Welcome back to another thrilling edition of the AEW News Roundup, where we bring you the biggest news stories coming from the world of All Elite Wrestling.
Many fans were wondering about the future of Hangman Page after this week's episode of AEW Dynamite. As it turns out, the rumors aren't suggesting fruitful plans for him moving forward.
A top AEW star expressed his desire to have a match with Brock Lesnar. The former TNT champion denies referencing CM Punk during his promo last week.
Tony Khan reveals who came up with the idea of pairing Guerreros with a top Mexican star. And last but not least, Eric Bischoff slams WWE for humiliating their legends.
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That said, let's get started with the latest AEW News Roundup.
#5 AEW star Hangman Page is not scheduled to compete at All Out event
AEW star Hangman Page will no longer be competing at the upcoming All Out event, which takes place on September 5th. Based on his current storyline, fans were expecting The Anxious Millennial Cowboy to challenge Kenny Omega for the AEW World Championship. However, management seems to have scrapped those plans.
Last week during the 'Fight For The Fallen' special episode of AEW Dynamite, Hangman Page and the Dark Order suffered a dreadful defeat at the hands of Kenny Omega and The Elite in a 10-men elimination bout. The Babyface team can no longer challenge for both the AEW World and Tag Team titles as per the stipulation imposed.
Considering that Hangman Page is still the #1 ranked wrestler in the men's ranking, many assumed that the company would rekindle its redemption story at All Out.
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Hangman Page will no longer be challenging Kenny Omega at the All Out event. He also noted that The Cowboy would no longer be appearing on the show in any capacity. Management hasn't given any explanation for his possible absence.
However, Christian Cage will most likely replace him.
Captain Charisma is currently sitting on the #3 position in the men's ranking table. Given his recent physical altercation with Kenny Omega, the company wouldn't mind pulling the trigger on a readymade storyline.
It is also hard to neglect the rumors swirling around regarding the imminent arrival of CM Punk and Daniel Bryan in the company. One of these men could be touted as a direct main event push.
#4 Top AEW star wants to get in the ring with Brock Lesnar
AEW star Brian Cage recently expressed his desire to face former WWE champion Brock Lesnar.
CM Punk and Daniel Bryan have been the current trendsetters for snubbing WWE and joining its rival promotion, AEW. In between these hearsays, another rumor recently surfaced that Brock Lesnar has also signed a contract with AEW. But there was hardly any credibility to it. Brock Lesnar signing for AEW would be like a cold day in hell. Vince McMahon would never let his biggest box office attraction go elsewhere.
Regardless, a Twitter user asked if he was the only one who wants to see Brian Cage clash with Brock Lesnar. Apparently, AEW star Brian Cage didn't let the tweet go unnoticed. He quickly replied, saying that he too wants to get in the ring with Brock Lesnar:
In a wrestling world, as the saying goes, never say never. It may be a very long shot, but considering how the wrestling world is drastically changing and the sudden rise of AEW, a match between the two powerhouses shouldn't be ruled out.
#3 Former AEW TNT champion shoots down referencing CM Punk during his promo last week
AEW star Darby Allin recently denied CM Punk's reference during his promo last week.
For weeks, social media has gone into a frenzy over the news of CM Punk possibly returning to professional wrestling after a gap of seven years. With AEW as its most ideal choice, the news couldn't be more thrilling for die-hard wrestling fans who were hoping to see the second version of the WWE vs. WCW war again.
Last week during the Fight For The Fallen episode of AEW Dynamite, the company dropped multiple hints to tease the arrival of the former WWE superstar.
Tony Schiavone initially announced that the AEW Rampage show would be heading to Chicago for the second week. Fans quickly began to speculate about CM Punk's arrival during the show, given that the show will be held in his native city of Chicago.
Soon after, Darby Allin, alongside Sting, appeared backstage, where the former TNT champion stated that he is ready to face anyone even if the man claims to be the best in the world. However, Darby Allin has now denied any such reference while appearing on a virtual meet and greet for the Asylum Wrestling Store.
Darby Allin stated that he was referring to AEW star Sammy Guevara since the Inner Circle member claims to be the best at what he does:
"No, that's more Sammy Guevara, because he calls himself the best ever. Yeah, well people read into it too much. Sammy Guevara calls himself the best ever so... it's cool, dude. It's awesome that people actually care and wanna know what's going on." (H/T- POST Wrestling)
AEW star Darby Allin is clearly trying to downplay the people out there to continue the hype surrounding CM Punk.
#2 Tony Khan reveals who came up with the idea of pairing the Guerreros with Top AEW star
AEW president and co-owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars Tony Khan recently revealed that it was a collective idea to pair Andrade El Idolo with the Guerrero family.
The former WWE superstar made his AEW debut in the post-Double or Nothing episode of AEW Dynamite. Much to everyone's surprise, legendary manager Vickie Guerrero appeared alongside him. The duo lasted nearly a month after management decided to replace Vickie Guerrero with another familiar face in Chavo Guerrero Jr.
With the new alliance, Andrade El Idolo seems to be a complete package since Chavo would most likely portray the role, quite similar to what MVP is doing for WWE Champion Bobby Lashley.
In an interview with the New York Post, Tony Khan discussed numerous topics, most notably revealing the idea behind bringing in Guerreros. The AEW chief stated that Andrade El Idolo himself wanted Vickie by his side. Meanwhile, it was his idea to bring in Chavo Guerrero, considering that he would elevate Andrade to a whole new level:
"It was his idea to make the connection with the Guerreros and he had asked about using Vickie. It was my idea to bring in Chavo. I thought Chavo would really add something. I'd seen Chavo recently on an independent show. He was in great shape and we had talked about associating because Andrade El Idolo comes from a very famous wrestling family. He wanted to be associated with that (the Guerreros) and Vickie was here. As we went on I wanted to add something to the presentation and I couldn't put my finger on what, and then I saw Chavo on an independent show and I just had a light bulb moment." Tony Khan said
Andrade El Idolo is currently embroiled in a rivalry with the Death Triangle. Fans will soon see the Mexican star step inside the ring for his second match in the company.
#1 Eric Bischoff heaps praise on AEW for using their legends respectfully
Former WCW President Eric Bischoff recently stated that AEW knows how to utilize their legends, unlike WWE.
WWE has often found themselves on the receiving end of criticism whenever it comes to treating their legends. In the past, well-established superstars like Matt Hardy, Sting, Paul Wight, and even Mark Henry, to name a few, have left the company and signed with AEW to maintain their legacy. Considering how these men have been utilized in the company so far, it's safe to say that Tony Khan values its talent, be it a legend or rising star.
Speaking on the latest episode of the 83 Weeks Podcast, Eric Bischoff stated that AEW has done a commendable job in utilizing their legends, with guys like Sting having been nothing short of helpful in bringing the spotlight to stars like Darby Allin. Bischoff slammed WWE for diminishing the legacy of their legends, with only the Undertaker and a few others treated respectfully:
"I think that Tony Khan and AEW and the team have done a fantastic job with Sting,” Bischoff said. “Sting wasn’t an example of what I would be concerned about, Sting is only going to add value and create awareness for guys like Darby Allin and others and bring that credibility. The way that AEW is using legends, I think is a much better way than WWE uses legends. WWE uses legends to embarrass with an exception of a couple like Undertaker and a handful of others. Everybody else is kind of like you’re there to be humiliated, degraded in a way."
Eric Bischoff also said that this is one of the reasons why Paul Wight, a.k.a. Big Show, left the company.