Two matches previewing title bouts for WrestleMania have been announced for tonight’s SmackDown.
A fatal four-way match between Sasha Banks, Rhea Ripley, Zelina Vega, and Shayna Baszler will take place on SmackDown tonight. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Jimmy Uso is also set for the episode.
Vega & Carmella defending their Women’s Tag Team titles against Banks & Naomi, Ripley & Liv Morgan, and Baszler & Natalya in a four-way match will be part of the card for WrestleMania 38 night two on Sunday, April 3.
Nakamura & Rick Boogs are challenging The Usos for the SmackDown Tag Team titles at WrestleMania 38 night one on Saturday, April 2. That was confirmed when Boogs defeated Jey Uso in a singles match on SmackDown two weeks ago.
The Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York is hosting tonight’s SmackDown. With WrestleMania 38 now just over a week away, the build to Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar’s winner-take-all title unification match will also continue tonight.
WWE.com wrote:
Last week, WWE Champion Brock Lesnar laid waste to the blue brand on his quest for payback for the attack he suffered at the hands of Universal Champion Roman Reigns and The Usos at a live event at Madison Square Garden. After crashing a forklift into the retreating Bloodline’s ride, The Beast ripped a door from their SUV as they sped away.
What will happen after the chaotic assault en route to The Biggest WrestleMania Match of All Time? Find out this Friday at 8/7 C on FOX.
In his first full interview since leaving WWE and signing with AEW, Jeff Hardy talked about why he did what he did during that infamous December WWE live event and why he signed with AEW.
Appearing on The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, Jeff talked about the events that led to his dismissal from WWE.
“Certain things happen for a reason and subconsciously that was one of the smartest, maybe the smartest thing, I have ever done. Guided by something higher than me, I’ll say,” he said.
That was in reference to the December 4th live event in Edinburg, Texas, when Hardy tagged out of a trios match and then exited through the live crowd as the match was still going on. He was sent home by WWE the following day and later released.
“That night in Edinburg, Texas, for some reason, I finished my heat, I took the heat, and I just said ‘I’m ready to go.’ Went over the railing, disappeared into the crowd and naturally, they think I took something, like drugs or whatever, but I didn’t.
“I thought ‘Man, just another unpredictable thing that I can do and I’ll get away with it’ but it was more serious than that. But again, it was one of the smartest things I have ever done because everything worked out so perfectly mainly because my first day in AEW I felt valuable for the first time, just the care and love I was shown.
“Where at WWE, I just felt like they were just wanting to keep me there to sell more action figures.”
Hardy later clarified that he wasn’t trying to get released, but was doing something that felt right in the moment.
Hardy said that he was going to leave WWE when his contract was up regardless, but still had two years left on his deal. He said he did have some “glimmers of hope” in his last few months.
“The last glimmer of hope was the Survivor Series which was really good. It came down to me and Seth Rollins. I almost won and the crowd was so behind me. I felt like one of the most popular babyfaces in WWE because the crowd was so with me,” he explained, later saying that he was frustrated with last year’s SummerSlam when he was brought to Las Vegas and didn’t do anything on the show.
It was a feeling he had before.
“Then there was other times I just felt like a ghost roaming the halls. Like, why am I even here? I don’t feel important at all. But I kept doing my deal, I just would show up and do whatever they wanted me to do,” he said.
He also spoke about WWE’s offer to put him in the Hall of Fame, saying he “almost felt offended” and “very emotional” as it didn’t feel right.
“I was in tears because I was like this is my career. I know I have been a very influential person to a lot of young, misunderstood individuals. It just felt so wrong. It almost felt like, ‘How dare you?’
“It’s not time for that. That’s why I was just kind of like, ‘That’s a hard no.’ Especially, it feels like something Matt and I should go in together as the Hardy Boyz,” he said.
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.
Dave Meltzer and I are back on Wrestling Observer Radio talking all the latest news in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
We talk about the latest on Cody Rhodes, Jeff Hardy in AEW, all of the recent AEW business news concerning their AEW Revolution PPV buy rate, ticket sales, and ratings for AEW Dynamite.
We also talk about William Regal guesting on Talk Is Jericho, Tony Khan booking ROH’s WrestleMania weekend show, and the possibility of a Kayla Harrison vs Cris Cyborg fight.
Days after making his surprise debut on AEW Dynamite, Jeff Hardy will make an appearance on Friday’s edition of Rampage alongside brother, Matt.
AEW head Tony Khan revealed the news on his Friday appearance on Busted Open Radio.
On the day his non-compete expired after his WWE release, Jeff ran out to aid Matt, Darby Allin and Sting as the group was getting beaten up by the reformed Andrade-led Family Office faction.
While the show was taped following Wednesday’s Dynamite, Khan didn’t reveal in what fashion they would appear. But with Allin taking on Marq Quen of the Andrade group tonight, it’s assumed they will make their presence felt during that match.
Khan said that fans will hear from new TNT Champion Scorpio Sky in his first promo since defeating Sammy Guevara for the title Wednesday and ahead of his first title defense this Wednesday against Wardlow at St. Patrick’s Day Slam.
Khan said that Powerhouse Hobbs will make his presence felt on Rampage, likely during the Keith Lee vs. QT Marshall match as Lee continues his feud with Team Taz.
John LaRocca and I are back on the Fight Game Podcast with a lot to discuss.
In addition to recapping this week’s AEW Dynamite and NXT, we discuss the following:
Jeff Hardy, Swerve Strickland and William Regal signing with AEW
Whether Steve Austin’s WrestleMania appearance vs. a match lessens our excitement for what’s to come
A-Kid coming to NXT stateside
If you are interested in joining us for the F4W/Wrestling Observer Convention on Double or Nothing weekend, tickets are still available. You can also join the Facebook group.
Matt Hardy has announced that he has signed a contract extension with AEW.
Speaking on his HouseHardy Twitch stream today, Hardy said that he extended his deal, which now matches his brother Jeff’s in length.
“I’m very happy too. I’ve extended my contract with AEW,” Hardy said. “I’m going to be there a little while longer, and they matched myself and Jeff’s contracts up, which is very cool.”
Matt did not reveal the length of the contract extension.
Matt also stated that both his contract and Jeff’s allow the two to make outside appearances. A Hardy Boyz reunion tour seems to be in the works on the independent circuit, as the duo has already been announced for multiple dates.
Matt debuted with AEW in March 2020. Jeff made his AEW debut on last night’s Dynamite, saving Matt from an attack at the hands of Andrade El Idolo, Jose the assistant, and Private Party.
During the Twitch stream, Matt also detailed the travel difficulties that Jeff faced in making it to Dynamite. The stream can be viewed here.
Andrew Zarian and Rich Stambolian are back with the latest Mat Men, where they break down the latest news in pro wrestling.
We discuss the highlights and all the fallout from Sunday’s AEW Revolution including the surprise appearance of William Regal, Wardlow turning on MJF, and Hangman Page retaining the World title.
Wednesday’s Dynamite saw the debut of Jeff Hardy when he came to the aid of his brother, Matt. Also, Scorpio Sky won the TNT title with help of American Top Team and Paige VanZant, who signed her contract in a unique way.
Out of nowhere, Dolph Ziggler won the NXT Championship. What does that mean heading to WrestleMania weekend?
Vince McMahon appeared on the Pat McAfee podcast last week and we discuss the fallout from that and the latest on WrestleMania.
In a preview clip from his Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, Matt Hardy reacted to his brother Jeff signing with AEW.
Jeff Hardy made his AEW debut on Wednesday’s episode of Dynamite, joining Sting and Darby Allin in saving Matt from a beatdown by the Andrade-Hardy Family Office. Matt was kicked out of the AHFO after taking the pin in their loss to Sting, Allin & Sammy Guevara at Revolution.
Matt said in the preview clip that Jeff joining AEW means that it’s time for them to cement their legacy as a tag team.
“It means that it is time for us to cement our legacy as the greatest tag team in all of space and time. And there’s one last major title we need to win, and that is the AEW World Tag Team titles,” Matt said.
Matt was also asked what signing with AEW means to Jeff.
“He’s hyped. It means a lot. It means a lot to both of us to go out as we came in, and especially on a big platform and also show why we are one of the greatest tag teams ever,” Matt said.
“I think you are going to see a very mature, experienced, and a Hardy Boyz team that is very hungry to prove they can still go in 2022.”
When asked about teams that The Hardy Boyz want to face in AEW, Matt named The Young Bucks, The Lucha Brothers, and AEW Tag Team Champions Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus.
Matt also tweeted after Jeff’s debut last night: “The emotion is real. We need each other more than people understand. #AEWDynamite”
Jeff Hardy debuts in AEW, Scorpio Sky is the new TNT Champion, Inner Circle drama, and more! Join on-camera personality Denise Salcedo as she breaks down the March 9th edition of AEW Dynamite on Speak Now Pro Wrestling!
Topics:
— The Inner Circle story & why it makes no sense
— Why I loved that Dante Martin got a match against Hangman Adam Page
After a few months of speculation, Jeff Hardy is officially #AllElite.
The longtime WWE star, who was released in December, came out on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite to help make the save for his brother, Matt, Darby Allin and Sting as they were getting beaten down by the restructured AHFO led by Andrade El Idolo.
He entered to the classic Hardy Boyz theme which is not WWE owned.
Hardy was released on December 9th following a bizarre scene at a WWE house show where he left through the crowd during a six-man tag team match. He was taken off the road and reportedly turned down help and rehab from WWE.
During a February 23rd meet and greet, Hardy told a reporter he was going to AEW but later downplayed it on Twitter. His WWE non-compete clause expired Wednesday and he turned down a February offer to return that would have included a Hall of Fame induction.
The 44-year-old’s latest WWE run went from 2017 through his December release.
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back with tons to talk about including Dolph Ziggler winning the NXT Title, AEW Dynamite tonight, Jeff Hardy, the new Moxley/Danielson tag team, WrestleMania, Bron Breakker and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
AEW president Tony Khan appeared on a media call today discussing this Sunday’s Revolution event, Cody Rhodes, free agents, and more.
Regarding the big announcement:
Khan opened the media call by taking a question regarding tonight’s big announcement on Dynamite. Khan did not offer new information, but emphasized that it would be good for both AEW and pro wrestling.
Streaming service:
When asked if a streaming service for AEW content was in the plans, Khan said that it is “absolutely” something that they were looking at, saying it would be good for the fans and the younger fanbase. He mentioned that streaming was more a part of younger people’s lives.
On Cody Rhodes:
Khan reiterated his appreciation for Cody and Brandi Rhodes and wished them the best. When asked why he didn’t pick up Cody’s extension, Khan said that he was looking for a longer deal beyond the option years, but negotiations fell through and were unable to come to terms for a new deal.
Later, when asked if Revolution will do well without Cody, Khan mentioned that Cody wasn’t on this past year’s All Out event and that did well, and pay-per-views without Cody have done well before.
Jeff Hardy and Cesaro:
Khan said it wasn’t a “foregone conclusion” that Jeff Hardy would be signing with the company. He said he likes Jeff Hardy but he is obligated to “another company” for a few more days. Khan said that Hardy was a nice person, would fit in well, and he would love to have him.
When Cesaro’s name was brought up, Khan praised him as a great athlete with amazing strength, and is a name that he is open to bringing in.
Growth:
When a question was asked about African American viewership ratings and how they were low compared to WWE, Khan said that they want to be consistent in growing that audience and mentioned Jade Cargill getting a big push and diversity with champions and talent as examples of growing that audience.
Dave Meltzer asked a question about heading into 2023 and 2024 being stronger as a company ahead of TV deal negotiations. Khan said that they were looking to do that, pointing out AEW’s success on cable television and has experienced growth year over year. He said that TBS and TNT were happy with AEW’s performance.
Managing the roster:
Regarding handling the number of people on the roster, Khan emphasized the deal with TNT that gave them a third hour of wrestling with Rampage. He mentioned that it helped “tremendously”, and as a result are able to feature both established and younger talent.
On AEW Revolution:
Khan agreed with a question asking if Revolution 2022 would set the stage for the year, saying that they always try to put on strong pay-per-views.
While he was open to the idea of Britt Baker vs. Thunder Rosa to close out Revolution, Khan said that the Adam Cole vs. Hangman Adam Page match would close out the show on Sunday. He said that choosing the match order is something he puts a lot of effort into and finds it challenging.
Khan also put over the events that are being held this weekend beyond Revolution, including the concert by Mikey Ruckus, the fan fest, and AEW Dark tapings. He also mentioned that RJ City is in Orlando to create content.
The upcoming video game:
Regarding the AEW video game, Khan said that talent were recording voice tracks this week and content is being worked on for Dark regarding fan reactions. He said that more updates would hopefully take place soon.
On touring:
Khan said that AEW is definitely looking forward to more shows in the west coast. He mentioned that most venues they have been running were a result of shows they had to postpone during the pandemic. Regarding the United Kingdom, Khan mentioned that they were “absolutely” looking at UK dates, bringing up Craven Cottage as a venue he would like to run.
Regarding the move from the MGM Grand to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for this year’s Double or Nothing, Khan said they were looking for bigger, modern arenas for bigger shows, mentioning that he was looking forward to the challenge.
Trios titles:
When a question was brought up regarding the idea of trios titles, Khan said he thinks there is a lot of interest, and he is interested as well. He said he wanted to be blunt with his response, saying that he would be more interested in the idea when Kenny Omega returns from injury, saying Omega would make the division much stronger. He said AEW could have the best trios division anyone has ever had, and would love Kenny Omega to be part of that.
Revolution, which takes place on March 6, has the following card:
Hangman Adam Page vs. Adam Cole for the AEW World Championship
CM Punk vs. MJF in a dog collar match
Britt Baker vs. Thunder Rosa for the AEW Women’s World Championship
A Face of the Revolution ladder match featuring Keith Lee, Wardlow, Powerhouse Hobbs, Ricky Starks, Orange Cassidy, and one more person to be determined
Chris Jericho vs. Eddie Kingston
Bryan Danielson vs. Jon Moxley
Jurrassic Express vs. reDRagon vs. a team to be determined for the AEW World Tag Team titles
Andrade El Idolo, Matt Hardy, and Isiah Kassidy vs. Darby Allin, Sting, and Sammy Guevara in a tornado trios match
Jade Cargill vs. Tay Conti for the AEW TBS Championship
Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including new AEW signees, ratings from RAW, Smackdown and Rampage, AEW and NXT TV recaps, tons of MMA news and more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
