The latest WWE and AEW News and Results
Hey there happy Wednesday! Tune into Speak Now Pro Wrestling hosted by Denise Salcedo as she reviews the November 9th edition of AEW Dynamite.
Wednesday’s show featured the build towards AEW Full Gear, a heated promo between Saraya and Britt Baker, MJF/Moxley build, and a 2-out-of-3 falls match between Sammy Guevara and Bryan Danielson.
Saraya is cleared, and is facing Britt Baker at Full Gear.
In addition, a TBS title match between Jade Cargill and Nyla Rose has been made, and Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal will team up to take on Darby Allin and Sting.
On Wednesday’s Dynamite, Saraya came out and confirmed that she has been 100% cleared, saying that AEW was her house. Baker and Saraya ended up getting into a war of words, with Baker saying that she didn’t recall Saraya laying one single brick in AEW. Saraya countered back, mentioning how she fought tough battles publicly and has been wrestling for far longer than Baker, who she accused of getting every opportunity handed to her by Tony Khan. Saraya ended the segment by announcing the match for Full Gear.
Over the last several weeks, Nyla Rose has taken hostage of the TBS title, with Jade Cargill and her baddies failing to get the championship back from Rose. In a backstage promo on Wednesday’s show, Cargill promised to handle Rose on this coming Friday’s Rampage.
Jarrett made his debut on last week’s Dynamite, attacking Darby Allin. Jarrett told Allin at the time that he knew Allin’s biggest weakness, and it was Sting.
Here is the updated lineup for Full Gear, which takes place on November 19 in Newark, New Jersey:
AEW Full Gear, Saturday, November 19 on pay-per-view —
This is a very busy episode of Speak Now Pro Wrestling hosted by Denise Salcedo.
There was a lot that occurred on AEW Dynamite which unfortunately included Hangman Adam Page being stretchered out, a great promo exchange between MJF and William Regal, and a lot more.
Plus on the NXT side of things, we had a very entertaining go-home show leading into WWE NXT Halloween Havoc. Tune into the show for a good time!
During an appearance on Talk is Jericho, Saraya confirmed that she did talk to Paul Levesque before signing with AEW and considered returning to WWE.
She said Levesque thought it was her decision to leave as he wasn’t there at the time her deal wasn’t renewed by Vince McMahon and John Laurinaitis.
She was thinking about returning, but questioned if she would be “100% happy going back.” While she doesn’t have issues with WWE, there were “so many years where I could have been utilized more.”
Chris Jericho revealed he was pushing Tony Khan to call her and at the same time, she was getting calls from WWE. He said Moxley thought she was going back to WWE after a talk she had with Renee Paquette and he gave the heads-up to Khan again in addition to calling Saraya himself.
She was questioning if there was Jon interest after not hearing from Khan for a few months, but after talking to Jericho, Moxley, Paquette and Britt Baker, and then Khan, she wanted to give a new home a shot after doing so much in her long tenure with WWE.
“I miss that side of wrestling where you can pitch your own ideas and you can just have fun. I haven’t felt excited about wrestling in a very long time, so the first day of being here, it was awesome. Everyone is so nice. It’s crazy just how different it can feel,” she said.
The former Paige in WWE said her neck is healthy and feels fantastic, but wants to take it slow when it comes to getting physical. As much as she wants to get back in the ring, she wants to be smarter based on what happened in WWE the last time she was in the ring and not be a “bump monkey” anymore.
The two talked about her opening AEW promo which was critiqued afterward. She admitted she was nervous and should have talked to Jericho and Moxley beforehand as the first unscripted promo after years of following WWE’s scripted style can be challenging.
She joked that ring announcer Justin Roberts was mouthing words to try to help her along, but that it wasn’t helping.
She talked about the night she assumed her career was over after re-injuring her neck in WWE — an injury that put her out for five years. She credited McMahon for giving her a retirement promo six months later in New Orleans which is also where she debuted.
She explained that she found out from “Road Dogg” Brian James that they were cutting the WWE GM spot and wasn’t going to be needed for a while. After she did a final promo, she wasn’t used for years despite offering to do media, voiceovers, etc.
She said she didn’t speak up until her Twitch was about to be taken away and had an argument with McMahon’s assistant about it. Six months later, she said Laurinaitis gave her the call about the non-renewal of her deal and while she was thankful for the opportunity, she was frustrated that so much of her time was wasted.
According to a Thursday report from Fightful, Saraya was offered a return to the on-air general manager position by the new WWE creative regime nearly a month after her deal expired in July.
The report also stated the “higher-ups also mentioned to her that if she ever wanted to return to the ring and wrestle, they would make that happen.”
It stated the former Paige got three health checks herself to get clearance to return while WWE didn’t have her checked at all. The Vince McMahon-led regime didn’t have interest in bringing her back and wouldn’t sign off on x-rays to even explore the opportunity.
We have not been able to independently confirm this report and Saraya has yet to comment on it on social media. She made her surprise debut at AEW Dynamite Grand Slam and got physical on Dynamite just over a week ago, indicating some sort of clearance.
Other details from the report include:
“The information we’ve gained is that ultimately the freedom to do outside projects without giving up a cut, and other deal terms led her to signing with AEW,” it read.
Saraya says she never spoke with WWE about wrestling again before she signed with AEW.
The 30-year-old got physical in the ring with Britt Baker on last week’s AEW Dynamite and it was reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that she has been cleared for an in-ring return. WWE medically disqualified her due to neck injuries in 2018 and Saraya noted on a recent Twitch stream that she never spoke with the company about wrestling again after.
“We never had that discussion. I never had that discussion with WWE because they let me go. I’ve been working years to better myself and be healthier and stronger. Me, mentally, I never brought it up because I had this mental block. I want to be as safe as possible. I know what my body can do. Me and WWE never had that discussion about having a match. I never brought it up to them about me potentially wrestling. If I was to talk them about it, I’m sure they would do the research. I wasn’t mentally ready. It still makes me nervous, but I’m way smarter about it. I know what I can and can’t do. I’m not expecting to do six German suplexes off the top. I’m not that wrestler anyway,” Saraya said.
“I’m not looking to bump around like crazy like I did before. I need to make adjustments and be smart about it. I’m very aware of what I can and can’t do,” she continued.
Saraya would also comment on WWE’s involvement in the FIghting With My Family movie.
“I love WWE, I just like the opportunities I’m getting with AEW. The one thing I don’t like is, ‘WWE got you that movie.’ No they didn’t. You know who got me that movie? The Rock. He made that happen. He asked WWE, ‘You can be part of this, but I’m doing this anyway,’ and WWE decided they could make money off of it and put their names on it. The Rock should get all the credit. Without him, there would be no movie. WWE were wonderful, they gave me a lot of opportunities, and I am forever grateful for that. The only downside that made me pick AEW from WWE is I don’t like sitting on my butt and not knowing what I’m doing or if I’m allowed to do certain things. I’m pro-WWE, but I love AEW and I wanted something new and I wanted freedom. That was very important,” Saraya said.
Saraya also revealed that she agreed to terms with AEW about two weeks before making her debut.
“It was like two weeks before because (Chris) Jericho, (Jon) Moxley, and Tony (Khan) were all like, ‘it would be good if you were on Grand Slam in two weeks.’ That’s when it all started. Everything was good, literally until it….I signed literally the day. It was the craziest two weeks.”
So far, Saraya says she’s happy with how the AEW President has taken her ideas into consideration.
“All the ideas I’ve had so far, he’s [Tony Khan] been great and using them. Every week he’s said, ‘I’m not going to be able to take every idea, but I’ll try to make it happen,’ and he has,” she said.
H/T to Fightful for the above transcriptions.
This is a loaded episode of Speak Now Pro Wrestling with Denise Salcedo!
The episode kicks off with an in-depth recap and analysis of the backstage drama between Andrade and Sammy Guevara, then Denise dives into AEW Dynamite coverage. Topics discussed include Wheeler Yuta vs MJF, Wardlow and Brian Cage, the women’s segment, National Scissoring Day celebration, and lots more! This is a fun and engaging show perfect for all fans of AEW!
In the wake of criticism for her debut promo on AEW Dynamite, Saraya took to Twitter Friday to defend her comments and say that she loved her time in WWE, especially the time and opportunities given in her NXT days with Paul “Triple H” Levesque.
During her Wednesday segment, she mentioned how it was so good to have a boss (Tony Khan) that finally listens to her which some took as a shot toward WWE where she spent eleven years in both developmental and the main roster.
She clarified the line on Twitter, initially in a now-deleted tweet:
“I say how my current boss listens to me and all of sudden it’s “So hAtE yOu WwE”. No I don’t. I loved my time there. I appreciate the time and the opportunities I was given. Especially in my NXT days with Triple H. I’m happy now in AEW though. Tribalism in IWC is so bizarre to me”
That was followed by:
Touch grass and get off the internet. Then you won’t have to stalk my account for whenever I post so you can further be miserable.
— SARAYA (@Saraya) September 30, 2022
After she deleted the initial tweet, she posted the following:
You know what fuck it. Think what you want @AEW is my house now 😈 pic.twitter.com/VALjeB7r42
— SARAYA (@Saraya) September 30, 2022
It was expected that she would clarify her purpose for being in AEW on Wednesday, but the admittedly nervous Saraya simply said that she was in the company to start a revolution and that she was going to make a change.
It’s still unknown if she can wrestle or be physical following a serious neck injury she suffered in WWE in 2017. Last Friday, Dave Meltzer reported that she has yet to be cleared, but would like to be.
Since Wednesday, the 30-year-old has tweeted several times about being “rusty,” including the revolution line:
“Here the revolution. There revolution. Revolution…here because I am the revolution bud also here?” my exact words yesterday. Please get it tattooed for memory and good luck https://t.co/duRq2dmX9F
— SARAYA (@Saraya) September 30, 2022
She made her debut at AEW Dynamite Grand Slam just over a week ago and reportedly signed a three-year deal.
Saraya admits she may have been “a little rusty” during her appearance on AEW Dynamite.
After making her debut at Grand Slam, Saraya cut a promo on this week’s show leading to the title match between Toni Storm and Serena Deeb. She posted to social media on Thursday stating that she is proud of the segment for showcasing a “good portion” of the women’s division, even if it wasn’t her best performance.
“On a good note I’m so proud of the women yesterday. Not only did they get more than 5 mins to have a match. It was the first ever lumberjack match. A woman on commentary and a good portion of the roster being showcased. That’s a win (even if I was a little rusty,” Saraya posted to Twitter.
On a good note I’m so proud of the women yesterday. Not only did they get more than 5 mins to have a match. It was the first ever lumberjack match. A woman on commentary and a good portion of the roster being showcased. That’s a win (even if I was a little rusty 😅)
— SARAYA (@Saraya) September 29, 2022
Some of wrestling twitter when anyone makes a hiccup: pic.twitter.com/ZvEmVOHBnV
— SARAYA (@Saraya) September 29, 2022
Saraya has reportedly signed a three-year deal with the company. It is not clear if she has been medically cleared for an in-ring return, however. She retired from WWE in 2018 due to neck injuries.
Hey there, happy Wednesday! Join Denise Salcedo and special guest co-host Phil Lindsey as they recap the September 28th edition of AEW Dynamite on Speak Now Pro Wrestling!
Topics include: Back and forth promos between MJF and Wheeler Yuta, the debuts of Juice Robinson and Bandido, Saraya’s first AEW promo, and more!
Two title matches, plus Saraya’s first AEW promo are set for tonight’s Dynamite.
Toni Storm will defend the interim AEW Women’s World Championship against Serena Deeb on tonight’s show.
Chris Jericho will defend his newly-won ROH World Championship against the debuting Bandido, a former ROH Champion in his own right. Ian Riccaboni will be on commentary for the matchup.
One week after making her surprise debut in the company, Saraya will speak in her first on-camera comments in AEW.
Top contender to the AEW World title MJF will also speak on the show.
AEW World Champion Jon Moxley will face NJPW’s Juice Robinson in a title eliminator match, with Robinson earning a future title shot if he wins.
Tony Khan has also promised that “informative video packages” on Robinson and Bandido will air on the program.
Tonight’s show airs from Philadelphia.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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AEW Dynamite opened with Excalibur welcoming us to the new era of AEW following Grand Slam, as he’s joined at commentary by Tony Schiavone & Taz. Judas hits and it’s time for the Jericho Ocho Celebration.
The Jericho Appreciation Society, minus Jake Hager, came to the ring in matching purple outfits, as the ring is set up with flowers, balloons, gifts and Luigi Primo, who is tossing pizza behind them all. Angelo Parker called Philadelphia losers, but tonight, they will give them something to celebrate, The Ocho. Daddy Magic said he put the call in for Luigi Primo, who got a big reaction, until he said his pizza was for New York. Anna Jay said the fans don’t get pizza, but they get the greatest ROH Champion of all time in Chris Jericho.
Jericho calls himself the most honorable man and the most watched champion in ROH history. He calls this era the Ring of Jericho and said tonight, Bandido will get the rematch for the ROH title he was never granted. Jericho put over Daniel Garcia and gave him a purple bucket hat. Garcia threw the hat down, dropped Luigi Primo and told Jericho he has had enough. Jericho stopped him before he could leave the J.A.S. by telling him if he makes the wrong decision, they’ll have no choice but to take him out. Jericho asks if Garcia is a sports entertainer or pro wrestler?
Before Garcia could answer, Bryan Danielson came out with Lord William Regal. Danielson said he respects Garcia’s decision to either stay with J.A.S. or Blackpool Combat Club. Jericho said Garcia belongs to him, which led to Garcia getting in his face. Garcia asked would throwing pizza on the ground be sports entertaining? Would tossing Luigi Primo around like pizza be entertaining? Would teaming with Bryan Danielson be entertaining? Garcia asked if teaming with Danielson against Sammy Guevara & Jericho be entertaining?
Matt Menard got in the face of Danielson & Garcia and said he should drop them right now. Danielson said good news, he is allowed to wrestle right now, so challenges Daddy Magic. This was a really fun opening 15 minute segment and continuation of this storyline.
Bryan Danielson defeated Matt Menard w/Angelo Parker
Lord William Regal on commentary called Excalibur a rice krispie treat and could snap, crackle and pop him any time. The ongoing trend of Regal making Taz uncomfortable with lines to the Man with the Mask is hilarious. Danielson controlled the action early, until Menard took over on the outside. Menard controlled Danielson the entire commercial break as a short arm clothesline got him a two count.
Danielson did a moonsault out of the corner and hit multiple charging knees in the corner. Kicks to the chest until Parker pulled his partner outside to save him from the home run kick. This led to Parker distraction Danielson enough on the floor and Menard crotched Danielson on the post and Parker hit a DDT. Back inside, Danielson kicked out at two and Claudio Castagnoli hit the ring to take out Parker, carrying him over his head to the back. Danielson ducked a lariat, hit the busaiku knee and got the LaBell Lock for the submission.
-We got a brief video package from the Control Center highlighting Jon Moxley vs. Juice Robinson tonight. Robinson is one of the very few who have beaten Moxley this year and if he does again tonight, will earn an AEW World Title shot next week in the process.
**********
A recap video of MJF & Wheeler Yuta was shown from last week. We were supposed to hear from MJF, but Wheeler Yuta stormed the ring. Yuta didn’t have a problem with what he & his lackey did last week, but throwing down Tony Schiavone crosses the line. Yuta said MJF hides behind factions and the microphone, but can’t hang with Yuta. Yuta said all the insults about himself before MJF could until finally MJF made his entrance wearing a Mets jersey.
MJF said Yuta is from Philly, the place you live if you can’t afford to live in New York. MJF asked how Schiavone was doing and called him a fat old prick. MJF put over Yuta briefly, until he said he had to spank Yuta on the microphone last week. MJF used a Phillies insult that Yuta already made himself. Yuta cut him off and said if MJF doesn’t want to fight in the ring, he’ll leave him in a pool of blood on Broad Street.
Yuta went after MJF, but Austin & Colten Gunn came out, wearing dress shoes and no socks, bold choice. MJF said Yuta can wrestle him next week in the dump of Washington. MJF said the fans didn’t deserve to hear his catchphrase, so had Austin Gunn say it. Yuta held his own on the mic and had the crowd behind him; they built this match next week pretty well.
**********
-A quick video promoting Darby Allin vs. Jay Lethal next week on Dymanite was shown.
AEW World Champion Jon Moxley defeated Juice Robinson
Lord Regal is back on commentary for this contest as Robinson attacked Moxley outside prior to the bell. Robinson took too long posing and Moxley clotheslined him to the floor to officially start the match. MJF is shown in the luxury suite with his poker chip watching, as Moxley sent Robinson over the ring attendant table. Forearm battle in the ring led to a few Robinson jabs, Moxley quickly cut him off, but Robinson bit the face.
Robinson took too long again, this time trying a corner cannonball, but Moxley wiped him out. They spilled outside, where Robinson finally hit the cannonball against the railing. Robinson sent Moxley over the same ring table, only this time, Moxley came up bleeding. Robinson controlled Moxley the whole break, as Moxley struggled even getting in the ring. Moxley was set up on a chair, but Robinson missed a cannonball off the apron through the chair.
Moxley hit a tope before heading back in the ring. Both men collided with lariats until Moxley dropped Robinson with a cutter for two. An ankle lock into a STF led to a Robinson rope break until Juice got a thumb in the eye in the corner and hit a powerbomb for two. Moxley nearly got Death Rider, but Robinson countered into Pulp Friction for another near fall. Robinson tried a reverse airplane spin, but Moxley wiggled out, hit a running knee and cross arm breaker for the submission. This was a strong showing from Robinson in defeat, as he controlled a lot of this match.
Post match, Hangman Page power walked to the ring and had a stare down with Moxley before their AEW World title match in a few weeks. MJF interrupted from the suite and said they’re fighting to lose, as whoever is champ will lose to the generational talent. Wheeler Yuta appeared behind MJF in the suite and beat him up as they spilled into the crowd with security separating them.
-Excalibur threw it to a Bandido video package, which briefly highlighted his time as champion in ROH. I wish more would’ve been in this package, as this is the first time some fans could be seeing what Bandido is capable of.
**********
Video of Saraya’s surprise debut was shown from last week as she made her way to the ring to a loud ovation. She said she’s damaged, not broken, will create change in the women’s division as she is the revolution. Saraya said AEW is officially her house and wants all the ladies to come out, as Toni Storm, Athena, Madison Rayne, Skye Blue & Willow Nightingale came to the ring.
Saraya said Toni Storm is finally being utilized to her full potential and the best AEW Women’s champ they’ve had. That sort of got a mixed reaction, as Britt Baker interrupted with Rebel, Jamie Hayter & Penelope Ford. Baker called Saraya nothing but a catchphrase and then promptly did her D.M.D. catchphrase. Baker said she’s put her neck on the line for AEW and unlike Saraya’s, hers is strong enough to handle it.
Baker made fun of Saraya’s name, but Saraya said Baker’s name rhymes with a word bleeped out, which popped Taz, who hilariously wasn’t expecting that one. While Baker was cutting her promo, the crowd chanted for Jamie Hayter, who Baker said will get her shot at Toni Storm after Serena Deeb. Deeb made her entrance, Baker told everyone to clear the ring, but Saraya cut her off and said she talked to Tony Khan backstage and this will now be a Lumberjack Match. Not sure how Saraya has the authority for that, but she went to join commentary.
Toni Storm defeated Serena Deeb to defend the AEW Interim Women’s Title
An early shoulder tackle from Storm sent Deeb to the Storm lumberjacks, but quickly was sent back inside. Both ladies traded chops in the corner until Deeb spun out of a back superplex attempt for a two count. Storm was sent out to her side of the lumberjacks as they put the boots to Storm. Deeb kept Storm controlled most of the commercial break.
Storm was able to catch a few pin attempts until Deeb rolled to the floor to catch a breather, but Athena wouldn’t let her. Back inside, Storm missed Sweet Cheek Music, as Deeb got a roll up for two. Storm blocked a dragon screw into a roll up, but Deeb countered into a sit down neck crank. Storm countered into a roll up of her own, as Jamie Hayter tripped up Storm and pulled her outside. Skye Blue was knocked down by Hayter, who was chased off by Willow.
Deeb sank in the Serenity Lock, but Storm got a rope break. The challenger went for Deebtox, but Storm got a back drop. Deeb rolled through a top rope cross body and got a single leg crab. Deeb was sent to the corner, where Storm hit Sweet Cheek Music and Storm Zero for the close two. Deeb got a dragon screw out of the corner, went to the top, but Storm cut her off with a crazy super piledriver off the second rope for the victory.
-Backstage, Tony Schiavone interviewed The Acclaimed and Billy Gunn, who said next week on Dynamite is National Scissoring Day. Bowens said on Rampage this week they have an Open Challenge for their titles. Keith Lee interrupted and said Billy Gunn was the reason they won the titles. Gunn told Lee to tell Swerve he had two words for him, Scissor Me.
**********
-Butcher & Blade were having an argument backstage with Private Party with Andrade & Jose trying to calm them down. Jose said Andrade is in charge, if they don’t like it, shape up or ship out. Matt Hardy interrupted Private Party and said he’d be there for them if they wanted to join forces once again.
Ricky Starks defeated Eli Isom
Isom got a quick splash in the corner, but Starks responded with a misdirect Spear and Roshambo for the lightning quick win.
-Excalibur ran down the cards for next week.
AEW Rampage 9/30/22
John Silver vs. Rush
The Acclaimed defend the AEW Tag Team Titles against Butcher & The Blade and Private Party
Willow Nightingale vs. Jamie Hayter
HOOK will appear
Lee Moriarty vs. Fuego Del Sol
AEW Dynamite Anniversary Show 10/5/22
MJF vs. Wheeler Yuta
National Scissoring Day with The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn
Luchasaurus in action
Darby Allin vs. Jay Lethal
Bryan Danielson & ROH Pure Champion Daniel Garcia vs. ROH World Champion Chris Jericho & Sammy Guevara
Chris Jericho defeated Bandido to retain the ROH World Title
Bobby Cruise does ring introductions, as Ian Riccaboni joined commentary. Jericho opted to flip off Bandido instead of the Code of Honor. After some early strikes, Bandido used his speed to take Jericho outside with a tope and over the top twisting cross body. Back inside, Bandido hit a huge spinning reverse cross body off the top, as Jericho frustratingly regrouped.
Jericho gained control off a brawl on the floor, but Bandido answered with a gorilla press over his head for two, which is something I wish would’ve been seen instead of during picture in picture. British Royal Navy members are shown in the crowd and welcomed by Excalibur. Bandido did a stalling vertical suplex nearly a full minute that got the crowd on their feet. Bandido did an Eddie Guerrero shimmy and hit a huge Frog Splash for two.
Jericho hit a flapjack to regain control, followed by multiple corner clotheslines. Bandido got a front suplex on Jericho out of the corner, but dove right into a Code Breaker for two. Both men went to the apron, had a brief strike exchange until Bandido hit a hurricanrana off the apron to the floor. A long strike battle from their knees to their feet finally led to Bandido crumbling momentarily, until he countered Jericho’s springboard corner dropkick into a springing sunset flip for two.
Bandido missed a dropkick, as Jericho hit a Lionsault for a near fall. Bandido floated over a lariat attempt into a snap crucifix bomb for a close two of his own. Jericho countered X-Knee into the Walls of Jericho. Bandido got the ropes, rolled to the apron, but Jericho suplexed him back inside. Bandido cut off Jericho on the top rope and hit the Revolution Fly for an incredibly close two. Bandido hit X-Knee flush and hit the 21-Plex for an even closer two count.
Jericho got an eye poke, pulled Bandido’s mask over his face, but Bandido countered the Walls of Jericho with a small package for two. Jericho pulled out the legs and got the Walls of Jericho the second attempt and finally got the submission in an excellent main event.
Bobby Cruise was brought in the ring and Jericho said the Ring of Jericho has begun. Jericho said he desecrate the legacy of ROH, challenges Bryan Danielson for the October 12 show in Toronto and will beat every former ROH champion, commentator, referee and ring announcer. Jericho punched Bobby Cruise and gave him the Judas Effect to end the show.
Final Thoughts
This was a fun follow up episode of Dynamite coming off of Grand Slam. Bookmarked by strong performances both on the mic and in the ring from Chris Jericho, who is hell bent on bringing down the legacy of ROH. It was an excellent main event and I look forward to seeing what Jericho continues to do as ROH champion. Storm vs. Deeb was a strong women’s title match, but I didn’t think the lumberjack stipulation added much of anything to the match itself. For people questioning whether Juice Robinson or Bandido belonged on tonight’s show against Moxley & Jericho, I think they more than proved they did. Bandido especially, hopefully they sign him to a deal soon.
Saraya has reportedly signed a long-term contract with AEW.
According to a report from Fightful Select, AEW sources have indicated that the former Paige signed a three-year deal with the company. It is not clear if that includes option years, however, which are commonplace in AEW contracts. It was also suggested that the amount of money she is set to earn “largely implies that she’ll be wrestling in some capacity.”
Our own Dave Meltzer wrote in the September 26 edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Saraya hadn’t been cleared to wrestle as of recently but was hoping to be.
“We were told that she had not been cleared as of very recently, which would explain not touching anyone, but would like to be cleared,” Meltzer wrote.
Whether or not Saraya has been recently cleared for an in-ring return is not known at this time. She officially retired from WWE in 2018 due to neck injuries.
Saraya is advertised to appear on Wednesday’s edition of AEW Dynamite from The Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA.
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AEW Grand Slam report, the business, the future angles coming out of the show, ideas for the show for next year, angles, Saraya, Great Muta, business notes, highest TV gates in U.S history including inflation adjusted and warning signs.
Behind the Roman Reigns vs. Logan Paul idea and why it’s reasons for happening are very different than a traditional PPV main event
CMLL’s 89th anniversary show. A report on the major show this year with the hottest crowd and some of the best action and booking.
Updates on Extreme Rules
The U.S. team wins the men’s world team championship and places second with women, how the team members did and an 18-year old capturing a world championship
Jose Aldo, the featherweight great, his career and how he helped get featherweights into the UFC
WWE & AEW business over the past two months. What categories are up and down and by how much. Also comparisons to May & June numbers and the most unique note about attendance increases and decrease
Complete coverage of last week’s UFC show
Kento Miyahara, All Japan returns to Budokan Hall for its 50th anniversary, and first time since 2004
Dangerous Gate 2002 from Dragon Gate
TV ratings including how each segment on the major shows did
Former WWE wrestler talks about going to CMLL and wants to be in next year’s Anniversary main event
Legend from TV boom returns to Arena Mexico
Notes on next week’s CMLL Night of Champions fan voting show
Stardom Five Star Grand Prix update
Last match of the Great Muta
Fantastica Mania may be back
Former WWE announcers television show canceled
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Former WWE star open movie company
Kurt Angle talks about a return after double knee replacement but notes it probably won’t happen
MLW TV taping news
Things is another promotion affect world title
Next questions about WBD long-term
MJF talks his return and future AEW Revolution 2023
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The second biggest PPV match of all-time may be rematched in 2023
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Bryan and I will be back tonight talking the weekend news. We have a show with me and Garrett up on the site right now talking a lot of different subjects from AEW Revolution in the Bay Area, the WWE & AEW trends from the newsletter and business, Hall of Fame and much more.
Regarding Buddy Matthews, AEW has made no comment on the situation. It appears to be a situation similar to Malakai Black but there is nothing on his getting a release at this point. He did an independent show for Fight Life Pro last night and said basically the same thing Black said, that he is going away for a while, needs to recalibrate and it’s not good bye, it’s see you later. In this case, there is no confirmation of a release although just about everyone figures he’s got a long-term deal, wants to go back to WWE and has to work something out to do so. We were also told Tony Khan is not hot on releasing people to go to WWE so we’ll have to see how this plays out. But there is a feeling he and Black are done in AEW, and for certain, both are gone for now, meaning Brody King is likely a single with Julia Hart.
Saraya will be making a statement on Wednesday which would likely talk about her AEW direction. If she will wrestle or not would depend on Dr. Michael Sampson and his ruling about what she can and can’t do physically.
We don’t usually talk about fast nationals only because for Smackdown, the real number comes out tomorrow anyway and the demo number is still the most important. But fast nationals were huge for Smackdown at 2.38 million viewers. As a general rule, the final number is well above the fast national number for the show, meaning it could reasonably top 2.5 million and could be the most watched episode of the show this year. The only thing that would have taken the show out of “normal” range is the White Rabbit teases, so as far as ratings for Friday, the social angle it a huge success. They teased more for Edmonton tomorrow for Raw so we’ll see if that holds up. We did generally get people disappointed with nothing stronger on Friday but that doesn’t mean people will give up on the angle after one show either.
As noted earlier today, Drew McIntyre missed last night’s WWE show in Stockton, CA and will be off today’s show in Fresno, CA due to food poisoning. He got very sick, but did do television as scheduled, was hooked up to an IV and avoided eating on Friday and flew right home that night after Salt Lake City. His condition is said to have improved today to a degree, as it was said to be a really nasty case of food poisoning but he didn’t opt to go to the hospital. The hope is that he’ll be able to do his scheduled media stuff this week in San Antonio for Royal Rumble and be back for TV and the house shows this coming weekend. He wasn’t booked for Raw in Edmonton tomorrow. Braun Strowman replaced him last night and is scheduled for Fresno today as well.
Veer Mahaan has been sent down to NXT and has reformed the team Indu Sher with Sanga.
We’re looking for reports from last night’s WWE show in Stockton and today’s show on Fresno, as well as the NXT shows in Fort Pierce, FL and Citrus Springs, FL to [email protected] We’re looking for results, finishes and highlights.
We’re also looking for your thoughts on today’s NJPW show in Kobe, thumbs up, down or middle, best and worst match to [email protected]
A.J. Styles vs. Sami Zayn has been added to tomorrow’s Raw show that also includes Bianca Belair vs. Iyo Sky, Rey Mysterio vs Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens & Johnny Gargano vs. Chad Gable & Otis and Matt Riddle vs. Damian Priest. There is also scheduled to be another White Rabbit clue.
Longtime ROH booker Hunter Johnston worked backstage a producers at the Impact shows over the weekend. Bobby Fish started as well but has not signed a deal there, but will be working future shows. Delirious wrestled at the tapings.
The WWE content that was to be pulled from Hulu yesterday is still up. It is now scheduled to be pulled tomorrow. Usually when these things happen it is part of contract negotiations and it means discussions for WWE to stay with Hulu must be still ongoing.
On the Google trends this week, nothing related to wrestling or MMA made the list, nor boxing as of yesterday. UFC didn’t have a show yesterday. Floyd Mayweather was in the top 20 earlier today but has fallen out of it. Mayweather beat Japanese MMA fighter Mikuru Asakura under boxing rules on today’s Rizin show at the Saitama Super Arena via second round knockout.
On today’s NOAH show in Nagoya, Kaito Kiyomiya won the GHC title from Kenou and Satoshi Kojima & Takashi Sugiura won the tag team titles from Timothy Thacher & Hideki Suzuki.
I haven’t seen this match yet, but have gotten a number of people telling me to make sure to watch the Konosuke Takeshita challenge to Kazusada Higuchi for the KO-D title on today’s DDT show. Takeshita was cut open, it was wrestled at what was said to be an incredible pace and the crowd being allowed to cheer and boo helped out as well. Takeshita had vowed to win and take the KO-D title with him to the U.S., but that didn’t happen.
WWE in Vancouver last night:
UFC
Chris Curtis vs. Joaquin Buckley has been added to the 12/10 PPV show in Las Vegas
Other Notes
Stardom in Showcase PPV from earlier today:
Bob Backlund’s autobiography, which is a very good book if you’ve never read it, will be released as a paperback edition on Tuesday.
A story on Crowbar Devon Storm being back in the ring more often (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)
GOUGE from yesterday in Raleigh, NC:
Naomichi Marufuji and Katsuhiko Nakajima from NOAH will be wrestling on 11/12 in Elmhurst, NY at the Queensborough Elks Lodge for New Evolution Wrestling.
PWA from Coogee Bay in Sydney, Australia:
PWA & Melbourne City Wrestling have a Colosseum tournament on 10/7 an 1/8 in Thornbury, Victoria with Eagles, Charli Evans, Adam Brooks, Caveman Ugg, Jessica Troy, AJ Istria and Tommy Knight.
Shingo Takagi will be wrestling for Pro Wrestling Australia on 10/21. (thanks to Paul Robinson)
Donnie B has a show on 12/3 in Toms River NJ with a fan fest from 4-7 p.m. and an 8 p.m. show. It’s a benefit show for the 200 Club of Ocean County,NJ. Announced as appearing at the fan fest are Sting, Jerry Lawler, Sgt Slaughter, Tommy Dreamer, Nova, Frankie Kazarian, Brian Myers, Matt Cardona, Pat Buck, Aron Stevens, Rik Ratchet, Anthony Greene, Francine, Eddie Edwards, Davey Richards, SATs and Frankie Edgar.
Pro Wrestling NOAH will be holding trouts on 11/17 in San Jose, CA at the Pro Wrestling Revolution Academy. Naomichi Marufuji and Katsuhiko Nakajima will be scouting talent and they are looking for talent to tour Japan with the group.
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back with tons to talk about including AEW Dynamite ratings, the potential return of Bray Wyatt tonight, Rampage at two hours, Chris Jericho’s weight loss after his health issues, Young Bucks and Omega and CM Punk and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
The main question coming out of Saraya’s AEW debut on Wednesday’s Dynamite Grand Slam was whether or not she could still wrestle following her neck injuries in 2016 and 2017.
According to Dave Meltzer in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, she is still not cleared to do so, but would like to be.
The former Paige in WWE debuted Wednesday by running in and backing up Athena & AEW Women’s Champion Toni Storm after they were beat down by Britt Baker, Jamie Hayter and Serena Deeb. She didn’t get physical in any form.
“We were told that she had not been cleared as of very recently, which would explain not touching anyone, but would like to be cleared,” Meltzer wrote, noting that she is refereeing for her family’s WAW promotion in a few weeks.
It’s unknown her non-clearance by was her own doctors or AEW’s.
The 30-year-old suffered a major neck injury in June 2016 while in WWE that required surgery. She was cleared over a year later, returning in December 2017. However, she took a kick from Sasha Banks less than two weeks later on a house show which re-injured her neck.
The WWE medical team then refused to clear her, keeping her under contract and using her in various roles until her deal expired this past July. At that point, AEW contacted her and talks began. It’s unknown when the deal between the two sides was finalized.
