that Matt Jackson made a reference to “scapegoat,” the name Perry is using, on Dynamite Wednesday. This is right out of the late 90s and under the same circumstance, I’m positive Vince McMahon would have released the footage if he believed what was said wasn’t true. I don’t know that he’d put it on TV, but he would definitely release it in some form. I do know most just want all that stuff put behind them. If it’s just a ratings ploy and isn’t a build to an angle down the line, then maybe they get a good quarter but otherwise, it doesn’t change anything because a one week number doesn’t matter. It’s the long-term pattern.

– Jon Jones on Twitter noted that he was not arrested. He was questioned by police over the incident that took place last Saturday involving things he allegedly said to drug testers, but he said he was not arrested and was in Texas with his daughters at a volleyball tournament.

– This was the match order for tonight’s Mania as of a week ago. Last night’s match order didn’t change, but I can’t guarantee that this one won’t:

1) Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre for the World title

2) Bobby Lashley & Street Profits vs. Karrion Kross & Authors of Pain

3) AJ Styles vs. LA Knight

4) Logan Paul vs. Randy Orton vs Kevin Owens for the US title

5) Iyo Sky vs. Bayley for the WWE women’s title

6) Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes Bloodline rules for the Universal title

The belief is there will be tons of interference in the main event. Lots of stuff speculated but one would at least think Rock would be a major part of the presentation. Last night’s main event was 43:40 and tonight’s match is supposed to go 45 minutes but that time clock is from the start of ring intros until the end of the presentation. Of course that can vary based on a lot of things, such as the way everyone feels because they’ll get to do what they want. Last night was much longer than originally timed because they were going to do largely what they wanted once they were out there to get the story told in the way they wanted.

– Michael Monteforte, Vince McMahon’s personal trainer, noted this being the first Mania that Vince didn’t attend (Stephanie was there for the Hall of Fame and last night, and Shane wasn’t there last night but we don’t know about today). “Vince McMahon was unable to attend his first WrestleMania. How quickly people forget that without his vision, there would be no Wrestling or WrestleMania. Sadly, when a person is down, the people who they say love you, turn their backs on you. ” He also said, “Don’t judge a Man, without getting all the facts. Things aren’t always as they appear..”

– Paul Levesque said that last night broke the all-time single-night gate record, which was $17.3 million at the 2016 WrestleMania at AT&T Stadium. Tonight will do a similar gate, so that would make a two-night total of an amazing $34+ million.

– There was some controversy regarding the press conference last night as many press were not allowed in. Brandon Thurston was, but John Pollock and Mike Johnson were not. The WWE said that they only had limited space.

– We’re looking for your thoughts on these shows:

  • Night one of Mania
  • Night two of Mania
  • NXT Stand & Deliver
  • NJPW Sakura Genesis
  • ROH Stand & Deliver

We’re looking for a thumbs up, thumbs down, or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]

– The Iowa-Connecticut Final Four game on Friday was the most-watched basketball game ever on ESPN, including the NBA and men’s college basketball.

– Arya Winter estimated 450 to 600 people in line for Sting for autographs at WrestleCon.

– When the commercial for the Bray Wyatt documentary played, the whole stadium saw people light up the building with lights.

– A lot of people were talking of last night’s UFC main event with Chris Curtis vs. Brendan Allen as the fight of the year. It was a split decision for Allin who also had 77 percent of the media scores for him. Judge Michael Bell gave Allen rounds one and five in the dissenting 48-47 score for Curtis. Derek Cleary had rounds one, four, and five for Allan, and Eric Cohen had one, three, four, and five for Allen. Almost all media scores had it 3-2 in one way or another with round four as the deciding round.

– Al Zinck, the NWA promoter in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia from 1969 to 1977, passed away earlier today at the age of 91. Greg Oliver did a great job in a bio of him.

– The BBC has a story on Jack Morris, a former soccer player who is now a star in Pro Wrestling NOAH (thanks to Stephen Lyon)

– The next Saudi Arabia show was at last word scheduled for 5/25, the day before Double or Nothing, and would have King & Queen of the Ring tournaments.

Wrestling Observer Radio: Punk vs. Perry footage on Dynamite, WrestleMania, Danielson vs. Panther

Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including full coverage of the first night of WrestleMania, Sakura Genesis, Blue Panther vs. Bryan Danielson, the CM Punk vs. Jack Perry footage that is actually airing on Dynamite, and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!

Timestamps:

Start: A lot of wrestling so far this weekend

4:18: Jack Perry/CM Punk footage to air on AEW Dynamite

12:59: Jon Jones accused of assaulting, threatening drug tester’s life

17:16: WWE WrestleMania 40 Saturday recap

48:12: Partial recap of NJPW Sakura Genesis

59:53: Partial recap of the WWE Hall of Fame

1:07:33: Thoughts on Bryan Danielson vs. Blue Panther, Carmelo Hayes vs. Trick Williams, Eddie Kingston vs. Mark Briscoe

 Right Click Save As

Footage of CM Punk/Jack Perry altercation to air on AEW Dynamite

AEW will air the CM Punk/Jack Perry footage from All In on Wednesday’s Dynamite.

On Collision, it was announced that The Young Bucks will “present backstage footage from All In and will discuss for the first time” on Wednesday. According to both Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez, this is not a bait-and-switch tactic, and Tony Khan will air the footage of the altercation from last August’s event in Wembley Stadium.

Right before the main card of AEW All In, Punk and Perry got into an altercation after Perry used real glass during a spot on the pre-show, saying “It’s real glass, cry me a river”, which was in regards to a confrontation Punk had with Perry earlier in the summer over a spot that was to be taped on Collision. After an investigation, Punk was fired from AEW with cause. He later returned to WWE at last year’s Survivor Series. Jack Perry was suspended and has since been working dates with NJPW while still under suspension.

Last Monday, CM Punk spoke about the altercation for the first time on The MMA Hour. He said he thought he was “doing a responsible thing” and said, “I didn’t punch anybody, I just choked somebody a little bit.” He also denied that he did anything to make Tony Khan fear for his life, as Khan said following Punk’s firing from the company. Dave Meltzer wrote on X that the situation involving Tony Khan won’t be shown, as that was at a different time.

Also added to Dynamite is a match between Samoa Joe and Dustin Rhodes in an AEW World title eliminator match, Chris Jericho, Hook, and Katsuyori Shibata vs. Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor, Anthony Ogogo, and Lee Moriarty) and Anna Jay vs. Mariah May.

The announced lineup for AEW Dynamite in Charleston, West Virginia:

  • The Young Bucks to present backstage footage from AEW All In & will discuss it for the first time
  • TNT Champion Adam Copeland defends against Penta El Zero Miedo
  • AEW World Championship title eliminator match: Samoa Joe vs. Dustin Rhodes
  • Chris Jericho, Hook, and Katsuyori Shibata vs. Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor, Anthony Ogogo, and Lee Moriarty)
  • Mariah May vs. Anna Jay
  • Women’s World Champion Toni Storm toasts Thunder Rosa

Wrestling Observer Live: Jack Perry, Alex Coughlin retires, Rousey buries Vince, more

Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back with tons to talk about including the story on Jack Perry from this weekend, Alex Coughlin retires, where Becky wants to be on the Mania card, what they might be doing with Rey and Santos, Ronda Rousey buries Vince, and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!

Right Click Save As

Jack Perry disputes apologizing for CM Punk fight, was denied AEW release request

Jack Perry both disputes the claim that he continually apologized or asked for forgiveness in the months following his backstage fight with CM Punk at last August’s AEW All In, or that there are any current plans for an AEW return.

According to Perry, he didn’t hear from AEW head Tony Khan for two months following All In at London’s Wembley Stadium. Perry said he never texted to say he was sorry and told Khan’s lawyers he would not initiate first contact. Khan finally set up an in-person meeting before Full Gear in Los Angeles where they discussed plans to bring him back last December.

However, after Punk returned to WWE at Survivor Series, those plans were scrapped.

Perry, who had wanted to work Wrestle Kingdom but was unable to for logistical reasons, then worked with Rocky Romero and Khan to set up his current NJPW run.

At this point, Perry is still under AEW contract (he asked for a release but was denied), but there are still no plans to bring him back. He hasn’t talked to Khan in months, nor cleared anything he has done in storyline for NJPW like him tearing up the AEW contract or his use of the term “scapegoat.”

Tony Khan: Jack Perry is doing ‘great things’ in NJPW

Tony Khan thinks Jack Perry is doing “great things” during his current run with NJPW.

Perry hasn’t appeared for AEW since being suspended following his backstage altercation with CM Punk at All In last August. In January of this year, Perry debuted for NJPW at Battle in the Valley. Perry’s NJPW debut included an angle where he ripped up his AEW contract.

Perry has used the nickname “Scapegoat” during his time in NJPW. He recently competed in the New Japan Cup, making it to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

ComicBook.com asked Khan if he’s planning to continue this version of Perry’s character if and when Perry returns to AEW television.

Khan responded:

Well, I think you gotta stay tuned. Absolutely, Jack’s doing great things in New Japan. The New Japan Cup – he’s had a great run. He’s established himself over there. He feels he’s the ‘Scapegoat.’ But he’s doing great things, and he’s wrestling for a great promotion, and it’s been great tracking Jack’s progress in New Japan. And I think he’s done excellent work there.

Punk’s AEW contract was terminated with cause after the incident with Perry at All In. Punk then made his return to WWE at Survivor Series last November.

Khan’s full interview with ComicBook can be watched below:

Jack Perry joins House of Torture at NJPW 52nd Anniversary Show

Jack Perry has joined House of Torture. 

Perry defeated Shota Umino to advance in the New Japan Cup on today’s 52nd Anniversary Show in Tokyo. Umino appeared to of had the match won when Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Ren Narita hit the ring. Kanemaru provided a distraction while Narita hit Umino with his push-up bar. Perry then landed a running knee before getting the pin. 

After the match, Perry accepted a House of Torture t-shirt from the group and they posed over a defeated Umino. 

Perry will now face Toru Yano in the second round of the tournament on March 11 after Yano defeated Takahashi earlier on Wednesday’s show. 

Perry said backstage after his match:

Everyones afraid to let me come back or even let me go even when I f***ing ask for it. But you know what? I get it. Nobody wants to look in the mirror so they need somebody to pin up on a cross so they can go about their daily lives and act like nothing happened. Well, guess what? That’s over now. 

There’s a very select, handful of people in the world who still have my back. But tonight, well I think I found a few more. 

Other results from today’s card include Tetsuya Naito defeating Sho in a champion vs. champion match and Yoshi-Hashi advancing in the New Japan Cup with a win over KENTA. 

Full results from today’s show at the Ota City Gymnasium are available here

NJPW 52nd Anniversary show results from March 6, 2024:

  • Great-O-Khan & Jeff Cobb (United Empire) defeated Tanga Loa & Tomoaki Honma
  • Mikey Nicholls & Zack Sabre Jr. (TMDK) defeated El Phantasmo & Hikuleo (Guerrillas of Destiny)
  • Hirooki Goto, Tomohiro Ishii, El Desperado & Oleg Boltin defeated Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji)
  • United Empire (Callum Newman, Francesco Akira & TJP) defeated BULLET CLUB War Dogs (David Finlay, Gabe Kidd & Gedo)
  • Just 5 Guys (DOUKI, SANADA, Taichi & Yuya Uemura) defeated House Of Torture (Dick Togo, EVIL, Ren Narita & Yoshinobu Kanemaru)
  • New Japan Cup: Toru Yano defeated Yujiro Takahashi
  • New Japan Cup: YOSHI-HASHI defeated KENTA
  • New Japan Cup: Jack Perry defeated Shota Umino
  • Tetsuya Naito defeated SHO

Upcoming New Japan Cup schedule:

March 7:

  • TJP vs. David Finlay
  • Tanga Loa vs. Great-O-Khan
  • Tomohiro Ishii vs. Chase Owens

March 8:

  • Hikuleo vs. Boltin Oleg
  • Shingo Takagi vs. Yuya Uemura
  • Callum Newman vs. Gabe Kidd

March 10:

  • Yota Tsuji vs. Jeff Cobb
  • El Phantasmo vs. Mike Nicholls
  • Taichi vs. Ren Narita

March 11:

  • SANADA vs. YOSHI-HASHI
  • Jack Perry vs. Toru Yano

March 12:

  • Hirooki Goto vs. Ishii/Owens winner
  • TJP/Finlay winner vs. Loa/O-Khan winner

March 13:

  • EVIL vs. Oleg/Hikuleo winner
  • Newman/Kidd winner vs. Takagi/Uemura winner

March 15:

  • Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Taichi/Narita winner
  • Tsuji/Cobb winner vs. ELP/Nicholls winner

The quarterfinals will be held across two nights on March 16 and 17. The semifinals will take place on March 18 and the finals on March 20. 

‘Scapegoat’ Jack Perry video airs at NJPW The New Beginning in Sapporo

Jack Perry has his sights set on Shota Umino. 

A vignette for “Scapegoat” Jack Perry aired during Saturday’s NJPW The New Beginning in Sapporo event following Umino’s participation in a tag team match in the main card opener. 

Umino responded to the video provocation with an interesting threat to Perry: 

https://twitter.com/GIFSkullX/status/1761261412922298617

In Perry’s surprise appearance at NJPW Battle in the Valley last month, the former Jungle Boy attacked Umino and proceeded to tear up his AEW contract. 

The “Scapegoat” moniker is an inside reference to Perry being suspended indefinitely by AEW following a backstage altercation with CM Punk at All In last August, with the tearing of the contract an attempt at a worked shoot angle.

Perry has been announced for NJPW Windy City Riot on Friday, April 12 in Chicago. A matchup against Umino on that show appears the likely direction. Tetsuya Naito vs. Jon Moxley, plus Hiromu Takahashi have officially been announced for the Windy City Riot card.

Perry’s vignette is embedded in the NJPW World social media post below. 

Our coverage of The New Beginning is here.

Jack Perry in-ring debut set for NJPW Windy City Riot

Jack Perry has been announced for NJPW’s upcoming show in Chicago. 

The promotion revealed on Tuesday that Perry, Tomohiro Ishii, ELP & Hikuleo, and Ren Narita will all be in action at NJPW Windy City Riot on Friday, April 12 in Chicago’s Wintrust Arena. 

Over 4500 tickets to the show have been distributed as of last week. Additional tickets went on sale today. Our own Dave Meltzer addressed ticket sales to the show in last week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Meltzer wrote:

They opened up more seats for the 4/12 show in Chicago, headlined by Tetsuya Naito vs. Jon Moxley, Mustafa Ali vs. Hiromu Takahashi and likely Jack Perry vs. Shota Umino. They sold the new seats out immediately and are now at 4,559 seats out in a place that legit would sell out at 7,000. Why they haven’t opened it up for 7,000 when they’ve turned away people on both sale openings is beyond me 

Perry made his NJPW debut at Battle in the Valley last month. He attacked Shota Umino before putting on an armband that read, “Scapegoat” and appearing to tear up his AEW contract. Perry hasn’t wrestled since being involved in a backstage altercation with CM Punk at AEW All In at Wembley Stadium last summer. 

NJPW Windy City Riot lineup for Friday, April 12 —

  • Tetsuya Naito vs. Jon Moxley
  • Hiromu Takahashi vs. Mustafa Ali
  • Scheduled for the show: Jack Perry, ELP & Hikuleo, Tomohiro Ishii, Ren Narita

Wrestling Observer Live: Jack Perry returns at NJPW Battle in the Valley

I am back with another Sunday edition of Wrestling Observer Live.

Saturday was a crazy night in wrestling as the newly-rebranded TNA ran its Hard to Kill pay-per-view in Las Vegas, NJPW had Battle in the Valley in San Jose, and AEW ran both Collision and Battle of the Belts IX in Norfolk, Virginia.

I break down the highlights from all these shows, including surprises from Jack Perry and Nic Nemeth who both showed up in new places.

Also, I give my thoughts about WWE SmackDown from Friday with the building tension between Bayley and her Damage CTRL teammates, and the latest on the Bloodline Saga which leads into the build to this year’s Royal Rumble which takes place in just two weeks.

Plus, I talk the latest on Mercedes Mone, the timeline of her next appearance, and whether she is still AEW-bound.

Click Here To Listen or watch on YouTube above