The AEW producer wrote on X that he underwent a reverse total shoulder replacement last week.
“After dealing with a myriad of shoulder issues for the better part of the last 2 decades, I started my journey to get fixed,” he wrote. “Last wk, I underwent surgery, receiving a reverse total shoulder replacement. Been extremely taxing mentally/physically, but I’m so excited for my future!”
After dealing with a myriad of shoulder issues for the better part of the last 2 decades, I started my journey to get fixed. Last wk, I underwent surgery, receiving a reverse total shoulder replacement. Been extremely taxing mentally/physically, but I’m so excited for my future!
Dutt, 42, currently works as a producer for AEW and also manages a group consisting of Jeff Jarrett, Satnam Singh, and Jay Lethal. His last match was in February of 2023, where he, Lethal, Jarrett, and Singh lost to Billy Gunn, Orange Cassidy, and The Acclaimed. He has mainly worked behind the scenes since the end of 2017.
He is also known for his run in TNA as a former X Division Champion. In 2019, he left TNA to become a producer for WWE, where he stayed until 2021 when he left to join AEW.
Sonjay Dutt was backstage at tonight’s AEW Dynamite event, working as a producer.
Dave Meltzer has confirmed a PWInside report this afternoon that Dutt was backstage at tonight’s Dynamite tapings. He is believed to have signed full-time with the company.
Dutt previously was a trainer at the WWE Performance Center, as well as a producer. It was reported earlier this week that he left the company several weeks ago, choosing to leave on his own. He had been with the WWE since 2019.
Dutt spent a majority of his career as a part of Impact Wrestling, first appearing for the company in 2003. It wasn’t until 2017, however, that he won his first championship in the company, defeating Low Ki to win the X-Division title. After he lost the championship to Trevor Lee (Cameron Grimes), he underwent surgery to fix a torn right achilles heel, and has not wrestled since the surgery. After spending a brief amount of time as an announcer for Impact, he left the company in 2019 and joined the WWE as a producer.
It appears that WWE has officially taken the first steps towards Ronda Rousey, Becky Lynch, and Charlotte Flair all being involved in the main event of WrestleMania 35.
An angle where Vince McMahon suspended Lynch for 60 days and announced that Charlotte would be taking her place at WrestleMania closed last Monday’s episode of Raw. Charlotte aligned with Vince and fully turned heel, with Vince calling her someone with charisma, someone with charm, and someone who knows their lane and stays in it.
The show didn’t sell out, even in one of WWE’s best markets. The show had more good than bad, with the highlight being the main event, the men’s Chamber match where Daniel Bryan retained and the crowd got so strong behind Kofi Kingston in the Mustafa Ali slot that Vince McMahon changed plans for Fast Lane to put Bryan vs. Kingston on top.
The show was the brainchild of Motoko Baba, to run a big Baba celebration show in 2019, 20 years after his early 1999 death. With her passing away last year, it was her nieces and nephews who put the show together.
All but one count of Mark Hunt’s lawsuit against the UFC, Dana White and Brock Lesnar on the grounds they conspired against him to allow a juiced up Lesnar to fight him at UFC 200 was thrown out of court.
The 2020 Royal Rumble will take place on 1/26 at Minute Maid Park in Houston. Most likely that would also mean Takeover on 1/25 at the Toyota Center, Raw on 1/27 and Smackdown on 1/28.
FOX this weekend started advertising 10/4 as the debut of the new Friday Night Smackdown show.
“Fighting with My Family,” the Dwayne Johnson Seven Bucks Entertainment movie about Growing Up as Paige, which has its big national release on 2/22, has gotten great word-of-mouth so far.
Chris Jericho noted that while he and Gedo are on the same page, that New Japan management hasn’t talked with him about a new deal.
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THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE
by Joseph Currier and Bryan Rose
WWE
WWE uploaded a video that has interviews with new behind-the-scenes employees Jeff Jarrett, Chris Parks (Abyss), Sonjay Dutt, Shawn Daivari, and Shane Helms.
Triple H responded to the announcement that Roman Reigns will appear on Monday’s Raw to address the status of his battle with leukemia: “No one fights harder and is tougher than @WWERomanReigns. Can’t wait to see him back in his yard this Monday on #Raw and hear how his battle is going.”
Xavier Woods tweeted about New Day’s goal of Kofi Kingston becoming WWE Champion: “If you’re late to the party, #NewDay has been repping that @TrueKofi will become the WWE world champion since our inception. It will soon become a reality. There is no bandwagon. There is no alternate truth. We are here for him and always will be. #KofiVsBryan”
Pep Hamilton was officially introduced as the head coach/general manager of the XFL’s Washington DC team today. Hamilton was formerly the offensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts and Stanford University.
This week’s WWE Network Hidden Gems additions were:
Sputnik Monroe vs. Jack Pesek (Championship Wrestling from Florida, 1966)
Bobo Brazil & Dick the Bruiser vs. The Sheik & Bobby Heenan (AWA, 1974)
Rocky Johnson & Pedro Morales vs. Ivan Koloff & Mr. Saito (Championship Wrestling from Florida, 1978)
Junkyard Dog vs. Buzz Sawyer (Houston Wrestling, 1983)
Billy Gunn appeared on Busted Open Radio to discuss D-Generation X being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Gunn said he thinks Chyna going into the Hall of Fame is the most exciting thing about it.
Pro Wrestling
The ROH World Championship will be defended in Israel for the first time when Jay Lethal faces David Starr at Israeli Pro Wrestling Association’s Passover Bash on April 21. ROH noted that if Lethal loses the title before the match, the new ROH Champion will take his place.
At his retirement press conference today, Georges St-Pierre spoke about why a fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov didn’t happen: “My agent was talking to the UFC, we tried to organize the fight with Khabib. I know Khabib wants it and I want it, but the UFC had other plans. To the point where I am in my career, for me it’s more at this time taking one fight at a time instead of being there for several fights. The way the business works in UFC, if they promote someone they want to keep him there to have a guarantee that the guy is there. It’s like an investment.”
Nurmagomedov wrote on Instagram: “Now look at this video and you’ll understand why I wanted to fight with him, simply he’s one of the best оf all times. I just wanted to share cage with him while he’s active, that’s the history and people be watching it again and again, I want to fight with the best. Anyway, good luck to you Legend @georgesstpierre time is merciless, and your decision is right.”
ESPN2 will be airing three GSP fights starting tomorrow morning at 2:30 eastern. First will be the fight against Johny Hendricks, then the second fight against Matt Hughes followed by his fight against Carlos Condit.
With a message on their marquee, Madison Square Garden thanked GSP and congratulated him on his career.
Scott Coker also wished GSP the best in his retirement.
GSP was honored at tonight’s Canadiens/Flyers game.
Amanda Nunes doesn’t feel she will be ready to fight by May for UFC 237. Her goal is to fight in November or December against Holly Holm, then rematch against Cyborg next year before retiring.
ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong posted a picture with himself and Vitor Belfort, saying that he will be at ringside tomorrow as his guest, and to “stay tuned for some big news!”
The ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix tournament brackets have been revealed.
Ed in San Antonio presents the WRESTLEMANIAWeekend Events (more to be added):
Sunday, April 6th, at 12:00 pm: Lunch (all you can eat) at Churrascaria Plataforma ($90 per person), located at 316 W. 49th street in Manhattan. Purchase tickets here~!
Luxury Bus to MetLife Stadium for Wrestlemania: We will depart from the Hilton Midtown (site of Wrestlecon) located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas. Departure time is 4:00 pm and will return from MetLife approximately 30 mins after the event. Times are subject to change, and cost $67.00 per person for the round trip. Purchase tickets here~!
Ed Nordholm, President of Impact Wrestling, released a statement to Wrestling Inc. confirming that Abyss and Sonjay Dutt, who are currently working as producers and occasional talent have been released, with Konnan and Tommy Dreamer being added to Impact’s creative team in their place.
“We reached an amicable agreement with Sonjay and Abyss to allow them to pursue this opportunity,” the statement says. “They have been tremendous contributors to IMPACT Wrestling and we wish them every success. We are thrilled that Konnan and Tommy Dreamer have agreed to bring their 50+ years of experience to our core creative team.”
“Dutt was under contract through September but he had the chance to go to WWE as they are looking to expand backstage people for NXT. Dutt, Jimmy Long (who WWE already hired) and Park were three of Jeremy Borash’s best friends when he was in Impact and that probably ties that all in,” he wrote.
Abyss has been with the company since 2002, appearing on the very first NWA-TNA show under the name Justice. He was inducted into Impact’s Hall of Fame last year during Bound for Glory weekend.
Dutt has also been associated with the company for years, first starting in 2003. He most recently returned in 2017 when Jeff Jarrett regained power, joining the promotion as a producer.
In a new edition of Best of Wrestling Observer Live, catch up on some of the interviews you missed last week in the most-widely heard wrestling show of its kind in the entire universe and galaxy.
On this edition of the show:
– Eddie Edwards discusses his eye injury suffered at the hands of Sami Callihan and his baseball bat of doom. He talks about the fan reaction, his recovery, and what’s next.
– Dave Meltzer then does his weekly spot, talking about the latest Observer and news of the week.
– We then go to Sonjay Dutt who gives us an update on the recovery from his Achilles injury, the Edwards injury, and some of the recent changes in Impact Wrestling.
– From there, it’s a talk about the world of lucha libre with our own “Dr. Lucha” Steve Sims who gives his thoughts on Alberto del Rio, Rey Mysterio, and more.
– We wrap up with MJF of MLW fame in an interview that shouldn’t be missed.
Previously: Low Ki was revealed as the newest member of LAX.
Tonight: Alberto El Patron, Matt Sydal & Sonjay Dutt take on Bobby Lashley, Trevor Lee & Low Ki in a six-man tag team main event.
Show Recap —
– In the back, LAX and VOW were already brawling as Impact went on the air. The two teams will compete later tonight.
– In the Impact Zone, Sienna sat in the middle of the ring. She demanded to know who her opponent is for Destination X next week. Karen Jarrett came out and introduced Gail Kim, with Kim promising to leave Destination X with the belt. They ended up brawling and it took several referees to break them up.
– Backstage, Joseph Park tried to pump up Grado for their match later.
El Hijo De Fantasma & Naomichi Marufuji defeated Laredo Kid & Garza Jr.
Laredo Kid took out Marufuji with a crossbody to the floor, but Fantasma scored a close near fall with a frog splash. Fantasma and Laredo Kid knocked each other with a kick to the head. Marufuji hit the Slice Bread #2 on Garza Jr. to score the win.
– A new stable known as OVE (Ohio vs. Everything) debuts next week.
Kongo Kong defeated Joseph Park & Grado
Park and Grado were both terrified of Kong, but they worked together to gain the brief advantage. Kong chokeslammed Grado and hit a cannonball in the corner on Park for the win.
After the match, Kong attempted to splash Grado and Park from the top until Laurel Van Ness stopped him. Kong picked up Van Ness when Tyrus interrupted. Tyrus and Kong had a staredown until Van Ness dragged Kong away.
– McKenzie Mitchell interviewed Trevor Lee, Low Ki, and Bobby Lashley in the back. Lashley pointed out that they’re not friends and said to stay out of his way.
– A video of Jeff Jarrett at the American Top Team gym aired. Jarrett gave his opinion on Dan Lambert wanting Bobby Lashley to give up wrestling and focus on MMA.
Down and Dirty with Dutch Mantell
Earlier today, Mantell interviewed Matt Sydal and Bobby Lashley face to face. Lashley was upset about X Division guys trying to step up to heavyweight, which led to a brief altercation.
– Last week, cameras caught Karen Jarrett and Bruce Prichard arguing. Prichard will make an announcement that will change GFW next week.
GFW Unified Tag Team Champions LAX (w/ Konnan, Homicide, Low Ki, and Diamante) defeated VOW in a street fight to retain their titles
Before the match, Konnan thanked GFW for making the match a street fight and promised chaos.
LAX and VOW brawled around ringside to start it off before VOW took over and introduced two tables to the match. VOW put Ortiz through a table, but Homicide pulled out the referee to stop the count.
Mayweather gave Homicide a sloppy looking powerbomb into the steps. Low Ki handcuffed Mayweather to the corner, and LAX sent Wilcox head-first into a chair in the corner and put him through a table to win the match.
Taiji Ishimori defeated ACH in a Super X Cup semifinal match
Ishimori gained the advantage and took control. ACH made a brief comeback, but Ishimori took over again. ACH scored a close near fall with a clothesline. He attempted a tombstone, but Ishimori countered with a pair of knees. Ishimori then hit a 450 splash to score the win. It will be Ishimori vs. Dezmond Xavier in the Super X Cup finals next week.
– In the back, Mantell discussed Prichard and Karen Jarrett arguing.
Bobby Lashley, Trevor Lee & Low Ki defeated Alberto El Patron, Matt Sydal & Sonjay Dutt
El Patron attacked Low Ki to start the match, which led to Dutt and Sydal both hitting standing moonsaults on the heels. The heels were able to take over and isolated Sydal in their corner until Dutt came in and ran wild on Lee. Dutt had Lee pinned, but Lashley broke up the count by picking up Dutt and giving him a dominator.
El Patron got the hot tag and took out the heels. In a crazy spot, Sydal gave Lee a hurricanrana off of Dutt’s shoulders as he was sitting on the top turnbuckle. Lashley caught Dutt and hit a powerslam, and Low Ki hit the Warrior’s Way on Dutt to win the match.
Next Week: It’s Destination X. The lineup features:
GFW Unified World Champion Alberto El Patron defending against Low Ki
Taiji Ishimori vs. Dezmond Xavier in the Super X Cup finals
GFW Knockout’s Champion Sienna defending against Gail Kim
X Division Champion Sonjay Dutt defending against Trevor Lee in a ladder match
Matt Sydal vs. Bobby Lashley
Plus, Bruce Prichard makes a major announcement that will shock GFW
Previously: Impact World Champion Bobby Lashley defeated Moose and GFW Global Champion Alberto El Patron defeated Chris Adonis.
Tonight: X Division Champion Low Ki defends against Sonjay Dutt.
Show Recap —
-On commentary, Josh Mathews and Jeremy Borash mentioned there could be no physical altercations between them or they’re both fired.
Sony Six Invitational gauntlet battle royal
The match started off with Suicide and Matt Sydal. The order of the next entrants was Davey Richards, KM, and Swoggle. Richards dropkicked Suicide and eliminated him from the match. Out next was Eddie Edwards, with him going right after Richards. They tumbled over the top rope for a double elimination.
Rockstar Spud was out next, followed by Kongo Kong. Kong dumped out Sydal and Spud. Spud pulled out Swoggle for the elimination. Moose was out next and ran wild on KM and Kong. The heels made a comeback and dumped him out.
The final entrant was India’s own Mahabali Shera to a huge pop. They showed his father at ringside. Shera quickly dumped out Kong. It came down to Shera and KM.
Mahabali Shera defeated KM to win the Sony Six Invitational
KM controlled the majority of the match until Shera made a fiery comeback. KM went for the pump handle, but Shera slipped out the back and hit the Sky High for the win. He received a trophy and celebrated with his father at ringside.
– Impact announced Eddie Edwards & Alisha vs. Davey Richards & Angelina Love in a Full Metal Mayhem match at Slammiversary.
– They also announced that NFL free agent DeAngelo Williams is making his debut at Slammiversary. They showed clips of him training.
– In a video package, Joseph Park and JB searched for a kung fu master but instead ended up at a Chinese buffet.
– At the LAX Clubhouse, Konnan mentioned that Impact went to India but they can’t because they have priors. They invaded a local Orlando wrestling promotion and caused chaos.
– E Singh 3 (EC3) came out in traditional Indian attire and was accompanied by a translator. EC3 cut a promo and then would have it translated. He trashed India and the translator refused to translate. EC3 attacked him and whipped him with a belt. James Storm ran out for the save but EC3 ran off.
– Earlier today at catering, Swoggle and Spud argued and Spud chased Swoggle.
Josh Mathews’ public sparring session
Mathews brought out a local jobber and dominated the match. He hit the Swanton Bomb and applied the Steiner Recliner to get the win.
After it was over, Mahabali Shera came out and Mathews begged off. Mathews jumped on Shera, then Bobby Lashley ran out. He beat down Shera and Mathews applied the Steiner Recliner until Alberto El Patron came out for the save.
– Joseph Park and JB watched video tapes of Scott Steiner to get ready for the match. The segment ended with Steiner calling them.
Braxton Sutter (w/ Allie) defeated Trevor Lee
Lee had the brief advantage until Sutter made a comeback and hit his finisher for the win. After the match, Sienna and Laurel Van Ness came out. They challenged Allie and Rosemary to a tag match next week.
– Grand Champion Moose came out and was immediately interrupted by Eli Drake and Chris Adonis. Moose challenged Drake and Adonis to a match at Slammiversary. The heels jumped Moose but he made a comeback. Moose will announce who is partner is for Slammiversary next week.
– Back to JB and Joseph Park. Steiner yelled at them and JB and Park ran out terrified.
Sonjay Dutt defeated Low Ki to win the X Division Championship
The story of the match was that Dutt has never won the title and this is his final shot. He wore an eye patch.
It started off with some great back and forth action. Low Ki took over and pulled off Dutt’s eye patch. They brawled into the crowd and Dutt hit a moonsault from the crowd to ringside.
Low Ki controlled the match and slowed down the pace. Dutt made a comeback and scored a close near fall. Dutt hit a massive superplex off the top. He hit a tornado DDT and followed up with a splash for the win.
The X Division babyfaces and Mahabali Shera came out to celebrate Dutt’s win.
Next Week: Ethan Carter III & Bobby Lashley vs. James Storm & Alberto El Patron
While we await the debut of GFW Amped and an announcement of new Global Force Wrestling shows, the promotion already has a new titleholder as Sonjay Dutt defeated P.J. Black (the former Justin Gabriel) to become the Nex*Gen champion Friday night, their version of the X Division or cruiserweight champion.
Black had won a tournament for the title on 10/23 in Las Vegas in a four-way final match with TJP, Jigsaw, and Virgil Flynn. On that same night, Nick “Magnus” Aldis beat Bobby Roode for the GFW title while Christina Von Eerie downed Amber Gallows for their women’s title.
A former mainstay in TNA and plenty of indies, the 33-year-old Dutt has been part of the promotion’s roster since May.
The match was part of WrestleCade, a weekend event in Winston-Salem, NC, that is built around the Thanksgiving wrestling tradition that existed for so long in the Greensboro/Winston-Salem metropolitan area. Another show is scheduled for Saturday, headlined by Jeff Jarrett vs. Matt Hardy.
