Former AEW Tag Team and Trios Champions The Acclaimed will reluctantly reunite next week on either AEW Dynamite or Collision.
The news was revealed during Saturday’s All Out with footage shown from after this past Wednesday’s September to Remember. Max Caster and Anthony Bowens were shown arguing with each other with recent peacemaker Jerry Lynn telling them he pulled some strings to get them a match against Swirl (Blake Christian and Lee Johnson) next week.
Caster and Bowens didn’t like the idea and continued to bicker with Caster eventually disappearing after Bowens briefly turned around.
That follows developments from last Saturday’s Collision where Bowens reluctantly helped Caster fend off Christian and Johnson after they attacked Lynn and Caster.
The two have been split up since January 2025 after a breakup was teased for several months. Both men had less than successful singles runs as pointed out by Lynn recently. Caster hasn’t won a singles or tag match since November 2024 while Bowens has had mixed results since returning from a three-month absence in April.
Notably absent in this angle is Billy Gunn whom the two held the aforementioned Trios title with. Previously aligned with Bowens, it’s unclear why he hasn’t been involved.
Working with ECW legend Jerry Lynn has helped make Will Ospreay a better wrestler.
Lynn, a former ECW World Champion, joined AEW as a coach during the promotion’s inaugural year in 2019. Ospreay told Sports Illustrated that Lynn’s coaching has helped him a lot, especially when it comes to making his in-ring offense mean more.
“I’ll be honest. I’ve been working a lot with Jerry Lynn, and he’s been a real guiding light on how to make stuff a little bit more important for me in those matches,” Ospreay said. “So I do put a lot of love and admiration towards Jerry as he’s been such a great help in my matches.”
Ospreay has now been a full-time member of the AEW roster for more than a year. Because he’s working a regular schedule of TV matches, Ospreay has reigned in his style a little bit. He still wants to deliver on TV while saving some of his biggest moves for pay-per-view.
“A little bit, yeah,” Ospreay said about changing his style. “Because you can’t do those epic clashes on TV that much. It’s very rare that you can actually follow through with those epic New Japan-style main events. So you have to pick your spots wisely and now, I feel like I’m really finding my groove at the TV matches. And obviously, when the pay-per-view comes around, I just go balls out, and I hope that people respond well to the matches that I’m trying to put on.”
Ospreay defeated Kevin Knight at AEW’s Dynasty PPV this past weekend. With the victory, Ospreay advanced to the semifinals of the Owen Hart Foundation tournament. He’ll be facing either Brody King or Konosuke Takeshita in that round.
The winner of the Owen Hart Cup earns an AEW World Championship shot at All In Texas this July. The World title is currently held by Jon Moxley.
The following are spoilers from Sunday’s Ring of Honor TV taping at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, which featured the announcement of new authority figures and the debut of a former Impact Knockouts Tag Team Champion.
Mark Briscoe defeated Anthony Henry (w/ JD Drake)
AR Fox, Darius Martin & Action Andretti defeated The Trustbusters (Slim J, Sonny Kiss & Jeeves Kay)
Matt Sydal defeated Zack Clayton (w/ Cole Karter). Post-match, Sydal said he’s the best in ROH and wants to be the TV Champion.
Tony Khan announced a new ROH Board of Directors (Jerry Lynn and Stokely Hathaway) who will have authority but he will still have final say if needed.
ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champions The Embassy (Gates of Agony & Brian Cage) (w/ Prince Nana) defeated Cheeseburger, Eli Isom & Marcus Kross
The Kingdom (Matt Taven & Mike Bennett) (w/ Maria Kanellis-Bennett) defeated El Dragon & El Cobarde. Bennett ended up bleeding in this one.
Kiera Hogan defeated Robyn Renegade. Charlette Renegade tried to get involved, but Hogan still managed to win before being attacked by ROH Women’s Champion Athena after the match with a kendo stick. Hogan fought Athena off and stood tall in the ring with the stick.
Skye Blue defeated Viva Van
Dark Order (John Silver, Alex Reynolds & Evil Uno) defeated Shane Taylor & The WorkHorsemen (JD Drake & Anthony Henry)
Mercedes Martinez defeated Vert Vixen
Tony Nese (w/ Mark Sterling & Ari Daivari) defeated Serpentico
Rey Fenix (w/ Alex Abrahantes) defeated Gravity
Nick Comoroto defeated Deimos (w/ Teal Piper)
The Righteous (Vincent & Dutch) & Stu Grayson defeated Dalton Castle & The Boys (Brandon & Brent Tate)
ROH TV Champion Samoa Joe defeated Matt Sydal to retain
Miranda Alize defeated Notorious Mimi
The Iron Savages (Bronson & Bear) (w/ Jacked Jameson) defeated Tracy Williams & Rhett Titus
Dralistico (w/ Jose The Assistant) defeated Willie Mack
ROH Women’s Champion Athena defeated Trish Adora. Post-match, Hogan ran down to fight Athena which ended with Athena spearing Hogan through a table in the corner.
ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champions The Embassy (Brian Cage & Gates of Agony) (w/ Prince Nana) defeated Action Andretti, Darius Martin & AR Fox to retain
Jerry Lynn has announced he is part of the relaunched FXE Wrestling Training and Performance Academy.
The AEW producer revealed the news in a social media post on Monday. Lynn is set to be one of three trainers at the academy along with AJ Gallant, and the NWA’s Thom Latimer.
The school is based out of Hendersonville, Tennessee.
“After years of being asked,’When are you going to open a school?’ It’s finally happened! Check us out, you won’t regret it! Hendersonville,TN,” Lynn wrote on Twitter.
The original school was run by Gallant, who is a graduate of The Shawn Michaels Wrestling Academy. The first incarnation of the school, the FXE Pro Wrestling Academy, opened in Orlando in 2004. The relaunched school will also be producing live events featuring their trainees.
“Along with its head trainers, and the help of graduates of the original school, FXE looks to once again begin producing the squared circle stars of tomorrow while ingraining in them the motto: LIVE IT, LEARN IT, LOVE IT!” the academy’s website reads.
After years of being asked,”When are you going to open a school?” It’s finally happened! Check us out, you won’t regret it! Hendersonville,TN. pic.twitter.com/6FCl3hthm4
Homicide, Jerry Lynn and Ruckus have been announced as the first GCW Indie Wrestling Hall of Fame inductees. The three will be added to the newly-created Hall of Fame on January 22, 2022 at an event at Cutting Room in New York City.
Sean Waltman has been announced as the inductor for Lynn, Chris Dickinson will induct Homicide, and Sonjay Dutt will induct Ruckus.
Lynn, 58, is currently working in a backstage role as an AEW coach. He is a former ECW World Champion, Ring of Honor World Champion, and Impact X Division Champion, just to name a few of the myriad of titles he has held throughout his career.
Homicide, 44, has also held the ROH World title and the Impact X Division Championship, plus 23 other championships in a career spanning 28 years.
Ruckus, 43, is still semi-active on the indie scene, including two dates for GCW earlier this year. He made his name primarily in the CZW promotion.
Tickets for the Indie Wrestling Hall of Fame induction ceremony and gala go on sale Monday, November 22 at 10 a.m. Eastern time.
Joey Styles called the action as “Dr. Death” Steve Williams was in tag team action
Terry Funk battled Chris Candido in a no disqualification match
Satoshi Kojima won the MLW World Heavyweight Title with a win over Jerry Lynn
Show Review:
We opened with a music video recap of the formation of the Extreme Horsemen at the expense of Terry Funk and Dusty Rhodes during a three-way dance that also featured team leader Steve Corino. Simon Diamond and CW Anderson then joined Corino for a promo where they said they eradicated Funk’s and Rhodes’ legacies. Diamond said they all need to step aside as they were coming for the old-timers.
“When Worlds Collide” introduced us to Joey Styles who welcomed us to the Manhattan Center in New York City before hyping up Raven joining MLW, The Extreme Horsemen, and the brackets for the MLW Global tag team title tournament where they will crown new champions.
“Dr. Death” Steve Williams & PJ Friedman defeated Afterburn & Eric Adams
We seemed to have the same audio track playing over the live crowd as last week. That especially hurt this short match as the crowd seemed to pop big when Friedman suplexed Afterburn on his head with a full nelson suplex but with no audible reaction.
After a quick early commercial break, Williams hit a doctor bomb and backdrop driver on Adams to pick up the win. We would learn later that Williams and Friedman were part of the tag team title tournament along with Mike Sanders & Jimmy Yang, “Horsemen” and Los Maximos.
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After a break into current affairs with MLWshop.com, Richard Holliday’s Dynastic coffee, and MLW radio network commercials, Styles set up the next tapings, saying Paul London would be making his MLW debut against Jerry Lynn, Masato Tanaka was on a collision course with longtime rival Mike Awesome, Terry Funk would challenge Steve Corino, and a “Mexican Massacre Challenge” rematch between La Parka and Sabu.
A couple of quick promos followed, first with Fuego Guerrero (Amazing Red) who talked about Jushin Liger and how he revolutionized wrestling and he wants to do the same in MLW. Next was a Bill Alfonso promo we saw a few weeks ago during the Anthology series, done after the first Sabu vs. La Parka bloodbath where Alfonso was screaming about a rematch before Parka jumped him, dumped trash cans on him, and challenged Sabu to the aforementioned rematch.
**********
Terry Funk defeated Chris Candido (w/Tammy Sytch) in a no DQ match
This built nice and slow with both feeling each other out in the early going but eventually turning this into a weapon-filled bloodbath. Funk was trying to frustrate Candido and it seemed to work as it took a cheap shot from the former “Skip” to get things going. It’s worth noting that Candido’s trunks and tights matched Funk’s in a nice tribute to the hardcore legend.
The action spilled to the outside as Funk got busted open via the timekeeper’s table and ringpost. Funk stumbled and staggered around ringside while Tammy Sytch, who accompanied Candido, got some cheap shots in too.
Funk reversed a suplex and sent Candido to the outside again before the two brawled through the crowd. Funk hit a piledriver on the floor, a DDT in the ring, and an unintentional brainbuster on the small metal entrance ramp.
After a commercial break, Candido brought a ladder into the ring on which, of course, he took a bump on as both he and Funk brawled on the top rope. Candido rallied and hit a headbutt off the top for two, but missed a second attempt off the top of the ladder. Sytch then low blowed Funk but ate a DDT for her trouble. Her dress flew up upon impact, but the MLW censors covered her modesty as Candido hit Funk with a chair and took back control.
He created a chair bridge, but it was Funk who hit a swinging neckbreaker. Funk then picked up the win after reversing a small package and holding on just long enough for the three count. Candido laid out Funk after the match with a piledriver.
**********
We had two more in-ring debuts hyped for the next tapings: Fuego Guerrero and a man by the name of CM Punk.
Corino then cut a promo on Funk, explaining that he has done everything Funk has, but better and quicker. He taunted Funk saying that his own brother (Dory) trained him and in their upcoming match, he will put an end to Terry’s career.
Satoshi Kojima defeated Jerry Lynn to win the vacant MLW World Title
Styles subtly, but expertly, made us aware of both competitors’ signature manuvers to watch for as the referee presented the title belt to the crowd and checked each man before the opening bell. Kojima had the Koji-Cutter, the Koji-max submission and, of course, the lariat taught to him by Stan Hansen. Conversely, Lynn had the tornado DDT to set up his cradle piledriver.
There was a slow but intense exchange of holds to open up with neither man gaining an advantage. Lynn tried an early cross armbreaker to try and deactivate some of Kojima’s lariat power, but they were both too close to the ropes. Kojima took control and brought out some Flair chops in the corner, along with a trademark “Whooo” of his own. Lynn returned the favor but succumbed to Kojima’s power after a side slam moments later.
Kojima hit a series of elbow drops as the title seemed to be slipping away from the former ECW Champion Lynn. Kojima pretended he couldn’t understand the referee when he was instructing him to get Lynn out the corner and out of the ropes.
But, the tide turned shortly after when Kojima missed an elbow drop from the middle rope and Lynn fired up with right hands, chops, and a trifecta of lariats before a reverse DDT finally took him off his feet. Kojima came back with a pair of running lariats in the corner followed by a big elbow drop from the top rope that got a two count.
Kojima removed his elbow pad, but Lynn ducked a lariat to hit a German suplex for a two count of his own. Lynn hit his tornado DDT moments later, but Kojima again kicked out at two. Styles thought the cradle piledriver was coming but instead, Lynn went for a suplex that Kojima reversed. Lynn then slipped out the back, but ended up taking a sit-down spinebuster seconds later.
Lynn finally went for the cradle piledriver, but Kojima reversed with a backdrop. Kojima then hit a Michinoku driver for a two count but he didn’t stop there, getting up and signaling for the lariat. He connected, knocking Lynn down and out and leading to a three count as Kojima became the first-ever MLW World Champion.
Taiyo Kea then made his presence felt as Kojima’s next challenger (he had defeated Sabu earlier to become the #1 contender) as he came out and signaled he was coming for the title.
The audio issues on the show continued when Kojima cut a post-match promo for the New York crowd, but we couldn’t hear a word of it or any of the ovations or pops throughout the night.
Before going off the air, we saw Raven backstage cutting a promo on Vampiro. He talked about their time in the WCW Deadpool (along with ICP) and said Vampiro has been talking about him so he wonders if he has a problem with him or maybe, he needs his help. Either way, he is eager to find out.
Next week: The Extreme Horsemen (Simon Diamond and CW Anderson) vs. Los Maximos as the Global Tag Team Title tournament kicks off.
Joseph Currier gives his thoughts on Crown Jewel and the travel delays the WWE roster faced after the show.
When Crown Jewel ended last Thursday, it seemed like things weren’t quite as awful for WWE as their previous shows in Saudi Arabia.
In the ring, this year’s Crown Jewel was probably the best event that WWE has had in Saudi Arabia. There were low points, but the show was focused more on the current roster and special attractions than relying solely on nostalgia. Though Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair were part of the show, they coached teams of current wrestlers and weren’t actually competing themselves. A major title change even took place, with The Fiend becoming Universal Champion by defeating Seth Rollins in their falls count anywhere main event.
Most importantly for WWE, they got to put on the first-ever women’s match in Saudi Arabia. Natalya defeated Lacey Evans, and it went as well as could be expected. There were obviously restrictions, including what Natalya and Evans were allowed to wear. But the quality of the match was largely irrelevant to WWE. Natalya and Evans treated this like a milestone that they were honored to be part of. The audience also played their part, helping WWE’s narrative come off as more than just hollow messaging.
One of the craziest stories in pro wrestling history, one that will be talked about in autobiographies to come, involves the WWE’s trip to Saudi Arabia. We’ve got a complete rundown on what happened as well as details of a story that involved hundreds of millions of dollars, the stock market, mainstream media, and much more. The new issue also covers:
The decision to put NXT talent on main roster shows affected ratings for Raw, Smackdown and NXT.
A complicated story with a lot of issues, including a $60 million payment, let money, a new and better deal for WWE, lagging stock price, talent stuck in Saudi Arabia an extra day, a meeting called by Vince McMahon, what does and doesn’t add up among the different stories, the Smackdown show and how it went down, stock analyses look at WWE, and much more.
Coverage of UFC 244, with the story behind the fight, the stoppage of the main event, Nate Diaz’s 180 reaction on what he wants to do, Jorge Masvidal and the BMF championship, scary finishes, upsets and surprises along with match-by-match coverage and poll results from the show.
New Japan building two Tokyo Dome shows in January with key matches, angles being worked on, the retirement of Jushin Liger, the situation with Katsuyori Shibata, the return of Hiromu Takahashi, what Will Ospreay talked of, the upcoming tag team tournament, the junior tag team tournament, California shows as well as a full rundown of Power Struggle with match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.
The Randy Orton contract, interest level of Crown Jewel, Lance Storm goes to WWE in a non-wrestling role and why now, Styles pushes for angle which changes storyline direction, another finish changed on Raw, NXT future plans, lots of WWE injury notes, WrestleMania kickoff party and plans for the next show in Mexico City.
Upcoming War Games matches, UK stars on main roster shows, WWE’s biggest house show week of the year, the most watched shows on the WWE Network, plus WWE’s first show in the U.K. and a rundown on all the NXT house shows.
Kenny Omega’s possibly going after yet another world title with coverage of DDT’s big show at Sumo Hall.
Coverage of the MLW PPV show, Dragon Gate’s Gate of Destiny with storyline notes and coverage and Pro Wrestling NOAH’s biggest event of the year at Sumo Hall.
Coverage of all the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.
In-depth looks at the ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
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TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
WWE Backstage tonight will have Samoa Joe as part of the panel. They will be joined by Mick Foley and NXT champion Adam Cole.
John Cena talked to Sports Illustrated about wanting to help addess the military veteran suicide epidemic in the United States. When asked about a possible appearance at WrestleMania 36, he said “I haven’t missed a WrestleMania since my first appearance at WrestleMania 19, and I do not plan to miss a WrestleMania for decades to come.”
Rusev spoke to The Sun about his storyline with Lana and Bobby Lashley: “It’s a collaboration. There’s adjustments that we make, but that’s just life. We’re committed to our characters on TV, so we just have to make slight adjustments, but we’re professionals and we’re coping with it. It’s great, I think we are in the best storyline currently going on and the best storyline that’s been around for years. It’s getting a lot of views and a lot of eyes on it. Some people like it, some people love it, but at the end of the day, it’s the hottest storyline going on.”
WWE Network News is reporting that the final months of WCW Thunder, November 2000 through March 2001, are heading to the WWE Network this Monday, November 18.
Kevin Owens tweeted about teaming with Rey Mysterio on WWE’s European tour today: “I’ve experienced lots of highs and lows in this industry over the past 20 years. Getting to team with this guy tonight definitely belongs in the ‘highs’ category! An absolute honor. Thank you, @reymysterio”
The Tampa Bay Times did an article on potential business for next year’s WrestleMania.
We will have a limited number of group tickets for WrestleMania 36 that will be sold with our Q&A meet and greet tickets for that weekend. If you are interested in getting tickets, check out more information on our forum thread here or contact [email protected].
Impact Wrestling uploaded a documentary highlighting the Joey Ryan/Ken Shamrock match that recently took place on Impact.
PWG is running a show called “The Makings of a Varsity Athlete” on December 20.
Retrosoft Studios announced today that RetroMania Wrestling is officially the sequel to the 1980s arcade game WrestleFest. They reached an agreement with Arc System Works Co. Ltd, who obtained the IP rights to WrestleFest and Mat Mania from defunct developer Technos of Japan. The developers noted in the press release that characters from the Mat Mania series will appear in the new game.
MMA
Gilbert Melendez commented on his release from the UFC in a statement on social media, saying that the release is mutual.
All Elite Wrestling has announced three new additions to the company.
In a video that Angelico posted confirming that he’s signed with AEW, it was revealed that Jack Evans will be joining him in the promotion. Angelico & Evans are former three-time AAA Tag Team Champions as Los Gueros del Cielo.
PWG and Lucha Underground are among the promotions that Knox has refereed for. The announcement of Knox signing with AEW was made at Bar Wrestling’s show in Los Angeles, California on Wednesday night, with SoCal Uncensored noting that Knox will be the referee for The Young Bucks’ AAA Tag Team title defense against Pentagon Jr. & Fenix at Double or Nothing in Las Vegas on May 25.
The Young Bucks appeared at Wednesday’s Bar Wrestling show and made the announcement that Knox has signed with AEW.
Lynn and Knox both took part in All In last September as referees.
