Tag: AEW

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Wrestling

Former AEW Stars Fuel WWE Speculation as Teasers Hint at Fenix and Black’s Arrival

Fenix and Black
Fenix and Black (WWE)

Several prominent wrestlers have recently left All Elite Wrestling (AEW), including Miro (formerly Rusev in WWE), Malakai Black (formerly Aleister Black), Ricky Starks (now Ricky Saints in NXT), and the Lucha Brothers, with Penta currently featured on WWE RAW.

Their departures have led to speculation about their next moves, with some already making waves in their new homes while others remain silent about their futures. Fans are eager to see where each of these talented performers will end up.

Rising Stars and Mysterious Teasers Spark Speculation About WWE’s Next Big Moves

Since moving to WWE, Ricky Saints has been thriving in NXT, quickly gaining momentum as one of the brand’s standout stars. Penta, on the other hand, has become a regular on RAW, where his popularity continues to grow.

Meanwhile, Miro and his wife, CJ Perry (formerly Lana), recently renewed their vows, but Miro’s next career step remains uncertain. As for Malakai Black and Rey Fenix, they have yet to confirm their plans, though speculation suggests both could be heading to WWE.

Fenix and Black
Fenix and Black (WWE)

Recent teasers on WWE programming have fueled rumors about the potential arrivals of Fenix and Black. A vignette aired on SmackDown featuring a masked wrestler, leading many to believe Fenix is set to join the show. Social media posts further strengthened the idea that the high-flying luchador will soon make his WWE return.

Meanwhile, a separate, ominous vignette has sparked theories that Black’s return could be just weeks away, possibly aligning with WrestleMania season. Some fans believe the reference to “four” in the teaser could indicate a four-week countdown or a nod to his four-year absence from WWE.

Exciting Potential Feuds Await Fenix and Black in WWE’s SmackDown Brand

If Fenix joins SmackDown, there are several exciting matchups that could take place. A showdown with Jacob Fatu would deliver a hard-hitting clash, while a match against Carmelo Hayes could showcase two of the most dynamic athletes in WWE. Fans are also eager to see Fenix reunite with Penta in tag team action.

For Black, his return opens the door for thrilling rivalries. A renewed feud with WWE Champion Cody Rhodes could be on the horizon, while potential matches against Randy Orton and LA Knight could also generate a lot of interest.

With SmackDown airing cryptic teasers, it seems likely that both Fenix and Black are on their way to WWE. Whether they debut separately or as part of a larger storyline remains to be seen. Their arrivals could shake up the roster and lead to fresh, exciting rivalries. As WrestleMania season approaches, fans will be eagerly waiting to see if and when these two stars make their presence felt.

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Wrestling

Adam Copeland Confirms Who He Will Face in His Final Match

Sheamus reveals plans for an Edge rivalry were scrapped before his exit (AEW)

Edge’s final match in WWE took place on August 18, 2023, where he emerged victorious against Sheamus on SmackDown. Not long after, his contract with WWE reached its end, and within a few months, he made the move to All Elite Wrestling, officially debuting with the company.

His transition to AEW marked a major moment in his career, shifting from his long tenure in WWE to a fresh chapter elsewhere. Sheamus recently appeared on Insight with Chris Van Vliet and discussed the events leading up to Edge’s farewell match.

He shared that both he and Edge had developed an idea for a rivalry, but it was dismissed. Additionally, he disclosed that Damian Priest had originally been planned as Edge’s final opponent in WWE before plans changed.

Edge’s AEW debut as Adam Copeland made waves at WrestleDream 2023 (AEW)

Sheamus Reflects on Edge’s Final WWE Match

“We had several conversations about working together,” Sheamus recalled. “We came up with a storyline that, for whatever reason, didn’t get the green light. Then, it all just played unexpectedly.

I received a call, which I believe was influenced by the promo segment we had done a week earlier, and then the match was set for the following week.

Edge’s contract was coming to an end, but at the time, no one really knew what decision he would make. I had assumed he would re-sign because we had discussed the possibility of doing something after that match, but it turned out differently.”

Sheamus also spoke about how the opponent selection for Edge’s final match shifted at the last moment. “Originally, Damian Priest was penciled in as his opponent, but then the plans changed, and I was chosen instead.

I’m not entirely sure how that decision came about, but I was surprised when I got the call. At the same time, I was excited. Edge and I had never wrestled each other in a singles match before, so this was a first. It’s kind of crazy when I look back at my career and realize there are still guys I haven’t faced one-on-one.

Rey Mysterio is one of them. CM Punk and I wrestled a couple of times, but that was over a decade ago. Rey is probably the one person I still haven’t had a singles match with, despite the fact that we’ve been on the same roster for such a long time.”

Following his departure from WWE, Edge made his AEW debut under his real name, Adam Copeland, during the WrestleDream pay-per-view in October 2023. Once he arrived in AEW, he quickly became a major presence on their programming and remained active for several months.

His run in AEW saw him involved in various storylines and matches, keeping him at the forefront of the promotion. However, his momentum was halted when he suffered an injury during his match against Malakai Black at the Double or Nothing pay-per-view in 2024.

Copeland’s AEW Return and Feud with Jon Moxley

The injury forced Copeland to step away from the ring for several months, but he has since returned to AEW and is now performing under the name “Cope.” His comeback has placed him in a heated rivalry with Jon Moxley, with AEW seemingly positioning them for a major showdown.

The promotion appears to be building toward a Cope vs. Moxley match for the AEW World Championship, setting up what could be one of the most anticipated title bouts in the company.

As his AEW journey continues, Copeland has embraced his new role while remaining a key figure in the promotion. His transition from WWE to AEW was one of the most talked-about moves in professional wrestling, and despite facing setbacks due to injury, he has returned to solidify his presence once again.

With his current storyline against Moxley gaining steam, all signs point to an intense battle between the two, with the AEW World Championship at stake.

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Wrestling

Results, Live Ratings, Reactions, and Highlights from AEW Rampage on January 19

AEW Rampage Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction, Highlights From Jan. 19

This week’s edition of Rampage featured a notable match between Chris Jericho and Matt Sydal, following a segment on Dynamite. Despite their history, the match lacked the usual animosity between opponents. Sydal expressed that Jericho needed to face someone who had beaten him before to reclaim what he was missing.

The first match showcased entrances rather than starting with the competitors already in the ring. While the bout lacked some energy at points, Jericho ultimately secured the win with the Judas Effect, earning a grade of B-.

Results, Live Ratings, Reactions, and Highlights from AEW Rampage on January 19
Results, Live Ratings, Reactions, and Highlights from AEW Rampage on January 19 (Credits: Bleacher Report)

The second match featured tag team specialists Anthony Henry and Penta El Zero Miedo in a singles bout. Despite the expected outcome, both wrestlers made it feel competitive, with Penta securing the win using a package piledriver. The match received a grade of B-.

Kris Statlander faced Queen Aminata in another match, where Statlander, usually enjoying a height and power advantage, found herself in a more evenly matched contest. Statlander secured the win after a back-and-forth exchange, and the match earned a grade of B.

The main event showcased Darby Allin facing Jeff Hardy in only their second singles match. The unconventional and high-risk styles of both wrestlers were on display, with Allin ultimately securing the win with a Jackknife cover. The match received a grade of B+. Hardy refused a handshake after the match, adding a surprising twist to the conclusion.

Notable moments included the crowd singing along to Jericho’s entrance music, Sydal making the Liontamer look painful, and Willow Nightingale accusing Stokely of canceling her flight to keep her and Statlander apart. Overall, the episode provided a mix of entertaining matches and unexpected moments.