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With AEW Dynamite just hours away, we take a look at the latest news and rumors from the world of All Elite Wrestling. On today's edition of the roundup, we look at a story Cezar Bononi recently shared about an interaction with Paul Wight, Big E and Powerhouse Hobbs' back and forth on social media, and a whole lot more.
#6 Top heel breaks character and reveals experience with Paul Wight
Cezar Bononi recently shared a story about how wrestling legend Paul Wight gave him a lift back to the hotel after an AEW show. Bononi, who is part of the heel faction The Wingmen, broke character and explained how he rode back to the hotel with Wight.
The Brazilian AEW star was delighted by the opportunity to have a conversation with Wight during their ride back to the hotel:
"I'm waiting there and then I hear a really deep voice like "Hey, Cezar, you going back to the hotel? Come with me, I got a big car and I can give you a ride..." and it was Big Show! It was Paul! Paul Wight, calling me by my name! And we just talk and talk along the way! Look at the crazy **** that happens in my life, man! What a blessing!
"I can't help but just thank God for all this stuff happening, all this crazy s**t. I mean, I used to play as him in WCW videogames, man. And now he calls me by my name and gives me a ride and talks to me and teaches me a whole bunch of stuff... I'm the most blessed guy in the world... because I really don't deserve anything of this... and even so, God comes in and just gives me all of this. Crazy sh*t..." said Cezar Bononi (H/T and Translation - DKBetiza)
#5 Big E recently praised AEW's Powerhouse Hobbs
Big E won the WWE Championship on RAW after cashing in his Money in the Bank contract on Bobby Lashley. AEW star Powerhouse Hobbs subsequently posted a message of support for Big E on Twitter.
Big E replied to Hobbs' tweet by saying that he was a "massive fan" of the AEW star:
Powerhouse Hobbs is currently a member of Team Taz in AEW, and he could potentially be CM Punk's next opponent in the promotion.
#4 Adam Cole comments on his in-ring AEW debut
Adam Cole is set to make his in-ring debut in AEW later tonight on Dynamite, where he will face Frankie Kazarian.
Speaking on Busted Open Radio ahead of tonight's matchup, Cole opened up about how important fans were to pro wrestling, calling them the "lifeblood" of the sport. He then hyped up his debut against Kazarian, adding that he was confident about his chances of winning the bout:
"...To get the chance and go there in front of a packed house is gonna be awesome," said Cole. "Especially against a guy like Frankie Kazarian, who is someone I have known for quite some time. He is very talented... of course I'm gonna get that victory because I'm Adam Cole Bay Bay."
#3 Booker T recently praised AEW World Champion Kenny Omega
Speaking on his Hall of Fame podcast, WWE legend Booker T recently had plenty of praise for AEW World Champion Kenny Omega. Booker T called Kenny Omega the "real deal", saying that he was someone who could wrestle anybody on the roster and make it look good:
"He's different than any other wrestler out there," said Booker T. "His work style, something that makes you go 'wow' this guy's good. He can literally go in so many different areas of the psychology game as well. So he's the full package, and he can work with anybody. That right there, just to let you known for me, he is the real deal."
Kenny Omega was recently called out by AEW's newest star Bryan Danielson. Although Danielson challenged Omega to a match, it's unclear whether Omega will accept the newcomer's invitation.
#2 Former WWE star Johnny Jeter on CM Punk's return to pro wrestling
Former WWE star and Spirit Squad member Johnny Jeter appeared on this week's edition of Sportskeeda's UnSKripted. During the interview, Jeter was asked about his thoughts on CM Punk's debut in AEW. The former Spirit Squad member had a lot of praise for the debut, adding that it was moments like that that made pro wrestling special. Jeter also took a moment to discuss what his personal experience working with Punk was like:
"I think it was awesome and you know what, I'm almost pi**ed I missed it," said Jeter. "Antonio Thomas sent me a video of it, and I was just like, 'Oh my god' and those are the moments that, as a wrestling fan, you live for. It's just the energy and you're like wow, this seems monumental, it seems industry-changing, it almost gives you goosebumps thinking about it.
"Punk is cool, dude," Jeter added."Anytime I ever worked with him, had a match with him, he was just awesome," Jeter added. "I have no bad thing to say about CM Punk, and so I'm glad that he's found life outside of wrestling with UFC and he's making a comeback and doing his thing."
#1 Ric Flair reunited with Sting backstage at a recent AEW show
AEW has made a number of big moves recently, as the company has signed Bryan Danielson, Adam Cole and Ruby Soho. The next rumored signing for the promotion is that of WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair, which could generate even more buzz for AEW.
Flair has been spotted backstage at a few AEW events, and he recently posted a photo alongside Sting. With Andrade getting rid of Chavo Guerrero as his manager, it's possible that Flair will eventually debut as the popular star's manager. Andrade is currently engaged to Ric's daughter, RAW Women's Champion Charlotte Flair, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him join forces with The Nature Boy.
