When asked if other’s egos have resulted in difficulty putting matches together, Allin responded affirmatively. Given the history and dynamics of pro wrestling, though, he has accepted that as an occasional challenge he must face.

“Yeah, absolutely. And that comes [with the territory],” Allin said. “But the thing is, at the end of the day, it’s going to be up to [AEW CEO] Tony Khan with the outcome. So you’re not going to battle this person with like, ‘Yo, let me do this, let me do it.’ It’s at the end of the day, Tony’s going to [make the final call]. So you just work around those. But as for a match, if they’re just so dying to get something in, I have no problem. Just be like, ‘Fine, whatever. I’m not going to fight you on this.’ It’s totally cool, man.”

Looking ahead, Allin will defend the AEW World Championship against MJF at tonight’s Double or Nothing event in Queens, New York. On this occasion, Allin will raise up his title, while MJF puts his transplanted hair on the line.

Elsewhere at Double or Nothing, fans will see several other matches, including a four-way bout pitting AEW Women’s World Champion Thekla against Jamie Hayter, Kris Statlander, and Hikaru Shida. The Stadium Stampede match will likely require the most internal collaboration as it involves 14 of AEW’s toughest men: Chris Jericho, The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin), and The Elite (Kenny Omega, “Jungle” Jack Perry, Matt Jackson, and Nick Jackson) vs The Demand (Ricochet, Bishop Kaun, and Toa Liona), The Don Callis Family (Mark Davis and Andrade El Ídolo), and The Dogs (Clark Connors and David Finlay).

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “Busted Open Radio“ with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

“I’m a little careful to criticize it, but it just seems so reactionary and random,” Bischoff said. “Here’s my take, wild ass guess. Brock got emotional, made a decision in the ring, found out shortly thereafter there’s language in that agreement that makes what you did a problem. Creatively, we can figure it out, but we’re not ready there. We’re not ready for retirement yet or something to that effect. Something happened.

“… I get it’s interesting and it’s fun to play out what-if scenarios, but I think Brock realized he was a little premature on leaving the s*** in the ring thing, or because he negotiated really well and got emotional in the process, he got a bucket of money that he wasn’t expecting or was negotiating for,” he continued. “I don’t know, but it is odd. Either way, it’s odd.”

In resurfacing on “WWE Raw” last week, Lesnar dropped Oba Femi, his WrestleMania 42 opponent, with multiple F5s in the ring before heading up the entrance ramp. Backstage, his manager Paul Heyman then revealed that “The Beast” was still in retirement, though he’d come out of it for one more match against “The Ruler,” this time at WWE Clash In Italy.

Heyman handed “Raw” General Manager Adam Pearce a contract already signed by Lesnar, with only Femi’s signature then needed to make the bout official. The rematch graphic was later unveiled during WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, confirming that Lesnar and Femi will indeed meet at Clash In Italy, a premium live event set for May 31. 

Femi defeated Lesnar in a matter of minutes on WWE’s grandest stage, courtesy of a sit-out powerbomb. Afterward, the former WWE Champion appeared visibly emotional as he left his ring boots and gloves in the ring.

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “83 Weeks“ with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

Thekla has opened up about the origin of her now well-known “Toxic Spider” nickname, shedding light on how the persona has been tied to her identity long before her rise in All Elite Wrestling.

Speaking on the Sal Licata Show, Thekla explained that the nickname dates back to her debut and is rooted in her real name.

“I came up with it. That was from my debut already. I was already Toxic Spider. Spider is something that’s been with me for a long time, a nickname, because my name, Thekla, is my real name. There was this spider in an old children’s animation, a movie that was called Thekla and Thekla is a very rare name. So all the kids around the block were always like, ‘Hey, Thekla, like the spider.” So it’s always the spider thing is always stuck, and then Toxic Spider just sounds really good, and I was, I was never going to be a babyface either. So toxic is just like, you know, it’s like, it tells you be like, be aware (of) danger. That’s me.”

Her explanation highlights how the nickname blends personal history with her in-ring character, reinforcing the darker persona she has embraced throughout her career.

During the same interview, Thekla also addressed comparisons to fellow Austrian star Gunther, who has established himself as one of the top names in WWE. She described the idea of being ranked among the best Austrian wrestlers as a close competition.

“Oh that’s a tight race, I’m gonna say. I usually do put myself on on the number one spot, but I’m glad, I mean, I’m glad he’s a guy, I’m a girl, you know, we don’t have to actually race for that spot, but i think he can do shit that i can’t do, and vice versa let’s put it that way.”

Now one year into her run with All Elite Wrestling, Thekla continues to build momentum as the reigning AEW Women’s World Champion. She is set for another major title defense at AEW Double or Nothing, where she will face Jamie Hayter, Kris Statlander, and Hikaru Shida in a high-stakes match.

With her unique persona and growing list of accomplishments, Thekla remains one of the most distinctive champions on the AEW roster today.

Thekla Explains ‘Toxic Spider’ Nickname and Addresses Comparison to Gunther

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