Chris Jericho

Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from WWE and AEW.

               

Jericho Not Sure About Lesnar in AEW

Brock Lesnar, for the time being, is a free agent. Paul Heyman is aligned with Roman Reigns, perhaps leaving Lesnar without his advocate. For the first time in years, it appears Lesnar's in an actual separation period with WWE.

Could that lead to Lesnar jumping ship and joining All Elite Wrestling? Probably not, according to Chris Jericho.

"I don't know if Brock fits the whole AEW idea or attitude," Jericho told Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated. He continued:

"That's a Tony Khan decision and a Brock decision. Do I think Brock does this every few years just to up his price with Vince? Of course he does. He's a genius when it comes to that. But hey, if he showed up in AEW, I'd be happy to go up against him and do the match we were supposed to do in April of 2018 in WWE that Vince changed. We've never had a match on TV or pay-per-view, ever. If it came about, I'd be happy to go up and smack him in his fat face."

While it would create a ratings pop, Jericho is correct about Lesnar not fitting the vibe of AEW. Lesnar is a wrestling mercenary. He comes in, does his job, collects his check and leaves until it's time to collect another. That makes WWE an ideal partner given its seemingly endless resources and Vince McMahon's love of a short-term ratings pop a part-timer can provide.

The finances of Lensar and WWE's relationship probably don't work as well without the company drawing in gate receipts. It's likely this is just a hiatus and that WWE will bring back Lesnar once fans are allowed in arenas again.

It seems highly improbable that Tony Khan will pony up the money necessary to get Lesnar into an empty arena just to get a temporary ratings bump.

                   

Rock Puts Taker on His Wrestling Mount Rushmore

Goodbye, Gorgeous George/Bruno Sammartino; hello, Undertaker. The Rock, who last November revealed his wrestling Mount Rushmore of Hulk Hogan, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Ric Flair and a vacant spot to be filled by George or Sammartino, tweeted Sunday that Undertaker may have overtaken that spot in his mind:

😂💪🏾 good Lord, this era in pro wrestling (Attitude Era) was the best. Thank you to my friend and the man who’s on my Mt Rushmore of wrestlers, The Undertaker, for always havin’ fun with me so we can take care of the fans. #heartstoppin #elbowdroppin @wwe https://t.co/Eycclb8VAm

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) September 6, 2020

This is likely one of those situations where Rock was saying "Mount Rushmore" colloquially. Undertaker's most notable appearance since Rock's original Mount Rushmore was the Boneyard match at WrestleMania 36, which was stellar but not likely enough to push him into fourth place.

That said, if the whole Rushmore thing has been reconsidered, it would be hard to find a better person for the final spot than Undertaker.

          

Bischoff Says Reigns Wasn't Ready to Be Box Office Draw

Eric Bischoff seems to agree with the rest of the wrestling world: Roman Reigns' ascent to the top of the sport probably came before he was ready.

"Yes, I don't want to take anything away from Roman because I have a ton of respect for him, but he was thrust into a lot of positions, drawing money that he probably wasn't quite ready for," Bischoff recently said on his 83 Weeks podcast (h/t Austin Lee of Wrestling Inc).

Reigns was pushed to the moon in the immediate aftermath of The Shield's breakup in 2014, a move that never connected to audiences because it was easy to see the strings being pulled. The most interesting Reigns' character has ever been is right now, after a heel turn and alignment with Paul Heyman. It's also the most natural that Reigns, a former football player with an abundance of confidence, has ever looked.

WWE has struggled to create crossover stars since the Attitude Era, with John Cena becoming the only true major draw outside the wrestling ring—and that happened deep into his career. Reigns seems younger than he is (35), so his window for a true ascent needs to happen soon. Hopefully this heel turn helps to make him into the type of draw WWE has always wanted him to be.

Orange Cassidy defeated Chris Jericho in the first-ever Mimosa Mayhem match at AEW All Out on Saturday night.

The rules stipulated that a wrestler could win by pinning or submitting their opponent or by throwing them into a vat of mimosa.

Jericho and Cassidy have been feuding since the veteran called out Mike Tyson following an altercation with the former heavyweight boxing champion on May 27.

When Le Champion said he wanted the "baddest man on the planet" the following week, it was Cassidy who showed up rather than Iron Mike.

OC continued to get under Jericho's skin in subsequent weeks and truly drew his ire at Fight for the Fallen on July 15 when he dumped gallons of orange juice on him and the rest of The Inner Circle.

Jericho has enjoyed some previous success at the expense of Cassidy, though, and managed to hit him with a Judas Effect out of nowhere for a win on Night 2 of Fyter Fest on July 8.

While that easily could have marked the end of their feud, AEW started building toward a rematch, which included a memorable debate segment between the two men, with Eric Bischoff serving as the moderator.

Cassidy showed more fire during the segment than he had at any other time during his career and made it clear he cared about beating Jericho in their rematch.

That is precisely what happened on the Aug. 12 edition of Dynamite, when Cassidy trapped Jericho in a unique pinning combination to score the biggest win of his career.

Jericho wasn't satisfied with a 1-1 finish to their series, so he interrupted an in-ring interview segment involving Cassidy and Best Friends to challenge OC to a rubber match to determine who the better man is.

Le Champion came up with the Mimosa Mayhem match concept, and Cassidy accepted, but the segment ended with The Inner Circle beating down Cassidy and Best Friends and then pouring Jericho's bubbly on Cassidy.

Cassidy managed to gain retribution Saturday, and with two wins over Jericho on his resume, he could be well on his way to becoming one of AEW's top stars.

        

Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode in the player below (warning: some language NSFW).

Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe. 

        

Jericho Addresses Brock Lesnar's Free Agency

The big story in WWE this week outside of the squared circle was a report from PWInsider.com's Mike Johnson that Brock Lesnar is a free agent after his contract with the company expired. 

Johnson did note Lesnar and WWE have been talking about a new deal, but the two sides tabled their talks after hitting an "impasse" in negotiations. 

Lesnar's status has fueled speculation about his future in wrestling, but one prominent AEW star doesn't think the Beast is really a free agent. 

In an interview with Gary Cassidy of Sportskeeda, Chris Jericho explained why Lesnar doesn't fit the definition of free agent as we know it:

"“I don't think he's really a free agent at all. I think it would take so much money to pry him away from Vince McMahon on Brock's end and then for Vince to approve that. ... The amount of money it would take him to tear him away from from the world of WWE would, A, be astronomical, B, Vince will never allow it to happen and, C, I don't know if you could make that investment back, or if it would even be worth it for AEW at this point in time or UFC, or any company other than WWE.”

Lesnar is one of the savviest businessmen in wrestling history. The last time his contract came due was 2018, which led to speculation that he would return to UFC for at least one marquee match. 

UFC President Dana White went so far as to say the chances were "very, very, very good" that Lesnar would fight for the promotion again. 

WWE announced in April 2018 that Lesnar had re-signed with the company. 

History has shown that everything Lesnar does is part of some elaborate negotiating tactic to make himself the most money. McMahon has shown time and again that he's willing to play Lesnar's game if it means he can keep the five-time WWE champion. 

Lesnar has worked a part-time schedule since returning to WWE in 2012, so the travel schedule wouldn't seem to be a significant factor in his decision. The likelihood of his wrestling career being over seems slim, but it seems unlikely he will show up anywhere except for WWE. 

         

Big E Ready for Spotlight

Friday could be a big moment in the career of Big E, who is part of a four-way match with Matt Riddle, King Corbin and Sheamus to determine the No. 1 contender for the WWE universal title at Clash of Champions. 

There have been rumblings about a significant singles push coming for Big E. He told Alex McCarthy of TalkSport.com last month that WWE has talked with him about those plans.

While it remains to be seen if Big E will get that push, The Miz spoke highly about the six-time SmackDown tag team champion. 

"If you listen to Big E in the first and and second Talking Smack, they're different," Miz told Raj Prashad of Uproxx.com. "But they're both a serious Big E and that Big E is a main-event-caliber, money-making Universal champion-type superstar. I do believe that Big E will be able to be a world champion very quickly."

A championship match against Roman Reigns on pay-per-view would unquestionably be the biggest match of Big E's WWE career. There's certainly an argument to be made for him to win Friday's match. Riddle and Corbin are currently locked in their own feud.

Sheamus is a heel who hasn't been a main-event superstar in years. Big E is new, fresh and has been doing the best work of his career since July when he became a singles competitor in the wake of Kofi Kingston's injury. 

       

FTR Speaks About WWE Run

Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood have done a great job of reestablishing themselves as one of the best tag teams in the world since making their AEW debut in May as FTR. 

Prior to joining AEW, Wheeler and Harwood spent three years on WWE's main roster as The Revival. Fans had high hopes for the duo after a tremendous run in NXT, but it ultimately didn't work out because McMahon tends not to prioritize the tag division on Raw or SmackDown. 

During an appearance on Vickie Guerrero's podcast (h/t Sai Mohan of Wrestling Inc.), Harwood said McMahon apologized to the duo at their last meeting before the company released them.

"In our very last meeting with Vince, he actually apologized to us, because the system was broken," Harwood said. "And the crazy thing is, Vince wants to hear those ideas, whether he wants to use them or not. Just like everyone, he wants to hear those ideas."

Harwood and Wheeler noted WWE's system of communication is broken because superstars have to go through "130 people" before getting the chance to present ideas to McMahon.

"They are so afraid of losing their jobs because if Vince rejects their idea, they might not get a paycheck the following week," Harwood said. "That's a sad place to be."

Even though FTR's run with WWE ended on a sour note, the team has had no problems making an impact in AEW. The duo will challenge Kenny Omega and Adam Page for the AEW world tag team championship Saturday at All Out. 

All Elite Wrestling's All Out airs live on Saturday and features many intriguing matches in the company's first pay-per-view since Double or Nothing in May.

Expectations are high for the world championship match between Jon Moxley and MJF, the world tag team title bout featuring Kenny Omega and Adam Page against FTR, and Chris Jericho vs. Orange Cassidy in a Mimosa Mayhem match.

Here's the breakdown of the biggest feuds at All Out.

   

Where and How to Watch

All Out is Saturday, Sep. 5.

Those in the U.S. and Canada can order the event for $49.99 on B/R Live or through cable providers.

The main card starts at 8 p.m. ET, preceded by a pre-show called The Buy In at 7 p.m.

     

Announced matches (subject to change and additions)

• Jon Moxley (c) vs. MJF (world championship)

• Kenny Omega and Adam Page (c) vs. FTR (world tag team championship)

• Hikaru Shida (c) vs. Thunder Rosa (women's world championship)

• Chris Jericho vs. Orange Cassidy (Mimosa Mayhem match)

• 21-man Casino Battle Royale (winner receives a future world championship title shot)

• Matt Hardy vs. Sammy Guevara (Broken Rules match)

• The Dark Order (Brodie Lee, Colt Cabana, Evil Uno, Stu Grayson) vs. Matt Cardona, Scorpio Sky and the Natural Nightmares

        

Jon Moxley vs. MJF (world championship)

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1300511434615422976

Jon Moxley defends his world championship for the fifth time since winning it at Revolution when he takes on The Salt of the Earth, MJF.

With an 8-0 record in 2020, MJF created a "campaign" over a month ago calling for a change in leadership at AEW, specifically targeting world champion Jon Moxley. The always charismatic 24-year-old got his message across loud and clear, solidifying himself as the next challenger to Moxley's title.

After MJF interfered in the champion's title defense against Darby Allin, Moxley attacked his All Out opponent the following week and delivered a crushing Paradigm Shift. A furious MJF, who suffered a neck injury because of Moxley's actions, hired a lawyer who ordered the "deadly" move to be banned from their match or else they would sue. Moxley agreed, thus setting up their main event match this Saturday.

Will Moxley continue his impressive run or will a changing of the guard happen at AEW with MJF as champion?

      

Kenny Omega and Adam Page vs. FTR (world tag team championship)  

FTR won a gauntlet match on last week's Dynamite to become the No. 1 contenders to Kenny Omega and Adam Page's tag team championship, but it's what happened with Page and the Young Bucks after that match that has everyone talking.

While the Young Bucks and Best Friends were competing, "Hangman" grabbed on to Nick Jackson as he was setting up a move outside the ring. While Nick was being held, Trent rolled up Matt Jackson for the win and eliminated the Young Bucks.

The Young Bucks confronted Page about his interference after the match but didn't get any reasoning for his actions out of him. As a result, the Young Bucks kicked Page out of The Elite.

Regardless of who wins this match at All Out, the aftermath may be just as interesting. Could we finally see the formation of the new Four Horsemen stable that's been teased for months between FTR, Shawn Spears and now possibly Page?

      

Hikaru Shida vs. Thunder Rosa (women's world championship)

IT'S OFFICIAL!
The @nwa Women's World Champion @thunderrosa22 vs. the #AEW Women's World Champion @shidahikaru at All Out on Sept 5th!

Watch All Out LIVE! Saturday, Sept 5th 8/7c order NOW via all major PPV providers. pic.twitter.com/LEkkdde1p0

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 1, 2020

This match was only announced a couple weeks ago, so there hasn't been a ton of time to build it up, but it doesn't take much to get excited for a champion vs. champion match.

Hikaru Shida, who won the AEW women's world championship at Double or Nothing last May, might be facing her toughest opponent yet when she takes on NWA world women's champion Thunder Rosa in a special cross-promotion match. Rosa won her title last January and is considered to be one of the top female wrestlers in the world.

Since the announcement, the two competitors have exchanged plenty of words and signed their contract, but any physicality may be saved for All Out.

   

Chris Jericho vs. Orange Cassidy (Mimosa Mayhem Match)

It's @orangecassidy vs. @IAmJericho III in a MIMOSA MAYHEM MATCH at All Out! Revenge is best served freshly squeezed.

Watch All Out LIVE! Saturday, Sept 5th 8/7c order NOW via all major PPV providers. pic.twitter.com/HLaK6c1lr9

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 1, 2020

If their feud wasn't crazy enough already, why not add a tank of mimosa to the mix?

With Le Champion and Freshly Squeezed each earning a win against each other, their rubber match will add a new stipulation where either man can win by pin, submission or by putting their opponent in a tank of mimosa. Despite the obvious parallels between the "little bit of the bubbly" advocate and orange juice connoisseur, I don't think anyone could've seen their rivalry ending in this fashion.

Regardless of who comes out on top, this match is sure to be insane and/or hilarious.

   

21-Man Casino Battle Royale

https://twitter.com/AEWonTNT/status/1299146966140559360

The second installment of the men's Casino Battle Royale takes place this Saturday with the winner earning a shot at the world championship. This is the first time since the inaugural Double or Nothing that the men's Casino Battle Royale is taking place.

Announced participants include Darby Allin, Lance Archer, Brian Cage, Ricky Starks, Pentagon Jr., Rey Fenix, The Butcher, The Blade and Eddie Kingston.

     

Matt Hardy vs. Sammy Guevara (Broken Rules Match)

The heated rivalry between Matt Hardy and Sammy Guevara began over three months ago and will likely be settled at All Out when they compete in the second rubber match of the night.

Hardy defeated Guevara last May, but their feud took a bitter turn last month when The Spanish God threw a chair directly at his foe's head, busting him open.

This required dozens of stitches for Hardy, who started brawling with Guevara whenever the two crossed paths. The Inner Circle member got the upper hand most recently by defeating Hardy in a tables match on last week's episode of Dynamite.

Now they'll compete in a Broken Rules match where the only way to win is for a competitor to not answer the referee's 10-count. The finish can take place anywhere. Hardy announced he will leave AEW if he loses this match.

       

The Dark Order vs. Matt Cardona, Scorpio Sky and The Natural Nightmares

After Brodie Lee defeated Cody for the TNT championship and laid waste to him, The Natural Nightmares and Brandi Rhodes, with the help of his Dark Order goons, the stable celebrated their leader's win last week on Dynamite.

We've got a brawl here folks!! #AEWDynamite on @tntdrama pic.twitter.com/UVzO8egAFY

— AEW on TV (@AEWonTV) August 28, 2020

The celebrations were interrupted by The Natural Nightmares as well as Matt Cardona and Scorpio Sky, who are friends of Cody. The brawl led to an eight-man tag match being announced for All Out.