All Elite Wrestling

[Hero!]

It’s real, it’s damn real. The Young Bucks, Cody Rhodes, and Tony Khan are launching their own wrestling promotion in 2019.

[Morrison]

you gotta assume hangman and scu are also set to be involved since they were featured with timers on their phones in the BTE episode.

i think that'd be a cool way to announce new signees; some vignette with them that ends with a timer hitting 0.

[Fanny Batter]

It's a remarkable achievement by all involved. To go from career midcarder in WWE (Cody) and junior heavyweight tag team mainstays (the Bucks) to this in a little more than 2 and a half years is crazy. Obviously Omega adds legitimacy to the group in terms of performance, but it's mainly the other 3 with the production and development. It's a very exciting proposition as they promote the right way for their audience, interactive and always staying connected. It'll be interesting to see who else they can get involved now, given the contract situations at the moment with WWE, NJPW and ROH. Could they score Ibushi? Ospreay? Sabre Jr? Jericho? Is Nakamura in play? Styles? John Morrison? You'd have thought they'll mop up the buzzworthy, unaffiliated talent like PAC and Pentagon quite quickly. Is Omega nailed on to be involved? NJPW and ROH working relationships? All will come out in the wash as they say, but it's very interesting.

[Deadman31]

A

[Tainted Eclipse]

this is incredible news and i very much hope it's successful. i have a lot of respect for cody for his ambition and work ethic to create a viable alternative to WWE. i could of course be wrong but i feel he's been the real vision and driving force behind what the elite guys have been doing.

[Tainted Eclipse]

i really seems like it would be foolish on all sides for AEW, ROH and NJPW not to have a very active talent exchange.

[lotjx]

A New Hope..

[takerson]

They announced some sort of Rally for January 8th where more info will be announced. It's in Jacksonville, FL... same night as Smackdown in the same city... a 10 minute walk/2 minute drive away from the Arena Smackdown is taking place at. I was already going to Smackdown, so I'm going to get there a little early and check this out first. I'd be silly not to I think.

[Hero!]

Page, Cody, Brandi, and Bucks have all officially signed. I believe their New Japan deals all expired 1/1 which is why they had to wait to sign.

[mr sabu]

cody will be there first heavyweight champ
bucks will be the first tag champs

[BGMaverick]

i really seems like it would be foolish on all sides for AEW, ROH and NJPW not to have a very active talent exchange.

While that would be ideal, greed or wanting more pieces of the secondary pie come into play. While a symbiotic relationship makes the most sense, I think ROH is likely assuming they could be the odd company out in the eyes of the consumer when it comes to ROH, NJPW, and AEW (if they prove to be successful) or just seen as the least interesting. So if that's the case, they could look to sever any connective ties left after the MSG show and then go for themselves and try to round up whatever remaining talent is still upon for grabs to further improve their standing. From what I read a while back it doesn't seem like the main players for AEW had a great relationship with ROH as things went towards the end of their contracted period with the company. If true, they probably want to dig in further and not work with each other. I think ROH could have that mindset because they felt like they were going to fade into the background but by going against the other two companies, I think it accelerates the idea of that actually coming to fruition.

I don't know how keen NJPW would be towards lending their talent to TWO companies within the US so that makes me skeptical on thinking they would be on board for a full-blown talent exchange with both companies. So if they're picking one, it's a big deal on who they pick.

[Murphy]

Very intrigued and excited by this. I wish them all the very best. 2019 is going to be very interesting.

[RFF Champ]

cody will be there first heavyweight champ
bucks will be the first tag champs

Surely not

[JP]

When you consider some of the connections that have been made regarding possible big money backing, tv deals and the like, this is really bloody exciting.

[RFF Champ]

Tony Khan is doing exactly what I'd do if I was the son of a billionaire. Buy an NFL and football club, put myself in charge of scouting. Then start a wrestling promotion.

[Nash Diesel]

Definitely have more high hopes for this venture than GFW.

[Donald]

The Force Awakens..

[Hero!]

Britt Baker has signed with AEW.

[Donald]

If you can get Jake Hager, Cody, maybe I'll give it a shot. If not I'll pass.

[kdestiny]

Britt Baker has signed with AEW.

:yes:

[Simmo Fortyone]

All very interesting watching this unfold. I'm not in a hurry to add to my regular wrestling viewing, but I'll definitely keep tabs on this.

[Donald]

I'm not sure what they are offering salary wise, but I imagine it's a choice of "Do I want to go to a company that will potentially give me millions, but have no control on character or advancement, or do I want to go to a company that will offer me much less, but allow me to have more creative freedom."

[Psycho666Soldier]

While probably true, I imagine the ultimate goal is to be able to pay enough to at least compare to NJPW, which would make a completely financially viable alternative with more creative freedom. Not sure how much they can really offer people right now, though.

[BGMaverick]

Health insurance, which something Cody has made note of as an issue for performers today, would be another bargaining chip they could provide.

[Morrison]

I'm not sure what they are offering salary wise, but I imagine it's a choice of "Do I want to go to a company that will potentially give me millions, but have no control on character or advancement, or do I want to go to a company that will offer me much less, but allow me to have more creative freedom."

they're being bank-rolled by a billionaire, i don't think they'll be offering contracts that'll make it that difficult of a choice.

[Hero!]

The company is also being run and produced by guys who know the business, have worked everywhere, and who give a shit about being an actual alternative. Bucks know what’s it like to be nobodies choice, Cody knows what it’s like to stick in a gimmick with no chance for elevation. They’ll take care of the boys and that means something.

[Stocky]

SHOW
WWE SMACKDOWN LIVE JACKSONVILLE

TIME AND LOCATION
TUESDAY, JANUARY 8 | 7:30 PM

JACKSONVILLE VETERANS MEMORIAL ARENA

JACKSONVILLE, FL


THE ELITE ANNOUNCES “DOUBLE OR NOTHING” EVENT RALLY IN JACKSONVILLE ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 8 @ 5PM
— New “All Elite Wrestling” Poised to Change Wrestling Landscape —

Interesting timing here.

[Defrost]

Listening to Joe from Voices of Wrestling and he mentioned something I hadn't thought of when it comes to where NJPW sides on the AEW/ROH deal. Kazuchika Okada is fiercely loyal to Matt and Nick Jackson.

[takerson]

SHOW
WWE SMACKDOWN LIVE JACKSONVILLE

TIME AND LOCATION
TUESDAY, JANUARY 8 | 7:30 PM

JACKSONVILLE VETERANS MEMORIAL ARENA

JACKSONVILLE, FL



Interesting timing here.

It's only a 10 minute walk from the site of Smackdown as well, has to be on purpose.

[Donald]

I was under the impression it was a coincidence. Either way, Cody is a douchebag for leaching off of WWE's popularity.

[JP]

Of course it's on purpose. It means there's going to be wrestling fans around already around to help generate buzz, in a city where their owner is part of the family that's owns the football team there.

Come on guys, this isn't rocket science.

[G]

It will be interesting to hear what TV deal they secure. A primetime slot on TNT or TBS would be huge. Funny how things come full circle ... who would have imagined another billionaire would come into the Pro-Wrestling game and try to secure a contract with Turner networks?

It's also interesting timing taking into consideration that Vince will be launching the new XFL next year so his time will be split ... should be fun to watch.

[G]

I was under the impression it was a coincidence. Either way, Cody is a douchebag for leaching off of WWE's popularity.

As JP mentioned he is going where he knows there will already be a wrestling audience close by and the event is being held in the city where the owners family resides. It's smart business. WWE was literally founded by leaching off the popularity of regional promotions stars.

[Psycho666Soldier]

Considering all the talk about AEW at Wrestle Kingdom last night, I think it's safe to say there will probably be some kind of working relationship.


I was under the impression it was a coincidence. Either way, Cody is a douchebag for leaching off of WWE's popularity.

Because it'll hurt WWE so much.

[Tainted Eclipse]

Listening to today’s WOR. Dave says all elite, roh and new japan have a meeting tomorrow morning to work out schedules, and that AEW is positive on the top guys continuing to work new japan dates.

[xtHeWalLsOfJeRiChOx]

Any alternate to WWE is a good thing. Hope it works out.

[RFF Champ]

I've got a lot of respect for these lads, after being rejected by WWE, to go out and start a promotion.

[Jordo]

Listening to Joe from Voices of Wrestling and he mentioned something I hadn't thought of when it comes to where NJPW sides on the AEW/ROH deal. Kazuchika Okada is fiercely loyal to Matt and Nick Jackson.

What's the story here?

[Cewsh]

They took him under their wing in TNA when he was just a baby Kazu.

[mth]

Hope this thing hits the ground running and does well to establish itself. Would be dope if they could build it up to be a legit competitor to WWE. No idea if that's a reasonable thing to hope for...does it seem like they've got a chance? I remember Cewsh getting hyped for Global Force and that didn't really pan out, so...:dunno:

[Tainted Eclipse]

also worth noting meltzer reports that AEW plans to run only a small handful of shows this year, the first one targeted for may.

[Jordo]

Apparently the moneey are offering is actually comparable to WWE.

Maybe it's from going to all in but I'm so fucking excited and hopeful for this.

I also have a soft spot in my heart for the Kahn family brcause if they had kept the rams chances are they would still be in st Louis.

I really really hope this works.

[Cewsh]

Yeah, that wound up just being a series of carny lies from Jeff Jarrett. This is the real thing.

[Judas Iscariot]

What was the name of that one fed that looked amazing and had the tapings done but the guy pissed away all the money or something?

[Judas Iscariot]

Wrestling Revolution Project

Don't worry guys I figured it out.

[Donald]

I wonder how many non-elite people will join. Probably lots. Then again there are a lot of non-engertaining people in WWE, but isn't the official name of the company just the acronym now?

[Donald]

I'm fucking whack

[Rancid_Planet]

I'm fucking whack

Who said you're whack?


https://youtu.be/XshORRaNNNU

[Romford Pele]

This is very exciting.

Also main page says Omega will choose between AEW or WWE. He is in a very strong bargaining position.

[Defrost]

I would not take anything Kenny Omega says at face value

[Romford Pele]

Don't be sad he is leaving Japan :(

[MikeHunt]

he worked everyone last year and is doing the same again.

With the amount AEW was mentioned during wrestlekingdom then i would be very very surprised if they are not discussing a partnership.

He cant debut at the rumble either, so thats him stirring it.

and tbh if anyone round here is familiar with Omega and his online/media works its Defrost.

[RuneEdge]

Why can't he debut at the Rumble?

[Defrost]

Why can't he debut at the Rumble?

His NJPW contract doesn’t end until the 31st

[Donald]

Best of luck AEW, just please don't have your goal to put WWE out of business. I enjoy it way to much and would be very sad.

[Tainted Eclipse]

Latest report from meltzer is that AEW and ROH won’t be working together and new japan will be forced to chose ROH. Short sighted

[mr sabu]

Cant see kenny signing to wwe tbh

[MikeHunt]

Latest report from meltzer is that AEW and ROH won’t be working together and new japan will be forced to chose ROH. Short sighted

I'm guessing that is until the MSG show, mania weekend. AEW isn't even a thing yet.

Okada being very loyal to the bucks is the interesting story.

[RuneEdge]

Kenny says he's only going away for a while. So I guess he's probably just going to help launch AEW for a bit and then come back.

[Defrost]

NJPW will do nothing to jeopardize MSG. AEW doesn’t even really exist yet.

[kdestiny]

Yeah, that move makes a load of sense at this point

[Fanny Batter]

It's not really looking like a great thing for wrestling fans at the minute. Obviously everything needs to shake out, but it's just making everything more fragmented. Why would anybody support a promotion with Cody, Young Bucks and Hangman Page when they had all those guys in two easily accessible promotions with loads of talent surrounding them the last 2 years? Fans would surely rather a greater Western expansion for New Japan? Like I get the New Japan name theoretically is limiting in terms of marketing Stateside, but casual wrestling fans don't exist anymore. A promotion name is just that for wrestling fans.

[Donald]

Not a fan of Cody, but it would've been interesting to see him and the other guys in the WWE. Never seen them wrestle before, much like AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, and many before they got to WWE, so it would have been awesome to see all them finally.

[Romford Pele]

Do you not watch stuff outside WWE Donald?

Also Cody is awesome.

[Donald]

Do you not watch stuff outside WWE Donald?

Also Cody is awesome.

Nah I'm a stupid stubborn WWE fan who won't give anything else a chance, not even WCW, ECW, or TNA

[Morrison]

Do you not watch stuff outside WWE Donald?

Also Cody is awesome.

heh, of course you would think cody is awesome.

[Psycho666Soldier]

It's not really looking like a great thing for wrestling fans at the minute. Obviously everything needs to shake out, but it's just making everything more fragmented. Why would anybody support a promotion with Cody, Young Bucks and Hangman Page when they had all those guys in two easily accessible promotions with loads of talent surrounding them the last 2 years? Fans would surely rather a greater Western expansion for New Japan? Like I get the New Japan name theoretically is limiting in terms of marketing Stateside, but casual wrestling fans don't exist anymore. A promotion name is just that for wrestling fans.

I think there's a certain divide for fans. While I do believe much of us truly enjoy NJPW as the full package, there are those who are there for The Elite first and foremost. The big sticking point is, while the styles blend easily, there is a difference in the American Indie style and the New Japan style. And I think both a fandom accustomed to one against other, AND a likely fundamentally different ideology about wrestling between The Elite and the rest of New Japan, there could be a conflict in wanting to try to make New Japan big for people in the west if you felt you had an option that was based in America for English-speaking people.

That's where I could imagine the motivation behind going separate would be. But I do feel that all parties involved should know they're only going to be stronger working together. Someone's gonna have to take the top eventually, but the goal is to compare to WWE first. The territories fell apart because they were all greedy and tried to stick to the way it worked before. New Japan, and to a much greater extent ROH and AEW need each other to remain relevant in a world that is more dominated by WWE by the year. And if they aim to take that on and put an end to their iron grip? They'll only be much stronger by exchanging from each others' talent pools.

[Tainted Eclipse]

Listening to meltzer it feels like ROH is the one holding back cooperation with a short sighted “competition” mind set.

[Hero!]

Once New Japan gets past the MSG show, I fully suspect that they’ll partner with AEW. ROH has gotta know that too, which is why they’re signing up everyone any Fed has an interest in plus they’re working with the NWA now. 2019 is boutta be rough for ROH post-Mania

[BGMaverick]

Once New Japan gets past the MSG show, I fully suspect that they’ll partner with AEW. ROH has gotta know that too, which is why they’re signing up everyone any Fed has an interest in plus they’re working with the NWA now. 2019 is boutta be rough for ROH post-Mania

This kind of feels like the path. Preparing for Omega to leave is something NJPW is clearly working toward but actually allowing it to happen is an entirely different thing. It's entirely up to them on if they're okay with Omega being completely out of the picture. If he's going to AEW (which seems extremely likely), NJPW can shift their working agreement to AEW after April and still keep him in the mix.

[BGMaverick]

SHAD KHAN STATEMENT ON AEW, Tuesday, January 8, 2019

I am the lead investor, a supporter and a backer of All Elite Wrestling, and I anticipate great things today and into the future for AEW and everyone who has worked passionately on this week’s launch. I know AEW will be welcomed by wrestling fans here in the U.S. and throughout the world who are ready for something new and authentic. AEW will work hard to deliver on that promise.

As important, I am the father – the proud father – of Tony Khan, who will serve in a leadership role at AEW during the 2019 launch and in the years ahead. Tony will assemble a great team to take AEW over the top, for the benefit of everyone who loves the wrestling industry, while continuing to serve in his current capacities with the Jaguars and Fulham.

AEW will operate as an organization completely independently from my other interests. It will not deter attention or divert resources from any of my businesses, teams, projects or investments. At the same time, AEW will enjoy the same full commitment I given to everything and everyone in my life – my family and friends, my business and, in recent years, to sports, hospitality and now entertainment.


TONY KHAN STATEMENT ON AEW, Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Wrestling fans are a community unlike most others. I’ve been a part of this community since I was 7 years old, and I can tell you that wresting fans see the world every day through a special lens. We see wrestling in Hollywood films and tv shows, we see elements of wrestling in the presentation of sports and in the marketing of grandiose star athletes, and we certainly see wrestling in politics.

The wrestling community is a constant; its members are diverse, we are physically located on all corners of the planet, yet we are constantly connected. Recently, a new family has formed, bonded by love and respect for wrestling but armed with a vision and resources that have never before been available to the wrestling community. Our objective is to connect our community closer than ever before through All Elite Wrestling, or AEW.

AEW does not mean any less of a continued commitment to existing obligations and duties that I have, or my family has, to our business and sports interests. That will never be the case. What’s important is that every individual decision we make as family, whether it’s ownership or investment in a team or property, is 100 percent beneficial to those specific interests. I will always welcome that accountability and responsibility, as nothing is more important than serving our supporters and friends.

AEW will launch with a roster of the top wrestlers in the world. While they’ll clash in what will be some of the most intense and fast-paced contests ever sanctioned in the squared circle, they’ll also share a common goal: to make this the true golden age, to make this the greatest time ever to be a wrestling fan. Likewise, as a business, by treating our wrestlers with respect and warmth, we also seek to make this the golden age for the performers themselves.

I urge everyone who believes in what we’re doing, or wants to believe in dreams coming true, to support AEW by spreading the word and passing the wrestling bug onto someone else. My message: Get in on the ground floor with AEW today and help lead our movement to grow the wrestling community and ensure that the voices of the wrestling fans, their creative minds and their remarkable ideas, will always be heard.

[Donald]

I'm picturing Genghis and Shere Khan speaking here and it's makin me lol

[Randolph]

How dare you forget Chaka Khan Chaka Khan

[JP]

Ain't nobody like Chaka Khan Chaka Khan Chaka Khan.

[3puppies]

Killer Khan broke Andre the Giant's leg. At first I thought they might be related, but Killer Khan was from Parts Unknown

[Donald]

Killer Khan vs. Chaka Khan vs. Genghis Khan vs. Shere Khan vs. Tony Khan vs. Shad Khan vs. JTG Khan as the main event of AEW's first show.

Guest commentator would be Booker T, who comes out to "Khan You Dig It Sucka!"

[Nash Diesel]

It's not really looking like a great thing for wrestling fans at the minute. Obviously everything needs to shake out, but it's just making everything more fragmented. Why would anybody support a promotion with Cody, Young Bucks and Hangman Page when they had all those guys in two easily accessible promotions with loads of talent surrounding them the last 2 years? Fans would surely rather a greater Western expansion for New Japan? Like I get the New Japan name theoretically is limiting in terms of marketing Stateside, but casual wrestling fans don't exist anymore. A promotion name is just that for wrestling fans.

Casual wrestling fans do exist. But what I consider a casual wrestling fan in 2019 is not the same as a casual wrestling fan in 1999 because pro wrestling is not mainstream like it was in 1999.

IMHO, someone like DONALD is a casual wrestling fan. They know the WWE, maybe saw some Bullet Club merch at Hot Topic or whatever and that's about it. The same fan who back in 1999 might not have understood why it was a big deal for The Dudleyz to sign with the WWF or Taz because they didn't follow ECW. Probably saw their merch at Spencer's, maybe on the ppv ordering screen.

I had the luxury of being born in 1981 so I still remember as a kid the different territories and then fast forward to the 90's you still had 6-7 promotions outside of WCW and WWF that you could follow (NJPW, AJPW, ECW, USWA, the list goes on). So I'm not negative toward people not just settling in WWE or New Japan or even Ring of Honor just because a fan like you would prefer them to suck it up and work somewhere maybe they weren't comfortable with being part of.

This is how promotions generally start. Wrestlers and/or promoters break away and start their own thing and whether it blows up or not we don't know. This shit has just been born, we have 4-5 wrestlers we know that are part of it and that's it.

[Jordo]

What was the name of that one fed that looked amazing and had the tapings done but the guy pissed away all the money or something?

Jericho was funding that too lol.

Omega (I think) did a moonsault dive and shattered a super expensive crystal chandelier

Apparently the footage of that was amazing but it's gone forever

[Nash Diesel]

Jericho was funding that too lol.

Omega (I think) did a moonsault dive and shattered a super expensive crystal chandelier

Apparently the footage of that was amazing but it's gone forever

Was this the promotion where they had legit wrestlers like MVP, Chris Hero and Masters but they had altered names or completely different names?

[Jordo]

Was this the promotion where they had legit wrestlers like MVP, Chris Hero and Masters but they had altered names or completely different names?

I'm pretty sure that's the one.

[Jordo]

I just looked and the roster was fucking stacked. Omega, Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, amazing red, colt cabana, Sami Callahan, Eli drake, Chris Hero.

Pretty sure I'm still missing some of the big names

[Nash Diesel]

I just looked and the roster was fucking stacked. Omega, Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, amazing red, colt cabana, Sami Callahan, Eli drake, Chris Hero.

Pretty sure I'm still missing some of the big names

It had potential and the people who went to the tapings I remember had nothing but positive things to say about the presentation and the wrestling.

[Donald]

Just read that Neville maybe be signing with AEW as he's in Florida for their event.

[Nash Diesel]

Just read that Neville maybe be signing with AEW as he's in Florida for their event.

I think right now every talent that is a possible free agent so to speak will be rumored to sign. I have a feeling AEW will be like most promotions outside the WWE umbrella that have a lot of different working relationships and maybe only a handful of real AEW talent.

[Hero!]

Press conference/rally live on YouTube/insta/fb/Twitter now. Wwe is also in Jacksonville tonight so this is fun.

[Beer-Belly]

It does sound like PAC is a lock. Bryan Alvarez mentioned that there's some super secret signing that no one knows about.

[Hero!]

Billy Gunn working as a producer

[JP]

Well that were cringe.

[Tainted Eclipse]

i wouldn't say this press conference is lighting the world on fire

[Ringo]

Some guy on Reddit who apparently called AEW early reckons they'll be on TNT which I guess would be pretty huge?

[Hero!]

MJF, Joey Janela, and Penelope Ford signed

[Ringo]

Looks like PAC's in as well.

[Hero!]

Pac!!!!

[Tainted Eclipse]

JERICHO. well there's a big news item.

[JP]

Well bloody hell, Jericho.

[Ringo]

Woah, Jericho.

[Hero!]

Jericho holy shit

[RuneEdge]

So this Double or Nothing is like their upcoming PPV, but how are they going to build angles and stuff leading up to it? Do they have smaller weekly shows/tapings or something planned?

[Ringo]

So this Double or Nothing is like their upcoming PPV, but how are they going to build angles and stuff leading up to it? Do they have smaller weekly shows/tapings or something planned?

They'll use Being The Elite I'd imagine.

[BGMaverick]

So this Double or Nothing is like their upcoming PPV, but how are they going to build angles and stuff leading up to it? Do they have smaller weekly shows/tapings or something planned?

Basically how they did for All In: Being the Elite.

I imagine their big announcement at Double or Nothing will be the TV deal.

[RuneEdge]

That made sense to me with All In as that was like a stand alone show. Now they have a brand/company name (AEW) and they have people apparently signing contracts. That would've lead me to assume there was going to be shows being taped or something.

Or course its still very early, so maybe I'm looking too far ahead here.

[Beer-Belly]

That was pretty damn promising for a press conference.

[mitch]

That was pretty damn promising for a press conference.


No, not really

[BGMaverick]

That made sense to me with All In as that was like a stand alone show. Now they have a brand/company name (AEW) and they have people apparently signing contracts. That would've lead me to assume there was going to be shows being taped or something.

Or course its still very early, so maybe I'm looking too far ahead here.

It would seem like a pretty substantial misfire if the big news coming out of Double or Nothing isn't an announcement of a TV deal. If for whatever reason it wasn't then, I would assume they would have announced that today or in the very immediate future. It's not like you just announce a TV deal and you all of the sudden pop up on that network...at least if it's a legit network.

I imagine the next episode or two of BTE will focus on Omega and his eventual signing, recapping the pep rally and then you spend the next 3-4 months building their segments on the show to build their card for the PPV (and probably announce incentives, benefits, or perks as open/public negotiations for prospective signees). It's basically a scaled down version of what WWE does.

[Ringo]

Did they say there was going to be a big announcement at Double or Nothing?

[Jordo]

Well I went to all in because it was such a big deal and within driving distance.

Thinking I'll be making a trip to Vegas in May now.

[Jordo]

So it's total hearsay but there is talk that a WWE main event guy is interested in AEW.

So let's have some fun. Who do you think it could be?

My first thought is Finn, his main roster run has been fairly forgettable. I could see him being fairly unhappy in WWE and a promotion essentially run by wrestlers (and friends) could be a place he would wanna be. The rumors of gallows and Anderson being interested would only add to this.

I guess AJ would be an obvious choice but I don't know how he could be all that unhappy with WWE.

I think Shinsuke's contract is up before long but I see him going back to NJPW. I don't think I see him doing the AEW thing if he leaves WWE.

I know it's all rumors and I'm sure some of you are rolling your eyes at this post but fuck it. I enjoy thinking about it.

[wardy]

This is very exciting.

[BGMaverick]

It's also a nice touch to announce that a large portion of the gate for their Jacksonville show would go to benefit victims of gun violence. That's a nice sense of the market they're in, considering the tragic shooting back in September.

[lotjx]

AJ redid his contract and Finn maybe the odds on favorite to win the RR. Safe bet is Shin. His contract his up, he has no title and is really beneath his stature on Smackdown. Outside shots could be Braun, Bayley, Sasha or even Daniel Bryan. I am really excited about this project. The fact they have Jericho signing up on CNN's main page is nuts. Congratulations to Brandi for making this feel important as opposed to Global Wrestling sending in a LinkedIn Request.

[Jordo]

AJ redid his contract and Finn maybe the odds on favorite to win the RR. Safe bet is Shin. His contract his up, he has no title and is really beneath his stature on Smackdown. Outside shots could be Braun, Bayley, Sasha or even Daniel Bryan. I am really excited about this project. The fact they have Jericho signing up on CNN's main page is nuts. Congratulations to Brandi for making this feel important as opposed to Global Wrestling sending in a LinkedIn Request.

Bryan just signed a new deal though didn't he?

[lotjx]

Bryan just signed a new deal though didn't he?

I thought so, but I also thought it was just for a few months. Again, I said Danei was a very outside shot. Shin is probably the odds on favorite, I can see Ziggler being another option.

[Beer-Belly]

Bryan will likely be in WWE for years. I think Shinsuke will probably go back to New Japan at some point. Chad Gable should go to AEW when his contract is up. That guy is underutilized.

[Donald]

Is this the beginning of the downfall of WWE or do you see WWE stepping up their game like vs WCW? Or will AEW just be another TNA?

[Badger]

WWE need to give Chad a proper singles push now. American Alpha was good but the team with Roode is so crap. Same outfits yes but they are still oh soooo bland and they don't even have a team name.

Heel Roode and face Chad singles push for them both IMO. Together they are shite but individually they could do well.

Also Bryan should stay where he is. His current heel run is very refreshing.

[Cewsh]

I wonder if it might be Orton.

[Jordo]

I wonder if it might be Orton.

That's a really fun idea.

I'm a bit of an Orton mark myself so I may be biased but I'd fucking love it. Orton is always at his best when he's motivated or having fun it seems. AEW would probably be a great place for that and my God the matchup potential. Orton vs Okada has been a dream match of mine for a while and Orton in AEW would be on step closer to that.

However, I just don't see it. He's a half step above being a legit part time guy now. AEW appears to be paying something comparable to WWE but I didn't take that as comparable to what top level wwe guys are making. He has a relaxed schedule and also appears to be enjoying himself when he is on TV. He's working with the best WWE has to offer currently.

I'd love it. Absolutely love it and something about Orton's character irl (podcast interviews and twitter) seems to fit with the idea of jumping to AEW but ya, I don't see it.

[Jordo]

Is this the beginning of the downfall of WWE or do you see WWE stepping up their game like vs WCW? Or will AEW just be another TNA?

I absolutely do not see this as the downfall of WWE, I also don't think that's what AEW wants to be. Kenny in particular has talked a lot about wanting the wrestling community to work together. He doesn't like the idea that for some stupid reason the elite couldn't fight because one was WWE and the others weren't. It's not good for the wrestlers and it's not the best for wrestling as a whole.

Also we've seen time and time again when Wwe's feet are put to the fire they can turn it on and be everything we love about wrestling.

I think WWE turns it on now, I think we are already seeing it. I don't think AEW is the main reason for the recent "shake up" but I do think they're part of it. I think the revivals recent push and the Finn rumors are partly because of AEW. They've known about AEW for a while now. On top of it this huge fox deal is also a massive amount of pressure. Sure it's awesome for wwe to have the exposure but if smackdown flops it's fucking terrible for WWE.

I don't want to make any predictions but I think WWE will be fine. I also think AEW will be fine. High tide raises all ships.

The RIP WWE shit is stupid.

[Rancid_Planet]

Is this the beginning of the downfall of WWE or do you see WWE stepping up their game like vs WCW? Or will AEW just be another TNA?

WWE are the COKE of wrestling. The Mcdonalds. The Wal-Mart.

Doesn't mean there can't be a Mt. Dew or a Burger King but c'mahn.

[Jitters]

What about Joe? Possibly see him jumping ship...

I'm quite excited about this AEW, really got a good feeling about this one, hope it does well. Let's be honest WWE needs a competitor and this could actually be....IT.

[mr sabu]

good brothers, nak and almas i can see jumping ship when there contracts are up

[Ringo]

Some quotes from Tony Khan


"Tony Khan was interviewed after the AEW rally and said wrestling was always his hobby after work, but now the stars aligned for him to get involved in the business."

"According to our onsite correspondent, Tony Khan also said during a press interview that healthcare for AEW is something they hope to iron out soon. The hope is for employees to gain full-time employment with their company."

""And also favorable schedules, and I don't wanna run down guys with too many dates or too much time on the road," Khan continued. "I feel really positive about what we're doing in terms of taking care of the guys. We have great management and the guys we're focusing it on, Cody and the Bucks, they are very, very hands on with the talent. And I'm sure, for us, the kind of people we're bringing in, they're gonna contribute to the company in a number of ways. And I think that, yeah, there is a package, a competition package and healthcare package that could be available."

All sounds quite positive.

[Fanny Batter]

The WWE really made a mistake going to Saudi Arabia. Any left leaning wrestler not happy with their push who can earn the same money without having to perform for that setup are likely to consider AEW as an option. Not that I expect that to be a load of guys, but certainly the ones that are publically LGBTQ-conscious (Zayn, Balor?) would consider it.

[Donald]

Kind of funny you call your promotion All Elite when you have a mid carder as an executive and Billy Gunn as a fucking producer.

[JP]

Healthcare and full-time employees (I'm taking that as instead of contractors), brilliant. Drag Vince's heels over hot coals, loudly, for the heartless shit they've pulled on that nonsense for years now.

[RFF Champ]

Has Jericho ever said how Vince feels about him working the indies?

[RFF Champ]

The WWE really made a mistake going to Saudi Arabia. Any left leaning wrestler not happy with their push who can earn the same money without having to perform for that setup are likely to consider AEW as an option. Not that I expect that to be a load of guys, but certainly the ones that are publically LGBTQ-conscious (Zayn, Balor?) would consider it.

Balor or Zayn leaving wouldn't convince them to stop serving lemonade in the canteen, yet alone not go to Saudi Arabia.

[Fanny Batter]

If they lose talent, talent with big social media presence, and AEW proceed with the big push on health insurance, recognising talent as employees and equality within the work place, their voice can certainly reach significant media outlets and start spinning the wheels in changing this "independent contractor" status.

[Tainted Eclipse]

Who are WWE guys who should be no brainers to go, in terms of their career benefit I mean? Gable for sure. I’d say Cesaro too. Zayn maybe, depending on the money. What he makes in merch might make it hard for aew to attract him, I dunno. They push balor enough that I don’t think it’s a no brainer for him.

[Stocky]

I'm worried about the guaranteed high paying contracts a bit WCW style but if this mean the lower card are paid better that is awesome. I guess they will know when they are searching for talent they will know which ones will just coast or who cares about the business.

Becky looking at a 2 million contract if she jumps with the equal pay for men/women though.

[Jordo]

Kind of funny you call your promotion All Elite when you have a mid carder as an executive and Billy Gunn as a fucking producer.

Almost all the producers in WWE are midcard guys. Or even straight up low card dudes.

You're being silly.

[lotjx]

Becky would sell $2 million dollar in merchandise in about three months if not sooner. The biggest problem WCW had was giving high contracts to people like Rick Rude and the Million Dollar Man who couldn't really wrestle anymore. They didn't improve the product and it was only done to steal anyone who worked with WWF at the time to kill Vince's roster. I don't see AEW giving contracts to Alicia Fox like they would for Becky or Sasha or Bayley. They know who the workers are and who have enough charisma or at least brains on how to make themselves money. The people who are going to jump are still going to wrestle. Shin/Jericho or Finn/Omega is enough for me to tune in. I do think if they are going after the women, I would look at Vyper and few other Mae Young women who didn't get contracts for some weird reason.

- - - Updated - - -


Almost all the producers in WWE are midcard guys. Or even straight up low card dudes.

You're being silly.

I love Dusty and I love Ric, but they were shit bookers same goes for Nash, but I don't love him.

[JP]

Dusty Rhodes was a shit booker?

Pass me the fucking Gin.

[Rip]

Are we thinking of the same bloke here lotjx?

Bit pudgy, blonde hair and partial to double denim?

Oh, and not in any way shit?

[Nash Diesel]

The WWE really made a mistake going to Saudi Arabia. Any left leaning wrestler not happy with their push who can earn the same money without having to perform for that setup are likely to consider AEW as an option. Not that I expect that to be a load of guys, but certainly the ones that are publically LGBTQ-conscious (Zayn, Balor?) would consider it.

I'll give you credit. You are more than likely the only person on the planet who would make that correlation. Why is AEW special? What did I miss?

And let's be honest.....Sure a guy like Chris Jericho can be part of this, sure a guy like Neville, Cody, Bucks, all who are set for the rest of the lives. But we've heard this in the MMA world with so many promotions like Affliction. Or how about when Mark Cuban was trying to help out Ring of Honor? This shit is not something you can't immediately promise WWE level pay and everything they don't offer (light schedule, health benefits-which he did point out it depends on the contract).


But I don't see how WWE going to Saudi Arabia means a damn when it comes to AEW.

[Slare]

It means a damn because a number of the wrestlers were vocally unhappy about them going to Saudi Arabia and more or less promoting state sponsored propaganda in an incredibly volatile political time.

WWE is historically right leaning and republican, and have their attachements to Trump.

Some will not like that and see a more left leaning AEW with healthcare and insurance as a viable alternative if the money is right.

[Murphy]

Dusty didn't always have the best rep though, right? The 'Dusty finish' comes to mind, but I'm not sure when he was actually booking. And, of course, other bookers would use the old 'Dusty finish', so. :dunno:

Small part of the job, of course.

[Cewsh]

Dusty was a big picture and idea making genius as a booker. He just wasn’t capable of overseeing a national expansion. In his defense, neither was anyone else not named Vince McMahon.

[JP]

But I don't see how WWE going to Saudi Arabia means a damn when it comes to AEW.

Really?

It's one thing swallowing your pride and going along with your employers acceptance to work as a propaganda arm for a homophobic, female controlling, religious nutcase, undemocratic, theocratic nightmarescape if there's a chance that what they're telling the world is true, that they're acting as an agent of change, attempting to help reform from within.

But when that's shown to be lies, their influence continuing to devastating effect in the displacement and killing of countless people, along with the officially sanctioned murder of an American resident and journalist, that could prove too big of a pill to swallow.

People make decisions based on their personal politics alll of the time. With another organisation there to work for, with what seems like, potentially, only a small reduction in pay, that makes taking a stand on such things an easier decision to make.

[Nash Diesel]

Really?

It's one thing swallowing your pride and going along with your employers acceptance to work as a propaganda arm for a homophobic, female controlling, religious nutcase, undemocratic, theocratic nightmarescape if there's a chance that what they're telling the world is true, that they're acting as an agent of change, attempting to help reform from within.

But when that's shown to be lies, their influence continuing to devastating effect in the displacement and killing of countless people, along with the officially sanctioned murder of an American resident and journalist, that could prove too big of a pill to swallow.

People make decisions based on their personal politics alll of the time. With another organisation there to work for, with what seems like, potentially, only a small reduction in pay, that makes taking a stand on such things an easier decision to make.

BUT WHY IS ALL ELITE WRESTLING SPECIAL WHEN IT COMES TO WWE GOING TO SAUDI ARABIA?

WHAT ABOUT RING OF HONOR, NEW JAPAN, 3XW HERE IN DES MOINES, IA????

Homeboy came in to a thread about AEW and starts talking about how WWE going to Saudi Arabia is a good thing for AEW.

I mean, last I checked Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were pretty tight and AEW is owned by a Pakistani-American so I don't get the correlation other than "No fucking shit if they don't like the WWE they can go somewhere else" lol.

[Cewsh]

AEW is actually paying enough to be a viable alternative. That’s the difference. It’s easier to make a moral stand when it won’t hurt your family.

[Fanny Batter]

Nash, don't be an idiot. That last sentence is possibly the worst thing I've seen on the forum for a long time. What a stupid thing to say.

The correlation is quite clear to anybody with their wits about them - the WWE, by virtue of going to Saudi Arabia, will have alienated their left leaning talent based on the stone-age treatment of homosexuals and women in that country. Relevant because some talent refused to go, some were openly sceptical, and the women weren't even allowed. Now this new promotion, that unlike ROH, NJPW etc, has set out clear left leaning political views during their press conference (gate donated to gun violence, specifically mentioning the company is for everybody, equal pay, health insurance), and can offer comparative rates of compensation. The WWE made a statement by continuing to go to Saudi Arabia - money means more than making a stand against a monstrous regime. Some people don't like that, and if there is an alternative that doesn't have those beliefs, they'd wish to seek them.

[3puppies]

Has Jericho ever said how Vince feels about him working the indies?

As I recall, before he worked his program with Omega in Japan, he basically said that he called Vince about it and told him this was something he wanted to do, he'd knew never have a chance to perform at that headline level but because he knew everyone thought of him as a WWE guy, out of respect to Vince, he wouldn't do it if Vince objected. Vince was all for it and wished him well. But Jericho also made comments about feeling it was okay to work in Japan since it wasn't really competing with Vince - Jericho has gone on record and made it clear in so many ways how much he respects and likes Vince - so it wouldn't surprise me at all to hear that Vince wished him well with AEW as well. Jericho does have a great mind for the business, he is very creative, and I am very intrigued. I guess it means the next Fozzy tour will be on hold.


Three other thoughts -

1. If AEW is looking for a big name who is through with WWE, I wonder if they have reached out to CM Punk/AJ Lee, or if they would even take their call.

2. Since Khan is bankrolling this, he has to be looking at the huge TV deal payday that WWE got from Fox and hoping to recoup some of his investment. Fact is, live TV still brings in viewers more than anything else - new content matters. But does that necessarily mean a weekly show?

3. What does it mean that wins and losses will actually matter?

[Donald]

They'll probably bring back a ranking system. A win will move you up towards a title shot or something. Which is actually the one thing I actually like about this AEW. You're obviously in the game to win championships and money, so why settle for a meaningless feud. Apollo Crews can win every week against Jobber #1 but it means nothing in the long run. I wish they had that shit. "Apollo Crews beats Jinder Mahal, he is now one step closer to being in contention for the Intercontinental Title"

I like Apollo Crews.

[Nash Diesel]

AEW is actually paying enough to be a viable alternative. That’s the difference. It’s easier to make a moral stand when it won’t hurt your family.

Yeah but one has to think they're not just going to open the checkbook Ted Turner style and make that same mistake WCW and others have made when someone with fat pockets claims they're in it for the long haul.


Nash, don't be an idiot. That last sentence is possibly the worst thing I've seen on the forum for a long time. What a stupid thing to say.

The correlation is quite clear to anybody with their wits about them - the WWE, by virtue of going to Saudi Arabia, will have alienated their left leaning talent based on the stone-age treatment of homosexuals and women in that country. Relevant because some talent refused to go, some were openly sceptical, and the women weren't even allowed. Now this new promotion, that unlike ROH, NJPW etc, has set out clear left leaning political views during their press conference (gate donated to gun violence, specifically mentioning the company is for everybody, equal pay, health insurance), and can offer comparative rates of compensation. The WWE made a statement by continuing to go to Saudi Arabia - money means more than making a stand against a monstrous regime. Some people don't like that, and if there is an alternative that doesn't have those beliefs, they'd wish to seek them.

Some of the shit they were talking about made me raise the people's eyebrow i.e. equal pay. So you're going to honestly try to convince me that no matter the drawing power, no matter the experience, everyone is going to make the same amount of money?

I think you're reading a little too deep into the Saudi Arabia thing.


As I recall, before he worked his program with Omega in Japan, he basically said that he called Vince about it and told him this was something he wanted to do, he'd knew never have a chance to perform at that headline level but because he knew everyone thought of him as a WWE guy, out of respect to Vince, he wouldn't do it if Vince objected. Vince was all for it and wished him well. But Jericho also made comments about feeling it was okay to work in Japan since it wasn't really competing with Vince - Jericho has gone on record and made it clear in so many ways how much he respects and likes Vince - so it wouldn't surprise me at all to hear that Vince wished him well with AEW as well. Jericho does have a great mind for the business, he is very creative, and I am very intrigued. I guess it means the next Fozzy tour will be on hold.


Three other thoughts -

1. If AEW is looking for a big name who is through with WWE, I wonder if they have reached out to CM Punk/AJ Lee, or if they would even take their call.

2. Since Khan is bankrolling this, he has to be looking at the huge TV deal payday that WWE got from Fox and hoping to recoup some of his investment. Fact is, live TV still brings in viewers more than anything else - new content matters. But does that necessarily mean a weekly show?

3. What does it mean that wins and losses will actually matter?

With a small enough roster you could manage wins/losses more shoot-style than you could with a roster like WWE. Even then you could still do it but the time it would take to maintain a reason to do such a thing would be tasking.

[Cewsh]

They didn’t say everyone would make the same. They said men and women would be making the same. Assumedly based on that drawing power and earning potential.

[Nash Diesel]

They didn’t say everyone would make the same. They said men and women would be making the same. Assumedly based on that drawing power and earning potential.

lol. "They didn't say everyone, just men and women" Who are we missing? I get it. 2019, a million different labels people are giving themselves but I think it was pretty odd for them to make that statement considering none of the women they have so far are even as well known as Hangman Page.

Imagine Kenny Omega and Brandi Rhodes making the same exact money. Mind blowing.

[Jordo]

1. If AEW is looking for a big name who is through with WWE, I wonder if they have reached out to CM Punk/AJ Lee, or if they would even take their call.


Punk and one of if not both of the bucks are close friends. I remember them mentioning that they talked weekly, and punk was at the All In press conference.

It's possible

[Cewsh]

lol. "They didn't say everyone, just men and women" Who are we missing? I get it. 2019, a million different labels people are giving themselves but I think it was pretty odd for them to make that statement considering none of the women they have so far are even as well known as Hangman Page.

Imagine Kenny Omega and Brandi Rhodes making the same exact money. Mind blowing.

Well Brandi is an executive with the company, but I doubt that’s what you meant.

Nobody is saying that Britt Baker and Chris Jericho will get paid the same. Wage equality is equal pay for equal value. Ronda Rousey should be able to make the same as Brock Lesnar. A female midcarder should make mid card money, instead of a pittance.

[Nash Diesel]

Well Brandi is an executive with the company, but I doubt that’s what you meant.

Nobody is saying that Britt Baker and Chris Jericho will get paid the same. Wage equality is equal pay for equal value. Ronda Rousey should be able to make the same as Brock Lesnar. A female midcarder should make mid card money, instead of a pittance.

Who decides that though? How can an upstart company without any history sign Viper and Kenny Omega and truly determine which one is more beneficial toward the growth of AEW?

I just think some of the stuff they were saying was a little over the top. Like I said to Fanny Batter, we've heard this a lot in MMA where new companies try to put out there that they're going to do everything better than the UFC. We've seen it with wrestling as well.

Regardless....I'm super fucking exciting for what is going down. When you have Conrad fucking Thompson at your press conference you know shit is getting real. I am curious to see how Chris Jericho fits into this. Is he a staple of the roster? Is he JUST a wrestler or does he have any creative input? And what kind of wrestling company are we going to see....Storyline driven ala WWE or more pro wrestling oriented like New Japan?

[Donald]

That Scorpio Sky (what a dumb name) guy has the same birthday as me.

[Nash Diesel]

They should hire Damien Sandow.

[3puppies]

There is no doubt at all that Jericho will have creative input on his own storylines. And with Jericho, there will be without a doubt a story being told - I can't think of another guy today (maybe Owens or the Miz are close) who understands better than Jericho that matches are more satisfying when the crowd has a reason to watch them perform. It doesn't have to be for revenge or for ranking for title shot, even a simple "I'm better than you!" goes a long way.

[BGMaverick]

I'm pretty sure Jericho's point of view is that match quality really won't matter if the characters/personalities aren't up to snuff.

[Romford Pele]

Kind of funny you call your promotion All Elite when you have a mid carder as an executive and Billy Gunn as a fucking producer.

Sound a bit bitter there Donald

[Randolph]

Does All Elite Wrestling sound like a global brand name? Sounds like an old e-fed I belonged to back in 1999.

[Nash Diesel]

Does All Elite Wrestling sound like a global brand name? Sounds like an old e-fed I belonged to back in 1999.

Yes. It's wrestling, no name is going to stand out as a "global brand name" without it sounding corny to non-wrestling fans. As wrestling fans, All Elite Wrestling is no less corny than World Wrestling Entertainment.

[xtHeWalLsOfJeRiChOx]

With Jericho being apart of it, I will definitely want to watch it. He will probably get a better shake than with Vince at this point. Would love to see Chris Daniels vs Jericho.

[Donald]

I mean when you're in a circle jerk with Cody, Jacksons, Kenny Omego you're gonna get a lot of shakes.

[Gampo]

after a long break from watching wrestling and being sick of the WWE product this has me pretty excited to see how it turns out.

I'm unaware of WWE contract length or anything currently but could any of the following be possibilities?

Bray Wyatt
Kevin Owens
Luke Harper
Aiden English

[Defrost]

Dusty Rhodes was a shit booker?

Pass me the fucking Gin.

Dusty was one of the best bookers for about two years in JCP and then was such a shit booker he killed the territory. When he came back to WCW after the WWF run he was basically solid whenever he had the book.

[Nash Diesel]

I think a lot of people just think of the positives they've heard about Dusty Rhodes with NXT they just assume that he must have been the man forever when he had the book. Not true. He was just about as good and bad as anyone else that gets propped up or shit on. Like, I don't think Dusty Rhodes is a better booker than Vince Russo and vice versa. They did shit I liked, did more I didn't lol.

[Rancid_Planet]

after a long break from watching wrestling and being sick of the WWE product this has me pretty excited to see how it turns out.

I'm unaware of WWE contract length or anything currently but could any of the following be possibilities?

Bray Wyatt
Kevin Owens
Luke Harper
Aiden English

The others I'm not sure of but recently Meltzer stated that Owens was under contract for years to come.

[Jordo]

Did a quick Google for wwe contracts expiring this year. Here is the list I found. The ones listed as later probably just signed recently.

Mauro Ranallo: June 2019
Kevin Owens: April 2023 (minimum; signed 5-year deal in 2018)
Paige: 2019
Big Show: Spring 2021
Mandy Rose: Late 2020
Jim Ross: March 2019
The Miz: 2022
Stephanie McMahon - October 7, 2019 (as on-screen talent)
Mojo Rawley- 2020
Rey Mysterio- October 2020 (out clause after 18 months)
The Good Brothers- September 2019
Shinsuke Nakamura- 2019
AJ Styles- April 2019

[Jordo]

Mauro, the good Brothers, Nak and AJ would all fit.

Had no idea AJ was coming up on the end of his deal

[Kev]

Who would you have as play by play and colour for AEW?

I know everyone hates him, but I've always enjoyed Matt Stryker's work :$

[Version 6]

Has Tony Schiavone's work in MLW been any good?

[Jordo]

Who would you have as play by play and colour for AEW?

I know everyone hates him, but I've always enjoyed Matt Stryker's work :$

Callis is almost surely involved. He mentioned in a podcast recently that he was going to be calling some stuff for another project.

Callis and Ranallo would be a pretty fucking good pairing. Hard saying if Ranallo would leave WWE though. He's an NXT announcer but he does seem to enjoy it. Could just be more how much he loves nxt's product though.

People are pretty high on that Excalibur fellow but I think he's ROH.

[Randolph]

There's no way Styles leaves. He has been that one TNA guy that WWE has treated relatively well over the last few years.

[Psycho666Soldier]

Excalibur's PWG. He's one of the founders and current co-owner. So he will absolutely be available if they're going to have PWG connections like stated. Personally, I like his style for PWG. Not really sure how it would translate here.

[Psycho666Soldier]

I think you could argue AJ Styles has been treated better than he was in NJPW at this point. Two World title reigns, one of them being over a year long. Three high profile WrestleMania matches, the last one being a defense of the WWE TItle. I would assume a pretty high Win/Loss ratio. On top of that, seemingly complete freedom to do as he pleases.

So yeah, I see little reason AJ leaves for AEW any time soon.

[BGMaverick]

Unless they're magically wooed by the quasi push they're getting now, I imagine The Revival are a team primed to go to AEW.

[Psycho666Soldier]

Here's the question: do the Bucks ever win the tag belts?

[Romford Pele]

There's no way Styles leaves. He has been that one TNA guy that WWE has treated relatively well over the last few years.

Great bargaining position now. He should be able to leverage pretty much whatever he wants now from Vince.

Imagine if he went to AEW. Game changer. The other interesting one here is Punk. Could he be tempted?

[Vee-Bee]

Who would you have as play by play and colour for AEW?

I know everyone hates him, but I've always enjoyed Matt Stryker's work :$

I think this will be a controversial decision-- but I'd like to see Conrad Thompson incorporated into the commentary booth-- maybe as the "third man" who plugs the product & social media, talks about it from a different perspective.

[RuneEdge]

Kind of funny you call your promotion All Elite when you have a mid carder as an executive and Billy Gunn as a fucking producer.

As opposed to the main event calibre of producers the WWE have in Road Dogg and Billy Kidman. :yes:

[RFF Champ]

Did a quick Google for wwe contracts expiring this year. Here is the list I found. The ones listed as later probably just signed recently.

Mauro Ranallo: June 2019
Kevin Owens: April 2023 (minimum; signed 5-year deal in 2018)
Paige: 2019
Big Show: Spring 2021
Mandy Rose: Late 2020
Jim Ross: March 2019
The Miz: 2022
Stephanie McMahon - October 7, 2019 (as on-screen talent)
Mojo Rawley- 2020
Rey Mysterio- October 2020 (out clause after 18 months)
The Good Brothers- September 2019
Shinsuke Nakamura- 2019
AJ Styles- April 2019

Let me tell you for free that there is zero chance AJ Styles' contract runs out in April. If this is the type of thing wrestling fans believe then I'm going to start a subscription service.

[BGMaverick]

Who would you have as play by play and colour for AEW?

I know everyone hates him, but I've always enjoyed Matt Stryker's work :$

The guy that was up there with Conrad, Alex Marvez, is a writer in Florida and apparently he might be involved in some form or fashion with commentary. Maybe a backstage interviewer or something. I would imagine JR is going to be a potential candidate.

[Jordo]

Let me tell you for free that there is zero chance AJ Styles' contract runs out in April. If this is the type of thing wrestling fans believe then I'm going to start a subscription service.

I'm curious how you're so sure

[RuneEdge]

You'd think he feels appreciated with what WWE have given him, with the title runs, cover star of the video game, etc. If those kind of things didn't matter to him, he'd still be at New Japan.

[BGMaverick]

Just based on stuff I've seen from him with interviews or even WWE-produced items, family and time with them are important and becoming more important. The easy angle to come to a solution is a reduced schedule for Styles.

[Honey_Badger]

Vince loves AJ, and AJ has gone on record and discussed his strong relationship with the McMahon's. AJ is primed to be pushed into an executive/backstage role once he retires from wrestling. There is no way he leaves for an up-and-coming company when he has everything waiting for him currently.

[RFF Champ]

I'm curious how you're so sure

Because he's one of the most pushed superstars, they made him the face of a show for a year, their biggest wrestling documentary of recent months was about him, he's about to be in a WWE title match at a big 4 PPV, and he's in a big angle with Vince McMahon right now. If they had any fear his contract would be up around Wrestlemania then they wouldn't be doing any of that let alone all of it.

[Nash Diesel]

People think any affiliation whatsoever with the Bullet Club and the Bucks=potential AEW talent. I get it. AJ Styles isn't going anywhere though imo. S

[Jordo]

Because he's one of the most pushed superstars, they made him the face of a show for a year, their biggest wrestling documentary of recent months was about him, he's about to be in a WWE title match at a big 4 PPV, and he's in a big angle with Vince McMahon right now. If they had any fear his contract would be up around Wrestlemania then they wouldn't be doing any of that let alone all of it.

I mean all of that is true but his contract could still be up after mania. Punk cut the pipe bomb promo right before his contract was up and they still werent sure he was gonna sign. WWE brought Daniel Bryan back right before his contract was up and started his return push.

I'm not saying he's definitely going to leave, or even probably. But his position on the card/push does not mean his contract isn't up then. They could very easily wrap everything up at mania if he was leaving.

[RFF Champ]

I mean all of that is true but his contract could still be up after mania. Punk cut the pipe bomb promo right before his contract was up and they still werent sure he was gonna sign. WWE brought Daniel Bryan back right before his contract was up and started his return push.

I'm not saying he's definitely going to leave, or even probably. But his position on the card/push does not mean his contract isn't up then. They could very easily wrap everything up at mania if he was leaving.

AJ Styles is the single biggest rub that could leave WWE and go to AEW. If they could hand pick one WWE superstar it would be AJ Styles. He's the darling of the community AEW are targeting.

[Nash Diesel]

Correct me if I'm wrong but is Brandi Rhodes' title the same as Stephanie McMahon's? Chief Branding Officer?

I'll say this..I think she is one of the most beautiful women in wrestling today but she's right up there in the cringe factor with Reby Sky for me. When she said something like "I wanted my title to be Chief BRANDI officer" what the fuck??

[3puppies]

She was just having a little fun.

[Nash Diesel]

She was just having a little fun.

Do you follow her on social media at all the last 3 years or so? It's not just the one moment I mentioned, that was just the most recent example.

[Matthew]

Let me tell you for free that there is zero chance AJ Styles' contract runs out in April. If this is the type of thing wrestling fans believe then I'm going to start a subscription service.
where the fuck do i sign up

[BGMaverick]

She was just having a little fun.

https://www.prowrestlingtees.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/image/500x500/e9c3970ab036de70892d86c6d221abfe/a/e/aew1014-1_2.png

[Nash Diesel]

Corny as fuck lol

[3puppies]

Do you follow her on social media at all the last 3 years or so? It's not just the one moment I mentioned, that was just the most recent example.

I don't follow anyone on social media, I am not on social media myself. I don't even have a smartphone, I have a dumb flip phone.

I barely remember Brandi when she was in the WWE, I am aware that she and Cody got married and she was able to call herself Brandi Rhodes, since she was not called that when she was in the WWE.

When I hear titles like "Chief Brand Officer" I am reminded of the Cheers episode when Woody became a "Senior Bartender"

[Nash Diesel]

I don't follow anyone on social media, I am not on social media myself. I don't even have a smartphone, I have a dumb flip phone.

I barely remember Brandi when she was in the WWE, I am aware that she and Cody got married and she was able to call herself Brandi Rhodes, since she was not called that when she was in the WWE.

When I hear titles like "Chief Brand Officer" I am reminded of the Cheers episode when Woody became a "Senior Bartender"

She's kind of a "foot in mouth" type personality and when they left the WWE she was absolutely ridiculous about it, acting like she was Trish Stratus-level and Cody was the biggest draw in the company.

lol @ Cheers reference.

[Donald]

Maybe they can get Goldust. That should put asses in seats .

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#seatstoasses

[Jordo]

Donald is antidefrost

[Romford Pele]

Correct me if I'm wrong but is Brandi Rhodes' title the same as Stephanie McMahon's? Chief Branding Officer?

I'll say this..I think she is one of the most beautiful women in wrestling today but she's right up there in the cringe factor with Reby Sky for me. When she said something like "I wanted my title to be Chief BRANDI officer" what the fuck??

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

Does she have the qualifications?

[thegoat]

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

Does she have the qualifications?

Not sure they needed to ‘get Cody to sign’ for this company he seems to have been heavily involved in from conception.

If anything like that it would probably be more likely she got the job because he already was Vice President or whatever his role technically is and so gets to make such appointments.

Not sure what qualifications she needs for it though aside from the relatively extensive industry experience she has. Probably not too many unemployed Chief Brand Officers out there with extensive wrestling industry experience.

[Donald]

https://www.prowrestlingtees.com/wrestler-t-shirts/brandirhodes/chief-brandi-officer.html

Looks like it's just a gimmick, there's a stupid t shirt made of it.

[Morrison]

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

Does she have the qualifications?
lol what? ffs

[Tainted Eclipse]

lol "qualifications" to be "chief brand officer", a totally made up thing. her having that position doesn't really make any less sense than the bucks and cody being 'executive vice presidents'; it's their project, they know wrestling and they know how they want to run the company.

[Donald]

I bet Cody books himself to become the first champion.

[MikeHunt]

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

Does she have the qualifications?

goodness me you dafty.

[Ringo]

Dave, as expected, had a ton of things to say about AEW this week in the Observer. I've compiled the most interesting bits here.

They are negotiating with two major cable networks for a live weekly two-hour show

AEW opened picking up sizable talent and there are very serious negotiations with two major cable stations for a weekly two-hour live prime time television show

The Jacksonville show is expected to take place in July, and the third show is expected to take place in Chicago in September

The second AEW show will be during the summer in Jacksonville, with a large percentage of proceeds going to benefit victims of gun violence. There is still a lot to work out for the show, but it will most likely be in July or closely related to that.

The third show, as yet unannounced, is likely to be in Chicago, possibly back at the Sears Center, over Labor Day weekend with the idea of being the anniversary of the first All In, and would also be a PPV show.

They are unlikely to land Mayu Iwatani, but are looking at other Japanese women including bringing in Aja Kong

Women wrestlers from Stardom and other promotions have been contacted. One of the key ones was Mayu Iwatani, who is unlikely to come. ROH, which also has an affiliation with Stardom, paid for Iwatani’s three-year U.S. visa so unless ROH and AWE make a deal, which will be difficult because they are competitors, Stardom feels it would be wrong to have her work against ROH, which also has booked Iwatani for its Madison Square Garden show.

Several Japanese women have been talked about for at least certain dates, including Hall of Famer Aja Kong, but that deal is not believed to be completed. But the Japanese women are being heavily scouted.

Tuesday Night Dynamite probably won't be a thing

While Tuesday Night Dynamite was trademarked and that obviously meant Tuesday was the plan at that time, it is up to the station they sign with and right now Tuesday looks highly unlikely, but two hours of live prime time is still the plan with either deal.

The Young Bucks turned down a very unique deal from WWE

Paul Levesque worked hard at getting all four into WWE. Page was offered main roster money to work NXT, where he’d have been pushed as one of its top stars. The Bucks & Cody were offered strong deals. The Bucks deal was for money roughly the same as WWE champion A.J. Styles, which would have also included BTE being made a regular weekly show on the WWE Network, as well as something I’ve never heard WWE concede on, which was a six-month window where they could have left their three-year contract if they wanted and weren’t happy with their push.

Of course, WWE was fully aware of the Khan deal as this was going down, which was one of the reasons they went so hard in locking up talent of late. The great offer with the six-month window was with knowledge that Khan was not doing the promotion without The Bucks & Cody and signing them would keep them from being opposition. Without them, Khan wouldn’t have the star power and stars of All In, meaning he’d likely not have the openings to everything from television to top talent that was necessary.

Those who work in WWE with knowledge of the deal were certain they wouldn’t turn it down, and outright told me that they would be debuting at the Rumble, and had a Rumble-to-Mania significant storyline. When they made the decision to go to AEW, they remarked that it was mind-boggling that they would ever get an offer at that level, and even more that they were turning it down. But they did roughly 12 hours of talks with Levesque, who they heavily praised in how he handled everything, in particular seeing the comedy aspect in the skit they did where they superkicked Kazarian dressed up as him over-and-over in what was the public turning down of the offer on BTE.

.

[Morrison]

I bet Cody books himself to become the first champion.

tony khan is apparently going to be the head of creative and playing the vince mcmahon role in that all decisions go through him.

very odd given he has zero experience doing that.

i imagine hangman page ends up being the first champion unless they somehow sign some other huge name cause i dont see them making jericho the first champion of the company.

[Fanny Batter]

I imagine it'll be a tournament built with dissension in The Elite, with Hangman turning heel on Cody to win the belt and basically doing the Omega/Cody turf war with the Buck's in the middle. The promotion will get built around Omega if he goes there, but I imagine his first story is Alpha vs. Omega 2. That would be for a later show, maybe costing each other tournament matches or something on the first show. These guys are creative though, I'm sure they've got ideas and angles for the first show regardless of TV. I definitely think you hold off from the bigger matches until they're on the air though, and build to the bigger shows through TV like the old days.

[Beer-Belly]

tony khan is apparently going to be the head of creative and playing the vince mcmahon role in that all decisions go through him.

very odd given he has zero experience doing that.

i imagine hangman page ends up being the first champion unless they somehow sign some other huge name cause i dont see them making jericho the first champion of the company.
Khan being the head of creative is odd, but perhaps that decision was made due to the optics of Cody and the Bucks booking themselves.

[Beer-Belly]

Meltzer apparently said that Kenny already turned WWE down. I think Jericho slipped up in a recent interview and mentioned Kenny's involvement with AEW as well.

[Morrison]

Khan being the head of creative is odd, but perhaps that decision was made due to the optics of Cody and the Bucks booking themselves.

yeah, that was one of my first thoughts, as well. i imagine cody and the bucks will have a lot of input into the creative direction and booking of the company, and being able to have khan be the figurehead for it to the public can create a nice buffer zone.

[Tainted Eclipse]

it could just be a rubber stamp position, where effectively the bucks/cody/whoever else maybe will be doing the booking, but khan is the official decision maker in the event of any disagreement, totally off the wall idea, etc.

[Donald]

What baffles me is reading that people in WWE though for sure that they wouldn't turn down the offers they made. I mean it might just be me, but I've always thought of Cody, Bucks, Omega, etc. as Anti-WWE people and would never go there.

[BGMaverick]

Hubris

There's that but there's also some sincerity since the idea of the six-month out does seem like it could be out of the norm as a provision they would offer.

[Tainted Eclipse]

What baffles me is reading that people in WWE though for sure that they wouldn't turn down the offers they made. I mean it might just be me, but I've always thought of Cody, Bucks, Omega, etc. as Anti-WWE people and would never go there.

few people are anti-anything that will pay them millions of dollars.

[Romford Pele]

goodness me you dafty.

Why?

Would she have that job if Cody wasn't there?

[JP]

Would Cody have the job if she wasn't there?

Cody's been up front and honest about his wife has given him the strength to initially leave WWE and then to pursue his idea and dreams. He wouldn't be Exec. VP. now without her.

Perhaps she wouldn't be CBO without him, but they've helped each other to this point, not only one helping the other.

[Cewsh]

Why?

Would she have that job if Cody wasn't there?

There wouldn't be a company if both weren't there. Its an irrelevant question.

[RFF Champ]

If I bankroll a wrestling company then I'm booking it. You would all do the same.

[Donald]

I wouldn't, because booking Braun Strowman to win every title isn't good business for the masses.

[Sinner]

I would love a Jim Cornette-led group of "old school wrestlers" invading the promotion.

possibilities: Silas Young and Beer City Bruiser, The Revival, Moose, Jack Swagger, Nick Aldis

[Morrison]

Why?

Would she have that job if Cody wasn't there?

have you not been keeping up? this is their company. there was no convincing needed to get anybody to sign or to sweeten the pot. they started a company and have taken positions in that company. there's nothing else to it.

[Romford Pele]

There wouldn't be a company if both weren't there. Its an irrelevant question.

It is relevant as Cody is the star.

[Matthew]

not a huge fan of cody, but pretty pumped for this

[Cewsh]

It is relevant as Cody is the star.

Okay, but she’s part of that act. Genuinely confused what you’re trying to prove with this line of thought.

[Matthew]

probably should get out the wittle itty bity spoon and feed him info in easily digestible parts

[Romford Pele]

Shut up.

- - - Updated - - -


Okay, but she’s part of that act. Genuinely confused what you’re trying to prove with this line of thought.

I am saying that essentially she has been thrown a bone here because they really needed Cody.

[Matthew]

sorry man, just looks like you have little idea about this start-up and look pretty foolish. was just giving cewsh some advice, as he was also confused as to why you are looking so foolish.

it's almost like you intentionally miss points.

it is cody's company, along with the bucks and stuff. she is an influence in his life and part of Being The Elite. she is part of the start-up. you are acting like Khan is just starting this up on his own and hiring people, which isn't really happening here. cody, the bucks, etc all have come up with this idea of a company, and found a backer in Khan. it is their company. they are running the show. how you don't understand that is kinda weird.

[MikeHunt]

We can put this under because RP detests women in power

[Cewsh]

Shut up.

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I am saying that essentially she has been thrown a bone here because they really needed Cody.

As Matthew said, they ARE the company. Brandi handles the branding, Matt Jackson’s wife handles the merchandising. I’m not sure you understand what is going on here. Brandi has been handling Cody’s brand and marketing for years.

[Romford Pele]

We can put this under because RP detests women in power

Lolllll

- - - Updated - - -


sorry man, just looks like you have little idea about this start-up and look pretty foolish. was just giving cewsh some advice, as he was also confused as to why you are looking so foolish.

it's almost like you intentionally miss points.

it is cody's company, along with the bucks and stuff. she is an influence in his life and part of Being The Elite. she is part of the start-up. you are acting like Khan is just starting this up on his own and hiring people, which isn't really happening here. cody, the bucks, etc all have come up with this idea of a company, and found a backer in Khan. it is their company. they are running the show. how you don't understand that is kinda weird.

Khan is head of creative, so he is running the show

[Matthew]

okay so you are deliberately missing points, got it.

[RuneEdge]

Khan is head of creative, so he is running the show
Khan's the financial backer of a project that Cody and the Young Bucks created. That doesnt take away from the fact that this is still Cody's thing and he can probably do whatever the hell he wants with it. You make it sound like this is a company (owned entirely by someone else) that hired Brandi, just so they could lure Cody in.

[Matthew]

awwwww shit the rune is loose

[RuneEdge]

It had to be said. I couldn't help it.

[Matthew]

that is why we need you around man. your take no prisoners approach with the suave nuance of a humble intellectual and the vigor of a hunting dog looking for a fallen duck

[Cewsh]

Lolllll

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Khan is head of creative, so he is running the show

So you came into this thread, where we're discussing a promotion built in the image of the Elite, which includes Brandi Rhodes, to argue how the Elite are not in charge and specifically Brandi Rhodes is not qualified for her job and was only given it to please Cody Rhodes. I got that about right?

Man, you can fuck alllllllllllll the way off with that shit.

[Rancid_Planet]

Fucking right off then.

Off you must fuck.

Right off then to fucking.

[Romford Pele]

So you came into this thread, where we're discussing a promotion built in the image of the Elite, which includes Brandi Rhodes, to argue how the Elite are not in charge and specifically Brandi Rhodes is not qualified for her job and was only given it to please Cody Rhodes. I got that about right?

Man, you can fuck alllllllllllll the way off with that shit.

Cheers Wedge Mark 2. Right back at ya

[Cewsh]

Cheers Wedge Mark 2. Right back at ya

Your act is so, so tired. Comparing me to Wedge is such a weak insult, man.

[Judas Iscariot]

Cewsh >>>>> Wedge

[Romford Pele]

Your act is so, so tired. Comparing me to Wedge is such a weak insult, man.

Oh bore off. I raised a legitimate point and you told me to fuck off. Do one.

[kdestiny]

I think we should be at the point where Cody wouldn’t be where he is without Brandi and vise versa.

Tony Khan, while technically the man backing this thing, is a fan of wrestling and not really much more than that. He surely will give input, but he won’t be the driving force behind this thing.

[Donald]

Cody wouldn't be where he is without Vince McMahon.

[3puppies]

Cody wouldn't exist without Dusty

[Cewsh]

Oh bore off. I raised a legitimate point and you told me to fuck off. Do one.

What exactly was your point? That women can’t be executives based on merit?

[kdestiny]

Cody wouldn't exist without Dusty

There it is

[Romford Pele]

What exactly was your point? That women can’t be executives based on merit?

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

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

[kdestiny]

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

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

Do you have trouble reading? Because Cewsh literally mentioned a handful of posts ago how she has been handling his and her branding for the past few years.

You make it seem like she has been completely incompetent since leaving WWE

[Romford Pele]

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

[kdestiny]

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

Yeah, you are right. All she was doing was making a couple of t shirts. Nothing else at all. My bad.

[3puppies]

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

I thought she basically did a LOT of the same work with Cody and the Young Bucks to make "All-in" PPV event the huge success that it was. But since she's a woman, she can't possibly be allowed any credit for any of her work.