All Elite Wrestling

A performer under contract with All Elite Wrestling was contacted by a WWE official, according to Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp.

Sapp added it's unclear whether this amounts to unlawful tampering since the talent is signed to AEW on a full-time deal.

For the most part, the pipeline between WWE and AEW has flowed one way. A number of stars either released by WWE or seeking a new challenge have landed on their feet with AEW. Cody Rhodes is the most notable wrestler to go the other way, returning to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in April.

However, it's a new era at Titan Towers with Vince McMahon gone and Triple H running the creative team.

Karrion Kross, who was let go by WWE last November, returned on the Aug. 5 episode of SmackDown.

One week later, Hit Row (sans Swerve Strickland) was back in WWE as well.

It would appear Triple H is looking to showcase wrestlers he helped nurture in NXT and who were then marginalized or jettisoned altogether.

That raises the question as to whether anybody who went to AEW might suddenly be looking at WWE differently. Rhodes getting pushed as a main event player immediately upon his return also eased some concerns about WWE potentially pushing any ex-AEW performers to the periphery if for no other reason than spite.

Since arriving on the scene, AEW represented the kind of domestic competition WWE hasn't had in years. But it didn't feel like a return to the Monday Night Wars of the 1990s for a few different reasons.

For one, WWE is such a financial behemoth that it's almost impossible for any other promotion to be a true rival. There isn't the same kind of unpredictability from week to week when so much of the roster movement is one-sided, too.

Based on Sapp's report, WWE is ready to reverse the talent exodus that significantly depleted its ranks.

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

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Wyatt, McMahon Reportedly Clashed Before WWE Release

Prior to his shocking release last summer, Bray Wyatt reportedly clashed with then-WWE chairman, CEO and head of creative Vince McMahon.

According to Fightful Select (h/t H Jenkins of Ringside News), one WWE talent said Wyatt and McMahon had issues with each other personally, which spilled over into the workplace.

The anonymous talent said Wyatt would criticize the creative direction of his character at times, leading McMahon to retaliate by criticizing his physique.

McMahon and those close to him reportedly felt that Wyatt had a "bad attitude," and rumors about Wyatt were allegedly started to "ease the heat off" WWE for its decision to release him.

A WWE higher-up reportedly told Fightful that McMahon had "reservations" when the possibility of bringing back Wyatt was mentioned following his release.

Things have changed significantly in recent weeks, though, with McMahon retiring and getting replaced by three different people.

His daughter, Stephanie McMahon, is now chairwoman and co-CEO, while WWE president Nick Khan is the other co-CEO. Also, Triple H has been elevated to vice president of talent relations and head of creative.

Since Triple H took the reins, he has brought back several Superstars who were released over the past year, including Dakota Kai, Karrion Kross, Scarlett and Dexter Lumis.

Because of that, the assumption is he would be more willing to bring Wyatt back than McMahon would have, especially since they worked closely together to develop the original Wyatt character in NXT.

Wyatt is the biggest name available on the free-agent market currently, and his return would generate a ton of buzz for WWE at a time when there is growing excitement surrounding the product.

Triple H clearly hasn't had any qualms about signing wrestlers who McMahon wasn't enamored with, so it seems certain that the chances of Wyatt returning to WWE have increased significantly.

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Top Dolla, Adonis Reportedly Scheduled to Attend SmackDown

Two members of Hit Row are reportedly expected to be present for Friday night's episode of SmackDown in Raleigh, North Carolina.

According to Fightful Select (h/t Jenkins), Top Dolla and Ashante Thee Adonis are "actively planned" to be at SmackDown, although it isn't clear if they will be on television or how they will be used.

Top Dolla and Adonis were part of the Hit Row stable with Isaiah "Swerve" Scott and B-Fab, and after making waves in NXT for much of 2021, they were called up to the main roster on SmackDown in October 2021.

B-Fab was shockingly released shortly after the group debuted on SmackDown, followed by the rest of the stable getting released two weeks later in November 2021.

Scott eventually signed with AEW, and he is currently one half of the AEW world tag team champions with Keith Lee under the name Swerve Strickland.

While most considered Swerve to be the leader of Hit Row due to the fact that he had enjoyed the most success in wrestling among those in the group, it could potentially still thrive without him.

Top Dolla and Adonis would add some much-needed depth to the tag team division, and although she hasn't been mentioned as potentially appearing on SmackDown, B-Fab would be an ideal manager if she returns as well.

That trio could make some headway on SmackDown, and there could always be the possibility of another wrestler being brought in to replace Swerve's spot in the stable.

Triple H gave Hit Row a huge push during their time in NXT, so it comes as little surprise that he may be trying to bring them back into the fold now that he is the head of WWE creative.

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WWE Higher-Ups Approved Punk's Pipe Bomb Promo

On the June 27, 2011, episode of Monday Night Raw, CM Punk cut one of the most famous promos in the history of pro wrestling.

Dubbed the "Pipe Bomb Promo," Punk aired his grievances with WWE, made disparaging remarks regarding Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon and Triple H, and made reference to wrestling outside the WWE Universe, including Ring of Honor.

Punk also divulged that his WWE contract was expiring and vowed to defeat John Cena at Money in the Bank and take the WWE Championship with him. Punk did beat Cena, but he ultimately re-signed with WWE and remained with the promotion for about two and a half more years before leaving in early 2014.

The Pipe Bomb Promo has been lauded by fans for years because it came off as a shoot rather than a scripted promo like most of WWE's other segments, but a prominent former WWE writer confirmed this week that the power players in WWE knew what Punk was going to say before he went through the curtain.

Appearing on the Ariel Helwani Show (h/t Subhojeet Mukherjee of Ringside News), Brian Gewirtz discussed the famous promo:

Gewirtz noted that while there were real elements to the promo and Punk likely expressed legitimate gripes, McMahon knew what was going down.

The former writer said McMahon had a version of the script in front of him and gave clearance for Punk to rant. Gewirtz added that Punk ad libbed to some degree by sitting rather than standing and saying things a bit differently than they may have been scripted, but he mostly stuck to what had been discussed.

Only a small handful of promos are consistently mentioned by fans as the best of all time, and there is no question that the Pipe Bomb Promo belongs in that conversation.

It ultimately didn't change things to Punk's liking, as he was gone from WWE less than three years later, but it reinvigorated part of the fanbase and undoubtedly aided in keeping Punk relevant years after his WWE departure to the point that he is now one of AEW's top stars and the reigning AEW world champion.

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Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode in the player below.

It took some of pro wrestling’s biggest stars some time to hit their stride and grow into the high-profile names we know today. With that said, it’s not hard to tell when someone has an "it" factor even if they’re still a raw talent. To that end, Ricky Starks has had a palpable aura since he debuted on the June 17, 2020 episode of AEW Dynamite.

However, the 32-year-old has been with the company for two years, and it’s hard not to wonder what's next for him. Starks and his fans have heard the hype and the promise of a bright future. Still, that success hasn’t materialized yet.

If you didn’t follow the New Orleans native during his time as an indie wrestler or with NWA, you were missing out. The inaugural NWA world television champion brought such conviction and charisma to his character work. That energy carried over to his first appearance with AEW as he answered Cody Rhodes’ open challenge for the TNT Championship.

Even though it was a losing effort, the right people took notice because Tony Khan signed him immediately. Starks’ time on commentary for Rampage and as a member of Team Taz was also fruitful, but one can’t help but feel he’s just scratching the surface. There is so much untapped potential there and he’s poised to turn a corner.

His recent face turn came at the right time and it could be just what he needs to catapult up the card. AEW has handled Team Taz’s implosion well so far. Starks’ gutsy title defenses, HOOK’s crowning moment, and Powerhouse Hobb’s betrayal culminated in a tremendous segment at Fight for the Fallen.

Even more, Starks has delivered when given the opportunity, cutting some of his best promos to date.

A Diamond in the Rough

There has been a recurring theme as Starks has poured his heart out over the past few months. It was evident during his feud with Swerve Strickland and Keith Lee and even more so after he lost the FTW title to HOOK.

Viewers can feel his growing impatience and hunger for more as other names step in and enjoy success. He’s ready for the next step, and it’s starting to seem overdue. The Absolute star spoke about it during his appearance on Drive Time with DeRusha.

"I'm hopeful," he said. "You guys played a snippet of my very passionate and from-the-heart promo that I cut after my loss of the FTW Title where, I have felt like a time has been glossed over. I can't tell you how many times I've heard, 'Your time is coming, be patient. Your time is coming. You're the future.' I don't buy into that idea. I don't buy into the idea of 'trusting the process.' I don't buy into the idea of leaving it up to somebody else. I've busted my behind to get to where I'm at and I've done it all on my own merit. The idea that I now have to wait for somebody else to allow me the time or whatnot, I don't agree with it. At this moment, yes, this is my time to show 'you've been missing out for the past two years.' If you haven't gotten on board with Ricky Starks, this is the time now." (h/t Jeremy Lambert of Fightful)

There has been a renewed sense of determination in his recent performances on the microphone and in the ring. The former FTW champion did the most to make Taz’s “unrecognized” title relevant again, but there’s a visible drive to accomplish more.

AEW tag titles may have been a good fit, but he and Hobbs already seemed destined to succeed as singles competitors. Moreover, Starks’ growing popularity made it harder to justify booing him at live shows. It may have been a bitter pill to swallow initially, but it was time for the two to go their separate ways.

This face turn is huge for Starks cause it puts him on the same trajectory as the pillars of the company. It will finally allow him to forge his own path and achieve bigger goals.

A Promising Star on a Crowded Roster

It’s an apt time to put him in the conversation with other homegrown talents like Darby Allin, Jungle Boy, Sammy Guevara, or MJF. Conversely, that raises the question of whether or not he can thrive among them and AEW’s biggest established stars.

His dynamic presence, in-ring ability, and promo work ensure that he could be a fixture on Dynamite and Rampage. There is a demand to see him test himself against the best that the roster has to offer. It’s safe to assume he will flourish when given the chance.

AEW’s loudest critics have expressed concern that the company has become bloated over the past two years. That means there is stiff competition for up-and-coming looking to make an impact.

Nevertheless, Starks appears to have the total package. On a roster where most of its performers wrestle at a high level, he still stands out because of his inventive offense, smooth counters, and trademark pose. His deft character work will also continue to make him an asset.

It will be a full-circle moment for the Absolute dark horse when he finally secures the TNT Championship, but the sky’s the limit. His current turn will be a great litmus test for him but there are plenty of reasons to believe he could win AEW’s top prize eventually.

That prediction may seem premature. However, Starks already has one of the best records in the company, comparisons to The Great One, and the approval of some noteworthy peers. He will be a name to keep an eye on for the rest of 2022 and a potential main event talent for years to come.

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

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Damian Priest Denies Edge Exit Speculation

Edge formed The Judgment Day in April with Priest joining the faction followed by Rhea Ripley, but the Hall of Famer departed as the group's leader just two months later, replaced by Finn Balor.

In July, Fightful Select reported (via Rosanne Raphael of SportsKeeda) the exit was in part due to creative differences about the stable's potential move toward a "supernatural" concept.

Priest told Stephanie Chase of Digital Spy on Friday there wasn't any truth to that rumor because everybody involved agreed that wasn't the right route to take:

I guess I understand why people thought that. I don't know where the actual rumor came from that that's what was planned, because it never was. If anything, we had conversations of how we didn't want that, and that included Vince [McMahon] himself, who did not want the group to be supernatural-based. We were all in agreement.

We did some things that seemed that way, I know I did a thing with lightning one night, and the idea wasn't about supernatural, but it came off that way and then we immediately went, 'OK, let's not revisit that because it came off that way.'

Priest, who said he wouldn't have been against more of a supernatural theme, believes people merely jumped to conclusions because Edge was involved in some unique factions in the past, including The Brood.

"Naturally, when you involve somebody like Edge and we're on the darker side, it's gonna be, I guess, assumed and hinted at, like, 'Maybe this is a thing.' But no, that was never part of it," he told Chase.

After a brief hiatus, Edge returned to WWE at SummerSlam last month when he helped The Mysterios in their match against the Balor-led Judgment Day.

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Ric Flair Says He Blacked Out During Final Match

Flair teamed with Andrade El Idolo to beat Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett in July as part of an event billed as his last match.

The 73-year-old wrestling legend received mixed reviews for his performance, which came after workout videos showing his preparations for the show went viral on social media.

There are some moments from the night, including the match's final sequence, that aren't so clear in Flair's memory, however, which he explained on his To Be The Man podcast (via H. Jenkins of Ringside News):

The idea was he gave me the tag and I crawled. But I got all that, and the people got all that. I thought they were really with it. I crawl over, cover, one, save. Then at that point, along came the guitar. You know, bingo. When I was down, I passed out again. I just passed out, and Manny is going 'Sir, you have to wake up.' I had the brass knuckles. 'Sir, you have to wake up.' Okay, so then I woke up and I knew where we were and we're home. But I swear to God, twice during the match, I went completely black.

Flair took a some bumps and ended up bloodied by the end of the match. Nobody should have expected a 5-star classic given his age and physical limitations, but he deserves credit for getting himself in good enough shape to put on one last show.

It marked a unique end to a Hall of Fame career.

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Bryan Danielson Discusses Last WWE Match

Danielson has often said his final WrestleMania match in 2021, a triple-threat encounter won by Roman Reigns that also featured Edge, didn't carry a lot of personal meaning.

That wasn't his last WWE match, though. He was in the company for another few weeks and wrapped up his tenure with a loss to Reigns, which meant he'd be banned from SmackDown for life as part of the storyline

Danielson, known as Daniel Bryan during his WWE run, explained on the My Mom's Basement with Robbie Fox podcast (via Dakota Cohen of Wrestling Inc.) he enjoyed that sendoff:

The one unique experience at WrestleMania where it was just like, 'Woah, this feels empty.' … Ironically, my last match in WWE with Roman, I was pumped for. I loved it, and it was in the Thunderdome. It was a bunch of screams and canned-down noises and stuff, and I was, 'This is great! I love this,' and like, I honestly thought that's a perfect way to go out.

Danielson went on to join AEW in September and has since served as one of the company's top stars.

While the latter stages of his WWE career couldn't match the remarkable highs of his victory in the main event of WrestleMania XXX in 2014, he still provided some terrific matches after he returned to the ring from injury in 2018.

His final match against Reigns fits in that category, and clearly Danielson feels the same way.

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