AEW: Maki Itoh on Not Interested in Potential WWE Future, Jeff Hardy DUI Arrest Update, Dark Results

Maki Itoh Comments on Not Being Interested in Working for WWE in the Future & Rather Stay in AEW

A recent episode of the Ten Count podcast had Maki Itoh as the guest. One of the topics discussed included Itoh’s thoughts, via her translator, on her not being interested in working in WWE in the future and instead would rather stay with AEW.

“No, nothing. The reason she became this popular is thanks to AEW. Whatever happens, even if WWE gives her a cheeky offer from nowhere, she would not accept it and she would stay right beside AEW all the way.”

Itoh also gave her thoughts on her goals for her career in 2023.

“In Japan, she wants to get a title belt, obviously. She feels maybe a tag team title belt would be really nice, just about now. Where for America, she wants to go back to being on AEW television again. As you know, there is only so much time available on American TV and you can’t really leave much of an impact due to how much time you get to be on TV. She definitely wants to leave a big enough impact to where everyone will remember the name of Maki Itoh.”

Transcript h/t: Fightful.com

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Jeff Hardy DUI Arrest Update

As noted before, Jeff Hardy was arrested this past June in Volusia County, Florida following a drunk driving incident. Hardy has been out of action for AEW since that time due to his current suspension over his DUI arrest.

PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that based on recent court records, Hardy’s lawyer filed a motion on Monday requesting for Hardy’s scheduled pre-trial hearing this Wednesday to be postponed to a later date.

Official motion filing:

UNOPPOSED MOTION TO CONTINUE PRETRIAL CONFERENCE

Defendant, Jeffrey Nero Hardy, moves to continue the pretrial conference scheduled for December 21, 2022, and in support states:

1. Mr. Hardy is charged by Information with one count of Driving in Violation of Driver’s License Restriction; one count of Driving While License Canceled, Suspended or Revoked; and one count of Driving Under the Influence (third offense).

2. Efforts to resolve the matter by plea agreement have yet to be successful.

3. The State of Florida provided discovery on October 31, 2022 in the form of maintenance records related to the Intoxilyzer 8000 used in this case.

4. Defense counsel requires additional time to examine perceived anomalies reflected in the maintenance records and depose the law enforcement witness responsible for Intoxilyzer maintenance.

5. Undersigned counsel has conferred with Assistant State Attorney Amie Assent, Ms. Assent does not oppose the relief sought by this motion.

6. Undersigned counsel respectfully suggests a continuance of the pretrial conference for approximately forty-five (45) days is appropriate.

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AEW Dark Results – Dec. 20, 2022

December 20, 2022
Orlando, FL – Universal Studios
Commentary: Excalibur and Taz

AEW Dark Quick Match Results:

1. Kenny Omega defeated Hagane Shinno via One Winged Angel (pinfall)
2. Action Andretti defeated Invictus Kash via Running Shooting Star Press (pinfall)
3. Marina Shafir defeated Angelica Risk via Overhook Armbar Hold (submission)
4. Parker Boudreaux defeated Gus De La Vega via Back Body Drop Bomb (pinfall)
5. Angelico & Chaos Project (Serpentico & Luther) defeated Jay Marte, Jarett Diaz, & Richard Adonis via Navarro Death Roll (submission)
6. Julia Hart defeated Sahara Seven via Heartless Lock (submission)
7. Jeff Jarrett & Satnam Singh defeated Dean Alexander & Rosario Grillo via The Stroke (pinfall)
8. The Wingmen (Ryan Nemeth & “Pretty” Peter Avalon) defeated Jake St. Patrick & Sage Scott via Hunk of Love (pinfall)
9. Kip Sabin defeated Caleb Konley via Anarchist Suplex (pinfall)
10. TBS Championship Eliminator match – Jade Cargill (c) defeated Dream Girl Ellie via Jaded (pinfall)
11. Ricky Starks defeated Cezar Bononi via Spear (pinfall)