All Elite Wrestling

[Vastardikai]

Also, it appears as if Britt's long term manager has a new gimmick. She will now be referred to as Not Rebel, Not Reba, Not Rose, Not Rebecca, Not Rolanda, but Removed from Television.

[Sepholio]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Don't worry he ain't watching</p>&mdash; Kevin Nash (@RealKevinNash) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealKevinNash/status/1631806790877814788?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Huge pop!!</p>&mdash; Undertaker (@undertaker) <a href="https://twitter.com/undertaker/status/1631836453918457857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Vastardikai]

Of course, shit biscuits are making reference to Nash's dead son in response to his Crack at the Uncharismatic Enigma. Not a Cult at all.

Also, someone called Taker a racist. Which is probably news to the New Day, Ron Simmons, and Godfather. Fun fact: the Godwins and Taker were the only white members of the BSK.

[Lock Jaw]

Lemme guess, that image with the blood is from just a regular ol' Dynanite? Pretty "disgusted" @ AEW's usage of blood.....

[xrodmuc316]

Also, it appears as if Britt's long term manager has a new gimmick. She will now be referred to as Not Rebel, Not Reba, Not Rose, Not Rebecca, Not Rolanda, but Removed from Television.

Which is pretty ridiculous because it is not like she did anything overtly heel other than helping Britt/Jamie. Just because they are randomly faces now because Saraya/Storm are spraypainting nWo heels, notwithstanding Ruby Soho is the only actual babyface , somehow Rebel's character is too evil to be an ally anymore. Solid booker of the year level stuff there... :roll:

[xrodmuc316]

Of course, shit biscuits are making reference to Nash's dead son in response to his Crack at the Uncharismatic Enigma. Not a Cult at all.

Also, someone called Taker a racist. Which is probably news to the New Day, Ron Simmons, and Godfather. Fun fact: the Godwins and Taker were the only white members of the BSK.

You are not allowed to NOT accept Wheeler Yuta as a Main Event MEGASTAR, or you deserve for your children to die and/or be labeled a racist. It is just wrestling that makes them feel like a kid again!

[#1-norm-fan]

I don’t think Taker is a racist but “He has black friends!” isn’t exactly the best rebuttal. Lol

[Vastardikai]

I don’t think Taker is a racist but “He has black friends!” isn’t exactly the best rebuttal. Lol

You're not wrong, especially in the wrestling business when folks were literal KKK members and would back up Tony Atlas.

But the New Day didn't buy Hogan's apology. So I kind of doubt him being racist. The homophobia meme is funnier, though.

[Vastardikai]

You're not wrong, especially in the wrestling business when folks were literal KKK members and would back up Tony Atlas.

But the New Day didn't buy Hogan's apology. So I kind of doubt him being racist. The homophobia meme is funnier, though.

I can't put rep messages in my phone, so basically someone claimed that Taker potatoed Kanyon because he was gay. It was disproven, but any chairshot to the head was jerked into "being homophobic." I found an old one with Dusty Rhodes about to wallop the One Man Gang.

[Lock Jaw]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tony Khan looks like a guy I wouldn’t leave my kids alone with.</p>&mdash; The last Hound of Justice! (@MarkDeering3) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkDeering3/status/1625007856851222528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Sting Fan]

Not entirely sure "The last hound of Justice!" should be casting stones in that space.

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">jericho is built like a 65 year old lucha libre legend named like ‘el racisto’</p>&mdash; snowboiiii (@snowboiiii) <a href="https://twitter.com/snowboiiii/status/1632549327238209538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Sting Fan]

Front page says FTR resigned long term AEW deals, recent TV abscence was storyline. Good get for AEW to keep FTR.

Now it will be interesting to see if we get a Punk return.

[drave]

Punk needs to stay away man. Ignoring "the incident" that took place, his on-screen and in-ring work was fucking terrible. And I was, at one point, a fan.

[Sepholio]

I'd like to see Punk try MMA again.

[Sting Fan]

Punk needs to stay away man. Ignoring "the incident" that took place, his on-screen and in-ring work was fucking terrible. And I was, at one point, a fan.

I'm not exactly clamouring for his return either but TK seems to have shown a bit of a flair for holding onto apparently disgruntled guys now. FTR, MJF, Malakai Black as examples.

I dont want Punk near the title, but FTR and Punk vs. The Elite kinda seems like a no brainer if everyone can get through it without hurt feelings. That feels like a big if though.

[XL]

It’s a tricky one if they can’t get the parties to play nice. The sheets have WWE interested in poaching The Elite, does a Punk return to AEW seal that deal? Meanwhile, if they go anyway you’re going to need something to fill that hole and a(nother) Punk return could be the thing to do it. Feels like TK has got to try not to burn bridges in either direction.

[Sting Fan]

Yeah its a tough spot for him.

Personally if its keep the Elite or keep Punk I think keeping the Elite is a no brainer. Longer potential, better fit and legacy employees/business partners. It appears Punk and the FTR arent the package deal some thought they were unless this is all already sorted behind closed doors which I wouldnt put past them.

While AEW can be hokey with the worked shoot stuff there starting to show they can pull it off. Last week FTR were 99% leaving AEW and disgruntled as hell. Feels like the IWC has been getting worked pretty well and will no doubt hate it.

[Sepholio]

lol someone stole the TNT title out of Wardlows car.

[#1-norm-fan]

Good time to remind people not to leave anything in your car if you’re ever in San Francisco.

[Frank Drebin]

Lol @ wwe being interested in the elite. No they aren't. Only reason they'd take them would be to shove it in Tony's face. They can't make their own rules and do flippy shit like they can elsewhere.

You might love him or not but Punk can still draw although I'm not sure what that would look like now that we've had not one but two aborted title runs and the mess after All Out.

[Lock Jaw]

There was a time (pre-AEW) where I could have seen Kenny Omega being "big" in WWE (as much as anyone is, before he would just become another guy). Feel like the ship has definitely sailed on that though. If they had got their hooks into him right from Japan and "protected him from himself" he could have been the next "AJ Styles" (A "big deal fairly quick" that would main event "for a while" but then a few years later just another dude you don't really care about)

[xrodmuc316]

I'd like to see Punk try MMA again.

That would be great, I would love seeing him get his fake tough guy ass beat again.

[XL]

Lol @ wwe being interested in the elite. No they aren't. Only reason they'd take them would be to shove it in Tony's face. They can't make their own rules and do flippy shit like they can elsewhere.

You might love him or not but Punk can still draw although I'm not sure what that would look like now that we've had not one but two aborted title runs and the mess after All Out.

You seem to be arguing against your own point here.

[Evil Vito]

I think WWE would be more interested in Omega than The Bucks, but they'd jump at the chance to sign all of them even if they don't have any major plans for any of them.

No matter your opinions on the group as talents, there would be an inherent weirdness in knowing the guys the promotion is named after were all gone.

WWE being able to lure away all of AEW's founding EVPs would be a "statement win" for them.

[Frank Drebin]

You seem to be arguing against your own point here.

Is that enough to sign two or three dudes who wouldn't come cheap? Maybe. Would the Bucks and Omega also do it knowing that was the primary reason? I'm saying that shouldn't be enough from either side to want to work something out unless they get a Cody deal where they're promised main event status.

I think WWE would be more interested in Omega than The Bucks, but they'd jump at the chance to sign all of them even if they don't have any major plans for any of them.

No matter your opinions on the group as talents, there would be an inherent weirdness in knowing the guys the promotion is named after were all gone.

WWE being able to lure away all of AEW's founding EVPs would be a "statement win" for them.

Again, that would be the primary reason. Wouldn't be worth it for either side. Omega wouldn't be able to bring his Japanese schoolgirls with him and the Bucks would have to do scripted promos and fall in line.

[xrodmuc316]

Again, that would be the primary reason. Wouldn't be worth it for either side. Omega wouldn't be able to bring his Japanese schoolgirls with him and the Bucks would have to do scripted promos and fall in line.

I think that scripted promo thing is misunderstood. You see it any time somebody gets interrupted by the crowd, they go back and repeat the exact same thing. In AEW they may be writing their own promos, but to think aren't getting it timed out and approved when they say the same thing with the same inflection, is just buying into a narrative.

I dont think anybody in WWE would approve Kenny running Steve Urkel's catchphrases, but I am sure they would let him get most of his shit in like bestbout machine and that kind of nonsense.

[Mr. Nerfect]

The Elite are probably more valuable being a problem in AEW’s locker-room. I don’t know if I would make a competing offer. Let them leverage TNA or New Japan against AEW. WWE doesn’t want this to be a wrestler’s market. The Elite and AEW ran the potential of this situation down to the point where that’s gone.

[Mr. Nerfect]

AEW has already scrapped the All-Atlantic Title concept. It’s now the “International Championship” because…reasons.

[XL]

It’s been levelled up. That’s the reason. Didn’t you hear Tony say that? I think he said it 3 times cos he read the tele-prompter multiple times.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Levelling up is what happened to the TNA Global Championship, wasn’t it?

[Mr. Nerfect]

Someone said something about The Elite having way more value than CM Punk. I keep reading that from people, but Punk’s value was not only in what he brought to the table, but creating stars. Mentoring guys. He could sit behind a commentary desk when he’s done in the ring. You get the rewatch value from his work. The Elite’s only value is whatever you place in their spotfests.

[Sepholio]

Name a star Punk has created. Just one.

Also he would suck on commentary because he'll just brag about himself and whine about people not listening to him.

And I totes want a guy mentoring people that flips out and throws everyone under the bus when someone doesn't want his help.

[Sepholio]

I guess there is def rewatch value in his work though. As in "Hey you see how Punk botched that move there? Don't do that."

[Sepholio]

Uhg QT and Hobbs are just the start of a new faction that is now named QTV? Another faction? Seriously?

[screech]

More factions, more belts - woooo rasslin!

[Mr. Nerfect]

Name a star Punk has created. Just one.

Also he would suck on commentary because he'll just brag about himself and whine about people not listening to him.

And I totes want a guy mentoring people that flips out and throws everyone under the bus when someone doesn't want his help.

Punk was working with guys like Darby Allin, Will Hobbs and even Danhausen. Just because it wasn’t time for his shoulders to hit the mat yet doesn’t mean that those stories weren’t going to be realized. You have to establish the guy’s return to form before you can go knocking it out of place.

His destruction at the hands of Wardlow, even though Punk squeaked out the technical win, was the flashpoint for Wardlow getting white-hot (within the context of that company) and was the trigger for TK jumping the gun as booker and splitting him and MJF up too soon. It’s not Punk’s fault that would be the best treatment Wardlow would get in the company.

On commentary, Punk knows his bread is buttered on putting over other guys. He was totally selfless during his WWE stint behind the desk (even calling a guy like Tyson Kidd “the best in the world” at one point). I don’t know where you get this idea he’d use the platform (which would be supporting him in this context) to create drama that doesn’t need to exist. If you take Punk’s side and get rid of the politicians, you don’t have those problems anyway.

Punk doesn’t flip out over guys not listening to him, lol. He gets cranky when they try to sabotage PPV programs, their work drives off viewers and nothing is done about it. He flips out when they barge into his personal space looking for a fight and gives them one.

AEW needs to be cleaned up. And Punk has got way more value than Kenny or The Bucks in a clean space, because they literally can’t do any of the things that Punk can, even in theory.

[Sepholio]

"...doesn't mean that those stories weren't going to be realized."

This is AEW. TK has the book. That's exactly what it means. They were going to be forgotten and left behind until 3 years later Darby would randomly go over CM Punk in a meaningless match at the time and a bunch of marks will come running in yelling "LONG TERM STORY TELLING!!!"

Wardlow was "white hot" for about 2 minutes after that. Then he was paired with Joe, then jobbed to Joe, then won the title back, then lost it to Hobbs in 3 days. Wardlow is laughable now compared to where he was going into the Punk stuff.

You don't know where I would get the idea that Punk would create drama that doesn't exist? I guess that whole media scrum where Punk created a bunch of drama was all a fever dream.

Punk literally spazzed about Hangman because he didn't want to take his advice. Again, where have you been?

[Destor]

"Oh he was gonna"


Guy has been in the business for over 20 years and he's never once gotten anyone over but himself.

[Mr. Nerfect]

"...doesn't mean that those stories weren't going to be realized."

This is AEW. TK has the book. That's exactly what it means. They were going to be forgotten and left behind until 3 years later Darby would randomly go over CM Punk in a meaningless match at the time and a bunch of marks will come running in yelling "LONG TERM STORY TELLING!!!"

Wardlow was "white hot" for about 2 minutes after that. Then he was paired with Joe, then jobbed to Joe, then won the title back, then lost it to Hobbs in 3 days. Wardlow is laughable now compared to where he was going into the Punk stuff.

You don't know where I would get the idea that Punk would create drama that doesn't exist? I guess that whole media scrum where Punk created a bunch of drama was all a fever dream.

Punk literally spazzed about Hangman because he didn't want to take his advice. Again, where have you been?

TK’s incompetent, but Punk had creative input. I’m not saying AEW with him was great. It wasn’t. But that’s the better vision. Punk’s philosophy on how to put pro-wrestling together works better than the spamming and “everything is awesome” approach without vision.

Page ambushed Punk with a promo on Dynamite. TK did nothing about it. Punk shot in the scrum. He didn’t “spaz out.” The fight was when The Bucks went looking for one.

[Evil Vito]

lol according to someone who was at Dynamite/Rampage the other night, Sammy Guevara's entrance for the Rampage main event practically emptied out the arena

Rampage usually struggles keeping people around because of how late into the night it goes, on the East coast it's not ending til 11 PM or so. So out west it'd only be, like, 8 PM. Also the arena this was held at is in the heart of a major common area so it's not even like people were leaving to beat traffic.

It was just like a mass exodus of people saying "Sammy in the main event? K I'm gonna head out"

[Mr. Nerfect]

LolAEW

[DaveWadding]

lol according to someone who was at Dynamite/Rampage the other night, Sammy Guevara's entrance for the Rampage main event practically emptied out the arena

Rampage usually struggles keeping people around because of how late into the night it goes, on the East coast it's not ending til 11 PM or so. So out west it'd only be, like, 8 PM. Also the arena this was held at is in the heart of a major common area so it's not even like people were leaving to beat traffic.

It was just like a mass exodus of people saying "Sammy in the main event? K I'm gonna head out"

Seriously, having Sammy main event Rampage is a terrible idea. Almost left when it was him and Andretti in the main. And it was only like 8:30

[Sting Fan]

Sammy’s 100% got that Xpac heat going on.

[xrodmuc316]

Paige and co. are now calling themselves "The Outcast", because spray painting people and calling themselves The Outsiders, oops I mean Outcasts, is totally original! Tiny is such a good booker :roll:

[Sepholio]

lol GCW has filed to oppose AEWs trademark of "Fight Forever" for their game as GCW ran a show with the same title a couple years ago during the pandemic.

[ron the dial]

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[xrodmuc316]

lol GCW has filed to oppose AEWs trademark of "Fight Forever" for their game as GCW ran a show with the same title a couple years ago during the pandemic.

That game is cursed

[Mr. Nerfect]

They’re just stupid.

[slik]

Happy for them getting the $$$...but Tony Khan stretched even more thin booking a third show seems 'not the best'


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Report: AEW, WBD finalizing deal for third weekly wrestling show <a href="https://t.co/FxJnjcu5RS">https://t.co/FxJnjcu5RS</a> <a href="https://t.co/XrRCoVisT7">pic.twitter.com/XrRCoVisT7</a></p>&mdash; Wrestling Observer (@WONF4W) <a href="https://twitter.com/WONF4W/status/1634662745957371904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Sepholio]

Maybe it's for ROH?

[Mr. Nerfect]

It’s cheap programming that can fill a death slot.

[xrodmuc316]

Happy for them getting the $$$...but Tony Khan stretched even more thin booking a third show seems 'not the best'


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Report: AEW, WBD finalizing deal for third weekly wrestling show <a href="https://t.co/FxJnjcu5RS">https://t.co/FxJnjcu5RS</a> <a href="https://t.co/XrRCoVisT7">pic.twitter.com/XrRCoVisT7</a></p>&mdash; Wrestling Observer (@WONF4W) <a href="https://twitter.com/WONF4W/status/1634662745957371904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

There is zero chance this will improve viewership and quality.

[xrodmuc316]

Warner Bros Discovery is gonna end up killing Tony.

[Sting Fan]

Happy for them getting the $$$...but Tony Khan stretched even more thin booking a third show seems 'not the best'


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Report: AEW, WBD finalizing deal for third weekly wrestling show <a href="https://t.co/FxJnjcu5RS">https://t.co/FxJnjcu5RS</a> <a href="https://t.co/XrRCoVisT7">pic.twitter.com/XrRCoVisT7</a></p>&mdash; Wrestling Observer (@WONF4W) <a href="https://twitter.com/WONF4W/status/1634662745957371904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Networks clearly very angry with AEW... :D

[Mr. Nerfect]

There is the theory that WBD is deliberately stretching AEW to make it easier to cancel outright.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Or that it gives WBD more negotiating leverage.

People are going to squint and see what they want to see.

[Mr. Nerfect]

The last thing AEW needs is more content.

[Mr. Nerfect]

They haven’t been able to secure a spot for ROH. Has it even started airing on Honor Club yet? Supercard of Honor is just weeks away and they’ve announced one fraction of a match.

[Sepholio]

Giving them more shows as an excuse to cancel them.

I hope you stretched before that leap.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I don’t believe it, I’ve just seen people purport it. I think WBD would just cancel them. I do think WBD has them by the balls and this doesn’t help AEW at the negotiating table though.

They’ve got AEW cheap and want them to remain cheap.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Do we know how long Christian Cage signed with AEW for? The whole Final Burial thing with Jungle Boy was so rushed. Wikipedia puts his signing with AEW in March 2021. If he signed a 2-yr deal, it’s possible that Revolution was the last possible chance to do the Final Burial.

I’d take Finn Balor & Damian Priest vs. Edge & Christian at Mania.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Rumors suggest that Wardlow is on his way out. Good for him. It would explain the current state of his booking, although his previous booking is probably why he won’t sign an extension with them.

[XL]

He’s basically Alex Riley with more muscle and less charisma.

[XL]

Do we know how long Christian Cage signed with AEW for? The whole Final Burial thing with Jungle Boy was so rushed. Wikipedia puts his signing with AEW in March 2021. If he signed a 2-yr deal, it’s possible that Revolution was the last possible chance to do the Final Burial.

I’d take Finn Balor & Damian Priest vs. Edge & Christian at Mania.

This would be a great way to feature Priest as I can’t see where he fits on the card with the rest of Judgment Day already tied up. The whole Judgment Day faction was a vehicle to give Priest and Ripley the rub from Edge so it’d be to see him get in there.

[Mr. Nerfect]

They seem to be teasing Edge & Lumis facing Judgment Day? I can maybe see a six-man tag with Rey and Dominik involved, but if they can get Christian in, you can do the tag and a singles between Rey and son. Judgment Day takes out Priest in the build and Edge brings in Christian to even the score. Dexter gets to stop shenanigans at Mania and helps the legends win.

[Mr. Nerfect]

With Dynamite in Winnipeg this week, I find it weird that AEW would not be doing something with Christian Cage on that show if he was still available. They’re bringing in Stu Grayson because they’re in Canada. The show is being built around Jericho and Omega being from Winnipeg.

I guess Christian is a heel and could do something on Rampage if they tape it there, but it just seems weird to me that they rushed through this Jungle Boy thing. They could have had Christian beat Jungle Boy at Revolution, do a celebration as Canada’s greatest hero this week, had Jungle Boy attack him and challenge him to the gimmick match. Double or Nothing is a fair way away, so I can understand their reluctance to stretch it for another 2 months, but given that it started at Double or Nothing with the Casino Battle Royal, it would make thematic sense.

Christian debuted with AEW March 7th, 2021. If he signed a literal 2-yr deal to the date, Revolution 2023 happening March 5th would explain why they rushed straight to this match. It could also explain why it seemed Jungle Boy was a bit emotional after the match.

I dunno, something just struck me about how rushed this was, even for AEW.

[Mr. Nerfect]

If Christian knew when Edge was planning to retire, it makes sense for him to keep his AEW deal limited. That way, barring any injury or premature retirement could line up Christian’s AEW deal expiring with Edge’s final year.

Tony seems to sign people to 3, 4 or even 5 yr deals, but Christian’s age, stature and history of injury might have made bargaining for a 2-yr commitment possible.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Gah, I’m getting too excited by this. Christian is probably wrapped up for another year at least, and you’d think we would have heard something. But it would explain a bit.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Christian Cage wrestled one match for New Japan. It was a six-man tag against Milano Collection AT, Minoru and…Finn Balor.

[XL]

He was out injured wasn’t he? Tony seems to do the deal of adding time on for injuries.

[Mr. Nerfect]

It’s possible he could have done that. Does Christian have the weight behind himself to push back against that or even have it in writing that can’t be done? TK might also draw the line between compulsory time away because of injury and nominal time away recovering for something. Kenny Omega seems like a guy who had time added to his deal, but I think some of his medical stuff when he was out was optional. Plus there was the suspension.

I can see Christian being the sort of guy to get it put into writing that his start date is here and his end date is here.

With the time he seemed to get off too, I have wondered if he has a number of agreed upon dates and that AEW used him up early which is why there were odd stretches where he didn’t seem to do anything.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I’m going to be so disappointed when he’s wrestling Orange Cassidy at Double or Nothing lol. It was just TK’s rushed booking.

[XL]

I'm very optimistic about this. It will be interesting to see how Vince responds, if at all.

I mean…

[Mr. Nerfect]

I don’t regret being optimistic about AEW. There was potential in the idea. But I’ve got no problem admitting that they have been shitting the bed since day one.

[Destor]

Even as much as an additional hour is too much. They dont have the talentfor 4 hours a week. Theyre already overexposed. And thats well before we touch on the creative well being far too dry. They will drown under their own weight.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Even as much as an additional hour is too much. They dont have the talentfor 4 hours a week. Theyre already overexposed. And thats well before we touch on the creative well being far too dry. They will drown under their own weight.

Bingo. :y:

If you focus on the same talent, it’s going to get old with people fast. If you try to focus on different guys…well, it’s not really focus then is it? It’s a problem either way.

[Destor]

The only feasible way you could make it work is randomly disperse your tops acts. You dont know which show theyll be on, barred advertised segments, but only use them on one a week. Keep it sporadic in an effort to foster an "anything can happen on any show" feel.

And even that has a high chance of failure because youll suck the life out of the shows. You wont be able to make 2 hours on compelling tv stretched that thin. Youll be sitting on one decent segment a night AT BEST and the crowd will be so bored they wont even respond to the segment youre trying to get over.

Touring might help the live audience issue a bit. Maybe. People just happy theyre in town at all is worth some excitement. There's currency to that for a year or two.

And the flip side is if WBD says hey will pick your 2 shows up but youve gotta take this 3rd slot too...well they cant exactly say no. To my knowledge WBD isnt funding production, at least not entirely, so its cheap content for them that delivers a better return due largely to that low cost against something like a syndicated rerun that might draw more viewers but at a higher cost.

Its a good deal for the network. AEW has to make their money through the gate, ppv buys, merch etc. Overexposure hurts all of these revenue streams. I truly dont see them surviving this much air time.

Theyd be well suited for 1 2hr hour weekly show. Maybe a 5th show on ppv months as a special go home. And focus on touring house shows. House show dont bring the exposure issue. Keeps your product hotter in a lot of ways.

[xrodmuc316]

He was out injured wasn’t he? Tony seems to do the deal of adding time on for injuries.

FEDBAD!

[XL]

Oh is it TOTM again so soon?

[Evil Vito]

I think ease of access has fostered an unnecessary sense of completionism. "Oh you missed it live? No worries, you can watch at any time with the click of a button, I'm sure you'll find time for it".

So when this announcement of a 4th hour came out, you can see people on their Reddit page groaning about "needing" to find time to watch a 4th hour.

And it's like...umm, you don't have to! I think in AEW's case there's the added deal with it being a company that a bunch of their fans have followed from day one, and during the pandemic it felt sorta "unifying" to have a nice 2 hour diversion from the world every week. But it was always inevitable the company would get more TV if Turner was happy with them, and there's no need to force yourself to watch those extra shows if they aren't of interest.

[Evil Vito]

Wrestling is far from the only form of entertainment where completionism starts to hamper peoples' enjoyment either. Tons of people go from enjoying a game to hating it because they feel like they need to 100% every goal and objective. It's fun to go on the grind sometimes, but not if it makes you start to hate the game.

Music too. I remember years ago Iron Maiden released a live album and then, a few months later, a DVD of the same live album and some of the diehards complained about having to pay multiple times for the same music and they basically put out a statement saying "guys, you don't have to own every single thing we put out"

[ron the dial]

i've already been tuned out of rampage for months. my issue is not completionism. it's that they can barely put out a solid 2 hours for their main show every week, let alone put out anywhere near 4 hours of solid content a week. and i don't see adding the need for TK to create another hour of TV a week making him improve what has consistently become questionable-at-best booking.

[ron the dial]

honestly i want to feel like i need to find the time to watch any wrestling that's killing it. there's just not a lot of that going around for me right now.

[drave]

Watching the A&E Bio's on Taker, Kane and then the HHH v Foley Rivalry got that feeling for me yesterday RTD

[XL]

I think with AEW it’s more a case of the hardcore faithfuls willing it along. It has to be seen as a success so they feel obliged to watch. It’s not like any of it (inclusive of AEW and WWE) is appointment television.

[Evil Vito]

i've already been tuned out of rampage for months.

Same. I gave up on Rampage probably 4 or 5 months in when they stopped trying to make it seem important. I have it on DVR and will check out certain matches if something piques my interest or I hear good things but have zero interest in watching a 3rd hour when they don't attempt to make it feel important.

It's an afterthought, and this 3rd show will be even moreso.

AEW can't exactly tell Turner no when they're offering them a bag full of money. But I see zero reason to expect this show to be required viewing.

[Evil Vito]

I think with AEW it’s more a case of the hardcore faithfuls willing it along. It has to be seen as a success so they feel obliged to watch. It’s not like any of it (inclusive of AEW and WWE) is appointment television.

I think a lot of the people who watched AEW from day 1 were loving the shit out of Dynamite for the first 5 months and the red hot crowds every week in every town seemed to back that up.

Then COVID happened and I think, for better or worse, the people who were loving the early days of AEW felt a sense of "community" or whatever in wanting to support the show during the pandemic. Both to support the company and because it was nice to have a 2-hour diversion from all the crazy shit happening in the world.

And then they finally got back on the road and it felt like early 2020 again with hot crowds everywhere.

But the "honeymoon" phase was always gonna end eventually and we're well more than a year removed from that point.

I still generally enjoy Dynamite most weeks even if it's not as hot but have no appetite for anything beyond that. Can't really imagine forcing yourself to sit down and watch Rampage every week because OMG I'll be a filthy casual who doesn't support them enough if I don't watch it all.

[Mr. Nerfect]

People miss good wrestling.

[ron the dial]

because OMG I'll be a filthy casual who doesn't support them enough if I don't watch it all.

yeah tribalism in wrestling (and lots of other places) is far more detrimental to the cause than casual fans sticking to what works for them or not. i was hot on aew from day one (a lot of that had to do with being able to attend so many live events), and i still enjoy enough to tune in to dynamite most weeks. but i'm not gonna sit through shit i don't enjoy just because it's aew or any company. for me, the combination peak and jumping the shark for aew was all out 2021. amazing to be at live, but it became clear very quickly TK had no fucking clue to do with the roster he had put together.

[ron the dial]

and of course it's all relative because i still love watching most gcw shows, but it's because they are usually absolute nonsense shit shows and are insane amounts of fun live. i "hold them to a different standard" so to speak, but would never actually recommend it to anyone here outside of the occasional match.

[rez]

Fuck GCW. Fuck AEW. I just want a solid arcade wrestling game for the Switch or possibly the PS6 by the time Fight Forever comes out

[drave]

Bring Back Saturday Night Slam Masters, amirite


Entrances start at 2 mins. I loved the SHIT outta this game




<iframe width="937" height="703" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wTYXOQK9_xQ" title="Saturday Night Slam Masters Longplay (Arcade) [4K]" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Sepholio]

Danhausen tore his pec at revolution, per the man himself

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome back to AEW, <a href="https://twitter.com/stu_dos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stu_dos</a>!<br><br>After a great match last night on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWDynamite?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWDynamite</a> in his return, he's more motivated than ever, and now it's official:<br>Stu Grayson is All Elite, again! <a href="https://t.co/7HpPbs2M9g">pic.twitter.com/7HpPbs2M9g</a></p>&mdash; Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyKhan/status/1636545766058766342?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Destor]

ALL ELITE


(for now)

[xrodmuc316]

Tiny is such a money mark that he cannot even stick to his own business decisions lol.

That said, Grayson should have never not been renewed in the first place.

[Evil Vito]

Grayson left of his own accord last year. He's confirmed in interviews that AEW had offered him an extension but they couldn't come to terms. He admitted that while he liked working there, it was getting frustrating leaving Canada and flying into the US every week just to be booked on Dark again so it was time to test the waters.

So either they've pledged to book him more or are paying him enough for he no longer cares. Plus it was May when he left, it's 10 months later and he didn't sign anywhere else so maybe he decided to just tap out and take what he could get.

[Lock Jaw]

Is Dark Order still a thing and did he just go right back to that?

Dark Order intolerable.

[#1-norm-fan]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome back to AEW, <a href="https://twitter.com/stu_dos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stu_dos</a>!<br><br>After a great match last night on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWDynamite?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWDynamite</a> in his return, he's more motivated than ever, and now it's official:<br>Stu Grayson is All Elite, again! <a href="https://t.co/7HpPbs2M9g">pic.twitter.com/7HpPbs2M9g</a></p>&mdash; Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyKhan/status/1636545766058766342?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I don’t know the gimmick. Is he actually trying to look menacing here or is he intentionally smiling like a 6 year old pretending to be mad?

[Fignuts]

He's honestly a very talented in ring worker. He's just wasted in the dark order.

[Evil Vito]

Holy shit Omega vs. Vikingo announced for Dynamite

[Evil Vito]

He's honestly a very talented in ring worker. He's just wasted in the dark order.

Pretty much this.

I love the Dark Order crew as talents. Uno/Grayson are one of my favorite indy teams of all time and Reynolds/Silver are great as plucky underdogs.

But the stable itself won't ever be more than it is. The fact they just got a little mini-angle with the BCC might be the most relevant thing they do all year.

Actually the groups splitting up with Uno/Grayson going heel and feuding with Reynolds/Silver you could get me into it even if it's mostly just a little Rampage angle. Would be fun. Then maybe ship one of the teams to ROH or something.

[Sting Fan]

Holy shit Omega vs. Vikingo announced for Dynamite

I have seen very little of Vikingo but this is gonna be a hot match.

Feels very much like the Dark Order will be left out of the Elite vs. BCC feud thats coming. Beyond this surely you downsize them a bit more and fire up a reunion from time to time as a nostalgia thing.

Uno and Grasyson stay as a tag team called the Dark order and Let Silver and Reynolds get repackaged?

[Mr. Nerfect]

The Dark Order are the drizzling shits.

[DaveWadding]

Can't wait for all y'all to be like "who the fuck is a Vikingo?"

[DaveWadding]

<<iframe src='https://gfycat.com/ifr/SmoothScrawnyClam' frameborder='0' scrolling='no' allowfullscreen width='640' height='404'></iframe>

[DaveWadding]

cjFplXxbFA0

[DaveWadding]

E0gMMpa-Kzg

[DaveWadding]

XB6o9LpfG5c

[xrodmuc316]

Tiny having a bad day, again :rofl::rofl::rofl:


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">That's false Dave. Your statement's true about other companies but doesn't apply at all to AEW<br><br>AEW invests millions of dollars every year on very good quality hotel rooms + safe transport to take care of our wrestlers.<br><br>It's a huge investment I make on hotels weekly<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWRampage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWRampage</a> <a href="https://t.co/bXPGVTSt51">https://t.co/bXPGVTSt51</a></p>&mdash; Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyKhan/status/1636843980393684992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">One of my favorite bits they do is when they claim they used to love AEW in the old days, but not anymore, yet when you dig into their old posts, there's nothing positive on AEW ever. Yes, I'm sure you all used to be great fans despite no evidence of that whatsoever.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWRampage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWRampage</a></p>&mdash; Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyKhan/status/1636854951782813696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Destor]

Kahn spends hours going through old tweets of trolls. Maybe he should put some of the energy into his writing

[Mr. Nerfect]

LolAEW

[Lock Jaw]

Why do I imagine him not even just using his phone to scroll through the tweets of people who said bad things about AEW.... but sitting behind a full computer just scrolling through twitter late at night

[xrodmuc316]

Why do I imagine him not even just using his phone to scroll through the tweets of people who said bad things about AEW.... but sitting behind a full computer just scrolling through twitter late at night

Does he use Twitter like that because he is coked to the gills, or does he get coked to the gills so he can use Twitter like that? Classic Chicken or Egg question!

[xrodmuc316]

LMFAO Holy Shit man

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I watch your show regularly and I have no idea what Kenny's storyline is.</p>&mdash; Slowbro (@Slowbruh69) <a href="https://twitter.com/Slowbruh69/status/1637165674010230785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/TheDonCallis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheDonCallis</a> welcomes <a href="https://twitter.com/Takesoup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Takesoup</a> to Winnipeg!⁰ Watch <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWRampage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWRampage</a> on TNT! <a href="https://t.co/5OKNOme306">pic.twitter.com/5OKNOme306</a></p>&mdash; All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) <a href="https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1636951876305289216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[#1-norm-fan]

https://i.ibb.co/BqtYB9T/3841-AA6-D-36-AE-4-CA4-BC8-B-FD297676657-B.jpg (https://ibb.co/yWXxqrg)
https://i.ibb.co/kDd6d2j/8-C0205-B0-81-C6-4-BFF-86-C0-2711-EF4-D1-A54.jpg (https://ibb.co/n1W8WM9)
https://i.ibb.co/rMTq9Xt/4-B33213-D-3-EBD-4-CC0-AE4-E-A10-F92-FDE985.jpg (https://ibb.co/TRpJyNT)

[xrodmuc316]

Look at this nerdy manchild using wide ruled like a middle school student :rofl:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FrilutdWcAI-Yt9?format=jpg&name=large

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWHouseRules?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWHouseRules</a><br><br>After <a href="https://twitter.com/realrubysoho?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realrubysoho</a> won vs <a href="https://twitter.com/HollyHoodHaleyJ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HollyHoodHaleyJ</a> tonight and broke out her green spray paint, <a href="https://twitter.com/Skyebyee?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Skyebyee</a> ran out to make the save!<br><br>The crowd chanted &quot;Let them fight!&quot;, but Ruby took a mic and said she's saving Skye for her friend Toni Storm on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWDynamite?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWDynamite</a> Wednesday! <a href="https://t.co/Adk80IG2Dw">pic.twitter.com/Adk80IG2Dw</a></p>&mdash; Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyKhan/status/1637240696657661953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[slik]

c'mon

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jon Moxley is bleeding at the fucking house show <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWHouseRules?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWHouseRules</a> <a href="https://t.co/H3cBur9fii">pic.twitter.com/H3cBur9fii</a></p>&mdash; Patrick The Heel (@patricktheheel) <a href="https://twitter.com/patricktheheel/status/1637270802763530240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[xrodmuc316]

c'mon

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jon Moxley is bleeding at the fucking house show <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWHouseRules?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWHouseRules</a> <a href="https://t.co/H3cBur9fii">pic.twitter.com/H3cBur9fii</a></p>&mdash; Patrick The Heel (@patricktheheel) <a href="https://twitter.com/patricktheheel/status/1637270802763530240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Wrestler of the Year :rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[Jordan]

I want to see how Tony would sell a stunner hbu guys?

[Jordan]

Has anyone watch the new ROH? Is it worth it?

[Jordan]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WHAT?!! Pat Buck is having a match with QT Marshall at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWHouseRules?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWHouseRules</a>! �� <a href="https://t.co/ZuXMZ7Kr4w">pic.twitter.com/ZuXMZ7Kr4w</a></p>&mdash; ������������ (@WrestlingCovers) <a href="https://twitter.com/WrestlingCovers/status/1637253513875955712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Jordan]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tonight was kinda electric .. not gonna lie<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWHouseRules?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWHouseRules</a> in Troy, OH <a href="https://t.co/OrahttW4kW">pic.twitter.com/OrahttW4kW</a></p>&mdash; “All Ego” Ethan Page (@OfficialEGO) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialEGO/status/1637263158216622081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Cool vibe for sure

[Jordan]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is the best photo I have ever taken <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWHouseRules?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWHouseRules</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JonMoxley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JonMoxley</a> <a href="https://t.co/id6VYTynUi">pic.twitter.com/id6VYTynUi</a></p>&mdash; Chase Fletcher (@Chasefletcher18) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chasefletcher18/status/1637276961088126976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Jordan]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Complete <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWHouseRules?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWHouseRules</a> matches from tonight.<br><br>Following along what everyone was tweeting, it looked like a really fun show. <a href="https://t.co/SIW4fsmVM4">pic.twitter.com/SIW4fsmVM4</a></p>&mdash; ������������ (@WrestlingCovers) <a href="https://twitter.com/WrestlingCovers/status/1637281671572606976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The pics and videos I've seen of the show really looked fun. I love this size of venue especially when you are there live, but also on TV it just reads so cool when the fans are passionate like AEW crowds usually are. From the beginning I was hoping they were going to use this size of venue more.

I think Jarrett putting the pedal down on house shows for AEW will be a great thing. Getting some of the less known talent some fun spots against bigger stars is a great idea.

[#1-norm-fan]

Those pics do make it seem like it was a pretty great vibe.

[XL]

Look at this nerdy manchild using wide ruled like a middle school student :rofl:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FrilutdWcAI-Yt9?format=jpg&name=large

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWHouseRules?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWHouseRules</a><br><br>After <a href="https://twitter.com/realrubysoho?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realrubysoho</a> won vs <a href="https://twitter.com/HollyHoodHaleyJ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HollyHoodHaleyJ</a> tonight and broke out her green spray paint, <a href="https://twitter.com/Skyebyee?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Skyebyee</a> ran out to make the save!<br><br>The crowd chanted &quot;Let them fight!&quot;, but Ruby took a mic and said she's saving Skye for her friend Toni Storm on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWDynamite?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWDynamite</a> Wednesday! <a href="https://t.co/Adk80IG2Dw">pic.twitter.com/Adk80IG2Dw</a></p>&mdash; Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyKhan/status/1637240696657661953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Can’t question the man’s methods, he’s a 3 x Booker of the Year.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Not sure if I missed it being posted here, but Tony Khan ranted at bots again recently.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I get the concept of AEW house shows. They have a lot of green guys who need a lot of work. You get smart professionals like Jeff Jarrett and Christopher Daniels working with Brian Pillman and Will Hobbs, which should have happened years ago. I don’t know why Dark doesn’t cover this. Or Elevation.

Seems like the live crowd went nuts, but when you look at the actual lineup? Nah, lol.

[xrodmuc316]

Tiny Khan thanking his biggest draw...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Big Bang Theory continues to provide an amazing lead-in for us. Thank you everyone who watches TBBT on Wednesdays, and stays for Wednesday Night <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWDynamite?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWDynamite</a>! It's just that lately I'm feeling a certain way about AEW, a feeling I haven't felt since The Accountant lead-in days <a href="https://t.co/8hUaLpSr7s">https://t.co/8hUaLpSr7s</a></p>&mdash; Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyKhan/status/1637955241235697664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Sting Fan]

If they can get crowds like that on a semi regular basis I would assume theres some money to be had for AEW in the House show circuit. The cards not exactly a world beater, they need to be weary of keeping those cards strong but its a good way to roll out the not so often used talent.

This and more content/air time seemingly being positive signs from the network feels like more steps towards long term sustainability to me.

[Sepholio]

Excited to see El Hijo del Vikingo face Omega. Upset he's going to be hanging out in catering with Bandido for the foreseeable future as soon as he loses.

I know the joke about Miro usually covers this, but think about Bandido for a moment. He's been in AEW for about 8 months or so and you can count the number of matches he has had on one hand.

[XL]

Blame Andrade for that. Not sure why, just do.

[XL]

Also he signed in November so 4 months but the point still stands.

[Vastardikai]

I saw some of his stuff online. Vikingo does amazing things and has a great look. In a decently run company, there would be at least one segment dedicated to this to get folks who may not know who he is interested.

But instead, the gatekeepers insist on making normal fans who might tune in to see this guy to do homework.

#AEWTF...

[#1-norm-fan]

Blame Andrade for that. Not sure why, just do.

Blame Jericho. Probably racist.

[ron the dial]

just watched bandido have a fun match with gringo loco on gcw the other night. they do really solid lucha matches there.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Bandido started by losing in a World Title match. That was always likely going to be his highest spot. It’s not shocking he’s gone downward. Let’s hope he just signed for the money.

[Evil Vito]

Bandido's usage isn't particularly surprising to me. He isn't on a full-time deal, he only signed with the company because they were willing to agree to a a set number of dates vs. requiring him full-time and he wanted the flexibility to be home with his family.

I'd love to see more with the guy but it is what it is.

[xrodmuc316]

Whatever happened to Scorpio Sky? He seems like a guy that should be on TV over a random match with a guy not even signed to the company, right?

[XL]

Looking forward to Jericho vs. Goldberg in a Backstage Brawl. Game Changer.

[xrodmuc316]

GUYS!!! Jericho invented people singing Wrestling themes!

"Now it has definitely become a thing, it's now to the point where other people's ring songs are being sung with. I'm talking about Jungle Boy or even Seth Rollins in WWE," Jericho said. "It's almost like "Judas" was the pioneer of that and the fans have so much fun singing that one they want to sing other ones as well, and that's great. But "Judas" was kind of one of the first for that."

Read More: https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1232923/chris-jericho-talks-about-judas-impact-on-the-wrestling-industry/


lqdsfi4lTjc

Also 2016... :rofl::rofl::rofl:
ZVaJH8pWnWk

[Sting Fan]

I'm a bit of a Goldberg mark so part of me wants to see him in AEW. I just cant think of what he has to add.

He cant work the top guys there because he cant really talk nor keep up with any of the higher card AEW talent in ring. The styles just dont fit. Him and Wardlow or Hobbs could be a fun hoss fight but even if he agreed to it that kinda feels beneath him.

Feels like if you cant feed Goildberg to your top guy at the end or make him your top guy for a minute or two why bother?

[Vastardikai]

GUYS!!! Jericho invented people singing Wrestling themes!



lqdsfi4lTjc

Also 2016... :rofl::rofl::rofl:
ZVaJH8pWnWk

I am pretty sure the fans would sing the entirety of "Enter Sandman" in ECW.

[xrodmuc316]

I am pretty sure the fans would sing the entirety of "Enter Sandman" in ECW.

Oh I know, lots of wrestlers over the years have had their themes sung by the fans. Just funny that the fans were conditioned to do that all those years BEFORE Jericho invented it.

[Sepholio]

oh man TK is really going after Oldberg ahahahahahahaha

[XL]

Looking forward to Jericho vs. Goldberg in a Backstage Brawl. Game Changer.

Did you think this was a joke!?

[Sepholio]

Yes because obvs the money match is Oldberg vs Punk. Punk will be fighting to avenge Brets injury and will end up getting his head kicked off by a gassed geezer.

[#1-norm-fan]

Yeah, I’d be intrigued to see what they try to do with Goldberg. It’s a fine move in theory. They need starpower. But like Sting Fan said, I don’t know where he fits. Just seems like he would cloud the identity of the product even more.

[#1-norm-fan]

If they keep building Hobbs as a force and then suddenly that music hits one night while he’s in the ring though, the place will go banana.

[DaveWadding]

I saw some of his stuff online. Vikingo does amazing things and has a great look. In a decently run company, there would be at least one segment dedicated to this to get folks who may not know who he is interested.

But instead, the gatekeepers insist on making normal fans who might tune in to see this guy to do homework.

#AEWTF...

How dare they make wrestling fans actually watch wrestling. :roll:

[Fignuts]

Dave, I'm sorry. I know you are a big fan of the lucha guys, but it is ridiculous to expect people to go watch content from another company to help build a match, instead of doing it yourself.

All they had to was show a vingette of the guy on dynamite for a few weeks and talk about how epic the match would be.

But to do nothing, gives you no reason to care about the match. Sure, it's a spectacle. But without any real build up or emotion involved, its the wrestling equivalent of a tech demo.

[Sepholio]

Fignuts running over Dave like Rikishi ran over Steve Austin.

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">From CM Punk’s Instagram story. <br><br>Holy shit. <a href="https://t.co/CE3ZyVZrON">pic.twitter.com/CE3ZyVZrON</a></p>&mdash; Louis Dangoor (@TheLouisDangoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheLouisDangoor/status/1639011295193190400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Damian Rey 2.0]

lol Jesus Christ just pay the guy to go away already. Pay him out, have him sign an NDA and call it a fucking day. Even as a punk fan I’m tired of his ass.

[Sepholio]

lol Punk is such a bitch.

Also that last line about never putting the company above his health again....didn't he go out and do the match? That's confusing and seems contradictory unless he was cleared, in which case that whole spiel seems rather meaningless.

[Bad News Gertner]

CM Punk is spot on

[Sepholio]

Who hacked Gertners account?

[XL]

lol Punk is such a bitch.

Also that last line about never putting the company above his health again....didn't he go out and do the match? That's confusing and seems contradictory unless he was cleared, in which case that whole spiel seems rather meaningless.

I figured he was saying “I put WWE ahead of my health in the past. I put AEW ahead of my health on this occasion. I won’t put any company ahead of my health again.”

[DaveWadding]

Dave, I'm sorry. I know you are a big fan of the lucha guys, but it is ridiculous to expect people to go watch content from another company to help build a match, instead of doing it yourself.

All they had to was show a vingette of the guy on dynamite for a few weeks and talk about how epic the match would be.

But to do nothing, gives you no reason to care about the match. Sure, it's a spectacle. But without any real build up or emotion involved, its the wrestling equivalent of a tech demo.

Sorry, I don't get this at all. I don't think it's their responsibility anymore to control what I know as a fan. We have the internet now. If you wanna know what Vikingo can do, get on Google and find out!

I felt like they did plenty to put the match over. Excalibur explained everything there was to know, there's just not that much to it.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I’m so confused. If Moxley said he wouldn’t lose to Punk, then why did he lose to Punk?

[Sepholio]

I thought the same thing too but then I realized this must be about the match like 3 weeks earlier when Mox squashed him.

[Evil Vito]

I absolutely fucking loved Punk’s first 9 or so months in AEW. Had a bunch of great performances against guys like Darby, Hobbs, and of course the MJF feud was brilliance. There were still a bunch of programs I wanted to eventually see Punk in.

But with that said, pains me to say it but they definitely just need to buy him out and send him on his way. Not even remotely worth the hassle.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I thought the same thing too but then I realized this must be about the match like 3 weeks earlier when Mox squashed him.

But even in that interpretation Mox wins the first one and Punk wins the last one as a conquering hero. In Punk’s own words that’s explained to him as the plan. Mox is Clubber Lang and Punk is Rocky. Punk wins the feud.

[Sepholio]

It seems like Punk thought they either shouldn't do the match or that he should be the one going over the first time as well. I dunno. It seems weird that he wouldn't get why Mox was not gonna job to him in the first match knowing the outcome of the feud.

Knowing Punk he probably felt like jobbing to Mox in that first match was just punishment for him shooting on Page the previous Dynamite.

[Frank Drebin]

To this day I've never understood that squash in the middle of a Dynamite only for him to win it back after overcoming......something in his head...?....a couple of weeks later.

I swear this is all a simulation, AEW is just some ADD riddled kid playing Universe Mode and throwing shit against the wall.

[Frank Drebin]

I absolutely fucking loved Punk’s first 9 or so months in AEW. Had a bunch of great performances against guys like Darby, Hobbs, and of course the MJF feud was brilliance. There were still a bunch of programs I wanted to eventually see Punk in.

But with that said, pains me to say it but they definitely just need to buy him out and send him on his way. Not even remotely worth the hassle.

Yeah......we did get the First Dance and MJF.......sigh......

In general you're right but I still want him back. I would start watching again. I can't help it. AEW has been the drizzling shits during his absences on just about everything since All Out. Now included.

Felt like things were headed in the right direction and everything was where it should be when he was there and without its an aimless holding pattern on everything.

[Sting Fan]

I feel like a bit of the aimless feel is lack of recognised top of card talent at the top of the card. The shows feel skewed at times because as good as MJF is he doesnt feel familiar as a top guy.

Jericho, Mox, Punk, Omega and to a significantly lesser extent Page all felt like the focus of the show. I think this whole MJF only does special appearances thing is misfiring especially if you want him to reign a long time. Probably Page as champ started this feel then the Mox vs. Punk stuff refocussed it.

The way to get a young main eventer feel like a main eventer is to keep them hot, have them appear and have them the focus of the show. MJF doesnt feel like that atm to me anyway and I think its throwing the show off balance same way Hangman did as champ and I say that loving me some Hangman.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

To this day I've never understood that squash in the middle of a Dynamite only for him to win it back after overcoming......something in his head...?....a couple of weeks later.

I swear this is all a simulation, AEW is just some ADD riddled kid playing Universe Mode and throwing shit against the wall.

This is 100% correct. Save your money match for your biggest show. Mox doesn’t need to trade wins. He’s carved himself out as AEW’s tough guy so losing to Punk wouldn’t hurt him.

But I still don’t understand why Punk is claiming Mox wouldn’t lose to him. Maybe he’s mistaken. Maybe that’s why he deleted it.

Considerate Malcontent Punk

[xrodmuc316]

Punk has a LOT to say considering he is the worst professional fighter of all time. Jericho beat up Goldberg, invented beating up Brock Lesnar, and would pound Punk's face into oblivion.

[screech]

Sorry, I don't get this at all. I don't think it's their responsibility anymore to control what I know as a fan. We have the internet now. If you wanna know what Vikingo can do, get on Google and find out!

I felt like they did plenty to put the match over. Excalibur explained everything there was to know, there's just not that much to it.

If the company wants me to care about a guy coming in for a "dream match," they need to be showing me why I should be invested. Not everyone can sit down and watch a bunch of matches from other places.

A few quick vignettes would have been a great way to sell everyone watching Dynamite (some or many of whom may not watch other promotions) on who this guy was and why this match was a big deal.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

ALSO, what aspiring fighter isn’t familiar with the Rocky franchise?

Call me Captain Skeptical

[screech]

I can believe that Punk maybe thought he was "too cool" to watch Rocky.

[Sepholio]

Wish Sylvester Stallone would post an IG story about Punk being a loser for not knowing Rocky.

[Fignuts]

Sorry, I don't get this at all. I don't think it's their responsibility anymore to control what I know as a fan. We have the internet now. If you wanna know what Vikingo can do, get on Google and find out!

I felt like they did plenty to put the match over. Excalibur explained everything there was to know, there's just not that much to it.

Agree to disagree. I don't care what year it is, or how accessible other content is. A wrestling show should be able to stand on it's own, without needing supplemental content to fully appreciate it.

Like, fuck's sake I have to deal with that enough with comic crossovers, I don't need it in my wrestling too. I drive a dodge stratus and I am very important and I don't have time for that.

[xrodmuc316]

Forget about having to learn who Vikingo is, why can't Tiny book a dream match with one of the like 200 people he has under contract instead? All this accomplished was lettings fans know don't have to bother watching unless some special attraction is coming in for a match.

[Vastardikai]

If the company wants me to care about a guy coming in for a "dream match," they need to be showing me why I should be invested. Not everyone can sit down and watch a bunch of matches from other places.

A few quick vignettes would have been a great way to sell everyone watching Dynamite (some or many of whom may not watch other promotions) on who this guy was and why this match was a big deal.

For me, the term "Dream Match" lost all meaning when Dante Martin vs Rey Fenix was hyped up as one, like it is Rock vs Hogan or Sting vs Undertaker.

Also, AEW assigns too much homework as is. To understand what's going on, I have to watch 3 hours of main programming, However fucking long the two Dark programs are, two skit shows, and a zombie promotion. And even then it's easy to get lost. It didn't work when the James Gang feuded with Team 3D about a pipe used in WWE, and people actually WATCH WWE.

The thing is, much of what fucked up ROH to the point that it is a zombie promotion are the shithead marks that gatekeeped it, among other things. But let's do the same thing with AEW...

[#1-norm-fan]

Whether you’re #TeamPunk or #TeamMeltzer, I’m just glad both sides can agree on one thing.

Plans change.

[Lock Jaw]

I don't really know how the Vikingo match was promoted or presented... but I vaguely recall people from Japan/Mexico showing up for some random matches in WCW/WWF when I was a youngling and even though I didn't know who they were I thought it was "cool" to see that "expanded world"

I guess the difference would be that they were not brought in for "holy poop, look at this dream main event match!!!" but just "Here's a unique showcase" somewhere on the card

[Vastardikai]

I don't really know how the Vikingo match was promoted or presented... but I vaguely recall people from Japan/Mexico showing up for some random matches in WCW/WWF when I was a youngling and even though I didn't know who they were I thought it was "cool" to see that "expanded world"

I guess the difference would be that they were not brought in for "holy poop, look at this dream main event match!!!" but just "Here's a unique showcase" somewhere on the card

If Hijo del Vikingo was brought in for a "unique showcase" against a low card guy, it likely wouldn't have gotten the reaction it got when he was brought in for a "Dream Match" against Kenny Omega.

[Sting Fan]

The thing is, much of what fucked up ROH to the point that it is a zombie promotion are the shithead marks that gatekeeped it, among other things. But let's do the same thing with AEW...

I'm not a big ROH guy, never have been but I feel you kinda just summed up wrestling fandon a bit unfortunately.

[Lock Jaw]

https://i.imgur.com/JweddQU.gif

[Mr. Nerfect]

CM Punk firing off some rounds. Good for him. Moxley is a fucking mess — it’s why Brock big-dogged his bullshit at Mania 32. He thought the two title changes was a good idea? Sign that guy to a 5-yr contract and pick his brain.

Meltzer is indeed a liar.

Jericho is indeed a liar and a stooge.

Where are the lies?

[Mr. Nerfect]

It sounds like Punk either compromised his health in the first match back, and he won’t do it again, or they wanted to do it earlier and Punk told them to get fucked because he was hurt. Either scenario is a bit fucked, but the second one in particular is sketchy as hell.

[XL]

CM Punk firing off some rounds. Good for him. Moxley is a fucking mess — it’s why Brock big-dogged his bullshit at Mania 32. He thought the two title changes was a good idea? Sign that guy to a 5-yr contract and pick his brain.

Meltzer is indeed a liar.

Jericho is indeed a liar and a stooge.

Where are the lies?

Bobby Fish Gimmick Infringement.

[Sepholio]

Noid with the exact take everyone knew he would have. Shocking.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

If they made him go out there to do a stupid match/angle while not medically cleared, the press conference blow-up makes even more sense.

[Sepholio]

There he is. Knew Dale would be here to stan for his lover Noids take.

[Sepholio]

Punk in more drama, and it's everybody else's fault AGAIN.

[Sepholio]

Wonder how the Shitman feels about finally losing his title as the bitterest there was, the bitterest there is, and the bitterest there ever will be?

In fairness he will probably get the title back in a couple months when TK signs Oldberg.

[Evil Vito]

This is the thing that set Punk off, for the record.

https://i.imgur.com/rkGQy8G.jpeg

For the love of god, Punk, get offline.

[Evil Vito]

Punk vanity searches himself for negative comments and leaves random comments on Twitter and Instagram accounts with like 200 followers. I just don't get it.

[Sepholio]

What's not to get? He's a typical attention whore.

[Evil Vito]

I more just don't get attention whore behavior in general. Particularly people who already have made a shitload of money. Same goes for Jericho on the other side of the coin.

Hilariously Punk also made a post saying "I'm too old for this shit" and it's like, man, pot calling the kettle black there.

[Evil Vito]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/31ex7D1kXt">pic.twitter.com/31ex7D1kXt</a></p>&mdash; WrestleCringe (@WRESTLECringe) <a href="https://twitter.com/WRESTLECringe/status/1639038220758335489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Evil Vito]

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/4/4/7/AAC_H6AAETvn.jpg

[Sepholio]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/31ex7D1kXt">pic.twitter.com/31ex7D1kXt</a></p>&mdash; WrestleCringe (@WRESTLECringe) <a href="https://twitter.com/WRESTLECringe/status/1639038220758335489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

ahahahahahahahaha

[Fignuts]

I mean, the phrase "tony putting his foot down" makes me question the validity of dave's entire comment.

[Lock Jaw]

He is great at putting his foot down

https://media.tenor.com/wkA8HKnMyIEAAAAd/aew-tony.gif

[Sepholio]

I'm convinced.

[McLegend]

I’m not ruling it out that this could be a work.

It’s on the table.

[Sepholio]

All of AEW is a work being perpetrated by Vince McMahon.

[Evil Vito]

If Vince ever bought AEW I'd want the transaction to somehow be kept secret until Dynamite. Turning on Nitro and seeing Vince was surreal, but just imagine that except it was a total secret until Dynamite went on the air.

Obviously would never happen given they are major corporations and stockholders involved, but fuck.

[Evil Vito]

In someone's TEW game, Tony Khan actually bought WWE. Similarly would be hilarious for it to just happen and he walks out on Raw doing his usual coked up speech.

Would be horrific for the business for anyone to have another monopoly, mind you. But still hilarious to imagine.

[xrodmuc316]

LMFAO YES! I called this whole bullshit company narrative from day Fucking one. I Fucking KNEW IT!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Was CM Punk told to take down his Instagram post? <br>Here is Section 19 of AEW's Talent Playbook: <a href="https://t.co/UIW7yuIfhO">pic.twitter.com/UIW7yuIfhO</a></p>&mdash; The Great Brian Last (@GreatBrianLast) <a href="https://twitter.com/GreatBrianLast/status/1639283899804024846?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

https://b1671682.smushcdn.com/1671682/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image-139.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1

https://b1671682.smushcdn.com/1671682/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image-140.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1
https://www.ringsidenews.com/2023/03/24/alleged-document-leaks-from-aew-handbook-outlining-company-censorship/

[Sepholio]

look in my eyes. What do you see? A call made by the lawyers of Tooooony.

[Sepholio]

ngl I stole that comment but it's mine now

[Vastardikai]

LMFAO YES! I called this whole bullshit company narrative from day Fucking one. I Fucking KNEW IT!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Was CM Punk told to take down his Instagram post? <br>Here is Section 19 of AEW's Talent Playbook: <a href="https://t.co/UIW7yuIfhO">pic.twitter.com/UIW7yuIfhO</a></p>&mdash; The Great Brian Last (@GreatBrianLast) <a href="https://twitter.com/GreatBrianLast/status/1639283899804024846?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

https://b1671682.smushcdn.com/1671682/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image-139.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1

https://b1671682.smushcdn.com/1671682/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image-140.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1
https://www.ringsidenews.com/2023/03/24/alleged-document-leaks-from-aew-handbook-outlining-company-censorship/

Odd how this never seemed to keep certain talent from casting doubt on the severity of a certain ex Women's Champion's injuries...

[xrodmuc316]

Odd how this never seemed to keep certain talent from casting doubt on the severity of a certain ex Women's Champion's injuries...

:lol: True

[screech]

Company doesn't want its talent disparaging the brand in public. Local retard thinks this is shocking. In other news, everybody poops.

[xrodmuc316]

Tony Khan is definitely going to need to get better at not responding to negative tweets from fans after AEW kicks off. Even if it's a big hit, there will absolutely be people who say offensive things about it.

Otherwise, wrestling twitter will eat him alive.



<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Never. I’ll die at this club. Go to hell.</p>&mdash; Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyKhan/status/1084150167878729729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm sure he's great, but shouting &quot;HEY NERD&quot; at me repeatedly as a catchphrase is acting like a schoolyard bully. I work hard; I want to win <a href="https://t.co/r2AjagusvJ">https://t.co/r2AjagusvJ</a></p>&mdash; Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyKhan/status/793527124971835392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

If only Tiny would have listened to the wise words of Slik 50 months ago!

[xrodmuc316]

Company doesn't want its talent disparaging the brand in public. Local retard thinks this is shocking. In other news, everybody poops.

So the point flew right over your head huh? It is not that they have such a policy, it is that they from day one were selling the fans a load of bullshit, while secretly having the exact same kind restrictions on their talent as everybody else.

Again, their narrative has been bullshit since day one. THAT is the point.

[#1-norm-fan]

Gertner, Noid, Dale and screech are spot on.

[Sepholio]

Alright gents, pay up. Told you I could make Fan publicly agree to a Noid take.

[xrodmuc316]

Alright gents, pay up. Told you I could make Fan publicly agree to a Noid take.

Of all days, you pick when CM Phil melted down over a Dave Meltzer forum post??? Don't kick #Fan when he is already down. Down and out, like CM Phil in the UFC
:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[Evil Vito]

The Mox part of this is the funniest part to me. Whether you agree with the booking decision of Mox squashing Punk or not, feels like barely anyone actually buys Punk when he claims "Mox refused to put me over unless I lost first". You can love or hate Mox all you want but literally anyone else who talks about him says he doesn't involve himself in political bullshit and he does whatever the company asks of him.

What feels more likely to me is Mox made the suggestion that he thought it'd make more sense if he won first before Punk going over and explained his reasoning, and Tony ultimately agreed with him. Again, whether you agree with the booking or not, it feels more like he made a suggestion vs. saying nope I'm not gonna put this guy over.

But of course Punk would interpret it as "HE REFUSED TO PUT ME OVER" because he has a very obvious victim complex.

[Sepholio]

Feel like Punk is one of those people that is convinced he is the smartest person in the room to the point where he can't accept when people don't agree with him.

[#1-norm-fan]

Alright gents, pay up. Told you I could make Fan publicly agree to a Noid take.

Resident transphobe xrodmuc316 makes a fair point when he says pointing out that someone agrees with a Noid take is the equivalent of kicking them. Very mean.

Oof @ the betrayal though.

[Evil Vito]

Now let me talk about the Miro shit. So the "sheets" have been claiming for a while that the only reason Miro's been AWOL is because he didn't want to do some of the plans AEW had for him and so they're just waiting to agree on a new angle.

I was skeptical of these reports, but the guy has been gone for ages and there's literally millions of ways you can use Miro. Is he really being a next level pain in the ass shooting everything down? Did he turn them down so many times AEW just said fuck it, stay home and get back to us when you tell us what you want to do? Maybe the truth is somewhere in the middle.

The latest rumor is he was pitched a program with Hangman in September which would've seen them be the final two at the Grand Slam battle royal, Hanger would win but Miro would beat the fuck outta him and they'd have a program set up going into Full Gear. And Miro said no.

I take all of this with a grain of salt, but let me just hypothetically assume it's true. In that case I think it reflects poorly on everyone.

For Miro, it's like....I love the guy, but if he thinks he's too good to work with one of the top positioned guys in the company, I don't know what he was expecting. That's the kind of shit you do if you're trying to get fired, which in Miro's case would be a mere few months after he signed a new 4-year deal.

But for Tony Khan...just kinda an example of how he can't seem to handle the prospect of not being everyone's friend. Maybe he thinks it's better for morale to not book people who aren't happy, but how is giving a guy on a six figure salary an endless vacation a punishment? It's wrestling, you're never gonna make everyone happy. Grow a pair and tell the guy to come in and do his job, or cut him loose.

TLDR: Miro's been gone for 8 months and whatever's going on, both sides should've had ample time to sit down, sort their shit, and figure out a path forward one way or the other.

[#1-norm-fan]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So tired and need to rest after surgery but Bully King and Pepsi Phil are forcing Danhausen to see John Wiz 4 at 11. <br><br>They aren’t even going, they just said they’ll piss my pants if I didn’t go.</p>&mdash; Danhausen (@DanhausenAD) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanhausenAD/status/1639447892745134080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2023</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">CM Punk, Jon Moxley, and Tony Khan going over the Undisputed AEW World Championship match: <a href="https://t.co/UeDrjKuFne">pic.twitter.com/UeDrjKuFne</a></p>&mdash; NHATional Scissoring Day ✂️ (@nhathaniel_h) <a href="https://twitter.com/nhathaniel_h/status/1639034583696957441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Sepholio]

Here are a lot of CM Punk updates, provided by Fightful:

- Punk communicated to people familiar with the situation that he was not comfortable going through with the match on August 24 before he was fully cleared. Special travel arrangements were made to accomodate Punk on the day of the match and he floated the idea of additional pay over wrestling without being cleared.

- There is heat between Punk and Mox, based on those Mox spoke to after All Out.

- Jericho and Punk had a verbal fight after Brawl Out where Jericho called Punk a cancer and Punk shouted back.

- Those in AEW believe that in a "Mox or Punk" situation, AEW would choose Mox.

- Some heat on Punk over All Out has died down but a lot still remains.

- Punk and Tony have been in contact and/or had a couple meetings. They were supposed to meet in February but that got delayed because of Jerry Jarrett's funeral.

- Those close to Punk initially believed he wanted out of his contract without a non-compete, which changed to wanting to go back/being open to coming back to AEW in the past weeks.

- One person claimed Punk said he was willing to apologize over the media scrum portion of the night and had expressed some regret over his actions on that part. It is unkown if it would be a public or private apology, or who he would apologize to.

- People close to Punk said he was originally going to pursue legal action however that doesn't seem to be the case anymore.

- Sources in AEW lost confidence that Punk would return after yesterday's post. He's currently still under contract.

- Punk had a meeting with AEW officials over the Hangman promo before Double or Nothing, while Hangman just tried to stay out of the situation and move past it. Whatever came out of that meeting was not a satisfying resolution for Punk.

- Punk should be cleared from his injured very soon. He originally expected to be cleared by late January.

- New Brawl Out info:
Other talent were present at the brawl but did not get suspended as they were not physically involved.
A previously unrevealed production employee got struck with a chair.
Omega and Punk spoke had a brief conversation in the immediate moments following the brawl where Punk told him that "the issue wasn't with him" but apparently did not speak more after that, as Punk was prepping for surgery and Omega had other plans. People said Omega was surprisingly composed after it all went down. Ace Steel was still being dealt with at this point.

- NJPW did not know Punk was going to attend Battle at the Valley (Lars Frederiksen only told Rocky Romero that he was bringing "a friend") and they quickly cleared up with AEW that there wasn't any kind of conspiring going on.

[Sting Fan]

The latest rumor is he was pitched a program with Hangman in September which would've seen them be the final two at the Grand Slam battle royal, Hanger would win but Miro would beat the fuck outta him and they'd have a program set up going into Full Gear. And Miro said no.



Man, I would love a Hangman vs. Miro program.

I'm so over the Punk stuff, my guess is he will appear on AEW again, if the above recap is right it sounds like anger has subsided and reality has set in that maybe he wasnt in the right. That being said who knows if the report is right. I imagine if Punk thought he had a case or anywhere else to go he would be suing so I do think that parts telling.

If im running a company and I had to choose Mox or Punk I take Mox pretty easily tbh.

[Frank Drebin]

Mox bleeds at house shows.

[Frank Drebin]

Miro and Punk being back would be a shot in the arm for AEW. I'd watch again.

[Frank Drebin]

I've also been to Mindy's Bakery recently. Its fucking fantastic.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

AEW is devoid right now of top of fresh top of the card talent. Punk and Miro would help that issue. I’d love to see Miro back. Don’t know why he wouldn’t want a featured program with Hangman.

[Sepholio]

lol Punk and the word fresh have no business being mentioned together.

I'm assuming Miro probably feels like he needs a big win to rebuild his "monster" image after being out so long and feels like jobbing to the Cowboy as soon as he comes back doesn't do that.

[xrodmuc316]

Not even Tiny could be stupid enough to alienate Jericho, Mox, Omega, Page, The Bucks, and whoever else is loyal to those guys, just to bring CM Turd back.

The only positives would be:
1. He would likely get injured again anyways
2. Maybe FTR Bald would whine just a little less

[Sting Fan]

Punk could do the obvious mega feud if he comes back then work ROH as the top guy :shifty:

[Mr. Nerfect]

I just cannot see how anyone takes AEW’s side in this shit, or still convinces themselves that Punk wants to come back to that shitshow. They tried to get him to work hurt, he’s mad at so much (and justifiably so).

[Mr. Nerfect]

You don’t have to like Punk to see this and lolAEW.

[Sepholio]

That works both ways. You don't have to stan for a toxic CM Punk just to lolAEW. Dude ends up in drama everywhere he goes, always pisses off people in power and can't keep his mouth shut to save his life. Just because TK/Elite are turds and the situation was handled poorly doesn't suddenly mean Punk was right.

[Frank Drebin]

#punkwasright

Seph started it.

[Evil Vito]

Supercard of Honor Lineup

<b>ROH World Championship</b>
Eddie Kingston vs. Claudio Castagnoli (C)

<b>ROH Television Championship</b>
Mark Briscoe vs. Samoa Joe (C)

<b>AAA Mega Championship</b>
Komander vs. El Hijo del Vikingo (C)

<b>ROH Pure Championship</b>
Katsuyori Shibata vs. Wheeler Yuta (C)

<b>ROH Women's Championship</b>
Yuka Sakazaki vs. Athena (C)

<b>"Reach for the Sky" Ladder Match for the vacant ROH Tag Team Championship</b>
The Lucha Brothers vs. Aussie Open vs. The Kingdom vs. La Faccion Ingobernable

<b>ROH 6-Man Tag Team Championship</b>
AR Fox, Blake Christian, and Metalik vs. The Embassy (C)

fuck me....this card looks fun

[Mr. Nerfect]

That works both ways. You don't have to stan for a toxic CM Punk just to lolAEW. Dude ends up in drama everywhere he goes, always pisses off people in power and can't keep his mouth shut to save his life. Just because TK/Elite are turds and the situation was handled poorly doesn't suddenly mean Punk was right.

You don’t burst into someone’s personal space without expecting some sort of fight out of it. Probably violated Punk’s contract too. Good stuff. :y:

Dave is now apparently apologizing for the mess he’s caused because now Punk’s come out with more details about what fucking asswipes AEW management are.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Thoughts of ROH:

* Don’t care about any six-man belts. They’re always a detriment. Yawn.

* Remember when ROH used to make a big deal out of their Ladder Wars? Oh well.

* Fuck Athena.

* Yay for men dying in the ring.

* Vikingo sucks. Wooo, flips!

* Mark Briscoe vs. Samoa Joe could be good.

* Claudio vs. Kingston could also be good, but they’ve really done their best to make you not care about either guy.

Yeah, looks like the shits.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Dave withheld the information that Punk’s injunction was because he wasn’t medically cleared. When you believe all that weird shit clunking around in your head about Punk being a cancer or whatnot, you are absorbing the bullshit of an extremely jealous and insecure locker room.

The “news” out there is designed to protect AEW’s image. Use some critical thinking when it comes to the situation. It’s not that hard to decipher. AEW is a mess and how things have been handled from the start would make the most sane people bend.

[Mr. Nerfect]

#punkwasright

Seph started it.

In this case, yes. Should he have buried the company at the scrum? No. But Page did it and didn’t get any repercussions. Why are you holding shoot media scrums anyway?

LolAEW

[Mr. Nerfect]

Punk was legitimately trying to make AEW better. For his own ego or bottom line? Very likely. But that is what he was trying to do. And he was having minor success until he came up against the egos of the “everything is awesome” crowd. You don’t have to love the guy to admit that. The “Punk is trying to hurt AEW” shit comes from that Jericho/Elite camp.

[Mr. Nerfect]

That camp, by the way, is the one holding AEW back. Punk’s Rampage anomaly showed how they’ve niched the company. They don’t want it to be more successful than it is, because what’s possible makes what they’ve actually achieved look feeble. And if you’re going to wring millions of dollars out of a billionaire’s son, you want him to believe you’re doing the best job possible.

You also have to throw in the self-consciousness these guys have around Jim Cornette and traditional wrestling philosophy. These guys don’t want to have to admit that logical, credible work is the route to wrestling having appeal. The last thing they want to do is go out there and prove Cornette right. It’s got to be under “logic can be thrown out the window” terms. Pink ruffled that by talking to young guys and pointing out there is a more effective way to do things.

If Danielson held seminars where he tried to train the guys up zero them in on effective techniques to get over, Omega would start a smear campaign against him too.

[Lock Jaw]

Imagining Noid "simmering" behind his computer/phone screen and just keeping coming back to add on another thought like "I'm not done yet"

[Mr. Nerfect]

Lol, I’m not simmering, but I do have a lot to say on it. It’s just baffling to me how people can look at this scenario and go “Yep, Punk’s the bad guy.” I guess there are all types in this world, but I just cannot disconnect from reality that much. And that’s coming from fantasy-living me, lol.

[Fignuts]

I think most people's opinion is that they're all jackasses.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Punk was fucking ambushed on live television and Tony does nothing.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I think most people's opinion is that they're all jackasses.

I dunno — that seems like the safe position and there are differing levels of jackass.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I honestly wish people would stop supporting this bush league. I guess they are tuning out, but not as fast as they deserve. I want the shoot interviews lol.

[Lock Jaw]

I think most people's opinion is that they're all jackasses.

Approx. 93% of everyone involved with the rassling business is a jackass