Report: AEW's CM Punk Had Tricep Surgery Earlier This Week at Doctor's Recommendation
Sep 11, 2022
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 23: CM Punk visits the #IMDboat At San Diego Comic-Con 2022: Day Three on The IMDb Yacht on July 23, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for IMDb)
CM Punk reportedly underwent surgery on a torn triceps muscle last week and is expected to be out of action for at least eight months.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reported doctors recommended immediate surgery to avoid "muscle atrophy."
Punk was injured while performing a tope during his AEW championship match against Jon Moxley at All Out. He would go on to win the match, winning his second championship in one year with the company.
It's currently unclear whether Punk will be back with AEW once he's medically cleared. He has now won the AEW championship twice and been injured within a week both times. It's fair to wonder whether his body can withstand the rigors of a full-time wrestling schedule at age 43—especially after taking seven years off of in-ring action.
Given his injuries, there is a legitimate chance we've seen the last of CM Punk as a professional wrestler.
AEW is currently conducting a tournament to determine the next champion.
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AEW's Chris Jericho Reveals His Mount Rushmore of Pro Wrestling
Sep 10, 2022
CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 26: Chris Jericho is introduced during the AEW Dynamite - Beach Break taping on January 26, 2022, at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
AEW star Chris Jericho placed four of his favorite performers on his personal Mount Rushmore of professional wrestling this week.
Appearing on Superstar Crossover with Josh Martinez (h/t Wrestling Inc.'s Dakota Cohen), Jericho provided unique choices:
"I love Shawn Michaels, Owen Hart, Ricky Steamboat, Hulk Hogan," Jericho said. "Those were my four favorites when I was growing up, so those will be my Mount Rushmore to this day."
Naming a pro wrestling Mount Rushmore is a popular exercise among performers and fans, and it almost always leads to different answers.
Some prefer to focus on popularity and the amount of money wrestlers drew, leading to choices such as Hogan, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, The Rock and John Cena. Others gravitate toward in-ring work with Michaels, Bret Hart, Bryan Danielson and Eddie Guerrero.
Jericho has a nice mix in his Mount Rushmore, as Hogan transcended pro wrestling during his career and became one of the most recognizable figures in the world, while Steamboat and Hart are most often talked about because of their spectacular matches.
Michaels is much in the same vein as Steamboat and Hart in that he is viewed by many as the greatest in-ring performer of all time, but his popularity made him something of a pop culture icon in his own right.
Many would likely put Jericho on their Mount Rushmore for his combination of in-ring and promo skills as well as his longevity, but the former AEW world champion left himself off, saying:
"You don't pick your own face to be on Mount Rushmore. If that was the case, then all of us would have four, four, four of us. ... The Mount Rushmores and the GOATs and all those sorts of things are such interesting topics of conversation, but if you are a GOAT or you are worthy of being on someone's Mount Rushmore, you probably don't have to really say it."
Jericho's on-screen character is cocky and arrogant, but his answer suggests he is far more humble in real life.
Still, it would be difficult to argue with the six-time WWE world champion being considered an all-time great, especially since he continues to perform at a high level more than 30 years into his career at 51 years of age.
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The 1 Looming Question for WWE and AEW for Rest of 2022
Sep 9, 2022
CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 26: CM Punk in the ring during AEW Dynamite - Beach Break on January 26, 2022, at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
After one of the wildest weekends in recent wrestling
history, WWE and All Elite Wrestling are moving forward through the rest of 2022 with several
major questions left to be answered.
In AEW, the chaos that reigned following Sunday’s All Out
pay-per-view and CM Punk’s comments during a press conference created a buzz
around the company. As a result, many are asking if it can survive
such a tumultuous time.
Meanwhile, WWE is carrying momentum after Triple H
took control of creative and started bringing former Superstars back. Unfortunately,
the terrible booking decision letting Roman Reigns beat Drew McIntyre nullified
much of the goodwill from the WWE Universe.
Here are some of the looming questions in the industry for the rest of the year.
Will AEW Survive the Chaos?
Following a successful All Out, Punk went on a tirade that took aim at several of the biggest names in the
company, including Adam Page, Kenny Omega and Matt and Nick Jackson.
According to the Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer, a physical altercation occurred between
Punk, Omega, The Young Bucks and producer Ace Steel. The report also claimed some or all of the people involved were suspended by AEW President Tony Khan.
While everyone is talking about AEW, there are serious
questions about how the company recovers from a major spat that included the world
champion and three executive vice presidents. Add in the fact that all of the aforementioned
talents had their titles stripped shows just how serious the situation has
become.
Whatever actually happened behind the scenes, this is far
from an isolated incident in wrestling, which has been plagued by giant egos
and physical altercations—either confirmed or rumored—for years.
From Bret Hart punching Vince McMahon after the Montreal
Screwjob to the Plane Ride from Hell to Booker T and Batista throwing hands
backstage, confrontations are not uncommon. While a physical altercation should
not be acceptable, it won’t be the end of AEW as we know it.
The key will be Khan regaining control of his company and
its roster. Once he establishes a clearer set of protocols and expectations, and
squashes any beef between the parties involved backstage, he should turn this
into a storyline and capitalize on the attention.
With fans leaning into storylines that blend reality
with kayfabe, AEW could take this situation and turn it into the
best angle since the company’s current world champ took his title and "left" WWE during the Summer of Punk.
Not only will AEW survive the chaos, but the company will also be stronger because of it.
Who Will Defeat Roman Reigns?
Triple H has made several positive changes to WWE
programming since taking over for Vince
McMahon, but the company made an unforgivable mistake when it let Reigns retain
his title over McIntyre in Cardiff, Wales on Saturday night.
Instead of cementing the Scot as a top star and moving into
the fall with him holding the undisputed titles, he will be cast aside to a
midcard feud while Reigns and his stale storyline continue to drag on
through the rest of 2022.
So, who has the momentum and clout needed to dethrone the champion?
There are a number of Superstars on the roster who
have the support of the WWE Universe who could conceivably beat Reigns with the
proper push, such as Braun Strowman, Kevin Owens or even Seth Rollins. Unfortunately,
none of them feel like they’re worthy of taking the title as things stand.
With that in mind, the answer to who will take the title
from The Tribal Chief may be someone not currently on the active roster. While fans fear the name Goldberg in a situation like this, the reality is that WWE
could look at WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles and book The Rock as the man who
ends Reigns’ run at the top.
Rumors have run rampant that The Great One would return to WWE
for the marquee event, and the speculation is that he would challenge
Reigns for his claim to be the leader of the Anoa'i family.
A bout between the two family members doesn’t need the belts
on the line, but Triple H and WWE Creative have seemingly made the choice to
keep the championship around Reigns’ waist for the foreseeable future.
If the company leaves the title on him until WrestleMania, his part-time schedule means the next several months of WWE programming are
going to be monotonous and repetitive.
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talk, listen to Ring Rust Radio for
all of the hot topics or catch the latest episode in the player above (some
language NSFW).
Chris Jericho Reveals Jake Hager Signed Contract Extension with AEW
Sep 8, 2022
Jacob "Jake" Hager, Jr., known as Jack Swagger, left, shouts after throwing Jose Alberto Rodríguez, of Mexico, known as Alberto Del Rio partially out of the ring as they wrestle Sunday, April 7, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J., during the WWE Wrestlemania 29 event. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
AEW star Chris Jericho said Wednesday that on-screen ally Jake Hager has signed a contract extension with the company.
Speaking to Alex McCarthy of Inside the Ropes, Jericho noted that his righthand man will remain in AEW moving forward (6:20 mark):
Hager has been with AEW since the first episode of Dynamite in 2019, and he has worked alongside Jericho the entire time.
The 40-year-old Hager made his AEW debut on the Oct. 2, 2019, edition of Dynamite, aligning himself with Jericho, Sammy Guevara, Santana and Ortiz. Together, they were AEW's most dominant stable for an extended period of time and known as The Inner Circle.
When The Inner Circle disbanded on the March 9, 2022, episode of Dynamite, Hager remained with Jericho as part of the Jericho Appreciation Society.
While Hager hasn't won any titles during his AEW tenure, he has been involved in several high-profile matches and has been effective muscle for Jericho, who was the first ever AEW world champion.
Hager broke into the pro wrestling business in 2006 when he signed a developmental deal with WWE after starring collegiately in wrestling and football at the University of Oklahoma.
Under the name Jack Swagger, Hager remained with WWE until 2017 and established himself as a decorated competitor during his time with the company, holding the World Heavyweight Championship, United States Championship and ECW Championship one time each, in addition to winning the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 26.
Hager broke into MMA following his WWE departure, posting a 3-0 record with one no contest in four fights for Bellator.
He has fought twice since signing with AEW, but not since beating Brandon Calton by split decision at Bellator 250 in October 2020.
Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode in the player below.
Meltzer: AEW's CM Punk Could Miss Up to 8 Months Following Surgery for Arm Injury
Sep 8, 2022
CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 26: CM Punk in the ring during AEW Dynamite on January 26, 2022, at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
AEW star CM Punk is reportedly expected to miss significant time because of an arm injury he suffered during his match against Jon Moxley at All Out on Sunday.
According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio (beginning at the 4:35 mark), it is believed that Punk suffered the injury while attempting a dive off the top rope:
According to Meltzer, it has not been confirmed that Punk tore his triceps, but he did tear a muscle in his arm, which could keep him out for eight months.
Meltzer said Punk may have already undergone surgery to address the issue.
AEW President Tony Khan announced on Wednesday night's episode of Dynamite that Punk would vacate the AEW World Championship he won from Moxley at All Out.
To determine a new champion, a Grand Slam Tournament of Champions will be held, featuring Moxley, Chris Jericho, Bryan Danielson, "Hangman" Adam Page, Darby Allin and Sammy Guevara.
The winner of the tournament and new AEW world champion will be decided on the Sept. 21 episode of Dynamite at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City.
This marks the second time that the 43-year-old Punk has seen his AEW world title reign interrupted by injury. On the first occasion, he missed time with a foot injury after winning the title at Double or Nothing in May, but rather than vacating the championship, an interim champion was determined.
Punk lost a unification match to Moxley last month, but he then defeated Mox at All Out to become the second two-time world champion in AEW history.
Aside from Punk's losing the title, his latest injury seemingly means the postponement or cancellation of the reprisal of his feud with MJF, who returned at All Out after a few months off AEW programming and won the Casino Ladder Match to earn a future AEW World Championship opportunity.
Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode in the player below (warning: some language NSFW).
Jon Moxley Is Right Choice to be Next AEW World Champion
Sep 8, 2022
Jon Moxley set the tone for All Elite Wrestling the moment he stomped through the crowd, hit the ring and laid out both Chris Jericho and Kenny Omega at the company's inaugural show, Double or Nothing in May 2019.
And following Tony Khan's announcement that the AEW World Championship is being vacated and he is booking a tournament to crown the next titleholder, it is only right that Moxley sets the tone for the promotion again.
The Grand Slam Tournament of Champions will conclude on September 21 at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York, and despite the presence of former holders Chris Jericho, Bryan Danielson and Hangman Page, as well as young pillars Darby Allin and Sammy Guevara, it is The Death Rider who should emerge as the first three-time AEW world champion.
His promo Wednesday night on Dynamite, in which he refocused the attention of the company on its world title and laid out the importance of that championship to both himself and the AEW roster, is just one example of why.
Quiet Consistency
The thoughts of "Moxley" and "quiet" going hand-in-hand may be ludicrous given his outspoken promos of late, but the former champ has consistently starred for AEW without the demand for attention other stars in his position typically do.
While not everyone favors his in-ring style, there is no denying he has put in the effort that a top spot in any promotion demands. He has been a workhorse, battling everyone from top AEW attractions like Kenny Omega and CM Punk to Forbidden Door arrivals like Hiroshi Tanahashi and Minoru Suzuki.
Moxley has repeatedly shown an ability to work with different stars of varying backgrounds and remains over with fans.
It is that connection with the audience and his ability to elicit emotion that keeps him as a viable option for Khan in situations like the one the owner and general manager of AEW currently finds himself in.
He is a motivator, a captivating presence. He has been a face of the company since day one, and the fans respect the effort he puts in between the ropes and his ass-kicking attitude.
He is unfazed by the noise around him and has the innate ability to refocus the entire show to the topic at hand, as fans witnessed Wednesday night on Dynamite.
It is that consistency and the unbreakable bond with the audience that makes Moxley an easy choice for champion. Future storytelling is just another reason.
The Future
MJF has a world championship opportunity guaranteed to him by way of his victory in the Casino ladder match at All Out.
Still clearly a top heel, and one of the last great bad guys in the business, his eventual world title victory should come against a beloved babyface.
Considering his first loss in AEW came at the hands of Moxley, what better opponent for the Long Island loudmouth to defeat than the anti-authority rebel babyface who dealt him his first defeat?
If MJF is not in Khan's plans for the world title, we must look further ahead at the potential storytelling options at the owner's disposal.
Assuming Punk remains with the company following the events of Sunday night, which led to his reported suspension, a showdown with Moxley makes sense.
They just clashed at All Out, with The Best in the World becoming the first person to pin Moxley clean in the center of the ring since Lance Archer on July 22, 2021.
Add to that the reality-based creative that exists, with Moxley reminding Punk he has twice had to pick up the ball that the Chicago native has dropped, and you have an engaging and captivating storyline that attracts attention and backs up a star-studded matchup.
There are many directions Khan and Moxley can go in the future that benefit AEW, whether it be the elevation of young stars such as MJF or as a star attraction for higher-profile matches against his fellow industry giants.
The argument can be made that Chris Jericho provides the same consistency and level of star power, but it is the attitude and swagger that comes with Moxley that separates him from the future Hall of Famer in that regard.
Injury concerns for Danielson and Guevara and Allin's relative inexperience in consistent main event settings create too many questions for them to be truly considered for the position.
Taking that into consideration, and looking at what Moxley did as a more driven and determined interim world champion leading into All Out, the unapologetic hellraiser is the right choice to close out Dynamite Grand Slam in two weeks and again stand tall as the world champion and the quiet constant of AEW.
"This is the time to be a legend," Moxley said Wednesday night, as an exclamation point on the best promo of his career.
He is already on his way to that distinction. Another world title win in the darkest of days in AEW's young career would expedite the process.
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