Huge Update On Bryan Danielson’s AEW Contract Following Recent Injury; October 30th Live Wrestling News Round-Up

An AEW official had some stern words for AEW talent following recent reports of “frustration” behind the scenes.

Earlier today we covered the news that AEW talent were reportedly frustrated at changes to the companies creative process, with some talent finding it increasingly difficult to perform their role with the changes in place.

Well AEW Producer Jerry Lynn has seen the reports and has not held back in his message to talent.

Taking to social media, Lynn would blame talent who leak reports to the media for the changes to company creative before going to blast them for damaging the company each time they do it.

Writing on Twitter, Lynn states:

“Because wrestlers and God knows who else have and continue to leak info to the sheets, podcasts, etc. So Tony tries to keep things confidential. You wouldn’t want to know everything before you see a movie. Anyone who leaks info is doing damage to the product and the industry.”

Do you agree with Lynn’s statement? Let us know by hitting the thumbs below!

WWE and UFC’s merger has been the talk of the world for the past six monts; “what does this mean”, “how will this change the show” and “is this a good thing” have echoed all over social media and online.

However, according to at least one report, things seem to be, at the very least, “much more straightforward” in the WWE following the companies sale.

In a new update from Fightful Select, talent noted that things have been more straightforward backstage since the merger. Things are said to be much more like the tail end of 2022 than the first nine months of 2023.

It is possible that this is due to Vince McMahon’s recent departure from the WWE and resurgence of Triple H as the lead day-to-day official for the company, however the report does not confirm this as the reason at this time.

WWE is well and truly in the spooky season, taking to social media WWE has shared the latest instalment in their Halloween video content series.

In this video, various WWE Superstar’s include WWE Legend The Boogeyman channel their inner SEVEN as they try to guess what gross and ghoulish things are inside the box.

Check it out below!

What's in the box?! 🎃 pic.twitter.com/tecQcia4hf

— WWE (@WWE) October 30, 2023

WWE’s TikTok is back with another banger of a video.

Check out this series of videos below from WWE’s TikTok which features members of the roster trying to guess their colleagues based on their childhood Halloween costumes.

@wwe

Did YOU guess the WWE Superstar? 🎃👻 #WWE #Halloween #costumes

♬ original sound – WWE

How many did you get right? Let us know by using the ‘get involved’ feature at the top of the page!

Mike Chioda is one of WWE’s most legendary officialls, but that does not mean he is not immune to a mistake.

Taking to social media, Chioda would recall one major “f*ck up” from his time with the WWE, sharing a clip of the mishap in tongue and cheek.

Back in 2019, Shinsuke Nakamura took on R-Truth in a United States Championship match.

The match was Nakamura’s first defence as US Champion after capturing the iconic championship from Rusev at the 2019 Royal Rumble.

Less than ten minutes into the match R-Truth would hit Nakamura with a school boy attempt only for Nakamura to kick out…or did he.

As you can see from the clip below, shared courtesy of WWE, Chioda would accidentally count the three (despite a clear kick out from Nakamura) and call for the bell.

As a result R-Truth would capture the United States Championship leaving Nakamura visibly enraged and R-Truth visually confused.

Check out Chioda’s hilarious tweet about the botch below.

Yes that finish was fuck up!! 🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/sI0v6me3eC

— Mike Chioda (@MjcChioda) October 29, 2023

You can also revisit the botch in full, here.

Former WWE Superstar Lance Anoa’i has confirmed his departure from MLW after almost six years with the company.

Anoa’i, best known for his brief WWE run between 2017-2019, took to social media to confirm his departure from the company.

Taking to Twitter, Anoa’i would state:

“As Of TODAY! I have been granted my @MLW Release! I wanna thank MLW! Wanna give a big shout out to my USOs @JuicyFinau and @SAMOANWEREWOLF Thank you for everything! Love you guys!”

Anoa’i is not the only name who looks to be on his way out of MLW, former MLW World Heavyweight Champion Alex Hammerstone has revealed that he has also requested his release from the company.

Hammerstone took to Twitter to confirm reports around his MLW status, writing:

“My time with @MLW was 5 of the best years of my life and career.

Very proud of what I and the company accomplished.

I wish them continued success. I have recently asked for my release as I feel it’s what’s right for me at this time.

Thank you @courtbauer for the opportunities.”

Earlier today we covered the new report from inside AEW that several members of the AEW locker room are unhappy with changes to the company creative process.

The report noted that many members of talent are finding out plans for the show later and later leading to some talent feeling unable to prepare adequately for the show.

Former ECW Superstar Justin Credible has responded to these reports, sending a message in the process to the talent backstage in AEW.

Taking to Twitter, Credible would state:

“You really don’t need all day to plan a match. In ECW we would be told 10 minutes before hand I literally found out I was winning the world title 15 minutes before it happened. Not a big deal.”

Do you agree with Justin Credible’s take or do you think times have changed since ECW? Let us know by hitting the thumbs below!

Monday Night Raw is back for another episode tonight live from Greenville, South Carolina and here is everything announced for the show so far!

• Trick Or Street Fight – Natalya vs. Chelsea Green
• Tag Team Match – #DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) vs. Imperium (Giovanni Vinci & Ludwig Kaiser)
• Singles Match – Candice LeRae vs. Xia Li
• Non Title Match – Ricochet vs. Dominik Mysterio
• Non Title Match -Seth Rollins vs. JD McDonagh

Will you be checking out tonight’s episode of Raw? Let us know by hitting the thumbs below!

Nick Aldis has sat down with Corey Graves on the latest episode of WWE After the Bell.

During the episode he discusses his journey to the WWE, his plans for SmackDown and what to expect from WWE Crown Jewel.

Check it out down below!

Paul Wight, previously known as The Big Show, talks exclusively to Inside The Ropes about the likelihood of facing Shaq in AEW.

Check it out below!

Tegan Nox may have the shiniest wizard in the WWE but she want’s to shine a light on AEW star who she believes is killing it right now!

Speaking with Wilde On, Nox praised Toni Storm’s work in AEW adding that she knows just how much she is having playing her new persona – ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm.

“She’s living her best life, [her work is] so good, and it’s very her as well.”

Continuing to describe the Timeless one, Nox revealed that this is the Storm that she knows well and did admit that there is a possibility that Storm may get even more scandalous as time goes on:

“I messaged her straight afterward. I was like, ‘That is you. That’s the Toni I’ve known for 12 years.’” Nox explained, “She’s just being herself and it’s like, oh God, how far is this going to go? Because I know you and you’re going to push the boat as far as you can. I just love that she’s throwing shoes at people now.” [h/t WrestlingInc]

Let’s test if your Monday brain has kicked in yet or if you are still in weekend mode.

Below is five WWE Superstars (current or former) scrambled up into Wrestlegrams.

All you have to do is tell us… who are the wrestlers!

Write in with your guesses and we will post your scores throughout the day on the blog!

• Thebadbutcherhulla
• Leghornwogs
• Akimblindly
• Philter
• Comfykiel

Submit your guesses – here.

WWE’s creative process is well documented for leaving talent frustrated and confused on occasion, including most recently World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins who was left angered after having a WWE segment cut after he already made his way to the ring.

However, it appears AEW is now having similar issues with talented reportedly “frustrated” following recent changes to the creative process.

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that in recent months there have been times when AEW creative plans have been affected by significant delays, leaving talent unassured and confused as to their role on certain shows:

“So much of the stuff is, you know, I mean, if you follow AEW, you know that a lot of the stuff is being decided at much later periods than previous, you know. Guys are getting their information and what they’re doing later, and decisions are being made later. So that’s just how it is. I mean, there are times, you know, the day of the show where you don’t even know, it’s almost at times like you we used to talk about with WWE, which is also very frustrating for talent.”

You can read more about the role of AEW talent in the companies creative process, here.

Jim Cornette is one of wrestling’s most passionate and outspoken individuals…but contrary to what some on social media would have you believe, there are some wrestlers that Cornette actually likes!

During a recent episode of The Jim Cornette Experience, the legendary manager would reveal who in wrestling currently stand out to him the most.

“Good Gunther. That’s what we ought to start saying every time we see a good match. Good Gunther.

[Is he your favourite wrestler?]

With Ripley [and] Breakker, Gunther and a couple of others probably, he’s in top five certainly.

Well, how can you not because they’re the best or are going to be the best in the business at what they’re doing or are going to be doing [Including AEW] Well, I mean…in AEW right now besides FTR in tag team matches with the right opponents… and MJF for his verbal ability and his potential he so seldom has a match these days. They’re always good, but they’re rare and his presentation now handicap handicaps him from being as entertaining as he used to be.

Besides that, is there anybody in AEW that’s currently on my favourites list?

Cody’s doing a great job, but I’m not surprised. Some of these people I’m like, Wow. You know, I’m really surprised they’re that good. With Cody, I’m not really surprised. But I enjoy watching him unless it’s, you know, typical average television match that we might skip every so often.”

Who is currently your favourite wrestler? Let us know by writing in using the ‘get involved’ feature at the top of the page or by reaching out to us on Twitter using #ITRLive

WWE returned to London last night for their latest UK live event “WWE Sunday Night Stunner.”

The live event featured the likes of LA Knight, Solo Sikoa, Charlotte Flair, Bayley and more, but what went down on the show?

Here’s everything we know:

• Main Event: Street Fight: LA Knight defeats Solo Sikoa
• Bobby Lashley defeats Grayson Waller via submission.
• The Grayson Waller Effect leads to a match against Bobby Lashley.
• Pretty Deadly: Elton Prince and Kit Wilson defeat The LWO: Joaquin Wilde and Toro del Cruz via pinfall.
• WWE Women’s Title : Iyo Sky (c) defeats Charlotte Flair via pinfall .
• Santos Escobar defeats Karrion Kross (w/ Scarlett) via pinfall.
• Shotzi defeats Bayley via pinfall .
• The Brawling Brutes: Ridge Holland and Butch defeat The Street Profits : Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford

[h/t to Wrestling Bodyslam for the results]

Vince McMahon may be gone from WWE creative… but his impact is still being felt by certain members of the WWE roster.

Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio noted that while smaller wrestlers on NXT have been successful, they would likely face challenges if they were to move up to Raw or SmackDown.

Specifically, Meltzer mentioned Tyler Bate and Noam Dar as wrestlers who might struggle on the main roster due to their smaller size.

However, he also highlighted Ilja Dragunov as someone who would thrive despite his stature.

 “But the other thing too is again the size like guys that size. Not that they never get over or not get a chance.

But it’s much easier if you’re shorter to be a star in NXT than it is on Raw or Smackdown.

Even with Vince gone, because you still have the situation where you’re in there with a lot of bigger guys.

I think that Dragunov is so fantastic, he’ll overcome it, although I’ve been wrong on people on that one too.

I think that it probably would happen and he’s the same way in the sense that Hayes is ready, you can do the talk.

He’s got charisma. Obviously, Tyler Bate is ready, but at the same time, I don’t think Tyler Bate can ever get a big push on the main roster. Noam Dar, the same maybe someday, who knows?”

In addition, Meltzer discussed the potential push of Bron Breakker in WWE.

Meltzer believes that Breakker’s size, physique, and athleticism make him a prime candidate for WWE to push. This aligns with Vince McMahon’s historically favoured type of wrestler.

“Bron is one of those guys who they will push. He’s got the size, he’s got the body, he’s got the great, great athletic ability.”

Who do you think will be NXT’s next main roster success story? Let us know using the ‘get involved’ feature at the top of the page!

There have been many notable changes in NXT since the death of NXT 2.0 and the birth of Shawn Michael’s white and gold brand.

But one of the most notable changes has been in the integration of NXT talent onto the main roster across both Raw and SmackDown, and this change doesn’t look to be going away any time soon.

Previously NXT call ups, particularly during the brands black and gold era, were at most a twice yearly occurrence with talent very rarely appearing on Raw or SmackDown at all prior to be called up to the main roster.

However in recent years we have seen the likes of Grayson Waller, Dragon Lee and Tiffany Stratton all appear regularly on WWE TV prior to officially departing the NXT brand.

A new report has now revealed that another two top NXT stars are set for a move to the main roster.

The Alpha Academy are set to take on The Creed Brother’s during tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw after the NXT duo announced they would be answering Gable’s tag team open challenge.

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer revealed that it is almost a certainty that The Creed Brothers will be a permanent fixture on the main roster and it is long overdue:

“I was told tonight that right now, you know, barring, any changes and it was like, not like it’s 100%. But right now, they’re being called up.

So, you know, I mean, that also means they should win. I mean, they should win anyway. I mean, but you know what, I mean, when it comes to them? You know, it’s like, I think it’s about time for them to be called up, honestly. I mean, they’re a little rough around the edges. They’re impressive as hell.”

Are you looking forward to seeing The Creed Brothers on Monday Night Raw? Let us know by hitting the thumbs below!

On last week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, Bryan Danielson suffered another major set back after suffering a broken Orbital Bone during his clash with Kazuchika Okada and International Champion Orange Cassidy.

The injury, confirmed by PWInsider as legitimate and not a storyline, is the latest in a recent line of major injuries for Danielson including, most recently, the broken arm he sustained during his Forbidden Door clash with NJPW star Kazuchika Okada.

But how could Danielson’s recent injury history impact his AEW contract?

In recent years WWE have been well known to extend talents contract to cover any time missed due to injuries, this has included talent such as AEW Superstar’s FTR who saw their contract extended by almost half a year due a to a five month injury sustained by Dax Harwood during his time with the WWE.

AEW is no stranger to this legal practice, in 2022 Dave Meltzer confirmed that AEW had extended several AEW talents contracts due to injury – although no specific names were revealed.

But will this apply to Bryan Danielson?

On the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer discussed the implications of this injury on Bryan Danielson’s AEW contract. Meltzer suggested that if the surgery takes place on January 4th, there is a possibility that Danielson could complete his contract, which concludes in September.

“It may be touch and go if he had surgery on January 4th. Hopefully, he can do it. Hopefully, he can finish the next however many months it is, he didn’t put a timeline exactly when next year he’s going to be done.”

However, Meltzer also acknowledged that Tony Khan might consider extending Danielson’s contract, but he would not impede Danielson’s departure if he decides to leave the company.

“In theory, his contract will be over in September, obviously Tony could extend it, but he’s not going to be a dirty guy in the situation if Bryan wants to be finished.”

You can read more on Bryan Danielson’s AEW future, here.

Good Afternoon!

I hope everyone is doing well and had an amazing weekend!

I will be with you from 12pm to 6pm BST (7am – 1pm ET) covering all the biggest stories from WWE, AEW, NJPW, IMPACT and more.

We will be kicking things off today with the biggest stories from the last 24 hours including:

• Major update on AEW’s plans surrounding Bryan Danielson‘s contract in light of recent injuries.
• Several WWE Superstar’s are still suffering due to the lasting impact of Vince McMahon.
• NXT stars set for imminent main roster call up.
• AEW locker room “frustrated” following recent changes to creative process.
• What happened when the WWE returned to London?
• Tegan Nox heaps praise on top AEW star.
• Jim Cornette reveals his current list of favourite wrestlers.