All Elite Wrestling

[Destor]

I'm a sucker for the bells and whistles so I hope the entrances can be more than 10 seconds.

Otherwise it looks really good so far. Everyone has been clamoring for a No Mercy style game and this looks to be just that. Hope it isn't a mess at launch and gets off to a good start.lots of gameplay has been out in the last day or so. Weapon collision detection is jank as fuck but everything else looks spot on. Couch co-op looks inarguably fun. Im a little hesitant about high level play though. This dodge mechanic might be busted. Hard to say without playing with it.

So the actual playing of it seems really positive, again barring the weapons which can become...an event lol.

The presentation portion is where they've clearly spent the least time and to my taste thats ideal but i think the pomp and circumstance portion of the fandom is going to want a lot more.

And im not shitting on that. I remember when WM2k came out and the improvements over WCW Revenge were like 85% aesthetic and it blew everyones minds. I think if a sequel ever manages to get out there theyll go hard on presentation and just cleaning up the hit/hurt boxes.

I expect metacritic to be heavily mixed though. Presentation is huge with reviewers. High 60s low 70s is my bet.

[xrodmuc316]

I saw a video of Moxley tossing a propane tank at somebody, it fucking exploding, and it didnt even knock the guy down lol

[Mr. Nerfect]

Jank as fuck sounds about right.

[Destor]

I saw a video of Moxley tossing a propane tank at somebody, it fucking exploding, and it didnt even knock the guy down lolthe propane tank and the skate board look hilariously inconsistent. a patch can fix the propane tank but that skate board is outrageous. There's no fixing it. Its hilarious though. Drunkenly using that with your friends? Looks like a laugh riot.

[Destor]

Make no mistake though you're laughing at it not with it. The weapons need way more time in the oven

[Lock Jaw]

The best part of No Mercy was getting the giant cheese wedge weapon and chucking it at your opponent. So bring on propane tanks and skateboards I say.

[Evil Vito]

The skateboard reminds me of HCTP where you could pop into a motorcycle or jump out of a plane or other shit like that. Genuinely some of the most fun I've ever had playing wrestling games with friends.

I know we'll be popping an edible and playing batshit deathmatches and having a blast with it (lol bomb, blast)

[Evil Vito]

Feel like worst case scenario atm is my buddies and I will get this with a price drop, just because the chaos you can wreak looks fun as shit

If I hear good things I'll probably get it earlier, especially if the career mode really does branch as much as it sounds like it might - would be fun to purposely throw matches here and there to "control your narrative"

[Mr. Nerfect]

When they talk about branching story mode, they probably mean a few matches where it doesn’t matter if you win or lose and it all ends up at the same place.

[Mr. Nerfect]

The skateboard looks fucked. That shit gets old REAL fast when there are good games to play with friends. Does anyone even know 3 other people who would want to play this game in-person? I’m pretty sure most of the multiplayer is going to be conducted online.

[Destor]

When they talk about branching story mode, they probably mean a few matches where it doesn’t matter if you win or lose and it all ends up at the same place.
Nah, looks like theyre using no mercy's structure. Branches end up in completely different places. Its easy to do, they arent long campaigns. Pick a belt (in no mercys case, isnt clear how you'll pick trees here.) 8 matches or so. 50 branches give or take. Some matches dont impact the angle completely others do. Tons of variety discovering which ones lead to new plots. We've seen Hideyuki Iwashita use this in the past, we know how it works.

[Destor]

The skateboard looks fucked. That shit gets old REAL fast when there are good games to play with friends. Does anyone even know 3 other people who would want to play this game in-person? I’m pretty sure most of the multiplayer is going to be conducted online.
Couch co-op isnt as fashionable but i can def get a group together of 10 or more people to play a "new no mercy." Its the most asked for thing in the genre for 20 years. The hype is real for sure, getting a couch session going wont be an issue at all

But yeah online will dwarf couch play globally. Yukes have a pretty good track record with online so im not toooooo worried but it'll need to be good to keep the game alive after the 1st 90 days.

Ideal I'd like to get this on the switch, seems perfect for a portable console, but switch ports of sports titles skew real bad. 2k has proven completely incapable of developing for it and i dont think yukes has tried before now. That version will likely be a dumpster fire, though i doubt its worse than 2k20 was.

[Evil Vito]

Nah, looks like theyre using no mercy's structure. Branches end up in completely different places. Its easy to do, they arent long campaigns. Pick a belt (in no mercys case, isnt clear how you'll pick trees here.) 8 matches or so. 50 branches give or take. Some matches dont impact the angle completely others do. Tons of variety discovering which ones lead to new plots. We've seen Hideyuki Iwashita use this in the past, we know how it works.

Yeah very little is known about the campaign aside from the brief few minutes IGN posted about it but the whole gist is that you pick a wrestler, get invited to AEW’s inaugural PPV and then work your way through the ranks with branching stories. One of the achievements is to hold multiple titles at the same time so there are obviously different title paths at play too. If done correctly there are tons of directions you could go in any given career.

Plus it’s been shown that you can rank up your wrestlers’ attributes. So you might have a HCTP type of deal where if you start a new career with someone else, the dude you ranked up the last time might now be prominently featured since you effectively “pushed” him in your last play through. Even if you play some of the same angles, they’ll feature different people and you can branch new outcomes etc which I dig.

[Evil Vito]

HCTP ran for a calendar year and you largely wound up playing through the same angles each time, but just seeing new faces involved from my various run through as led to some funny results.

I remember one storyline where it was pretty clearly programmed that you’d be attacked by the top 3 stars from the opposite brand. Which meant in one game I was attacked by the unlikely trio of Stone Cold, Sean O’Haire, and Ultimo Dragon.

[Lock Jaw]

Hate the idea of having attributes and ranking up and all the stuff they had about doing press conferences/stuff in between shows to level up stats..... making it too complicated...

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Love that more info is coming out and the game is looking better and better, but Noids hold on to the a skateboard issue in the game as some big deal. Thank god for destor and his great insight.

[Mr. Nerfect]

lots of gameplay has been out in the last day or so. Weapon collision detection is jank as fuck but everything else looks spot on. Couch co-op looks inarguably fun. Im a little hesitant about high level play though. This dodge mechanic might be busted. Hard to say without playing with it.

So the actual playing of it seems really positive, again barring the weapons which can become...an event lol.

The presentation portion is where they've clearly spent the least time and to my taste thats ideal but i think the pomp and circumstance portion of the fandom is going to want a lot more.

And im not shitting on that. I remember when WM2k came out and the improvements over WCW Revenge were like 85% aesthetic and it blew everyones minds. I think if a sequel ever manages to get out there theyll go hard on presentation and just cleaning up the hit/hurt boxes.

I expect metacritic to be heavily mixed though. Presentation is huge with reviewers. High 60s low 70s is my bet.

Agree with the weapons, but everything else looks dodge as shit too. People have seemed to have trouble locking on and executing even basic shit. The whole axis the game runs on looks dated as fuck. In No Mercy it was necessary for shit to behave that way. It’s not now. Plus people can still whip out No Mercy and it will probably play better.

The presentation does look shit. Everyone’s entrance looks whack. I watched a video where Bryan Danielson got bloodied and I swore he was CM Punk.

I’ll be absolutely shocked if this gets over 75%. We seem to be in agreement about the score, but I don’t find that range of score impressive lol.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Hate the idea of having attributes and ranking up and all the stuff they had about doing press conferences/stuff in between shows to level up stats..... making it too complicated...

That’s about the only thing I have liked. Sounds like they’re trying to kayfabe their roster not working out.

None of it will make a real difference to gameplay, I bet. It’s just punch, tie-up, do your move, hit them with a weapon. But they’ll essentially focus as repetitive mini-games.

[xrodmuc316]

the propane tank and the skate board look hilariously inconsistent. a patch can fix the propane tank but that skate board is outrageous. There's no fixing it. Its hilarious though. Drunkenly using that with your friends? Looks like a laugh riot.

It was a bit glitchy, but the Skateboarding actually looked pretty smooth, moreso than their actual running!

[Fignuts]

Danielson vs Okada at forbidden door

That's the one match I really wanted last year.

[Mr. Nerfect]

It’s a no-brainer to do that match.

[Evil Vito]

Believe Forbidden Door is now up to:

-Danielson vs Okada
-Omega vs Ospreay
-Samoa Joe vs ZSJ
-Daniel Garcia vs Shibata

And MJF vs Tana is heavily rumored as well…though who knows, maybe MJF ducks out and it ends up being Punk vs Tana which was supposed to happen last year

[Fignuts]

Oh damn I missed joe vs zsj getting set up. That could be really good.

This is starting to look like what had hoped it would be last year.

[Fignuts]

MJF vs Naito would be my pick. Just to see MJF's reactions to his early match shenanigans.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I want Sanada vs. Punk and MJF vs. Goto. That latter one might sound weird, but I like the idea of MJF disrespecting Goto and New Japan and calling him a mid opponent from a mid promotion. Would be good contrast to Punk who would probably be really respectful.

[Sepholio]

LOL @ Matt Hardy saying Jeff botching the top rope dive the other night was completely intentional and a planned spot from the beginning.

[xrodmuc316]

LOL @ Matt Hardy saying Jeff botching the top rope dive the other night was completely intentional and a planned spot from the beginning.

There are a few wrestlers who can never shut the fuck up, and Matt Hardy is certainly one of them.

[Tom Guycott]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FxjVZTYXwAcBM0M?format=jpg&name=medium

So that's Chuck Taylor, Dustin Rhodes, Jeff Hardy, John Silver, Lance Archer, Luchasaurus, and Malakai Black confirmed who weren't announced previously.

Gotta say, I feel for Evil Uno right now. Guy is a day one AEW signing, a massive gamer, does tons of work for the AEW Games department including a lot of streaming, and he's been promoting this game heavily through all its various builds and appearances at conferences. At one point he'd said what a dream it would be for him to play as himself in a game.

To not make the game while his stablemate does has gotta sting. Objectively Silver is the most popular of the group, but it still is a bit shit.

I wouldn't feel too bad for him; from what I understand, he's supposedly DLC. As are FTR. And a few others.

[Tom Guycott]

It was a bit glitchy, but the Skateboarding actually looked pretty smooth, moreso than their actual running!

I saw some random YouTubers screwing around with the skating. I seriously got vibes of the Downhill Jam portion of the original Skate Or Die! with updated graphics.

Now would be a time for Konami to actually try that. You know, if they weren't busy corpse humping Metal Gear or pachinko-ing it up.

[Mr. Nerfect]

LOL @ Matt Hardy


You could have stopped there.

[Evil Vito]

I wouldn't feel too bad for him; from what I understand, he's supposedly DLC. As are FTR. And a few others.

Uno isn't announced for DLC yet. First DLC "season" is FTR, Hook, Danhausen, Keith Lee, and The Bunny.

Buuuuut apparently there's some mini-games included in the season and one of them is called "JoinUs" which surely sounds Dark Order themed.

Be cool if Uno could be a surprise unlockable for completing that game. Really these mini-games don't sound like anything I'd care enough to play if not given incentive to do so. But having hidden wrestlers in the mini-games would be cool and give me a reason to try a mode I would've otherwise skipped.

[xrodmuc316]

There are a few wrestlers who can never shut the fuck up, and Matt Hardy is certainly one of them.

https://i.imgflip.com/7oc534.jpg

Fucking Matt Hardy :rofl::rofl::rofl:

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I’m willing to guess what he actually said was more reasonable, even though he’s an idiot

[xrodmuc316]

I’m willing to guess what he actually said was more reasonable, even though he’s an idiot

You would think, but it was as dumb as it seemed lol

Hardy proceeded to make an admittedly "strange connection" between Cassidy to Undertaker, citing their ability to deliver solid matches for their respective bosses.█ █

"In some ways, Orange Cassidy to Tony [Khan], at this stage right now, reminds me of the relationship between Vince McMahon and The Undertaker," Hardy said. "[Taker] was like Vince's go-to guy, a guy that Vince knew could go out and get the job done. On top of that, those guys were both great wrestlers but played outlandish and over-the-top gimmicks. There's a crazy similarity there."

Read More: https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1304360/matt-hardy-compares-aews-orange-cassidy-to-wwes-the-undertaker/

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I mean he never said OC has drawn like Taker. It’s a stretch but he’s just pumping one of his own guy’s tires.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Guys are allowed to say shit without it being a big deal. What the fuck does it even matter? I say this as someone who doesn’t really care about or like Matt Hardy.

[XL]

Yeah, think we might be blowing that up a little bigger than it is.

[Evil Vito]

X-Rod taking a nothing burger and blowing it out of proportion so he has a chance to use a bunch of rofl emoticons? Get the fuck outta here

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Stunned I tell you

[xrodmuc316]

You guys have weird reactions to stuff. I said Matt Hardy never shuts up, and not even a day later he is comparing O.C. to Undertaker. That shit is funny.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Yeah you really nailed Matt Hardy.

[Fignuts]

You guys have weird reactions to stuff. I said Matt Hardy never shuts up, and not even a day later he is comparing O.C. to Undertaker. That shit is funny.

No he didn't.


But you know that already.

[Sepholio]

Guys are allowed to say shit without it being a big deal. What the fuck does it even matter? I say this as someone who doesn’t really care about or like Matt Hardy.

If guys are allowed to say shit without it being a big deal then why are you giving cumdorx the business rn sir?

[Destor]

I detest OC. I think he's a blight on the industry. There's a difference from saying OC is used as a special attraction like the Undertaker and saying he's a special attraction on par with The Undertaker. Now should he be a special attraction at all is another conversation but he's objectively booked like Taker.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Orange Cassidy fucking sucks. Even throwing the gimmick in the trash — his shit has so much daylight in it. Matt Hardy was done in 2010. Fuck them both.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Holy shit at how underwhelming that DLC roster is for the game too.

[Destor]

He isnt good enough to be booked on national tv. He isnt good enough to be booked in a backyard. The only booking id like to see him get is a jail cell for crimes against art.

[Sting Fan]

OC is great, guy works entertaining matches and the crowd loves him.

[Destor]

Meanwhile the gates shrink, the buyrates shrink, and each passing generation shits just a little bit more on the corpse of kayfabe and the cycle repeats.

The phrase "you're killing the business" isnt a euphemism. It can literally die. There are fewer eyeballs on wrestling than ever and the only thing keeping wrestling afloat is that TV is a dying medium clinging to any live content it can get.

When TV dies it takes wrestling with it.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

If guys are allowed to say shit without it being a big deal then why are you giving cumdorx the business rn sir?

By guys I meant wrestlers. Cumdorx not allowed to get away with anything here.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Meanwhile the gates shrink, the buyrates shrink, and each passing generation shits just a little bit more on the corpse of kayfabe and the cycle repeats.

The phrase "you're killing the business" isnt a euphemism. It can literally die. There are fewer eyeballs on wrestling than ever and the only thing keeping wrestling afloat is that TV is a dying medium clinging to any live content it can get.

When TV dies it takes wrestling with it.

It’s already dead as far as I’m concerned.

[Sting Fan]

Meanwhile the gates shrink, the buyrates shrink, and each passing generation shits just a little bit more on the corpse of kayfabe and the cycle repeats.

The phrase "you're killing the business" isnt a euphemism. It can literally die. There are fewer eyeballs on wrestling than ever and the only thing keeping wrestling afloat is that TV is a dying medium clinging to any live content it can get.

When TV dies it takes wrestling with it.

Laying that at the feet of a new (and quite popular) guy who is being pushed in the mid card might be laying it on a bit thick.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

OC is a symptom and not the cause. It was long dead before he came around.

[xrodmuc316]

If guys are allowed to say shit without it being a big deal then why are you giving cumdorx the business rn sir?

Why are you keeping alive the sophomoric nickname people who have long since been blocked came up with? I didn't know you were such a die hard Matt Hardy fan to get your ire so revved up.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Sir he was defending you.

[Destor]

OC is a symptom and not the cause. It was long dead before he came around.
Of course. But when you're dieing of bowel cancer you dont applaud the diarrhea. It may beat constipation but you're still shitting yourself to death.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

And you can’t get mad when the nickname is literally your handle spelled backwards.

[Destor]

And you can’t get mad when the nickname is literally your handle spelled backwards.i never noticed...but fair play

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Of course. But when you're dieing of bowel cancer you dont applaud the diarrhea. It may be constipation but you're still shitting yourself to death.

I mean Matt Hardy is gonna say whatever he can to promote the company he works for. I don’t see the big deal. I’m sure he’s convinced himself OC is great for business and he has to because, otherwise, his sense of self worth would be bleak.


As for me, I do not applaud Orange Cassidy lol.

[xrodmuc316]

And you can’t get mad when the nickname is literally your handle spelled backwards.

Wasnt mad lol. Look who I was originally quoting when I said Matt Hardy can never shut up.

Hence why I gave Seph the business :cool:

[#1-norm-fan]

This logic does not resemble our earth logic

[Destor]

I mean Matt Hardy is gonna say whatever he can to promote the company he works for. I don’t see the big deal. I’m sure he’s convinced himself OC is great for business and he has to because, otherwise, his sense of self worth would be bleak.


As for me, I do not applaud Orange Cassidy lol.
Im not faulting hardy. He's promoting the company he works for. I dont expect him be honest even if he thinks the show is shit. Id think less of him if he were

[#1-norm-fan]

I mean he never said OC has drawn like Taker. It’s a stretch but he’s just pumping one of his own guy’s tires.

He’s literally comparing relationships with the boss and how they’re used. I can see having a problem with calling him a good wrestler but he didn’t actually compare him to Taker. Lol

It’s like when Thunder Rosa’s “My rivalry with Britt Baker is not something that is going to end. It’s like The Rock and Stone Cold (Steve Austin), something similar, or Trish (Stratus) and Lita. Something of that sort. Something that is never going to end.” turned into “OMG SHE COMPARED HERSELF AND BRITT TO ROCK AND AUSTIN OMGLOL!!!”

Comprehending the point of an analogy is very difficult for some.

[Tom Guycott]

Uno isn't announced for DLC yet. First DLC "season" is FTR, Hook, Danhausen, Keith Lee, and The Bunny.

Buuuuut apparently there's some mini-games included in the season and one of them is called "JoinUs" which surely sounds Dark Order themed.

Be cool if Uno could be a surprise unlockable for completing that game. Really these mini-games don't sound like anything I'd care enough to play if not given incentive to do so. But having hidden wrestlers in the mini-games would be cool and give me a reason to try a mode I would've otherwise skipped.

There were other people "listed" as DLC that weren't "announced" right now (including Negative One). However, its the games industry, so that doesn't mean shit just because they want to announce this stuff later on their own terms. Everything will be denied up until the day they don't.

[Destor]

Its plausible there's a long tail of updates of a year or two. Post market monetization is the thing these days after. It'll need to move some units though to get anything past the 6 month mark.

[Fignuts]

I bought into an undead wizard summoning lightening in arenas, but I can't buy orange cassidy beating anyone.

The homeless guy I pass on the way home who yells obscenities at bikers looks like he would absolutely murder OC.

[Destor]

Tbf that hobo sounds tough as shit

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I wouldn't be eager to fight most hobos tbh.

[xrodmuc316]

I bought into an undead wizard summoning lightening in arenas, but I can't buy orange cassidy beating anyone.

The homeless guy I pass on the way home who yells obscenities at bikers looks like he would absolutely murder OC.

That might be Perry Saturn!

[Tom Guycott]

Tbf that hobo sounds tough as shit

I wouldn't be eager to fight most hobos tbh.

So, you're saying it isn't too late for that rumored Vinnie Mac "army of hobos"?

[Vastardikai]

That might be Perry Saturn!

Or Tomasso Ciampa.

[Fignuts]

If there's one thing Tomasso Ciampa hates, it's people on bicycles.

[Evil Vito]

I love Orange Cassidy. Totally get why people wouldn't like him, but he entertains me.

[Evil Vito]

Anyway it does tickle me that there's an argument over Orange Cassidy seemingly every other week. Not just here but anywhere wrestling is discussed.

He's basically viewed as the litmus test in terms of your tastes, even though I don't think liking Orange Cassidy means you must hate traditional wrassling or whatever. I like all of it.

[Evil Vito]

Also litmus paper can turn orange so hey! That fits.

[xrodmuc316]

Anyway it does tickle me that there's an argument over Orange Cassidy seemingly every other week. Not just here but anywhere wrestling is discussed.

He's basically viewed as the litmus test in terms of your tastes, even though I don't think liking Orange Cassidy means you must hate traditional wrassling or whatever. I like all of it.

We absolutely discuss O.C. here often!

I dont mind Orange Cassidy at all. Sure I wish his character would evolve some, but that is an issue with pretty much the entire roster. At least he is different than the most everybody else who's only gimmick is "I wrestle good".

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Orange is fine. I don’t like him in the main event and they’ve mostly kept him out of that picture. He’s a midcard workhorse who moves merch and gets good to great crowd reaction with good matches. I enjoy him in his current role. J just don’t want him pushed further.

[Evil Vito]

Part of me wants to see MJF vs. Orange at Wembley because the crowd will be shit hot for it and I want to see the internet set itself on fire and watch the world burn

[Mr. Nerfect]

Meanwhile the gates shrink, the buyrates shrink, and each passing generation shits just a little bit more on the corpse of kayfabe and the cycle repeats.

The phrase "you're killing the business" isnt a euphemism. It can literally die. There are fewer eyeballs on wrestling than ever and the only thing keeping wrestling afloat is that TV is a dying medium clinging to any live content it can get.

When TV dies it takes wrestling with it.

Fucking thank you.

Im not faulting hardy. He's promoting the company he works for. I dont expect him be honest even if he thinks the show is shit. Id think less of him if he were

Eh, I take your point, but there’s the point where the specifics of what you say is actually detrimental. Hardy makes the company look like even more of a joke with the hyperbole.

Anyway it does tickle me that there's an argument over Orange Cassidy seemingly every other week. Not just here but anywhere wrestling is discussed.

He's basically viewed as the litmus test in terms of your tastes, even though I don't think liking Orange Cassidy means you must hate traditional wrassling or whatever. I like all of it.

They’re incompatible. If you want sincere art you cannot accept Orange Cassidy, who is inherently a pisstake.

Don’t get me wrong, you can subjectively enjoy both on your own in separate contexts. I would be ashamed to enjoy Orange Cassidy, but whatever. That context is objectively incompatible with wrestling presented in an effective way though. Effective wrestling is defined by how easy it is to immerse yourself in. You cannot convince yourself in Orange Cassidy.

OC is for people who hate wrestling. The masochists who have watched for too long and think it’s clever to get kicked in the nuts.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Orange Cassidy is the “Man Getting Hit By Football” of professional wrestling.

[Mr. Nerfect]

He’s probably one of the nicest guys in the business, because if he wasn’t, no one would let him get away with a fraction of the shit he does. But he fucking sucks and AEW isn’t popular enough to hide behind comparative ratings bumps caused by people gawking as they inform their opinion that this shit is for fucking losers.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Dude should have been a referee, held a camera, run errands. If he loves wrestling and has to be involved, that is. What he does actively undermines everyone who has come before him and cuts off everyone who will try to come after. Good luck to the next Steve Austin trying to convince people he’s authentic when Orange Cassidy has wiped his ass with the form.

And yeah, he’s a symptom. Fuck him and everyone else like him though. This is the most selfish generation of performers, because they’re getting paid a shit-tonne to kill this and leave nothing for anyone else to do.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I can’t wait for Trent’s mom to drive Orange Cassidy to the ring at Wembley in the van and AEW fans to applaud themselves because it’s so funny and then get their feelings hurt when AEW can’t sell out another stadium ever. :y:

[Mr. Nerfect]

Just saw the gif of the Rampage slapstick. Holy shit.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I’ve been trying to convince myself that Collision could actually be good. Nah. It’s AEW.

[Evil Vito]

So on occasion AEW plan on taping Collision on a Thursday, in the same venue as Dynamite. Logistically it makes sense because the arena is all set up etc.

But there's always a risk in running the same venue back to back nights. Especially when it's a brand new show. And even more especially when it's following a PPV the Sunday before only an hour away. So that's gonna cut in to your market. Some people can only can afford to go to one show, or the PPV and one TV show.

And if that's the case, why wouldn't you pick the "flagship" show that's been around for years over a new show? Other than announcing some of the people involved, nobody knows yet if Collision is gonna feel like a unique experience, or if it's just gonna be a B-show/Dynamite Lite.

So to that end, maybe tickets will move week of when they announce stuff for it. Dynamite sales for Hamilton are decent. But the first Thursday Collision show the night after? Absolutely laughably abysmal.

https://i.imgur.com/MLNzbS1.png

[Evil Vito]

Like it's not even remotely surprising. Why on earth would they book the first Thursday show so soon? They have to get that "brand" off the ground first. And even still, going two nights in a row is simply not affordable to most families.

AEW probably should avoid running back to back nights like the plague.

[xrodmuc316]

They are running that Thursday because that is the date for MITB

[Evil Vito]

Running on Thursday isn’t really an issue. It’s that they’re running the same building.

Yeah it’s a pain in the ass to break a set down, move it to a new venue, and set it up in the next town. But it’s doable. Tough to imagine they won’t take a big loss drawing a TNA level crowd on that Thursday taping, unless they hold off some crazy post-Forbidden Door match for that show.

[rez]

so with Collision about to exist...does that mean AEW has completely tapped out of the Saturday PPV scene? Fucking sucks.

That said. What platform ya'll getting the AEW game for? I'm leaning towards Switch. I want to preorder but want the less buggy/shitty experience so I dunno! WWGDD? What Would Guru Dave Do? Fuck Darlene

[rez]

I miss KIRA. They were like a pure rasslin fan, like Smeat. I wonder if they still watch and if they tuned in to AEW when it started up.

Some actual cool discussion would be cool again. Don't get me wrong, I love teh monkey cum all 7 of us throw at each other.

[screech]

so with Collision about to exist...does that mean AEW has completely tapped out of the Saturday PPV scene? Fucking sucks.

That said. What platform ya'll getting the AEW game for? I'm leaning towards Switch. I want to preorder but want the less buggy/shitty experience so I dunno! WWGDD? What Would Guru Dave Do? Fuck Darlene

I'll be getting in on Steam. I haven't ordered it yet, though.

[screech]

also I love the Saturday PPVs so that sucks ass if they're going away because of this show I might watch every so often

[screech]

I dont want to make a thread for but since were at the top of the page Wrestle Quest got a release date. August 8th. Here's the announcement trailer, looks the best kind of stupid:


https://youtu.be/bY5xsVgDHxY

I downloaded the demo for this game and I am really into it so far.

[Destor]

Its a day 1 buy for me so im skipping the demo but it looks so good. I cant wait.

[xrodmuc316]

Tiny Khan took it upon himself to say Forbidden Door II will be the BEST event New Japan has EVER participated in. A 51 year old company is going to reach it's alltime PEAK with matches wrestled by Wheeler Fucking Yuta, Willow Nightengale, and a rematch with Kenny Omega vs Will Asspray.

Guess New Japan has always been mediocre without Tiny's match randomizer machine, aka his spazzy coked out brain.

[Evil Vito]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FyCWGcMWYBIlDSw?format=png&name=small

This implies that your CAWs will suck even in exhibition mode unless you take them through career mode. If true, that's gonna have a pretty polarizing response from people who don't want that kind of a grind.

Like if I'm creating myself, going from a legit nobody to a star and building my stats along the way is fun. Zero issues with that.

But on the other hand I can see why it would be annoying to create someone like Okada and have to have him be a huge jobber in the game and play through a story mode where he's treated like a nobody. And then have to repeat this over and over for every CAW you make.

There's a fine line between the grind leading to fun replayability vs. the grind feeling like a chore making you not want to play. So we'll see how they roll this out.

My personal guess is they'll include the ability to unlock an accelerator where you can eventually just give whatever attributes you want to CAWs from the jump. More skeptically, they might allow you to pay for it ala 2k. Failing that you could have a HCTP-esque workaround where you rank up one CAW then make a bunch of copies of them and turn the copies into whoever you want.

[Destor]

We if they follow the WWE model they will def want your credit card

[Destor]

But yeah every caw needing a run through a campaign is a bad choice.

[screech]

They can't expect so many people to want to run through a career mode with every new rassler to level them up that it would be the default, right?

I mean, I guess they could. But it would be dumb as fuck.

[Evil Vito]

I can understand making people do it once with a CAW if you unlock the ability to assign attributes to all other CAWs moving forward, but that’s about it. If you had to do it with every CAW that would be a put-off.

Maybe something like, say, win 25-50 matches with created wrestlers to unlock the ability. Most practical way to do it would be campaign mode, but if you’re good enough at the game you could still just play as your newly created CAWs in exhibition.

[Evil Vito]

Also possible that the attribute differences are overstated and you can quite easily pick a CAW and win with them in exhibition, but they’re just trying to “drive” you to play more campaigns.

I mean attributes should only go so far in fighting games. Even the “weak” characters should have a chance otherwise why ever use em?

[Lock Jaw]

That's why stats/attributes in a rassling game suck. Just let anybody fight anybody and have a chance.

[XL]

There’s probably a middle ground. It can be fun playing as someone clearly outmatched to test your skills. They could give the option to sim where the attributes affect performance or arcade where everyone is pretty much even.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Or they could just not release the game because it is very likely going to be trash.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I haven’t been following this close — but is it true AEW are doing a WWE and jacking up their ticket prices because they can’t sell that many in most markets? Remember when that was a thing people made fun of WWE for? AEW was forever going to be the cool and affordable product.

[Mr. JL]

I am about 95% certain that homophobic, misogynistic, drug addicted and bad health riddled Sabu's AEW debut is just a general prelude to a Rob Van Dam AEW signing.

Why the fuck else do you hire this man with his multitude of explicit unapologetic past unless you were trying to placate someone holistically associated with him?

Fuck yeah, Sabu is a unsung legend in wrestling but given his history in the woke world were in... holy fuck!!! how can you justify his antics just for a random unnecessary POP? You cannot.

We've all seen how Tony Khan has bent over backwards to appease CM Punk and still seems to be in utter star shock.

[Vastardikai]

I still think they are angling to get Scurrl.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

That's why stats/attributes in a rassling game suck. Just let anybody fight anybody and have a chance.

This. I mean, yes, some attributes and stats should be in there but it shouldn’t be to the point that you can’t win with certain guys. If they’re really gonna make you career mode your CAW just for them to be useful, in a company where even the low tier jobbers are having competitive matches on weekly TV with top guys, it’s gonna be a huge turn off for me as I love the CAW aspect of wrestling games.

[XL]

Have they said whether there will be a Community Creations type deal?

[Fignuts]

Stats are good for those who are more hardcore about the single player experience, but there should be an option to play with equal baseline stats for casual play with friends.

[Destor]

I dunno i think wrestling inherently has tiers. No one would expect crash holly to be on par with the rock. I think the best solution for a large roster wrestling game is to have letter ranks. S-D.

Internally it would be total stat caps. S ranks have 40 distributed points for example. A ranks have i dunno 30. Whatever. You get it. It would allow friendly handicaps that are easy to understand. "Im better at the game, ill take a D tier guy and you can pick who you want."

[xrodmuc316]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“I have no intention of going out and taking up any of the TV time” - <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyKhan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TonyKhan</a> ������ <a href="https://t.co/krN4YIyM9U">pic.twitter.com/krN4YIyM9U</a></p>&mdash; Kenny Olivier (@69MeJon) <a href="https://twitter.com/69MeJon/status/1666186795866791939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Mr. Nerfect]

He’s done the full Dixie.

[Vastardikai]

I predicted Aubrey wrestling. If she wins the TBS title, I am gonna demand payment from Tony Khan.

[rez]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Watch Wednesday Night <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWDynamite?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWDynamite</a> LIVE from the birthplace of Dynamite: <a href="https://twitter.com/CapitalOneArena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CapitalOneArena</a> in Washington, DC THIS WEDNESDAY at 8pm ET/7pm CT on <a href="https://twitter.com/TBSNetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tbsnetwork</a>! <a href="https://t.co/fDGNvzwxjU">pic.twitter.com/fDGNvzwxjU</a></p>&mdash; All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) <a href="https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1667950161505419266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Tom Guycott]

I am about 95% certain that homophobic, misogynistic, drug addicted and bad health riddled Sabu's AEW debut is just a general prelude to a Rob Van Dam AEW signing.

Why the fuck else do you hire this man with his multitude of explicit unapologetic past unless you were trying to placate someone holistically associated with him?

Fuck yeah, Sabu is a unsung legend in wrestling but given his history in the woke world were in... holy fuck!!! how can you justify his antics just for a random unnecessary POP? You cannot.

We've all seen how Tony Khan has bent over backwards to appease CM Punk and still seems to be in utter star shock.

Given all of that (and even though I don't 100% agree with how you phrased the CM Punk part), it's still kinda weird that it took Jay dying for the Briscoes to stop being persona non grata, but Sabu just appears out of nowhere.

I still think they are angling to get Scurrl.

Marty is a mixed bag. You have the high possibility he'll be shit all over if he ever appears again, but maybe not.

The fact of the matter is his circumstance was the least shitty out of ALL the guys getting hit up during all the #METOO stuff. He came out and admitted what happened before anyone accused him of anything, and it isn't like he left a whole trail of suspect behaviors like a Velveteen Dream or a Joey Ryan.

Maybe enough time has passed where he won't be lumped in with all that... but then again, all it takes is one internet article, one clever enough crowd sign, one popular enough person with an offhand tweet, and it's back to exile for him.

[Tom Guycott]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“I have no intention of going out and taking up any of the TV time” - <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyKhan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TonyKhan</a> ������ <a href="https://t.co/krN4YIyM9U">pic.twitter.com/krN4YIyM9U</a></p>&mdash; Kenny Olivier (@69MeJon) <a href="https://twitter.com/69MeJon/status/1666186795866791939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He’s done the full Dixie.

I don't mean this as a diss... but it's something I can't unsee now.

Tony Khan looks like a literal Muppet. I don't mean British slang "dumbass", either. I mean he actually looks like he was put together by the Henson Creature Shop or Industrial Light and Magic and controlled by hands and servos. If he were an outlandish color like red (prob'ly with an orange nose) that would seal it. And they have 3 different versions: beard, no beard, and hard 5 o'clock TK.

[weather vane]

He’s on TV for 20 seconds a few times a year. Who gives a fuck.

[The Rogerer]

Tony Khan Ate My Hamster

[xrodmuc316]

He’s on TV for 20 seconds a few times a year. Who gives a fuck.

A few times a year, or 7 weeks in a row, same thing :rofl:

You are 100% the embodiment of the All-apologetic in All-apologetic Elite Wrestling.

[Mr. Nerfect]

He’s on TV for 20 seconds a few times a year. Who gives a fuck.

Who gives a fuck about AEW? Exactly. Shit like this contributes. But keep sucking that boot.

[Mr. Nerfect]

It’s fucking insane that AEW is trying to market a second show to AEW fans who don’t like the AEW product. Then they’re going to ask you to buy PPVs when you don’t like 50% of what they do.

[XL]

He’s on TV for 20 seconds a few times a year. Who gives a fuck.

“BUT HE SAID HE WASN’T GOING TO TAKE UP ANY TV TIME. 1 MINUTE 40 SECONDS THIS YEAR IS DEFINITELY MORE THAN NONE. THAT’S JUST MATHS”

[Mr. Nerfect]

Yikes

[Mr. Nerfect]

AEW’s a joke, guys. Don’t take it so seriously.

[xrodmuc316]

“BUT HE SAID HE WASN’T GOING TO TAKE UP ANY TV TIME. 1 MINUTE 40 SECONDS THIS YEAR IS DEFINITELY MORE THAN NONE. THAT’S JUST MATHS”

Dont buy into that lie. Those awkward announcement are longer than 20 seconds. You gotta go by an actual clock and not Tiny's coked up lack of blinking!

[Mr. Nerfect]

The act of putting himself on TV at all tells you everything you need to know about what AEW’s about. 20 seconds, 2 minutes, 2 hours. It’s bad.

[drave]

AEW’s a joke, guys. Don’t take it so seriously.




Wrestling isn't real.

[The Rogerer]

See you in 3 years Noid

[Mr. Nerfect]

Wrestling isn't real.

Fake doesn’t mean it has to be bad.

[Wehttam]

AEW’s a joke, guys. Don’t take it so seriously.

https://i.imgur.com/Zl9eAcd.png

[Evil Vito]

:lol: got 'em

[Evil Vito]

AEW have reached out to Sean Waltman about coming in for a backstage role and maybe do an angle with Daddy Ass and The Acclaimed.

I'd be thrilled for Waltman if this came to fruition. I don't expect he'd wrestle for AEW much more than maybe a couple of matches when the situation calls for it, but he's got a great mind for the business and is generally well-liked, he'd be an asset for backstage should he choose to come aboard.

[weather vane]

Don’t hate that!

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Would love that for him, tbh

[Evil Vito]

Road agent BJ Whitmer got arrested on strangulation and burglary charges, and he’s promptly been fired.

[xrodmuc316]

Road agent BJ Whitmer got arrested on strangulation and burglary charges, and he’s promptly been fired.

It is only ok if it is your coworkers and it happens backstage. Then you get to star in a new show as a reward :rofl:

[Frank Drebin]

Got my MJF pickles today. Can't wait to try the fuck outta them.

[Tom Guycott]

It’s fucking insane that AEW is trying to market a second show to AEW fans who don’t like the AEW product. Then they’re going to ask you to buy PPVs when you don’t like 50% of what they do.

*Third show.

Yes, nobody gives a shit about Rampage, but it still exists.

[DaveWadding]

Got my MJF pickles today. Can't wait to try the fuck outta them.

I thought you already enjoyed MJF's pickle in your mouth...

[Mr. Nerfect]

Lol, no one would listen to Waltman if they brought him in.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

It is only ok if it is your coworkers and it happens backstage. Then you get to star in a new show as a reward :rofl:

lol wrestlers having a dustup in the back (honestly a time-honoured tradition in the business, and something that happens in all sports, often during games) is a lot different than domestic violence.

In fact, Tony Khan is dumb for making a bigger deal out of the backstage fight than was necessary.

Also, you're just dumb.

[Mr. Nerfect]

From all the Brawl Out stuff, the most insane elements to me are still that Adam Page got to ambush the biggest star with a shoot promo and get away with it, and that The Elite are still EVPs after bursting into someone’s private locker room.

[xrodmuc316]

lol wrestlers having a dustup in the back (honestly a time-honoured tradition in the business, and something that happens in all sports, often during games) is a lot different than domestic violence.

In fact, Tony Khan is dumb for making a bigger deal out of the backstage fight than was necessary.

Also, you're just dumb.

I think someone that is dumb would be somebody not understanding a joke, and then getting offended by it. :yes:

[Tom Guycott]

From all the Brawl Out stuff, the most insane elements to me are still that Adam Page got to ambush the biggest star with a shoot promo and get away with it, and that The Elite are still EVPs after bursting into someone’s private locker room.

And they also got to make jokes and publicly disrespect the guy... but STILL claim that Punk is the "cancer".

Even if you're someone who thinks CM Punk is just a giant asshole, what does that say about the guys consistently being BIGGER assholes but somehow not being called on it??

[Frank Drebin]

Assholes the size of Rancho Cucamonga

[Frank Drebin]

That sounds like a place where their biggest claim to fame would be something like "Hey, Dude" was shot there.

[Frank Drebin]

The MJF pickles are great so far. Going to drink the brine. Thats how great they are.

[Frank Drebin]

But also, I'm in the camp that says pickle juice is great post workout and a fantastic way to hydrate so its not like that would be an irregular thing for me.

Chug a bunch of pickle juice when you're drunk before you go to bed or when you don't and wake up the next moment with a hangover. You'll thank Drebin later.

[xrodmuc316]

And they also got to make jokes and publicly disrespect the guy... but STILL claim that Punk is the "cancer".

Even if you're someone who thinks CM Punk is just a giant asshole, what does that say about the guys consistently being BIGGER assholes but somehow not being called on it??

That is kind of the whole issue. Tiny has essentially split a portion of his fanbase, because nobody has come out and said the obvious, they are all assholes. The whole thing, the lead up, the event, the aftermath, it could have all been dealt with if he just fired them all.

But since he did, ill go with the idiot video game cosplayers over the idiot Bret Hart cosplayers. I have an easier time believing all their flippy gymnastics then I do believing the worst MMA fighter ever and crybabies Bald and Hair are badasses.

[xrodmuc316]

And when I say Tiny's fanbase, I mean AEW's fanbase. I cannot believe Tiny has any fans personally :rofl:

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I think someone that is dumb would be somebody not understanding a joke, and then getting offended by it. :yes:

Jokes are supposed to make sense, have a lick of contextual relevance, and be funny. You're a constant failure on these fronts. I'm offended by how much you suck more than anything else.

[xrodmuc316]

Jokes are supposed to make sense, have a lick of contextual relevance, and be funny. You're a constant failure on these fronts. I'm offended by how much you suck more than anything else.

It is not my fault you do not understand sarcasm or irony. You thinking I was suggesting anything other than a ridiculous comparison and getting worked up is on you.

AEW firing a guy who beat and strangled his significant other is absolutely the correct response. Comparing that to Brawl Out on the same level was clearly a farcical comment.

You got worked over nothing worse than CM Punk did to Hangman Page saying workers rights :rofl:
https://media.tenor.com/XRJUgavcnC0AAAAC/la-knight.gif

[Evil Vito]

AEW wastes no time in replacing BJ Whitmer

Jimmy Jacobs has joined as a producer

[XL]

Dare I say it?

Game changer.

[Evil Vito]

ESPN interview with Punk is scheduled to drop by Friday. Fightful with details:

Last week, Fightful Select reported that KENTA vs. CM Punk was the planned direction for AEW Forbidden Door. Shortly following that, we were told that Punk "wasn't thrilled with working with KENTA and he may come across badly in an interview.” However, there’s a lot more to this than meets the eye, and that might have been by design.

There are a lot of facets to this that have unraveled since then that may become more clear. We’re told that an ESPN interview is supposed to drop sometime soon, where Punk was talking about a number of topics. Among those topics was The Elite, and word got back to several on the roster at the June 14 AEW Dynamite tapings, and some of it didn’t go over well based on second-hand recountings.

We’re told that AEW did set up the interview and monitored things, but that CM Punk spoke in a way that would blur the lines, and create buzz for upcoming shows. Specifically, we’d heard that he’d answered questions in a way that would make the audience wonder if it was him angling for a story, or if he was shooting. We aren’t sure what eventually will make it into the final ESPN piece, but we heard that the interview was conducted last week. We’re told that Punk was very aware that it could come off polarizing based on his responses.

Recently, we’d reported that CM Punk was sent a series of documents that protected AEW, which included some non-disparagements.

[Evil Vito]

Punk is very much online, has criticized fans for taking sides and having parasocial relationships with wrestlers, and he's also had beefs with a lot of the dirtsheet writers. So he's building buzz with the people he knows will blow this kind of stuff out of the water.

It is kinda funny though that Tony Khan, every time he's been asked about Punk in the last 2 weeks, has pivoted to stuff like "Yes, CM Punk has a lot to say at the debut of Collision about reigniting his rivalry with Samoa Joe and reuniting with FTR! :) " as if he's not even gonna make insider references and Punk's just ignoring that and leaning right into the drama lol

[Evil Vito]

I'll just enjoy Punk while he's around. Would not be surprising in the least if there's another blowup where he actually quits before the end of the year.

[xrodmuc316]

Wait, you telling me Punk is a whiny bitch? SHOCKED!

[Damian Rey 2.0]

I'll just enjoy Punk while he's around. Would not be surprising in the least if there's another blowup where he actually quits before the end of the year.

I think it either goes that way, or they end up with a red hot feud that takes up summer and fall eventually leading to Punk v Omega at a ppv. I can’t see any middle ground just because of who Punk is.

I do love some shit stirring and if nothing else blurring the lines it’s only good for business.

[#1-norm-fan]

It is not my fault you do not understand sarcasm or irony. You thinking I was suggesting anything other than a ridiculous comparison and getting worked up is on you.

AEW firing a guy who beat and strangled his significant other is absolutely the correct response. Comparing that to Brawl Out on the same level was clearly a farcical comment.

You got worked over nothing worse than CM Punk did to Hangman Page saying workers rights :rofl:
https://media.tenor.com/XRJUgavcnC0AAAAC/la-knight.gif

You’re leaning pretty hard on the “It was just a joke! Can’t you see my emoji!” defense when people point out the terrible logic in your failed digs nowadays, huh?

[screech]

xrod saying anyone else is too dumb to understand what words mean is fucking hilarious lol

[drave]

As a fan of CM Punk at one time, I can genuinely say I have no desire in seeing him in a wrestling capacity. His last "run" was terrible.


He can still talk well, and perhaps even be a decent segment producer / writer.

[Sepholio]

As a fan of CM Punk at one time, I can genuinely say I have no desire in seeing him in a wrestling capacity. His last "run" was terrible.


He can still talk well, and perhaps even be a decent segment producer / writer.

Seems like the live crowd at Dynamite was super hyped for Punk to me

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ud9Q3_nveYc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[drave]

I don't care about the unwashed masses. I believe there will ALWAYS be marks for Punk because marks gonna mark (unless you're Undertaker).


Hopefully, he "trained" to be in better shape this go around. Otherwise, he might injure himself when he goes to sit down and talk in the center of the ring.

[Sepholio]

LOL Punk seriously went off and cried about Hangman again in an interview with ESPN. HANGMAN WAS BEING MEAN AND SHOOTING ON ME AND CHOPPING ME IN THE FACE WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH.

[Evil Vito]

The only real things in that interview I could see ruffling some feathers are

1) heavily implying The Elite are the reason there will be no angle on this and, likely, no reconciliation

2) the Hangman stuff

[Evil Vito]

Openly admitting he was afraid that Hangman was gonna shoot on him is such an amazing self-own

[Damian Rey 2.0]

The interview was a big nothing burger tbh

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

1) heavily implying The Elite are the reason there will be no angle on this and, likely, no reconciliation


The Elite proving everything "out of touch" Jim Cornette said about them was right. So pathetic.

They're only interested in working with guys who'll kiss their feet and bow down.

[#1-norm-fan]

I didn’t see the interview but if he did imply that, good. Shame them publicly for it. Not working with someone in wrestling because you don’t get along with them is fucking stupid.

And the same would have gone for Punk if he had backed out of that Hangman match. If he stiffs you, stiff him back and move on.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

literally the best angle in years right at their feet. These guys don't care about AEW.

[Lock Jaw]

I didn’t see the interview but if he did imply that, good. Shame them publicly for it. Not working with someone in wrestling because you don’t get along with them is fucking stupid.

'Member when Edge had an affair with Lita, stealing her away from Matt Hardy.... and then they just turned it all into an on-screen feud/match?

[Evil Vito]

The only "justification" I can find is that there might be a genuine legal quagmire the office has to work through if they were gonna get to the point of interacting at all, let alone on-screen. I'm an HR guy by trade so it's really not all that difficult to see that as being a possibility. I have literally seen no-contact agreements have to be signed in my line of work where two colleagues just flat out aren't allowed to interact any further after a complaint.

We don't know what was signed in September/October, and with these dudes being company executives, it might be complicated. If Punk really did try reaching out to them and was blocked by lawyers...yes most people would read that and say "they're hiding behind their lawyers!" but the lawyers have a duty to enforce the agreement. And I doubt AEW's legal department would be all, nah just go ahead and let these execs break their agreement it's fine. Shit is much more complicated than you'd think.

Having said all of that, I'd be stunned if there weren't a way to, eventually cancel the agreement and go back to business as usual. Again, it's probably complicated, but it's likely doable. And if Tony, The Elite, or anyone else aren't willing to even try to get to that point it's weaksauce.

[Evil Vito]

If I were to hazard a guess here I feel like Omega would be fine with working with Punk. He's done gaming streams where people tried to ask and while he's always led with he can't talk about it, he sounded like someone who was at peace with the whole situation and wanted all parties to prosper moving forward.

The Bucks on the other hand feel like they probably won't ever drop it. Those guys are known to be super petty any time they have a beef with anyone.

And Tony probably wouldn't wanna deal with the headache unless everyone was on board with moving forward.

[Evil Vito]

Omega vs. Punk is the only intriguing match possibility anyway. There's no way that match wouldn't be the tits.

I like the Bucks for what they are (spot monkeys) but they would be objectively terrible guys to have working a match where you're trying to put over that there's shoot heat

[Evil Vito]

Collision announce team: Kevin Kelly, Nigel McGuinness, and JR

[DaveWadding]

Gotta love all the nerd hype for this CM Punk ESPN article, just for it to be nothing shocking :lol:

[xrodmuc316]

Openly admitting he was afraid that Hangman was gonna shoot on him is such an amazing self-own

Hangman would wreck that fragile bitch Phil, and even he knows it.

[Frank Drebin]

The interview was a big nothing burger tbh

Gotta love all the nerd hype for this CM Punk ESPN article, just for it to be nothing shocking :lol:

+1

[#1-norm-fan]

'Member when Edge had an affair with Lita, stealing her away from Matt Hardy.... and then they just turned it all into an on-screen feud/match?

Yeah. Was pretty fun for like 2 weeks and then they didn’t know what to do with it.

At least the promos and match would be better here.

[ClockShot]

Collision announce team: Kevin Kelly, Nigel McGuinness, and JR

Kev gonna be racking up those frequent flyer miles between NJPW and AEW in no time.

[GD]

<iframe width="790" height="444" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DfZSZHWqW50" title="Become a High-Flying Legend with LADDERS in AEW Fight Forever on June 29!" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Wow :shifty:

[Sting Fan]

The Bucks on the other hand feel like they probably won't ever drop it. Those guys are known to be super petty any time they have a beef with anyone.



Punk vs. Bucks feels like all time wrestling petty which is a big call.

I'm not that excited about Omega vs. Punk as a prospect. I want Omega vs. guys who can match his athleticsim and pace and I don't think thats Punk.

[Evil Vito]

The theme song for Collision is “Saturday’s Alright for Fighting” by Elton John

Lol that is a fantastic choice

[Mr. Nerfect]

The Elite fucking suck and are only in wrestling to make as much money as they can for themselves, fuck off and leave wrestling in worse shape.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Saying someone is an unprofessional shit and being scared of them are two different things. I would be calling for Page to be exiled from the company if I were in Punk’s shoes. It’s incredible how many people get to get away with sabotaging the company there. He’s been WAY too gracious with The Elite and co.

[Mr. Nerfect]

LolAEW. I can’t believe wrestling has gotten to this point.

[erickman]

Collision announce team: Kevin Kelly, Nigel McGuinness, and JR

that will be a good team

[#1-norm-fan]

The theme song for Collision is “Saturday’s Alright for Fighting” by Elton John

Lol that is a fantastic choice

That’s outstanding.

[Mr. Nerfect]

When I tried to give NJPW Strong a chance a year or so ago (maybe longer, I dunno), Kevin Kelly was the best part of the show. Fantastic commentator who completely understands his job. No problem with him as a hire at all. I hope the team has got some good content to call. JR is getting older, but the biggest problem with him is that he had bullshit to call and he’s not going to bury himself or insult the audience.

Even if they just use JR for sit-downs and main events, that would be cool.

The main event for the first show looks like a good one. My fantasy booking was Jeff Jarrett, Jay Lethal & Samoa Joe vs. Mark Briscoe & FTR announced. Punk does an opening promo. Mark Briscoe is taken out backstage with guitar shards around him. Jarrett denies it was him. Scorpio Sky offers to replace Mark, FTR say they already have a partner. Punk teams with FTR, Mark runs out and foils a guitar shot on Punk allowing the GTS to win the faces the match.

From that you can move onto Punk vs. Joe and Scorpio Sky can have issues with being brushed over (with both Punk and FTR). That can lead to stuff with The Firm, SCU or a new team/group with Sky. Eventually Punk can reveal he took Mark Briscoe out with the guitar.

This is kind of like that without the story, but the match is probably a better choice because it doesn’t have the potential Jarrett stink. But it’s not a bad start.

Wish it was just Wardlow vs. Christian Cage though. Luchasaurus sucks. Have Brock Anderson & Brian Pillman cancel out Luchasaurus and do the Arn spinebuster spot and have Wardlow retain before being challenged by God’s Chosen TNT Champion, Miro.

Was also hoping for Willow Nightingale & Skye Blue vs. Mercedes Martinez & Serena Deeb in Chicago. And Andrade vs. Christopher Daniels with Andrade coming out in a Sammy Guevara shirt.

[DaveWadding]

Sir Elton John is All Elite

[xrodmuc316]

Video Proof of the best thing Hair Buck ever did in his career.

ElKegffPRus

[Mr. Nerfect]

Why would you do that in a wrestling match? Fuck those guys.

[GD]

Why would you do that in a wrestling match? Fuck those guys.

zomg...who coul ddo such a thing in a wrestling match :eek:

[Fignuts]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ouch... that seems like such an odd oversight. I'm used to this back from Showdown LOW, No Mercy but the lack of actual useful attire parts will kill the mode. <br>No one is going to use 100 caw slots if we can't even make 1 real world person. <a href="https://t.co/Zc0kBguekD">pic.twitter.com/Zc0kBguekD</a></p>&mdash; KRadiation (@KRadiation) <a href="https://twitter.com/KRadiation/status/1670823483821944832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

That's going to make it dead on arrival for a lot of people.

[xrodmuc316]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ouch... that seems like such an odd oversight. I'm used to this back from Showdown LOW, No Mercy but the lack of actual useful attire parts will kill the mode. <br>No one is going to use 100 caw slots if we can't even make 1 real world person. <a href="https://t.co/Zc0kBguekD">pic.twitter.com/Zc0kBguekD</a></p>&mdash; KRadiation (@KRadiation) <a href="https://twitter.com/KRadiation/status/1670823483821944832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

That's going to make it dead on arrival for a lot of people.

Not surprised about the face paint options being limited since other than Sting and Danhausen, nobody else can afford to paint their whole face :rofl:

[Mr. Nerfect]

It’s all about fun, right? Are we having fun yet?

[Evil Vito]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ouch... that seems like such an odd oversight. I'm used to this back from Showdown LOW, No Mercy but the lack of actual useful attire parts will kill the mode. <br>No one is going to use 100 caw slots if we can't even make 1 real world person. <a href="https://t.co/Zc0kBguekD">pic.twitter.com/Zc0kBguekD</a></p>&mdash; KRadiation (@KRadiation) <a href="https://twitter.com/KRadiation/status/1670823483821944832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

That's going to make it dead on arrival for a lot of people.

For me at least it's not a big deal. Being able to add really good looking CAWs in 2k23 via Community Creations is nice but there's always little things that will still remind me that I'm using a CAW. Plus the way that game tracks parts means you will have a nightmare of a time if you ever want to delete people.

I had no interest in returning to the days of having to follow a complicated formula to get a good CAW. At one point during those games I just said fuck it and made half-assed CAWs and just accepted that they were only gonna bear a passing resemblance to the wrestler I was trying to portray, but I was OK with it. Remember in HCTP making most of the TNA X-Division and giving them the most batshit movesets and having a blast.

But the CAW creation community is a big one, so I can see how this is gonna piss a lot of people off and lead to a lot of people in that circle not bothering.

[Evil Vito]

For me personally the more alarming part of that AMA is about the Road to the Elite mode. The guy said the mode lasts one calendar year in-game which is fine, but he found it to get repetitive and boring within 2-3 months.

He used MJF in the mode and claimed that winning a title meant nothing in terms of the stories he was presented. His title win wasn't ever acknowledged again. At one point he was in an angle with Dark Order (even though Brodie Lee and John Silver are the only members in the game) and he was asked if he wanted to join. He said no and yet the next week the story continued as if he said yes.

To me, this signals that the branching elements are bunk, and that the game might just force you into a linear path no matter what. This guy hasn't done a second playthrough as someone else, so maybe you're given other choices or things change if you lose certain matches.

But if it really is the same shit every time you play the mode then that kills replayability dead.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Yeah limited create a player options sucks. It’s not a killer for me as far as getting the game but it does lower my interest in it.

[Evil Vito]

The AMA was also very complimentary of the actual gameplay itself, which of course is the most important part of it all. But the early sense I'm getting is if you're not gonna be playing with friends or online then you're gonna get bored quickly.

I'm not writing the game off yet by any stretch, but there's no chance I'm buying this day one. It would probably be a late summer/early fall buy at earliest. I need more reviews, more first-hand accounts and seeing if people get bored after a month or two. If the online play is fun and the servers don't blow ass I'd probably get it eventually.

[xrodmuc316]

https://i.imgflip.com/7q0uo1.jpg

[weather vane]

hahahahaha Fight Forever exploding barbwire death match looks so deadly

[Sepholio]

Wait....so Ace Steel is back and they put him in creative? Ahahahahahaha

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

"The Taste Of Counterfeit Bucks: A Cannibal's Rise To The Top Of AEW Creative."

[xrodmuc316]

Jake Roberts is trying to get Tiny to let him be the Booker lol

[Evil Vito]

hahahahaha Fight Forever exploding barbwire death match looks so deadly

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">LMFAOOOO THE EXPLOSION IN EXPLODING BARB WIRE DEATH MATCH IS ODE <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEW</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWFightForever?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWFightForever</a> <br><br> <a href="https://t.co/gU1FHdRyDy">pic.twitter.com/gU1FHdRyDy</a></p>&mdash; 🅰️🅾️ (@KXNGAO) <a href="https://twitter.com/KXNGAO/status/1671361440001794049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Worth noting the explosion happens 120 seconds into the match with no way to change it

Which is another example that this is full an arcade/fighting game. Matches are not designed to be long, especially against the CPU.

[Evil Vito]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">CM PUNK INSANE FINISH TO THE MATCH!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWFightForever?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWFightForever</a> <a href="https://t.co/qCfNA7LXW4">pic.twitter.com/qCfNA7LXW4</a></p>&mdash; eric. (@ericherreraa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ericherreraa/status/1671403785217011712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 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"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWFightForever?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWFightForever</a> here’s riho getting sent to the shadow realm, courtesy of <a href="https://twitter.com/HaangEmHiigh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HaangEmHiigh</a> <a href="https://t.co/2Gu8VwtCNJ">pic.twitter.com/2Gu8VwtCNJ</a></p>&mdash; Momentum (@MomentumTLCM) <a href="https://twitter.com/MomentumTLCM/status/1671376189926039554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

:lol:

During this stream the guy was kicking the CPU's ass on Elite difficulty, even though creators a couple of weeks ago said they'd lost matches on Normal.

Chaotic fun no doubt, but this still points me to thinking that there is not going to be any replayability to this unless you like to game online.

[Evil Vito]

KENTA: *spends years openly saying he doesn’t want to work with CM Punk*

IWC: “he’s working this match so hard, it’s gonna rule!”

KENTA: *refuses a plan to wrestle Punk at Forbidden Door, forcing AEW/NJPW to work out other plans*

IWC: *shocked Pikachu face*

[Damian Rey 2.0]

If I get the game, it’ll simply be to play with my kids. So if it’s got replay value from that standpoint, it’ll be a win. Still, limited at best CAW features drops my interest in it greatly. That’s half the fun for me. Especially because I thought they’d at least offer the option to graph your face onto a CAW like WWE 2K does. Ah well.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

KENTA: *spends years openly saying he doesn’t want to work with CM Punk*

IWC: “he’s working this match so hard, it’s gonna rule!”

KENTA: *refuses a plan to wrestle Punk at Forbidden Door, forcing AEW/NJPW to work out other plans*

IWC: *shocked Pikachu face*

Is there any reason why KENTA won’t do it? Like, that’s a huge match for him to have, on a big stage in the US.

[xrodmuc316]

At this point I don't think Phil is brave enough to wrestle anybody he thinks might shoot on him, and Kenta would absolutely whoop his ass.

[GD]

CM Punk when he's hitting fans

https://media0.giphy.com/media/OP7UuWzonhW6j5qOWT/giphy.gif?cid=82a1493b7nl2uck1x9yv83f5vp4nu2pno2qcmnjezlzfy9ss&rid=giphy.gif&ct=v


CM Punk when he's in the cage with an actual fighter

https://i.redd.it/aqp3f1gkkx001.gif

[GD]

I imagine the female wrestling trainee whom he and Cabana used during the infamous Gold Bond Mafia days felt vindicated.

[Evil Vito]

Is there any reason why KENTA won’t do it? Like, that’s a huge match for him to have, on a big stage in the US.

KENTA's said repeatedly that he hates Punk for stealing the GTS. He doesn't care that other guys use it, but Punk lifted it and brought it to US television. To me it's kinda silly because most moves are lifted at one time or another. But that does always seem to be the crux of it. Maybe that and Punk openly saying he hated working in Zero-One, and really never went back to Japan again.

Anyway, KENTA's always said he'd do the match only if he was paid big money. Presumably wanting a Punk-level payday to do it. Clearly his asking price wasn't met lol

[GD]

In all fairness, why would he even want to associate himself with someone as toxic as Punk :o

[xrodmuc316]

CM Punk when he's hitting fans

https://media0.giphy.com/media/OP7UuWzonhW6j5qOWT/giphy.gif?cid=82a1493b7nl2uck1x9yv83f5vp4nu2pno2qcmnjezlzfy9ss&rid=giphy.gif&ct=v


CM Punk when he's in the cage with an actual fighter

https://i.redd.it/aqp3f1gkkx001.gif

CM cheap shotted a guy who was pushed by the guy that smacked Phil's neck. That also happened before it was proven Phil is such an inept fighter. Today that guy would have know what a bitch Phil is, and would have decimated him on live TV, then Phil would sue the guy and probably the guy's mother too.

[Mr. Nerfect]

CM Punk is a US main eventer. KENTA is a Japan mid-carder. Why would you do that match? Who is it for?

[Mr. Nerfect]

I haven’t seen the actual numbers, but Punk is moving tickets at enough of a rate that even Dave Meltzer has to acknowledge it.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Dollar bill Phil!

[xrodmuc316]

KENTA's said repeatedly that he hates Punk for stealing the GTS. He doesn't care that other guys use it, but Punk lifted it and brought it to US television. To me it's kinda silly because most moves are lifted at one time or another. But that does always seem to be the crux of it. Maybe that and Punk openly saying he hated working in Zero-One, and really never went back to Japan again.

Anyway, KENTA's always said he'd do the match only if he was paid big money. Presumably wanting a Punk-level payday to do it. Clearly his asking price wasn't met lol

There is no way Punk/Tiny would let Punk lose at Forbidden door. Why would Kenta want to do the favors for the guy that stole his move?

[Evil Vito]

So Punk cleared the "counterfeit Bucks" line with AEW, and Fightful confirmed with people in the Bucks' camp that they liked the line. They even referenced it in their Twitter bio. Kenny encouraged Punk chants in his post-Dynamite speech last week. Locker room environment at both shows sounded positive. Hell, on BTE Kenny cracked a joke about the "toxic locker room" in what seemed to be a joke on Meltzer/Alvarez, with Hangman and the Bucks laughing it off.

At least from what I've seen and heard it seems to me like even if the Elite and Punk aren't/never will be friends, everyone's content to just move on.

And yet Meltzer today still insisted there's still a gigantic divide in the locker room and that Punk is driving everyone apart.

Lol, it's gone beyond an Elite bias thing. Dave just flat out has a vendetta toward Punk and is gonna keep peddling this bullshit.

[weather vane]

Who would be the 4th or even 5th guy, say Ibushi debuts, for CMFTR? Guess you don’t need it to be even.

[weather vane]

Takeshita? WARDLOW?

[weather vane]

Just thinking out loud. Don’t mind me.

[Lock Jaw]

So Punk cleared the "counterfeit Bucks" line with AEW, and Fightful confirmed with people in the Bucks' camp that they liked the line. They even referenced it in their Twitter bio. Kenny encouraged Punk chants in his post-Dynamite speech last week. Locker room environment at both shows sounded positive. Hell, on BTE Kenny cracked a joke about the "toxic locker room" in what seemed to be a joke on Meltzer/Alvarez, with Hangman and the Bucks laughing it off.

At least from what I've seen and heard it seems to me like even if the Elite and Punk aren't/never will be friends, everyone's content to just move on.

And yet Meltzer today still insisted there's still a gigantic divide in the locker room and that Punk is driving everyone apart.

Lol, it's gone beyond an Elite bias thing. Dave just flat out has a vendetta toward Punk and is gonna keep peddling this bullshit.

Controversy creates cash.

Trying to sell more subscriptions.

[GD]

Not having a television deal doesn't discourage Tony Khan from commissioning a new ROH "World" Television Championship belt.

[xrodmuc316]

Dave Meltzer has rated more Luchasaurus and Lars Sullivan matches as 5 Stars then he has for Kurt Angle.

[drave]

its a worked shoot of a work while shooting.




someone's gonna get shot

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

So Punk cleared the "counterfeit Bucks" line with AEW, and Fightful confirmed with people in the Bucks' camp that they liked the line. They even referenced it in their Twitter bio. Kenny encouraged Punk chants in his post-Dynamite speech last week. Locker room environment at both shows sounded positive. Hell, on BTE Kenny cracked a joke about the "toxic locker room" in what seemed to be a joke on Meltzer/Alvarez, with Hangman and the Bucks laughing it off.

At least from what I've seen and heard it seems to me like even if the Elite and Punk aren't/never will be friends, everyone's content to just move on.

And yet Meltzer today still insisted there's still a gigantic divide in the locker room and that Punk is driving everyone apart.

Lol, it's gone beyond an Elite bias thing. Dave just flat out has a vendetta toward Punk and is gonna keep peddling this bullshit.

I saw this and (for some reason) was gobsmacked.

Like--I'm sure there will forever be a divide. But Punk's promo will have nothing to do with it. He legally can't just go out there and talk about the Bucks. He could've only dropped those lines (and not been immediately suspended) if they were approved.

Plus, I enjoyed the Counterfeit Bucks line, but it was cute. He specifically was playing ball and towing the company line while addressing the elephant in the room. There was nothing even slightly controversial about it, and it's become increasingly sad that Dave isn't even trying to be reliable anymore.

[Fignuts]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SANADA: &quot;I have no knowledge of Jack Perry. It's sad to see someone like that challenge for the IWGP. Is an open challenge really that easy to decide? It's the IWGP, I think it's worth more than the AEW Championship.&quot;<a href="https://t.co/MCEzIQ4dmZ">https://t.co/MCEzIQ4dmZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/AiQJzxvTJO">pic.twitter.com/AiQJzxvTJO</a></p>&mdash; Ciarán (@CiaranRH93) <a href="https://twitter.com/CiaranRH93/status/1671805223839363072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Fignuts]

Given what a flop jungle boy is, I can't tell if he's working or not.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Sanada should look at Jungle Boy and Jack Perry should turn to dust and blow into the wind as a finish.

I wanted Sanada/Punk. There’s probably some way to magic Punk into some sort of scenario with Sanada at FD.

[Mr. Nerfect]

On Dave/Elite:

Interesting. When I heard Dave talk about the line potentially driving the Elite off, I thought he must be getting that line from them. It wouldn’t be out there if he wasn’t getting it from them. I assumed it was The Elite were bothered and just acting cool but trying to get their angle out there. That still makes more sense to me than everyone actually being fine (dirt sheets tried to spin the ESPN interview that didn’t have comments from them).

I dunno, more will come out, but my gut tells me that The Elite, being the modern Hulk Hogans of professional wrestling, probably have no issue playing both sides. Possibly telling Dave they’re probably leaving, possibly telling Sapp they’re staying and fine.

No news about them signing new contracts though? If they’re manipulating Dave, legit, it will be funny to see if he goes crawling back to Cornette. I just wouldn’t put it past all parties to be in on this to drum up interest. Whatever.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Are there parties in AEW that The Elite want to win over that really don’t like Dave? Could see this being a triangulation tactic. Bury Dave, get new friends, keep yourself situated.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Owen tournaments are weird. I won’t complain too much, but it just seems weird how names are selected.

The women’s is easy to book. Feels like it should come down to Ruby Soho vs. Willow Nightingale to me. The men’s feels like it could work with Punk/Hobbs, Punk/Starks or even Joe/Starks as final. I’d actually be kind of okay with Joe going to the end and putting over Starks.

[drave]

On Dave/Elite:

Interesting. When I heard Dave talk about the line potentially driving the Elite off, I thought he must be getting that line from them. It wouldn’t be out there if he wasn’t getting it from them. I assumed it was The Elite were bothered and just acting cool but trying to get their angle out there. That still makes more sense to me than everyone actually being fine (dirt sheets tried to spin the ESPN interview that didn’t have comments from them).

I dunno, more will come out, but my gut tells me that The Elite, being the modern Hulk Hogans of professional wrestling, probably have no issue playing both sides. Possibly telling Dave they’re probably leaving, possibly telling Sapp they’re staying and fine.

No news about them signing new contracts though? If they’re manipulating Dave, legit, it will be funny to see if he goes crawling back to Cornette. I just wouldn’t put it past all parties to be in on this to drum up interest. Whatever.

Are there parties in AEW that The Elite want to win over that really don’t like Dave? Could see this being a triangulation tactic. Bury Dave, get new friends, keep yourself situated.




100% this is how the "work" of the post-kayfabe era works best. Make it hard to tell when it could be a shoot or not. I did tune in to hear what Punk had to say on Collision, and wondered myself if there were "inflammatory" statements made, or like you, if they are just working everyone.


When Punk did his run-in last night, 100% all a work.

[XL]

Owen tournaments are weird. I won’t complain too much, but it just seems weird how names are selected.

The women’s is easy to book. Feels like it should come down to Ruby Soho vs. Willow Nightingale to me. The men’s feels like it could work with Punk/Hobbs, Punk/Starks or even Joe/Starks as final. I’d actually be kind of okay with Joe going to the end and putting over Starks.

Punk can just do Bret ‘93 KOTR run move for move.

[Mr. Nerfect]

100% this is how the "work" of the post-kayfabe era works best. Make it hard to tell when it could be a shoot or not. I did tune in to hear what Punk had to say on Collision, and wondered myself if there were "inflammatory" statements made, or like you, if they are just working everyone.


When Punk did his run-in last night, 100% all a work.

Well it’s not like Punk and The Elite can’t be in the same building. Punk and The Hardys don’t like each other either. It doesn’t make sense to dilute your tensions if you are trying to build off them. Not that I think internet stories are the best anyway.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Punk can just do Bret ‘93 KOTR run move for move.

Sure, I’d be fine with that.

[drave]

Well it’s not like Punk and The Elite can’t be in the same building. Punk and The Hardys don’t like each other either. It doesn’t make sense to dilute your tensions if you are trying to build off them. Not that I think internet stories are the best anyway.


most people aren't thinking that hard about it tho, that's why it "works" the way it does.


i don't follow enough.. whatever, to know about the punk v hardy's IRL feud or whatever it might be.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

this thread detailing Dave's story makes me hate Dave so much lololol I don't even know why but it does.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Punk cover story in the Observer is a-spicy.</p>&mdash; Trevor Dame (@TrevorDame) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrevorDame/status/1672195048174407680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

If the bucks were upset by the counterfeit bucks line, it'd be on brand. But it would be no less baffling.

[Evil Vito]

The idea of a big name storming out of Dynamite in a bad mood just because Punk was there is kinda hilarious.

First off, The Elite literally weren't there that night so if it's not them, who?

The other two guys with known Punk beefs of course being Jericho and Mox.

Jericho - maybe Punk decided he didn't want to work with him. OK, now he is now entering a program that seems entirely possible that it'll result in him working Sting's first AEW singles match at their largest gate ever. the horror. what does he have to complain about?

Mox - he's all but been outed as a Meltzer source in the past year or so, but if he went to Meltzer to moan about this it would seem he's every bit as crusty and cranky as Phil. plus, Tony lets him do whatever the fuck he wants in matches so again, what does he have to complain about?

[Evil Vito]

For these reasons I'm leaning much more toward Dave just talking out of his ass. Either he has an incredibly weird vendetta against Punk, or everyone has patched things up to the best degree they can with a common agreement to just feed Meltzer a line of shit.

the latter would be hilarious.

[xrodmuc316]

For these reasons I'm leaning much more toward Dave just talking out of his ass. Either he has an incredibly weird vendetta against Punk, or everyone has patched things up to the best degree they can with a common agreement to just feed Meltzer a line of shit.

the latter would be hilarious.

I think the most likely explanation is they are trying to keep Tiny moneymark happy, but still telling Dave how they really feel.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

<a href="https://ibb.co/j6qhB6t"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/NVfxQVR/DaxTweet.png" alt="DaxTweet" border="0"></a>

I went to embed this tweet right as I saw it, but it was quickly deleted. LOL

[DrA]

Tiny moneymark is a good thing I think. By the standards of a moneymark he’s a tiny one. I don’t know if you can articulate that idea in two words without ambiguity, you might have to just write out that he’s physically small and also add in that he gets financially taken advantage of by people in the professional wrestling business. I’m not trying to increase your workload here, but at the same time I don’t want you to be complimenting this guy when that’s not your intention.