All Elite Wrestling

[Vastardikai]

I'm sure it has absolutely nothing to do with Tony's meltdown...

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Fightful will probably publish more later. But saying it express sounds like it was a set date.

Shame. I like Lio and the Dante stuff was good. Pretty obvs once they linked him with Jay Lethal that Rush wasn’t in the picture anymore.

[Evil Vito]

The Big Swole stuff is definitely related. But if it wasn’t this thing, it’d have been something else. I like Lio as a talent but I never expect him to stay around long because he’s a malcontent everywhere he’s been.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I wonder what is going to better race relations in America more: Cody’s baby or the rap album with all their black talent?

[Mr. Nerfect]

Brian Cage, Peter Avalon, Marko Stunt and Joey Janela are about to have their AEW deals come up.

[Vastardikai]

Brian Cage, Peter Avalon, Marko Stunt and Joey Janela are about to have their AEW deals come up.

I believe Avalon is already gone.

[xrodmuc316]

Brian Cage, Peter Avalon, Marko Stunt and Joey Janela are about to have their AEW deals come up.

Sounds like a bunch of people who didn't tell Tony Khan what a great person and booker he is enough...

[Mr. Nerfect]

None of them are great losses nor should have been there in the first place.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Brian Cage what a bummer. Great finisher. Great look. No charisma whatsoever. It was over for him the minute he got the boot from team taz.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I see virtually all of them going to Impact. Except maybe Janela, who seems pretty involved in GCW and tied to the northeastern scene, which holds it back.

[Jordan]

Brian Cage, Peter Avalon, Marko Stunt and Joey Janela are about to have their AEW deals come up.

I am only slightly disappointed with Lio, not surprised though. I was reading about him a saw that he's had major mental health issues going back to childhood. He show a lot of promise in his last stint but it doesn't seem to be a position that he is able to handle.

Cage could've been something if he was something but he only really offers what you see what you get potential. He's terribly uncharismatic and has never had anything resembling a character. He was well used in Lucha Underground though if I remember correctly.

So glad to see AEW shred some of it's extra weight. Hopefully some of the standards that take up so much TV time get phased out in their due time as well.

[xrodmuc316]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So Lio Rush signed a five-month deal with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEW</a> that expired weeks after he publicly called out Tony Khan on Twitter? What interesting timing. <br><br>Sounds like my racially charged takes on AEW are aging pretty, pretty well. <a href="https://t.co/t7AjyLYkX4">https://t.co/t7AjyLYkX4</a></p>&mdash; Alfred Konuwa (@ThisIsNasty) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThisIsNasty/status/1484942344386330625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Mr. Nerfect]

Yeah, it seems dubious that someone signed such a short-term deal. Unless they had some sort of out clause and Lio chose not to extend. Seems likely he was fired. Lol at how they just put another black guy in there with Dante.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I am only slightly disappointed with Lio, not surprised though. I was reading about him a saw that he's had major mental health issues going back to childhood. He show a lot of promise in his last stint but it doesn't seem to be a position that he is able to handle.

Cage could've been something if he was something but he only really offers what you see what you get potential. He's terribly uncharismatic and has never had anything resembling a character. He was well used in Lucha Underground though if I remember correctly.

So glad to see AEW shred some of it's extra weight. Hopefully some of the standards that take up so much TV time get phased out in their due time as well.

I don’t really know if Lio is even to blame for this run ending. At least part of it has to go to Tony Khan for being a twat on Twitter. I’ll be happy to see Lio Rush end up back in New Japan of America or something.

Brian Cage has never done it for me. I didn’t see him in Lucha Underground though. He’s just a jacked guy that does movez to me. Maybe if Impact signed his hot wife they’d make a good pairing there?

[Vastardikai]

Yeah, it seems dubious that someone signed such a short-term deal. Unless they had some sort of out clause and Lio chose not to extend. Seems likely he was fired. Lol at how they just put another black guy in there with Dante.

And not just ANY black guy. Jay Lethal, a guy who should reasonably be at or near the top of the card. However, for some reason (best case: CM Punk being CM Punk), hasn't been featured until just now.

Also, how the fuck does Hook have as many Televised Singles match wins than Jay Lethal, Lee Moriarty, and Marq Quen Have had Televised Singles Matches?

[Mr. Nerfect]

I get why’d you hire a guy like Jay Lethal. I don’t get why you’d hire a guy like Jay Lethal and then do so little with him.

[xrodmuc316]

Yeah, it seems dubious that someone signed such a short-term deal. Unless they had some sort of out clause and Lio chose not to extend. Seems likely he was fired. Lol at how they just put another black guy in there with Dante.

I get why’d you hire a guy like Jay Lethal. I don’t get why you’d hire a guy like Jay Lethal and then do so little with him.

Starts with R, ends with IST. Tony Khan just swapping Black people in and out of roles because he thinks they are all interchangeable is just another example of that.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I wonder what the cause of the next meltdown will be? It could be fun to speculate. My prediction is that it’s TK going insane because someone questions his contract structure given that he’s got top stars appearing wherever they want or becoming free agents.

[Vastardikai]

I think I'd like Brian Cage more if he stopped trying to be a luchador and started trying to wrestle like a beast who could fold you up and shove you in his pocket.

[drave]

I've barely seen Lio Rush. My only exposure to him comes from WWE and AEW. He seems like he offers nothing, but expects to be treated like The Rock. I get having an ego and all that, its wrestling, but he comes off to me as a whiny, entitled try-hard who is not impressive at all.


Have him go join arms with Kaepernick and do something on that front. That's what I know him for, more so than anything in a ring.

[weather vane]

He’s pretty good. I like him but he’s a fucking moron. Well maybe not a moron but mentally unstable.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Love how people are turning on Lio Rush now he isn’t with AEW and sticking it to the man with them.

[Jordan]

Love how people are turning on Lio Rush now he isn’t with AEW and sticking it to the man with them.

To be cliche... "I just can't with him". He has quit everything I've seen him take part in from WWE to The Challenge to AEW and more. He's clearly a little bit insane, romanticize the importance of mental health yes that's well and nice but this guy is clearly no fit for any type of contract.

It sucks because he was really shining in his last AEW run. There is something about his attitude that pisses me off though. He was getting a good push in AEW, it was only going up. I think that it was a mistake to get involved in the Big Swole/Too Cool Tony drama.

[drave]

who are the "people" turning on him? He's always sucked.

[Evil Vito]

IIRC Rush also said in most of his post-WWE interviews that he doesn't want to be tied down to long-term contracts anymore. So his contract elapsing not all that long after signing isn't really a surprise - he might not've agreed to a deal for longer than a few months. Then with the Swole stuff etc he felt it was time to move on.

[screech]

I liked what he was doing in AEW but I won't exactly miss him.

[Lock Jaw]

What if he goes back to WWE to support HIS MAN BOBBY LASHLEY

[xrodmuc316]

Tony Khan wants to sign Keith Lee, but he doesn't want to go over his set quota of a certain kind of wrestler, so Rush had to go.

[Fignuts]

Love how people are turning on Lio Rush now he isn’t with AEW and sticking it to the man with them.

People have been lambasting him ever since he spoke out against paying dues and respecting veterans when he was in nxt.

Fans have continually given him chances because his work is creative and he has a lot of natural ability, but mocking him for his antics is not a new thing.

[#1-norm-fan]

who are the "people" turning on him? He's always sucked.

Based on what I’ve seen he’s good on the mic in a sidekick roll and I’ve enjoyed some of his in ring stuff. He’s just a bit of a loose cannon and that hampers his ability to stay in one place. That was the case in WWE and that’s the case in AEW.

But literally everything in wrestling nowadays has to revolve around AEW vs “AEW bad” so… MARK!!!!

[Lock Jaw]

FICKLE.

[Jordan]

There are so many people that are not in AEW that I would prefer over people who are. Losing Rush isn't a major loss but he was making the most out of the run with Dante, that team had promise. What a shame they didn't get to go against The Bucks.

[xrodmuc316]

Based on what I’ve seen he’s good on the mic in a sidekick roll and I’ve enjoyed some of his in ring stuff. He’s just a bit of a loose cannon and that hampers his ability to stay in one place. That was the case in WWE and that’s the case in AEW.

But literally everything in wrestling nowadays has to revolve around AEW vs “AEW bad” so… MARK!!!!

I hate how every WWE show has 3 references to how bad AEW is. Why can't WWE just do them and stop bringing up this AEW Big Bad Monster?

[#1-norm-fan]

See

[xrodmuc316]

I wonder what the cause of the next meltdown will be? It could be fun to speculate. My prediction is that it’s TK going insane because someone questions his contract structure given that he’s got top stars appearing wherever they want or becoming free agents.

Not Tony Khan, but guess who had another "Fed Bad" take...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wrestler court was the most insecure small dick energy average white man embarrassment to the wrestling business shit of all time.</p>&mdash; player/coach (@CMPunk) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMPunk/status/1485709040059518976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Does this idiot not realize he himself is a white man?

[xrodmuc316]

See

Yeah, sarcasm, see. Let's just pretend EVERYBODY always makes it "AEW BAD", when in truth it is the exact opposite. All they do is reference WWE CONSTANTLY. If there was no " Fed Bad", Dynamite would be a 30 minute show :rofl:

[Lock Jaw]

He said AVERAGE white man.

Clearly insinuating he is "Above Average". Stealing gimmicks left and right!!

[xrodmuc316]

He said AVERAGE white man.

Clearly insinuating he is "Above Average". Stealing gimmicks left and right!!

I would argue he is below average :rofl:

[#1-norm-fan]

In what way?

[#1-norm-fan]

^^^^^^^^

[Bad News Gertner]

I wonder what the cause of the next meltdown will be? It could be fun to speculate. My prediction is that it’s TK going insane because someone questions his contract structure given that he’s got top stars appearing wherever they want or becoming free agents.

I bet it's an accusations of drunk Tony inappropriate behaviour from a woman

[xrodmuc316]

I bet it's an accusations of drunk Tony inappropriate behaviour from a woman

"That is a lie, I would never, half of my family are women!".

[Sting Fan]

I like what I have seen of Lio (not much) his ring work looks pretty spectacular. But him being anywhere or not won’t dictate if I watch.

As much as I enjoyed his ring work I must admit I was fascinated by those crazy fast direction changes he does in ring. Amazing to watch but I also worried about his knees and ankles on every single one.

Hope he comes back to AEW for the odd match and has some bangers with the flippy guys. Lio and (insert flippy guy here) vs. Bucks or Lucha bros would be sick.

[rez]

kinda fucked they couldn't make Brian Cage work. the dude is jacked but has no mic skills. i think he was working good in team taz but whatever

[rez]

he coulda tagged with Kaz or something

[Fignuts]

Just found out Konami of Stardom let her contract expire and is a free agent. If AEW is committed to having japanese female talent, Konami is a much MUCH better wrestler than Riho or Shida. Give her a manager to speak for her and let her loose in the ring.

[weather vane]

Right Left Down Up A B Start

[weather vane]

Super C

[screech]

What if he goes back to WWE to support HIS MAN BOBBY LASHLEY

lol I hated him with Lashley

[xrodmuc316]

In what way?

https://i.imgflip.com/62mql7.jpg

[Fignuts]

The average person never achieves their dreams. They dream about getting there, but don't have the drive or commitment to make it

The fact that punk was even able to step into the octagon for the biggest mma company in the world is proof he's above average regardless of how it ended.

Don't work yourself into a shoot, brother

[drave]

-HH

[Mr. Nerfect]

Not Tony Khan, but guess who had another "Fed Bad" take...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wrestler court was the most insecure small dick energy average white man embarrassment to the wrestling business shit of all time.</p>&mdash; player/coach (@CMPunk) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMPunk/status/1485709040059518976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Does this idiot not realize he himself is a white man?

This guy comes off like a dude in his 40’s trying to be in his 20’s. I’d say Punk’s recent promos and tweets have come off as having “small dick energy.” Also him saying that casual fans don’t exist because he can’t draw them.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I bet it's an accusations of drunk Tony inappropriate behaviour from a woman

Those are no doubt coming.

[Mr. Nerfect]

For Rush, I think Impact Wrestling and New Japan of America are pretty safe bets.

[xrodmuc316]

I bet it's an accusations of drunk Tony inappropriate behaviour from a woman

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EFbVgpNXUAECu2x.jpg

[xrodmuc316]

The average person never achieves their dreams. They dream about getting there, but don't have the drive or commitment to make it

The fact that punk was even able to step into the octagon for the biggest mma company in the world is proof he's above average regardless of how it ended.

Don't work yourself into a shoot, brother

Phil is the one working himself into a shoot, and that is a shoot brother. :rofl:

https://i.imgflip.com/62nsga.jpg

[xrodmuc316]

Back before UFC when Phil could still pretend he was tough in person and not just on Twitter. Also what a really good ally of the LGBTQ community...
NPV9xjq6IcA

[Jordan]

Punk is a much better heel!

[Sting Fan]

Wheeler Yuta vs. Penta on dark was a great little match. Very fun.

Also Mark Henry commentary is not good but some of his one liners are gold.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Lol at CM Punk’s self-ownage. Why does he even have social media? If he’s feeling irrelevant now, imagine how he’s going to feel in 2 years time?

[Mr. Nerfect]

The most interesting thing going on with this company are its contract situations. Cody working without a written agreement, Mox’s probably expiring, etc. TK has given people the promise of a lot of money and freedom, talked about working with New Japan and made a lot of implied promises that he’s had to walk back from.

When you look at AEW’s ratings, selling the boat to get Bryan and Punk has been negligible when it comes to AEW’s popularity. How much are they getting paid versus a guy like Cody? How much creative pull do they have versus what he has when it comes to his creative vision?

Does a guy like Moxley’s heart belong in AEW, or is it in the garbage feds being made to look second-rate there while your home company is still trying to bill you like a star? With Anthem being the ones to secure the New Japan deal, is an AEW/New Japan deal even possible right now? How does that affect where these guys like Moxley sign? Is a guy like Bryan Danielson going to be cool waiting 2+ years to get out of his AEW deal to go and have the matches he wants to have now at 44?

If Cody and Moxley leave, do they take any friends with them? Do those that they’ve advocated for in the company stick it out with AEW, or do they see a friend and backer moving on and figure it’s time to do the same?

[Triple A]

I doubt the AXS deal makes the Impact/NJPW relationship exclusive. 99% sure the main reason why AEW guys haven't worked NJPW shows yet is because of strict COVID/travel restrictions in Japan

[Mr. Nerfect]

I doubt the AXS deal makes the Impact/NJPW relationship exclusive. 99% sure the main reason why AEW guys haven't worked NJPW shows yet is because of strict COVID/travel restrictions in Japan

Wasn’t part of the reason that New Japan left the channel in the first place was because there was pressure from Anthem to work more heavily with Impact? New Japan of America is still running shows, but we haven’t seen any cross-pollination there.

Make no mistake about it, New Japan wasn’t happy about AEW even existing, and they got boned over good by The Elite. If Anthem had the leverage to make a fairly good offer to generate Bushiroad some revenue with the implication of greater exposure thanks to the working relationship between WWE and Impact (whatever that turns out to be), it isn’t a ridiculous idea to restrict who you accept for bookings to try and diversify wrestling outside the big two.

[Mr. Nerfect]

It’ll be interesting to see where guys like Samoa Joe, William Regal, Keith Lee and Jeff Hardy end up. AEW seems like the foregone conclusion, but there’s a bloat problem there. Impact is not going to be able to compete with money, but they can by offering deals that allows these people to still appear for New Japan and even WWE, casually.

It’ll be interesting to see if the Mickie James Rumble appearance leads to anything bigger for Impact. There will be more people in that building watching her live than watch her on television in the same city. And then WWE is probably going to send Impact something in return.

[weather vane]

I doubt the AXS deal makes the Impact/NJPW relationship exclusive. 99% sure the main reason why AEW guys haven't worked NJPW shows yet is because of strict COVID/travel restrictions in Japan

[slik]

https://i.postimg.cc/5yS5FVz3/Screenshot-2022-01-28-9-38-06-AM.png

[drave]

ha! they know what they're doing with him.

[xrodmuc316]

AEW Fans STILL going after Big Swole for daring to say something about Tiny Khan...

https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2022/01/wwe-superstar-blasts-fan-for-using-his-daughter-in-royal-rumble-joke/

[ron the dial]

just fired up dark from last night and lol archer opening the show chucking a jobber down the ramp is still the best shit

[Sepholio]

https://i.imgur.com/RmAVGMX.jpg

I JUST ORDERED THIS AND I AM VERY EXCITED, VERY EVIL.

[ron the dial]

do i need another danhausen shirt? yes, i think i do.

[ron the dial]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FKjLjjUWQAMIx4J?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

[#1-norm-fan]

As someone who abhors cheesy comedy in my wrestling…

I cannot help but fucking love Danhausen. He’s so likeable and a genuinely funny guy. Love that Danhausen.

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">In his <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEW</a> debut, <a href="https://twitter.com/mrbriankendrick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mrbriankendrick</a> will face the toughest of tests tomorrow night on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWDynamite?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWDynamite</a><br>LIVE @ 8pm ET/7pm CT on <a href="https://twitter.com/TBSNetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TBSNetwork</a> when he goes one-on-one with former AEW World Champion <a href="https://twitter.com/JonMoxley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JonMoxley</a>!<br><br>Jon Moxley vs Brian Kendrick tomorrow night LIVE on Wednesday Night Dynamite! <a href="https://t.co/0qZsAj2lPA">pic.twitter.com/0qZsAj2lPA</a></p>&mdash; All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) <a href="https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1488690010865999878?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[weather vane]

That’s fun!!!

[ron the dial]

nice

[xrodmuc316]

Wrestlers usually want to wrestle and not just be agents as long as they are still capable, so that is a solid move for Kendrick.

[xrodmuc316]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FKjLjjUWQAMIx4J?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

Fixed it, much more pure and wholesome this way

https://i.imgflip.com/63lrwd.jpg

[Evil Vito]

Fuck, that’s awesome. Happy for Kendrick.

[Jordan]

Kendrick could have a lot of really cool matches in AEW. Thinking of Darby.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I like Kendrick, but I already don’t care about him in AEW. Damn this fucking company.

[drave]

You don't care about some dude who hasn't even DEBUTED yet, all because of three letters.




For Shamehausen.

[Evil Vito]

I would at least advise Noidhausen to check this out (https://www.tpwwforums.com/login.php?do=logout&logouthash=1643809224-708362fcb1ea79a0bdca0869f7155a163c3178fe)

[erickman]

For Rush, I think Impact Wrestling and New Japan of America are pretty safe bets.

when i saw dan lambert on the last impact show i think impact and aew still work together an impact is getting the extra wrestlers.

[xrodmuc316]

I would at least advise Noidhausen to check this out (https://www.tpwwforums.com/login.php?do=logout&logouthash=1643809224-708362fcb1ea79a0bdca0869f7155a163c3178fe)

Don't know about Noid, but you got me with that ya JERK!!! :rofl:

[GD]

https://www.tpwwforums.com/images/smilies/rofl.gif

[Mr. Nerfect]

You don't care about some dude who hasn't even DEBUTED yet, all because of three letters.




For Shamehausen.

Because of their history. Not one person that has moved from WWE to AEW has become more interesting.

[Evil Vito]

Bix just posted a series of resurfaced videos from 2011 and 2013 in which Brian Kendrick:

-is blatantly antisemitic
-denies 9/11
-denies Sandy Hook

Well. Was nice to be excited about his AEW debut for all of 20 hours. Dude seems like a cretin.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Being Danielson’s friend is not going to get you past that. Kendrick was a grown-ass man then, and there isn’t much to say for blatant antisemitic stuff. I “hope” (for his sake) that it was mainly conspiracy theory stuff because he’s a kook, and not based on racial hatred or anything like that. Know what I mean?

[GD]

Bix just posted a series of resurfaced videos from 2011 and 2013 in which Brian Kendrick:

-is blatantly antisemitic
-denies 9/11
-denies Sandy Hook

Well. Was nice to be excited about his AEW debut for all of 20 hours. Dude seems like a cretin.

Yikes!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">That 2011 Brian Kendrick clip is even WORSE in context: It’s part of a section w/ the title card “Who or what are the repitlians?” and makes it very clear that he thinks that, as explained to him by David Icke, “Zionists,” “Jewish medics,” &amp; “the Rothschilds” are The Reptilians. <a href="https://t.co/xoxzh2NrS0">pic.twitter.com/xoxzh2NrS0</a></p>&mdash; David Bixenspan (@davidbix) <a href="https://twitter.com/davidbix/status/1488956369822785536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[weather vane]

Weirdo. But that isn’t news right? Was always a freak.

[ron the dial]

yikes

[Evil Vito]

I see a lot of people defending it as "well it was 10 years ago! He might've changed."

Which I understand. But if his views had fundamentally changed between now and then, he'd have at least said something about once holding those horrible views. The big trick everyone tries to pull with "it's a long time ago" is to get you to ignore the many intervening years where the person could have apologized, atoned, or demonstrated personal growth.

[weather vane]

Not necessarily true. Especially when it wasn’t a story. Publicly.

He very well could of done those things to friends/family. Who knows? Something tells me no because he’s always been a very weird dude.

I don’t know… I just hate this type of stuff. I just want to watch wrestling. Whatever.

[Jordan]

It does seem that Kendrick is being very evil in his thinking and that is a very good thing!

[Evil Vito]

Not necessarily true. Especially when it wasn’t a story. Publicly.

He very well could of done those things to friends/family. Who knows? Something tells me no because he’s always been a very weird dude.

I don’t know… I just hate this type of stuff. I just want to watch wrestling. Whatever.

I get what you're saying. But I live in a community directly impacted by Sandy Hook and have friends that knew some of the victims personally. I can't tolerate nor respect someone trying to push crackpot conspiracy theories about that.

[weather vane]

Totally understand. Absolutely. Easy for me to say.

[xrodmuc316]

Yikes!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">That 2011 Brian Kendrick clip is even WORSE in context: It’s part of a section w/ the title card “Who or what are the repitlians?” and makes it very clear that he thinks that, as explained to him by David Icke, “Zionists,” “Jewish medics,” &amp; “the Rothschilds” are The Reptilians. <a href="https://t.co/xoxzh2NrS0">pic.twitter.com/xoxzh2NrS0</a></p>&mdash; David Bixenspan (@davidbix) <a href="https://twitter.com/davidbix/status/1488956369822785536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Why would they need to collect eyeballs? Freaking weirdo

[Vastardikai]

Why would they need to collect eyeballs? Freaking weirdo

Collect Teeth, instead. That is Very Nice, Very Evil.

[Mr. Nerfect]

There’s no excuse for it, but it possibly comes from a place of ignorance, not hate. Maybe. Hopefully.

[Sepholio]

I see a lot of people online saying how this isn't fair and this cancel culture stuff has to stop. It was 10 years ago, get over it. Things like that.

Ironically there is about a 98% overlap in the group saying that and people who were celebrating literally yesterday when Whoopie got suspended.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Fkn reptilians getting in the way of decent six minute tv match

[Sepholio]

Wait....Brian Kendrick made a movie about all this crazy shit. I have to see this now.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I see a lot of people online saying how this isn't fair and this cancel culture stuff has to stop. It was 10 years ago, get over it. Things like that.

Ironically there is about a 98% overlap in the group saying that and people who were celebrating literally yesterday when Whoopie got suspended.

No one is entitled to a platform. Plus it can also be a business decision. If promotions don’t feel it is worth their while to promote someone with controversial takes, they aren’t obligated to use them.

[Fignuts]

I see a lot of people defending it as "well it was 10 years ago! He might've changed."

Which I understand. But if his views had fundamentally changed between now and then, he'd have at least said something about once holding those horrible views. The big trick everyone tries to pull with "it's a long time ago" is to get you to ignore the many intervening years where the person could have apologized, atoned, or demonstrated personal growth.

Do you remember every stupid thing you said when you were in your 20's?

[drave]

I definitely said AND did stupid shit I wouldn't do today.




Fuck you, me from the past!!!

[Evil Vito]

Do you remember every stupid thing you said when you were in your 20's?

Of course I don't. But that's an irrelevant argument seeing as I'm not a public figure who decided to put these views out on video for everyone to see.

Beyond all that, he wasn't in his 20's. He was 32 years old denying the Holocaust on camera.

[Evil Vito]

It's no surprise that a stoner idiot, in the extended adolescent bubble of professional wrestling, would be into David Icke, and nonsense like that.

But even when you're dabbling in any aspect of that nonsense, there's a point where you have to draw a line, say "this isn't fun any more", and recognize that what you're espousing to the public isn't just abject bullshit, but hateful, dangerous and morally repugnant. Holocaust denial is a good few miles beyond that line FFS.

When you talk about the Holocaust, Sandy Hook and 9/11 like that and then say it was “never” your beliefs when you were recorded doing so and had a whole video of you specifically saying so, that’s a certain level of - well, not taking any responsibility.

[Fignuts]

Not denying that it was a shitty thing to say, or that it shouldn't be called out. Just saying it's unfair to say he should have remembered and apologized for a decade old interview he did where he was likely so high that he didn't remember doing it the next day.

He should address it now, but he shouldn't be automatically be deleted from existence which is the main problem with cancel culture.

[drave]

Not denying that it was a shitty thing to say, or that it shouldn't be called out. Just saying it's unfair to say he should have remembered and apologized for a decade old interview he did where he was likely so high that he didn't remember doing it the next day.

He should address it now, but he shouldn't be automatically be deleted from existence which is the main problem with cancel culture.


Can't wait till it cancels itself. Also, Dan fucking Lambert is AMAZING on the mic. Underlined part reminded me of his promo with Brandi Rhodes last night

[Fignuts]

He is, but he's been kind of one note. Just saying the same things over and over.

[drave]

As are most "conservative" talking points, fictional or not. This was the 1st time I've heard him, but can easily see how quickly it is stale due to the same 1-3 talking points.

[Evil Vito]

He should address it now, but he shouldn't be automatically be deleted from existence which is the main problem with cancel culture.

I don't think he needs to be deleted from existence, I think pulling him off of last night's show was the right call and in addition to his Twitter apology I imagine the company will have him do some sort sensitivity training or whatever.

I wouldn't expect him to be "benched" for long. Probably at least 3 weeks because I can't imagine them throwing him out there in Bridgeport, all of 20 min away from Sandy Hook, but I could see him appearing for the company in March.

Def don't think people should be permanently deplatformed unless they do something especially heinous, the sex pests in the business are a far bigger issue IMO.

[Wehttam]

did they already sign him? thought it was one of those one-off appearances that would probably have led to a "...IS ALL ELITE"

[Fignuts]

I think the sensitivity training is the dumbest fucking shit about this type of thing. If the person was offensive recently sure, that makes sense. But making someone go for something they said over a decade ago is outright admitting you're not going to even entertain the idea that this person has grown and changed since then. I realize aew knows this and would do it for the optics, but it's shitty and again, unfair that they feel they'd need to.

[slik]

did they already sign him? thought it was one of those one-off appearances that would probably have led to a "...IS ALL ELITE"

Just a one-off appearance

[Triple A]

Feel like he probably would have gotten a tryout as a coach after a couple of matches

I doubt they bring him back now because the PR hit wouldn't be worth it

[Mr. Nerfect]

Can we talk about Kendrick’s haunting appearance on The Price is Right?

[Mr. Nerfect]

If you’re worried about AEW’s ratings dipping even with the heavily pushed MJF vs. Punk match, never fear — Tony Khan has announced more signings are coming. More, MORE!

[Lock Jaw]

https://i.imgur.com/tg2DbvP.jpeg

What a twist!!!

[Mr. Nerfect]

TK couldn’t pay me enough.

[ron the dial]

well that's just silly

[Lock Jaw]

TK couldn’t pay me enough.

Everybody's got a price! HAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As referenced on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWRampage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWRampage</a>, I have a surprise: on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWDynamite?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWDynamite</a> Live on <a href="https://twitter.com/TBSNetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TBSNetwork</a> a top wrestler will walk through the Forbidden Door this Wednesday and debut in <a href="https://twitter.com/AEW?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AEW</a>. More info to come. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a great Rampage tonight! See you Wednesday on TBS!</p>&mdash; Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyKhan/status/1489816735943475200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Mr. Nerfect]

Everybody's got a price! HAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA

Unfortunately Ted DiBiase isn’t exactly writing cheques at the moment.

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">With a great showing in tonight’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWRampage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWRampage</a> TNT Title bout <a href="https://twitter.com/IsiahKassidy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IsiahKassidy</a> has earned a qualifying match for a spot in the Face of the Revolution ladder match with a TNT Title shot at stake! His opponent will debut Wednesday + sign a contract with AEW!<br>Isiah vs ? on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWDynamite?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWDynamite</a>! <a href="https://t.co/298rzWyfe6">pic.twitter.com/298rzWyfe6</a></p>&mdash; Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyKhan/status/1489822465379426304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[xrodmuc316]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As referenced on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWRampage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWRampage</a>, I have a surprise: on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWDynamite?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWDynamite</a> Live on <a href="https://twitter.com/TBSNetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TBSNetwork</a> a top wrestler will walk through the Forbidden Door this Wednesday and debut in <a href="https://twitter.com/AEW?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AEW</a>. More info to come. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a great Rampage tonight! See you Wednesday on TBS!</p>&mdash; Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyKhan/status/1489816735943475200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Under 1 million for 1 week, and TK already bugging his dad for money to buy new wrestlers. :rofl:

[XL]

So, Keith Lee?

[Sting Fan]

Gosh I hope so.

[Maluco]

Surely Forbidden Door refers to someone appearing on a show of a promotion when contracted to another? It’s not forbidden if the person is a free agent!

This is why people can’t get into AEW, it’s all overhype and underwhelm. A TOP wrestler, FORBIDDEN door….and it’s Keith Lee. A guy the bigger company decided wasn’t worth his contract.

If they would stop click baiting and ANNOUNCING things, the product might speak for itself. Tony Khan needs to shut up.

[Sepholio]

Yeah I'm not the least bit interested by another signing right now. Just means less time for someone else at this point.

[XL]

Yeah the Forbidden Door™ probably suggests it’s someone from another promotion rather than a free agent, unless it’s become a catch all for “coming into AEW”.

[Fignuts]

Equally underwhelming would be if his definition of top guy is a top guy in his respective company. Cause if it's not njpw, then top guy doesn't mean anything.

[Sepholio]

Equally underwhelming would be if his definition of top guy is a top guy in his respective company. Cause if it's not njpw, then top guy doesn't mean anything.

I'm thinking someone from ROH maybe.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

TK couldn’t pay me enough.

I dunno about that. You give him all your time and attention now for free.

[Sepholio]

Gonna laugh when the forbidden door swings open and it's FREE AGENT CODY RHODES!

[Lock Jaw]

The Forbidden Door is probably Mickie James in a "look, we can do it too" maneuver

The other mystery opponent making their debut is probably Keith Lee

[Evil Vito]

HERE COMES THE MONEY

[Lock Jaw]

Money talks.

What if Shane buys AEW and there is some sort of "invasion" angle?!

[Sepholio]

Shane showing up in AEW would be bad for both companies and wrestling in general. Especially if it's an invasion angle.

LOL if it's Mickie James. If ever there was a move that screeched "we're petty and have to constantly try to 1 up WWE and name drop them every 5 seconds so you'll look at us!" it's that one. Bringing her in down the line? Sure. But so soon after the fact would just be laughable to me.

That's why both of these things are absolutely going to happen, probably.

[Sepholio]

You know what I have a serious idea as to who it might be though that would make A LOT of sense and would prob make the fans interested. He's weirdly turned out to be one of the best heels currently in the business and him going after a title via a tournament fits perfect. It's Matt Cardona.

[ron the dial]

he fought cody for the tnt title already so certainly not unlikely but kinda underwhelming

which is part of the problem tony has created for himself

[ron the dial]

well i remembered it all wrong lol but he has been in AEW

[Jordan]

The person that would make the most sense is Jeff Hardy right? I mean it's against an AHFO member, for a spot in a ladder match?

I have read Jeff isn't available til March, but what if that information is incorrect or Tony has found a way around it?

[Jordan]

I think it's two debuts. Keith Lee or Jeff Hardy against Cassidy for a spot in the ladder match and then Jay White or Will Ospreay for the forbiddened door.

[Evil Vito]

Khan shouldn’t have bothered using the forbidden door expression for this. It leads everyone to assume it’s a company AEW does business with and now he’s had to sorta twist the words around.

“Forbidden door doesn’t mean it’s a promotion we work with. This is someone who will be coming in, signing a contract and closing the door on their old promotion behind them.”

In other words, it’s a WWE signing. Which makes sense given a whole wave of non-competes just ended. But why use the forbidden door term? Just fucking say it’s a new signing who will be debuting and leave it at that.

[Lock Jaw]

The wording makes me think it is two different people..... Forbidden Door meaning someone from another company coming in to work for one night..... and then the other debut of a person coming there and signing on

[Jordan]

The wording makes me think it is two different people..... Forbidden Door meaning someone from another company coming in to work for one night..... and then the other debut of a person coming there and signing on

The Forbiddened Door in AEW terms means NJPW. I think that the Impact deal and AAA deal were not "Forbidden". NJPW seemed to have heat with AEW in the beginning, even though all AEW fans really wanted was for the top NJPW guys to come to AEW and do their thing. Forbiddened Door is NJPW. I think it's going to be a top NJPW star that is in the states right now, possibly Jay White or Will Ospreay (recent twitter beef with Omega?). I wouldn't be surprised to see Tanahashi either but I am not really aware of the reality of that because I'm not following NJPW right now very closely. They do have an upcoming tour of the US so I think that they are sending a few stars for those shows and one of them is gonna work some AEW shots too.

Plus Keith Lee or Jeff Hardy which I think will be in the match with Cassidy to qualify for the Ladder match. I guess that Johnny Mundo could also be possible for that spot if he's available too. Can't imagine not having Mundo face Omega at some point if that is available.

[Jordan]

Actually I'm going to predict that the Door opens for Will Ospreay. He is capable of walking into an AEW show an instantly being a superstar. He can cut a promo well enough to carry the story of why Omega and Ospreay is a dream match for Revolution. He will challenge Omega, Omega will then return a few weeks later to do the challenge accepted angle and they will work towards the PPV probably while building the tension with Adam Cole and his new friends, and possibly Ospreay beats Omega because of Adam Cole launching The Cole/O'Reilly/Fish feud with Omega & The Bucks.

Meanwhile Ospreay can carry his win back to Japan and work with Okada and PERHAPS Kenny returns to NJPW to beat Ospreay for another run there. Very fantasy I know but I can see it happening.

[ron the dial]

it's gonna be RVD you guys

[Lock Jaw]

It's Sting

[Evil Vito]

The wording makes me think it is two different people..... Forbidden Door meaning someone from another company coming in to work for one night..... and then the other debut of a person coming there and signing on

It is the same person.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The big announcement for Wednesday’s Dynamite that we referenced on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWRampage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWRampage</a> (a free agent debut) and the person walking through the Forbidden Door are one and the same. They’re walking in the door, signing a contract, and then slamming the door shut Wednesday on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWDynamite?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWDynamite</a>!</p>&mdash; Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyKhan/status/1489828043854131204?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Forbidden Door can be opened for anyone from any wrestling promotion in the world, whether or not it’s a company <a href="https://twitter.com/AEW?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AEW</a> is on good terms with, even if it’s someone from a company that’s open for business. They’re also welcome to slam the door in the face of their prior company.</p>&mdash; Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyKhan/status/1489819394205270018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

It's almost certainly a WWE signing.

Everyone associates Forbidden Door with NJPW, which is why he shouldn't have said it. Having to clarify what he meant by that is basically him backtracking since everyone assumed NJPW from the jump. I like Tony but sometimes he needs to think before he tweets.

[Lock Jaw]

The Forbidden Door can be opened for anyone from any wrestling promotion...... but does "unemployment" count as going through the Forbidden Door? More like losing your job and getting another one.

[weather vane]

Lol @ errrrbody.

[Sepholio]

“Forbidden door doesn’t mean it’s a promotion we work with. This is someone who will be coming in, signing a contract and closing the door on their old promotion behind them.”


It's Juice Robinson. His contract with NJPW ended on January 31st and he is a free agent. Given those words he makes the most sense to me.

[Lock Jaw]

That's CJ Parker from NXT, right? I liked his heel pro-environment gimmick..... glad that the gimmick truly got the chance to shine when they gave it to a much more talented Daniel Bryan....

[XL]

He went to NJPW after his NXT run and has become a pretty well regarded talent.

[Lock Jaw]

That isn't really a guarantee of being good anymore

[XL]

I think he is still regarded as a decent talent.

[XL]

Not particularly a talent I’m personally excited about but I don’t really get excited about a lot tbf.

[Maluco]

It's Juice Robinson. His contract with NJPW ended on January 31st and he is a free agent. Given those words he makes the most sense to me.

It’s not forbidden door if it’s just some out of contract guy getting a new job. It’s the opposite of forbidden, it would just be sensible and practical lol.

[Maluco]

It would be very TNA of them though to announce a TOP wrestler entering the FORBIDDEN door, only for said signing to be neither top or forbidden.

[XL]

Fully expect that to happen.

[Evil Vito]

I actually had no idea Juice was a free agent. I’ve been out of the loop with NJPW big time.

[Fignuts]

That isn't really a guarantee of being good anymore

He is good.

But he's not a top guy.

[Lock Jaw]

He's no "The Juice" Juventud Guerrera

[Mr. Nerfect]

I dunno about that. You give him all your time and attention now for free.

I give AEW a fraction of my hobby time. And I’d never take a cent for it out of principle. That’s not the slam you think it is.

Surely Forbidden Door refers to someone appearing on a show of a promotion when contracted to another? It’s not forbidden if the person is a free agent!

This is why people can’t get into AEW, it’s all overhype and underwhelm. A TOP wrestler, FORBIDDEN door….and it’s Keith Lee. A guy the bigger company decided wasn’t worth his contract.

If they would stop click baiting and ANNOUNCING things, the product might speak for itself. Tony Khan needs to shut up.

Fucking yes!

[Mr. Nerfect]

By the way, talking about how talent are welcome to slam the door shut on their former employer is not only immature and tasteless, but it is almost definitely going to come back and bite Tony. Good.

[Lock Jaw]

Fed bad

[Mr. Nerfect]

Absolutely everyone on the planet is going to be underwhelming. Unless it’s maybe Steve Austin, The Rock or John Cena. Okada, Tanahashi, Jeff Hardy, Keith Lee — they all feel like pretty soft landings. Plus, whoever it is is signing a contract. So you know the New Japan guy is probably not going to be a top guy anyway.

[Lock Jaw]

What if Keith Lee is being repackaged as "The Forbidden Door" and his gimmick is that "no one can go through me", and he has a weekly "shoulder block" challenge where people try to knock him down but they just can't.

[Maluco]

What if Keith Lee is being repackaged as "The Forbidden Door" and his gimmick is that "no one can go through me", and he has a weekly "shoulder block" challenge where people try to knock him down but they just can't.

Lol yes! You have solved it. I would have absolutely no complaints!

[XL]

Surely it’d be a Slam Challenge given Tony’s tweet?

[Lock Jaw]

No, see, the point is for him to be able to yell "no one gets through The Forbidden Door!!!!" at the top of his lungs as often as possible.

[Sepholio]

lol just saw the commercial on TBS. They said this is gonna be the Dynamite that changes everything. LOL.

Unless it's Shane McMahon there is no name out there worth that kind of hype. There just isn't. And it's not Shane. Maybe they consider Bray or Braun that big of a deal, but outside of one of them they are setting up everyone to be let down.

[Lock Jaw]

This will be the greatest night in the history of our sport!

[Triple A]

Maybe Juice Robinson or someone like that, which would be disappointing... "forbidden door" stuff would be weird and wouldn't make sense if he's talking about a released WWE guy, but he has said some weird shit before

edit: Seph already said

[Mr. Nerfect]

John Cena might be worth that sort of hype. If TBS has put pressure on him to work with their WarnerMedia wrestling property. Very, very unlikely, but that would be worth this hype. But I don’t know why they would act like he is slamming the door in Vince’s face.

Even if it’s ALL the free agent talent out there — Keith Lee, Kevin Kross, Scarlett Bordeaux looking sluttier than ever, Athena, Mia Yim, Road Dogg to introduce The Ass Boys, Scott Armstrong to be a heel ref that screws over Page, Regal to join Danielson & Mox, Jeff Hardy to go into the Ladder Match, etc. — it’s still not going to be enough.

This company doesn’t learn.

[Triple A]

lol just saw the commercial on TBS. They said this is gonna be the Dynamite that changes everything. LOL.

Unless it's Shane McMahon there is no name out there worth that kind of hype. There just isn't. And it's not Shane. Maybe they consider Bray or Braun that big of a deal, but outside of one of them they are setting up everyone to be let down.

smh if they're hyping it like that and it turns out to be Juice Robinson lol

I don't trust Tony Khan's hype anymore after he burned me hyping up Christian Cage so much

[Mr. Nerfect]

My actual guess is that it is going to be Keith Lee. He’s probably not going back there and seems like the sort of dude with an opinion high enough of himself that he’d want to talk about that. They’ve also got this heart charity thing, and he had problems with his heart. He’s a good person to announce that. He’ll then go over Isiah Kassidy and earn a spot in the Ladder Match for a shot at the TNT Title and they’ll tease the TNT/World Title thing like the NXT/NA Title thing.

[Triple A]

Will Ospreay has been doing a Twitter angle with Kenny Omega so maybe that would be cool... but idk what his status is / no indication that he would leave NJPW at this point so seems doubtful

[Mr. Nerfect]

I don’t think this is going to be the only debut though. Surely they HAVE to know that advertising it so big is going to let people down.

They can’t do Page vs. Cole at the PPV. With Danielson taking him out of contention, the only option is really either Mox going for the shot with Danielson’s blessing or someone else getting it. I can see Bray Wyatt debuting, maybe with Braun Strowman and Erick Roman to close the show, maybe even taking out all the guys. Danielson was apparently a big supporter of Rowan getting a push.

I dunno. Now that I think about it, I can see Dynamite ending with Cole and co. attacking Page, Archer, Ethan Page and Scorpio Sky, with Brandi coming out with Marina Shafir to cancel out Paige VanZant to end the show. Because it all fits together you see. Dan Lambert is with Lance Archer who is with Paige who Brandi doesn’t like.

Maybe The Dark Order come out for the save and then The Wyatt Family show up?

Keith Lee and Marina Shafir for Dynamite and Mia Yim for Rampage is my final actual guess.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Will Ospreay has been doing a Twitter angle with Kenny Omega so maybe that would be cool... but idk what his status is / no indication that he would leave NJPW at this point so seems doubtful

If that’s a work, it’s comical. It’s about who puts together the better matches. It’s like the comedy trope of two gangs meeting in an alley West Side Story style so they can sing and dance.

If it’s not a shoot, it’s disappointing. It should have been “I’ve taken your spot, Kenny.” “Come and take mine here.” “What spot? Aren’t you out licking your wounds. I’ll take out the people who took you out, bruv.” Not “I could get 5 stars in York Hall if I wanted.”

[XL]

John Cena might be worth that sort of hype. If TBS has put pressure on him to work with their WarnerMedia wrestling property. Very, very unlikely, but that would be worth this hype. But I don’t know why they would act like he is slamming the door in Vince’s face.

Even if it’s ALL the free agent talent out there — Keith Lee, Kevin Kross, Scarlett Bordeaux looking sluttier than ever, Athena, Mia Yim, Road Dogg to introduce The Ass Boys, Scott Armstrong to be a heel ref that screws over Page, Regal to join Danielson & Mox, Jeff Hardy to go into the Ladder Match, etc. — it’s still not going to be enough.

This company doesn’t learn.

Sounds very reminiscent of TNA going live on Mondays.

I fear Tony has oversold this (again). It’ll get me to watch the show on Thursday morning (I’m in the UK) and it might pop a rating, and I’ll probably be quite pleased with whoever it is (unless it’s Juice :lol:) but it would be a let down.

Bringing in Wyatt to turn the company upside down kinda like Nexus debuting on Raw could be kind of neat.

[Jordan]

It's almost certainly a WWE signing.

Everyone associates Forbidden Door with NJPW, which is why he shouldn't have said it. Having to clarify what he meant by that is basically him backtracking since everyone assumed NJPW from the jump. I like Tony but sometimes he needs to think before he tweets.

I think you are correct.

[Jordan]

It's Juice Robinson. His contract with NJPW ended on January 31st and he is a free agent. Given those words he makes the most sense to me.

Juice was recently working for Impact no?

I think he is still regarded as a decent talent.

He's had some fantastic matches in the past.

Not particularly a talent I’m personally excited about but I don’t really get excited about a lot tbf.

I am not "excited" like I would be for say Keith Lee or Jeff Hardy but he is somebody that I've always wanted in AEW. He should be there instead of others.

Absolutely everyone on the planet is going to be underwhelming. Unless it’s maybe Steve Austin, The Rock or John Cena. Okada, Tanahashi, Jeff Hardy, Keith Lee — they all feel like pretty soft landings. Plus, whoever it is is signing a contract. So you know the New Japan guy is probably not going to be a top guy anyway.

There are two potential NJPW guys that could be doing some spots with AEW and mean something, Ospreay and Jay White. Ospreay more because he is so flashy and beloved by the hardcore audience. White may be better on the mic though. Either would be a great addition to AEW and if they go with Ospreay then that means he's going to work with Kenny and in a way that would be a huge deal for AEW.

Like it or not AEW is booking matches that are a draw to the hardcore audience. So a match between Ospreay and Kenny is a wet dream to the wrestlenerd.

What if Keith Lee is being repackaged as "The Forbidden Door" and his gimmick is that "no one can go through me", and he has a weekly "shoulder block" challenge where people try to knock him down but they just can't.

This is ideal. I lOVE IT.

lol just saw the commercial on TBS. They said this is gonna be the Dynamite that changes everything. LOL.

Unless it's Shane McMahon there is no name out there worth that kind of hype. There just isn't. And it's not Shane. Maybe they consider Bray or Braun that big of a deal, but outside of one of them they are setting up everyone to be let down.

That kind of hype is really dangerous. It does make me think it has to be a game changer signing... I guess Bray would lead the pack on that right?

Sounds very reminiscent of TNA going live on Mondays.

I fear Tony has oversold this (again). It’ll get me to watch the show on Thursday morning (I’m in the UK) and it might pop a rating, and I’ll probably be quite pleased with whoever it is (unless it’s Juice :lol:) but it would be a let down.

Bringing in Wyatt to turn the company upside down kinda like Nexus debuting on Raw could be kind of neat.

I think for a lot of people this will peak interest, and yeah I do fear a disappointment as well. I think the best choice for this spot is Jeff Hardy because of the match with Cassidy who is represented by his brother, and the winner is in a ladder match. Jeff can start an angle turning Matt from his AFHO stable and they do a tag run against some of the great AEW tag teams.

[Frank Drebin]

Ugh @ the thought of Jeff Hardy being the big surprise. Would rather it be fucking Nia Jax knowing that she's going to violently toss around and hurt Britt Baker. At least there would be legit heel heat.

[Sepholio]

Do you wanna see Nyla vs Nia? Because that's what we get if that happens.

[xrodmuc316]

BOOM!!! I don't see Phil having his own show on HBO Max!

https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2022/02/rhodes-to-the-top-now-available-on-hbo-max/

Cody is a bigger star!

[Mr. Nerfect]

The more I think about it, the more I think it’s going to be a few people. I stand by Keith Lee, Marina Shafir and Mia Yim. I think we also get The Wyatt Family on top of that somewhere on the show. So you get Keith Lee, Mia Yim, Marina Shafir, Beau Wyatt, Bram Strowman and Wreck Rowan.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Ugh, Matt Hardy was teasing at the Ladder Match spot guy being Jeff Hardy. Now Isiah Kassidy has joined that party. They could just be going into business for themselves, but it looks like it’s going to be Jeff Hardy.

TK looks bush league as fuck hiring that unprofessional twat and bragging about him being such. But people aren’t really talking about that, although the Jeff Hardy signing is certainly polarizing. It’s mainly people annoyed because Jeff is old, broken down, taking another roster spot and past The Hardy Boyz retirement tour, what else is there?

It’s got major TNA stank for a lot of people.

[Frank Drebin]

It could easily be a few people. A bunch of wwe 90 days expired recently so there are a few to pick from with Lee being the most likely.

The forbidden door used to refer to NJPW but it seems like Tony thinks it just means "anyone that hasn't been in AEW"

[Sting Fan]

I don’t think any of the current crop of free agents meets the hype being sold right now on name alone.

However if we get someone coming in from the top of that cream of guys AND get a smartly worked monster push it could work.

Problem with that is I don’t know if winning a shot at a shot necesarily is a monster push.

Hoping for Keith Lee.

[Sepholio]

No way Jeff doesn't have a 90-day clause. It's not gonna be him.

[Sepholio]

Honestly this is prob the last time I will even remotely buy into the TK hype. I'm already not expecting much but if this turns out to be a flop then it'll be a long time before I ever care about an AEW announcement/surprise again.

[xrodmuc316]

Shad Khan's daughter better be asking for SOOOOOOOOOO much money right now before Tony blows it all.

[Frank Drebin]

Do you wanna see Nyla vs Nia? Because that's what we get if that happens.

Like I said....would rather Nia than Jeff Hardy. Not only would it be a disappointment but you just had Mox come back from rehab and you're going to bring in a guy who could "Victory Road" you? No thanks.

[Frank Drebin]

If this were wwe, Vince would absolutely hire Jeff Hardy to feud with Mox and laugh while everyone becomes uncomfortable.

[Maluco]

Lads, it is TOP wrestler and it’s FORBIDDEN, Tony has given his word.

In 2022, to satisfy both criteria, I guess that is Lesnar, Reigns, Rollins, Orton or Cena coming in and signing their AEW contract and shocking the world on Dynamite!

Anyone else would either not be TOP or not be FORBIDDEN. I wonder how he has managed to pull this off?

[Frank Drebin]

https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/2021/03/17/0dfdf0cc-37d1-47e3-a378-d04768624a7a/randy-orton-aew-instagram-1192502.jpg

Confirmed

[Mr. Nerfect]

https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/2021/03/17/0dfdf0cc-37d1-47e3-a378-d04768624a7a/randy-orton-aew-instagram-1192502.jpg

Confirmed

Lol, remember when Dave Meltzer tried to float the story that Orton’s ego is so big he priced himself out because he wanted Jericho money? Then TK went onto Twitter and tried to start beef with Orton over using AEW offers to negotiate a higher deal with WWE. Whoops.

[Mr. Nerfect]

No way Jeff doesn't have a 90-day clause. It's not gonna be him.

That’s what I think. Which is why it’s stupid talent is teasing it.

The biggest star it could realistically be is Bray Wyatt. It’ll probably be Keith Lee. Neither “changes everything.”

[Wehttam]

The more I think about it, the more I think it’s going to be a few people. I stand by Keith Lee, Marina Shafir and Mia Yim. I think we also get The Wyatt Family on top of that somewhere on the show. So you get Keith Lee, Mia Yim, Marina Shafir, Beau Wyatt, Bram Strowman and Wreck Rowan.

shafir has already appeared a few times on their youtube shit

[drave]

Going to be Paul Hunter. Cody has been working without a contract, Paul Hunter comes in, they fight for the future of the company. Been the meta-story since Day 1.





Book it.

[XL]

Now I watched the Day 1 Premium Live Event and I do not remember any of this.

[drave]

Because it was not that great. That is also a WWE PPV - get outta this thread pal!




lol

[Mr. Nerfect]

shafir has already appeared a few times on their youtube shit

Yeah, I know, but they haven’t done the graphic yet, have they?

[Damian Rey 2.0]

I think it’s gonna be Keith Lee. Which is a a potentially great pickup. But not worth the hype. And after the Christian debacle i don’t buy anything he hypes up.

[Evil Vito]

WWE should quietly let Veer out of his contract without a non-compete so it can be him. LET THE MAN FINALLY COME, DAMMIT!

[XL]

Keith just got married. They should go on honeymoon.

[xrodmuc316]

I think it’s gonna be Keith Lee. Which is a a potentially great pickup. But not worth the hype. And after the Christian debacle i don’t buy anything he hypes up.

Every AEW signing means Tony Khan just made a new friend, so it is a HUGE deal.

[Jordan]

Every AEW signing means Tony Khan just made a new friend, so it is a HUGE deal.

:lol: I hope Keith Lee like white claw!

[Mr. Nerfect]

Hopefully Keith Lee looks after his health on that roster. Too many sad stories waiting to happen.

[Jordan]

Hopefully Keith Lee looks after his health on that roster. Too many sad stories waiting to happen.

He will get health insurance now!

[Triple A]

He will get health insurance now!

Do AEW wrestlers get insurance? I thought they don't and only the office guys do

[GD]

Every AEW signing means Tony Khan just made a new friend, so it is a HUGE deal.

:rofl:

[Jordan]

Do AEW wrestlers get insurance? I thought they don't and only the office guys do

I thought this interview had info on insurance but I was wrong, it doesn't. This is what I was basing my knowledge on but it doesn't mention insurance. Still interesting though.

Rhodes then explained the contract tiers in AEW. He explained that many indie talents are signed to a tier 0 contract remarking over how much they make in bonuses. Tier 0 also allows AEW the first option to sign them while also guaranteeing them a certain amount of dates. He discussed the other tiers in AEW and joked that there is also a “tier Jericho” as well.

“Agree to appear is a tier 0 meaning you’ll get a bonus, which Tony’s super super generous. If you ask some of these extras what they’re making for being there (Rhodes takes a moment), my dad would have lost it,” Rhodes remarked. “But he’s right. It’s COVID era. They have no other work. There’s no indies. Tier 0 is just a signing bonus and exclusivity to us in terms of we get a first option on you I believe is how it works, and we guarantee you x amount of dates, five dates.

“The exclusivity thing is case by case, but we guarantee you x amount of dates. The goal is you don’t want to pay someone agree to appear, Chris Harrington would handle this much better than I am, you don’t want to keep giving them their weekly, their weekly, their weekly, their weekly vs. tier 1-ing them, which is our base contractor agreement. That’s another thing, we’re just talking about Tony, we built a middle card and a lower card. We have tier 1’s, tier 2’s, tier 3’s, tier 4 and tier Jericho.”

[Jordan]

I read somewhere that extras were making 3k a pop in the empty arena days. Obviously the EVP's or anyone who works and office job has health insurance. I would assume that they work out ways to get guys on company health insurance as a leveraging tool.

[xrodmuc316]

:lol: I hope Keith Lee like white claw!

Keith Whiteclaw Lee :rofl:

[xrodmuc316]

Lol, remember when Dave Meltzer tried to float the story that Orton’s ego is so big he priced himself out because he wanted Jericho money? Then TK went onto Twitter and tried to start beef with Orton over using AEW offers to negotiate a higher deal with WWE. Whoops.

Jacksonville Dixie :rofl::rofl::rofl:

Tony cried for sure lol

[GD]

:rofl:

[Jordan]

I honestly forgot that Kyle O'Reilly signed with AEW until I just saw a news story about him trademarking his nickname "Violent Artist". Stupid nickname.

Too many bodies, too many guys that are going to feel like they are wasted potential. I really feel AEW's men's roster should top out at 50. I can't find what I'd consider an accurate number but AEW had over 113 people signed as of September 2021, so I can only imagine they are well ahead of that now.

[Jordan]

According to Smackdown Hotel AEW has 164 talents signed including wrestlers, agents, coaches, announcers etc...

Roughly 115 of those are "active" on the men's roster.

36 are women, and of those I'd say we see about 20 of them "regularly", the others are probably in development or only on Dark.

For contrast, Impact has 81 talents signed, NJPW 105 and ROH (before December) had 80.

[Fignuts]

Been saying their rosters bloated for a while now. Wish some of them would go to njpw. Their roster desperately needs a shake up.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Tony wants all the toys. He doesn’t know how to play with them.

[Fignuts]

So it's a match against one of Matt Hardy's guys, and the winner goes on to a ladder match.

Fucks sake, it's fucking Jeff isn't it.

[XL]

It won’t be Jeff. But it could be….


WILLOW!!

[Maluco]

It’s going to be Keith Lee, and it’s going to be hilarious.

I know some people liked him in WWE, but he has done barely anything in the business and can’t even really cut a promo. He is in no way, shape or form a “top” wrestler.

He isn’t even someone who had to fight to get out of a contract, so even by the largest stretch of you imagination, he isn’t “forbidden” in any way. He was released because his prior company decided he wasn’t good/healthy enough.

[Evil Vito]

Been saying their rosters bloated for a while now. Wish some of them would go to njpw. Their roster desperately needs a shake up.

Agreed. NJPW's roster has been stagnant for a long while now and the situation with the pandemic has only worsened it. Japan has still pretty much banned westerners from entering the country unless they jump through a ton of logistical hoops before going, quarantine for weeks upon entry, and no guarantee they'll even be allowed back home if an outbreak happens while they're in the country. That's why even a guy like Jay White hasn't been in Japan since May, and I don't blame him.

Supposedly the westerner ban is proving to be incredibly popular politically, so I don't know if I see these rules are going to change anytime soon even though it's obvious COVID is never going away.

But if shit ever freely opened again, would love to see AEW send talent over there for some tours and freshen things up a bit while also reducing the bloat of their own roster.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I don’t even think there are too many people on the AEW roster who fit New Japan. Danielson? Sure. But when I think of Japan I think of hard-hitting and technical. Well, ideally. AEW seems like it’s got this loose, plenty of daylight soft-style. I honestly think some of the Impact guys would suit Japan better. Josh Alexander, for example.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Matt Hardy apparently has a podcast and confirmed Jeff’s non-compete runs through March 9. So I have no clue why the dickhead is online teasing Jeff. Seriously, can Tony just fire the fucking guy already? He does whatever he wants with no value add.

[Mr. Nerfect]

It’s going to be Keith Lee, and it’s going to be hilarious.

I know some people liked him in WWE, but he has done barely anything in the business and can’t even really cut a promo. He is in no way, shape or form a “top” wrestler.

He isn’t even someone who had to fight to get out of a contract, so even by the largest stretch of you imagination, he isn’t “forbidden” in any way. He was released because his prior company decided he wasn’t good/healthy enough.

Lol, this post is vicious, but pretty spot-on. He’ll beat Isiah Kassidy then do this pretentious promo — “Greetings and salutations…”. It’s going to be majorly groan-inducing.

Fans don’t like to admit it, but there is a reason a lot of this talent gets cut. Keith Lee’s psychology was pretty bad and his promos were unnatural and forced. They’ll try and hype him like a big deal, but I can see a lot of people being (rightfully) pissed off.

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">this was ALMOST the slam heard around the world <br><br>almost <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWDarkElevation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWDarkElevation</a> <a href="https://t.co/A0pq96IPa2">pic.twitter.com/A0pq96IPa2</a></p>&mdash; SNAKEMAN���� (@KingSerpentico) <a href="https://twitter.com/KingSerpentico/status/1490875164313395201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Mr. Nerfect]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">this was ALMOST the slam heard around the world <br><br>almost <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWDarkElevation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWDarkElevation</a> <a href="https://t.co/A0pq96IPa2">pic.twitter.com/A0pq96IPa2</a></p>&mdash; SNAKEMAN���� (@KingSerpentico) <a href="https://twitter.com/KingSerpentico/status/1490875164313395201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Wtf? Talk about bush league.

[screech]

lol that was dumb as shit

[Mr. Nerfect]

Remember that Big Show is probably getting paid upwards of $1 million. Tony Shiavone is not cheap either. That’s what you have them doing.

[weather vane]

Hahaha love Luther. So bad.

[drave]

lol that was dumb as shit




As it was actually meant to be, lol.

[Mr. Nerfect]

As it was actually meant to be, lol.

Being bad on purpose doesn’t make something good.

[Sepholio]

Just saw where the Observer says Keith Lee is All Elite and they are planning to throw him into a world title feud going into Revolution.

Womp.

[Sepholio]

Dunno how I originally missed that. Seriously el oh el if he comes through "ThE fOrBiDdEn DoOr" tomorrow.

[ron the dial]

if a literal door is opened and slammed closed on my television tomorrow regardless of who it is, i will lose my damn mind and not in a good way.

[ron the dial]

i don't know why i'm expecting that but my brain is convinced it's gonna happen

[xrodmuc316]

if a literal door is opened and slammed closed on my television tomorrow regardless of who it is, i will lose my damn mind and not in a good way.

What if it is Bayley??? :eek:

https://64.media.tumblr.com/a4de2d0106d7a3e26da7c8cfa0d3d06a/cd46a0883d7c1545-3b/s1280x1920/4b1d33d0a94cc993888ba61cbbe03c01fb748f28.jpg

[ron the dial]

ok that would actually be surprising though so i'd give it a pass

[Evil Vito]

It is Ali. Tony is footing his legal expenses, brother!

[Triple A]

It’s going to be Keith Lee, and it’s going to be hilarious.

I know some people liked him in WWE, but he has done barely anything in the business and can’t even really cut a promo. He is in no way, shape or form a “top” wrestler.

He isn’t even someone who had to fight to get out of a contract, so even by the largest stretch of you imagination, he isn’t “forbidden” in any way. He was released because his prior company decided he wasn’t good/healthy enough.

Lol, this post is vicious, but pretty spot-on. He’ll beat Isiah Kassidy then do this pretentious promo — “Greetings and salutations…”. It’s going to be majorly groan-inducing.

Fans don’t like to admit it, but there is a reason a lot of this talent gets cut. Keith Lee’s psychology was pretty bad and his promos were unnatural and forced. They’ll try and hype him like a big deal, but I can see a lot of people being (rightfully) pissed off.

Love(d) Keith Lee

I do agree that his promos are not good, but he was really great to watch wrestle in like 2017-2018... Went to a lot of indie shows in EVOLVE (where he was their most popular wrestler, along with Riddle and Darby Allin) around then, with a few people who are not really wrestling fans, and he was basically everyone's favorite wrestler

I do have a lot of doubts about him now though tbh since it's 4 years later and he had a life-threatening heart issue

[Triple A]

Just saw where the Observer says Keith Lee is All Elite and they are planning to throw him into a world title feud going into Revolution.

Womp.

Where/when did they say that?

wish u would post links to stuff...

[Sepholio]

It's all reposts in facebook groups/pages. Just happened to see a screencap from one of the pages earlier, said it was from the WON and it said Keith Lee is signed and will be getting a title program apparently. Now all the pages are lighting up with the same story. A good 80% of them are saying he's the forbidden door guy too but none of them are sourcing that claim as of yet.