It’s time for the Daily Drop on May 12, and there is a lot to get into. Although we don’t have any WWE or AEW pay-per-views over the weekend, the pro wrestling news cycle is still going strong. It’s also Mother’s Day, so you may want to keep that in mind today.
Before we get going, there are a couple WWE exits to discuss. On Saturday, Michael Levin, who served as Vice President of International Events and General Manager of Emerging Markets, left WWE after more than seven years. His position was eliminated during the ongoing assimilation of WWE and UFC by the TKO Group. Additionally, Steve Rubin, who had been with WWE for 26 years and most recently held the title of Senior Director of TV Event Relations, also departed from the company. Rubin began his career at WWE as a production assistant in 1998. The reasons for Rubin’s exit have not been specified.
SEScoops has already updated our 2024 WWE Release and Departure Tracker with these latest departures.
Now, let’s get into today’s Daily Drop!
WWE:
The Tournament Continues: LA Knight and Tiffany Stratton both advanced in the 2024 King & Queen of the Ring tournament. Knight moved to the next round of the King of the Ring tournament by defeating Santos Escobar in their first-round match at Chattanooga’s McKenzie Arena. Meanwhile, at the May 11 WWE live event, Stratton won her first-round match against ‘Michin’ Mia Yim. We have already updated our complete breakdown of the 2024 King and Queen of the Ring Tournament, which you may find below.
Updated Quarterfinals: With Stratton and Knight advancing, we are very close to finding out the quarterfinals for the 2024 King & Queen of the Ring tournament. You can check out the current quarterfinals matchups below.
KOTR Quarterfinals Scheduled:
- Gunther vs. the winner of Kofi Kingston vs. Rey Mysterio
- Jey Uso vs. Ilja Dragunov
- Tama Tonga vs LA Knight
- Carmelo Hayes vs Randy Orton
QOTR Quarterfinals Scheduled:
- Iyo Sky vs. the winner of Shayna Baszler vs. Zelina Vega
- Lyra Valkyria vs. Zoey Stark
- Jade Cargill vs Nia Jax
- Bianca Belair vs Tiffany Stratton
Knoxville and Zayn: WWE Superstar Sami Zayn had a set at the Netflix is a Joke comedy festival, and all reports said he had a great time on stage. Little did he realize, but his former WrestleMania opponent Johnny Knoxville was also there, disguised in a mustache and glasses, watching on. Knoxville has made no secret about how he wants another match against the current WWE Intercontinental Champion.
WWE SmackDown Staying on Fridays: Although WWE SmackDown will move to the USA Network, starting on September 13, they will not change days of the week. The blue brand will continue on Fridays, so fans won’t have to change their weekly viewing habits much.
AEW:
Omega’s Surgery: Kenny Omega, who has been out of action since December of last year, revealed that surgery is on the way. He was recently attacked by The Elite on Dynamite, and then cut a promo the next week from a hospital bed, where he announced the Anarchy in the Arena match for Double or Nothing. We’re sending out our best to The Cleaner for a speedy recovery.
Bryan Danielson’s Contract: In a recent interview, Danielson admitted that his AEW contract expires before their August 25 All In pay-per-view at Wembley Stadium. He still hopes to make that show.
Young Bucks Return: It has been 5 years since the Young Bucks showed up in NJPW. Starting AEW took them away from the Japanese company, but they made their return to take out Eddie Kingston during NJPW Resurgence.
.@youngbucks & @boy_myth_legend show up!
Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CeQLGjTmZ5#NJPW #njpwworld #njresurgence pic.twitter.com/rRCCrC8mFO
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) May 12, 2024
Here are the upcoming major wrestling events
- Saturday, May 25: King & Queen of the Ring (PLE)
- Sunday, May 26: AEW Double or Nothing (PPV)
- Sunday, June 9: NXT Battleground (PLE)