Opening Bell: John Cena returns on Raw, Blood and Guts on Dynamite

Get set for the week in WWE and AEW with Opening Bell: quick previews of Raw, SmackDown, Dynamite and Rampage for the week of June 27.

Welcome to the Opening Bell, where we round up what’s been announced for WWE (Raw and SmackDown) and AEW (Dynamite and Rampage) programming for the week ahead.

WWE Raw preview – Monday, June 27, Sames Auto Arena, Laredo, Texas

Hit the trumpets! After being gone for some time thanks to a busy schedule of Hollywood roles, John Cena returns to Raw to celebrate 20 years in WWE. It seems like only yesterday when he was the Doctor of Thuganomics, but it was, in fact, more than a decade ago. Along with celebrating his many contributions to the company, expect a party crasher by the name of Theory to set up a match for SummerSlam.

Also, Kevin Owens‘ quest to prove Ezekiel and Elias are the same person hit a major bump in the road last week, when Elias performed his first concert in month, then broke a guitar over K.O.’s back. Enraged, Owens challenged Ezekiel or Elias or “their even younger brother” Elrod to a match for Laredo, so the fun will be seeing which one of them walks down the ramp.

AEW Dynamite Blood and Guts preview – Wednesday, June 29, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit

It’s time for Blood and Guts, the match that threw Chris Jericho off a steel cage last year. Times have changed, however, with Jericho now leading the Jericho Appreciation Society, definitely not the fan favorite faction (alliteration is great) this time around. They’ll go up against the Blackpool Combat Club, newly bolstered by the arrival of Claudio Castagnoli during Forbidden Door.

But there is tension on the BCC side as well, with the combustible Eddie Kingston not always getting along with the Club members proper. That could be an issue in a match this intense.

Also, expect to see fallout from Forbidden Door, because it was a great show bound to reverberate through AEW programming in various ways.

WWE SmackDown – Friday, July 1, Footprint Center, Phoenix

Pat McAfee isn’t just a podcaster and announcer with the strongest leg in the universe. He’s acquitted himself well in a WWE ring so far, even if his 1-3 record doesn’t quite show it. Now he’s engaged in a war of words with Happy Corbin, and feeling good enough about himself to call Corbin out for a match at SummerSlam. Happy is expected to give his answer to the ex-NFL punter on Friday, and we’d be surprised if he doesn’t accept.

AEW Rampage – Friday, July 1, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit (taped on June 29)

AEW hasn’t released any info yet for this show, mostly thanks to it having two big events in less than a week. One thing to watch for is Swerve Strickland and Keith Lee, who were victorious on the Buy-In at Forbidden Door but then immediately under verbal assault from Ricky Starks and Powerhouse Hobbs. Another showdown between the two teams would make a lot of sense as the featured match on Rampage this week, but we’ll have to wait until Wednesday, most likely, to see.

AEW Rampage quick results: Last stop before Forbidden Door

Get quick AEW Rampage results for the June 24 episode from Milwaukee, the last stop before Forbidden Door.

Milwaukee isn’t quite Chicago, but it’s sort of close. That’s relevant because it’s gotten very close to Forbidden Door, set to blow into the Windy City this Sunday. Tonight’s episode of AEW Rampage, taped last Wednesday, should put the final finishing touches on the card, maybe even adding a few last matches.

We’ll add the latest results as they happen, making this as close to a live report as possible for a pre-recorded show.

AEW Rampage results in 30 seconds:

  • Andrade El Idolo def. Rey Fenix by pinfall with some help from Rush, and the duo unveils La Facción Ingobernable shirts
  • Eddie Kingston cuts a promo touching briefly on Forbidden Door, but he’s even more psyched for Blood & Guts and can’t wait to taste the blood of Chris Jericho
  • Swerve Strickland and Keith Lee say they’ll get another ‘W’ on Sunday against Yoshinobu Kanemaru and El Desperado, but Lee isn’t quite ready to say they’re back on the same page yet
  • Serena Deeb and Mercedes Martinez def. Sierra and Laynie Luck by submission
  • Tully Blanchard Enterprises is a thing, and includes … Brian Cage? Tully also interrupts Jonathan Gresham, and ends up booking a tag team match, it seems
  • Hook def. The DKC by submission to remain undefeated
  • Billy Gunn informs Max Caster and the Gunn Club that they have a match on the Buy-In against four members of NJPW’s LA Dojo, and the Ass Boys think they’re going to Japan
  • Also added to the Buy-In on Sunday: QT Marshall and Aaron Solo vs. Hirooki Goto and Yoshi-Hashi

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AEW bringing Quake By The Lake live shows to Minnesota in August

AEW announced that it is bringing Dynamite and Rampage to Minneapolis for its only Minnesota stop of 2022 with Quake by the Lake in August.

Good news for AEW fans in Minnesota: The promotion is bringing its two weekly shows to the Target Center in Minneapolis specially themed as the Quake by the Lake before the end of the summer.

AEW announced today that AEW Dynamite and AEW Rampage will hit the Target Center in Minneapolis on Wednesday, Aug. 10. It will be the company’s only stop in Minnesota during 2022, which should create some urgency for tickets when they go on sale later this week.

Minneapolis has never hosted Dynamite, but was the site of Full Gear last November. There was also a live episode of Rampage the Friday before that pay-per-view. The Target Center is also a regular stop for WWE, which just held SmackDown there last week.

The Quake by the Lake theming suggests AEW will try to load up the cards as much as possible, which is pretty common when it themes its weekly shows. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 24 at 10 a.m. CT via AXS.com and AEWTix.com.

Opening Bell: Forbidden Door sneak peeks on Dynamite, Asuka vs. Becky on Raw

Get set for the week in WWE and AEW with Opening Bell: quick previews of Raw, SmackDown, Dynamite and Rampage for the week of June 20.

Welcome to the Opening Bell, where we round up what’s been announced for WWE (Raw and SmackDown) and AEW (Dynamite and Rampage) programming for the week ahead.

WWE Raw preview – Monday, June 20, Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, Nebraska

Money in the Bank qualifiers are always important, but one this Monday will be particularly personal. Asuka and Becky Lynch will clash again, with only the winner going on to vie for the briefcase on July 2. Will this finally be the start of Becky’s big comeback, or will the Empress of Tomorrow prove to be a thorn in her side again?

Also, Elias is back! Still tormenting Kevin Owens, Ezekiel has promised that his older brother would return to Raw in full concert mode. Not sure how this is going down for … reasons, but should be a lot of fun, as this whole angle has been highly entertaining.

AEW Dynamite preview – Wednesday, June 22 – UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, Milwaukee

Jon Moxley and Hiroshi Tanahashi will go head to head this coming Sunday at Forbidden Door to find out who will be Interim AEW World Champion. But first, they’ll join forces on Wednesday to battle Chris Jericho and Lance Archer, two men who know NJPW and its Ace. It’s “can they coexist?” in the finest pro wrestling tradition.

Another important piece of Forbidden Door will be settled when the final AEW spot in the All-Atlantic Championship Match is decided. Penta Oscuro and Malakai Black have had plenty of clashes to date, but this one has arguably the highest stakes yet.

Also scheduled for Dynamite:

WWE SmackDown preview – Friday, June 24 – Moody Center, Austin, Texas

Ricochet was having a solid run as Intercontinental Champion until he ran smack into Gunther, who thrashed him but good while taking his gold. He’ll get a rematch against the Ring General this week, but it remains to be seen if he’ll fare any better.

We’ll also see a Money in the Bank Ladder Match qualifier between Shinsuke Nakamura and Sami Zayn, which has some fun subtext since Zayn’s recent failure made Roman Reigns have to defend his championships against Riddle … though since that turned out fine in the end, maybe the Tribal Chief isn’t mad at Sami. Maybe.

Also announced for this week:

  • Shotzi vs. Aliyah in a Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match qualifier

AEW Rampage preview – Friday, June 24 – UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, Milwaukee

Somewhat surprisingly, AEW hasn’t announced anything yet for its final show before Forbidden Door, one that will air on TNT just two nights before the joint card with NJPW in Chicago. That said, because this is being taped on Wednesday after Dynamite, we’ll know by the end of that show most of what to expect on Friday.

There’s still time for more matches to be added to Forbidden Door, for sure, so expect that to be the case right up through Friday night.

AEW Rampage results: FTR, Trent defend AEW honor against Will Ospreay, Aussie Open

Check out AEW Rampage results for the June 10, 2022 episode from Independence, Missouri near Kansas City.

The Forbidden Door picture is starting to come into focus more and more with each passing show, but with a few weeks left until AEW and NJPW collide in Chicago, there are more twists to come. Will Ospreay proved that on Dynamite, unleashing some of his United Empire.

Tonight on Rampage, FTR and Trent Beretta will try to make sure that invasion doesn’t go unpunished, facing Ospreay and Aussie Open in a trios match. We’re also going to hear from Hook and Danhausen (well, probably just Danhausen, as Hook tends to be a man of few words), and see Eddie Kingston square up with Jake Hager.

Let’s do this, pre-recorded from just outside Kansas City.

AEW Rampage results in 30 seconds:

  • Eddie Kingston def. Jake Hager by pinfall
  • Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. tells Toni Storm (via Tony Schiavone) that it was arrogant to put her hands on the AEW Women’s World Championship and she needs to get in line
  • Jay Lethal and Satnam Singh def. Davey Vega and Mike Fichett by pinfall
  • Danhausen and Hook show off the new fancy golf carts they bought after winning their match at Double or Nothing
  • Kris Statlander def. Red Velvet by pinfall, but the Baddies attack after the match, Anna Jay is beaten down trying to help, and Athena is prevented from assisting as well
  • Ethan Page differentiates himself from Miro by saying he looks up to, believes in and prays to himself
  • “You open the door, don’t be afraid of who walks through.” Will Ospreay says they are in AEW to separate the sheep from the GOATS, but Trent Beretta says he likes Ospreay even less than he did in NJPW
  • FTR and Trent Beretta def. Will Ospreay and Aussie Open by pinfall

Scroll down for more detailed AEW Rampage results, including recaps of every match and big talking segment.

CM Punk reveals injury, AEW will crown interim champ in his absence

CM Punk confirmed during AEW Rampage on June 3 that he is hurt and will need surgery, but plans on making a full comeback.

When AEW started promoting a special announcement about CM Punk and the AEW World Championship for this week’s episode of Rampage, people feared the worst. When his promo included mention of good news and bad news, part of those fears were confirmed: Punk is injured, and will need surgery.

As for the championship, well, that part is a little more complicated.

Many fans and observers thought Punk may have been injured during his trios match that saw him team with FTR on Dynamite. He was limping afterward, particularly when he came to the ring to confront MJF in a moment not shown on the TV broadcast.

Punk’s Friday night promo confirmed that he is indeed hurt and will need surgery, though he stopped short of revealing exactly what was “broken.” He also said he volunteered to relinquish the championship, but that “Tony Khan said he believed in CM Punk.” He finished his promo by vowing to come back better, stronger and hungrier, making no mention of giving up his title.

However, Chris Jericho, on color commentary as he is most for most episodes of Rampage, said twice on the broadcast that Punk would be relinquishing his championship.

During the show’s main event, Excalibur cleared part of the situation up while still causing a bit of confusion. Punk will not have to hand over the AEW World Championship, but the company will crown an interim champ while he is out.

The process for doing so begins next week on Dynamite. A Battle Royale to begin the show will determine an opponent for Jon Moxley. They’ll face off in the main event, with the winner going on to wrestle for the interim title at Forbidden Door later this month.

The question is who they’ll face, but there are several weeks to answer that part of the equation. Since NJPW is the other part of Forbidden Door, it’s entirely possible that one of their wrestlers will have a shot at the interim championship — possibly Hiroshi Tanahoshi, who made a challenge to Punk on Wednesday.

At the very least, Punk will be back, and that’s ultimately good news for AEW fans.

AEW Rampage live results: CM Punk makes announcement, TNT title on the line

Check out live AEW Rampage results for the June 3, 2022 episode from Ontario, California.

It was all set to be an exciting but more or less by the books AEW Rampage from Ontario, California tonight. Then this happened ..

This sounds like it could potentially be bad news. CM Punk looked like he may have hurt himself during his match on AEW Dynamite, so the first thought is that he might be announcing an injury, and mentioning the AEW World Championship brings further thoughts that it might cause him to vacate the title. Which … would stink.

But we’ll have to wait and see. Hopefully it’s not that.

In less worrisome news, Scorpio Sky will put his TNT Championship on the line against Dante Martin. The Young Bucks will have a rematch against the Lucha Bros. Athena will make her AEW in-ring debut. And Powerhouse Hobbs and Ricky Starks will be in action.

Can’t catch the action tonight? Bookmark this page and check back as we update it with live AEW Rampage results as they happen.

AEW Rampage results in 30 seconds:

  • Young Bucks def. Lucha Bros. by pinfall

Opening Bell: WWE, AEW previews for the week of 5/30

Get ready for Raw, SmackDown, Dynamite and Rampage with WWE and AEW previews for episodes airing the week of May 30, 2022.

Welcome to the Opening Bell, where we round up what’s been announced for WWE (Raw and SmackDown) and AEW (Dynamite and Rampage) programming for the week ahead.

WWE Raw preview – Monday, May 30, Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines, IA

Cody Rhodes was just trying to have a normal, competitive match with The Miz when it was unceremoniously ended thanks to an ambush by Seth “Freakin'” Rollins. He’s not going to let that go without addressing it, which he’ll do this week on Raw. When? The Cody Clock will probably let us know on Monday night.

There’s also a contract signing set to take place. Bobby Lashley lost his match with MVP a week ago, meaning his former manager got to pick the stipulation for a third bout with Omos at Hell in a Cell. MVP chose a Handicap Match, so all three men will have to sign on the dotted line this week.

Also on tap for Raw:

AEW Dynamite preview – Wednesday, June 1, Kia Forum, Los Angeles

Double or Nothing was a entertaining but lengthy affair, so it’s good that AEW has some time to catch its breath … but not too long, as the company is set for the first live wrestling event at the Kia Forum since 2015. So far, just one match has been confirmed for L.A., but it’s a big one: Jungle Boy, Luchasaurus and Christian Cage (who still hasn’t turned heel) will join forces with The Hardys in a 10-man tag team match against the Undisputed Elite (Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, Bobby Fish and Young Bucks).

It would be a surprise if we didn’t hear from new AEW World Champion CM Punk, who needs his first challenger. And we may or may not hear from MJF because … well, you know.

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WWE SmackDown preview – Friday, June 3, The Schottenstein Center, Columbus, OH

WWE hasn’t confirmed any matches yet for SmackDown in Columbus, but the venue has been advertising Drew McIntyre, Ronda Rousey, the New Day and The Usos. All of them make sense to appear.

On top of that, The Schottenstein Center is also saying AJ Styles will face The Miz, though that could be a dark match, for sure.

AEW Rampage preview – Friday, June 3, Toyota Arena, Ontario, CA

Last but not least (unless Rampage gets moved up again for the NHL playoffs, in which case SmackDown will air last), Rampage rolls into Ontario (not the Canadian one) to close out the week in televised Big 2 wrestling. Toyota Arena is promoting this as a homecoming for the Young Bucks, so they should be involved in some capacity.

As well, at Double or Nothing, Scorpio Sky promised Dante Martin he could have a shot at the TNT Championship, and given Rampage is on TNT, this feels like the proper place for that bout. Expect it to be officially confirmed during Dynamite.

AEW Rampage results: Last stop before Double or Nothing

Check out full AEW Rampage results for the May 27, 2022 episode from Las Vegas, the final show before Double or Nothing.

Who’s ready for some Friday afternoon wrestling? AEW Rampage is once again coming to us at an earlier time thanks to the NBA Playoffs, making it a pre-dinner affair for fans in attendance at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.

AEW has been in Sin City for several days, as Rampage is the second of three live shows there this week. They culminate in Double or Nothing on Sunday night, but there are a few final pieces to slot into place first, and Tony Khan has suggested there may still be more matches added.

What’s in store for tonight? First and foremost, there’s an Owen Hart Foundation Tournament semifinal on the women’s side between Kris Statlander and Ruby Soho. The winner will face Dr. Britt Baker in the final on Sunday.

Bryan Danielson is also in action against Matt Sydal, and the Young Bucks will take on … someone in a tag team match ahead of their much anticipated meeting with The Hardys at Double or Nothing. And Scorpio Sky will receive his new title belt after his last one got treated pretty roughly by Sammy Guevara and Tay Conti.

This should be a fast-moving hour. If you can’t watch live, bookmark this page and we’ll update it with live AEW Rampage results as they happen.

All Elite Wrestling FAQ: Your guide to AEW for lapsed and new fans

Reading through our handy AEW FAQ should make lapsed or new fans immediately more conversant in all things All Elite Wrestling.

“What is All Elite Wrestling?”

“Why am I hearing so much about AEW?”

These are questions that are more relevant than ever since the company recently celebrated its third birthday. AEW has changed the landscape of pro wrestling in the U.S. since its founding in 2019, rapidly becoming the No. 2 promotion even though it spent a good chunk of its formative years dealing with restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s been a long time — decades, in fact — since any promotion not named WWE could claim to have AEW’s national TV footprint, its attendance at live events and its share of wrestling fandom’s attention. While it’s not close in most areas to challenging the reigning incumbent in terms of size and mainstream recognition, it does provide an honest to goodness alternative with the potential to attract both lapsed fans and curious newcomers.

If you fall into either one of those groups, welcome! We’re here to provide an overview of AEW so you can better tell if it sounds like it’s for you. Reading through our handy FAQ should make you immediately more conversant in all things All Elite Wrestling, and catch you up just a bit on what’s gone down in its first three years.