AEW Rampage, Audience Data, August 23, 2024

The last episode of AEW Rampage of Friday, August 23 on TNT Drama, recorded an average audience of 290,000 viewers, according to Programming Insider. This score represents a slight decrease compared to the previous week's score (295,000 viewers).

 

AEW Rampage registered a share of 0.10 in the key demographic, corresponding to ages between 18 and 49 years old, equaling the data from the previous week. As additional data, AEW Rampage ranked ninth among the most watched cable programs on Friday in its time slot.

 

This week's episode featured several matches of interest, highlighting The Conglomeration's victory over Brian Cage, The Beast Mortos and Johnny TV, a new appearance by Mina Shirakawa and The Von Erichs' victory over The Outrunners in the main event of the night.

WWE NXT, Audience Data, August 20, 2024

USA Network aired a new episode of WWE NXT on Tuesday night, August 20. It recorded an audience of 639,000 viewers, according to Programming Insider. This represents a higher score compared to the previous week (617,000 viewers).

The show registered a share of 0.16 in the target demographic, corresponding to ages between 18 and 49 years old, improving the previous week's record (0.14). As additional data, WWE NXT was the tenth most watched cable show on Tuesday night in the United States within the target demographic.

This week's episode featured several segments and matches of interest, highlighting Jaida Parker's victory in a Gauntlet Eliminator Match to earn a title opportunity in NXT No Mercy and Joe Hendry's victory over Pete Dunne and Wes Lee to become the new challenger for the NXT Championship in the main event of the night.

WWE Monday Night Raw, Audience Data, August 19, 2024

The audience for the episode of WWE Monday Night Raw on Monday, August 19, recorded an average of 1,641,000 viewers according to WrestleNomics. This represents a decrease compared to the previous week's show, in which 1,890,000 viewers were registered.

Monday Night Raw registered a share of 0.50 in the target demographic, corresponding to ages between 18 and 49 years old, worsening from the previous week (0.63). As an additional fact, WWE Raw was the second most watched cable show of Monday night in terms of key demographics.

This week's episode featured several matches and segments of interest, highlighting a new chapter in The Judgment Day's rivalry with Rhea Ripley and Damian Priest, the victory of Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn in a triple threat to retain the WWE Female Tag Team Championships and Randy Orton's victory over Ludwig Kaiser in the main event of the night.

WWE SmackDown audience data, August 9, 2024

The last episode of Friday Night SmackDown registered a preliminary audience of 2,433,000 average viewers, according to Fightful. This number represents an increase compared to the final data from the previous week, when the blue brand show registered 2,179,000 viewers.

The program registered a share of 0.71 in the target demographic (between 18 and 49 years old), improving the previous week's record (0.60). The blue brand's show attracted 811,000 viewers, establishing itself as the second most watched program of the night only behind the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

This week's episode featured several matches and segments of interest, highlighting Santos Escobar's victory over Andrade to earn an opportunity for the United States Championship and the return of Roman Reigns to attack The Bloodline in the main event of the night.

Shane McMahon talks about meeting with Tony Khan

Tony Khan, President of All Elite Wrestling, and Shane McMahon met this week at the Arlington airport for unknown reasons. Several media outlets spread the news and a photograph that certified the meeting between both personalities.

 

Through a statement issued to Bully Ray that was read in Busted Open After Dark in the last few hours, McMahon confirmed that he had a "great meeting" with Khan. McMahon said they talked about many things, but it was mostly about his love for professional wrestling and the challenges of working with family. The full statement can be read below:

 

"Tony and I were connected through a mutual friend and we had a great meeting. We talked about many things, but mostly about our shared love for the business and the rewards and challenges of working with family. I congratulated him on the five year anniversary of AEW and look forward to how he evolves the business moving forward." 

 

Shane McMahon has been absent from WWE since WrestleMania 39 in April 2023, where he tore his quadriceps just seconds into a match against The Miz. Fightful reported in June 2024 that he was not under any type of contract with WWE at the time of this publication.

 

The idea that Shane McMahon is not linked to WWE on a contractual basis has made one think about the possibility that the former WWE manager and talent, and son of Vince McMahon, is an active part of All Elite Wrestling, both financially and in TV.

 

This possibility, while purely speculative at this point, could have profound implications for the professional wrestling industry.

Ricochet would leave this summer

Ricochet has become one of the protagonists of current news in recent days. The former United States Champion's contract with WWE expires this summer, but everything indicates that he will not sign a new agreement. And, as Mike Johnson from PWInsider has investigated, Ricochet would have informed the company of his intention not to renew once his current contract expires.

In this way, the fighter would become a free agent in a matter of weeks, being able to sign with any other company immediately. This could also explain the recent creative decisions that WWE has made in the last week, both in WWE Speed and Monday Night Raw.

It should be remembered that Ricochet's current contract, like other superstars, was signed in 2019. Most of these agreements had a duration of five years. That's why the company has been working intensely on negotiating new agreements, such as the case of Drew McIntyre or Charlotte Flair, or the release of talent, such as the cases of SCRYPTS or Drew Gulak.

Athena could return to the ring sooner than expected

Athena is one of the most prominent figures on the Ring of Honor (ROH) roster under the direction of Tony Khan. Recently, she suffered an ankle injury that caused concern among fans and the wrestling community. However, the latest news confirms that the injury is not as serious as initially feared. 

Athena, formerly known as Ember Moon in WWE, has been a dominant champion in ROH, holding the ROH World Women's Championship for 533 days. This injury raised questions about her availability to defend the title at the upcoming Death Before Dishonor PPV, scheduled for July 26.

Fortunately, according to the latest report from Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Athena's injury is not as serious as initially thought and she is expected to return within a few weeks. This more positive diagnosis suggests that Athena will have enough time to fully recover before her next title defense.

The talented fighter will be back in the ring soon, ready to continue her reign and face new challenges.

Jordynne Grace announces an open challenge for TNA Against All Odds

Jordynne Grace, in a recent interview with Busted Open Radio, has announced an open challenge for any superstar who wants to challenge her for her Knockouts championship at TNA Against All Odds on June 14.

This has made the rumors about who her opponent may be more fueled than ever, since in recent days it has been reported that both WWE and TNA Wrestling intend to maintain these exchanges between superstars from different promotions, so It wouldn't be crazy to think that any NXT fighter would make her debut in TNA next June to challenge Grace.

All in all, we will have to wait and see who ends up challenging Jordynne Grace in Against All Odds, but these two weeks promise to be full of possible speculation with fighters who could face her in the next TNA Wrestling PPV.

William Regal could join No Quarter Catch Crew as a mentor

After a brief stint in All Elite Wrestling, William Regal returned to WWE to be close to his son, Charlie Dempsey, and help him in his training as a professional wrestler. Once the clause that prevented him from appearing for a year in the company owned by Endeavor expired, Regal was able to be shown on screen on two occasions, both on the NXT show.

The last of these took place on NXT Roadblock, where he interrupted a segment featuring the No Quarter Catch Crew after Dempsey won the Heritage Cup Championship. Regal stood in front of the team members (Drew Gulak, Myles Borne, Damon Kemp and Dempsey himself), warning them that he would watch them closely to ensure that they defended the cup with the integrity and honor it deserved.

However, Gulak's departure changed plans for the team, which seemed to have lost its creative direction in recent weeks. Something that could change soon. And the last episode of the development brand featured a segment in which Dempsey commented to his colleagues about the need for the group to have a structure. Some words that predict changes in the stable, and that could mean the recurring appearance of William Regal.

This was revealed by the specialized media Fightful, reporting that WWE has been considering the possibility of having Regal as a No Quarter Catch Crew mentor for months. At the moment, it is unknown what this would mean for the group, and if the legend would accompany its members in their television appearances. In any case, the truth is that the group is ready to evolve, and an addition of Regal would be unanimously welcomed by fans.

Star Jr. will enter to MLW Battle Riot VI

Major League Wrestling (MLW) has confirmed a new participant for Battle Riot on Saturday, June 1, at the PPV to be held from the Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia.

As MLW has announced on its official website and social networks, through a statement, the young wrestler named Star Jr. from the Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) will return to Court Bauer's company as part of the Battle Riot Match.

It should be remembered that Battle Riot VI will take place on Saturday, June 1 from the Center Stage in Atlanta, GA, and will be broadcast live on the Triller TV+ streaming platform.

Adam Copeland gets the rights to The Brood

A few days ago, All Elite Wrestling held its Double or Nothing 2024 show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The pay-per-view featured several notable matches, such as Adam Copeland's victory over Malakai Black in a Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match for the TNT Championship.

The presentation of the Canadian professional wrestler and actor has been a source of surprise for fans. For many, the presence on the screens of the logo of The Brood was a big surprise, a team that The Rated R Superstar knew how to integrate with Gangrel and Christian Cage in his first years in WWE. 

PWInsider confirmed that Adam Copeland registered the rights to THE BROOD in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, with the support of the company No Laughing Matter, LLC. In the past, Cope was clever enough to register well-known trademarks from his past, such as RATED R SUPERSTAR and THE ICONOCLAST.

WWE NXT and TNA Wrestling could extend their collaboration

The world of professional wrestling received a high-impact surprise such as the appearance of Jordynne Grace in WWE NXT. The American professional wrestler, under contract to Total Nonstop Action, answered Roxanne Perez's challenge for the Performance Center Women's Championship.

The good relationship between both professional wrestling companies would have written a new chapter on Tuesday night. The approval towards a possible extended collaboration between the Anthem and TKO companies is not only perceived among the fans, but is also latent in the backstage of NXT.

PWInsider noted that there are high expectations that the collaboration between WWE and TNA will extend beyond the show at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The belief at the Performance Center is that NXT could be represented in some way at future Total Nonstop Action events, although it has not been specified if this interaction will involve the rivalry between Roxanne Perez and Jordynne Grace.

Eddie Kingston has a date to undergo surgery

Eddie Kingston is preparing to undergo surgery on August 7, with the aim of repairing his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus tears, as confirmed by the PWInsider portal. The surgical intervention is a necessary measure after a series of injuries that Kingston has suffered in recent weeks, which has led him, among other things, to miss the Double or Nothing PPV.

Despite the news, Kingston has maintained a positive attitude. Doctors have informed Kingston that the recovery process could last up to ten months, which implies that his return to in-ring action would be scheduled for May 2025, as long as there are no changes to the initial schedule.

Before surgery, Kingston will have to wait for a fracture in his leg to fully heal and undergo physical therapy to strengthen the affected area. This preparation is crucial to ensure that surgeons can properly focus on repairing his knee, minimizing potential complications and speeding up his subsequent recovery.

WWE abandons a trademark related to Becky Lynch

Becky Lynch's contractual situation has caught the attention of wrestling fans. At the time of writing these lines, the professional wrestler has not signed her renewal with WWE, and theories regarding her future flood social networks.

Although nothing is said until the end of her agreement on June 1, the seven-time women's champion could open the doors to other options after eleven years of relationship with the TKO Group Holdings company. In the last few hours, fans became aware of a possible clue related to her future.

On May 24, and after several legal discussions with a wrestler from the independent scene, WWE gave in to abandoning the BIG TIME BECKS brand at the United States Patent and Trademark Office. James K. Duck had filed a similar trademark shortly before the company registered in early April.

Becky Lynch used the nickname Big Time Becks during her time as a villain. The superstar replaced the famous alias of The Man with this new expression between 2021 and 2022. Becky would continue to use this phrase in several promos after the aforementioned years, in addition to remaining in her graphics and merchandising.

Fans took this fact as a possible clue to Becky Lynch's departure. However, and as we mentioned above, both parties are maintaining their talks in order to reach an agreement before the weekend. More news related to the future of The Man is expected in the coming hours.

Paul Heyman reveals he doesn't know who is directing The Bloodline

The current storyline starring The Bloodline had a new chapter in the most recent Friday Night SmackDown show. After weeks of uncertainty, with Solo Sikoa taking command of the faction, apparently unilaterally, last night Paul Heyman, advisor to the group and, especially to Roman Reigns, admitted to not having spoken to The Tribal Chief since Wrestlemania XL.

The news broke during a backstage segment. Heyman visited Nick Aldis to ask him about a written request he had previously sent him. The General Manager of SmackDown claimed to have read it, but refused to comply, revealing that Heyman wanted Kevin Owens and Randy Orton not to fight at WWE Backlash. Paul responded that he didn't care. His request was for the good of both fighters and the brand itself. However, now it was no longer a burden of conscience for him, but for Aldis.

Nick hinted that everything related to The Bloodline was still being orchestrated by Roman Reigns through Heyman. However, he accidentally revealed that he had not spoken to Reigns since WrestleMania XL.

The last time fans were able to see Reigns and Heyman together was in a video recorded on the entrance ramp of Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, minutes after Cody Rhodes' victory at WrestleMania XL. Roman and Paul embraced each other in a heartfelt embrace before the former left the premises. Since then, he has not appeared on the company's television programming again.

Cruz del Toro undergoes Surgery to treat an Arm Injury

WWE superstar Cruz del Toro has surprised his fans by revealing his stay in the hospital to treat an injury that had not been reported in the media. Through a publication on Instagram, the Mexican fighter has shown how he has undergone surgery to repair an arm injury of which not many details are known.

"A special thank you to Dr. McKeon and the team at Birmingham Surgery Center for their care, the surgery was a success", Cruz del Toro wrote on Instagram. "Thank you for your messages of support and good wishes. I will be back soon and better than ever. As someone said... #todayisdayone".

Cruz Del Toro is currently a member of the Latino World Order and regularly teams with Joaquin Wilde. He last fought on April 5 in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal that took place on Friday Night SmackDown, a match that Bronson Reed won. It is unknown how long he will be out.

WWE and TKO removed Vince McMahon from their official websites

Vince McMahon's departure from TKO/WWE continues to make headlines around the world. The decision to resign from his position as Executive President of the company has been pleasantly received by the majority of fans, who wanted his name to no longer be associated with the WWE brand.

Once his departure was confirmed, WWE and TKO began cleaning their official websites, as some media have been able to verify. For starters, McMahon has been removed from his list of TKO Board of Directors members on the company's website. A logical move, on the other hand.

More drastic has been the action taken on the official WWE website: McMahon's bio in the "WWE Superstars" section has also been removed from WWE.com. To do so, the company has chosen to delete it directly, instead of moving it to the "Alumni" section, as is usually done in these cases. Right now, there are very few results when searching for Vince McMahon's name on the WWE website.

As a curious fact, with his departure from WWE, for the first time in the company's history, no direct member of the McMahon family officially works for the company. It should be remembered that it was founded in 1950 by Jess and Vincent J. McMahon under the name of Capitol Wrestling.

With this move, TKO and WWE hope to alleviate the consequences of Janel Grant's lawsuit, which has brought with it two of the most difficult days for the new company owned by Endeavor. Now, with McMahon out of the equation, the parent company seems willing to carry out a personnel cleanup to put an end to all those people close to the former chairman in one fell swoop, in order to regain the trust of fans, shareholders and business partners.

A spokesperson for Vince McMahon charges against Janel Grant's recent accusations

Vince McMahon has once again been the main topic of conversation after The Wall Street Journal revealed that Janel Grant, a former WWE employee, has sued the current Executive President of TKO for having raped and sexually exploited her, in addition to other humiliations described in detail on the demand.

The events, which occurred in 2021, implicate other names within the company, such as Brock Lesnar, who allegedly also participated in the systematic harassment of the plaintiff. So far, "The Beast" and his entourage have not made any statements in this regard.

The response from those around the accused has been more forceful. In this sense, a spokesperson for Vince McMahon made the following statement: "This lawsuit is filled with lies, obscene made-up cases that never happened, and vindictive distortion of the truth. It will be vigorously defended."

It should be remembered that McMahon has been dealing with these types of accusations and lawsuits for some time. Perhaps the most well-known case is that of Rita Chatterton, former WWE referee, who accused him of rape in 1992. However, both parties ended up reaching a multimillion-dollar agreement to avoid the costs of litigation.

Tyler Bate makes his debut on WWE SmackDown New Year's Revolution

During Friday Night SmackDown on FOX, Tyler Bate made his first appearance with victory on WWE's main roster.

The third match of the New Year's Revolution special episode had Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince and Kit Wilson) facing Butch and a surprise partner. To the surprise of the audience in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, The Big Strong Boi made his entrance alongside the wrestler with whom he shared the independent scene as British Strong Style.

The former United Kingdom Champion allowed his team the advantage on multiple occasions, and even demonstrated several team maneuvers alongside The Bruiserweight. In the final moments of the match, Butch broke Kit Wilson's fingers and allowed a Double Powerbomb for his team's victory via pinfall. Tyler Bate thus takes his first official victory on the WWE main roster.