AEW has Shattered the Forbidden Door

By Ryan Joy
Updated: April 30, 2021

Body Slam Brigade April 30, 2021

BSB #52 – AEW has Shattered the Forbidden Door

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The Forbidden Door

Kenny Omega defeated Rich Swann at Impact Rebellion to become the new Impact World Champion. Already the AEW World Champion, the win also makes him a champion of two American wrestling companies with nation-wide audiences. In Mexico, Omega also holds the AAA Mega Championship – another major title for another major promotion.

By my estimation, this is the biggest story in professional wrestling.

Tony Khan speaks of a “forbidden door,” and while that sounds cool, it does represent a weird thing in pro wrestling. Since WWE gobbled up all the territories in the early 1980’s, wrestling companies tend to hold near exclusive contracts with all members of their roster. And with very few exceptions over the years, wrestlers pretty much stick to one company.

That’s not to say that wrestling companies don’t collaborate. There are a million cases of foreign companies working together to exchange talent. Up until very recently, Ring of Honor had working relationships with CMLL in Mexico and New Japan Pro Wrestling in Japan. Talent crossed those lines all the time and those types of relationships are actually pretty common.

What you don’t see in today’s landscape is major partnerships between multiple domestic companies that both have national exposure through television. That’s what we’re getting with All Elite Wrestling’s partnership with Impact . . . and it really is groundbreaking when you consider the partnership included AEW taking the Impact World Championship.

It isn’t just Impact though. Thunder Rosa was probably the first major star to walk through the forbidden door as the NWA World Women’s Champion. Rosa challenged Shida for the AEW Women’s Championship, defended the NWA Championship on AEW, and had a match of the year candidate with Britt Baker a few weeks ago. In the middle of Rosa’s work on AEW, Serena Deeb defeated Thunder Rosa for the NWA World Women’s Championship. Now an AEW wrestler has a major NWA title too.

Yuji Nagata from New Japan Pro Wrestling will be the next wrestler walking through the forbidden door as he challenges AEW contracted wrestler and current IWGP United States Champion Jon Moxley for the IWGP United States Championship. Nagata is a mainstay of New Japan Pro Wrestling and a former IWGP Heavyweight champion.

A lot of people have referred to Kenny Omega as a belt collector, and he’s certainly done a good job. Perhaps the real belt collector isn’t Kenny Omega, but Tony Khan himself. Khan’s contracted wrestlers currently hold all of their own AEW titles plus major titles in NWA, AAA, and New Japan. Don’t forget that Penta El Zero Miedo and Rey Fenix are the current AAA World Tag Team Champions too.

While it will become difficult over the long term to come up with compelling storylines that are mutually beneficial to all parties, I can’t help but feel continued excitement for this new wrestling world that consistently evolves each week.

I’m glad the forbidden door has been shattered, and I hope the effect is contagious.

Have a Great Weekend!

Ryan Joy

PS – I got a couple of great topics submission by Mark Harrington, Tyrel Smith, and Billy Sarratt. I’ll be getting to those topics in the coming weeks. If you want to submit a topic for a featured article in this newsletter, just send me an email with “Topic Request” in the subject line. Email me at [email protected]

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Coastal Championship Wrestling

I had a really fantastic conversation with Tiffany Nieves of Coastal Championship Wrestling on 4/26. Tiffany is a ring announcer for CCW, but behind the scenes she’s training to become a wrestler.

We had a million technical issues with the show including about a five second lag between her connection and mine. She even dropped at one point, but if you can get past those moments, Tiffany had a really great story to tell.

Tiffany just decided that one day she was going to start pro wrestling. Tiffany didn’t have a vision of becoming the next top WWE wrestler. She is an actress and wanted to learn stunts. With that goal in mind, she put an application forward to train at CCW . . . . she ended up in the CCW Training Facility that very same day. Get the full story by listening to the podcast.

I will continue to talk with more CCW talent in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

Click Above for the interview with CCW’s Nelio Cuomo Costa!

Sasha Banks by Elbow Drop Art

General News

Fightful reports that NXT Referee Drake Wuertz has had his duties reduced in recent months, and he was even suspended earlier this year. Apparently Wuertz has some radical beliefs that have gotten him in trouble
With Johnny Ace taking the lead of Talent Relations, Jason Jordan has taken Johnny’s old role as Lead Producer. John Cone was reinstated in Talent, and he is now second in command in the talent relations department now.
Adam Pearce has earned more responsibility in his new backstage role as Director of Live Events.
The Rob Van Dam Icon series will debut on Peacock on 5/16
A&E’s Biography this weekend is on Randy Savage.

Upcoming:

WrestleMania Backlash on 5/16

The next major WWE Show will be WrestleMania Backlash on 5/16

Drew McIntyre v. Braun Strowman v. Bobby Lashley (c) – WWE Championship Match
Bianca Belair (c) v. Bayley – Smackdown Championship

Raw on 5/2

AJ Styles and Omos will be on the show

NXT on 5/3

Isaiah Swerve Scott v. Leon Ruff – Falls Count Anywhere
Ember Moon and Shotzi Blackheart (c) v. Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell – Tag Team Championship Street Fight
Return of Finn Balor

NXT UK on 5/7

Ilja Dragunov v. Dave Mastiff
Supernova Sessions with Nathan Frazier

Results:

Smackdown Results from 4/23

Cesaro and Daniel Bryan defeat Seth Rollins and Jey Uso – 19:10 – Rollins walks out on the match.
Tamina defeats Nia Jax – 02:34
Apollo Crews defeats Kevin Owens – 13:40 – Retains Intercontinental Championship – Azeez caused a distraction leading to the pin.
Rey and Dominik Mysterio defeat Chad Gable and Otis – 10:30

Raw Results from 4/26

Braun Strowman defeats Mace and T-Bar – 02:55
Mace and T-Bar defeat Braun Strowman and Drew Mcintyre – 04:28
New Day and Damian Priest defeat Elias, Ryker, Miz – 15:54
Sonya Deville goes behind Adam Pearce’s back and reinstates Charlotte Flair.
Riddle and Randy Orton defeat Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin – 05:40
Shayna Baszler, Nia Jax, Rhea Ripley defeat Asuka, Naomi, and Lana – 11:31
Alexa Bliss says she’s coming back. But don’t blame her for what happens. Lilly maade her do it.
Charlotte defeats Mandy Rose – 04:18
Braun Strowman defeats Drew Mcintyre – 13:21 – Braun will now be added to the WWE Championship match at WrestleMania Backlash.

NXT Results from 4/27

Mercedes Martinez defeats Dakota Kai – 12:25
Zayda Ramier defeats Toni Storm – 03:26 – Zoey Stark caused a brief distraction.
Bronson Reed defeats Austin Theory – 12:24 – Bronson earns a match against Johnny Gargano for the North American Championship.
Imperium defeats Drake Maverick and Killian Dain – 13:18
Cameron Grimes was looking for a very expensive watch. Once he found one, Ted Dibiase shoved a nicer one in his face and laughed. Classic.
Legado del Fantasma defeats Kushida and MSK – 13:42

NXT UK Results from 4/29

Teoman defeats Rohan Raja – 06:03
Sha Samuels defeats Levi Muir – 04:02
Meiko Satomura defeats Aoife Valkyrie – 11:52
Gallus defeats Tyson T-Bone, Primate, Eddie Dennis – 09:27

Wins and Losses Book Now Available

My 1,360 page e-book has the 2020 win-loss data for over 400 wrestlers that competed in AEW, WWE, ROH, Impact, and NXT. Every page is in full color, and I’ve also included a bunch of retrospective articles and top 10 lists.

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One customer printed out several pages and has been getting them signed by wrestlers. That’s a really fun use for this reference book.

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Kenny Omega by My Ill Gotten Brain

AEW News

AEW announced the rules for the Blood and Guts Match. A member from each team will begin in the cages for an initial 5 minute period. Starting with the Pinnacle, the Inner Circle and Pinnacle will alternate sending people into the match at two minute intervals. The match cannot end until all members of the team have entered the cage. At that point, the match ends by submission or surrender.
Sadie Gibbs has retired from wrestling. Seems she is heading into the inspiration business – Teaching, Speaking, writing.
There is a ton of interest in Turner Sports obtaining the broadcast rights for NHY Playoffs and the Stanley Cup Finals. Turner shares the rights with Disney, and it has already been predetermined who gets what games and in what years they get those games. What is not understood right now is how this will impact AEW. Tony Khan said earlier this week that they are under contract for the Wednesday time slot. If they had to move, he would listen and only entertain moving if it was mutual beneficial. That said, who really knows what will happen when this becomes a reality.

Upcoming on AEW Dynamite on 5/5

Blood and Guts – Pinnacle v. Inner Circle
Cody v. QT Marshall
Jurassic Express v. SCU v. Acclaimed v. Varsity Blonds
Kenny Omega and MT Nakazawa v. Eddie Kingston and Jon Moxley
Britt Baker is in Action

Upcoming on AEW Dynamite on 5/12

Jon Moxley (c) v. Yuji Nagata – IWGP United States Championship

AEW Dark Elevation Results from 4/26

Rey Fenix defeats Chuck Taylor – 07:23
Ryan Nemeth defeats Ryzin – 03:31
Orange Cassidy defeats Dean Alexander – 00:59
The Acclaimed defeats Liam Gray and Adrian Alanis – 05:08
Nick Comoroto defeats VSK – 01:45
Leyla Hirsch and Ryo Mizunami defeat Amber Nova and Diamante – 04:27
Kris Statlander defeats Tesha Price – 02:25
Scorpio Sky and Ethan Page defeat Alan Angels and Alex Reynolds – 12:20
Big Swole and Red Velvet defeat Nyla Rose and Madi Wrenkowski – 03:02
Matt Sydal defeats Joey Janela – 10:52

AEW Dark Results from 4/27

The Acclaimed defeats D3 & Fuego Del Sol – 02:55
Matt & Mike Sydal defeat David Ali & Aaron Frye – 5:54
Dante Martin defeats Andrew Palace – 3:29
Varsity Blonds defeat Duke Davis & Ganon Jones Jr – 04:33
Brian Cage defeats Marty Casaus – 05:43
Leyla Hirsch defeats Renee Michelle – 02:19
Lance Archer defeats Jake St. Patrick – 02:46
Diamante defeats Raychell Rose – 2:49
Lee Johnson v. Will Allday – 03:10
Penelope Ford defeats Ashley D’Amboise – 02:44
Colt Cabana defeats Cole Carter – 1:57
Kilynn King defeat Dani Jordan – 06:14
Liam Gray and Adrian Alanis v. SCU – 4:29
Evil Uno, Stu Grayson, Preston Vance defeats Private Party and the Blade – 10:08

AEW Dynamite from 4/28

Brian Cage defeats Hangman Page – 05:49
Young Bucks defeat Mike and Matt Sydal – 09:29
Orange Cassidy defeats Penta El Zero Miedo – 13:27
Kris Statlander defeats Penelope Ford – 07:41
QT Marshall, Nick Comoroto, Aaron Solow defeat Dustin Rhodes, Lee Johnson, and Billy Gunn – 06:42
Cody returned and brawled with QT Marshall after the match.
Kip Sabian went to talk to Miro, and Miro beat him up.
Darby Allin defeats Preston Vance – 11:47 – Darby Retains

Introducing the Daily Wrestling News Show

The Body Slam Brigade Newsletter comes out on Friday, but if you want news closer to real-time, Body Slam Brigade author Ryan Joy is hosting a new podcast called the Daily Wrestling News Show!

The show is live every day at 10 AM on Facebook and You Tube or you can subscribe to the audio version on Apple, Spotify, or pretty much anywhere else you get podcasts. Use the links below to find the show!

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Jon Moxley by My Ill Gotten Brain

General News

New Japan Star El Phantasmo is set to make his Impact Wrestling debut on 5/6
New Japan Star Yuji Nagata is set to make his AEW debut on the May 12th Dynamite when he challenges Jon Moxley for the IWGP United States Championship
New Japan has decided to cancel their May 8, 10, and 11 events that were scheduled for Korakuen Hall in Tokyo. The cancellations come as a result of the city going back into lockdown. Hopefully Tokyo releases the lockdown prior to New Japan’s May 29th show in the Tokyo Dome.
Tom Lawlor became the first New Japan Strong Openweight Champion with his victory over Brodie King in the New Japan Cup USA finals.

Upcoming Show Lineups

Upcoming on New Japan Strong on 4/30

LA DOJO Showcase
- DKC v. TJP
- Ren Narita and Fred Rosser v. Kevin Knight and Alex Coughlin
- Karl Fredericks v. Clark Connors

Upcoming Wrestling Dontaku – 5/3

The 4/29 show includes 3 preliminary matches plus

Zack Sabre Jr. v. Tanga Loa – If Sabre wins, Sabre and Taichi get a Tag Team Title Match
Taichi v. Tama Tonga – Iron Finger From Hell Ladder Match
Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) v. Jay White – NEVER Openweight Championship

Upcoming Wrestling Dontaku – 5/4

The 5/3 show includes 4 preliminary matches followed by two special tag team matches

El Desperado (c) v. Yoh – IWGP Jr Championship
Will Ospreay (c) v. Shingo Takgai – IWGP World Championship

Upcoming Wrestle Grand Slam in Yokohama Stadium – 5/15

No Matches Announced Yet

Upcoming Wrestle Grand Slam in Yokohama Stadium – 5/29

IWGP Champion v. Kazuchika Okada – IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Match

Major Show Results –

New Japan Strong Results from 4/23

New Japan Cup USA Opening Round Matches
- JR Kratos and Chris Dickinson defeat TJP and Clark Connors – 11:06
- Rocky Romero defeats Wheeler Yuta – 12:41
- Tom Lawlor defeats Brody King – 20:05 – Lawlor is the new Strong Openweight Champion

Satsuma no Kuni Results from 4/28

Yuya Uemura and Yota Tsuji defeat Gabriel Kidd and Tiger Mask – 08:48
Tama Tonga, Jado, Tanga Loa defeat Zack Sabre Jr, Taichi, Douki
Master Wato, Tanahashi, Ryusuke Taguchi defeat Gedo, Ishimori, Takahashi – 09:35
Cobb, Henare, Ospreay, Khan defeat Bushi, Sanada, Naito, Takagi – 12:15
Toru Yano defeats Evil – KOPW Interim Match
Sho and Yoh defeat Kanemaru and Desperado – IWGP Jr Tag Titles Retained

Satsuma no Kuni Results from 4/29

Bushi and Sanada defeat Yuya Uemura and Yota Tsuji – 08:28
El Desperado, Minoru Suzuki, Kanemaru defeat Tiger Mask, Sho, Yoh – 09:14
Douki, Sabre, Taichi v. Jado, Loa, Tonga ends in No Contest
Yano, Wato, Tenzan, Taguchi defeat Togo, Ishimori, Evil, Takahashi – 10:12
Takagi and Naito defeat Khan and Ospreay – 21:52
Tanahashi and Ibushi defeat Henare and Cobb – 17:04

Tommy Dreamer by My Ill Gotten Brain

General News

Kenny Omega won the Impact World Championship from Rich Swann at Rebellion. This makes Omega the champion of three major promotions: AAA, AEW, and Impact Wrestling.

Under Siege – 5/15

The next major Impact show will be Under Siege on May 15

Six Way Number One Contender’s Match for the Impact Championship: Chris Bey v. Matt Cardona v. ? v. ? v. ? v. ?
Jordynne Grace/Rachael Ellering (c) vs. Fire ‘N Flava – Knockouts Tag Team Titles
Kenny Omega and Good Brothers v. Eddie Edwards and FinJuice
WIllie Make v. W. Morrissey

Upcoming on Impact Wrestling – 5/6

El Phantasmo makes his Impact Wrestling Debut.
Qualifier: Trey Miguel vs. Rohit
Qualifier: Moose vs. James Storm
Qualifier: Rhino vs. Chris Sabin

Show Results –

Impact Rebellion from 4/25

Josh Alexander defeats TJP and Ace Austin (c) – X-Division Championship – 11:14 – Alexander is the new Champion.
Violent by Design defeats Mack, Edwards, Storm, Sabin – 10:06 – W. Morrissey was named as Eric Young’s replacement. Morrissey is the former Big Cass.
Brian Myers defeats Matt Cardona – Cardona may have suffered an injury during the match. The referees came out to check on Cardona. Myers took advantage of the situation and got the win.
Jordynne Grace and Rachael Ellering defeat Fire ‘N’ Flava – Knockouts Tag Titles – 08:55 – Grace and Ellering are new champions.
Trey defeats Sami Callihan – Last Man Standing – 15:23
FinJuice defeats Gallows and Anderson – Tag Team Championships – 10:30
Deonna Purrazzo defeats Tenille Dashwood – Knockouts Championship – 09:42 – Taylor Wilde came out at the end.
Upcoming Shows announced – Under Seige (5/15), Against All Odds (6/12), Slammiversary (July).
Kenny Omega (c) defeats Rich Swann (c) – Title for Title – 23:08 – Omega is the new Impact Wrestling World Champion.

Impact Wrestling from 4/22

Chris Bey defeats Jake Something – 06:02 – Qualifying Match for Under Siege #1 Contender Match
W. Morrissey defeats Sam Beale – 01:34
Taylor Wilde defeats Kimber Lee – 09:47
Josh Alexander defeats Ace Austin – 10:27 – Retains X-Division Championship
Matt Cardona defeats Brian Myers – 12:10 – Qualifying Match for Under Siege #1 Contender Match
Eddie Edwards vs. Sami Callihan Ends in No Contest – 10:27 – Qualifying Match for Under Siege #1 Contender Match

Essential Wrestling Podcast Episode 51 – Click Here

The Essential Wrestling Podcast airs every Tuesday at 6:00 PM. Join Al Karl, John D’Aconti, John Smith, Gary Mehafy, and Minutes to Bell Time’s Ryan Joy as they take you through the latest in Pro Wrestling. Find out and get the rationale behind who they think wins the week’s matches.

General MLW News

MLW programming will debut on VICE TV this Saturday 5/1 at Noon.
Major League Wrestling is putting together a championship committee consisting of people from Rev Pro, Dragongate, and more to be named later.

Upcoming

May 5th: Myron Reed v. Lio Rush
May 5th: Richard Holliday in Action

MLW Fusion Results from 4/21

Ross Von Erich defeats Dominic Garrini – 05:22
Bu Ku Dao defeats Hijo de LA Park – 06:20
Tom Lawlor defeats Marshall Von Erich – 11:41

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ROH News

CMLL has severed their working relationship with ROH. Some of ROH’s top stars left CMLL on bad terms (Dragon Lee, Rush, Bandido). Plus Rush has a new promotion starting up in June that may be doing business with ROH.

Upcoming on ROH TV Episode 502

Tracy Williams v. Tony Deppen – TV Title
Bandido v. Flamita
Matt Taven and Mike Bennett v. Beer City Bruiser and Ken Dixon

ROH TV 501 Results

Dak Draper v. Eli Isom – 15:00 Time LImit Draw
LFI v. Violence Unlimited – 20:00 Time Limit Draw

Women’s Wednesday – 05/28

Hyan and Laynie Luck v. Rok-C and Max the Impaler – 15:00 Time Limit Draw

NWA Powerr Results – 4/13

Sal Rinauro defeats JR Kratos by disqualification – 01:46
Tyrus v. The Pope – 06:05 Time Limit Draw
TEAM ALDIS (JR Kratos, Chris Adonis & Thomas Latimer) defeats Team Murdoch (Trevor Murdoch, Aron Stevens & Tim Storm) – 10:40

Coastal Championship Wrestling (South Florida)

Alex Ocean crowned new CCW Champion at Breakout on 4/29.
El Jefe Santos crowned new CCW Champion at Unleasted on 4/30
CCW’s Bash at the Brew 4 takes place on May 1 at Unbranded Brewery in Hialeah, FL.
- South American Alliance v. Cha Cha Juggernauts – CCW Tag Team Championships
- Midnight Tribe v. Guadalupe Brothers
- Alex Ocean v. Will Austin – NO DQ
- Marina Tucker v. Yaide
Cinco de Mayo takes place at the Boca Black Box on May 5th
- South American Alliance (c) v. Cha Cha Juggernauts – CCW Tag Team Championships
Luchamania 2 takes place in Nashville, TN on May 15th
- Santos v. Bram – CCW Heavyweight Championship
Breakout 2 – May 22 at the CCW Arena in Pompano Beach, FL
Bash at the Brew 5 takes place on June 5th at Unbranded Brewery in Hialeah, FL.
Patriot Games – July 10th at the MidFlorida Event Center in Port Saint Lucie, FL
CCW’s Summer Glory featuring Brian Cage takes place on June 19th at Xtreme Action Park.

Ignite Wrestling (Vero Beach, Florida)

Ignite previously announced their “Fierce” show will take place on May 15th at Walking Tree Brewery.
- Leon the Terrible (Ignite Champion) will face “Mr. Everything” Victor Andrews
- The show will also include a “Women’s Tag Team Tournament” to crown new champions. Teams include Renee Michelle and Sahara Seven, Eliza Haze and Savannah Thorne, Hawlee Cromwell and Aspyn Rose, Kelsey Raegan and Chelsea Durden.
Mosh & Mayhem, Tech, Dale Springs, Victor Andrews, Task Force, Coach Jim Teecher, That Klassic Tag Team and Storm Thomas have all been announced for the show

MCW Pro Wrestling (Joppa, Maryland)

On this week’s MCW Cast, regular hosts Dan McDevitt, Lary Legend, and Tara Myers welcome Kim and Nicole who regularly host the Road Back show on MCW’s You Tube and Facebook

Game Changer Wrestling

Game Changer Wrestling’s next major event is Ashes to Ashes in Atlantic City, NJ on May 1. Announced so far:
- Jimmy Lloyd v. G-Raver
- Atticus Cogar v. Tony Deppen
- Bussy v. Iron Beast
- Joey Janela v. Lee Moriarty
- Mance Warner v. Nolan Edward
- Brayden Lee v. Cole Radrick
- Nick Gage v. Jordan Oliver – GCW World Championship
- Also Announced for the show: Yoya, Ricky Shane Page,
Also on May 1st, GCW relaunches the JCW brand and runs Opening Day in Atlantic City NJ in the same venue. Announced so far:
- Dante Leon v. Ninja Mack
- Charles Mason v. Steve Scott
- Edith Surreal v. Everett Connors
- Joey Janela v. Slayer
- JJ Garrett v. Frontman Jah
- Alson Announced: Conan Lycan
GCW runs Draft Day from Las Vegas on May 15th. Announced so far:
- Ricky Marvin v. Jordan Oliver
- Lio Rush v. Starboy Charlie
- Effy v. Dark Sheik
- Jack Cartwheel makes his GCW debut
- Second Gear Crew v. The Unguided and Eli Everfly
Hybrid Wrestling – June 4
Tournament of Survival – Atlantic City, NJ – June 5
Death Match Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony – Atlantic City, NJ – June 5
JCW – June 5
GCW Show – June 6
Outlaw Mudshow from Laramie, WY – June 19th

Other General News

The cause of death of Tiny Lister (Zeus) was revealed recently. He passed from heart disease. He did test positive for COVID, but the official cause of death was related to heart disease.
Dark Side of the Ring debuts on May 6th at 9PM with part 1 of a two part episode on Brian Pillman. Subsequent episodes feature Plane Ride from Hell, Collision in Korea, Nick Gage, Grizzly Smith, The Steroid Trial, Ultimate Warrior, Chris Kanyon.