All Elite Wrestling

[Donald]

She did make them sandwiches.

[RuneEdge]

What merit? What has she done to merit this position?

Would you appoint someone with next to no experience in a senior role in a company like that?

Vince gave Stephanie a role in his company. :dunno:

[3puppies]

She did make them sandwiches.

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Donald again.

[Cewsh]

I hardly think making a few t shirts is the same thing

What is the point of this? You clearly don’t know much about this topic, and have been proven wrong a few times now. Either you’re really leaning into some kind of woman hating thing here or you’re just fucking about.

Brandi’s work speaks for itself, man.

[Donald]

What was Brandi's role in WWE? Some sort of announcer?

[mth]

Ring announcer and backstage interviewer.

[Morrison]

What merit? What has she done to merit this position?

Would you appoint someone with next to no experience in a senior role in a company like that?

what merit do cody or the bucks have to justify being executive vice presidents of a company?

this is what happens in start-up companies. the people starting the company take on roles and positions within their company. if i was to start up my own company i would certainly be in charge of it as the CEO, but im not going to be hired as CEO off the streets for anybody elses company. it is part of the appeal of creating something on your own, that you get to be in charge of every aspect you want to be involved in and have that autonomy, but the risk is great. why are you not understanding any of this?

[Mazer]

This is a start-up with a financial backer. Cody, Brandi, the Young Bucks, Khan,...none of them are "qualified" today to run the company they hope this will become. Putting together a really great event is not the same thing as running an ongoing promotion, any more than marketing that event is the same thing as marketing that promotion.

Like a lot of start-ups, they'll succeed because their talents and ability to adapt outpace their current level of experience.

I hope they're all successful.

[Nash Diesel]

What is the point of this? You clearly don’t know much about this topic, and have been proven wrong a few times now. Either you’re really leaning into some kind of woman hating thing here or you’re just fucking about.

Brandi’s work speaks for itself, man.

Does your poor attempt at being a feminist constantly trying to white knight yourself ever work? "some kind of woman hating thing" For fuck's sake is it that difficult to understand nepotism?

Her work speaks for itself....What work?

[Rancid_Planet]

Well she has been a pretty entertaining valet for Cody.

[Donald]

I'm surprised he doesn't spell it Codi.

[thegoat]

Not certain what ‘suitable experience’ doing some pretty good but not great wrestling has provided Cody with to be Vice President of a company either.

Funny how being alright at wrestling qualifies one for Vice President but actually doing some branding work ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT qualify Brandi for her role.

[Morrison]

Not certain what ‘suitable experience’ doing some pretty good but not great wrestling has provided Cody with to be Vice President of a company either.

Funny how being alright at wrestling qualifies one for Vice President but actually doing some branding work ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT qualify Brandi for her role.

not that it even matters in this scenario, but i got curious and went and looked up what brandi's backround is. she's got a master's degree in broadcast journalism from the university of miami, has appeared in national ad campaigns, modeled, created her own swimsuit line and is part of the WAGS atlanta cast on E! shes spent a great deal of time working on image and personal brand conscious skills and projects. it's literally zero surprise that she would be in that position in a start-up.

[Romford Pele]

What is the point of this? You clearly don’t know much about this topic, and have been proven wrong a few times now. Either you’re really leaning into some kind of woman hating thing here or you’re just fucking about.

Brandi’s work speaks for itself, man.

No it doesn't. Tell me what she has done exactly to be Chief Brand Officer? What has she actually done

Also, people quoting modelling and being on reality TV as reasons for it :lol:

No women hating here at all, I think she has been thrown a bone here for Codys sake.

And lets stop all of this start up nonsense as well. Khan isn't just a backer. He is CEO and he is also dictating the contracts and who will be paid what

I have no doubt that Cody and the Young Bucks will take a lot of the creative work but it will all be run past Khan. He is much more than a backer.

[BGMaverick]

I can't wait for actual new news to come so this bickering can stop...

[Morrison]

No it doesn't. Tell me what she has done exactly to be Chief Brand Officer? What has she actually done

Also, people quoting modelling and being on reality TV as reasons for it :lol:

No women hating here at all, I think she has been thrown a bone here for Codys sake.

And lets stop all of this start up nonsense as well. Khan isn't just a backer. He is CEO and he is also dictating the contracts and who will be paid what

I have no doubt that Cody and the Young Bucks will take a lot of the creative work but it will all be run past Khan. He is much more than a backer.

IT'S HIS COMPANY HE CANT BE THROWN A BONE FFS.

[Romford Pele]

It is Khan's company you weapon

[Romford Pele]

From Wikipedia

All Elite Wrestling, LLC is an American professional wrestling promotion. The promotion was founded by entrepreneurs Shahid and Tony Khan, the owners of the National Football League's Jacksonville Jaguars football team

[JP]

When everyone is saying one thing and you another, possibly have a rethink, yeah?

[Morrison]

It is Khan's company you weapon


From Wikipedia

All Elite Wrestling, LLC is an American professional wrestling promotion. The promotion was founded by entrepreneurs Shahid and Tony Khan, the owners of the National Football League's Jacksonville Jaguars football team

why are cody and the bucks executive vice presidents of a company? all of them are high school grads that never went to college. they are high ranking executives of this company how?

[RuneEdge]

You’d think being called All ELITE Wrestling would give you a hint on whose project this is.

[Romford Pele]

When everyone is saying one thing and you another, possibly have a rethink, yeah?

Nope.

[Romford Pele]

why are cody and the bucks executive vice presidents of a company? all of them are high school grads that never went to college. they are high ranking executives of this company how?

They might be vice presidents but they aren't running it. It is like giving an actor on a TV show an exec producer credit, doesn't mean shit. Khan is still CEO, he signs the cheques and decides who is paid what.

The fact the name has elite in is neither here nor there.

[Romford Pele]

Does your poor attempt at being a feminist constantly trying to white knight yourself ever work? "some kind of woman hating thing" For fuck's sake is it that difficult to understand nepotism?

Her work speaks for itself....What work?

ND is bang on the money here

[RuneEdge]

They might be vice presidents but they aren't running it. It is like giving an actor on a TV show an exec producer credit, doesn't mean shit. Khan is still CEO, he signs the cheques and decides who is paid what.

The fact the name has elite in is neither here nor there.
You’ve not answered his question though. Why would Khan give Cody and the Bucks such an important role when they have no prior experience in that area? Unless of course they played a part in the formation of this company itself.
And also why would Khan start up a company and name it after someone else?
You can cling onto the semantics of who actually “owns” the company on paper but this company wouldn’t exist without The Elite’s involvement. If Khan wasn’t involved, they would’ve continued their search for another financial backer and the project would’ve lived on.
If you created a project on The Apprentice that Alan Sugar chose to invest in, he’d probably want to be the CEO of the company even though it was your creation. This idea isn’t out of the ordinary.

[Romford Pele]

I don't think you know how start ups work.

[RuneEdge]

If this whole thing is Khan's idea or creation, explain why he's given Cody and the Bucks executive roles. And why's it named after someone else's brand?

[Romford Pele]

Doesn't matter who's idea it is. It matters who is in charge

[RuneEdge]

But if Khan is in charge, why has he given Cody and the Bucks an executive role? Why's this so hard to answer?

[Romford Pele]

One person doesn't just run a company. Vince McMahon has an executive team reporting to him, this is standard corporate practice.

Not sure why you don't understand that

[Morrison]

They might be vice presidents but they aren't running it. It is like giving an actor on a TV show an exec producer credit, doesn't mean shit. Khan is still CEO, he signs the cheques and decides who is paid what.

The fact the name has elite in is neither here nor there.

tony kahn has already said they are managing the company and its events.

still does not answer why they got these titles. these arent honorary titles. there are no other 'legitimate' VP'S doing all the heavy lifting instead of them. do you think tony kahn has just 'thrown a bone' to all these guys by giving them important sounding titles but no actual power or input with decision making?

[NWo4LifeOr2Years]

Maybe harsh here, but did she get this job so they could get Cody to sign?

Does she have the qualifications?

And just what were Stephanie's other than "My Daddy owns the company"?

?..if you say hanging out with wrestlers long enough...then, she qualifies too.

[Donald]

From what I gather, Stephanie has worked her way up in the company. Started in merchandise, etc.

[Romford Pele]

Yeah she was on the phones at the beginning

- - - Updated - - -


tony kahn has already said they are managing the company and its events.

still does not answer why they got these titles. these arent honorary titles. there are no other 'legitimate' VP'S doing all the heavy lifting instead of them. do you think tony kahn has just 'thrown a bone' to all these guys by giving them important sounding titles but no actual power or input with decision making?

I don't doubt he is looking to them for creative. But Khan still runs the company

[Morrison]

Yeah she was on the phones at the beginning

- - - Updated - - -



I don't doubt he is looking to them for creative. But Khan still runs the company
yet you just said one man does not run a company...

[Romford Pele]

Not sure why you are being so obtuse.

Cody and the Bucks are there for the creative side. Khan runs the business. But Brandi Rhodes had no experience with either

[Nash Diesel]

The trolling from people like Morrison is on another level. lol.

400 posts so far about the semantics of Brandi Rhodes' title. Those going to her defense are bored as fuck lol.

[Morrison]

Not sure why you are being so obtuse.

Cody and the Bucks are there for the creative side. Khan runs the business. But Brandi Rhodes had no experience with either

being a wrestler in the wrestling business does not qualify you to be an executive vice president in a company. if they were there just for their input on creative they would have titles relating to that, not corporate positions in the hierarchy. your whole thing is merit and qualifications, yet you have no problem skirting around the lack of those for some titles and positions.

brandi is a trained wrestler that has been in the business since 2011. she's been neck deep in creating cody's character and brand since they got their releases from wwe. your dismissal of her is so fucking weird. she was involved with the creation and promotion and execution of all in every step of the way.

[Matthew]

they only signed nick jackson to make matt jackson happy

[Romford Pele]

Don't buy it. Simple case of nepotism here sorry.

[Morrison]

Don't buy it. Simple case of nepotism here sorry.

dont know if this was a jokey response to matthew, but I'll just respond like it was towards me. it doesnt matter if you buy it, it doesnt change the actual facts of the work she has put in.

[Cewsh]

Not sure why you are being so obtuse.

Cody and the Bucks are there for the creative side. Khan runs the business. But Brandi Rhodes had no experience with either

She’s not doing either. She’s handling the social media. That’s what a brand manager does.

[Nash Diesel]

dont know if this was a jokey response to matthew, but I'll just respond like it was towards me. it doesnt matter if you buy it, it doesnt change the actual facts of the work she has put in.

Be careful claiming things are facts that you literally cannot prove, at all.


She’s not doing either. She’s handling the social media. That’s what a brand manager does.

She's not even doing that. She does her own social media platforms. For example, the guy who handles the twitter and IG for AEW is Rick Stansfield.

[RuneEdge]

One person doesn't just run a company. Vince McMahon has an executive team reporting to him, this is standard corporate practice.

Not sure why you don't understand that
Do you not understand the question? I get that a company has a team, and the team consists of executives. But why has this billionaire chosen Cody and the Bucks for the job? If Brandi has no qualities or qualifications, why does she also have a job? Why have the Khan's, who're businessmen that own multiple major franchises, not gone and hired more highly qualified people with the experience to work for their respective roles?

[Nash Diesel]

Do you not understand the question? I get that a company has a team, and the team consists of executives. But why has this billionaire chosen Cody and the Bucks for the job? If Brandi has no qualities or qualifications, why does she also have a job? Why have the Khan's, who're businessmen that own multiple major franchises, not gone and hired more highly qualified people with the experience to work for their respective roles?

You could find someone to help with branding to an extent but this is still pro wrestling. WCW is proof as to what happens when a bunch of suits and ties pretend like they know more about pro wrestling than the people who are actually in the business.

The reality is we don't really know what duties Cody and the Bucks will have. This promotion is literally in it's infancy. No t.v., only 1 real show planned, some random merch here and there. I can't imagine Cody is going to be responsible for this make believe health insurance Khan is claiming they'll provide "certain talent".

[Donald]

haha you said duties

[RuneEdge]

You could find someone to help with branding to an extent but this is still pro wrestling. WCW is proof as to what happens when a bunch of suits and ties pretend like they know more about pro wrestling than the people who are actually in the business.

The reality is we don't really know what duties Cody and the Bucks will have. This promotion is literally in it's infancy. No t.v., only 1 real show planned, some random merch here and there. I can't imagine Cody is going to be responsible for this make believe health insurance Khan is claiming they'll provide "certain talent".

This is all something we'll just have to wait and see unfold. Cody and the Bucks are basically banking on themselves to "do it right", and not let it go down the way it did in WCW. The problem with WCW wasn't the fact that they had the "inmates running the asylum". The issue was that those people had their own agenda and didn't put the betterment of the company first. ECW was famously run by the talent behind the scenes too, and that wasn't ever attributed as a reason for its downfall. That's not me saying its the best way to run a business, but I don't really see it as a major issue.

I just want to see what happens with their venture. Personally I can already imagine this potentially having an impact on the industry over in the US, even if the company itself doesn't grow into a credible competitor for Vince.
For example, if they're claiming that women are getting equal pay (as in a top female talent is paid like a top male talent, as explained by them), then not only does it become an attraction for hiring talent, but it puts pressure on WWE to do the same. Kinda like how WCW's guaranteed contracts for Hall and Nash changed the game everywhere including WWE.

[Donald]

I'm not going to compare this to WCW, but I am going to compare this to TNA. Wrestler starting a promotion Jeff Jarrett/Cody Rhodes, backed by money Panda Energy/Khans. etc. etc.

[Nash Diesel]

This is all something we'll just have to wait and see unfold. Cody and the Bucks are basically banking on themselves to "do it right", and not let it go down the way it did in WCW. The problem with WCW wasn't the fact that they had the "inmates running the asylum". The issue was that those people had their own agenda and didn't put the betterment of the company first. ECW was famously run by the talent behind the scenes too, and that wasn't ever attributed as a reason for its downfall. That's not me saying its the best way to run a business, but I don't really see it as a major issue.

I just want to see what happens with their venture. Personally I can already imagine this potentially having an impact on the industry over in the US, even if the company itself doesn't grow into a credible competitor for Vince.
For example, if they're claiming that women are getting equal pay (as in a top female talent is paid like a top male talent, as explained by them), then not only does it become an attraction for hiring talent, but it puts pressure on WWE to do the same. Kinda like how WCW's guaranteed contracts for Hall and Nash changed the game everywhere including WWE.

Wrestling has always been run by the inmates. The problem with WCW wasn't the talent, it was the Turner suits and then the merger brought in a whole different set of suits. WCW was never a wrestling promotion like the WWE, it was always a t.v. show first. Just like TNA, and if AEW can pull off what TNA has over the last 17 then it's a major success. Despite TNA's downfalls, they're still around.

[Sasori]

If this whole thing is Khan's idea or creation, explain why he's given Cody and the Bucks executive roles. And why's it named after someone else's brand?

Probably because the Elite is an established brand and All In was such a successful event. Naming it the "Khan Wrestling Federation" does nothing from a marketing standpoint. Cody and the Bucks are the faces of the company and doing most of the promotion, so using their own brand is more beneficial. It will have a stronger connection with fans and other people in the industry. Maybe if Jarrett had gone with "Double J Wrestling" instead of "Global Force" it would have succeeded :lol:

[3puppies]

Probably because the Elite is an established brand and All In was such a successful event. Naming it the "Khan Wrestling Federation" does nothing from a marketing standpoint. Cody and the Bucks are the faces of the company and doing most of the promotion, so using their own brand is more beneficial. It will have a stronger connection with fans and other people in the industry. Maybe if Jarrett had gone with "Double J Wrestling" instead of "Global Force" it would have succeeded :lol:


This proves that the Chief Brandi Officer contributed more than just a few tee-shirts.

[Donald]

Unless it's called Braun Strowman's Hoss Tossing Wild Wrestling Federation, I will not be tuning in.

[RuneEdge]

Probably because the Elite is an established brand and All In was such a successful event. Naming it the "Khan Wrestling Federation" does nothing from a marketing standpoint. Cody and the Bucks are the faces of the company and doing most of the promotion, so using their own brand is more beneficial. It will have a stronger connection with fans and other people in the industry. Maybe if Jarrett had gone with "Double J Wrestling" instead of "Global Force" it would have succeeded :lol:
And that justifies executive positions at the company? And the role that Brandi has been given? I don't know about that. Its a dumb business move unless Cody and the Bucks actually had a say in putting themselves in those positions, which would actually make sense.

We can debate the semantics of who owns the company, what it means to be the CEO, the executive, who calls the shots, etc. But not every company is run the same. The Khans dont have to run the business by themselves. And its not beyond the realm of possibility that the Khan's would merely be taking a back seat and reaping the profits, while letting someone they trust (The Elite) to run the operation.

[Cewsh]

Be careful claiming things are facts that you literally cannot prove, at all.



She's not even doing that. She does her own social media platforms. For example, the guy who handles the twitter and IG for AEW is Rick Stansfield.

Yes. He works for her.

[Tainted Eclipse]

Not sure why you are being so obtuse.


lol

[Matthew]

it's truly an amazing quote

[Nash Diesel]

Yes. He works for her.

No, he actually works for Nick Jackson, that's who pays him in Pro Wrestling Tee mystery boxes.

[Hero!]

So, since AEW was announced ROH signed up Rush and is supposedly gonna sign Luchasaurus. Good to see the pressure being there to get all the top indie guys squared away. ROH, AEW, NJPW, IMPACT, and WWE/NXT are fighting to snatch people up. Obvs ROH and NJPW still work together for now, but I foresee NJPW going to a deal with AEW instead.

i just remembered that ROH has also signed PCO, Brody King, and fuckin Bandido all in the last month too.

[BGMaverick]

https://i.redd.it/7og1w2tq3oa21.png

[Judas Iscariot]

:lol:

[Sasori]

I love how they wrote "and Cody" :lol:

[Donald]

Cause he sucks

[MikeHunt]

She’s not doing either. She’s handling the social media. That’s what a brand manager does.

She also has a masters in broadcast journalism which I am sure lends well to this role and many many others.

[BGMaverick]

Jericho talked about AEW on his pod today.

Jericho said in 2017 that the touring of Fozzy eventually grew to a point where he needed to pick wrestling or touring as more of a primary means of work so he choose touring. Eventually he got the call to pitch the match with Omega at Wrestle Kingdom. Was just going to be a one-off deal and that he was going to get part of the buyrate and gate based on the deal he signed. When he told Vince about the deal, Vince was good with it because even though he was wrestling in NJPW, he was seen as a WWE guy so that would make him a bigger deal when he came back. As he was there, Jericho grew to like the approach of NJPW and how they functioned. He referenced it was more of the wild west in terms of not being so micromanaged and that appealed to him. As that came around, he talked to Gedo and said he wanted to do the New Year's Dash stuff and would do more later. Vince wondered why Jericho did the extra stuff and Jericho said it was a one-off and he'll keep him in the loop.

Jericho eventually signed a three-match deal and around that time, Vince wanted him to do Raw 25 and they agreed eventually on the parameters of that appearance and then the GRR. The money was enough (top 6 or 7 in terms of a payoff) for Jericho to sign off on it. Jericho said Vince was more apprehensive about hearing about the three-match deal with NJPW. After he told Vince about the deal with NJPW, Jericho said that the match between Taker and Jericho was changed once again to Rusev and Taker.

When Jericho won the IC title and then called Vince to pitch and IC title versus IC title match. Vince wasn't sure how that would work out and when Jericho brought it up again he never heard back from Vince. Jericho brought up the cruise to WWE and eventually NXT was given the first pitch and they passed. He got close with the Young Bucks at that time. A group text started being built, with Cody being involved. Jericho's agent brought up Tony Kahn and an idea Kahn was thinking about and Jericho took the meeting (he kind of mentioned that then just didn't follow up on that).

Cody asked if Jericho would do All In even though he knows "Piper doesn't work in Portland" knowing that Jericho likely wasn't going to work in North America. WWE gets its TV deal and Vince asks for Jericho to work in Saudi Arabia again. Jericho asked about how much he was going to get paid and never heard an answer back. Since he didn't hear back, he went back to listen to the pitch from Cody and the Bucks about All In. He flew from Little Rock to Chicago and then back for his show, and the jet was chartered by Kahn. He brought up another meeting with Kahn a few weeks later when Fozzy was having a show in Jacksonville. Once he heard more about Kahn and the business acumen, Jericho became more intrigued. The initial offer blew his mind but he also figured WWE would eventually match the offer. After the cruise was successful, he wondered if it was even worth it to go back to WWE because he didn't really know what they'd pitch for a return and he was having fun working with the eventual AEW guys. The look he was establishing in NJPW didn't fit with what WWE was likely expecting from him and that made him unsure if it was a good idea to go back to WWE. He also pondered doing some Impact dates around this time but Kahn's offer was the most captivating offer.

He said he felt like AEW was showing him respect and showing him that they have a lot of expectations for him. The fact that he was going to be relied upon and challenged felt like it was another piece of the puzzle that make him excited about AEW. It's an exclusive deal with AEW but still has an out where he can do things with NJPW but nothing has been set in regards to them yet. He gave WWE a chance to make an offer but he never really got a major offer but things ended amicably. Jericho still likes Vince and considers him as a friend.

Jericho talked about the infrastructure and how people are too green to know how to do the jobs they're doing. He cited how Vince wasn't fully experienced when he took over. Jericho knows that the Kahn's can handle a big business because of what they're currently doing. He knows that Cody and the Bucks will be successful. Cody left WWE so he knows in some ways how they run a machine and his father was his father. For the Bucks, Jericho saw how they built things from the ground up and brokered a deal with Hot Topic and created a revolution of sorts. The young, creative minds and money backing them really makes it exciting. He believes that the TV deal will ultimately be a big one.

[Murphy]

Excellent stuff. :yes:

[Donald]

You're a middle-aged man trying to hold on to your youth by hanging out with Cody and The Young Bucks, Jericho.

[BGMaverick]

You're a middle-aged man trying to hold on to your youth by hanging out with Cody and The Young Bucks, Jericho.

If that were the case, what exactly is wrong with that?

[Donald]

Nothing I'm just bitter about him leaving WWE.

[Psycho666Soldier]

I don't know why you're so bitter, Donald. It might give competition, but it's not like AEW will put WWE out if business.

[Jitters]

Nothing I'm just bitter about him leaving WWE.

Ahh I used to be like you when I was a fan of WCW, I was like 9 at the time though! Grow up Donald for crying out loud! Haha

[Donald]

Doubtful I ever will. I'm just gonna continue trucking through life like the fucktard I am

[Rancid_Planet]

Donald for potty 2019.

[Randolph]

Whoever does the POTTY next year, call Donald "Doald" and he's guaranteed to get in the top two. Some people call it the Sion Strategy.

[Hero!]

Jungle Boy has signed with AEW. For those unfamiliar: he is the son of actor Luke Perry. He’s been working for two years and recently got a break on a GCW show, where he blew everyone away. Crazy athletic and tons of potential. Gonna be one to look out for.

[Jordo]

Never heard of him so I looked him up on youtube. Seems to be a pretty standard flippy indie wrestler.


https://youtu.be/fzRnHNr54nE

Upon further investigation this video appears to be over a year old so he could be way way better now.

Cool look though and based purely on that and his dad I could see him being fun in BTE therefore fun in AEW.

I hadn't really thought about it until just now but the BTE thing really adds a super cool layer to AEW. If they continue doing it its a cheap easy way to get people to know and fall in love with unknown guys.

[Hero!]

You pulled up a highlight video, which is of course, only gonna show his top moves out of context. His match at Janela’s LA Confidential was a real show-stealer and for being a 2-year-in no-name, Jungle Boy rocked the house, I promise you.

[Jordo]

You pulled up a highlight video, which is of course, only gonna show his top moves out of context. His match at Janela’s LA Confidential was a real show-stealer and for being a 2-year-in no-name, Jungle Boy rocked the house, I promise you.

Didn't mean to sound like I didn't believe you or anything. Twas just trying to find something to represent him quickly a bit.

Look is fucking awesome though.

Look at this bastard

https://cdn.hobbyconsolas.com/sites/navi.axelspringer.es/public/media/image/2017/01/luke-perry-jungle-boy-hijo-luke-perry-actor-sensacion-vivir.jpg

[VHS]

Jungle Boy is great. Met him a couple years ago and had no idea he was Luke Perry's boy. He's been busting his ass and every time I see him he shows he's been learning and learning and learning. He'd be great at AEW.

[JP]

Didn't mean to sound like I didn't believe you or anything. Twas just trying to find something to represent him quickly a bit.

Look is fucking awesome though.

Look at this bastard

https://cdn.hobbyconsolas.com/sites/navi.axelspringer.es/public/media/image/2017/01/luke-perry-jungle-boy-hijo-luke-perry-actor-sensacion-vivir.jpg

Hello.

[Romford Pele]

Revival, Maria and Mike Kanellis rumoured to be asking for their releases.

Has to be for this surely?

Apparently WWE are fearful for the Revival in particular. Maybe they shouldnt have booked them like shit

[Ringo]

Hello.

My new favourite wrestler.

[Hero!]

Hello.

Youre a POTTY winner now mate, the boys come up and say hello to you.

[NWo4LifeOr2Years]

So Cody knows his stuff because of his father?

Thats rather funny recent revisionist WWE history because Daddy was quite well know before Vince gave him a job for running wrasslin promotions into the ground and owing the boys money left and right.

[Jordo]

Meltzer is also reporting that WWE has told some indy talent that if they can show WWE their offer on paper WWE will match it/double it if they sign immediately with WWE.

Sounds like a bullshit Meltzer report but still. Pretty interesting

[3puppies]

So Cody knows his stuff because of his father?

Thats rather funny recent revisionist WWE history because Daddy was quite well know before Vince gave him a job for running wrasslin promotions into the ground and owing the boys money left and right.

That's a pretty foolish comment to make. Cody may not be the most talented in-ring performer when it comes to technical wrestling moves, but his matches are still very entertaining, because he knows how to tell a story. This is a guy who got paper bags over, he even got his mustache over ferchrisakes. He, his wife Brandi, and the Young Bucks put together the successful All-in show, despite not having a stellar superstar line-up. They challenged themselves to do better, they are betting on themselves. Based on your comment, you seem to be under the impression that Cody learned NOTHING from his father - or that Dusty learned nothing from his own failures. Don't you think its possible, if not likely, that Cody learned from his father's mistakes as well? Dusty learned a lot over the years, and he helped teach an incredible number of today's performers learn perhaps the most important thing when it comes to rasslin - how to get any crowd to react the way you want them to. Cody knows this perhaps better than anyone his age.

Cody and his wife/friends will undoubtedly make some mistakes along the way, and they have certainly bitten off a lot more if they are eventually planning to put together a weekly TV show. Sure, they haven't proven themselves yet, and they will have a tough road ahead of them. But they haven't failed yet. It should be fun to watch how this plays out.

[NWo4LifeOr2Years]

That's a pretty foolish comment to make. Cody may not be the most talented in-ring performer when it comes to technical wrestling moves, but his matches are still very entertaining, because he knows how to tell a story. This is a guy who got paper bags over, he even got his mustache over ferchrisakes. He, his wife Brandi, and the Young Bucks put together the successful All-in show, despite not having a stellar superstar line-up. They challenged themselves to do better, they are betting on themselves. Based on your comment, you seem to be under the impression that Cody learned NOTHING from his father - or that Dusty learned nothing from his own failures. Don't you think its possible, if not likely, that Cody learned from his father's mistakes as well? Dusty learned a lot over the years, and he helped teach an incredible number of today's performers learn perhaps the most important thing when it comes to rasslin - how to get any crowd to react the way you want them to. Cody knows this perhaps better than anyone his age.

Cody and his wife/friends will undoubtedly make some mistakes along the way, and they have certainly bitten off a lot more if they are eventually planning to put together a weekly TV show. Sure, they haven't proven themselves yet, and they will have a tough road ahead of them. But they haven't failed yet. It should be fun to watch how this plays out.

No, not foolish because the context it
was made in is as if being the Son of Dusty Rhodes gives you some inside edge in running a wrestling company because of Dusty's history and I'm simply pointing out that Dusty's history in running wrasslin company's is in running them into the ground so how's that an edge? The guy had to be pulled out of the poorhouse by Vince at 55, so that's hardly the most endorsing resume when saying "He's learned from hisfather".

So hows that being foolish?

[BGMaverick]

I don't know how it's been presented that he has an "inside edge" when it comes to help run a wrestling company. Did Triple H have an edge when it came to starting up NXT? No, but he went to meetings, observed, took things away that were positive, made his own judgments on what could be better, and has a good group around him. Just because Cody is the son of Dusty doesn't mean he's got the inside track to success but it certainly can't hurt his cause. It's ultimately up to him to make use of that knowledge. Even if he does to the greatest degree, that doesn't guarantee success. It doesn't guarantee failure because he doesn't pure experience in the field he's going to be in.

[3puppies]

Its foolish because you are completely ignoring the fact that Dusty learned from his prior failures, and went on to become one of the best teachers that the WWE ever had. Why do so many of today's top performers give Dusty a lot of credit for helping them?

What you are saying about Dusty's early work is akin to suggesting Paul Heyman should never be given any credit for the early Smackdown success, nor any of Brock Lesnar's success, because Heyman failed with ECW.

[Nash Diesel]

I don't know how it's been presented that he has an "inside edge" when it comes to help run a wrestling company. Did Triple H have an edge when it came to starting up NXT? No, but he went to meetings, observed, took things away that were positive, made his own judgments on what could be better, and has a good group around him. Just because Cody is the son of Dusty doesn't mean he's got the inside track to success but it certainly can't hurt his cause. It's ultimately up to him to make use of that knowledge. Even if he does to the greatest degree, that doesn't guarantee success. It doesn't guarantee failure because he doesn't pure experience in the field he's going to be in.

Welllll Triple H did have an edge with starting up NXT. It wasn't like he went from wrestler to the head of NXT. He has been under Vince's wing since 1996. Well before NXT became a thing Triple H was learning everything he could, business side, production side, talent relations. Trips had almost 20 years of experience with everything that makes the WWE work before they turned NXT into what it is today.

[BGMaverick]

Welllll Triple H did have an edge with starting up NXT. It wasn't like he went from wrestler to the head of NXT. He has been under Vince's wing since 1996. Well before NXT became a thing Triple H was learning everything he could, business side, production side, talent relations. Trips had almost 20 years of experience with everything that makes the WWE work before they turned NXT into what it is today.

Yes, that's to a higher degree but it still really centers around being a sponge and soaking up all the information you possibly can. Who is to say Cody hasn't been doing that? Yes, it's different because Triple H had the direct line of contact and Cody probably didn't, but it's not like he can't look and ask around. He's also been to a bunch of independent companies since he's left WWE and probably saw a lot of things that worked well and didn't work well. I'm not saying it's a carbon copy situation but the core or crux of it centers on gathering intelligence. What you do with it is entirely up in the air.

My main point was that Cody has insight from his father and the companies he's been in. That doesn't mean he exactly has a dramatic inside edge to success. It just means he's got information.

[Morrison]

Revival, Maria and Mike Kanellis rumoured to be asking for their releases.

Has to be for this surely?

Apparently WWE are fearful for the Revival in particular. Maybe they shouldnt have booked them like shit

there is zero chance wwe is fearful about losing the revival.

[Mazer]

Eh. I'm sure Vince isn't exactly clutching the family pearls and having palpitations, but I also don't think they want a world where people see they can go another US Based promotion and do better than they can at WWE.

Particularly if the money is close.




But out and out "fear" seems strong.





I guess "WWE is somewhat concerned about losing the Revival" doesn't make good copy.

[Donald]

That rumor that WWE will match or double AEW's offer is fascinating.

[Romford Pele]

there is zero chance wwe is fearful about losing the revival.

See main page

[Donald]

I doubt they care about losing the Revival, but they are fearful that this will lead to other talent also asking for their release.

[Morrison]

See main page

i read the story yesterday on Reddit. they are not fearful about losing the revival. they don't want talent going to another company with buzz right now, but nobody is scared they might lose them.

[Morrison]

I doubt they care about losing the Revival, but they are fearful that this will lead to other talent also asking for their release.

they've got nothing to fear about that. they just won't be granting releases early anymore, their asses are covered by contracts. talent can pull a neville and sit at home or keep performing until it ends.

[BGMaverick]

I think it's talent specific. Revival? Probably or possibly not. Hardyz (one or both)? I'd imagine that would certainly move more towards the scared category.

[Morrison]

I think it's talent specific. Revival? Probably or possibly not. Hardyz (one or both)? I'd imagine that would certainly move more towards the scared category.

of course there's talent they're concerned about losing. the only reason they're giving a shit about the revival at all right now is cause of this shake up stuff.

[BGMaverick]

They clearly have botched the Raw side of the tag division to a much higher extent. It seriously took me a good minute or two to figure out who the champions were. The Revival came in hot when they got called up and then injuries really got them off the rails. I think what's happened is they got neglectful of the division in more severity after that, much later on they figured they had to finally push AOP because they got called up, saw it wasn't working, find a transitional champion, and then circle back to The Revival. I'm guessing they're seeing how the division is ultimately playing out, got bored, and became more interested in doing stuff with The Bucks thus asked for their release.

They seemed like the most obvious tag team to leave to go to AEW.

[Nash Diesel]

It's not even remotely close to being a secret that Vince is not high on straight up tag-teams. He'd rather push 2 singles guys as tag-team champs. But then you look at Smackdown, which imo a big draw of that brand is the Usos and whoever they're facing (New Day, Bar, Club, Pool, Bathroom, all the good teams). On Raw though it's just pitiful how poorly those teams are treated. Especially AOP. Just....wow

AEW probably don't have any intention on beefing up their roster unless they have something major planned i.e. television. I could see them going after talent like Revival more than the Hardyz for example. The Hardyz would be doing it out of the kindness of their heart not for a WWE-level paycheck.

[BGMaverick]

Which makes you wonder...who was pushing for a women's tag team championship?

On AEW: My random two guesses for TV - TBS or the CW.

[Nash Diesel]

Which makes you wonder...who was pushing for a women's tag team championship?

On AEW: My random two guesses for TV - TBS or the CW.

Probably a collection of people and since they're going to be part of both SD and Raw I could see this being something that is a sign of Vince taking a step back a little more and more as time goes by.

CW? Interesting.

[BGMaverick]

Probably a collection of people and since they're going to be part of both SD and Raw I could see this being something that is a sign of Vince taking a step back a little more and more as time goes by.

CW? Interesting.

Cody clearly has a relationship of some kind with Amell so there's some dots to connect. Doesn't seem like a major stretch to suggest the people watching stuff on CW would turn away from watching wrestling.

[Nash Diesel]

Cody clearly has a relationship of some kind with Amell so there's some dots to connect. Doesn't seem like a major stretch to suggest the people watching stuff on CW would turn away from watching wrestling.

His relationship with Stephen Amell may or may not translate into some sort of connection of getting AEW on the channel that is essentially the birthplace of Smackdown. But it'd feel more like when WWE were on SyFY and I'm not sure if pro wrestling would fit into the CW's format outside of it being "fantasy"

[Ringo]

The rumour was that a deal with a Turner network is basically done. I think pretty much everything that guy said was happening has happened so there may be some truth to it.

[Judas Iscariot]

Other than TNT, TBS and CNN, what are other Turner networks?

Edit: just looked. Calling it right now, it ends up on TruTV. Skews younger and everyone loves Impractical Jokers.

[BGMaverick]

Sal and Q love them some wrestling.

[Nash Diesel]

Funny thing is, TBS shows reruns of Impractical Jokers I believe.

[Mazer]

TNT or TBS would obviously be a home run for them.


But Judas is right, Tru could be a really good fit.

[BGMaverick]

Funny thing is, TBS shows reruns of Impractical Jokers I believe.

I haven't seen that, but I have seen like a local FOX or ABC affiliate show it randomly at like 6 AM. Super random.

[Nash Diesel]

I haven't seen that, but I have seen like a local FOX or ABC affiliate show it randomly at like 6 AM.

Oh shit maybe that's what it was and I just thought it was TBS.

Butttt after googling "Impractical Jokers TBS" it looks like Joe and Sal are part a show on TBS called Misery Index

[BGMaverick]

Oh shit maybe that's what it was and I just thought it was TBS.

Butttt after googling "Impractical Jokers TBS" it looks like Joe and Sal are part a show on TBS called Misery Index

Yeah, they're all supposed to be part of a game show for TBS.


TNT or TBS would obviously be a home run for them.

But Judas is right, Tru could be a really good fit.

Obviously it'd be great to be on TNT but I imagine it's harder to carve out a steady slot on that network due to their own content and then NBA coverage on Thursdays.

[Nash Diesel]

Let's not forget how well TNT thought of WCW to the point where they were getting the best ratings on TNT and were still cancelled.

[Judas Iscariot]

Sal and Q love them some wrestling.


https://youtu.be/u8DVoqAvFso

[BGMaverick]

Sal and Q are at WWE TV events quite a bit, sitting behind commentary. Those two also interact with a lot of WWE people on social media. Not sure on if it was all four, but I know for sure Q and Sal were on Jericho's cruise...

[Mazer]

Let's not forget how well TNT thought of WCW to the point where they were getting the best ratings on TNT and were still cancelled.

Its a lot different market today than 15+ years ago. The ratings for scripted tv series had not taken as steep of a decline back then. A lot of the people in charge are gone.


But obviously TNT seems like a bit of a stretch. Anything where a majority of households have access to the channel and they could get a decent timeslot is a huge win.



C'mon Netflix.

[Matthew]

AEW to bring back legitimate wrestling competition and myspace

[Randolph]

And Zune.

[Jordo]

Let's not forget how well TNT thought of WCW to the point where they were getting the best ratings on TNT and were still cancelled.

There was a lot more going on there than TNT doesn't like wrestling.

[Romford Pele]

Dolph Ziggler contract is expiring. Surely he must be tempted

[Donald]

If you really want to show off Dolph, go to AEW and bring all your non-existent WWE fans with you.

[BigAl]

I thought Dolph was ready to get out of the game and work on his acting/comedy career?

So if you're the WWE do you give the Revival a push and hope that makes them happy but risk them going out and not doing shit because they want to be released, or do you shelve them for the remainder of their contract?

I hope AEW takes off. Just reading through this thread has me excited for what could be, more excited about wrestling than I've been in at least a year if not longer.

[Nash Diesel]

There was a lot more going on there than TNT doesn't like wrestling.

Like what? Everyone who matters has straight up said that one feller flat out said he did not want wrestling on TNT and boom, he got his wish. It had nothing to do with ratings, money, it was all about what someone wanted on the channel and they didn't feel wrestling fit. People want to sensationalize certain aspects because they don't find suit and ties interesting in comparison to Kevin Nash and Eric Bischoff "burying" the company, but it wasn't that at all.

[BGMaverick]

I thought Dolph was ready to get out of the game and work on his acting/comedy career?

So if you're the WWE do you give the Revival a push and hope that makes them happy but risk them going out and not doing shit because they want to be released, or do you shelve them for the remainder of their contract?

I hope AEW takes off. Just reading through this thread has me excited for what could be, more excited about wrestling than I've been in at least a year if not longer.

It's just a matter of what they want: keep them or ditch them. If you're WWE, you make good over the next 3-6 months and hope that gets them to change their mind, or you just completely shelve them. I imagine they'll go with the former. If they're professionals or want to give the appearance that they are, The Revival will do what is asked of them. That only helps when you move on to the next employer.

[BigAl]

It's just a matter of what they want: keep them or ditch them. If you're WWE, you make good over the next 3-6 months and hope that gets them to change their mind, or you just completely shelve them. I imagine they'll go with the former. If they're professionals or want to give the appearance that they are, The Revival will do what is asked of them. That only helps when you move on to the next employer.

This is very true. I don't think the WWE keeps them around because why keep guys who are obviously disgruntled around other employees if those guys will make no secret of the fact they don't want to be in the company? Could be very bad for morale. Having dudes standing around in catering doing nothing but talking about how much they hate the company, etc. On the flip side, WWE could not shelve them and instead turn the Revival into a joke, doing any number of stupid things as "punishment" but what message does that send to the rest of the locker room?

[BGMaverick]

If Prichard is right, then McMahon wanted to get rid of people who didn't want to be there in the past. Who knows what it is now. Could be more hardball. PAC is another reference point as well. IIRC, he wasn't injured or anything, he was just disgruntled. So they were able to use contractual situations to keep him on ice, I believe. It just drags the process out even more. I think people in the locker room can see what's going on but they might not be able to fully relate it to them because there's different circumstances at play. I think WWE will push them and see what they're gathering from The Revival in terms of how they're feeling and then act accordingly.

[Romford Pele]

If you really want to show off Dolph, go to AEW and bring all your non-existent WWE fans with you.

Lol. So so bitter Donald!

[MikeHunt]

Other than TNT, TBS and CNN, what are other Turner networks?

Edit: just looked. Calling it right now, it ends up on TruTV. Skews younger and everyone loves Impractical Jokers.

Got to be one of the least funny shows on the tv for me.

[Nash Diesel]

Got to be one of the least funny shows on the tv for me.

MikeHunt, window licker, IDIOT=doesn't like low brow comedy shows?

[BGMaverick]

So if you're the WWE do you give the Revival a push and hope that makes them happy but risk them going out and not doing shit because they want to be released, or do you shelve them for the remainder of their contract?



I referenced Prichard's take from the past and it was brought up by Conrad on this week's Something to Wrestle episode.

"Sometimes it's just the relationship with Vince and how you present yourself, how you deal with things all along the road. If you always were there doing your job, never any problem or anything like that, and you are nice about asking, he'll do it. Sometimes if he thinks that he has something for you that's going be big or something that he feels is going to be right for you, he'll ask you to hang on and we'll try something else. I mean, as crazy as it is, sometimes it depends on the mood, it just depends on when you ask and who you ask."

[BGMaverick]

Cody was interviewed by an ESPN reporter for AEW. Full interview is here (http://www.espn.com/wwe/story?id=25781334&_slug_=cody-rhodes-all-elite-wrestling-origins-future-chris-jericho-path-aew&redirected=true), but here's a few of the more talked about aspects I took interest from:

What are some of the specific job responsibilities that fall under your role as executive vice president role with AEW?
CR: I am the executive vice president of talent, live events and creative. And that is the job I share with Matt and Nick. It's basically an extension of All In. I don't want to hang out in the past, but it is what we did for All In. It's recruiting talent, it's licensing talent, it's coordinating everything from stage design to scaling the MGM Grand Garden, which is what I was doing on my phone right before we started speaking. This is my dream job. I am doing it all currently. Recruiting talent, talking to talent, making deals, underwriting the contracts -- everything that is under the purview of that job and more because we are a startup.

How will your creative approach be similar to your father and how will it be different?
CR: My dad was executive producer at WCW and was the booker for Jim Crockett Promotions. I learned so much from being his son. I'll be honest -- I don't like when other people say it, but I can say it -- I learned from the things he did right and I also learned from the things he did wrong, because he had to live with them for a good portion of his career. A lot of it is on the board criticism, but I've seen that and I feel like I know what to stay away from and know which direction to go.

One thing we are trying to do here is let guys go out there and play their music like they are going to play it. If I invest in a talent like, let's say MJF [Maxwell Jacob Friedman] for example, it's not my job to micromanage you. My job is to put a spotlight on you. I've seen your set of skills. We looked into you. We recruited you. I'm just using him as an example. Somebody like that, if you are paying them to be on your show, let them go out there and play their own song. Don't give them a new lyric sheet. Don't give them a new instrument. And that's the type of wrestling I grew up on.

If we look at the heyday of WWF in the late '80s and the type of wrestling that I love dearly, those were grown men who knew what the direction was, they got a finish, they got a time, and they went out there and delivered what they delivered. It wasn't something that was micromanaged. Maybe slightly consulted or massaged, but they were the stars, so why micromanage them? We will not be micromanaging anybody.

You mentioned at the rally in Jacksonville that you would like to apply the way the Hollywood treats talent to the wrestling industry. Can you give some specifics as to how that might play out?
CR: You talk about acting and how they treat their talent, my favorite actor was my dad, who was a pro wrestler. It didn't matter whether it was 4,000, 14,000 or 40,000, he put on a performance on the same level as any TV or critically acclaimed film presentation. He did that. Wrestlers who are able to do that should be treated the same as the actors in the world who are able to that, too, but that's a long road, admittedly.

The first thing you've got to do is up the price point. You've got to pay your wrestlers more. And to old-timey, carny promoters who say, "Oh, that's going to put you out of business," I disagree with that. I think if you have a proper merchandising and branding arm behind your brand, that you can absolutely supplement that income as well if you're able to provide genuine content that matches sizzle with substance. We did it once with All In and we plan to do it again with Double Or Nothing.

We want to make this a better world for wrestling fans by making it a better world for wrestlers. So the first step you have is you up that price point and you take care of your wrestlers more. The more that happens, we can continue to go.

A union in pro wrestling -- and that's this thing that people say all of the time, and they don't realize it -- a union in pro wrestling would put pro wrestling out of business. But, with that said, we should be actively working towards some sort of body, and this is outside of what I'm talking about with AEW and as me in the executive role, but we should actively be working to have the happiest talent you can possibly have. Whether that starts as a talent feedback system, or a players' league, or some sort of body where there's a complete, transparent communication between those in the office and those in the locker room.

That's massively important, especially when you are traveling the world. I think taking those steps, even if they are baby steps, is great.

[Nash Diesel]

They're so fucked.

[Donald]

Why?

[Nash Diesel]

Why?

The things they're talking about are so unrealistic at this stage that even talking about it is a death sentence.

[Donald]

The things they're talking about are so unrealistic at this stage that even talking about it is a death sentence.

I think their key to survival is to not try to compete with WWE. WCW tried, failed. TNA tried, failed. I don't think ROH or whatever hipster indie feds there are never tried to compete and that's why they're still around. I think if AEW is more like those, they will be successful because they have the financial backing. However I read one headline earlier that said "Khan wages war against Vince McMahon with AEW" I don't know if that's just piss pour journalism trying to capture readers or if that's the plan.

[Jordo]

Like what? Everyone who matters has straight up said that one feller flat out said he did not want wrestling on TNT and boom, he got his wish. It had nothing to do with ratings, money, it was all about what someone wanted on the channel and they didn't feel wrestling fit. People want to sensationalize certain aspects because they don't find suit and ties interesting in comparison to Kevin Nash and Eric Bischoff "burying" the company, but it wasn't that at all.

I understand your point. I've heard everyone talk and I listen to bischoff weekly.

I guess I just don't personally buy that as the sole reason WCW got cancelled. Maybe I'm being dense but everything else had to of play into it.

[Judas Iscariot]

If anyone could be bothered to look up the Wilfreds debate I did about the downfall of WCW they'd know the reason.

[Mazer]

http://dailywrestlingnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Vince-Funk-gifs-001_004.gif
The basic rule of business is there must be competition? The basic rule of business is to put out a better product that more consumers want to spend money on than your competition. Forget this nonsense about your Competition and Markets Authority or your Competition Regulator.

The basic rule of business is to win at your business.

And what Vince McMahon did was hardly monopolize the industry. He became the largest promoter in the history of the sport, but he also turned it into what he knew it could be: a GLOBAL POP CULTURE PHENOMENON, which, by the way, included competition, more eyes on the product, and more opportunities for talents including the burgeoning scene we see today.

Remember these guys?

http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/psychoandy/images/e/ea/Lrg_WCW75.gif/revision/latest?cb=20120109044905

I wonder how many of your guys who never got opportunities became worldwide names here due to the competition you claim didn't exist.

Why? Vince ultimately created the environment for such competition.

Let's dig a little more.

How about:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/10/ECW_Hardcore_TV.jpg

I guess we should ignore their worldwide legacy and the fame of wrestlers who came through there too, right?

Alright, so let's go through a couple of more promotions that are big these days thanks to Vince McMahon elevating a niche thing to a global thing:

http://www.wrestledelphia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/roh-new-logo.jpg

http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/logopedia/images/e/ef/Impact.png/revision/latest?cb=20151001004022

http://pwnews.net/nov1obz2/11/lucha-underground-splash.jpg

http://www.repeatthespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/progress-wrestling.jpg

You see, Vince McMahon not only made wrestling cool, he also made it profitable and made it possible for more workers to find more opportunities not only in WWE but around the world. If they don't make it in WWE, perhaps making it in NJPW, or Ring of Honor. Hell, plenty of people have made livings wrestling for TNA, and it's not his fault that company doesn't know what they're doing.

And as for the "sports entertainment" thing? Welcome back to the basics of business: making money. The consumer is willing to pump millions of dollars into the WWE's product. Want some more technical wrestling and less "entertainment?" I listed a few companies you could turn to that afford consumers and wrestlers alternatives to "sports entertainment" that is the first exposure to wrestling for most, and opens the door to said alternatives and opportunities.

https://media.giphy.com/media/KG2AYJBwtzOjC/giphy.gif

https://www.budgetkitty.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/GI-JOE-knowing-half-battle.jpg

[Judas Iscariot]

I know, I rule.

GI JOOEEEE

[Randolph]

WCw was bleeding money, so it definitely wasn't just the sagging ratings. Bischoff only could secure funding if WCW stayed on Turner's airwaves, but they wanted to get that bad tadte out of their mouth.

[Romford Pele]

I assume they must have this costed as I doubt the Khan's would find it otherwise

[Matthew]

no. he definitely just agreed without any knowledge of how money will be used

[Romford Pele]

LOL!

[Matthew]

i am not 'in the know', but i assume that most of these performers will, indeed, be breathing oxygen while under contract

[Defrost]

no. he definitely just agreed without any knowledge of how money will be used

Given the long history of money marks in wrestling this sounds about right actually

[Matthew]

not my company

[Romford Pele]

Thank god

[Matthew]

you'd watch anyway, marky mark

[Romford Pele]

Only if you were getting jobbed out.

[Matthew]

thank you for supporting my company

[MikeHunt]

i am not 'in the know', but i assume that most of these performers will, indeed, be breathing oxygen while under contract

:lol:

[Sasori]

And that justifies executive positions at the company? And the role that Brandi has been given? I don't know about that. Its a dumb business move unless Cody and the Bucks actually had a say in putting themselves in those positions, which would actually make sense.

We can debate the semantics of who owns the company, what it means to be the CEO, the executive, who calls the shots, etc. But not every company is run the same. The Khans dont have to run the business by themselves. And its not beyond the realm of possibility that the Khan's would merely be taking a back seat and reaping the profits, while letting someone they trust (The Elite) to run the operation.

I was just commenting on why they would use the Elite brand for the company name. I can't speak on why Cody, the Bucks, and Brandi have those positions.

[RuneEdge]

I was just commenting on why they would use the Elite brand for the company name. I can't speak on why Cody, the Bucks, and Brandi have those positions.

So then what happens when those guys were to part ways with the company? It doesn't make sense to me to name it after this brand unless Cody and the Bucks were an integral part of this operation, and were influential enough to become executives within the company.

[Rancid_Planet]

Jesus I hope some actual news concerning AEW happens soon.

I could give a shit if Cody walks around with "Executive V.P. in charge of being kick ass" stamped on his face.

[Romford Pele]

thank you for supporting my company

Thanks for being a douche.

[Matthew]

do you think they will use ring ropes?

[Rancid_Planet]

I'm praying to GOD that the ring is six sided.

[Hero!]

do you think they will use ring ropes?

Nope: The ropes will be laffy taffy and they’ll be wrapped around the ring posts, which are actually just three 9-year-olds in a trench coat.

[mth]

I'm praying to GOD that the ring is six sided.

I'm hoping it's a triangle.

[kdestiny]

I'm hoping it's a triangle.

I'm sold

[Matthew]

the ringside area is like a moat

oh shit that is kinda wcw-ish too i love it

[Morrison]

Thanks for being a douche.

lol

[kdestiny]

the ringside area is like a moat

oh shit that is kinda wcw-ish too i love it

I may need to invest

[lotjx]

Let's not forget how well TNT thought of WCW to the point where they were getting the best ratings on TNT and were still cancelled.

That was AOL not Turner. The worst merger ever. That group of morons is no longer there. TNT is such a perfect spot, I hope they call it Monday Night Otrin or something.

It also appears Ziggler is tweeting mysterious stuff. So, good for him, because I will never forgive them for not putting more of a spotlight on him after the Survivor Series where he stole the show to end the Authority. Sting helped but that was a star making moment only for Cena giving him an Atta Boy. Fuck them.

[Jordo]

That was AOL not Turner. The worst merger ever. That group of morons is no longer there. TNT is such a perfect spot, I hope they call it Monday Night Otrin or something.

It also appears Ziggler is tweeting mysterious stuff. So, good for him, because I will never forgive them for not putting more of a spotlight on him after the Survivor Series where he stole the show to end the Authority. Sting helped but that was a star making moment only for Cena giving him an Atta Boy. Fuck them.

I still think they had plans for him and something got fucked up.

I remember him coming out pointing to his ear and then the back and saying "i hear you... They hear you"

I was at that survivor series and I really thought that was gonna be the beginning of a push for Ziggler

[lotjx]

That Survivor Series could have been a giant turning point of not having to deal with Authority figures, Ziggler being a main eventer and Sting being a legend. Instead, it lead to the worst HHH match at Wrestlemania. Honestly, if JR/Cole wasn't a thing, HHH/Sting would be the worst booked Wrestlemania of this century. Ziggler going to AEW makes the most amount of sense since WWE has no idea what to do with him since day one. I am hearing Sasha might be another jumper. That would be huge.

[Tainted Eclipse]

sasha and bayley would be good jumps. they really need some names if they want a significant womens divison like they say.

[Rancid_Planet]

May get your wish with Sasha.

She was posting "Take me with you" gifs @TheRevival the other day

All the time with that stuff.

[Donald]

There's a lot of talent who would thrive in AEW, Sasha Banks is one of them. They're just giving her a push against Rousey but we all know Rousey is going to win and then Sasha will be back to selling hot dogs.

[Sasori]

That was AOL not Turner. The worst merger ever. That group of morons is no longer there. TNT is such a perfect spot, I hope they call it Monday Night Otrin or something.

It also appears Ziggler is tweeting mysterious stuff. So, good for him, because I will never forgive them for not putting more of a spotlight on him after the Survivor Series where he stole the show to end the Authority. Sting helped but that was a star making moment only for Cena giving him an Atta Boy. Fuck them.


I still think they had plans for him and something got fucked up.

I remember him coming out pointing to his ear and then the back and saying "i hear you... They hear you"

I was at that survivor series and I really thought that was gonna be the beginning of a push for Ziggler

Roman was supposed to end the Authority, but due to his injury, they put Ziggler in his place at SS. Once Roman was good to go, that was the end for Dolph.

[Ringo]

So Jericho got a bit drunk and started tweeting last night

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dx_LUVjU0AA846W.jpg

[Donald]

We don't need you either Jericho. Your dream is over. Go enjoy a cruise or something.

[Deadman31]

I'm hoping it's a triangle.

I hope it’s the double ring Wargames ring but they never use the other side.

[Rancid_Planet]

So Jericho got a bit drunk and started tweeting last night

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dx_LUVjU0AA846W.jpg

Not really fair for Jericho to be poking fun at how much of a gut anyone has put on.

[Spudz Mackenzie]

Remember how one of those podcast assholes, either Conrad Thompson or the dude who hosts with Cornette, got in a Twitter bitch fight with Lance Storm because they were making fun of Chris Jericho's man boobs?

Yeah... Jericho isn't one to talk about getting out of shape. When you're in a rock band, playing shows and probably drowning yourself in free beer every night, you start to get out of "wrestling shape". If Jericho didn't have the dedication to have the kinds of matches he still does, he'd be a fucking blob by now.

[VHS]

So Jericho got a bit drunk and started tweeting last night

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dx_LUVjU0AA846W.jpg

I'm sure it's all fun n games, but it's not a good look for AEW for them to have this clubhouse demeanor when they haven't even got off the ground yet.

[Rancid_Planet]

So...Dean Ambrose.

[BigAl]

I'd like to see what AEW lets Dean do.

[Tainted Eclipse]

My first reaction is not to be so excited about it but that’s just because wwe production has neutered him so much. With creative freedom he’ll probably be pretty great if he goes

[RuneEdge]

Besides obviously wanting to see underutilised guys performing elsewhere like AEW, I think I'm more excited about the thought that this might put pressure on WWE to raise their game. Their product is boring as fuck right now.

[Jordo]

Besides obviously wanting to see underutilised guys performing elsewhere like AEW, I think I'm more excited about the thought that this might put pressure on WWE to raise their game. Their product is boring as fuck right now.

It's getting better though. Smackdown has been pretty good since TLC and raw is better now than it was and trending in the right direction.

I think that'd partly a result of AEW

[BGMaverick]

Or it's just naturally building to Mania season.

[Randolph]

Until AEw actually starts gaining WWE talent, or Fox puts the pressure on them, WWE will remain the same.

[Donald]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[Romford Pele]

It is broke though from a creative point of view

[MikeHunt]

I'd disagree with that. They do some stupid booking but their TV over the last few weeks has been very very entertaining and feeling quite fresh.

[BGMaverick]

I mean, it should. If it's not facing football and is heading into its peak season, it should be entertaining and fresh. That doesn't take away from the time before that and the mess that was present during that period. He was a fairly big victim of that.

[PurePlayer]

I'd disagree with that. They do some stupid booking but their TV over the last few weeks has been very very entertaining and feeling quite fresh.

So we are basing it on a few weeks? What has been fresh?

[Romford Pele]

I'd disagree with that. They do some stupid booking but their TV over the last few weeks has been very very entertaining and feeling quite fresh.

It should be at this time of year as from Jan to March/April is when they need to get eyeballs on the product

A lot of the rest of the year is treading water (I am not including NXT here which is great)

[Nash Diesel]

It's getting better though. Smackdown has been pretty good since TLC and raw is better now than it was and trending in the right direction.

I think that'd partly a result of AEW

Why? Honest question....

They don't have a product to base anything off of. I apologize if I'm not in the camp of everything the Bullet Club does=awesome, but I'm just not. I have seen plenty of Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks, Chris Jericho, Hangman Page, to know that the WWE aren't going "oh fuck with that roster we better finally start putting out a quality product!" And talent blindly going to AEW because of Khan's checkbook smells very familiar.

[Donald]

WWE has always been entertaining for me. Sure the sheer volume of output they have seems overwhelming, 3 hour RAWs, 2 hour Smackdowns, 1 hour NXT, 1 hour NXT UK, 1 hour 205 live, 18 hour PPVs, etc. but it's still incredibly fun to chat about and follow. Just don't have the time to watch everything but I'm as big a fan as ever.

[Sasori]

Why? Honest question....

They don't have a product to base anything off of. I apologize if I'm not in the camp of everything the Bullet Club does=awesome, but I'm just not. I have seen plenty of Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks, Chris Jericho, Hangman Page, to know that the WWE aren't going "oh fuck with that roster we better finally start putting out a quality product!" And talent blindly going to AEW because of Khan's checkbook smells very familiar.

I doubt we'll see some kind of mass exodus of talent from WWE. It would be unwise for anyone to leave before seeing what AEW has to offer as a product, not to mention the WWE level pay, healthcare, etc. I also doubt Khan is willing to spend the money to sign every WWE talent who's interested. Even if "X" Wrestler wants in, AEW might not be interested.

[Rancid_Planet]

To Mike's point, WWE does not always feel fresh or exciting this time of year. I seem to recall many of us complaining about how shitty and dull mania season was in 2018.

[Jordo]

Why? Honest question....

They don't have a product to base anything off of. I apologize if I'm not in the camp of everything the Bullet Club does=awesome, but I'm just not. I have seen plenty of Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks, Chris Jericho, Hangman Page, to know that the WWE aren't going "oh fuck with that roster we better finally start putting out a quality product!" And talent blindly going to AEW because of Khan's checkbook smells very familiar.

I said partly because I don't think it's a big reason or even most of the reason.

Most of why WWE has gotten better recently is probably the fox deal coming up. I know it's wrestlemania season but the last few years wm build haven't been all that good.

And the fact that there is a US based promotion with deep pockets starting, behind the hottest indy talent in memory has to play in Wwe's mind. You can argue the elite aren't your cup of tea... That's fine but the deal WWE offered the young bucks is insane and unprecedented. It shows wwe knows the value these guys have.

Again I don't think wwe is shaking in their boots but the combined fact of the TV deal coming up and this promotion starting has to be part of reason the product has turned around. Even if it just means pushing unhappy talent that we enjoy. If Dean really is saying he's leaving and it results in a more interesting dean ambrose on WWE tv... That's partly because aew.

I mean, the revival getting time on raw has made raw more entertaining for me because I enjoy the revival. Theyre probably on TV because they want to go to AEW.

I know they say Braun getting pulled from the title match was planned all along but the fact that Finn got the spot right now seems odd too. That made the product more interesting to me and I credit that partly to the threat (however minor) of AEW

[MikeHunt]

So we are basing it on a few weeks? What has been fresh?

Bryan's character, the women in a prominent position with decent stories, Miz/Shane dynamic is fairly interesting (even if I can't stand watching Shane wrestle), Balor finding his feet. There tons of stuff going on the feels fresh and we aren't just watching the same 3 hours of TV every Monday. The fact we don't know what the Mania Card is going to be at this point says a lot.


It should be at this time of year as from Jan to March/April is when they need to get eyeballs on the product

A lot of the rest of the year is treading water (I am not including NXT here which is great)

Is it really though? I feel like that is the rule of thumb but as RP said last year and for me everything including the build to 30 has been fairly shite.

[BGMaverick]

It feels like you're bringing up two very different points.

It should be the time of the year where the eyeballs get on the product. That's obvious. So they should be attempting to crank things up or present fresh things.
With that being the case, do they hit the mark in that guaranteed time where things should crank up? No. But that clearly goes to a situation where it's personal preference.

[MikeHunt]

Lets add the potential intergender stuff going to the list.

[xtHeWalLsOfJeRiChOx]

I really want to believe in AEW, but this is going to take a long time to really get off the ground. Right now, they have no TV deal, and their first show isn't even until May. That is a while. The company is going to probably lose money at some point, and I just don't know how much passion the Kahns have about the product. WCW was able to survive and was able to pull out of moments where it was going under in the early 90's, because Ted Turner really loved the product, and it was his baby. And once he was removed from decision making with the AOL merger, WCW was fucked. Money, and genuine interest in the business are key factors.

[Romford Pele]

Khan is a big pro wrestling fan.

[Hero!]

Dustin & Greg apparently gave notice to NJPW and are AEW bound.

[Jordo]

Kenta now too.

Holy shit

[Nash Diesel]

I said partly because I don't think it's a big reason or even most of the reason.

Most of why WWE has gotten better recently is probably the fox deal coming up. I know it's wrestlemania season but the last few years wm build haven't been all that good.

And the fact that there is a US based promotion with deep pockets starting, behind the hottest indy talent in memory has to play in Wwe's mind. You can argue the elite aren't your cup of tea... That's fine but the deal WWE offered the young bucks is insane and unprecedented. It shows wwe knows the value these guys have.

Again I don't think wwe is shaking in their boots but the combined fact of the TV deal coming up and this promotion starting has to be part of reason the product has turned around. Even if it just means pushing unhappy talent that we enjoy. If Dean really is saying he's leaving and it results in a more interesting dean ambrose on WWE tv... That's partly because aew.

I mean, the revival getting time on raw has made raw more entertaining for me because I enjoy the revival. Theyre probably on TV because they want to go to AEW.

I know they say Braun getting pulled from the title match was planned all along but the fact that Finn got the spot right now seems odd too. That made the product more interesting to me and I credit that partly to the threat (however minor) of AEW

I'll be honest, I don't think the product is all that great. What stands out that's awesome on Raw and Smackdown?

Blindly attributing anything you personally find entertaining to AEW, no matter how big or small, is very odd to me. Again, I don't think WWE has been anything above what they normally have been.

I don't see any correlation between Finn Balor getting Braun's spot and the "threat" of AEW. Where was the threat a year ago when Jinder lost to AJ a week before SS? How about when AJ lost a week before the last Survivor Series? That is no different than what we saw with Finn.

I'm actually curious as to what you parts of the show you think are a positive.

[Jordo]

I'll be honest, I don't think the product is all that great. What stands out that's awesome on Raw and Smackdown?

Blindly attributing anything you personally find entertaining to AEW, no matter how big or small, is very odd to me. Again, I don't think WWE has been anything above what they normally have been.

I don't see any correlation between Finn Balor getting Braun's spot and the "threat" of AEW. Where was the threat a year ago when Jinder lost to AJ a week before SS? How about when AJ lost a week before the last Survivor Series? That is no different than what we saw with Finn.

I'm actually curious as to what you parts of the show you think are a positive.

I get what you're saying so maybe it is personal. I've enjoyed raw more since the AEW announcement. Maybe it's led to me reading into stuff happening on raw and smackdown in relation to AEW and that's given me more enjoyment.

In general though if you asked most smarky fans they would say raw has been more entertaining since the McMahon shakeup thing. Me personally correlating that with AEW could very well be just that... Personal but to me it makes a ton of sense.

As for what I've found more entertaining. Seth Rollins push, Finn's push, more revival, the McMahons being neutral(ish) authority, Daniel Bryan's heel turn. Fuck I've enjoyed silly production shit they've done because its different. Angel's flashback interview, the next callups, I even enjoyed the silly. Mandy rose shit including the hokey as fuck hotel scene.

[Nash Diesel]

I get what you're saying so maybe it is personal. I've enjoyed raw more since the AEW announcement. Maybe it's led to me reading into stuff happening on raw and smackdown in relation to AEW and that's given me more enjoyment.

In general though if you asked most smarky fans they would say raw has been more entertaining since the McMahon shakeup thing. Me personally correlating that with AEW could very well be just that... Personal but to me it makes a ton of sense.

As for what I've found more entertaining. Seth Rollins push, Finn's push, more revival, the McMahons being neutral(ish) authority, Daniel Bryan's heel turn. Fuck I've enjoyed silly production shit they've done because its different. Angel's flashback interview, the next callups, I even enjoyed the silly. Mandy rose shit including the hokey as fuck hotel scene.

Some of that stuff happened well before the AEW announcement.

I get it, people want some type of Monday Night War situation to happen. They think the threat of AEW is something more.

[Jordo]

Some of that stuff happened well before the AEW announcement.

I get it, people want some type of Monday Night War situation to happen. They think the threat of AEW is something more.

All of that had happened since it became pretty obvious AEW was coming. Not that it's all in relation.

You asked what I've seen from WWE that I have liked that was making the product better, that's stuff I've enjoyed.

[Jordo]

I also don't want or expect some Monday night war but you belittling AEW's impact already is as ridiculous as people saying AEW is going to put WWE out of business.

The revival (one of the best tag teams in the world) asked for their release days after AEW launched. Dean fucking Ambrose isn't going to resign. Kenta has quit. A ton of WWE talent have changed their Twitter names to their real names in the last few weeks.

I don't see how all of that can be a coincidence

[Peter Griffin]

Revival yes,Ambrose is still a question mark to me and I would assume KENTA will go to Japan.

[Nash Diesel]

I also don't want or expect some Monday night war but you belittling AEW's impact already is as ridiculous as people saying AEW is going to put WWE out of business.

The revival (one of the best tag teams in the world) asked for their release days after AEW launched. Dean fucking Ambrose isn't going to resign. Kenta has quit. A ton of WWE talent have changed their Twitter names to their real names in the last few weeks.

I don't see how all of that can be a coincidence

A lot of WWE have talent over the last 2 years or so have started to change their social media to their real names. Even Braun Strowman did it.

What I'm saying is you are jumping the gun and trying to convince yourself (and others) that AEW is already shaking the boots of a multi-billion dollar worldwide company when they haven't done shit. They literally haven't done anything that Vince hasn't seen before and do you really think that they're tripping about a handful of talent they rarely used when they have the biggest roster with the most depth of any promotion?

Out of those names, Dean Ambrose is the biggest loss but he's replaceable. It's sad to say that, he's one of my favorites, but what would be missing when he's gone? They didn't give you anything to miss.

Wrestlers come and go, product is good one day, shitty the next.

[Jordo]

A lot of WWE have talent over the last 2 years or so have started to change their social media to their real names. Even Braun Strowman did it.

What I'm saying is you are jumping the gun and trying to convince yourself (and others) that AEW is already shaking the boots of a multi-billion dollar worldwide company when they haven't done shit. They literally haven't done anything that Vince hasn't seen before and do you really think that they're tripping about a handful of talent they rarely used when they have the biggest roster with the most depth of any promotion?

Out of those names, Dean Ambrose is the biggest loss but he's replaceable. It's sad to say that, he's one of my favorites, but what would be missing when he's gone? They didn't give you anything to miss.

Wrestlers come and go, product is good one day, shitty the next.

Agree to disagree. I think it's part of the reason WWE has been more enjoyable lately. Even if that's just in my head, for me it has made things more entertaining.

Maybe I'm playing fan fiction in my head or reaching to connect shit but a lot of it seems cut and dry to me.

Can just agree that what the elite has done to raise stock in indy wrestling, and what Cody has done in particular has shown that guys can forge their own path and still make good money?

[Nash Diesel]

Agree to disagree. I think it's part of the reason WWE has been more enjoyable lately. Even if that's just in my head, for me it has made things more entertaining.

Maybe I'm playing fan fiction in my head or reaching to connect shit but a lot of it seems cut and dry to me.

Can just agree that what the elite has done to raise stock in indy wrestling, and what Cody has done in particular has shown that guys can forge their own path and still make good money?

I think we have to look @ AJ Styles and the Bullet Club. Without the Bullet Club, I'm not sure if anything the Bucks, Cody, etc. do matters to the extent that it does. But I think AJ showed the boys you didn't truly need TNA or WWE if you were good enough, and Cody showed just how good the Bullet Club dust is when it's sprinkled on you.

[BGMaverick]

Cody created his own buzz before the Bullet Club stuff though, didn't he? The big thing was his list of matches he wanted to have.

[Nash Diesel]

Cody created his own buzz before the Bullet Club stuff though, didn't he? The big thing was his list of matches he wanted to have.

His buzz was no different at that time than a lot of talent that left. I remember John Morrison had buzz, even Sandow had buzz. But once Cody aligned with the Bullet Club, which I believe wasn't too long after he left the WWE, he was able to ride on that wave. Hell he did it just now....I don't know a lot of CODY fans, but I know a lot of ELITE fans. The true elite, Omega and the Young Bucks. That's not to say Cody hasn't delivered, he has for sure. But he owes a lot to the Bullet Club. Many do. Even AJ Styles.

[Jordo]

I think we have to look @ AJ Styles and the Bullet Club. Without the Bullet Club, I'm not sure if anything the Bucks, Cody, etc. do matters to the extent that it does. But I think AJ showed the boys you didn't truly need TNA or WWE if you were good enough, and Cody showed just how good the Bullet Club dust is when it's sprinkled on you.

I don't really think AJ should get the credit. He did all that then came to WWE. AJ def gets credit as making the bullet club cool and getting it over so in a way he gave the bucks the platform, but I don't really think AJ should get the credit of dudes seeing they don't need WWE.

AJ's path isn't the path I'm talking about. AJ established himself in TNA an then New Japan and then came to WWE. AJ followed the same tried to true "WWE is the goal" path that has been established.

[BGMaverick]

His buzz was no different at that time than a lot of talent that left. I remember John Morrison had buzz, even Sandow had buzz. But once Cody aligned with the Bullet Club, which I believe wasn't too long after he left the WWE, he was able to ride on that wave.

Right, I was just questioning if you meant he didn't generate anything prior to the affiliation because the list was something that was generating interest. I'm fine if you're equating it to the others rather than saying he had nothing going for him before affiliating, lol.

[Jordo]

His buzz was no different at that time than a lot of talent that left. I remember John Morrison had buzz, even Sandow had buzz. But once Cody aligned with the Bullet Club, which I believe wasn't too long after he left the WWE, he was able to ride on that wave. Hell he did it just now....I don't know a lot of CODY fans, but I know a lot of ELITE fans. The true elite, Omega and the Young Bucks. That's not to say Cody hasn't delivered, he has for sure. But he owes a lot to the Bullet Club. Many do. Even AJ Styles.

This is all true. I'm not a Cody mark whatsoever. Honestly the only match of his I think I'll ever remember was against aldis at all in and that's mostly because I was there and the story of the match was dope.

- - - Updated - - -

Cody is amazing on BTE though

[Nash Diesel]

I don't really think AJ should get the credit. He did all that then came to WWE. AJ def gets credit as making the bullet club cool and getting it over so in a way he gave the bucks the platform, but I don't really think AJ should get the credit of dudes seeing they don't need WWE.

AJ's path isn't the path I'm talking about. AJ established himself in TNA an then New Japan and then came to WWE. AJ followed the same tried to true "WWE is the goal" path that has been established.

Well then technically Cody didn't forge his own path. He was in the WWE from the time he was 18 years old for 10 years. He had 10 years of working for the biggest wrestling promotion of all time, he has the fucking last name of a wrestler who deserves his own Mt Rushmore of wrestling and a brother who is a legend in his own right.

But because AJ was in TNA of all places and then New Japan, then came to the WWE when he didn't have to....? AJ didn't HAVE to come to the WWE. He can say it now that he's there, but before that, he would flat out say he doesn't need the WWE to feel complete. If he did, he wouldn't have turned them down 4-5 times over the years.




Right, I was just questioning if you meant he didn't generate anything prior to the affiliation because the list was something that was generating interest. I'm fine if you're equating it to the others rather than saying he had nothing going for him before affiliating, lol.

No I'm saying he benefited greatly, more than he would have without the association. Nothing wrong with that.

[Defrost]

Dave reported that the Best Friends are heading to AEW and New Japan is not happy about it since they had a verbal agreement with Trent.

[Hero!]

Yeah Greg mighta burned a bridge there. Can’t say I’m sad to see all the gaijin leaving tho. Tag divisions are gonna be bare as fuck, but this opens a lot of opportunity for native Japanese and Chase Owens.

[Sasori]

I don't remember anyone talking that much about Cody after he left WWE. He was just doing his thing on the Indies and shaking off the WWE label. Only hardcore fans who went to shows had anything positive to say about him. It wasn't until he went to New Japan and hooked up with the Bullet Club/Young Bucks that he became a thing. They definitely gave him a platform to establish his own brand that he wouldn't have had otherwise. However, I would say the relationship has been mutually beneficial and Cody has helped the Bullet Club gain more recognition in the US and has now become the figure head for the opposition to WWE.

[Judas Iscariot]

Out of those names, Dean Ambrose is the biggest loss but he's replaceable. It's sad to say that, he's one of my favorites, but what would be missing when he's gone? They didn't give you anything to miss.

Wrestlers come and go, product is good one day, shitty the next.

I think that's the whole point. They didn't give us anything to miss.

That's on them. There's wrestling all over the place right now, and WWE is the biggest and greatest ever, obviously and they'll keep printing money.

This is kind of looking like major record labels to me. The artists know they can start their own Fat Wreck Chords or Psychopathic, and do it their own way.

[Jordo]

I think that's the whole point. They didn't give us anything to miss.

That's on them. There's wrestling all over the place right now, and WWE is the biggest and greatest ever, obviously and they'll keep printing money.

This is kind of looking like major record labels to me. The artists know they can start their own Fat Wreck Chords or Psychopathic, and do it their own way.

The record label thing is fucking spot on.

AEW is the Insane Clown Posse.

That's a hilarious sentence and I don't mean it as a shot like it might read to some.

That's still a really fun sentence

[Hero!]

I don't remember anyone talking that much about Cody after he left WWE. He was just doing his thing on the Indies and shaking off the WWE label. Only hardcore fans who went to shows had anything positive to say about him. It wasn't until he went to New Japan and hooked up with the Bullet Club/Young Bucks that he became a thing. They definitely gave him a platform to establish his own brand that he wouldn't have had otherwise. However, I would say the relationship has been mutually beneficial and Cody has helped the Bullet Club gain more recognition in the US and has now become the figure head for the opposition to WWE.

I mean, sorta but not really. He was working WCPW, IMPACT, and ROH and was in NJPW within 4 months of hitting the indies. He was never really quiet post-WWE. He spent his 90 days at home, posted his list, and immediately started doing big matches at NEW with Kurt.

Joining the BC definitely helped him to become a mega-star without WWE, though. He took The Elite from a group within the BC and brought all his business acumen from Dusty and coupled it with this years of working in the big leagues. Cody definitely benefited from going to New Japan, but him leaving WWE helped to elevate the indies as a whole.

[xtHeWalLsOfJeRiChOx]

Khan is a big pro wrestling fan.

That is good. Well, I hope he can stick with it, instead of just pulling out and withdrawing it, when it doesn't make the kind of profit that he likes.

[Morrison]

pretty sure if he was worried about making insane profits he wouldn't have started a wrestling company to begin with. his family are billionaires who own an NFL and premier league team. he started the company by asking cody and the bucks if they wanted to change the business.

[lotjx]

I do wonder how many people are opting out of contracts to go to AEW without being contacted by AEW. I think KENTA will go back to Japan. After the AEW Exodus, he can be a giant star there. I don't see Ambrose going to AEW either. I get the feeling, he is burned out and may coast for a year following a band around with a rather annoyed Renee. I do think the Revival want out. As much as I love Hawkins and Zack being a team, I am not sure the Revival views it as a big deal. Honestly, I expect more people coming out of ROH than WWE.

[Judas Iscariot]

I dunno if it's necessarily them opting out for AEW as much as it is, "I can make a pretty good living without WWE."

[Jordo]

I could see Dean fucking off for a bit but if he wants creative freedom AEW feels like it'd be a fit. Renee posting "no guts no glory" makes me think he plans to bet on himself though so... Who knows.

Kenta I'm really not sure about. I'd imagine AEW wants him but I don't know much about the guy really. Noah is still around and I'd imagine new japan would love to have him too... But I'm not sure how that relationship it.

Selfishly I want him in AEW because I've never got to see badass Kenta besides the bit on 205

[Ringo]

The news about Dean Ambrose wanting to leave WWE in a few months has caused a ripple effect in the company and they are clearly worried about wrestlers going to All Elite Wrestling.

On PWInsider Elite, Mike Johnson reported that there was a lot of buzz backstage at SmackDown Live as wrestlers were called into rooms because the company wants to extend their deals.

Here is what Johnson said about what went down backstage at SmackDown:

“After the Dean Ambrose news came out on late Monday/early Tuesday, there was a buzz of activity backstage at SmackDown as anybody who had a contract that was coming up in the next year or two was pulled into rooms and spoken to by management about signing longer form deals. All the wrestlers were sitting around looking at each other and going ‘would you look at this? this is crazy!'”

Johnson continued, “there definitely was the realization that people could potentially leave to go to AEW. WWE might have been paying attention before to it and monitoring it as Triple H said but there was definitely a cause and effect between Dean Ambrose making the decision that he is leaving and that news coming out and everyone buzzing about it and then yesterday at SmackDown people being spoken to about deals.”

All of the wrestlers asking for releases in recent weeks is not a coincidence. Mike Kanellis, Maria Kanellis, Hideo Itami, and The Revival have asked for releases. Itami is the only one being granted his release because he is moving back to Japan and Ambrose will be a free agent after the end of April.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit PWInsider with an h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription

https://wrestlingnews.co/wwe-news/dean-ambroses-exit-has-wwe-worried-about-aew-management-is-trying-to-get-wrestlers-to-sign-longer-contracts/

If this is actually true then it does suggest that there's reason to believe Ambrose is headed to AEW rather than disappearing from wrestling altogether like has been suggested.

[Beer-Belly]

I know AEW doesn't want to be the place for ex-WWE stars, but they'd be foolish not to pick up Ambrose. He has an established fanbase and there's going to be buzz about what he does next.

[NWo4LifeOr2Years]

I'm sure it's all fun n games, but it's not a good look for AEW for them to have this clubhouse demeanor when they haven't even got off the ground yet.

lol.. It's wrestling.

And that one tweet will no doubt have VKM reaching into his pockets for a few(million) dollars more for Brock to retain the Universal title to the delight of all. :D

[Murphy]

Of course they'll pick him up if he wants to go there. No doubt.

[Tainted Eclipse]

I know AEW doesn't want to be the place for ex-WWE stars, but they'd be foolish not to pick up Ambrose. He has an established fanbase and there's going to be buzz about what he does next.

They should definitely want to pick up big names from wwe. They’d be nuts not to want Ambrose. Let him be an edgy heel and let him do some hardcore matches to generate buzz.

[BGMaverick]

There's a difference to WCW eventual line of thinking of poaching to what AEW could or should be thinking. I mean, if they show an eventual track record of success and someone like Zack Ryder is still floundering in WWE, there could be some hubris shown from AEW to suggest they can sprinkle their magic dust and then build someone up. Ambrose is someone completely different. He's still at an ability to where he can work and not be washed in terms of performing. He's a marketable name in the wrestling industry. At the time of his departure, Cody fit more in the Ryder scenario than Jericho scenario but he bubbled up. Ambrose fits more in the Jericho scenario in terms of equity to the core audience and the ability to be a player. This is a guy who was an integral part to the most impactful group of this generation for WWE. If he was in a main event story, you felt like he belonged. If he was floundering, it was mainly because they didn't have anything worth a damn for him. He matters.

If you're grabbing quarters and hoping to turn it into a dollar, you might get there but it'll take time. If you've got the ability to get that dollar and can turn it into a five dollar or ten dollar bill, you've got potential on your hands.

[Spedizzo]

Khan is a big pro wrestling fan.


there isn't anything he khant do.

[Donald]

I hope AEW is a touring company, I'd like to see some of their shows live.

[Beer-Belly]

They should definitely want to pick up big names from wwe. They’d be nuts not to want Ambrose. Let him be an edgy heel and let him do some hardcore matches to generate buzz.

I'm curious if AEW is going to allow blading. Ambrose can succeed without it, but his Jon Moxley character was obviously pretty violent. Something similar to his FCW character would work.

[Nash Diesel]

It wasn't even that he was violent it was that he represented real shit

[Morrison]

I'm curious if AEW is going to allow blading. Ambrose can succeed without it, but his Jon Moxley character was obviously pretty violent. Something similar to his FCW character would work.
considering Cody's blatant blade job at all in id imagine theyre at least open to it.

[Tainted Eclipse]

they better do blood

[Bagel]

If not blood maybe they can go with peanut butter

[Jordo]

I don't know where else to post this but I'm watching come hell or high water because there has been some buzz that there might be some AEW stuff.

Rey Fenix almost just killed some fans with a missed dive.

Fucking bonkers.

[Jordo]

Oh boy out come to bucks to meet the lucha bros in the ring.

Fucking hell tell me you signed pentagon

[Jordo]

Fucking hell the indy tour the bucks have been doing with the elite is God damn brilliant.

I paid ten bucks to watch this.

[Jordo]

That's a huge huge get.

Pentagon and Rey Fenix to AEW

[Jordo]

The Fenix bump I mentioned including Joey Janela with a fantastic call.

https://streamable.com/dy20o

[Judas Iscariot]

My first reaction to that spot is it's fucking stupid, but after thinking about it for a second it's realistic. Wrestlers are gonna go for shit like that and totally whiff sometimes. Why not plan the fuck up? The call makes it even better.

[Judas Iscariot]

Wait watched it again. Botchamania.

[virms]

So Jericho got a bit drunk and started tweeting last night

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dx_LUVjU0AA846W.jpg

Or seeds are being planted. Brocks contract is up In may after he gets his last big payday in Saudi Arabia. Brock will go where the money is and when you have a billionaire who could drop 10 or 15 million to fire a shot you never know what could happen.

[Gampo]

That's a huge huge get.

Pentagon and Rey Fenix to AEW

this has me really excited! Pentagon is one of my favorites.