All Elite Wrestling

[Rancid_Planet]

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.

I'm pretty sure Vince will cut Brock in as a partner before he let's AEW get him.

He shouldnt. Brock as a draw has diminished down to squat and there is so very little left to do with him. But Vince seems to believe that he needs Brock so that'll be the guy he keeps. Even if everyone else is considered expendable.

[Romford Pele]

Cena, AJ and Reigns aren't either

[Badger]

They've invested so much money in Brock relying on his crossover appeal that he has to do little work and laughing his way to the bank. Financially, Brock was an overall bad invedtment for them and he's not made that much of an impact.

[Ringo]

Looks like Pentagon Jr and Fenix are in.

https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/young-bucks-invite-pentagon-jr-and-fenix-all-elite-wrestling

[Hero!]

Penta vs Jericho is a must after All In. Jericho has turned into my favorite middle-aged brawler and I want it.

[Jordo]

Are the AEW contracts exclusive?

I find this small show your the bucks are doing fucking brilliant. Especially if it is something AEW can continue to do. Using BTE they can tell stories across multiple indies and multiple platforms.

Like I mentioned I paid for hell or high water last night purely because the elite was gonna show up. I doubt I was the only one.

[virms]

I'm pretty sure Vince will cut Brock in as a partner before he let's AEW get him.

He shouldnt. Brock as a draw has diminished down to squat and there is so very little left to do with him. But Vince seems to believe that he needs Brock so that'll be the guy he keeps. Even if everyone else is considered expendable.

That's Part of it. To drive Brock's price up so high and to get so much perks that it's a trickle down to the rest of the roster. When their contracts come up they will want more or leave.

[RuneEdge]

Penta vs Jericho is a must after All In. Jericho has turned into my favorite middle-aged brawler and I want it.
Make it a three way with Omega for the hell of it.

[Tainted Eclipse]

Pentagon/Jericho would be great for one of their first big programs once they get weekly TV.

[BGMaverick]

Are the AEW contracts exclusive?

I find this small show your the bucks are doing fucking brilliant. Especially if it is something AEW can continue to do. Using BTE they can tell stories across multiple indies and multiple platforms.

Like I mentioned I paid for hell or high water last night purely because the elite was gonna show up. I doubt I was the only one.

From what I've read, they're basically case by case situations.

People wondered what they were going to do between now and Double or Nothing. It's clear they're going to be barnstorming to help raise the level of the indies, participate in places they haven't been at and probably work on recruiting.

[Sasori]

That's a huge huge get.

Pentagon and Rey Fenix to AEW


Looks like Pentagon Jr and Fenix are in.

https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/young-bucks-invite-pentagon-jr-and-fenix-all-elite-wrestling

Now they're really peaking my interest :yes:

[Judas Iscariot]

Jimmy Havoc to AEW.

Also an "outstanding offer to a current WWE star" has been made.

I wonder who that might be. :chin:

[Judas Iscariot]

https://youtu.be/dUtWw9j7HQU

[Nash Diesel]

Jimmy Havoc to AEW.

Also an "outstanding offer to a current WWE star" has been made.

I wonder who that might be. :chin:

Well, they have about 400 wrestlers under contract. So whatever offer they made they probably just violated some law. I am a little curious who it might be just to see what level of interest they are truly expressing and what the talent's status is in the company on the card.

[Murphy]

Rumour I read was that it's Randal.

[BGMaverick]

They clearly couldn't make a direct offer to someone under contract because that's tampering. I imagine AEW doesn't want to be seen as anything other squeaky clean. I saw the Orton thing as well but it was in the context of that he would listen to an offer.

[Nash Diesel]

Randy Orton doesn't scream at me like someone who work anywhere BUT the WWE. I wasn't shocked about Jericho one bit. He's worked with TNA in the past, he's been working New Japan here and there. He was at All In.

But Orton IMO is up there with guys like Undertaker and John Cena. Orton has a job for life there, he is financially set for life, his grandchildren will be set for life. It is wrestling though so you never know.

[Donald]

This is all an elaborate plan by Vince McMahon so people think they have an alternate to WWE, but not really because Vince is funding AEW, the Khans are just figureheads so no one thinks Vince is involved, but I'm on to you Vince. Just like you sent Hogan to destroy WCW and TNA. Vince truly is a genius and I love it. Cody, Vince, HHH, all keeping tight lipped about it, I admire their dedication.

[virms]

AEW is gonna make a play for Brock. May is gonna be an exciting month.

[Nash Diesel]

AEW is gonna make a play for Brock. May is gonna be an exciting month.

I'm not even excited about that.

[Jordo]

Randy Orton doesn't scream at me like someone who work anywhere BUT the WWE. I wasn't shocked about Jericho one bit. He's worked with TNA in the past, he's been working New Japan here and there. He was at All In.

But Orton IMO is up there with guys like Undertaker and John Cena. Orton has a job for life there, he is financially set for life, his grandchildren will be set for life. It is wrestling though so you never know.

Not AEW related but odd you mention the undertaker. Read this morning that he is accepting bookings unrelated to WWE now and had removed any affiliation with WWE from his Twitter

[Nash Diesel]

Not AEW related but odd you mention the undertaker. Read this morning that he is accepting bookings unrelated to WWE now and had removed any affiliation with WWE from his Twitter

What kind of bookings though? It would be cool if Taker started making the rounds at some of these comic/wrestling conventions.

[Donald]

If Randy Orton goes to AEW, Brandi Rhodes better not leave any bags unattended.

[Jordo]

What kind of bookings though? It would be cool if Taker started making the rounds at some of these comic/wrestling conventions.

Wasn't specified.

I'd imagine that's exactly what he's doing though.

Maybe birthday parties

[kdestiny]

What kind of bookings though? It would be cool if Taker started making the rounds at some of these comic/wrestling conventions.

I know he has some speaking tours lined up

[Nash Diesel]

Wasn't specified.

I'd imagine that's exactly what he's doing though.

Maybe birthday parties

If it's birthday parties, fuck yeah. lol


I know he has some speaking tours lined up

Makes sense. He did that weird "Ya Know" sit down with that weirdo pastor who's last glimpse of wrestling was back when Ric Flair was still "Richard Fleihr" lol

[Judas Iscariot]

If I were to change my name to be my same name but a little different, I'd be Judy Asscarrot and my gimmick would be I'm a transgender wrestler who eats carrots to impove their eyesight to deliver precise missile dropkicks.

I'd also keep a carrot down my pants to use like Mr Socko. You can figure out how I use it on my opponent for yourselves.

[Donald]

If I was AEW, I'd throw money at the Rock to make an appearance if they get a TV deal. That would get eyes on their product for sure. Not sure if the Rock is loyal to Vince though. I mean Jericho said he was so your word isn't worth anything these days.

[BGMaverick]

Cody was on JR's podcast. Some of the highlights:

- He said they're scaling the arena for 11,600 in Vegas.
- They're looking for the juxtaposition in terms of talent rather than going for the household names you would think of. It's not "the new generation" but "this generation" in terms of the talent they are bringing in. The ability of their talent to utilize social media is a factor they are looking at with prospects.
- The style of their shows: “I tend to skew towards the sporting aspect of the industry. I don’t like to say old school wrestling, I love traditional wrestling. Whether it’s Mid-Atlantic, or Mid South, or Dusty’s stuff with Jim Crockett Promotions, it’s not just old wrestling to me. I think there’s magic in there. The things that people are doing, the competitors are doing, promo men are doing, that’s keeping the suspension of disbelief alive. It’s easy for someone of my generation to go ‘that’s just old wrestling’. There’s so much you can learn from it. It’s unreal."
- On Kahn: "He wants to put out a sports broadcast. I think pro wrestling is entertaining enough. I don’t think the soap opera element of it has to be turned up to eleven in any way.” Feels like the Bucks' line of thinking with wrestling is a nice counter to what Cody is thinking for wrestling and a good mesh of the styles will be ideal.

[Gampo]

I'm not a huge Orton fan but they would be smart to go after him if he would be willing to listen to offers.. could you imagine the buzz they would create for their product if he debuted with an RKO outta literally nowhere because no one knew Orton was signed with AEW? Thats shock value.

Superkicks and RKOs all around.

[Donald]

I wonder if WWE has RKO trademarked.

[Rancid_Planet]

I know John Cena has said that were he to wrestle elsewhere he couldn't use the name John Cena, even though that's his real name.

He'd probably be Randolph Orton Jr. or some shit.

[Donald]

That makes 0 sense
How can you copyright a real name? Like Cody Rhodes isn't his real name so they own the Rhodes character name right?

[Defrost]

I know people have been waiting for New Japan to shiv ROH in the back for years now, but with AEW now working with AAA and no one ever considering that possibility between NJPW and CMLL can we now put to bed any notion of New Japan working with AEW?

[Tainted Eclipse]

the presentation of this event is a lot better than the last one

[Stocky]

Still pretty cringe.

Hangman vs The bastard confirmed.

[Hero!]

That makes 0 sense
How can you copyright a real name? Like Cody Rhodes isn't his real name so they own the Rhodes character name right?

You can’t. WWE can say that they own licensing for shirts and toys and video games with someone’s real name, but they don’t own it in perpetuity, it’s basically an agreement between the performer and WWE while that performer works for them. WWE can’t tell someone not to use their real name, that’s just not possible.

Cody claims his legal name is Cody Runnels Rhodes, but he’s known to kayfabe stuff.

[Tainted Eclipse]

AEW should try to buy pentagon's theme from LU if they own it

[Stocky]

Kenny Omega confirmed

[Stocky]

Hangman vs Pac
Young Bucks vs Lucha Bros
SCU vs The chinese
Kenny vs Jericho

Not a bad card so far.

[BGMaverick]

Kenny Omega confirmed

Also as a VP, like Cody and The Bucks.

[Tainted Eclipse]

thats a darn good line up so far. wonder what cody will be doing

[Morrison]

i love that they didnt shill and hype up nyla rose being transgender. they introduce her as part of the women's division and that's that.

[Defrost]

My new favorite story going around is that it is almost certain that AEW will have a working agreement with DDT. DDT is working with WWN Mania weekend. Gabe works for WWE. Trips is looking for an in with a Japanese promotion. DDT was their choice it seems like because Gabe brought them in and WWE sponsored their visas. Now they'll be working with AEW which makes sense given that's where Kenny started and that their parent company could buy and sell WWE without batting an eyelash.. So that made me smile.

[Jordo]

Reports that Ibushi is AEW bound once he gets cleared.

Also rumors that AEW will be back Chicago labor day weekend.

Since I can't make double or nothing here's hoping both those are true and Kota vs Kenny happens in Chicago.

[Donald]

If it's cold outside, does Ibushi do his best James Hetfield impersonation and say "I'm gonna grab my coat-ah!" and then Kenny is watching Family Guy and the daughter Griffin says something dumb does he shake his head and say, "Oh Meg-ah"?

[BGMaverick]

Based on Omega's interview with Meltzer, it sounds like he echoed (to some extent) some of the words Meltzer was reporting about some sense of discourse that was being felt in NJPW when the new management took over. Out of the three options - AEW, WWE, NJPW - it was interesting to hear that he said NJPW was basically last. Sounded like he was pleasantly surprised by what WWE was offering and the direction he was going to have but there was just unlimited potential and no barriers in the way for him with AEW and those were the deciding factors.

[Defrost]

Based on Omega's interview with Meltzer, it sounds like he echoed (to some extent) some of the words Meltzer was reporting about some sense of discourse that was being felt in NJPW when the new management took over. .

Considering the fact that he and The Bucks planted that story to begin with it would be odd if he didn't echo it.

[kdestiny]

Fenix was apparently stretchered out of a show

[Jordo]

Fenix was apparently stretchered out of a show


Apparently they carried him out on a table because they didn't have a stretcher... Fucking indy wrestling.

Also been reported that he's ok.

Took a cutter bump bad talk was his neck was possibly fucked. They're saying he needs some time off but he's ok.

[BGMaverick]

Considering the fact that he and The Bucks planted that story to begin with it would be odd if he didn't echo it.

I mean, yeah, but he didn't need to necessarily bring it up this weekend either. While he said he's open to working with NJPW, he didn't exactly give the impression that he is going to be making any additional effort to extend interest on his end.

[Defrost]

There is a very cynical voice in the back of my head that says that Kenny et al, with the exception of Cody which is interesting, know the esteem with which NJPW is held in by the fans that have gotten them to this point and are trying to make a heel of NJPW. It was so transparent where the stories Meltzer was printing about President Harold were coming from. To the point Tama Tonga outright pointed the finger at them and called bullshit. I mean the dead giveaway in that story was this insinuation that the Japanese guys were almost considering a NOAH like split except for Hiroshi Tanahashi. The only person who could be the Misawa figure and lead such an exodus is Hiroshi Tanahashi. Story made no sense.


Furthermore on my conspiracy theory there have been these planted stories of how they all still wanted to work in Japan, which btw they haven't announced it yet but there is a working agreement with DDT, yet the Bucks ever since All In could not be bothered to even try and pretend like they had any interest in working for New Japan anymore.

And furthermore I think AEW is doomed anyway. And they know it. And they're all just gonna milk every dime they can out of the money marks until they fuck off to Vince which explains why Kenny, who is always full of shit and yet is terrible at it, spent so much time kissing WWE's ass in that interview with Meltzer and why the Bucks put over Hunter ever chance they get.

[BGMaverick]

Not sure if this was just the allotment for the presale or everything in general, but it appears Double or Nothing sold out in roughly 25 minutes.

[Nash Diesel]

PWG sells out in less.

[Tainted Eclipse]

There is a very cynical voice in the back of my head that says that Kenny et al, with the exception of Cody which is interesting, know the esteem with which NJPW is held in by the fans that have gotten them to this point and are trying to make a heel of NJPW. It was so transparent where the stories Meltzer was printing about President Harold were coming from. To the point Tama Tonga outright pointed the finger at them and called bullshit. I mean the dead giveaway in that story was this insinuation that the Japanese guys were almost considering a NOAH like split except for Hiroshi Tanahashi. The only person who could be the Misawa figure and lead such an exodus is Hiroshi Tanahashi. Story made no sense.


Furthermore on my conspiracy theory there have been these planted stories of how they all still wanted to work in Japan, which btw they haven't announced it yet but there is a working agreement with DDT, yet the Bucks ever since All In could not be bothered to even try and pretend like they had any interest in working for New Japan anymore.

And furthermore I think AEW is doomed anyway. And they know it. And they're all just gonna milk every dime they can out of the money marks until they fuck off to Vince which explains why Kenny, who is always full of shit and yet is terrible at it, spent so much time kissing WWE's ass in that interview with Meltzer and why the Bucks put over Hunter ever chance they get.

what do you think kenny's beef with new japan was? i can get the bucks not exactly being enthralled with new japan because they were big stars in the US indies but they were never going to be significantly pushed in new japan as a tag team, but it made kenny's career.

[BGMaverick]

PWG sells out in less.

Cool lol

[Donald]

Rumors that Batista is negotiating with AEW. Gosh I hope not.

[Defrost]

what do you think kenny's beef with new japan was? i can get the bucks not exactly being enthralled with new japan because they were big stars in the US indies but they were never going to be significantly pushed in new japan as a tag team, but it made kenny's career.

I honestly haven't a clue beyond he believes his own bullshit.

[Defrost]

According to AEW Propaganda Minister, oops, I mean Dave Meltzer they had plans for Kenny vs Kota and Golden Lovers matches in the future that won't be happening now because Kota is signed full time to NJPW.

[Hero!]

AEW prob told Ibushi “no neck bumps” and he refused. New Japan prob tossed in some fireworks and a tiny bicycle as a signing bonus too.

[Tainted Eclipse]

Defrost going hard after AEW

[Hero!]

Defrost SHOOTS HARD on DAVE MELZTER and THE ELITE

[Defrost]

I spend too much time on twitter.

Honestly though the people who should be scrutinizing this, like Dave, are very much not. I get the excitement for it. If anyone gets wanted an alternative to WWE it would be me. It's just that there are a ton of red flags here that are not getting talked about. They are spending a ton of money with nothing coming back right now expect one live show in Vegas in a couple of months. Again according to Dave they're offering six figures to guys most haven't heard of. There has yet to be a tv deal announced. There are rumors about the Turner Networks or ESPN, but if they didn't show that much interest in WWE on their tv stations why would they in this start up that has the track record of one show drawing a fraction compared to an ever dwindling WWE viewership on WGN and appearances on ROH and NJPW tv that did comparable numbers albeit with a lesser tv station situation. I could see them wanting them for their streaming platforms, but that's not getting the job done for what their mission statement is supposed to be.

Then there is the Elite guys themselves. You know the ones with the vague corporate titles. Cody is his father's son, but the other 3 have no poker face whatsoever. I've had my suspicions with this thing for a while, but that interview with Kenny where he spent an inordinate amount of time putting over how much better WWE is than New Japan coupled with the last several months of the Jacksons damn near publicly fellating HHH at every opportunity has me convinced the plan is to soak the Khan's for everything they can get then go to WWE.

[Nash Diesel]

I was curious by Omega's comment where he said the idea of basically having someone control him in the WWE was intriguing to him. I don't think he truly understands the machine that is the WWE. He might actually like working there. I don't know enough about his career to think about what he wouldn't be able to do in the WWE other than every match wouldn't be 60 minutes+. Outside of that.....

AEW is for sure a mystery. I think a lot of marks for those involved should lower their expectations but ultimately I'm digging it. More wrestling the better imo.

[Romford Pele]

Rumors that Batista is negotiating with AEW. Gosh I hope not.

Can't see that one. He is WWE through and through. He is probably using the interest to leverage a better deal and fair play to him

[Nash Diesel]

I have to see all of this to believe it. Not a single person I've heard RUMORED to be part of anything with AEW has come to be true. Those that are associated seemed to be either obvious (Omega) or a pretty good shock (Jericho).

I think Khan is going to learn firsthand like Eric Bischoff, only worse, that you might be a fan, you might know business, but the wrestling business is not for the fans. And it sure as fuck isn't the same as your dad buying you basketball teams and wrestlers. I'm waiting for Richard Pryor to pop out of a box wearing Spider-Man pajamas.

[Romford Pele]

Dean Ambrose could be a game changer if he goes there.

Former WWE champ, main event talent and in his prime. Not many of those.

[Nash Diesel]

Dean Ambrose could be a game changer if he goes there.

Former WWE champ, main event talent and in his prime. Not many of those.

But what does AEW have to offer that he is looking for? He's made it crystal he's not in this any longer for the cash. He's one of the highest paid talents in the WWE, his wife works with him, etc. It's the art that he's longing for and I don't know if he looks at AEW and sees that. I don't see how any wrestler can look at AEW and see anything more than what wrestlers saw when TNA started, $$$$$$$$$ with a lighter schedule. Right now if you sign with AEW you only have to work 1 date in 2019 lol.

But if we toy with the idea of Dean going, the guy delivers wherever he's at so I have no fear that he'll be awesome. Something with him and Kenny Omega or even Cody Rhodes=amazing.

[Jordo]

But what does AEW have to offer that he is looking for? He's made it crystal he's not in this any longer for the cash. He's one of the highest paid talents in the WWE, his wife works with him, etc. It's the art that he's longing for and I don't know if he looks at AEW and sees that. I don't see how any wrestler can look at AEW and see anything more than what wrestlers saw when TNA started, $$$$$$$$$ with a lighter schedule. Right now if you sign with AEW you only have to work 1 date in 2019 lol.

But if we toy with the idea of Dean going, the guy delivers wherever he's at so I have no fear that he'll be awesome. Something with him and Kenny Omega or even Cody Rhodes=amazing.

I mean AEW certainly seems to be a place that would offer more creative freedom than WWE

[Judas Iscariot]

Definitely the creative thing for Ambrose.

I stand by my theory that AEW is going to wind up on a Turner network, that network being TruTV.

[Judas Iscariot]

They can only show so many reruns of Impractical Jokers and The Carbonnaro Effect.

[Nash Diesel]

I mean AEW certainly seems to be a place that would offer more creative freedom than WWE

You keep saying things like they are facts. You thought that the WWE product was getting better during Mania season because of AEW. Now you're saying it CERTAINLY seems to be a place that would offer more creative freedom.....That's a very general statement to make as in, pretty much every promotion is more relaxed than the WWE.

But what have you seen on AEW t.v. that showed you....oh wait....

I mean if creative freedom is being able to show up and give someone a package piledriver on the stage, sure. But we literally have nothing to base that opinion on in terms of production from AEW.

[VHS]

I'm kind of hoping AEW becomes the Fyre Festival of pro wrestling.

[Romford Pele]

I guess you have to base it on what the Cody and the Young Bucks have done to build their brand at this point.

They have already said they have a clear strategy (focus more on wrestling, wins and losses, long term booking) and part of that must be based on what wrestling fans want as an alternative to WWE. What is more unclear is how the business model will work

You are right, there are many different things that need to happen for AEW to be a success. I guess from a talent point of view though, this would send a big message if they could get Ambrose.

[Morrison]

Can't see that one. He is WWE through and through. He is probably using the interest to leverage a better deal and fair play to him

i dont think batista really needs leverage. he's been highly outspoken about the wwe product since his last run ended and has felt disrespected multiple times by the company. he's talked about how much he hated the creative process during his last run, having to wait outside vince's office so you could go in and argue over creative and the anxiety that built up. he loved putting over the shield and building them up and hated seeing them break up right after all that work was put in. he said he would only ever go back if certain conditions were met cause he never wants to deal with what happened last time behind the scenes.

he also talked about how he thinks writers and talent in WWE are scared of losing their jobs so they dont take chances or push back. AEW gaining momentum and being seen as a legit place to go that has legs could do a lot for the talent, and could be something batista sees as worth contributing towards.

so i do not doubt he has another match there, but i also wouldnt be surprised to see him actually consider AEW. he took a chance in hollywood cause he wanted to bet on himself and be inspired creatively and he succeeded. the creative aspect of pro wrestling is something he feels is lacking in WWE, and the lure of more freedom in AEW could be enticing.

[BGMaverick]

For every suspicious or skeptical glance at AEW, you can easily make the counter argument for how it could work. It's a germ of an idea right now. The thing that works in its favor are not minimal. This isn't being funded by money that's uninformed and is just going to sit back and let the workers do what they do but it's also not a situation where it appears that the money is not going to micromanage everything to have it the way they want it to be.

Yeah, someone can say that the wrestling business is not for the fans but the people running this are fans of the business. They love it and based on actions and their words, it appears like they feel the business has bogged down the industry. Many people view WWE as a company that is a Disney or whatever. Not to that scale, but a business that has a hook and tries to cater to everyone. I feel like AEW's hook is it's a wrestling company that caters to people who love wrestling. They're not trying to get out of their lane or overstep their boundaries, they're not trying to say they're here to take over WWE, but they're just looking to be an alternative. If anything, they're doing what Impact and MLW should have been doing from the jump but they're either completely unknown to the masses or had way to many failed incarnations and have to wash that away. The difference between those companies and what AEW has available is a understandable vision and "indie" star value. There's no denying that The Bucks have been able to monetize their success. I've heard jokes about how AEW is just a t-shirt company right now. That's a joke but it also suggests a level of truth because they are successful at getting people to buy their merchandise. They're obviously littered throughout the crowd at WWE events so that shows they've got an audience there that's willing to support them financially. That's a big win in light of trying to use their YouTube show as a means of showing support. That's the argument WWE tries to use for foreign markets but they clearly haven't figured out how to monetize that. The Bucks have shown they've got that AND merchandise at a scale. Their audience does that because the performers show they're doing this for a love of the business and an appreciation of the fans. If the fans weren't there, there's nothing there. The performers understand that and want to show their appreciation by doing the best they can to provide a product that excites the audience and makes them want more.

Something that feels like it should work in their favor is the idea of less is more. WWE is clearly showing they're not making as much money as they were in the past with their house shows. They're clearly using TV money as a means to drive their business now from a cash flow standard. That works in AEW's favor. Their workers are going to be able to keep doing indie dates and that's not income that's coming at a cost for AEW because they're not running the shows and taking on the cost to run them. We're already seeing a sense a success at being able to continue to escalate the scale of the shows they're going to run for PPV-like events and the demand is still there. That works if they produce quality content and then build off that with a TV deal. To me, it still seems like TruTV (part of Turner) makes a ton of sense. The money is obviously going to be the intriguing aspect but if it's even just a fraction of what WWE made on their deals, that's got to provide ample footing to cover the costs AEW is taking on right now with contracts and etc. Then with a network like that, the bar is so low so you've got a chance to make a strong dent in the ratings and then bubble up.

In terms of what they can offer, they're enlisting talent that has a strong social media presence, knows how to use it, and is creative. These are people that are working indie promotions and stuff of that ilk. That means these are companies that are relying on the talent to make the most of what they offer (in-ring work, promos, merchandising, etc. etc.). If those talents have shown an ability to do that, why not let them do that for you? Why would you get in the way of someone who is successful and competent? That's where the creative freedom comes in. You're going to be able to keep doing what you're doing, with a spotlight and you're going to have the chance to rub shoulders with top-tier talent and learn from them. Ideally, you would think AEW wouldn't micromanage these people. It's the dream of what everyone says: give them bullet points of what you want and let them deliver their message THEIR way. Then you work to help refine or calibrate it to fit if there's hiccups.

All the talk of the lifers and questioning if AEW is an option makes sense because what's being described of what AEW sound incredibly appealing for whatever your need is. Exposure, money, less dates, more freedom? It's there for you if this works. It doesn't even have to be 100 percent efficient to provide that. Obviously the massive hurdle is getting it to work but you have a lot going for you if you do.

There are clearly obvious risks and drawbacks that can come of it. There's going to be an incredible give and take process that comes around when the TV deal comes in terms of how much and how often. Do you do weekly, bi-weekly, monthly? One hour is safe to assume, but does the network want two? If it's two, is that too much? That is where I feel the real trial and error is going to come. Otherwise, they've got something that haspotential to work as long as their instincts were strong and they brought in the right type of people and don't get consumed in the business aspect of wrestling.

[Nash Diesel]

For many, many years people have always said that if someone was going to truly be competition to Vince they needed that Mark Cuban money lol. They always forget about the last time that happened and how short of a time span that was. But it's cool, at least there's hope.

I just don't understand how matter of fact some of these comments are when AEW hasn't proven anything. People were pretty gassed up about Lucha Underground, now that company after the honeymoon phase, they're struggling to stay relevant where they could barely find funding to do the latest season. I'm just saying....Instead of acting like AEW are established, we need to sit back and wait. Enough of thinking everything you dislike about the WWE will work for AEW, enough of thinking WWE left enough of a gap for someone else to swoop in and take where they're lacking....Until we actually see something of substance beyond signing their friends and giving them executive titles lol, there's nothing BUT hope.

[Jordo]

You keep saying things like they are facts. You thought that the WWE product was getting better during Mania season because of AEW. Now you're saying it CERTAINLY seems to be a place that would offer more creative freedom.....That's a very general statement to make as in, pretty much every promotion is more relaxed than the WWE.

But what have you seen on AEW t.v. that showed you....oh wait....

I mean if creative freedom is being able to show up and give someone a package piledriver on the stage, sure. But we literally have nothing to base that opinion on in terms of production from AEW.

I'm basing it on BTE and All In and what I've heard from the elite in regards to how they look at booking wrestling.

I think that's a pretty good idea of how AEW is going to run.

[BGMaverick]

For many, many years people have always said that if someone was going to truly be competition to Vince they needed that Mark Cuban money lol. They always forget about the last time that happened and how short of a time span that was. But it's cool, at least there's hope.

I just don't understand how matter of fact some of these comments are when AEW hasn't proven anything. People were pretty gassed up about Lucha Underground, now that company after the honeymoon phase, they're struggling to stay relevant where they could barely find funding to do the latest season. I'm just saying....Instead of acting like AEW are established, we need to sit back and wait. Enough of thinking everything you dislike about the WWE will work for AEW, enough of thinking WWE left enough of a gap for someone else to swoop in and take where they're lacking....Until we actually see something of substance beyond signing their friends and giving them executive titles lol, there's nothing BUT hope.

That Khans have more money than Cuban so that's great, right? :lol:

They haven't proven anything and they're going to have mistakes. The big thing is, that's okay. They're going to have growing pains but there's plenty of reasons to believe that it could go well for them. There's plenty of reasons to believe it could go wrong. Based on what we're seeing, it's promising. I'd rather look at it more optimistically than pessimistically.

[Nash Diesel]

I'm basing it on BTE and All In and what I've heard from the elite in regards to how they look at booking wrestling.

I think that's a pretty good idea of how AEW is going to run.

That's a fair point.


That Khans have more money than Cuban so that's great, right? :lol:

They haven't proven anything and they're going to have mistakes. The big thing is, that's okay. They're going to have growing pains but there's plenty of reasons to believe that it could go well for them. There's plenty of reasons to believe it could go wrong. Based on what we're seeing, it's promising. I'd rather look at it more optimistically than pessimistically.

I think Turner did too at one point. Shit wasn't Cuban part of Ring of Honor getting on HDnet? That was cool.

Oh I'm definitely looking at it from a glass that's half full but not filled with the greatest liquid known to man. Sometimes I think people just get a little too excited whenever something promising comes up in wrestling. And I understand why.

[Donald]

Nope, first mistake they make they're done.

[BGMaverick]

I think Turner did too at one point. Shit wasn't Cuban part of Ring of Honor getting on HDnet? That was cool.

Oh I'm definitely looking at it from a glass that's half full but not filled with the greatest liquid known to man. Sometimes I think people just get a little too excited whenever something promising comes up in wrestling. And I understand why.

Isn't HDNet now AXS? If so, then yes because he owns AXS.

[Nash Diesel]

Nope, first mistake they make they're done.

Well....I could honestly see something like that happening especially if they're wanting to cater so heavily to the super mark fanbase. Now that they can't just slap on a Bullet Club shirt to get someone over and have to really try, it'll be interesting to see how it works.

[Morrison]

I'm basing it on BTE and All In and what I've heard from the elite in regards to how they look at booking wrestling.

I think that's a pretty good idea of how AEW is going to run.

that's nothing, though. that was a one-off event with a card that didnt have to be relevant to whatever happened the day after it. BTE is good, but can that translate to a tv show and an entire roster? saying you believe in the sport aspect of pro wrestling and want long term booking is easy, but executing it is another thing entirely. they've never had to juggle all these things at once, all day, everyday, ad infinitum.

it's good to be optimistic, but there really is little evidence available to the public that says they can pull this off to the level they want to. and that's okay.

[Jordo]

that's nothing, though. that was a one-off event with a card that didnt have to be relevant to whatever happened the day after it. BTE is good, but can that translate to a tv show and an entire roster? saying you believe in the sport aspect of pro wrestling and want long term booking is easy, but executing it is another thing entirely. they've never had to juggle all these things at once, all day, everyday, ad infinitum.

it's good to be optimistic, but there really is little evidence available to the public that says they can pull this off to the level they want to. and that's okay.

I was taking about AEW allowing their talent to be creative

[Nash Diesel]

I was taking about AEW allowing their talent to be creative

But aren't you basing that opinion on what morrison is talking about you said you were basing it on? BTE, All In, right?

Like I said, literally no other promotion has the creative lock on their talent like the WWE so you could honestly say any promotion outside the WWE will give you more creative freedom. But how do we know that's a good thing under AEW's umbrella?

I mean, the answer to someone not being entertaining in the WWE isn't always going to be "Well if they had the freedom...." Look at PAC. Who gave a fuck about PAC other than what he could do in the ring? The guy is 100x more interesting these days and that's largely in part to the WWE tapping into something he couldn't find himself.

It's a wait and see type situation and I hope they smash it out the park.

[Sasori]

For many, many years people have always said that if someone was going to truly be competition to Vince they needed that Mark Cuban money lol. They always forget about the last time that happened and how short of a time span that was. But it's cool, at least there's hope.

I just don't understand how matter of fact some of these comments are when AEW hasn't proven anything. People were pretty gassed up about Lucha Underground, now that company after the honeymoon phase, they're struggling to stay relevant where they could barely find funding to do the latest season. I'm just saying....Instead of acting like AEW are established, we need to sit back and wait. Enough of thinking everything you dislike about the WWE will work for AEW, enough of thinking WWE left enough of a gap for someone else to swoop in and take where they're lacking....Until we actually see something of substance beyond signing their friends and giving them executive titles lol, there's nothing BUT hope.

I think everyone was under the assumption that LU was going to a wrestling promotion, but it turned out to be a TV Show. That must have hurt it in the long run.

[Jordo]

But aren't you basing that opinion on what morrison is talking about you said you were basing it on? BTE, All In, right?

Like I said, literally no other promotion has the creative lock on their talent like the WWE so you could honestly say any promotion outside the WWE will give you more creative freedom. But how do we know that's a good thing under AEW's umbrella?

I mean, the answer to someone not being entertaining in the WWE isn't always going to be "Well if they had the freedom...." Look at PAC. Who gave a fuck about PAC other than what he could do in the ring? The guy is 100x more interesting these days and that's largely in part to the WWE tapping into something he couldn't find himself.

It's a wait and see type situation and I hope they smash it out the park.

You're both making a bigger discussion of what I said than what we were talking about.

The convo started by saying what do they have to offer Dean...i said that judging from what I've seen from BTE they appear to be somewhere that would allow Dean to be creative with his art.

I didn't argue its going to work just that it's something they offer to Dean

[Nash Diesel]

You're both making a bigger discussion of what I said than what we were talking about.

The convo started by saying what do they have to offer Dean...i said that judging from what I've seen from BTE they appear to be somewhere that would allow Dean to be creative with his art.

I didn't argue its going to work just that it's something they offer to Dean

You said it would certainly offer more creative freedom than the WWE and that was it. It became a bigger discussion simply because you hadn't given any real insight. Just like when you claimed AEW were the reason why you thought the WWE were giving us a better product while completely missing that usually it's the norm for the path to Mania to be some of the better shit they'll give us. Why that is I have no idea lol. But then it took about 3-4 posts for you to elaborate.

[Jordo]

You said it would certainly offer more creative freedom than the WWE and that was it. It became a bigger discussion simply because you hadn't given any real insight. Just like when you claimed AEW were the reason why you thought the WWE were giving us a better product while completely missing that usually it's the norm for the path to Mania to be some of the better shit they'll give us. Why that is I have no idea lol. But then it took about 3-4 posts for you to elaborate.

Ya I'm a bit of a twat lol

I didn't miss that it's wrestlemania season btw. I definitely acknowledged that when we bickered before

[Nash Diesel]

Ya I'm a bit of a twat lol

lol it's ok. I mean it's like I've told every single woman in my life: I'm not Professor X, I'm not even Dion Warwick, I can't read minds!

:)

[Jordo]

Someone (was it you?) asked what they have to offer Dean... I said they appear to be more creatively free, then told you why.

Then Morrison acted like I'd said AEW's booking is going to be better for everyone no matter what.

[Donald]

I picture AEW going to war with WWE, and AEW's like "We've got the Young Bucks, Cody, Omega, what you got", and WWE says, "We've got a Braun", and then AEW gets these hands.

Someone make my fantasy come true.

[Judas Iscariot]

I think BG Maverick and I just might become best friends.

He's right about everything.

[Nash Diesel]

Someone (was it you?) asked what they have to offer Dean... I said they appear to be more creatively free, then told you why.

Then Morrison acted like I'd said AEW's booking is going to be better for everyone no matter what.

Yes, you told me why, but it was very generic. Then after I asked what you were basing that opinion on you responded with BTE, All In. Not sure why you're trying to explain what you already confirmed. That you weren't clear at first, and then elaborated when I asked.

If you don't like the attention generic comments bring then don't say things so matter of fact because people are going to want to know where you're coming from and then when you answer, they have the right to respond. That's the whole purpose of a message board. Not just your opinion and then boom end of story.

[BGMaverick]

I think BG Maverick and I just might become best friends.

He's right about everything.

You're definitely misguided, lol, but thank you.

[Jordo]

Yes, you told me why, but it was very generic. Then after I asked what you were basing that opinion on you responded with BTE, All In. Not sure why you're trying to explain what you already confirmed. That you weren't clear at first, and then elaborated when I asked.

If you don't like the attention generic comments bring then don't say things so matter of fact because people are going to want to know where you're coming from and then when you answer, they have the right to respond. That's the whole purpose of a message board. Not just your opinion and then boom end of story.


I know but me and you had reached a point when you understood my point (even though I'd been vague).

Then Morrison dove in talking about AEW's ongoing booking and that wasn't what I had established I was talking about with you. Then you doubled down on what he was saying.

I've probably made this convo more meta than need be but I'm at work.

What does AEW offer Dean?

I think they offer him the ability to control his own character and do things he wants to do. I don't know if that's a good thing for Dean because I don't know AEW's exact booking and how they will operate when it becomes a week after week promotion. What I know is that as of now everything they've done they've allowed talent to be themselves and put forward the character they want to be.

I don't say all that as a way to argue either of you but, because I've been vague and short, just as a way to answer questions you and Morrison both asked me about my opinion on this subject.

[Nash Diesel]

I know but me and you had reached a point when you understood my point (even though I'd been vague).

Then Morrison dove in talking about AEW's ongoing booking and that wasn't what I had established I was talking about with you. Then you doubled down on what he was saying.

I've probably made this convo more meta than need be but I'm at work.

What does AEW offer Dean?

I think they offer him the ability to control his own character and do things he wants to do. I don't know if that's a good thing for Dean because I don't know AEW's exact booking and how they will operate when it becomes a week after week promotion. What I know is that as of now everything they've done they've allowed talent to be themselves and put forward the character they want to be.

I don't say all that as a way to argue either of you but, because I've been vague and short, just as a way to answer questions you and Morrison both asked me about my opinion on this subject.

But here's the thing...You don't know. 1 show (ALL IN) does not define a creative team or how they'd be booking even for the short term. You threw out BTE, but that's usually centered around the Bucks, Cody, and Hangman Page and it's not even a for sure representation of how AEW will look.

Why? Because they haven't done anything but put on a couple pressers and 1 show about 9 months ago. That required 7 different promotions, a 3 day fanfest, as well as the god CM Punk.

[Jordo]

But here's the thing...You don't know. 1 show (ALL IN) does not define a creative team or how they'd be booking even for the short term. You threw out BTE, but that's usually centered around the Bucks, Cody, and Hangman Page and it's not even a for sure representation of how AEW will look.

Why? Because they haven't done anything but put on a couple pressers and 1 show about 9 months ago. That required 7 different promotions, a 3 day fanfest, as well as the god CM Punk.

OK so regarding AEW all we have to go on is All In, BTE, and podcast interviews. That's it. All of those things point to the elite guys wanting to give the wrestlers creative freedom.

Literally everything they've done points to them wanting to do that.

[Defrost]

The creative thing is a good question. The assumption is Cody is the booker, but as far as I've seen nothing has been confirmed on that side.

[Morrison]

Someone (was it you?) asked what they have to offer Dean... I said they appear to be more creatively free, then told you why.

Then Morrison acted like I'd said AEW's booking is going to be better for everyone no matter what.


I know but me and you had reached a point when you understood my point (even though I'd been vague).

Then Morrison dove in talking about AEW's ongoing booking and that wasn't what I had established I was talking about with you. Then you doubled down on what he was saying.

I've probably made this convo more meta than need be but I'm at work.

What does AEW offer Dean?

I think they offer him the ability to control his own character and do things he wants to do. I don't know if that's a good thing for Dean because I don't know AEW's exact booking and how they will operate when it becomes a week after week promotion. What I know is that as of now everything they've done they've allowed talent to be themselves and put forward the character they want to be.

I don't say all that as a way to argue either of you but, because I've been vague and short, just as a way to answer questions you and Morrison both asked me about my opinion on this subject.

you did end that post i quoted with 'i think this is a pretty good idea of how AEW is gonna run' so you'll have to pardon me for interpreting that as meaning you were talking about their creative business model...

[VHS]

The creative thing is a good question. The assumption is Cody is the booker, but as far as I've seen nothing has been confirmed on that side.

Cody is booking it. :yes:

[BGMaverick]

Tony Khan was on Jericho's podcast and there were two things I took away from it that I really haven't heard or thought of when they've discussed the company and then a heavier emphasis on something we have heard of a lot.
The heavier emphasis note was the wins and losses aspect. He clearly didn't get into specifics but using the sports background he has and what he's seen in wrestling, there's a big discord between sports and wrestling in terms of wins and losses and the overall impact of them. Jericho talked about how a team can win and feel great or lose and feel like crap. Also talked about how he could have a bad show and feel like shit because of it but that's not really prevalent to the same degree in wrestling. Khan said he recognizes that and that's why they want to put an emphasis on those things mattering.

One of the more interesting notes was the use of analytics. I know they have people in the mix and that's a big part of Khan's background with the Jaguars but it's interesting to think about how that background can be conveyed to attempt to streamline a better television product. The use of analytics is seen as a still fairly polarizing proposition but I think there's high value to it as long as you know which stuff is actually worthwhile to track and can be extrapolated in a way to is useful when it comes to predicting future outcomes. There are nuances that help lead to decision making within the NFL and its hard to argue how the NFL can provide a monoculture aspect to viewing that's really lost to casual television today. The fact they've been successful really gives them informed data on viewership. Obviously the sport itself is the driving force but it's not like they just trot a football out there and film it. There's bells and whistles involved along the way that really enhance the viewing experience. The statistical input that can be implemented in a wrestling aspect in terms of enhancing the production value is something I'm very curious to see.

The other note was that a vision they have for their women's division to resemble the impact of the cruiserweight division from WCW. To elaborate, Khan talked about how he feels there's going to be very exciting, diverse, different and that the pace and work rate is going to be eye-opening in the sense it could resemble the impact the cruisers had on Nitro. Khan put over the fact that Brandi and Kenny have imaginative ideas that could really work for that division.

[Defrost]

One of the more interesting notes was the use of analytics. I know they have people in the mix and that's a big part of Khan's background with the Jaguars but it's interesting to think about how that background can be conveyed to attempt to streamline a better television product. The use of analytics is seen as a still fairly polarizing proposition but I think there's high value to it as long as you know which stuff is actually worthwhile to track and can be extrapolated in a way to is useful when it comes to predicting future outcomes. There are nuances that help lead to decision making within the NFL and its hard to argue how the NFL can provide a monoculture aspect to viewing that's really lost to casual television today. The fact they've been successful really gives them informed data on viewership. Obviously the sport itself is the driving force but it's not like they just trot a football out there and film it. There's bells and whistles involved along the way that really enhance the viewing experience. The statistical input that can be implemented in a wrestling aspect in terms of enhancing the production value is something I'm very curious to see.



Well that's one way of looking at it. Another way is looking at Blake Bortles' contract.

[Nash Diesel]

I do enjoy the positive reactions toward the idea of a wrestling company keeping track of wins and losses and making them apply to the product. I've said for quite a while around here that was always laughed at that a rankings system would be solid in the WWE based on actual wins and losses. But everyone thought that it just boxed them in creatively. I think the reason is that everyone that was against it thought that it meant people could only feud with each other if the rankings made sense. So they might have thought #1 and #9 can't feud, when in reality, not every feud needed to be based on the rankings-only when it mattered. They'd need to be smart about it. Don't book the #9 out of 10 guy to feud with the World champion, let him climb the ranks, make it mean something.

Maybe the WWE is too big of a promotion to do something like that and AEW might be at the right level with their roster to build off a ranking system or at the least where wins/losses matter and a guy who's on a 12-match losing streak doesn't get a World title main event the next month because he got over on Twitter.

[BGMaverick]

Well that's one way of looking at it. Another way is looking at Blake Bortles' contract.

So which one of the EVPs is Bortles?

Anyway, my comment was in regards to viewership analytics.

[Defrost]

So which one of the EVPs is Bortles?

Anyway, my comment was in regards to viewership analytics.

I was commenting on the use of analytics by the front office of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

[Kev]

In recent memory WWE, MLW and TNA have all attempted rankings.... I think TNA lasted the longest but overall it has yet to be successful.

I think it really just needs commitment and the willingness to stay the course against naysayers if they do have a solid system in mind to keep track of wins, losses, rankings, etc

[Rancid_Planet]

Even boxing knows that rankings only get in the way of good matches and interesting stories.

That's why the 2nd ranked guy is always begging for a championship match he can't get while the champ is fighting the 92nd ranked guy from Guatemala because he talked shit about his mama on Facebook.

[Jordo]

I'm on board with wins and losses really mattering.

I don't give two shits about rankings

[Nash Diesel]

In recent memory WWE, MLW and TNA have all attempted rankings.... I think TNA lasted the longest but overall it has yet to be successful.

I think it really just needs commitment and the willingness to stay the course against naysayers if they do have a solid system in mind to keep track of wins, losses, rankings, etc

Yeah they've attempted various forms of rankings. WWE's weird power rankings or more recently that top 10 on Smackdown voted by the actual talent.....which ultimately was scrapped and/or used as a vehicle to set up Orton v. Tye Dillinger.

But I truly believe if they stayed the course it could be cool. I've always said that if they just did something like PWI magazine, where you could go on WWE.com and see the top 10 tag-teams of the month, top 10 wrestlers for each brand, etc. Again, it wouldn't be something that the company would use as the basis for every single angle but it would be cool.



Even boxing knows that rankings only get in the way of good matches and interesting stories.

That's why the 2nd ranked guy is always begging for a championship match he can't get while the champ is fighting the 92nd ranked guy from Guatemala because he talked shit about his mama on Facebook.

lol. And again, like I've said, you don't need to use it for everything. You could use it to further a storyline or a character. Maybe you use it to set up a heel turn where a guy is constantly winning, in the top 3, but gets overlooked because he's not witty on Twitter. Idk.

Just freestyling the pro's.

[Hero!]

Undertaker booked for Starrcast

[Honey_Badger]

This is awesome. Ambrose should be debuting as well. Maybe we see Batista as well. I’m pumped.

[RuneEdge]

Again, it wouldn't be something that the company would use as the basis for every single angle but it would be cool.
I think the problem from WWE's perspective would be when people start asking questions such as "why's <insert wrestler> always ranked high but never getting a title shot?" or "Why's this person ranked higher than that person?". It's awkward for them to try and justify everything.

[Rancid_Planet]

Undertaker booked for Starrcast

I'm not sure how big of a deal this is.

Certainly Vince isnt happy about it.

[Peter Griffin]

Did Conrad not go through great pains to say Starrcast is not A AEW event, Still all aboard the hype train, Choo choo.

[Donald]

Conrad is more worried about if he can make it to McDonald's for lunch today.

[Rancid_Planet]

Did Conrad not go through great pains to say Starrcast is not A AEW event, Still all aboard the hype train, Choo choo.

He did but it's still not a WWE team player look.

[Peter Griffin]

He did but it's still not a WWE team player look.

Maybe he actually retires this year and starts hitting the convention trail :chin:

[Nash Diesel]

I'm not sure how big of a deal this is.

Certainly Vince isnt happy about it.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe Jerry Lawler was part of last year's.

This just kind of goes back to fans gassing up AEW beyond what they should be. Vince is not threatened by AEW. Taker doing this means nothing to him.

[BGMaverick]

It’s not an AEW event so I’m not really sure what the issue is if there is one.

[Nash Diesel]

It’s not an AEW event so I’m not really sure what the issue is if there is one.

I think the idea is that since Starrcast linked up with All In and now they're linking up for Double or Nothing that there are ties. Conrad did host the announcement of AEW as well. But again, like I said, too many reading wayyyy too deep into the relationship. It's just Conrad is a smart motherfucker, he's not where he is because he's a dildo with no business acumen. He's a good dude who loves wrestling, more power to him.

[BGMaverick]

Yeah, just seems like people are attempting to put two and two together when that’s not really the case. He’s just entrepreneurial and making the most of what is available to him.

[Jordo]

Taker being at starcast is interesting because it's mother fucking undertaker at a fucking wrestling con.

Any correlation to AEW is a reach.

[MikeHunt]

Inside the ropes have him coming to the uk for a q & a and not one single fucker seems to be mentioning that. This is just another convention. Oh and any cunt thats paying the daft money to meet him is an absolute mug.

[Badger]

Inside the ropes have him coming to the uk for a q & a and not one single fucker seems to be mentioning that. This is just another convention. Oh and any cunt thats paying the daft money to meet him is an absolute mug.

When and whereabouts in uk?

[mr sabu]

jerichos already telling fans on Instagram there banned from all aew shows already..

[MikeHunt]

When and whereabouts in uk?

London, Glasgow, Manchester I think. It's also all sold out.

[Badger]

London, Glasgow, Manchester I think. It's also all sold out.

Damnit, would've been all over the Glasgow one.

[NWo4LifeOr2Years]

One of the more interesting notes was the use of analytics. I know they have people in the mix and that's a big part of Khan's background with the Jaguars but it's interesting to think about how that background can be conveyed to attempt to streamline a better television product. The use of analytics is seen as a still fairly polarizing proposition but I think there's high value to it as long as you know which stuff is actually worthwhile to track and can be extrapolated in a way to is useful when it comes to predicting future outcomes. There are nuances that help lead to decision making within the NFL and its hard to argue how the NFL can provide a monoculture aspect to viewing that's really lost to casual television today. The fact they've been successful really gives them informed data on viewership. Obviously the sport itself is the driving force but it's not like they just trot a football out there and film it. There's bells and whistles involved along the way that really enhance the viewing experience. The statistical input that can be implemented in a wrestling aspect in terms of enhancing the production value is something I'm very curious to see.

.

I must admit that I have never heard the computer nerds who have taken over and ruined sports state their case more eloquently and/or confusingly.

[BGMaverick]

Cool

[Ringo]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D0hid1IWkAAbI-o.jpg:large

[BGMaverick]

A report came out today that Warner Media Group (Turner Sports - TNT, TBS) will present AEW at their upfronts to advertisers next month. WarnerMedia/Turner upfronts are currently scheduled for May 15th. The report suggested that they will be looking to debut AEW's show the same week as Smackdown begins on Fox.
----

I imagine that they could start on TBS because there's likely more free time or flexibility to work with over the course of the year on that station. The NBA is one of the main, if not the main, driving forces for TNT so that's going to take priority. Another factor that could be lucrative is the fact that Turner Sports has B/R Live (Bleacher Report Live) as a streaming platform. I think they offer stuff in regards to the Champions League, League Pass, and other sports. This would be another entry point to add to their content library. If things hit the fan, they can scale back and go to TruTV.

[Rancid_Planet]

All this just to get back to Vince vs A Rhodes Booking A Wrestling Show On TBS.

[Nash Diesel]

Very exciting, can't wait to see what they bring to the table if this happens.

[Donald]

Then in a year or two they'll move to Pop TV!

[BGMaverick]

The Wrap is reporting that it is "likely to be destined" for TNT in terms of which Turner channel it would be on, and that B/R Live is a viable outlet to help with streaming. I can't say I'm entirely familiar with TNT's weekly lineup outside of their Conan show but that's not until later in the evening. I know Thursday is usually their night for primetime 'game of the week' like stuff with the NBA. The only issue I see with TNT is when it comes to literally this time of the year and the playoffs. They basically run NBA games no less than four nights of the week. I don't know if it's ideal to say it'll be on TNT but then jerk it around to TBS or possibly TruTV for two-to-three months of the year.

[Morrison]

conan is on tbs, not tnt.

[Nash Diesel]

Was the goal TNT/TBS this whole time or were there other options?

I just don't know how I feel about living in the past. The idea being that 20+ years ago, WCW were bringing in serious ratings and generating interest in other shows on the network, so maybe they can recreate that moment in time? I mean, it really was a MOMENT. I'm just starting to listen to 83 Weeks w/ Eric Bischoff so it's pretty cool having these memories of that time come back to me. But for me, as excited as I am about any new wrestling on t.v., I'm not really dying to see another company come out of the woodwork and attempt to be the next WCW.

The way we view t.v. is not the same as it was back in 1996. Whether that's a good thing for pro wrestling, idk, doesn't seem like it lol.

[BGMaverick]

conan is on tbs, not tnt.

Sorry, I meant TNT/TBS in terms of their collective TV lineup.


Was the goal TNT/TBS this whole time or were there other options?

I just don't know how I feel about living in the past. The idea being that 20+ years ago, WCW were bringing in serious ratings and generating interest in other shows on the network, so maybe they can recreate that moment in time? I mean, it really was a MOMENT. I'm just starting to listen to 83 Weeks w/ Eric Bischoff so it's pretty cool having these memories of that time come back to me. But for me, as excited as I am about any new wrestling on t.v., I'm not really dying to see another company come out of the woodwork and attempt to be the next WCW.

The way we view t.v. is not the same as it was back in 1996. Whether that's a good thing for pro wrestling, idk, doesn't seem like it lol.

I guess we won’t ultimately know what the other options were. Everyone can theorize but I’m sure there were pros and cons to potential alternatives. Something working in AEW’s favor is that this is a cable network that pretty much everyone gets if they still have cable. Even if people don’t have cable, it’s not that far off the beaten path so it’s available to people who bundle or whatever with customizable streaming channels.

I haven’t really gotten the impression they’re trying to be the next WCW. As always, you can have framework of the past but it is more suitable to keep expectations low and build yourself as the first whatever than to be a replicant of something. People will pigeonhole you as such but you have to create enough of a distinction to show you’re just an alternative.

I definitely agree that TV now is nowhere near the same as 1996. It’s not even the same as 2016, probably. Guess it just depends on how long this deal is and how much they are getting. If it’s a super long deal, that could raise some eyebrows because you might be stuck in an antiquated framework but who knows.

[Tainted Eclipse]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCLnNAt8kxQ&feature=youtu.be

best promo of the year hands down

[mth]

Hell yes. Welp, you've got my attention now, AEW.

[JP]

Well, I'm in.

[Donald]

Pretty wild considering Goldust hasn't been "elite" since 1997.

[Morrison]

Pretty wild considering Goldust hasn't been "elite" since 1997.

he's probably a better worker the last few years than he was during his goldust days.

[mth]

Goldust's best ring work was 2009 onward.

[Morrison]

Goldust's best ring work was 2009 onward.

but ya know, lol's from the guy who wont watch anything outside wwe. sick burnage.

[Tainted Eclipse]

goldust's return in 2013 was unbelievable. he was the best in the world. then they stopped putting him on tv. awful.

[Gampo]

Soooo we're getting Demon Dustin Rhodes? :lol:

but in all honesty this should be great! and that was a heck of a promo!

[Ringo]

Oh yes. This is now the match I'm more excited for than any other.

[Hero!]

Fucking hell what a promo. Considering how great big Dust still is in the ring, I am hyped for this.

[Tainted Eclipse]

after the match or a more extended feud cody and dustin should have a tag team run.

[Rancid_Planet]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCLnNAt8kxQ&feature=youtu.be

best promo of the year hands down

I love sit down interviews like this where they can go and pick the the best bits and put them together. This is something they do so little of in WWE I can't even remember when the last time was.

But it just works. I mean god knows how much they filmed to get this 6 minutes but within those little bits of interview was this awesome story, this emotional, relatable story. And it's all there. A great foundation for a match. You don't even need anything more. I want to see the match right now.

[Sinner]

Cody will win after Dustin kicks out of everything, but Cody eventually wins. They then tag team together for a while, when Cody turns on Dustin to become a Main Event Level Heel

[RFF Champ]

goldust's return in 2013 was unbelievable. he was the best in the world. then they stopped putting him on tv. awful.

Did man just call Goldust the best in the World :lol:

[RFF Champ]

I love sit down interviews like this where they can go and pick the the best bits and put them together. This is something they do so little of in WWE I can't even remember when the last time was.

But it just works. I mean god knows how much they filmed to get this 6 minutes but within those little bits of interview was this awesome story, this emotional, relatable story. And it's all there. A great foundation for a match. You don't even need anything more. I want to see the match right now.

Bobby Lashley with Renee Young, and how much he loves his sisters.

[Donald]

Dustin vs. Cody has potential to be feud of the year.

[Tainted Eclipse]

Did man just call Goldust the best in the World :lol:

yes

[Donald]

I agree, Goldust was the best in the world in 2013.

[3puppies]

Favorite part was when he said "just like every arena I go into, and I do something spectacular .... they chant 'You still got it', well, I never lost it"

[Nash Diesel]

Goldust really only had a couple stretches where he was pretty bad. The stretch where he was with Luna and Blue Meanie and when he was Black Reign in TNA, I think that was also when his substance abuse was at it's highest. But they stand out because he is so fucking good any other time. Whether that was as himself in NWA/WCW or the majority of his career as Goldust, he has always been one of the best in the ring IMO.

Go back and watch Goldust in 1995-1997. HBK, Mero, Austin, Helmsley, Razor Ramon, Owen Hart, even guys that weren't very good like Ahmed Johnson had a quality match with Goldust.

And yeah it's hard to deny that run where him and Cody were stealing the show every week. If you had them v. The Shield, Usos, Harper/Rowan, didn't matter, that was another great era of tag-team wrestling and Cody/Goldust were the best of them.

[Donald]

Goldust really only had a couple stretches where he was pretty bad. The stretch where he was with Luna and Blue Meanie and when he was Black Reign in TNA, I think that was also when his substance abuse was at it's highest. But they stand out because he is so fucking good any other time. Whether that was as himself in NWA/WCW or the majority of his career as Goldust, he has always been one of the best in the ring IMO.

Go back and watch Goldust in 1995-1997. HBK, Mero, Austin, Helmsley, Razor Ramon, Owen Hart, even guys that weren't very good like Ahmed Johnson had a quality match with Goldust.

And yeah it's hard to deny that run where him and Cody were stealing the show every week. If you had them v. The Shield, Usos, Harper/Rowan, didn't matter, that was another great era of tag-team wrestling and Cody/Goldust were the best of them.

Seeing Dustin Rhodes vs. PAC is a dream match for sure. What about Cody and Dustin vs. the Young Bucks? Potential tag match of the decade.

[Tainted Eclipse]

dustin vs. kenny could be pretty sweet.

what about dustin and jericho teaming up and having a run as veteran tag team schooling all the young guys. dustin in AEW could be the best thing in wrestling.

[Tainted Eclipse]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tex0xDWGcPI

there was a brief period of time, probably third quarter of 2013, when WWE was just on fire. daniel bryan as the super hot rising star who would soon win the world title, mark henry's cena feud, cena still around, cm punk hadn't looked like he had given up yet, shield at the top of their game, cody/goldust, dolph ziggler still hot, wyatts had just debuted. lesnar was still fresh. really good wrestling on TV every week. bryan vs. the authority was really hot at the beginning. then they tried to depush bryan and although things got hot for wrestlemania 30 again, all in all too many bad decisions tanked the product soon after.

[BGMaverick]

That match was really good and it went to another level when Dusty hit Dean with the elbow. The pop that happened when Cody locked Seth for the finish was fantastic. They executed that move so well and Seth sold it like instant death, too.

[Donald]

I think that Cody and Goldust was a good team, but once Stardust came into the picture is when things fell apart. Stardust was entertaining, but it should have been dropped eventually. A broken Cody Rhodes character would have been money. I'm glad he left and was able to reinvent himself. This all looks promising and I'm excited.

[Nash Diesel]

I think that Cody and Goldust was a good team, but once Stardust came into the picture is when things fell apart. Stardust was entertaining, but it should have been dropped eventually. A broken Cody Rhodes character would have been money. I'm glad he left and was able to reinvent himself. This all looks promising and I'm excited.

The funny thing is, after his dad died people thought he would ditch the paint but he tweeted that it would have been in poor taste or something along those lines. Then after he (Cody) left, he talked about how when Dusty died he wanted to ditch the paint and do something else lol. It was one of those things where you wonder, was he towing the company line the first time he was talking about it and then was being honest after leaving?

I mean, in reality, Stardust was a bigger deal than people realize. Without that character, there is no relationship with Green Arrow.

[3puppies]

Cody's Mustache and the paper bags were both more entertaining than Stardust. Although the stardust gloves were pretty cool.

I always thought Cody was just going through the motions with Stardust, with the intention of hopefully getting a Goldust/Stardust 1-1 feud at Mania. Was there an injury that derailed this?

[Tainted Eclipse]

The funny thing is, after his dad died people thought he would ditch the paint but he tweeted that it would have been in poor taste or something along those lines. Then after he (Cody) left, he talked about how when Dusty died he wanted to ditch the paint and do something else lol. It was one of those things where you wonder, was he towing the company line the first time he was talking about it and then was being honest after leaving?

I mean, in reality, Stardust was a bigger deal than people realize. Without that character, there is no relationship with Green Arrow.

i seem to remember cody getting very defensive online when people criticized the stardust gimmick (which sucked)

[Nash Diesel]

Cody's Mustache and the paper bags were both more entertaining than Stardust. Although the stardust gloves were pretty cool.

I always thought Cody was just going through the motions with Stardust, with the intention of hopefully getting a Goldust/Stardust 1-1 feud at Mania. Was there an injury that derailed this?

I think they put it on the Feb ppv to help draw viewers and the match completely fucking sucked so they scrapped the entire thing and put Stardust in the MITB match. Could have been injury related on Goldust's end idk.


i seem to remember cody getting very defensive online when people criticized the stardust gimmick (which sucked)

He was very defensive.

I liked the gimmick a lot. I didn't think it was going to be the rest of his career but I liked what they were doing. And again, he landed a role on Arrow and made a lifelong friend in Stephen Amell. That shit wouldn't have happened as DASHING Cody Rhodes.

[Badger]

Dashing was so cheesy and smug that I loved it. I even sang the theme tune for one of my milestone posts years ago.

Stardust was alright too and he was really into the gimmick. I recall him on UUDD really getting into the character too.

[Nash Diesel]

Dashing was so cheesy and smug that I loved it. I even sang the theme tune for one of my milestone posts years ago.

Stardust was alright too and he was really into the gimmick. I recall him on UUDD really getting into the character too.

I'll be honest I did not see much of "Dashing" Cody Rhodes. I think what I liked about Stardust was that it was so out there, even more bizarre than Goldust-while not even really being like Goldust to begin with.

I don't think it was ever going to be a long-term thing but it definitely made him stand out and again, gave him opportunities he would never have been given without it.

[BGMaverick]

Wasn't there kind of teasing of a program between Stardust (with The Ascension) and Cesaro at one point?

[Nash Diesel]

Wasn't there kind of teasing of a program between Stardust (with The Ascension) and Cesaro at one point?

idk but I did like the use of Ascension with Stardust. Even if it was kind of a jobber stable. But again, it was something that I don't think Vince McMahon and others didn't fully grasp.

[BGMaverick]

I feel like I saw them (Stardust and The Ascension) sitting in the crowd, holding Cesaro Section signs. Either I'm vaguely remembering that or totally pulling it out of thin air.

[Nash Diesel]

I feel like I saw them (Stardust and The Ascension) sitting in the crowd, holding Cesaro Section signs. Either I'm vaguely remembering that or totally pulling it out of thin air.

Had to do some digging but you're right, late 2015 they were teasing some stuff with Stardust and Cesaro and it never went anywhere lol.

[BGMaverick]

Had to do some digging but you're right, late 2015 they were teasing some stuff with Stardust and Cesaro and it never went anywhere lol.

Haha, thanks for looking. Whatever the heck that was going to be, it would have been interesting just to see play out.

[Nash Diesel]

Haha, thanks for looking. Whatever the heck that was going to be, it would have been interesting just to see play out.

No doubt. Cesaro in some bizarre feud would have been very interesting.

[mth]

Wasn't there kind of teasing of a program between Stardust (with The Ascension) and Cesaro at one point?


I feel like I saw them (Stardust and The Ascension) sitting in the crowd, holding Cesaro Section signs. Either I'm vaguely remembering that or totally pulling it out of thin air.
Cesaro got injured. Cody said it he was really excited about the feud and disappointed it had to get scrapped.

[BGMaverick]

Stupid injuries...

[kdestiny]

New Road has Cody cutting a heck of a promo of his own

[Murphy]

ITV Box Office for Double or Nothing in the UK. :eek:

[BGMaverick]

If anyone was still considering going, I've got two tickets I'm selling (no longer going). You can just PM me if you're interesting in buying them.

[mth]

New Road has Cody cutting a heck of a promo of his own

That promo was fucking amazing.

While I'm for sure going to watch Cody/Dustin, I'm strongly considering watching this whole show.

[Peter Griffin]

ITV Box Office for Double or Nothing in the UK. :eek:

Looks like the first Wrestling ppv I will be ordering since the launch of the WWE Network :D

[Donald]

I will wait for WWE to buy AEW and put the show up on the WWE Network.

[Nash Diesel]

I will wait for WWE to buy AEW and put the show up on the WWE Network.

LOL.

That would be hilarious.

[Murphy]

Looks like the first Wrestling ppv I will be ordering since the launch of the WWE Network :D

I’d consider it if I could watch live. £15 is not too bad.

Oh, just seen it’s on a Saturday night! Ok, I’m going to order this. :hyper:

[BGMaverick]

Looks like AEW on TNT will be made official next week, per multiple reports.

[Nash Diesel]

Cody Rhodes: "I'm here to kill the Attitude Era because we need to move on from that era"

AEW on TNT

I guess WCW had it's own era lol. I'm not that serious about this but it's just weird to me that 20 years later TNT decides to put wrasslin' back on.

It's interesting when you overthink how much the nWo is responsible for AEW.

The Bullet Club built their status on throwing up "too sweet". People gravitated toward this nWo like faction using their colors, their mentality, their hand sign. The nWo is what made TNT for several years the go-to station for pro wrestling. Everyone worth a damn that "started" this company was a Bullet Club member.

20 years later here we go again. Now all we need is the 1st episode to open with Cody Hall interrupting Omega and Cody and asking to do a survey.

[Donald]

They should pick up the aging, baby face Cena and then turn him heel at one of their PPVs in a swerve no one saw coming and then team him up with Cody Hall and some tall fucker. Wait is Cody Hall nearing his 40s? Nah, might as well get Goldust and Jericho to be his buddies, then they can act all cool with their walkers and oxygen tanks.

[Nash Diesel]

They should pick up the aging, baby face Cena and then turn him heel at one of their PPVs in a swerve no one saw coming and then team him up with Cody Hall and some tall fucker. Wait is Cody Hall nearing his 40s? Nah, might as well get Goldust and Jericho to be his buddies, then they can act all cool with their walkers and oxygen tanks.

Naw dude is only 27.

[BGMaverick]

Cody Rhodes: "I'm here to kill the Attitude Era because we need to move on from that era"

AEW on TNT

I guess WCW had it's own era lol. I'm not that serious about this but it's just weird to me that 20 years later TNT decides to put wrasslin' back on.

It's interesting when you overthink how much the nWo is responsible for AEW.

The Bullet Club built their status on throwing up "too sweet". People gravitated toward this nWo like faction using their colors, their mentality, their hand sign. The nWo is what made TNT for several years the go-to station for pro wrestling. Everyone worth a damn that "started" this company was a Bullet Club member.

20 years later here we go again. Now all we need is the 1st episode to open with Cody Hall interrupting Omega and Cody and asking to do a survey.

I’m curious. Are you making the point in the first portion (since you hate people splicing quotes) of your post to to allude to the notion that they’re being hypocrites?

[Jitters]

Actually with the state WWE is in now I would say AEW coming about is the best thing to happen in wrestling for a long time yeah it's got awhile to go but if they can produce great storylines, great promos which they have been doing this show is off to a winner and hopefully it will get WWE to wise up a bit, I feel like after the network era really that the show has been lacking somewhat, the brand split isn't a huge problem it's the creative WWE have done it all nearly maybe they're starting to run out of ideas but then why is NXT the best brand?

[Nash Diesel]

I’m curious. Are you making the point in the first portion (since you hate people splicing quotes) of your post to to allude to the notion that they’re being hypocrites?

1000%. I'm not saying it's a bad thing. I just find it comical that wrestling is stuck in this bubble where here we are with another wrestling promotion that "might" be a challenge due to the $$$ behind it winding up on TNT. Now all we need to know is, are they going to battle Raw or Smackdown?

[Nash Diesel]

Actually with the state WWE is in now I would say AEW coming about is the best thing to happen in wrestling for a long time yeah it's got awhile to go but if they can produce great storylines, great promos which they have been doing this show is off to a winner and hopefully it will get WWE to wise up a bit, I feel like after the network era really that the show has been lacking somewhat, the brand split isn't a huge problem it's the creative WWE have done it all nearly maybe they're starting to run out of ideas but then why is NXT the best brand?

NXT is the "best brand" to hardcore (not the style) wrestling fans. It doesn't make any money whatsoever.

I feel a tiny % of fans think that the WWE is in some "state" because we are so in tune and in the wrestling bubble. But the reality is, I read a lot of older fans who are having a nostalgia trip and the young fans are just parakeeting because they forgot that no matter how much money you have, the WWE is pro wrestling.

[BGMaverick]

1000%. I'm not saying it's a bad thing. I just find it comical that wrestling is stuck in this bubble where here we are with another wrestling promotion that "might" be a challenge due to the $$$ behind it winding up on TNT. Now all we need to know is, are they going to battle Raw or Smackdown?

I guess that is fair to an extent but it’s helpful with the qualifier that you’re not saying it’s a bad thing. Without knowing the specifics, this could be the best of what is available to them. Maybe other networks were on board but they had a lot of qualifiers that didn’t jive with what AEW is hoping to accomplish. Maybe Netflix was on board but it was a deal like Vince is getting now with the XFL. That’s just a hypothetical. With whatever was a competitor to Turner, it could be money, could be philosophies, could be day of the week, could be the executives around were pricks. Could be anything. I would think if they don’t air on Monday or Friday, which is possible, that works against your point in some ways.

[Nash Diesel]

I guess that is fair to an extent but it’s helpful with the qualifier that you’re not saying it’s a bad thing. Without knowing the specifics, this could be the best of what is available to them. Maybe other networks were on board but they had a lot of qualifiers that didn’t jive with what AEW is hoping to accomplish. Maybe Netflix was on board but it was a deal like Vince is getting now with the XFL. That’s just a hypothetical. With whatever was a competitor to Turner, it could be money, could be philosophies, could be day of the week, could be the executives around were pricks. Could be anything.

Very true. I would like to know and I'm sure we'll find out soon just what was the reasoning behind going to TNT outside of "Nitro was on TNT." I mean, we have to remember, there aren't as many NEW fans as there are old fans watching pro wrestling. IMO. So if you cater to the "this is what's familiar" mentality, they're not exactly doing it wrong.

[Murphy]

Got in there early, just ordered the PPV. :wiggle:

[Peter Griffin]

Is Glacier in the BR or is someone on wiki taking the piss.

[Morrison]

nope, he's in there. he's part of the nightmare family.

[Peter Griffin]

Interesting. I know nothing of the build but am ordering anyway, Because wrestling :hyper:

[BGMaverick]

If anyone was still considering going, I've got two tickets I'm selling (no longer going). You can just PM me if you're interesting in buying them.

Bumping this on the new page.

Two tickets, aisle seats, section 16. Selling at face value and will ship them overnight via FedEx with no extra charge for the shipping.

[Vandal]

Big News this morning.
https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/all-elite-wrestling-to-air-on-tnt-network

[Nash Diesel]

So they're not on TNT, they're on some shit called TNT Drama am I following this correctly? What is TNT Drama and why does it sound like when TNA was on that weird outdoor channel with bigfoot hunters and bear jerky eaters?

[BGMaverick]

So they're not on TNT, they're on some shit called TNT Drama am I following this correctly? What is TNT Drama and why does it sound like when TNA was on that weird outdoor channel with bigfoot hunters and bear jerky eaters?

It’s TNT. The drama thing is from their tag line “we know drama” and they weren’t able to get TNT.com

[Donald]

I don't think in my 36 years of existense I have ever once had the channel tuned to TNT.

[Nash Diesel]

It’s TNT. The drama thing is from their tag line “we know drama” and they weren’t able to get TNT.com

Thank God.

[lotjx]

It's great news.

[Spudz Mackenzie]

I haven't watched TNT since WCW ended.

Except for some reruns of "Arrow" or something.

[Rancid_Planet]

It's had a couple shows that I watched once and then realized were awful awful awful.

But TNT is still a huge channel that everyone gets and that's the main thing.

[Beer-Belly]

I wouldn't be surprised if WarnerMedia ultimately picked up AEW because they need content for their B/R Live platform. These new streaming services need content and live sports programming is always valuable. Yeah, I know pro wrestling isn't a real sport, but it is a live athletic spectacle. Fox picked up SmackDown for similar reasons.

[wardy]

I am buzzing for this. Please be good.

[Murphy]

I am buzzing for this. Please be good.

Me too. First time I've actually been excited about wrestling for years.

Are we assuming that it's going to be on ITV4 over here? That is going to be bonkers if it is. Their ratings will dwarf WWE on that channel.

[BGMaverick]

I can't remember the first place I heard it but Meltzer was the second person that brought up that Showtime was a second competitor vying for the rights. Wasn't going to be weekly on Showtime, according to Meltzer.

[JP]

Wrestling, prime time, TNT.

Not gonna lie, that alone gets me excited.

[Nash Diesel]

What is this shit though of them signing old ass Earl Hebner? It's little things like that which make me skeptical about what AEW is realistically going to pull off.

[BGMaverick]

What is this shit though of them signing old ass Earl Hebner? It's little things like that which make me skeptical about what AEW is realistically going to pull off.

This seems like a pretty silly thing to raise your already skeptical antenna up higher or more. What about when they announced Private Party, Cima, Darby Allin, or Nyla Rose?

If anything, they’re making it a level playing field by showing respect to referees by giving them the same signing announcement treatment.

[Nash Diesel]

This seems like a pretty silly thing to raise your already skeptical antenna up higher or more. What about when they announced Private Party, Cima, Darby Allin, or Nyla Rose?

If anything, they’re making it a level playing field by showing respect to referees by giving them the same signing announcement treatment.

Of the 4 acts you just named, Cima is the only person I've ever heard of.

I thnk it's pretty clear what "raised my skeptical antenna" was that they're hiring a dinosaur ref who is mostly known for his work 20+ years ago in the WWF. Did they announce any other refs? Again, pretty clear why I'm questioning the reasoning behind this move. It's not just any ol' ref, it's the most infamous. What's next? Nick Patrick as the Elite's personal shady ref? Do we get Lil' Naitch once his contract is up?

[BGMaverick]

Of the 4 acts you just named, Cima is the only person I've ever heard of.

I thnk it's pretty clear what "raised my skeptical antenna" was that they're hiring a dinosaur ref who is mostly known for his work 20+ years ago in the WWF. Did they announce any other refs? Again, pretty clear why I'm questioning the reasoning behind this move. It's not just any ol' ref, it's the most infamous. What's next? Nick Patrick as the Elite's personal shady ref? Do we get Lil' Naitch once his contract is up?

They did announce more. Four more, to be specific.

[Spudz Mackenzie]

To be fair, if you're going to announce the signing of a referee, Hebner is the one to announce.

I mean, he did screw Bret.

...

But really, he's as famous as refs go, so why not?

Its not like AEW's hyping the arrival of the top cable runner in the industry or the best head painter in wrestling. Refs are an important part of the act and the promotion too.

[Spudz Mackenzie]

Incidentally, is Darby Allin the bald guy who used to wrestle for What Culture/Defiant Wrestling? He used to do some kind of second-rope elbow drop where he did the "Dr. Zoidberg" walk to set it up. Or am I thinking of somebody else?

[Cewsh]

Of the 4 acts you just named, Cima is the only person I've ever heard of.

I thnk it's pretty clear what "raised my skeptical antenna" was that they're hiring a dinosaur ref who is mostly known for his work 20+ years ago in the WWF. Did they announce any other refs? Again, pretty clear why I'm questioning the reasoning behind this move. It's not just any ol' ref, it's the most infamous. What's next? Nick Patrick as the Elite's personal shady ref? Do we get Lil' Naitch once his contract is up?

Pretty clear they hired Earl to produce the other, younger refs. That’s why you have a senior official.

[kdestiny]

Incidentally, is Darby Allin the bald guy who used to wrestle for What Culture/Defiant Wrestling? He used to do some kind of second-rope elbow drop where he did the "Dr. Zoidberg" walk to set it up. Or am I thinking of somebody else?

You're thinking of Martin Kirby

[Nash Diesel]

Pretty clear they hired Earl to produce the other, younger refs. That’s why you have a senior official.

Whatever helps you sleep at night. Shit ton of former refs, yet they hire the most infamous.

[Morrison]

https://www.f4wonline.com/news/pac-vs-page-double-or-nothing-due-creative-differences-284076?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

page vs pac called off for double or nothing due to 'creative differences.' seems like they couldnt agree on who goes over, with pac refusing to lose outside of dragon gate to protect his status of champion, and obviously they dont want page losing outright. they had the match at wrestle gate pro tonight, with page doing a surprise appearance that lead to a match, which ended in a DQ win for page. the match apparently is going to be put up for free by AEW since it wont take place at DON. not quite sure why they couldnt have just run the DQ finish at DON, unless theyre very dead set on having definitive finishes.

[Hero!]

Yupp. If they’re set on Page winning, then they’re gonna have to toss someone lesser than him in there. If they don’t mind him losing, this is a solid spot to debut Moxley.

[Peter Griffin]

I knew I should have gone yesterday damnit :lol:

[virms]

Jericho's new finisher looks like it's going to be crap but I'll hold off any further judgement until I get to see it in action. Kudos for him always looking to reinvent the wheel though.

[Psycho666Soldier]

I can dig it if it has good execution. That's the only real issue with striking signature moves is if they don't connect right with a good sell, it looks like ass. I thought it looked good against the punching bag and the pads, but we'll see if he can pull off that same intensity with a human face.

[Sasori]

You'd think they would have ironed out the details earlier with the Pac/Page match. Did Pac not know he was supposed to do the job until yesterday? I can understand where he's coming from if he wants to keep the Dragongate Championship looking strong, but something like this should have been settled before they announced the match.

[Psycho666Soldier]

You'd think they would have ironed out the details earlier with the Pac/Page match. Did Pac not know he was supposed to do the job until yesterday? I can understand where he's coming from if he wants to keep the Dragongate Championship looking strong, but something like this should have been settled before they announced the match.

Agreed. It's kind of a bad look for AEW. Here's hoping it was just some massive misunderstanding and not indicative of the type of stuff we'll see going forward.

There's also a small chance this was all an intentional work to help build PAC's bastard persona, but I'm not putting on that tinfoil hat yet.

[Morrison]

You'd think they would have ironed out the details earlier with the Pac/Page match. Did Pac not know he was supposed to do the job until yesterday? I can understand where he's coming from if he wants to keep the Dragongate Championship looking strong, but something like this should have been settled before they announced the match.


Agreed. It's kind of a bad look for AEW. Here's hoping it was just some massive misunderstanding and not indicative of the type of stuff we'll see going forward.

There's also a small chance this was all an intentional work to help build PAC's bastard persona, but I'm not putting on that tinfoil hat yet.

they easily could've thought pac was gonna lose the title before the event. there's also speculation that pac was supposed to go over page and then enter a feud with omega for all in 2, where omega would go over. the assumption was pac was likely gonna lose the title in july, but if that changed and DG plan on keeping the title on him, that obviously throws plans for the omega feud into chaos, which means the page match and it's outcome are effected.

[Psycho666Soldier]

they easily could've thought pac was gonna lose the title before the event. there's also speculation that pac was supposed to go over page and then enter a feud with omega for all in 2, where omega would go over. the assumption was pac was likely gonna lose the title in july, but if that changed and DG plan on keeping the title on him, that obviously throws plans for the omega feud into chaos, which means the page match and it's outcome are effected.

Aye, I'm not assuming anything until I see how things play out. Just kind of gut reaction type thought.

[Nash Diesel]

Adam Page sucks. I don't blame Pac for not wanting to job to that guy. Everyone has a Brutus the Barber Beefcake in their clique and Page is the Brutus of the Elite.

[Sasori]

they easily could've thought pac was gonna lose the title before the event. there's also speculation that pac was supposed to go over page and then enter a feud with omega for all in 2, where omega would go over. the assumption was pac was likely gonna lose the title in july, but if that changed and DG plan on keeping the title on him, that obviously throws plans for the omega feud into chaos, which means the page match and it's outcome are effected.

Good point. It hadn't occurred to me that plans might have changed on Dragongate's side which could effect the match.

[Ringo]

Turns out PAC was always going over Page. It was Omega he'd have ended up losing to according to the Observer.

[greebull]

So Tony Khan announced recently in an interview that the first-ever AEW Champion will be determined in a one-on-one match "at a later date" BETWEEN:
-The Winner of the Casino Battle Royale
-& the Winner of the Omega vs. Jericho match

Interesting.

[Nash Diesel]

So Tony Khan announced recently in an interview that the first-ever AEW Champion will be determined in a one-on-one match "at a later date" BETWEEN:
-The Winner of the Casino Battle Royale
-& the Winner of the Omega vs. Jericho match

Interesting.

Very interesting because the promo for the event says the winner of the battle royal would face the AEW champ down the road....

[Tainted Eclipse]

wonder who they're gonna have in the battle royal that makes that match worth it. i've also been assuming that jericho wins the match vs. omega.

- - - Updated - - -

im very excited for this show overall

[Nash Diesel]

wonder who they're gonna have in the battle royal that makes that match worth it. i've also been assuming that jericho wins the match vs. omega.

- - - Updated - - -

im very excited for this show overall

The battle royal looks like one of two things:

Either someone who isn't announced will show up and be a decent enough name/talent to win and go on to wrestle for the 1st ever AEW championship.

ORRRR they're going to have it be someone that they're wanting to show they're not just about super established talent from other promotions.

I mean, if Jericho beats Omega, and goes on to be the 1st AEW champion, laughable. If Jericho or Omega wins and loses to Glacier, Brian Pillman Jr, Joey Janela, Billy Gunn....Horrible.

So basically, they just need to have Omega beat Jericho (smart) and have Omega be their first champion (even smarter). The guy is arguably the best wrestler on the planet, anyone else as champion screams "We want to do something stupid"

[Tainted Eclipse]

i don't think jericho as first champion would be a bad call. in fact, i think it would be a good call. get the title on a guy with name value who isn't seen as washed up or a wwe reject to start their TV deal. jericho's really revitalized his character and is doing great work. i think it's the move to make. give kenny his title win a couple weeks or months into the TV deal after he's been introduced to a wider audience to make it mean something.

[Nash Diesel]

i don't think jericho as first champion would be a bad call. in fact, i think it would be a good call. get the title on a guy with name value who isn't seen as washed up or a wwe reject to start their TV deal. jericho's really revitalized his character and is doing great work. i think it's the move to make. give kenny his title win a couple weeks or months into the TV deal after he's been introduced to a wider audience to make it mean something.

You don't see an issue with a 49 year old as your first champion? The guy who has done more jobs on WWE TV than Curt Hawkins? I also have to disagree that fans won't go "Jericho? Isn't he like 50? And why isn't he in the WWE anymore, he must suck!" That's all I ever heard when a WWE talent left to go to TNA or really anywhere, they were a WWE reject....Jericho is Jericho but even Jericho would be met with that negativity.

Trust me, I love Jericho in this company to beef up the roster for the fans who don't know anyone. Even if you haven't watch wrestling in 20 years, you might remember Jericho from the WCW days.

But you can't have a guy who literally just shit on the WWE's booking of Lesnar @ MITB and then put the World title on him right off the bat. Then again...NWA-TNA put the belt on Ken Shamrock, although it as the NWA world championship not their own.

[Ringo]

Yeah Omega has to beat Jericho and be cemented as their number 1 guy I think.

[Donald]

I think they should make Goldust their top star.


Read they have Dean Malenko now as a backstage producer. That must hurt the WWE.

[BGMaverick]

It was cool seeing them promote DON during the NBA broadcast on TNT last night. Was kind of funny to hear Marv Albert screw up the pronunciation of Jericho's name.

[Donald]

I should be promoted everywhere to be honest.

[Nash Diesel]

I'll say this, I'm all about feeling like I'm 17 again and seeing some Nitro on TNT.

I'd love to be a fly on the wall with the booking. 90% of the people responsible are on-air talent. It's a double-edged sword because you want to see guys like Omega, Cody, and the Bucks in top spots because they are top tier talent....But will it feel like the days of Dusty and Flair and Triple H and Jeff Jarrett, these guys who in a way deserve some of if not all the accolades (not so much Double Job) but still you get what I'm saying...

[Psycho666Soldier]

I think Kenny kind of has to be a top guy in the World Title sense. But I think Cody and the Bucks will be happy to be in big programs without really being "title guys". The Bucks will likely get their couple runs with the tag gold, but they kinda seem in the business of putting others over right now.

If it plays out anything similar to that, I think majority backlash is avoided.

[Jitters]

I've just ordered this as I'm quite intrigued by how this plays out I think I'm going to really enjoy it and be surprised by it actually.