Cody Rhodes return match booked for Grand Slam

Personally, I’ve been expecting a surprise Cody Rhodes return. There have been plenty of opportunities as Malakai Black’s followed up on beating Cody so badly he teased a retirement speech. Black’s spent the time since the American Nightmare left taking out members of his real and wrestling families.

But I reckon TNT wants to promote the comeback of a guy they’re investing in far beyond the AEW wrestling ring. So as they plug his second season as judge on the Go-Big Show, and the first season of his & Brandi’s Rhodes To The Top reality show, Dynamite will hype his return match against Black on Sept. 22.

Cody Rhodes vs. Malakai Black is one of two matches booked for AEW’s New York City debut on the “Grand Slam” edition of Dynamite in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Maxwell Jacob Friedman spent a lot of time running down Brian Pillman, Jr. and his family in their hometown of Cincinnati on Dynamite tonight (Sept. 8). MJF seemed to be redirecting a lot of aggression after Chris Jericho beat him last Sunday at All Out, including at his right-hand man Wardlow. A rift between the heels allowed Pillman to get some licks in on Max, but they got back on the same page to kick Flyin’ Brian’s butt, and take out his Varsity Blonds tag partner Griff Garrison, too.

A pissed off Pillman asked Tony Khan for a shot at MJF, and he’ll get it in Queens.