In a fight that defies belief based on the combatants alone, boxing legend Mike Tyson will return to the ring to take on Jake Paul this July on Netflix.
The live event will take place on Saturday, July 20th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. It will be Netflix’s first-ever boxing/MMA show as Paul’s company signed a deal with Netflix last November.
Tyson has continued his dalliances with pro wrestling in recent years, last appearing for AEW in 2022. He said in a February 2023 interview that he would rather be involved with WWE even though AEW pays more.
The 27-year-old Paul (9-1) is a YouTube star turned boxer who has made his name by defeating former MMA stars looking for a large payday like Anderson Silva, Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley.
As of this point, it’s unknown if this will be a sanctioned pro fight or exhibition one, the amount of rounds, glove size, etc. How much each fighter is getting paid is also unknown.
The live event will come more than five months before WWE kicks off their own live programming deal in January with Raw in the U.S. and all WWE content internationally.
It’s JAKE PAUL vs. MIKE TYSON — yes, really! — in a LIVE BOXING event at AT&T Stadium you won’t want to miss. Airing live on Netflix Saturday, July 20 #PaulTysonpic.twitter.com/ULXVeCYeH6
My 100 darkest moments in pop culture history series continues on DragonKing Dark.
In 1997, one of the most bizarre moments in boxing, sports and pop culture took place when during the second Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield fight, Tyson viciously bit the ear of Holyfield not once, but twice.
Tyson earned himself a disqualification and tons of negative publicity.
This strange incident was a real black ear, err….eye, for boxing and stands as one of the 100 darkest moments in pop culture history.
While he’s been involved with both promotions before, boxing legend Mike Tyson would rather appear for WWE than AEW if given the chance.
Tyson and NFL player Sebastian Joseph-Day were joined by The Undertaker on the latest episode of Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson. When Joseph-Day asked what he has to do to be a special guest in WWE, Tyson brought up that he’d rather appear for WWE than AEW even though AEW pays more.
Tyson: You know Tony Khan and those guys? Yeah, these guys want to put me on the show and stuff before. But I don’t care if they got more money. If Vince [McMahon] put me on the show, I’d rather go there [WWE] even though they [AEW] pay more money.
Undertaker: I don’t blame you there. It’s going to get much more play. WWE is going to do it right. Yeah.
Tyson was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as a celebrity inductee in 2012. In 1998, he famously served as the outside enforcer for “Stone Cold” Steve Austin vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XIV. Tyson was the guest host for an episode of Raw in 2010.
Tyson has also appeared on AEW programming several times, including doing guest commentary for Orange Cassidy vs. Katsuyori Shibata on Rampage last November.
The full episode of Hotboxin’ is available to watch below:
An appearance from Mike Tyson and an All-Atlantic title match will take place on next week’s live Rampage in Atlantic City.
Tyson will appear as a special guest commentator for the show. He previously appeared on AEW back in 2020, confronting Chris Jericho on an episode of AEW Dynamite. He also presented the TNT Championship to Cody at Double or Nothing 2020, when Cody became the inaugural champion by defeating Lance Archer in a tournament final.
Additionally, a match for the AEW All-Atlantic title has been announced, where the champion will be able to face an opponent of his choosing. Current champion Orange Cassidy will defend the title this Wednesday on Dynamite against Luchasarus and Rey Fenix in a three-way match that was set up on last week’s program.
Here is the current lineup for next Friday’s Rampage:
All-Atlantic title: Champion gets to make the match
Mike Tyson won’t be participating in “The Roast of Ric Flair” after all.
Just one day after the boxing legend was announced for the event, Tyson’s representatives told TMZ Sports that Tyson won’t be appearing at The Roast of Ric Flair. Tyson is off the event due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
“Due to unforeseen circumstances Mike will not be participating in the roast,” their statement said.
TMZ Sports noted that Tyson’s representatives didn’t wish to elaborate further.
In addition to Flair and Tyson being friends, it was announced this March that the two were partnering together for Ric Flair cannabis products to be marketed by Tyson’s “Tyson 2.0” company.
The Roast of Ric Flair is taking place at Starrcast V in Nashville, Tennessee on Friday, July 29. The event will air live as a pay-per-view via Fite TV.
Diamond Dallas Page and Eric Bischoff are among those who will be roasting Flair.
Mike Tyson will “roast” Ric Flair later this summer.
As first reported by TMZ, Tyson has been announced for The Roast of Ric Flair on July 29. The event will take place from the Nashville Fairgrounds as part of Starrcast V. Flair’s “last match” is scheduled for two days later on July 31 from the same venue.
Diamond Dallas Page and Eric Bischoff are also confirmed for the roast.
Flair and Tyson announced a business partnership back in March. The legendary boxer’s company, Tyson 2.0, plans to market Flair-themed cannabis products in legal markets across the United States.
“The last weekend in July is going to be Ric’s swan song in a professional wrestling ring, so what better way to send him off before his final match than giving him a proper roast,” Starrcast promoter Conrad Thompson said. “Ric’s career has transcended professional wrestling and made him a pop culture icon. You’ve seen his influence everywhere from sports to hip hop. He’s done it all, except get roasted by some of his dearest friends and the most talented comedians in the world. That all changes on July 29th.”
AEW makes their Los Angeles debut with tonight’s live Dynamite from the Kia Forum.
New AEW World Champion CM Punk will team with FTR against Max Caster and The Gunn Club in a trios match tonight. Punk defeated Hangman Page to win the title in the main event of Double or Nothing this past weekend.
Johnny Elite will return to the show, facing a mystery opponent. The former John Morrison debuted for the company as a Joker in the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament last month.
After being stretchered out after a loss to Wardlow at Double or Nothing Sunday, MJF speaking has been advertised for Dynamite.
A 10-man tag with Jungle Boy, Luchasaurus, Christian Cage, Darby Allin, and Matt Hardy facing Young Bucks, reDRagon, and NJPW’s Hikuleo is scheduled.
Jon Moxley will face Jericho Appreciation Society’s Daniel Garcia in a singles bout. A JAS celebration has also been teased on social media.
Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. and Jamie Hayter will team against Toni Storm and Ruby Soho in a rematch from an episode of Rampage last month.
Wardlow vs. JD Drake has also been announced for the show.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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Show Report —
“Cult of Personality” opened the show. I should note that Anthony Bowens is an unbelievable hype man for his team and the live crowd.
CM Punk & FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) defeated Max Caster & The Gunn Club (Austin Gunn & Colten Gunn) (w/ Billy Gunn & Anthony Bowens)
Dax and Austin started off, and the former got the advantage before tagging in his FTR partner. Colten tagged in as well before being taken down by Cash. Finally, Caster and Punk tagged in. Punk and FTR were able to isolate Caster as Cash came in with a second-rope powerslam for two.
The Gunn Club used a two-on-one attack on Dax to regain control. Billy got involved with a right hand while the official was distracted. Dax made a one-man comeback on everyone, but his partners were pulled off the apron before he could make a tag.
During a commercial break, there was an excellent and heartfelt promo from Bowens about Pride Month. Once back, Punk was given the hot tag — he slipped on the springboard in the way in but was able to take down the Gunn Club on his own before assisting Cash on a dive.
Punk landed the top rope elbow drop and called for the GTS, but Billy hopped on the apron to distract him. Austin rolled Punk up for two, but then Punk powerbombed Austin into Billy. A GTS and then the Big Rig from FTR gave Punk’s team the win.
– After the match, Punk said he’s never done drugs in his life, but he imagines this is what it feels like. He said there’s still lots to do, and he has to keep getting better. You can call him a lot of things, but you have to call him “the champ.”
Dax said that professional wrestling means the world to him, and his family (in attendance) is the only thing that means more. These ROH tag titles are everything, and it doesn’t matter if anyone from this company — or any other company — wants them.
Punk turned his attention to Forbidden Door, demanding that whoever he’s got for the show come on out.
“Go Ace!” sounded and the all-time great Hiroshi Tanahashi of New Japan Pro Wrestling made his entrance. He pointed at Punk, who posed with the AEW World Championship.
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MJF speaks
This reviewer’s thoughts: There’s a lot to talk about here. Obviously the MJF-TK “issues” have been turned into a work. MJF was sensational in this segment, getting the crowd behind him after no-showing a fan-sign last week. But the part about being the only “safe” wrestler and talking about how he’s “good in the ring” was awful WCW-level “it’s a work” stuff that completely undermines the structure of a wrestling show. If they keep this up and drop that, this could be an all-time angle.
MJF came out and said he was in a lot of pain after Sunday. He said he’s here to talk, but as “Max Friedman.” He teased embarrassing Tony Khan and AEW in front of Warner Media executives and said he wouldn’t sit down and meet with TK.
When AEW started, it was “All Friends Wrestling.” Everyone was invited but MJF, even though everything he touches turns to gold. He said nobody’s capable of carrying the company on his back like he has for months. He insulted the fans, essentially calling them “fickle.” He said the boys in the back are part of the problem too.
MJF called the fans “uneducated marks” and said “you don’t know shit.” He said he’s the only “safe” wrestler, which doesn’t make sense, because wrestling is fake. He’s the “best.” He called himself the top minute-to-minute draw in AEW, and yet TK won’t open his pocketbook to pay the guy who’s been there since day one.
He asked if he were an ex-WWE guy, whether he’d get the big payday. He demanded that Tony Khan fire him and cursed loudly (it was beeped) before the screen went black and it cut to commercial, as if it was unscripted.
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This was billed as Johnny issuing an open challenge to anyone in the AEW locker room. A Miro video promo aired, saying he’d come after everyone who separated him from his gold. “The Redeemer is back.”
Miro defeated Johnny Elite
Miro immediately took it to Johnny, beating him down in the corner. He continued to dominate through a break. Once back, Johnny avoided a pump kick and landed a high kick. He kept up the offense with a springboard kick and a running shooting star press, but Miro kicked out at one.
Johnny hit a shining wizard and climbed the ropes, but Miro avoided the dive and hit his signature kick. Game Over followed for the submission.
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Jericho Appreciation Society promo
A great video package recapped Anarchy in the Arena.
The live crowd got a near-full rendition of “Judas” before Jericho cut it off. He was out there with Hager and 2point0, but Garcia was absent ahead of his match with Jon Moxley.
Parker spoke first, saying they dominated Anarchy in the Arena and demanded that the crowd appreciate them. Menard, forehead full of stitches, said nobody does it better. Jericho said the crowd didn’t deserve to sing “Judas” tonight — they deserve the Jericho Appreciation Society.
Jericho said winning that match wasn’t without a price, going through and listing all his trials and tribulations throughout the match. He questioned Eddie Kingston and Bryan Danielson’s humanity for their actions. He said sports entertainers always win against pro wrestlers.
Eddie Kingston interrupted with William Regal behind him. None of his friends are there, but he’s fine with fighting them all right here. He offered Regal a chance to say where he wants to fight them, and Regal obliged: “Blood & Guts!”
Kingston ran down to the ring but was immediately beaten down by the J.A.S. Ortiz appeared behind Jericho and beat him down with a sack before cutting off some of Jericho’s hair.
Jericho was livid about his hair and accepted Kingston’s challenge for Blood & Guts, on one condition: Jericho vs. Ortiz, Hair vs. Hair. Jericho’s going to beat Ortiz, shave Ortiz, and burn Ortiz, because he’s a wizard.
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At Double or Nothing, Samoa Joe was interviewed backstage, but Jay Lethal, Sonjay Dutt, and Satnam Singh showed up and wrapped a chair around his already-injured shoulder before sending him into a steel structure.
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Adam Cole joined commentary.
The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson), reDRagon (Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish), & Hikuleo (w/ Brandon Cutler) defeated Jungle Boy, Luchasaurus, Christian Cage, Darby Allin, & Matt Hardy
This was a super fun all-action tag match that sets up a tag title match.
Jungle Boy and O’Reilly started off, then Fish and Christian tagged in. Just about everyone in the match got a brief moment to tag in towards the start of the contest. Jungle Boy took Fish down to the floor with a great hurricanrana, then Christian landed a top-rope headbutt for two. The match broke down into a brawl; Darby hit his insane suicide dive and Luchasaurus landed an Orihara moonsault. Nick dove onto everyone ahead of the break.
The Undisputed Elite beat down Christian through commercial, but a double reverse DDT allowed him to reach Luchasaurus for the hot tag. The dinosaur ran wild on everyone. Jungle Boy hopped off his back for a running destroyer, then Luchasaurus hit a standing moonsault for two.
Hikuleo tagged in for the first time for a cool face-off with Luchasaurus. They hit simultaneous clotheslines, leading to Darby and O’Reilly tagging in. He gave Coffin Splashes to both O’Reilly and Fish before hitting the float-over stunner. Darby went for the Coffin Drop on Hikuleo on the outside, but the big man caught him, and reDRagon hit the assisted brainbuster on the floor.
Hardy tagged in and drove everyone’s faces into the turnbuckles. He hit the Twist of Fate on Hikuleo, then Christian took the big man out with a running spear. We got a parade of big moves finished off with a superkick party from the Bucks. reDRagon hit the High Low on Christian as the Bucks hit the Meltzer Driver on Jungle Boy for the win.
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Swerve Strickland and Keith Lee were backstage. Swerve had an entourage of people with him, saying he was “on his mogul stuff” right now. Lee said gold would be theirs soon.
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Athena speaks
Schiavone welcomed her to AEW. Athena talked about confronting Jade Cargill. Even though Jade’s undefeated, all streaks were meant to be broken, and she plans on breaking hers. Athena started going through her nicknames but was interrupted by Jade, the Baddies, and Stokely Hathaway.
Hathaway said it was a shame that Athena interrupted them at Double or Nothing. She said Jade is a “queen” and a “goddess,” as well as the TBS champion. Jade said the title shot wasn’t happening.
Kiera Hogan stepped up and exchanged words with Athena as Anna Jay and Kris Statlander stepped up to back her up. Hathaway demanded security separate them.
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Wardlow came out with no security detail per the stipulation from Double or Nothing. He also has a remixed theme.
Wardlow defeated JD Drake
Wardlow leveled Drake with a lariat before planting him on a slam. The Powerbomb Symphony (only two powerbombs this week) followed for the squash win.
– After the match, Schiavone was about to interview Wardlow, but Smart Mark Sterling came out flanked by security. He served Wardlow with a class action lawsuit on behalf of the security workers. Wardlow powerbombed one anyway.
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Dan Lambert and American Top Team were backstage. They said Dante Martin has potential, but it won’t be enough for him to win the TNT Championship. Dante walked up and challenged Sky for Rampage.
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Ruby Soho & Toni Storm defeated Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. & Jamie Hayter
Storm and Baker started off, and Storm was a house of fire, forcing Baker to tag out to Hayter. Soho came in as well, and Hayter and Baker worked together to establish control, with Baker giving her a neckbreaker on the floor ahead of the commercial.
Once back, Soho hit a back suplex and reached Storm for the hot tag. She ran wild on both opponents until Hayter countered a tornado DDT with a DDT of her own on the floor. Soho took out Hayter with a diving crossbody, then Baker came in with a sling blade on Soho.
Back inside the ring, Storm took out Baker with a German, but Hayter smashed Soho with a backbreaker. Baker hit a butterfly suplex on Soho but was rolled up for two. Soho hit No Future for a near fall. Baker hung on after the kickout and put on her glove for the Lockjaw. She tried to cradle out of it, but an assist from Hayter gave Baker a cradle attempt for a near fall.
Baker hit a swinging neckbreaker on Soho. Miscommunication between Hayter and Baker led to Soho hitting Destination Unknown for the win, pinning Baker.
– Hayter attacked Soho with the Owen Hart Cup belt after the match.
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Battle of the Belts was announced for August 5th from Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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AEW Rampage (6/3) lineup:
The Young Bucks vs. The Lucha Bros
Athena’s debut
TNT Championship: Scorpio Sky (c) vs. Dante Martin
AEW Dynamite (6/8) lineup:
Hangman Page vs. David Finlay
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Chris Jericho and William Regal joined commentary.
Jon Moxley defeated Daniel Garcia
This was an excellent hard-hitting affair, better than their first match at the First Dance last year.
Moxley had the upper hand early on, beating Garcia down. Garcia would try to fire back with strikes, but Moxley had the power and stamina advantage. Moxley went for the Paradigm Shift, but Garcia drove him out of the ring and sent him into the steel steps and kicked them into Moxley’s leg. Moxley’s forehead was opened up after being cut on Sunday.
After a commercial, Garcia hit an avalanche back suplex for two. Moxley countered a Sharpshooter attempt, then hit the ex-plex on Garcia onto the steel steps. Back in the ring, Moxley hit a top-rope butterfly suplex for a near fall. He laid in anvil elbows and went for a rear naked choke, but Garcia rolled out of it and laid in elbows of his own.
Garcia applied a rear naked choke, but Moxley rolled through and applied an armbar. Garcia wrestled out of it and forced Moxley to the ropes with a submission. Out of nowhere, Moxley got a cradle for a near fall and hit a German. Garcia returned fire with one of his own and hit a straight piledriver for a near fall.
Moxley fought out of a Sharpshooter attempt and they traded strikes in the ring. Out on the outside, Garcia hopped on Moxley’s back and they fell backward over the timekeeper’s table.
Jericho ran down to the ring to distract Moxley, but Moxley hit the Paradigm Shift and applied the Bulldog Choke for the win as Eddie Kingston ran out to take care of Jericho.
– After the match, Moxley said he wanted Blood and Guts. Jericho vs. Ortiz was announced for AEW Road Rager in two weeks, and Blood and Guts was confirmed for four weeks away on June 29. The show signed off four minutes past the hour.
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Friday News Update
We are looking for reports from Smackdown tonight in Albany, NY. They will be taping both tonight’s show and next Friday night’s show tonight, so we’re looking for next week’s notes and any dark matches to [email protected]
Announced for tonight is Jey Uso vs. Riddle, Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn in a lumberjack match, and a Ronda Rousey-Charlotte Flair contract signing for their I Quit match.
Rampage is tonight at 10 p.m. Eastern on TNT
Adam Cole vs. Tomohiro Ishii in an Owen Hart Cup qualifying match
Lance Archer vs. Serpentico
Eddie Kingston vs. Daniel Garcia – Everyone barred from ringside
Jade Cargill vs. Marina Shafir for the TBS title
Reports were Cole vs. Ishii was tremendous and Kingston vs. Garcia was top notch as well.
Bellator runs tonight and tomorrow night on Showtime. Tonight’s show starts at 10 p.m. Eastern:
Manny Muro (160) vs. Nate Andrews (159.2)
Grant Neal (204.2) vs. Christian Edwards (204.4)
Jornel Lugo (134.8) vs. Danny Sabatello (134.6) in a bantamweight tournament wild card match
Enrique Barzola (139.6) vs. Nikita Mikhailov (139.4) in a bantamweight tournament wild card match
Julianna Velasquez (124.8) vs. Liz Carmouche (125.0) for the Bellator flyweight title
Tonight’s show is their version of a real Tribute to the Troops show in the sense no tickets were sold the public and those at the show are servicemen and Hawaii first responders. Tomorrow night’s show with Cris Cyborg and Ilima-Lei Macfarlane is the one for the public in Hawaii.
Arena Mexico tonight has the final tournament for the Universal title tournament finals. The tournament has eight different division CMLL champions in a one-night tournament. The winner goes to the finals next Friday night, which is the building’s anniversary show. Those in the tournament tonight are Hechicero, Los Gemelos Diablos I & II, Titan, Sagrado, Dragon Rojo Jr., Niebla Roja and Stigma.
New Japan posted the May 4, 2021 match with Will Ospreay vs. Shingo Takagi on its YouTube channel. The match placed second in last year’ s Match of the Year awards behind the Young Bucks cage match with Penta & Fenix.
Combate Global tonight on Paramount + is headlined by Cristian Perez (8-1) vs. Sebastian Santana (8-4-1) starting at 10:30 p.m. Eastern time.
Combate Global announced a 5/29 show with bantamweight champion David Martinez (6-1) defending against tournament winner Frans Mlambo (13-5).
Matt & Jeff Hardy appear on 5/15 in Millersville, MD at the Benfield Sports Center for the MCW promotion for a first-time ever match with Matt Taven & Mike Bennett. The show also features Ken Dixon defending the MCW title against Moses, Nick Aldis and Brian Johnson, Gia Scott vs. Mandy Leon for the women’s title, Mike Bailey vs. Joey Janela vs. Chris Bey and Action Andretti vs. Willie Mack.
Eve tomorrow in London at The Venue in Great Portland Street has Nina Samuels vs. Elimia McKenzie, Emi Sakura vs. Charlie Morgan, Shoko Nakajima vs. Alex Windsor, Session Moth Martina vs. Max the Impaler and Jetta vs. Kasey for the Eve title as the main event.
LFA on 5/6 in Oshkosh, WI at the Oshkosh Arena live on Fight Pass has Daniel Arguesta (7-0) vs. Diego Silva (14-6) for the bantamweight title in the main event.
AAW on 4/29 at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, IL has Mat Fitchett vs. Eric Young for the AAW title, Silas Young vs. Manders in a cage match, Ace Perry & Hammerstone defend the tag titles against Russ Jones & Heather Reckless, Ace Austin defends the Heritage title against Myron Reed, Gnaris Garvin vs. Josh Alexander and Mike Bennett vs. Fred Yehi.
AIW tonight in Cleveland, OH at the Odeon Concert Club has Matt Cardona vs. Josh Prohibition, Minoru Suzuki vs. Isaiah Broner plus Shazza McKenzie, Tom Lawlor, Matt Cross and others. The show streams live on IWTV starting at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time. Eddie Kingston will headline on 5/21 in Akron, OH at the Tadmor Shrine for AIW.
On Inside the NBA this morning, NBA commentator Scot Hastings challenged Charles Barkley to a match, cutting a Hogan-style promo. They showed a WrestleMania II graphic of Hastings as Hogan and Barkley as King Kong Bundy (thanks to Brian Henke)
West Coast Pro Wrestling tomorrow night in Eugene, OR at the MacArthur Court headlined by Davey Richards vs. Rocky Romero.
Les Thatcher and Vic Sosa are back with another edition of Wrestling Weekly.
The guys take a look at how an injury is holding up a potential match for this year’s WWE WrestleMania and discuss some keys to making a match work when someone is at less than 100%.
We’ll also talk about this week’s editions of NXT 2.0 and Dynamite.
Mike Tyson and Ric Flair are teaming up to produce cannabis products utilizing the Nature Boy’s name and trademarks.
Tyson 2.0, the legendary boxer’s cannabis company, announced on Thursday that it has acquired a majority stake in Ric Flair Drip Inc, the 16-time World Champion’s business entity.
The partnership will include Flair-themed cannabis products being sold in legal markets across the United States.
“Thanks to Mike Tyson and Tyson 2.0, I’ve become a true cannabis advocate and enthusiast. I am thrilled to partner with a long time friend and fellow warrior whom I greatly admire and respect,” said Flair in the announcement. “There are a lot of synergies between me and Mike – we’ve both had many ups and downs, but we keep going at life. With Mike’s passion for cannabis, Chad (Bronstein) and Adam’s industry knowledge, I look forward to creating cannabis products that will appeal to my national fanbase. Tyson 2.0 products make me go ‘WOOOOO!’, and soon my fans everywhere can get in the Ric Flair state of mind – limousine riding, jet-flying, feeling good, and ‘WOOOOO!'”
Tyson 2.0 launched last October and is seeking to establish itself as an industry leader in celebrity-themed cannabis. Their products are currently available in dispensaries and retail locations located in Colorado, California, Nevada, Massachusetts, and Michigan. They plan to bring in more celebrity partners as well in the coming months.
Thanks To @MikeTyson And Tyson 2.0, I’ve Become A True Cannabis Advocate And Enthusiast. Tyson 2.0 Products Make Me Go “WOOOOO!”, And Soon My Fans Everywhere Can Get In The Ric Flair State Of Mind – Limousine Riding, Jet-Flying, Feeling Good, And “WOOOOO!” @ChadBronstein@Aloumispic.twitter.com/M8KxapLpuY
WWE tried and failed to reach a deal with Mike Tyson for a SummerSlam role, according to a report.
PWInsider reports that WWE asked Tyson to do voiceover work for the opening video package for Saturday’s SummerSlam event, a video that would be built around Roman Reigns vs. John Cena for the WWE Universal Championship.
The report goes on to say that the reasons for the two sides being unable to come to an agreement is not clear, and it is is unknown who else WWE may contact to voice the video.
Tyson is a member of the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2012, but his most recent pro wrestling cameos have come with AEW. In all, Tyson has made four appearances for AEW since 2020, including presenting the title belt to inaugural TNT Champion Cody Rhodes at Double or Nothing in May 2020.
Tyson’s most prominent wrestling appearances came with the then-WWF during the height of the Monday Night Wars era. He served as a special enforcer for the Steve Austin vs. Shawn Michaels WWF Championship match at WrestleMania XIV, turning on Michaels and endorsing Austin after Austin’s first WWF Championship win.
Mike Tyson was a special enforcer for a Chris Jericho-Dax Harwood match that took place tonight on Dynamite.
Tyson took part in the finish of the match, where members of The Pinnacle and The Inner Circle were brawling. Cash Wheeler took Jericho’s baseball bat and went to attack Jericho but Tyson punched out Wheeler before he could attack. Jericho then escaped from a powerbomb attempt by Harwood and hit the Judas Effect for the win.
After the match, Jericho announced that Tyson was an official auxiliary member of The Inner Circle.
Two segments aired earlier in the show showing both Jericho and MJF talking to Tyson, who emphasized in both segments that he would call the action right down the middle. He went as far as to reject a blank check that MJF had given him.
Tyson re-appeared in AEW last week, assisting Jericho as he was being beaten down by members of The Pinnacle. Jericho explained tonight that he apologized to Tyson for their brawl that took place last year after MJF turned on Jericho.
Mike Tyson is set for another appearance on tonight’s AEW Dynamite.
Tyson will serve as the special ringside enforcer for a match between Chris Jericho of The Inner Circle and Dax Harwood of The Pinnacle.
Cash Wheeler will second Harwood, while Sammy Guevara will second Jericho. All other members of The Inner Circle and The Pinnacle will be banned from ringside.
Two title matches will take place as both the AEW World Tag Team Championships and the TNT Championship will be on the line.
Darby Allin will defend the TNT Championship against Matt Hardy in a falls count anywhere match, while The Young Bucks will defend the Tag titles against Death Triangle’s PAC and Rey Fenix.
Kris Statlander will make her in-ring return after missing ten months with a knee injury. She will take on Amber Nova.
Jade Cargill will face Red Velvet in singles competition in the women’s division.
Christian will address Taz’s invitation to join Team Taz in an interview segment with Tony Schiavone.
Anthony Ogogo will make his in-ring Dynamite debut, with QT Marshall in his corner.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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The show opened with a Young Bucks video package where they talked about why they turned last week. They essentially repeated the Don Callis talking points from previous vignettes about “losing their edge.”
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Mike Tyson was about to talk about how excited he was to be here tonight, but MJF interrupted him, saying the Pinnacle is frustrated with him. He tried to get Tyson to turn on Jericho, saying he’d be on the “right side of history.” MJF then offered Tyson a blank check, but Tyson ripped it up, chewed up the pieces, and spat them at MJF.
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Don Callis joined commentary for this match. The Bucks got new gear (no more tassels).
AEW World Tag Team Championships: The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) (c) defeated Death Triangle (PAC & Rey Fénix)
This was one of the best tag team matches in Dynamite history. The Bucks are revitalized as heels.
PAC and Matt started off. They performed a choreographed chain wrestling sequence to start. Matt instinctively went to the babyface corner to tag his partner, but realized he was about to tag in Fénix. Both recovered and tagged in their partners, so it was Nick and Fénix in the match at this point. They had a great athletic sequence where both had each other’s moves scouted until Nick just downed Fénix with a lariat.
Top tag title contenders, including SCU and Jurassic Express, were shown in the crowd. Fénix landed a springboard headbutt, PAC took out Matt with a Fosbury flop, then Fénix dove headfirst on Nick with his crazy tope suicida. Death Triangle isolated Matt in the ring, taking him out with a nice double team kick exchange.
A leg sweep allowed Matt to tag in Nick, who took out PAC with a soccer kick and then Fénix with a slingshot facebuster. A double dropkick got two as the Bucks beat down Fénix. Fénix sprung off the ropes with a double arm drag, allowing him to reach PAC for the hot tag. PAC hit kicks on Matt followed by a brainbuster for two.
PAC just smashed Matt’s face into the turnbuckles repeatedly. He laid in more kicks, but Nick tripped PAC with the official distracted, allowing the Bucks to regain control. Both of the Bucks hit apron power bombs on their opponents. Back in the ring, Nick hit his rising corner knee strike on PAC, then Matt showboated into a back rake.
After a commercial break, the Bucks continued their beatdown of PAC until PAC sent both Bucks to the floor. He almost reached Fénix for a tag, but Nick pulled Fénix off the apron just in time. Matt continued to mock PAC before doing old babyface spots in a humorous manner. PAC popped up and leveled Matt with a lariat, buying him enough time to tag in Fénix.
Fénix immediately took out Nick with a springboard crossbody before hitting an insane springboard hurricanrana walking the ropes and using both Bucks as leverage. He then hit a double cutter on the Bucks for two. PAC tagged in for another strong double team, concluding with a Blue Thunder bomb for a close two.
Matt was able to tag in but was immediately flattened with a German suplex. PAC set him up for a second, but Fénix walked the ropes to prevent Matt from getting a rope break. Fénix hit an insane tope con giro on Nick as PAC killed Matt with another German for two.
PAC headed to the top rope, but Matt rolled out of the way of the Black Arrow. We then got a parade of superkicks, concluded with Nick landing a destroyer on Fénix. PAC and Matt traded strikes in the center of the ring, then both transitioned to the apron. Their respective partners each killed the other with stereo reverse hurricanranas. Nick sent Fénix to the ringside seating, cutting him off with a superkick upon re-entry, but Fénix popped right up and hit a cutter on the floor.
Back in the ring, PAC and Matt were the legal men. PAC landed a superplex followed by a frog splash from Fénix for a near fall. PAC tagged back in and climbed for the Black Arrow, hitting it. Fénix tried to run interference but Nick was able to break it up just in time. After dropping Fénix, Nick dragged his brother to the corner and tagged himself in, running into a boot from PAC.
PAC tried to hit another German on Nick, but Nick was able to cheap shot him with a low blow. Nick then unmasked Fénix, the legal man, then the Bucks hit stereo superkicks on Fénix to win and retain.
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Hangman Page, flanked by the Dark Order, was interviewed by Alex Marvez about Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks. Page wouldn’t answer the question, instead talking about John Silver’s injured shoulder.
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The Inner Circle and Mike Tyson were interviewed by Alex Marvez about why Jericho and Tyson aren’t enemies anymore. Jericho said he called Tyson to apologize after the Pinnacle turned on him. He’s thankful that Tyson had his back last week, but he doesn’t expect any special favors or treatment tonight. Tyson said he’s firm, but fair, and may the best man win.
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Jade Cargill defeated Red Velvet
Both women looked great here.
Velvet exploded out of the gate with strikes but was immediately leveled with a pump kick from Cargill. Velvet escaped out of a suplex attempt and landed a high kick, sending Cargill to the floor. She followed it up with a nice tope suicida on the outside. Velvet tried to keep up the attack, but Cargill fought back and sent Velvet into the barricade before tossing her into the crowd with a fallaway slam.
Cargill brought her opponent back into the ring the hard way with a delayed brainbuster ahead of the break. Once back, Velvet immediately hit a cyclone kick and avoided a corner spear, sending Cargill into the ring post. Cargill ran into repeated right hands until a leaping lariat from Velvet took her out. Velvet followed it up with a cazadora bulldog and a standing moonsault for two.
Velvet went to the top for a moonsault, but Cargill rolled out of the way and hit Jaded, a wheelbarrow facebuster, for the pin.
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Britt Baker and Rebel were interviewed by Tony Schiavone about the rankings. She pointed out that Red Velvet just lost, so Baker should move up the rankings. Baker’s going to keep winning matches on AEW Dark: Elevation to push her up the rankings on the way to taking Hikaru Shida’s AEW Women’s Championship.
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They showed clips from Cody Rhodes vs. Aaron Solow from the AEW house show last Friday.
Anthony Ogogo (w/ The Factory) defeated Cole Carter
This was Ogogo’s first match in AEW. He was joined by QT Marshall, Aaron Solow, & Nick Comoroto.
Carter tried to outwrestle Ogogo, so Ogogo just killed him with a gut punch, leading to the referee stoppage.
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Miro addressed Kip Sabian, saying he’s disappeared since Arcade Anarchy. He recommended that everyone else in AEW do the same.
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Chris Jericho (w/ Sammy Guevara) defeated Dax Harwood (w/ Cash Wheeler) with special guest enforcer Mike Tyson
Both men worked really hard here and put together a very enjoyable TV match.
If anyone besides Guevara or Wheeler gets involved, they’ll have to answer to Tyson.
They laid in strikes on each other right away, with Jericho hitting a hard right hand that sent Harwood to the floor. Jericho grabbed a chair, but Tyson took it from him (as the enforcer), allowing Harwood to attack. Harwood used the ring as a weapon, but Tyson stopped that as well, and Jericho took control once again.
Harwood regained control upon re-entry to the ring, beating Jericho down in the corner. Jericho fought back, forcing Harwood to regroup on the floor. It was a ruse as Harwood attacked with the microphone, then Harwood returned the favor with an attack with a pen. Jericho grabbed a ringside camera and did his signature middle finger spot.
Back in the ring, Harwood tossed Jericho shoulder-first into the ring post. He and Tyson exchanged words ahead of a commercial break, through which Harwood continued his beatdown of Jericho. Once back, the two exchanged chops before Jericho landed a couple shoulder tackles and a diving axe handle. Jericho then hit a Lionsault for two.
Harwood popped up with a strong elbow, leading to a stiff forearm exchange. Jericho downed Harwood with a lariat for two. Jericho attacked in the corner, but Harwood turned it into a rebound powerbomb for a near fall. Harwood tried to follow it up with a diving headbutt, but Jericho rolled out of the way and locked on the Lion Tamer. Wheeler landed a cheap shot, allowing Harwood to roll up Jericho for two.
Guevara took out Wheeler at ringside. Harwood avoided the Judas Effect and hit a brainbuster for a close near fall. Jericho then popped up with a Codebreaker, leading to the double down. The Pinnacle ran out, but the Inner Circle were pursuing them right behind, leading to a free-for-all brawl. Wheeler was about to attack Jericho with his bat, but Tyson took him out with a punch.
Jericho powered out of a powerbomb attempt and hit the Judas Effect for the pinfall.
– After the match, Jericho officially inducted Tyson into the Inner Circle.
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Kenny Omega, Don Callis, the Young Bucks, and the Good Brothers cut a promo. Callis said we haven’t seen anything yet. This is just the beginning of the story. Omega said they haven’t changed, they’re just themselves now. Matt Jackson put the AEW tag team division on notice, and Callis said to be prepared to be surprised again. The Bucks mimicked giving the camera man a superkick, but then Callis actually did.
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A Thunder Rosa video package aired. She said she’s not just taking over the AEW women’s division, she wants to take over the world. Rosa’s coming after whoever wins between Hikaru Shida and Tay Conti. and she also wants Serena Deeb.
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Kris Statlander (w/ Best Friends) defeated Amber Nova
This was all a showcase for Statlander.
Statlander came out to the Best Friends’ music. She “booped” the official at the start. They locked up and Nova got backed up the ropes, so Statlander just dropped her to the mat. Statlander booped Nova, caught a kick, and landed a stiff forearm. She followed it up with a powerslam.
Nova fired up for a moment but was just press slammed in return. Statlander followed it up with a cartwheel leg drop and a flipping senton. A roundhouse kick and a Big Bang Theory finished it.
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Team Taz were interviewed by Dasha about waiting for a response from Christian Cage. Starks got frustrated of waiting, so Taz told him to stay backstage. Brian Cage said he agreed with Taz, but Taz told him to stay backstage as well. They want to lock up Christian tonight.
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Christian and Shiavone talked in the ring. Christian said he was here to outwork everyone, but Taz (with Hobbs and HOOK) interrupted, frustrated that Christian’s blown them off. Christian said Team Taz is a bit of a dumpster fire. He came to AEW to win championships and said no, insulting Taz along the way.
Taz fired up, calling out the audacity of Christian, until Hobbs walked into the ring and attacked. Hobbs got the advantage at the start, but Christian went for the Killswitch. A distraction from HOOK allowed Hobbs to level Christian and beat him down outside the ring.
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Next week on Dynamite:
AEW Women’s World Championship: Hikaru Shida (c) vs. Tay Conti
Christian Cage vs. Powerhouse Hobbs
Hangman Page vs. Ricky Starks
Penta El Zero Miedo vs. Trent?
After the announcement of Shida vs. Conti, a short video played hyping the match.
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Hardy came out alone for the main event — no Hardy Family Office with him.
TNT Championship: Darby Allin (c) defeated Matt Hardy in a Falls Count Anywhere match
Hardy immediately grabbed a chair and whacked Allin with it on a Coffin Drop attempt. He contiued to use the chair to beat down Allin on the floor. Allin had visible abrasions on his back. Back in the ring, Hardy challenged Allin to fire up before just downing him with a right hand and a neckbreaker for two.
The chair continued to be the focal point of Hardy’s offense. Hardy placed Allin’s head between the seat of the chair for a Twist of Fate, but Allin countered and returned some chair shots. Hardy Family Offices (Butcher, Blade, and Private Party) came out, with Butcher tossing a trash can in Allin’s face. They all beat Allin down until the Dark Order and Sting came out to make the save. Sting got a long sequence where he sent Private Party packing with the baseball bat.
During the commercial break, the two factions continued to brawl as Hardy suplexed Allin into a trash can. Once back, Hardy whipped Allin across the steel steps and crashing into the barricade. Hardy covered on the floor for two. Ethan Page and Scorpio Sky ran out for some reason, but Lance Archer came out to stop them and sent them packing. Archer then hit Blackout on Isiah Kassidy before staring down with Sting.
Sting tossed Allin his bat as they were the only two out there. Hardy surprised Allin with a low blow before setting him up for the chair-assisted Twist of Fate. Hardy hit it on the stage for a close near fall. They brawled to the production area backstage, where Hardy set up a ladder and placed Allin on a table. Hardy climbed the ladder and hit a leg drop through the table for two.
They brawled back to the stage, where Hardy attempted to powerbomb Allin to the floor. Allin escaped and hit a low blow before cornering Hardy and laying in shots with Sting’s bat. Allin used the bat to force Hardy onto the announce table before climbing some scaffolding and landing the Coffin Drop to win and retain.
Mike Tyson appeared on AEW Dynamite tonight, aligning himself with The Inner Circle.
Earlier in the show, Jericho and The Inner Circle came out to issue a Blood and Guts match challenge to The Pinnacle. Later backstage, The Pinnacle retaliated and attacked Jericho as he was cutting a promo. They barricaded the Inner Circle’s locker room door and took Jericho to ringside where they continued their attack. It was at that moment that Tyson came out and helped Jericho, taking down Shawn Spears. The rest of the Inner Circle broke down their door and made it to the ring to clear the ring.
It was later announced that Tyson would appear on next week’s Dynamite as a special enforcer for a match between Chris Jericho and Dax Harwood.
Tyson appeared for the promotion last May, confronting Jericho along with a group of MMA friends that included Rashad Evans, Henry Cejudo, and Vitor Belfort. That show ended in a brawl between members of Tyson’s group and The Inner Circle.
