Weekend Roundup: Matt Riddle WWE Release Update, Edge & AEW Rumors Update, Stardom, CMLL, New Wrestling Promotion, Indies

Indie / Misc

Steve C.

Oct 1, 2023

WWE

As noted before, WWE released Matt Riddle this past September as part of a larger batch of talent releases. Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his sources confirmed that Riddle’s recent incident at the JFK Airport ended up being the final straw for WWE officials and was the reason for his release. Meltzer reported that several of those spoken to within WWE stated that Riddle had been dealing with on-and-off backstage heat in the company since day one. Those same sources also stated that Riddle probably would have been among the top stars in the company if not for his consistent negative issues that eventually led to WWE officials not wanting to push him beyond a mid-level tier star. Meltzer reported that one notable incident of Riddle dealing with serious backstage heat involved him going off script during a backstage promo where he talked about Orton being in serious pain during the latter days of their RKO Bro team. WWE officials reportedly were upset since they did not want Orton’s health status to be publicly revealed and him deviating from what they had planned for him to say.
In regards to Riddle’s career future, Meltzer speculated that AEW could be a potential landing spot for him but one big negative against that idea is due to his history of negative baggage and bad publicity issues. Meltzer reported that Impact Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling could also be potential spots depending on if they have enough room in their budgets for the high cost that it would likely take to sign him. Meltzer reported that Riddle returning to MMA would also be a strong possibility as well at this point.
As noted before, Jade Cargill’s contract with AEW expired this past September and she signed a new contract with WWE. Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Cargill’s contract with WWE is currently believed to be between three to five years in length based on that being the typical length of a WWE contract. In regards to her debut status, Meltzer reported that Cargill is still believed to be making her official WWE debut on the main roster and not their NXT brand. Meltzer speculated that Cargill’s official debut could be taking place very soon due to how much WWE has been hyping up her signing and arrival in the company.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Jade Cargill gave her thoughts on what helped steer her decision on wanting to join WWE over staying in AEW. Cargill stated “The leadership. Paul [Paul Levesque aka Triple H], Bruce [Bruce Prichard], Nick [Nick Khan], you can’t get any better than that. I’m the first signing under the TKO umbrella. Where else can you go to get the best quality training? Nowhere else. The PC [WWE Performance Center] here is one of one. There is nothing else like it. The machine is behind you. The platform, the overall history, the legacy, I’m creating a household name. I could go on and on. Why not? The question more so is why not?” Cargill also gave her thoughts on if a potential future career in Hollywood played a role in her decision to go to WWE. Cargill stated “Yes, it did. I know that I have that it factor. Call it cocky, call it conceited, call it vain. Just because I know myself, I don’t think that makes me this evil person. There is nothing wrong with knowing yourself and knowing what you bring to the table. I’m sorry that I’m just so blessed with good looks and I work hard. I go hard in the gym and I go hard in the ring. I can’t help that. I want to take these tools, I’m not going to take them for granted, and I’m going to work hard. That was one of the factors that had me led over to this way, yes.” (Transcript h/t: Fightful.com)
In a recent interview with SI FanNation, Jade Cargill gave her thoughts about her current goals for her career in WWE. Cargill stated “I understand what I’m here for. I want to capture gold and I want to headline WrestleMania, but none of that is handed out. I want to work to create those phenomenal moments. I want to have marquee matches, I want to get people talking, and I want to create something bigger than myself. I came here to work with the best women’s wrestlers in the world. That’s what I am here for. I would have never embarked on this journey if it weren’t for the leadership qualities this company has. The phenomenal coaching staff, too. I want to come in, get even better, make people’s mouths drop, and have these dream matches. I want to pull people into wrestling. I want to pull people from the outside into wrestling, and I want to get them to stay.“
WWE reportedly generated an attendance of 12,325 (11,200 paid) for their Sept. 22nd SmackDown show in Glendale, AZ, 8,983 for their Sept. 23rd house show event in Palm Desert, CA, 8,197 for their Sept. 24th house show event in Fresno, CA, and 8,132 (7,600 paid) for their Sept. 25th RAW show in Ontario, CA, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
WWE reportedly has sold around 8,831 tickets for their Oct. 2nd RAW show in San Jose, CA, 8,292 tickets for their Oct. 6th SmackDown show in St. Louis, MO, 11,548 tickets for their for their Oct. 7th Fastlane 2023 event in Indianapolis, IN, 8,901 tickets for their Oct. 9th RAW show in Omaha, NE, 7,686 tickets for their Oct. 13th SmackDown show in Tulsa, OK, 3,748 tickets for their Oct. 14th house show event in Kansas City, MO, 3,214 tickets for their Oct. 15th house show event in Springfield, MO, 6,567 tickets for their Oct. 16th RAW show in Oklahoma City, OK, 12,470 tickets for their Oct. 20th SmackDown show in San Antonio, TX, 3,214 tickets for their Oct. 21st house show event in Edinburg, TX, 1,693 tickets for their Oct. 22nd house show event in Laredo, TX, 9,637 tickets for their Oct. 23rd RAW show in Dallas, TX, 9,578 tickets for their October 27th SmackDown show in Milwaukee, WI, 8,115 tickets for their Oct. 29th house show event in London, England, 5,476 tickets for their Oct. 30th RAW show in Greenville, SC, 7,330 tickets for their Oct. 31st house show event in Glasgow, Scotland, 2,549 tickets for their Nov. 4th house show event in Rochester, NY,
6,277 tickets for their Nov. 6th RAW show in Wilkes-Barre, PA, 5,030 tickets for their Nov. 10th SmackDown show in Columbus, OH, 4,746 tickets for their Nov. 13th RAW show in Washington, DC, 2,625 tickets for their Nov. 17th SmackDown show in Evansville, IN, 2,151 tickets for their Nov. 18th house show event in Canton, OH, 2,284 tickets for their Nov. 19th house show event in Saginaw, MI, 12,332 tickets for their Nov. 24th SmackDown show in Chicago, 12,918 tickets for their Nov. 25th Survivor Series 2023 event in Chicago, IL, 6,629 tickets for their Nov. 27th RAW show in Nashville, TN, and 6,779 tickets for their Dec. 1st SmackDown show in Brooklyn, NY as of this past Thursday, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
In a recent interview with the Insight with Chris Van Vliet podcast, Becky Lynch gave her thoughts about her belief of how her Steel Cage match with Trish Stratus “stole the show” at this past September’s WWE Payback 2023 event. Lynch stated “Yeah, we crushed it, we stole the damn show, started it off, it was all downhill from there (Lynch said about Steel Cage match with Trish Stratus at WWE Payback). No, it wasn’t, it was actually a great, great show. But we started off hot, I think (we had) like a few chips on our shoulder. Story had been going on for a long time, maybe not getting the steam that necessarily we wanted, and being left off SummerSlam obviously. I understand why these decisions are made, but really wanted to go out there and prove it and getting that time. Getting that Steel Cage match was the perfect way to finish it. You know, match of our life. When you have a legend like Trish Stratus come on back, you want to remind the people of why this person was so great. And I think there’s no doubt after that match of the greatness.” (Transcript h/t: PostWrestling.com)
Netflix recently released the official trailer for the upcoming animated television series Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix which featured an animated Cody Rhodes character. In the listing for the show’s cast, Rhodes name was not featured as a voice character nor does the animated Cody sound like him. Rhodes commented on Twitter on having an animated version of himself be featured in the upcoming series. Rhodes stated “😂 I went boom. Thanks @adishankarbrand for thinking of me and sliding me into your world, cheers to the next time!“
Roman Reigns is currently scheduled to be making an appearance at a WWE house show event on October 14th in Kansas City, Missouri based on a recent advertisement by host venue T-Mobile Center. It was stated that Reigns will be defending his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Sami Zayn at the event.
In a recent interview with the Ring The Belle podcast, Brandi Rhodes gave her thoughts about her interesting in coming out of retirement to wrestle again for a dream match against Stepahnie McMahon & Triple H. Rhodes stated “Stephanie and Triple H. I would come out of retirement for that in a heartbeat. I would do that 72 years old. Y’all would have to sit through that and just let it happen. I know it wouldn’t be great, but just let it happen if it does because I mean, the chances of it happening are very, very slim. If that was on the table, you’d have grandma in the gym. I’d be doing everything I possibly could, like I’d be getting into full lotus and my yoga studio just to stretch Stephanie a little bit.” (Transcript h/t: Fightful.com)

AEW & ROH

Fightful Select reported that the current belief within WWE and AEW as of this past week was that Edge, real name Adam Copeland, would be heading to AEW following his contract expiring this past September. One veteran WWE talent spoken to reportedly stated that they felt it was a “lock” that Edge would be in AEW. In regards to Edge’s theme songs, it was reported that WWE is not believed to own the exclusive rights to “Metalingus” which means that Edge could use it if he were to work for AEW or elsewhere. In regards to other songs Edge has used throughout his WWE career, it was reported that WWE no longer owns the rights to Rob Zombie’s “Never Gonna Stop” and AEW could potentially use “You Think You Know Me” with a cover version despite the song originated in WWE. In regards to music from band Alter Bridge, one source close to the situation reported that if Edge wanted to use any of their songs, the band likely would reach an agreement for Edge to use it. In regards to Edge’s ring name, it was reported that WWE owns the full rights to the name and Edge would not be allowed to use it outside of the company.
As noted before, Sami Callihan’s contract with Impact Wrestling expired this past September and has left the company. Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that several people within AEW have been pushing for the company to bring in Callihan and sign him to a deal. Among those pushing for Callihan reportedly includes Jon Moxley, who is a longtime friend of Callihan and also the co-owner of Pro Wrestling Revolver with Callihan.
WrestleTix reported that AEW has sold and distributed around 6,058 tickets for tonight’s WrestleDream event in Seattle, WA as of this noon.
AEW released a tribute video in honor of the late Antonio Inoki ahead of tonight’s WrestleDream event.
In a recent interview with the WrestlePurists podcast, MJF gave his thoughts on what should be AEW’s next step for the future of their company. MJF stated “Turner loves us right now. We are in the top three on a weekly basis. We are, frankly, the second hottest property that they own. The first hottest is the NBA, which, to be fair, had a bit of a head start on us. So, we’re sitting pretty, and sometimes I’ll read ‘the sky is falling stuff’ online and it makes me chuckle. I’ll bring something to everyone’s attention that nobody wants to talk about, and it’s even becoming blatantly obvious for Raw and SmackDown. Cable as a whole, cord-cutting as a whole, since 2019, is astronomical, it’s astronomical. Now, the way this business and industry is set up, especially with streaming now, things are changing. Now, pro wrestling is one of the hottest products that a cable provider can or a big cable network can own because live sports is king. In the streaming world, for cable, live sports is king. That’s what we are. so 890,000 people in 2023, frankly, is the equivalent to a million people in 2019. That’s just a fucking fact that people don’t want to talk about because people get weird about the cord-cutting thing. If you actually do the math, and you look up how many houses and households have been stopped [using cable]… genuinely, we’re giving people a reason to buy a fucking cable box. That is the undeniable truth about both WWE and AEW. I think that [Warner Bros. Discovery] is going to give us a really good deal, and I think that’s the next step for AEW because once they give us that good deal, you can pay big money players like me what we’re worth, and that’s huge … That’s my deal. That’s what I think the next step is, just us coming to a term of agreement with Turner. Outside of that, what I also will say is, I don’t know if it’s going to happen, but I think if we do get on Max that would be massive.” (Transcript h/t: Fightful.com)
In a recent episode of the Grillin JR podcast, co-host Jim Ross gave his thoughts about why he feels that Bryan Danielson is the MVP of AEW. Ross stated “He’s probably the most valuable player in AEW right now, at least in my opinion. Not that we don’t have other MVPs, but he’s really taken up a huge leadership role. That’s why I’m so blessed to be on Collision because that’s the Bryan Danielson show. It’s great because he brings maturity, ideas, and a spirited core. He’s very important to everything that we do, on Saturday night especially. Bryan is really one of the best. I don’t know who is a better worker in the world than Bryan Danielson right now. We’re lucky to have him, and I love for him to be around. We talk every Saturday. We talked about this idea or that idea. It’s refreshing. It’s a breath of fresh air, to say the least.” (Transcript h/t: Fightful.com)
In a recent episode of the Grillin JR podcast, co-host Jim Ross revealed that Jerry “The King” Lawler, John Cena, Bret “The Hitman” Hart, and Mick Foley all have sent in written content for his upcoming new J.R. 50 book. Ross also stated that he is currently hoping that former WWE writer Brian Gewirtz and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will also contribute for his upcoming new book.
In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Kota Ibushi stated that he still has not fully healed from his shoulder injury in 2021 and is currently dealing with other injuries as well. Ibushi stated “I cannot say that I am completely better. Newer injuries have proven difficult. However, my fighting style will never be limited. I will continue to find a way to fight.“
In a recent interview with CageSideSeats, Julia Hart gave her thoughts about Jade Cargill’s recent signing with WWE and being ready to fill Cargill’s shoes in AEW. Hart stated “Yeah, I can’t wait to see what she’s doing. [Jade]’s amazing. She looks amazing. I just can’t wait to see what’s in store for her. But as AEW goes, like for me, if they want me to fill in some type of shoe, I’m all here for it. I’ll do whatever. I’m gonna come to work every week and they’re gonna tell me what to do and I’m gonna do it. So, if that’s what they’re telling me to do, that’s what I’m here for.“
Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that indie talent Vinny Pacifico was seen in attendance backstage at AEW’s Collision show on Saturday in Seattle, Washington.
AEW reportedly generated an attendance of 3,806 for their Sept. 23rd Collision show in Grand Rapids, MI and 2,922 for their Sept. 27th Dynamite show in Broomfield, CO, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
AEW reportedly has sold around 2,667 tickets for their Oct. 4th Dynamite show in Stockton, CA, 1,691 tickets for their Oct. 7th Collision show in Salt Lake City, UT, 1,627 tickets for their Oct. 10th. Dynamite show in Independence, MO, 1,743 tickets for their Oct. 14th Collision show in Toledo, OH, 2,053 tickets for their Oct. 18th Dynamite show in Rosenberg, TX, 1,112 tickets for their Oct. 21st Collision show in Memphis, TN, 2,602 tickets for their Oct. 25th Dynamite show in Philadelphia, PA, 1,989 tickets for their Oct. 28th Collision show in Uncasville, CT, 1,612 tickets for their Nov. 1st Dynamite show in Louisville, KY, 2,855 for their Nov. 17th Collision & Rampage shows in Los Angeles, and 7,962 for their Nov. 18th Full Gear 2023 event in Los Angeles, CA as of this past Thursday, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
As noted before, Jade Cargill’s contract with AEW expired this past September and she signed a new contract with WWE. Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that while the general feeling within AEW over Cargill’s time with the company and signing with WWE was one of happiness, there was one notable negative feeling regarding the nature of her departure. Several of those within the company felt that it was a bad look for AEW over how a hot prospect can join AEW and get a major push but then leave for WWE afterwards. The idea being that this person would have used AEW only to benefit themselves and not let the company have any real long term benefit from that major push given.
As noted before, Jon Moxley suffered a concussion injury at this September’s AEW Dynamite Grand Slam 2023 show at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York. Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that Moxley getting injured and calling an audible allowing Rey Fenix to defeat him for the AEW International title ended up causing a domino effect for AEW’s plans. This reportedly caused AEW’s original plans involving Moxley for this past Wednesday’s Dynamite show to be dropped which caused their original plans for him and the AEW International title to be dropped in the process. Prior to his injury, AEW officials reportedly had plans in place for a non-AEW talent to make an appearance at this past Wednesday’s Dynamite show and officially challenge Moxley for his belt at WrestleDream. This plan and appearance by the mystery non-AEW talent were dropped as a result of Moxley’s injury.
In regards to referee Rick Knox, Fightful Select reported that he had serious backstage heat within the company over Moxley’s concussion injury due to this not being the first time that Knox failed to properly protect a wrestler who was injured during a match he officiated.
In a recent interview with AdFreeShows.com, Eddie Kingston gave his thoughts on if there were any dream places left for him to wrestle in his career and how he has been pushing for AEW to hold an event at the Nippon Budokan in Japan. Kingston stated “Nippon Budokan is the place I want to wrestle at. I’ve been trying to drop hints to Tony [Tony Khan], but I don’t think that will ever work. ‘Tony, you know, maybe you run Sumo Hall and the next night, you run Nippon Budokan.’ He’s always like, ‘uh huh.’ He hears this every fucking Wednesday and when I’m there Saturdays, he hears it Saturday. ‘Yeah, yeah, whatever you want.’ I know what it is, I know, but if I don’t throw it out in the universe, no one else will.” (Transcript h/t: Fightful.com)
AEW CEO Tony Khan held a media call this past Tuesday to promote tonight’s WrestleDream event. One of the topics discussed included Khan stating that MJF and Adam Cole have sold an “ungodly amount of merchandise” for their Better Than You Bay Bay team. Khan stated “You don’t have to hate him anymore because ‘he’s our scumbag.’ That’s something that has really been embraced by the fans and it’s shown because Better Than You Bay Bay have sold an ungodly amount of merchandise and they continue to rack up that merch money for us, which is awesome. They get these massive reactions and its befitting of a top star and, in this case, a fan favorite.” (Transcript h/t: Fightful.com)
In a recent interview with the Busted Open Radio podcast, Billy Gunn gave his thoughts on working with The Acclaimed in AEW. Gunn stated “I think the whole buzz was created when we all got together. It wasn’t something that I just jumped into. My enjoyment now, I’ve had an awesome career, I have no complaints, no nothing, is just to watch them. I get to sit on the ring or next to it and just watch how excited they get or how much fun they’re having. I get to pretty much be player-coach on the side. Not that I need to coach them that much, but it’s just fun for me. That’s my enjoyment. From doing stuff with my kids to doing stuff with…my kids. Me and my wife have this thing, her kids are my real kids and my kids are my kids. It’s just having fun. During the show, you see so much wrestling and so many things that you can’t follow. You know when you hear their music, the place goes ballistic, and it’s because they know that they are about to interact, they’re about to have some fun, and they’re going to watch us do our thing, and they all get to participate. That’s the beauty about wrestling. If you catch that niche, and I’ve had a couple of them being as I’m a parent’s worst nightmare, is that it’s so electric, and people emotionally dig what we do. They get to interact, and when you get to interact with stars, how much better is it than that?” (Transcript h/t: Fightful.com)

Impact, NJPW, Indies, & Misc. Wrestling

Sunday’s event for Stardom in Tokyo, Japan featured Giulia successfully retaining her NJPW Strong Women’s Championship against Ami Sohrei. Following the match, a video aired featuring HYAN issuing a challenge to Giulia for her title at New Japan Pro Wrestling’s NJPW Strong Fighting Spirit Unleashed 2023 event on October 28th in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Stardom reportedly generated a paid attendance of 433 for their Sept. 23rd 5STAR Grand Prix 2023 event in Sendai and 504 for their Sept. 24th 5STAR Grand Prix 2023 event in Sanjo, Japan, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his sources stated that New Japan Pro Wrestling officials currently have plans for Stardom talent Mayu Iwatani to defend her IWGP Women’s Championship at their NJPW Strong Lone Star Shootout 2023 event on November 11th in Garland, Texas.
SANADA recently announced that his Just Five Guys group will be debuting a new member at NJPW’s Destruction in Ryogoku 2023 event on October 9th in Tokyo, Japan. This new member will be replacing Yoshinobu Kanemaru who turned on the group and joined House of Torture at NJPW’s Destruction in Kobe 2023 event this past September.
NJPW reportedly generated a paid attendance of 4,212 for their Sept. 24th Destruction in Kobe 2023 event in Kobe, 951 for their Sept. 25th Road to Destruction 2023 event in Nagoya, 909 for their Sept. 26th Road to Destruction 2023 event in Fukui, and 747 for their Sept. 28th Road to Destruction 2023 event in Tokorozawa, Japan, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
As noted before, Chris Jericho recently challenged Konosuke Takeshita to a match at DDT Pro Wrestling’s Ultimate Party 2023 event on November 12th in Tokyo, Japan. Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his sources stated DDT officials had contacted Jericho earlier this year over the idea of him having a match against Takeshita at an event for them this July. Jericho turned down the idea due to schedule-related issues but suggested that they do this match this November instead. Meltzer reported that Jericho then started to put together plans to start the angle for this match in AEW afterwards for the reason for his involvement in the Don Callis Family storyline. Meltzer speculated that DDT officials could be hoping that Jericho would provide a big business for their Wrestle Universe streaming service similar to what Jericho ended up doing for NJPW’s New Japan World service for their international subscriber base.
DDT Pro Wrestling reportedly generated a paid attendance of 917 for their Sept. 24th Who’s Gonna Top? 2023 event in Tokyo, Japan, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
As noted before, Major League Wrestling announced this past week that they had signed a new strategic alliance partnership with Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre and New Japan Pro Wrestling. Dave Meltzer reported that as part of the terms of MLW’s new partnership deal, MLW talent will now be exclusive to CMLL for bookings in Mexico. Meltzer reported that MLW is also currently hopeful that Jacob Fatu will be able to work in Mexico for CMLL but one major obstacle involves Fatu currently dealing with a legal issue that was the reason why he was not able to work in Japan for Pro Wrestling NOAH when MLW had a partnership with NOAH.
MLW announced that they have recently pulled B3CCA from the card of their Slaughterhouse event on October 14th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was also announced that due to B3CCA’s removal, Delmi Emo will now be defending her MLW Wrld Featherweight Championship against a “phantom challenger” at the event.
CMLL reportedly generated an attendance of around 9,000 for their Sept. 22nd Super Viernes event in Mexico City, Mexico, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Longtime CMLL mascot KeMonito, real name Jesus Juarez Rosales, reportedly recently left the company, according to TheCubsFan. It was reported that KeMonito had held a press conference this past Monday in Mexico confirming that he had left the company and would be taking legal action to keep the trademark for his wrestling name. It was reported that CMLL officials had tried to sign KeMonito to a new contract but he rejected the offer due to money-relates issues involving his salary being cut during the COVID-19 pandemic and his claims that CMLL failed to pay him for a Groupo Bimbo ad he appeared for the company. It was also reported that KeMonito and CMLL officials were in a big disupte which led to bad blood between both sides over KeMonito wanting to retire both from wrestling and the character while CMLL wanted the KeMonito character to be timeless and would have someone else protray the character after Rosales. In regards to his press conference, it was reported that KeMonito made the decision due to his feeling that he was being pressured to retire with no money after rejecting CMLL’s offer and CMLL wanted him to quietly depart so that they could introduce a new KeMonito character this week.
Pro Wrestling NOAH reportedly generated a paid attendance of 940 for their Sept. 24th Grand Ship in Nagoya 2023 event in Nagoya, Japan, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Westside Xtreme Wrestling reportedly generated an attendance of 406 for their Sept. 22nd World Tag Team Festival 2023 event in Oberhausen, 480 for their Sept. 23rd World Tag Team Festival 2023 event in Oberhausen, and 377 for their Sept. 24th World Tag Team Festival 2023 event in Oberhausen, Germany, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Rey Fenix reportedly is currently expected to not return to Lucha Libre AAA over issues involving him taking a recent booking for The Crash, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. In a recent interview with Mas Lucha, AAA Director Dorian Roldan stated that AAA officials had informed their talent in January of 2022 that taking bookings for their rival The Crash would be off limits and that AAA’s policy on this issue and them not willing to use talents who work on Crash shows was very clear. (Transcript h/t: TheCubsFan.com)
AAA reportedly generated an attendance of around 4,500 for their Sept. 2rd Luchando Por Mexico event in Mexico City, Mexico, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that for the first three weeks of this past September, Impact Wrestling’s viewership for their shows on AXS TV was up 26% compared to the same time period last year. In regards to NJPW’s NJPW on AXS TV series, Meltzer reported that NJPW’s viewership was up 36% compared to the same time period last year.
Indie wrestler Darius Lockhart recently announced that he will be launching a new wrestling promotion called ASÉ and their first event to take place on December 1st in Charlotte, North Carolina.
As noted before, indie wrestler and former Major League Wrestling talent Teddy Hart was arrested this past July over a speeding incident that led to him being charged for with possession of MDMA and possession of a controlled substance without prescription. PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that Hart recently waved his rights to a speedy trial and is currently scheduled for a mandatory court hearing on October 19th in Titusville, Florida based on recent court records.

Wrestling TV Ratings for Week of Sept. 22 to Sep. 28, 2023

WWE Friday Night SmackDown – 2,227,000 viewers, 0.63 rating (prior week – 2,569,000 viewers, 0.70 rating)
WWE RAW – 1,465,000 viewers, 0.43 rating (prior week – 1,331,000 viewers, 0.44 rating)
WWE NXT – 636,000 viewers, 0.18 rating (prior week – 824,000 viewers, 0.24 rating)
AEW Rampage – 341,000 viewers, 0.12 rating (prior week – 335,000 viewers, 0.09 rating)
AEW Collision – 562,000 viewers, 0.18 rating (prior week – 467,000 viewers, 0.15 rating)
AEW Dynamite – 855,000 viewers, 0.28 rating (prior week – 984,000 viewers, 0.36 rating)
Impact Wrestling Impact!- 126,000 viewers, rating (prior week – 106,000 viewers, 0.01 rating)
NJPW on AXS TV – N/A (prior week – 51,000 viewers, 0.01 rating)
Various (DSotR, WWE on A&E, etc) – N/A

Total viewership in terms of overall tally for the week: 6,212,000 viewers (down 404,000 viewers compared to prior week’s 6,616,000 viewers)