AEW CollisionAEW Collision debuted on a night that is largely uncharted territory for a weekly, prime time Saturday show in this television landscape.AEW Dynamite has generally been between 830-950k viewers on Wednesdays in prime time, while AEW Rampage has been all over the map because of the sporadic viewing times. Fightful has inquired within both AEW and sources at WBD prior to the launch of the show as to what they would consider a success for a Saturday night.AEW didn’t respond to our inquiries, but sources within WBD told Fightful they were much more interested in the rankings than they were a particular number. AEW Dynamite has steadily ranked highly for the night, and WBD sources say they expect the same out of AEW Collision. They also noted they’re well aware that the fall months will face stiff competition with college football. Those sources said that they largely considered a top 5 ranking as a success.Collision’s performance looks to be integral towards AEW landing a new media rights deal, which we’re told would be a huge addition financially for the company. Talks have been ongoing between each side.LouisvilleAEW is coming to Louisville, or at least that's the plan.Fightful Select has confirmed that AEW is planning to make their Louisville, Kentucky debut on November 1 for AEW Dynamite. The company has registered an event for the date, and it's currently on the Kentucky Boxing & Wrestling Commission calendar.The show is currently listed for the KFC Yum Center, which is where WWE has traditionally ran. Unfortunately, it is the home of the Louisville Cardinals basketball team, but I'm sure the show won't be terrible just because of that.Fightful will be on the scene covering that show, as well as other local shows including Lexington in August and Cincinnati in September.Triple H, Nick Khan, Vince McMahonA huge name was NOT backstage at WWE Raw on Monday.Fightful Select has learned that WWE’s Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque was not at the past week’s WWE Raw. Several people backstage at WWE Raw noted to us that they hadn’t expected Triple H’s absence, but that he was in a great mood Saturday for WWE Money in the Bank and excited for the success of the show.Those that we spoke to claimed there was nothing to it and just a planned night away. Talent weren’t told why he wasn’t there.Bruce Prichard ran the show in Triple H’s place on Monday, as is usually the case when he can’t make a show. As highlighted this weekend, Vince McMahon did not make the trip over to London for the PPV. He also was not at WWE Raw. Triple H was back at Gorilla position for Smackdown. There were rumors recently that Triple H and Nick Khan were planning a “creative intervention meeting” with Vince McMahon.McMahon is currently backstage in his office at WWE Smackdown at Madison Square Garden, and has been making heavy changes to recent WWE shows. Most of the changes have been made remotely, and have featured some advertised matches completely pulled from the show. The rumor was that Triple H and Nick Khan were planning to ask McMahon to step back from making late, heavy changes.The initial rumor was that the meeting was to take place at the June 26 episode of Raw, which we’ve confirmed did not happen. There were longtime sources that heard of the possibility of a meeting, but also said that they’d never heard it actually took place. Talent that we spoke to said that usually that type of thing would happen in the middle of the week instead of directly ahead of Raw, unless it was a talent meeting.Based on what we’ve heard so far, no such meeting has occurred or is planned. Vince McMahon is in a position to where such a meeting could only be a recommendation. Khan and Triple H can not force him out.When we asked a WWE official about the rumors, they claimed that there was no truth to it whatsoever, and dismissed it as silly. It’s worth noting that for quite a while, WWE higher ups previously dismissed the idea of Vince McMahon returning to creative for quite some time.Natalya and Rhea Ripley Rhea Ripley and Natalya impressed the masses and people backstage on the July 3 WWE Raw.Fightful Select heard from higher ups during WWE Raw on July 3, who were very happy with the gritty nature of the Natalya vs. Rhea Ripley match. In fact, one was in contact with us to tell us it should be the first thing we watch when traveling back from Money in the Bank.Both women were said to have taken a real beating during the match and laid in strikes, and ended up very happy with the match, the reaction backstage, and online. Ripley got her mouth busted open, but we've heard that both women backstage told others how much fun they had. There was no heat between the two and they just decided to work a match that stood out. We've also heard that management in attendance were happy with the match.CM PunkCM Punk in Blood & Guts? It could have happened.The Blood and Guts match ended up getting unfortunately hampered at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door. Bryan Danielson broke his arm at the show, and hasn’t been backstage since, effectively removing him from the BCC vs. Elite match at Blood & Guts. However, CM Punk offered to get involved in the match, we’re told.Fightful Select sources confirmed Voices Of Wrestling's report that Punk pitched himself as the 5th member of the Blackpool Combat Club’s team. Whether seriously or not, or whether he actually expected the offer to be accepted isn’t known. He has expressed his desire to work with Elite in the past, but said that he’s been told it wasn’t happening.“Neither team would want him” one source said. When we asked about issues with BCC’s Jon Moxley, we were told that Moxley wasn’t opposed to the idea. However, as of two weeks before the show, the partners were already determined.There are several in the company that don't believe Punk would have volunteered for the spot, but others close to him that claimed he did. Tyler BreezeTyler Breeze hasn’t wrestled in over two years since his WWE release, but he’s still getting a check.Fightful Select has learned that Tyler Breeze has been under a deal with WWE specifically tied to the UpUpDownDown brand for quite some time. We have not learned if the deal has any wrestling provisions or restrictions associated with it, outside of a WWE source saying that it does prevent him from appearing on AEW programming. There were some reports claiming that he was a full-time WWE PC coach, but we've confirmed he fills in. Breeze returned to the ring over the past week. Those we spoke to put over Breeze’s investments outside of the ring, saying that he was several steps ahead of his wrestling career as far as preparing himself for life outside it. Specifically, he helps run Flatbacks to train wrestlers, and made several smart real estate investments.DiamanteDiamante has been a fixture on the AEW roster, but her deal wasn’t the same as many for a long time.We’re told that has changed. Fightful Select has learned that Diamante’s deal has been bumped up from the “tier zero” deal she’d been on to a full-time contract. Diamante was recently added to AEW’s official roster page, as well. She’s been performing on the ROH brand since April and has picked up several wins.Diamante has been with AEW for over three years, after first appearing in January 2020 on an episode of Dark. Throughout the years, Fightful would follow up and ask sources in the company if she was on a full-time deal, and it was confirmed she was under “a deal,” but not the “All Elite graphic level deal” many others were.For people in the comments who took issue with the "fixture" line -- she's wrestled nearly 100 matches for AEW/ROH. Colt CabanaA veteran is back in AEW after being gone for about seven months.Fightful Select learned that Colt Cabana was back at work for All Elite Wrestling during the July 5 episode of AEW Dynamite in Edmonton. Cabana was last seen on screen for AEW back in November when he was a surprise ROH World Title Challenger to Chris Jericho on AEW Dynamite. Since then, he’s also appeared on ROH programming, unsuccessfully challenging Samoa Joe to an ROH World TV Title shot in April.We’re told that Cabana returned as a producer/coach, though we don’t know what match it was that he was helping out with. Cabana has been largely absent since AEW All Out, when he was mentioned by CM Punk at the post-show press conference, with comments stemming from their long-time friendship and subsequent falling out. Punk is working on the Collision brand.We're told Cabana is back full-time behind the scenes on Dynamite. Kota IbushiAEW is likely getting a huge name, at least for a little while.Fightful has confirmed that conversations have taken place between international star Kota Ibushi and All Elite Wrestling. He is planned to team with The Elite at Blood & Guts. Ibushi’s management has reduced media obligations, citing that his schedule is picking up in the near future, with a source close to Ibushi in Japan saying he’s planning to work the upcoming AEW show. Ibushi wrestled for GCW during WrestleMania week, but otherwise has been out of action since October 2021 for a variety of reasons.There were some talent that worked both NJPW and AEW who wondered in the past if Ibushi being involved with AEW would strain the relationship with NJPW. Ibushi and New Japan had a series of issues that led to his departure, however, Ibushi claimed that those have since been resolved, and a contract offer from New Japan has been made.Smackdown- Vince McMahon was at WWE Smackdown, which was expected by most of the roster. He spent the day in his office.- We heard a lot of positivity for how the Bloodline segment was received.- Edge's last WWE Smackdown match was a title tournament match in May. Besides that, it'd been since September 2021.- There was a lot of positive reception over Grayson Waller's performance over the past week, even before his match with Edge.- John Cena's new merch sold "incredibly well," from what we're told.- Triple H was in fact backstage at WWE Smackdown, in his chair at the Gorilla position.- There was some discussion about Smackdown's number possibly being down because of the DirecTV/Nexstar carriage issues.- LA Knight beat up Hit Row before the show in a dark segment.- Zelina defeated Lacey Evans in a dark match.- Karrion Kross got banged up on the UK tour, he's fine to work.- IYO SKY will be the first woman since Carmella to not have cashed in her Money in the Bank briefcase after a full week with it- There was a dash to correct the times of segments throughout the night.- There were some significant time issues on Smackdown as the Bloodline segment went over on time. Several matches and entrances had to be adjusted on the fly.- LA Knight not being on the show had nothing to do with the timing issues for Smackdown, as he was only planned for a dark segment the whole time. They had planned ahead of the show to release the segment on digital platformsSelect Portions- CM Punk’s title bag plans, including the “replica title” line that he mentioned were pitched before the start of Collision.- There were rumors that Santana was to travel to a recent AEW Collision, but if so, it didn’t make its way back to him. Santana is currently still under AEW contract- The currently slated Summerslam matches are Roman Reigns vs. Jey Uso, Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar, Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Bianca Belair, Trish Stratus vs. Becky Lynch.- AEW Dynamite finished first in the 18-49 and 25-54 demo, getting 380k and 456k viewers respectively, 855k total.- As one would expect, WWE was extremely happy with the numbers that emanated from WWE Money in the Bank. We'll have more on this in the coming week.- Big E was actually scheduled to participate in media at one point leading up to Money in the Bank, but it didn't end up happening. We didn't hear of any New Day members who were on the tour.- We've not heard yet that the Creed Brothers are actually getting a call up. There haven't been creative plans put forth for them that we've heard of on the main roster.- Regarding the rumor that Philadelphia was considered for Survivor Series, WWE sources confirmed that was never the planGene Snitsky (Snisky) Notes from In The Weeds on Fightful Overbooked!Lance Anoa’i helped bring him back to MLW. Has known Court Bauer for a long time so it made sense. Court was the one who connected him with the Samoan dynasty and training with them.Believes he’s facing Microman at Never Say Never.Is willing to beat up Joel Pearl.Owns a survival store in Pennsylvania.If he had a dollar every time he heard “It’s not my fault” he wouldn’t have to work.Dan Madigan came up with Kane/Snitsky storyline. Is honored to be part of so many memorable moments in WWE.“I’m a legit pro athlete, I’m not a gymnast.” Got yelled at for skinning the cat to get into the ring at OVW. Was told to just be a big scary guy. Can do more of the athletic moves and flips, but doesn’t have to.Was always told “less is more” during his training. Wants to make everything mean something.Kane always told him “work your style.” Thinks the problem in wrestling nowadays is too many flips and thinks people need to stick to more of their characters. “If every body is doing athletic stuff, what makes it special?”Would tell 20 year Snisky to get a hot tub and sauna to help with recovery.Reflects on 17 on 2 handicap elimination match. Says it was a nightmare setting it up with all the guys. Recalls getting hit in the head with a kitchen sink by Big Show and not getting his hands up.Recalls working with Dustin Rhodes, says he’s a great guy and great in ring mind. Knows he was going through stuff when they were teaming and doesn’t hold anything against him.Praises the Samoan Dynasty and Bloodline and how far they’ve come.Hammerstone notes from Fightful Overbooked's In The Weeds!Took Sean Ross Sapp’s advice and wore skinny jeansSays the pressure is on headlining a live show and he’s changed up his training.Being a musician was a pre-requisite for becoming a wrestler because it teaches you about performing and interacting with the crowd. Compares music to wrestling in wanting to create meaning and doing something with substance and not just doing cool moves in wrestling and drumming.“You have to give them enough” in music and wrestling.Picks Davey Richards bout as the title defense that stands out to him because it was just a wrestling match. Also picks the recent Jacob Fatu bout and calls Fatu one of the best ever. Was coming off an injury in their first bout.“I’m undefeated in a lot of arenas.”Says we’re living in the ADD era and everyone wants what is next. “If you’ve had the title for more than three shows, everyone wants a new champion.”Thinks fans will always want something different, but then might be disappointed when they get it. Says the key to a good long title reign is making credible challengers and keeping things fresh through different matches and character shifts.Says the N1 in NOAH was a different experience and you’re almost held to a different caliber. The lifestyle of constantly wrestling is a shock, but he enjoyed it. Loves that everyone in Japan took wrestling so seriously and it changed his style and outlook on wrestling. Wants to return at some point, but knows its a commitment with a full tour.“Ribera is not really good. It’s cheap poorly cooked steak. Thin cut, low quality, cooked to shit with rice and corn, but it’s the charm of the place.” Does not have a Ribera jacket.Has a five song EP set to release soon with his band Whole GirlfriendIf he opened OnlyFans, it would be dog paw picsChris HeroFightful's Wrestling Perspective Podcast is back! This week Ace Steel and Dennis Farrell's guest is former PWG and Evolve Heavyweight Champion Chris Hero. The former NXT Superstar would join the show for nearly two hours!Chris and Ace would discuss their 20+ years of friendship. Chris recalled when they first met and said Ace and Danny Dominion worked a tag match in Pittsburgh, and he remembered them working with Rick Michaels and David Young. Chris would recall their encounters in the IWA Mid-South. Chris believes the first Mid-South show they worked together could have been the show with a flaming table spot with Richard X. Ace remembered Ian Rotten got on the microphone that night and said, "If you ain't hardcore, you ain't shit." Ace and Chris said they were chanting, "we ain't shit."Chris and Ace would talk about Dave Taylor's influence. The two would also discuss the wrestling styles of Fit Finlay and William Regal. Chris also mentions the difficulty of finding British-style wrestling instruction and working in Europe. He said he was obsessed with British wrestling and tracked down a Johnny Saint tape from a premium tape trader in Pittsburgh named Jeff Lynch.Chris talked about his experience being around people like Dory Funk, Tracy Smothers, Les Thatcher, and Dave Taylor. Chris spoke about his experience attending wrestling camps. He would recount how going to the Funk Dojo led to opportunities in the wrestling industry.He mentioned there was a time when wrestling seminars and wrestling camps had a different reputation.Chris shared a story about how he got booked for Ian Rotten's IWA Mid-South. Rotten found out that Chris attended Dory's camp. Rotten was a big fan of Dory and Terry Funk. Chris said Rotten would end up booking him the following week.Chris shared a story about the kind of person Tracy Smothers was. He said they did a one-off show in Wisconsin, and the check they received from the promoter bounced. Chris said the next time he saw Tracy, Tracy asked him "if the check bounced for me too." Chris said that was the first time he had seen Smothers in two years, and he did not know how he remembered him. Chris said that meant a lot to him and made him feel good. Chris said he aspires to make people feel the way Smothers made him feel.Chris commented on coaches he's learned from and said, "You don't know, or at least I didn't know what a bad coach or a bad teacher was until you have a good one."Chris would also talk about how he would take notes and give advice. He said he looks back at what he has said and did and cringes. Chris said he is glad he had those moments because he has clarity.Chris expressed gratitude for the connections and relationships he formed through his career. Chris and Ace agreed that being a positive coach and having a genuine interest in helping others is essential.He said that people are so thirsty for knowledge. He said he would hold seminars, and there are around 35 to 40 people. He added that within five years, someone would break into the business and say Omega vs. Ospreay at Forbidden Door got them to want to be a wrestler.Chris and Ace discussed the changes in the Independent wrestling scene and the need for veterans to provide guidance and create a better work environment for younger talent. They emphasize the importance of learning from experienced wrestlers and inspiring future wrestlers through specific matches or moments.Chris spoke on the business's challenges and the importance of learning from experienced people. Chris also mentioned the responsibility to impact the industry positively and not overwhelm newcomers.The show would end with Chris Hero promoting West Coast Pro's upcoming shows and social media accounts.This episode of The Wrestling Perspective will be available on Monday, July 10th, at 09:00 AM.Rika TatsumiAhead of her title defense at TJPW's Summer Sun Princess, Fightful's Scott Edwards had the chance to interview reigning International Princess Champion, Rika Tatsumi. In the interview, Tatsumi discussed her upcoming match at the show against Yuki Aino, the graduation of Yuka Sakazaki, and her relationship with tag team partner Miu Watanabe!When asked about the match against Aino, Tatsumi was very respectful regarding her opponent. She believed that match will be a great test for Aino, who she called a passionate fighter.Earlier this year, Yuka Sakazaki announced her official graduation (departure) from TJPW which will happen later this year. Tatsumi said it'll look a little different without her but she wants to be a force that scares her any time she returns in the future.Finally, when talking about her Daydream partner Miu Watanabe, Rika Tatsumi shared her feelings about how she approaches that relationship.Tatsumi said that if she had a sister, she'd treat her like she treats Miu. She added that Miu makes her want to be a better competitor.
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