It’s real, it’s damn real. The Young Bucks, Cody Rhodes, and Tony Khan are launching their own wrestling promotion in 2019.
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It’s real, it’s damn real. The Young Bucks, Cody Rhodes, and Tony Khan are launching their own wrestling promotion in 2019.
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.
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.
A
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.
i really seems like it would be foolish on all sides for AEW, ROH and NJPW not to have a very active talent exchange.
A New Hope..
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.
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.
cody will be there first heavyweight champ
bucks will be the first tag champs
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.
Very intrigued and excited by this. I wish them all the very best. 2019 is going to be very interesting.
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.
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.
Definitely have more high hopes for this venture than GFW.
The Force Awakens..
Britt Baker has signed with AEW.
If you can get Jake Hager, Cody, maybe I'll give it a shot. If not I'll pass.
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.
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."
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.
Health insurance, which something Cody has made note of as an issue for performers today, would be another bargaining chip they could provide.
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.
SHOW
WWE SMACKDOWN LIVE JACKSONVILLE
TIME AND LOCATION
TUESDAY, JANUARY 8 | 7:30 PM
JACKSONVILLE VETERANS MEMORIAL ARENA
JACKSONVILLE, FL
Interesting timing here.Quote:
THE ELITE ANNOUNCES “DOUBLE OR NOTHING” EVENT RALLY IN JACKSONVILLE ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 8 @ 5PM
— New “All Elite Wrestling” Poised to Change Wrestling Landscape —
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.
I was under the impression it was a coincidence. Either way, Cody is a douchebag for leaching off of WWE's popularity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Any alternate to WWE is a good thing. Hope it works out.
I've got a lot of respect for these lads, after being rejected by WWE, to go out and start a promotion.
They took him under their wing in TNA when he was just a baby Kazu.
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:
also worth noting meltzer reports that AEW plans to run only a small handful of shows this year, the first one targeted for may.
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.
Yeah, that wound up just being a series of carny lies from Jeff Jarrett. This is the real thing.
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?
Wrestling Revolution Project
Don't worry guys I figured it out.
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?
I'm fucking whack
Who said you're whack?
https://youtu.be/XshORRaNNNU
This is very exciting.
Also main page says Omega will choose between AEW or WWE. He is in a very strong bargaining position.
I would not take anything Kenny Omega says at face value
Don't be sad he is leaving Japan :(
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.
Why can't he debut at the Rumble?
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.
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
Cant see kenny signing to wwe tbh
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.
NJPW will do nothing to jeopardize MSG. AEW doesn’t even really exist yet.
Yeah, that move makes a load of sense at this point
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.
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.
Do you not watch stuff outside WWE Donald?
Also Cody is awesome.
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.
Listening to meltzer it feels like ROH is the one holding back cooperation with a short sighted “competition” mind set.
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.
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.
I'm picturing Genghis and Shere Khan speaking here and it's makin me lol
How dare you forget Chaka Khan Chaka Khan
Ain't nobody like Chaka Khan Chaka Khan Chaka Khan.
Killer Khan broke Andre the Giant's leg. At first I thought they might be related, but Killer Khan was from Parts Unknown
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!"
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.
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
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.
Press conference/rally live on YouTube/insta/fb/Twitter now. Wwe is also in Jacksonville tonight so this is fun.
It does sound like PAC is a lock. Bryan Alvarez mentioned that there's some super secret signing that no one knows about.
Billy Gunn working as a producer
Well that were cringe.
i wouldn't say this press conference is lighting the world on fire
Some guy on Reddit who apparently called AEW early reckons they'll be on TNT which I guess would be pretty huge?
MJF, Joey Janela, and Penelope Ford signed
Looks like PAC's in as well.
Pac!!!!
JERICHO. well there's a big news item.
Well bloody hell, Jericho.
Woah, Jericho.
Jericho holy shit
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?