“Nothing Went Down” During Matt Riddle’s Alleged Sexual Assault; September 11th Live Wrestling News Round-Up

Sonny Kiss has taken to social media to address her departure from AEW earlier this month.

Tony Khan would confirm Kiss’ departure during the AEW All Out press conference.

Addressing her release on Twitter, Kiss would write:

“4 years of living my dream, traveling, making everlasting friendships, working with my childhood heroes, growing into the human I’ve become right before everyone’s eyes, and of course, being part of some historical events with groundbreaking wrestling promotion: AlI Elite Wrestling (AEW).

I have made quite a few mistakes along the way. But I also have learned some valuable lessons, too. I am incredibly grateful for it all. In December, l’ll be 30 years old with 10 years of wrestling under my belt. The fun part is: I haven’t nearly touched the surface of what I am capable of. knew my journey in pro wrestling would not be an easy one, regardless of my talents.

The best part of it all is that I showed people like me that anything is possible when you’re working your ass off for it. It may not come easy, but it WILL come.

Sometimes you have to fall all the way down to reignite that fiery passion again. So, now what? I’m the Concrete Rose, Sonny Kiss and I am a free agent.

I am SO ready for this next chapter. Let’s continue to break those barriers down, shatter those glass ceilings, and make Sh!t happen!

§ Where to next?

XO, Sonny”

Chris Jericho spoke exclusively with Inside The Ropes on his goal when he worked with Cody Rhodes and his desire to be the face of AEW!

Check it out below!

Jim Duggan’s official Twitter account has given fans some more good news by revealing that Duggan is feeling better and is ready to start getting back on his feet!

Check it out!

Jim is finally starting to feel better. Thank you again for your prayers and well wishes! pic.twitter.com/RSXYwhq8ln

— Hacksaw Jim Duggan (@RealHacksawJim) September 11, 2023

Ace Steel has broken his silence following his reported AEW release, seemingly blasting the company over recent backstage handlings!

Less than a week after Punk’s departure, reports emerged that Ace Steel, Punk’s close friend who was involved in the infamous Brawl Out incident in 2022, had been released from the company. The exact reason for Steel’s firing was not disclosed.

Now, the former AEW producer has seemingly commented on the promotion for the first time since his reported release via an Instagram Story. Steel posted a photo stating, “Mishandling people, then avoiding communication, is not protecting your peace; it’s avoiding accountability.”

Steel added his own explicit caption to the photo, “Ain’t that the F***in truth!! LoL.” Whilst he didn’t specifically mention or reference AEW in the post, its contents seem to reflect his thoughts on AEW’s “mishandling” of Punk and/or himself prior to their respective departures from the promotion.

You can check out the original post, here.

Here are the full IMPACT 1000 Spoilers from the taping on 9th September:

• Jody Threat def. Kilynn King
• IMPACT Knockouts Tag Team Championships: MK Ultra (Masha Slamovich & Killer Kelly) (c) def. Death Dollz (Courtney Rush & Jessicka)
• Ultimate X: Alan Angels def. Zachary Wentz, Rich Swann, Samuray del Sol, Mike Bailey, and Ace Austin
• Feast or Fired: Yuya Uemura, Crazzy Steve, Chris Bey, and Moose grab the briefcases.
• Scott D’Amore introduces Gail Kim. The Beautiful People (Velvet Sky & Angelina Love) interrupt. Gisele Shaw, Savannah Evans & Jai Vidal come out. Jordynne Grace and Trinity eventually come out, followed by Deonna Purrazzo and then Awesome Kong. Tasha Steelz and Mickie James make their returns.
• Team 3D (Bully Ray & Devon) def. Desi Hit Squad (Rohit Raju & Champagne Singh)
• Alex Shelley and Josh Alexander have a promo segment with Alexander reminding Shelley than he never lost the title. The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz & Trey Miguel) attack Alexander with Shelley opting to not make the save.
• Frankie Kazarian & Traci Brooks def. Eddie Edwards & Alisha Edwards. Afterwards, Kazarian announced Traci will be inducted into the IMPACT Hall of Fame
• X Division Championship: Chris Sabin def. Lio Rush (c) to win the title.
• Jake Something def. Dirty Dango
• Eric Young def. Kenny King by DQ
• Eric Young & Scott D’Amore def. Kenny King & Sheldon Jean by DQ
• America’s Most Wanted (Chris Harris & James Storm), Eric Young & Scott D’Amore def. Kenny King, Sheldon Jean, Big Kon & Deaner
• Josh Alexander def. Trey Miguel
• Shelley helped Alexander in the match. Alexander said he would be taking the belt back at IMPACT Bound For Glory.
• Trinity, Awesome Kong, Gail Kim, Mickie James & Jordynne Grace def. Angelina Love, Tasha Steelz, Savannah Evans, Gisele Shaw & Deonna Purrazzo
• Tommy Dreamer & Rhino def. Brian Myers & Moose

H/T: PWlnsider for the above spoilers

During a recent WWE live event in Uniondale, New York, Cody Rhodes shared a heartwarming moment with a young fan that was caught on camera.

Check out the incredible moment below!

SUCH a heartwarming moment between @CodyRhodes and this young WWE fan at #WWEUniondale! ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/orVeYGDMVF

— WWE (@WWE) September 10, 2023

Arizona Cardinals linebacker paid homage to AEW star Daniel Garcia by performing Garcia’s signature dance during yesterdays NFL clash against the Washington Commanders.

Check it out below!

🤝🏽 pic.twitter.com/JmycgxBIGC

— DG (@GarciaWrestling) September 10, 2023

Bischoff may not be the biggest fan of Tony Khan & AEW but when it comes to CM Punk he is willing to make an exception.

Eric Bischoff has stated that he believes that the viewership drop for AEW Collision on September 2nd was not due to CM Punk‘s departure.

Eric Bischoff, speaking on Strictly Business, cautioned against jumping to conclusions about the cause of the ratings drop, suggesting that other factors may have contributed to the decline.

“I think people are making too big a deal [out of it]. Before you jump to the conclusion that 89,000 people left because of CM Punk… I think that’s a giant leap into fantasy land. It could have been for other reasons, it had nothing to do with CM Punk.”

[H/t WrestlingInc.com]

He emphasised the importance of considering the lead-in for the show and the widespread curiosity surrounding Tony Khan’s announcement.

You can read Bischoff’s full comments, here.

We couldn’t have a full days live blog without at least one CM Punk story now could we.

Drew McIntyre has labelled CM Punk “controversial” in a new interview with Riju Dasgupta of Sportskeeda Wrestling.

Responding to a question on the possibility of Punk returning to the WWE following his shock AEW departure, McIntyre would state that he doesn’t make those decisions but it would certainly “get people talking.”

“I mean, I don’t make those decisions. I watch what I say in interviews. But he’s (CM Punk) certainly controversial and he gets people talking. So, I’ll leave it at that.”

Do you think CM Punk will return to the WWE? Let us know by hitting the thumbs below!

The McMahon era of WWE will officially end tonight.

The Endeavour takeover of WWE comes into effect on September 12th, meaning we are less than a day away from a McMahon no longer having full control over the WWE for the first time in company history.

Is this the start of something new or the beginning of the end? Let us know by writing in using the ‘get involved’ feature at the top of the page or by clicking here.

Do you think WWE will do something special tonight on Raw? Let us know by hitting the thumbs below!

Chris Jericho talks exclusively to Inside The Ropes about his in-ring tension with William Regal, facing Blackpool Combat Club and why he demanded to be punched by Regal.

Check it out below!

AEW Superstar and former TBS Women’s Champion Jade Cargill has set her sights on joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, despite just returning to AEW.

In a recent interview on Women’s Wrestling Talk, Cargill revealed her aspirations beyond wrestling. Acting is her next venture, and she expressed a strong desire to work with Marvel Studios.

Well, after I become a great, I want to segue into acting. I really want to be in Marvel.

Currently, Cargill is dipping her toes into the acting world, as seen in her appearance in French Montana’s music video. She emphasised her passion for the character Storm from the X-Men franchise, stating that her entire career and persona in AEW are inspired by Storm.

I want to be Storm so damn bad, my entire career and aesthetic for AEW is literally Storm, literally. [H/t to Fightful.com]

You can read a full breakdown of this interview, here.

WWE’s magic mouthed Australian Grayson Waller is set to join Corey Graves on this afternoon’s episode of ‘After The Bell’.

Join Waller as he talks dream guests for The Grayson Waller Effect, what championship he has his eyes set on and more.

The episode is set to premiere at 3pm UK time and you can watch it in full below!

Fans have been provided with a positive update on the status of ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan following recent emergency surgery.

Taking to social media, Duggan’s wife, Debra, would note that Duggan is “on the mend” and will be back on his feet soon.

Writing on Twitter, Debra would note:

“Update: Jim is resting comfortably. He is on the mend and will be back on his feet soon. Thank you for your prayers, good wishes and messages. Hacksaw’s fans are awesome! Thanks to @JakeSnakeDDT and Cheryl for the beautiful flowers!

Inside The Ropes would like to wish Jim Duggan all the best during his continued recovery!

Mika Rotunda, the sister of the late Bray Wyatt, has revealed a recent incredible gesture made by WWE legend Dwayne Johnson to Wyatt’s family following his recent shock passing.

Taking to social media, Rotunda would reveal that Johnson had kept multiple households in the Rotunda family fed and the fridges full following the tragic passing of Bray Wyatt on August 24th, 2023.

Taking to Twitter, Rotunda would write:

“Publicly, my family would like to thank The Rock for his kindness, condolences & love the past two weeks.

Like he did all people— Windham had a positive impact on him too. And DJ has kept our fridges and homes (yes plural), filled with meals and groceries

Love you, ohana.”

WWE also recently revealed that they would be providing Wyatt’s family with all merchandise revenue related to Bray Wyatt following his tragic passing.

During the most recent episode of AEW Collision, which aired on September 9th 2023, Bryan Danielson would reveal that he would begin winding down his career in the next year.

‘The American Dragon’ would note that “time is running out” for him after promising that he would step away from wrestling when his daughter, aged six, turned seven years old.

A new report from Sports Illustrated then revealed that multiple sources close to AEW and Danielson had confirmed that he will be stepping away from wrestling full-time in the next year but “may” remain a special attraction for AEW.

The report states:

“Multiple people close to the situation confirmed with Sports Illustrated that Danielson will be stepping away from wrestling full-time in the next year, yet may remain a special attraction for AEW.”

The news in especially interesting following previous news that Danielson had taken on a greater role in AEW behind the scenes and had even been flagged as the man to take over AEW should anything happen to Tony Khan.

Who would you like to see Bryan Danielson take on in his final match? Let us know by using the get involved feature at the top of the page or by clicking here.

WWE Superstars Shotzi Blackheart & Scarlett are set to host a new paranormal investigation series on YouTube.

“Chamber of Horrors” will be a new YouTube series launching on WWE’s channel later this month, the series will feature friends Shotzi & Scarlett exploring the paranormal activity around the United States.

The duo recently travelled to the Pennhurst Asylum in Pennsylvania, a notorious “haunted house” and one of Pennsylvania’s big three attractions when it comes to paranormal activity  – alongside the Pennhurst Mourgue and the Pennhurst Tunnels.

Taking to Twitter, Scarlett would comment on the upcoming launch of the show, writing:

“Do you believe in ghosts? You will.

For the last year, we’ve been investigating the most haunted locations, and now we can’t wait to show you some of our favorites…Get in the spirit on September 20th for our new paranormal series Chamber of Horrors!”

Shotzi would then join Scarlett, taking to Twitter to reply:

“Y’all dont know how hard it has been to keep this underwraps! We have been working on this the past year and I cant wait for everyone to see all the ghostly goodness we have been collecting! First episode September 20th!”

Will you be checking out the show when it drops next Wednesday? Let us know by hitting the thumbs below!

The WWE roster has been bolstered once again with the return of not one, not two but three WWE Superstars to in-ring action.

During a series of recent WWE live events Johnny Gargano, Gable Steveson and Arianna Grace all made returns to in-ring action.

Gargano returned during WWE’s live event in Long Island being defeated by Omos in what was Gargano’s first match since July.

Gable Steveson, who recently pulled out of the Senior World Wrestling Championships, competed in his second ever in-ring match during NXT’s live event in Sebring, Florida, defeating Dante Chen.

Finally, Arianna Grace, daughter of former WWE Superstar Santino Marella, returned from injury during NXT’s live event in Florida taking on Fallon Henley in singles action.

Grace had been out since October 2022 due to a knee injury and recently competed in Miss Canada during her time away from the WWE.

Do you think Johnny Gargano could bolster the WWE roster upon his return? Let us know by hitting the thumbs below!

Last night news broke that WWE Superstar Matt Riddle had alleged that he had been sexually assaulted during a recent trip through JFK airport.

In a, now deleted, Instagram post, Riddle, who was reportedly “disorderly” during his flight, alleges that he was made to feel “small and useless” during the assault.

Riddle would write:

“Nothing like being sexually assaulted by an officer and harassed at the jfk airport, no means no and just because I’m nice doesn’t mean yes!!! A**hole!!!

Don’t know they’re Twitter or instagram handles but I took pictures, normally I’m like whatever but today was really weird and uncomfortable and they made a point to make me feel small and useless.

Definitely one of the most uncomfortable travel days I’ve ever had thanks NYC you’re so progressive and accepting!”

However according to a new report from TMZ, nothing actually went down during the alleged sexual assault.

The report writes:

“Now, as far as what led up to this and what exactly went down … we have some answers. Law enforcement sources tell us Port Authority officers got a call for a disorderly person who was deplaning, and they met him in the terminal.

As it turns out, that was Riddle.

We’re told the cops talked to MR — as well as other witnesses — and he seemed apologetic in the moment. No police report was filed, and everyone was free to go without incident.

It’s because of this that our sources say the Port Authority was shocked by Riddle’s claim … as, from their view, nothing went down to warrant such an accusation. Still, we’re told the department is taking his claim seriously … and an internal probe has been launched.”

You can read a full breakdown of this report, here.

Good Afternoon!

I hope everyone had an lovely weekend and is ready for the long week ahead!

I will be with you this afternoon from 12:00 pm to 6 pm BST (8 am – 1 pm EST) with all the latest news and rumours from AEW, WWE, NJPW and more.

This afternoon we will be kicking things off with some of today’s biggest stories, including:

• A new report finds that “nothing went down” during Matt Riddle‘s alleged sexual assault.
• Multiple WWE Superstars make their in-ring return during recent live events.
• Shotzi Blackheart and Scarlett launch a new paranormal investigation series.
• Dwayne Johnson‘s incredible secret gesture to the family of Bray Wyatt revealed.
• Bryan Danielson looks set to wind down his career in the next year.