Looking to take advantage of Mike Tyson’s recent rise in popularity, All Elite Wrestling has managed to bring him aboard for future storylines. He’s not coming alone either. On AEW Dynamite last night, pro wrestling felt the force of the MMA and boxing world.
In the main segment of last night’s show, legendary pro wrestler Chirs Jericho called out “Iron” Mike, as he was looking to settle a score. In 2010, when Jericho was with WWE, Tyson “betrayed” him and knocked him out. Jericho, who was with his Inner Circle stable, was not prepared for what came next. Tyson came out with MMA stars Henry Cejudo, Rashad Evans, and Vitor Belfort.
After entering the ring, Tyson brawled with Jericho, and chaos closed the show.
.@IAmJericho wanted @MikeTyson. He got him AND @vitorbelfort AND @HenryCejudo AND A WHOLE LOTTA TROUBLE 😱 #AEWDynamite pic.twitter.com/iqvEnqx9Nb
— All Elite Wrestling on TNT (@AEWonTNT) May 28, 2020
They had to hold back Tyson 😬 pic.twitter.com/ZfxCX2Djb9
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 28, 2020
Tyson, 53, announced his return to the boxing ring not that long ago. The former undisputed heavyweight champion stated he would be fighting for charity. Since then, he has received numerous offers to compete. Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship has offered him more than $20 million to face Wanderlei Silva, while Tito Ortiz has shown interest in fighting him as well. Evander Holyfield also just came out of retirement for exhibition bouts, and the two are interested in fighting.
Was there a hint that MMA stars would appear with Tyson? Belfort (26-14, 1NC), a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, was seen training with Tyson in a Florida gym after the Double or Nothing PPV. He was also in attendance at the event, sitting in the stands. The 43-year-old is currently signed with ONE Championship.
A big surprise was Evans (19-8-1), the UFC Hall of Famer. Evans retired in 2018 after a career that started in 2004. “Suga” is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 2.
This is also the first public appearance for Cejudo (16-2) since announcing his retirement at UFC 249. The Olympic medalist beat Dominick Cruz to retain the UFC Bantamweight Title a few weeks ago and then decided to leave the sport. A former UFC Flyweight Champion, Cejudo has a desire to compete in the Olympics again and was hoping to earn more money while with the UFC. He has also been training with Tyson and Belfort.
This is not the first time Tyson has worked with AEW. Last Saturday during the promotion’s Double or Nothing PPV, Tyson presented Cody Rhodes the TNT Championship, while also getting involved in his match with Lance Archer.