Topic: Wrestling Thread (AEW, NJPW, WWE, etc) (*)

[Stockholm Syndrome]

So whats actually the deal with Punk then? He had a big bust up with 'the Elite' backstage, they all got suspended, he's injured for like a year anyway, no-ones been fired, they're back now and now everyones pretending he doesnt exist? Is he gonna get fired (or are they scared he'd go back to the 'E?)?

So the basic story seems to be he did the whole press conference which he had been planning for a while, went backstage and the elite met with him, Punk started a fight near enough right away, all got suspended while this was investigated, investigation found Punk as the aggressor, further every man and his dog in AEW blamed Punk with top guys saying they won't work with him (not named but it is Jericho, Moxley, Hangman Page as obvious ones), Elite came back and they are working to buy Punk's contract out, he is injured for months anyway but he isn't coming back.

Dunno if he goes to E or not, don't know what clauses there are for non-compete or what would be agreed.

Further Punk is threatening to sue. In fact Punk and Elite both lawyered up hence why there was an investigation and all suspended while it is looked in to, because lawyers were called.

People in AEW don't like Punk and blame him for a bad atmosphere. Also it is telling that a lot of comments Punk made which people thought "oh that is for his heel turn' was actually not the case, it was just Punk being an arsehole.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

Also lots of rumblings Regal only had a 1 year deal and will go back to WWE in March. While I hate to see him go it makes sense with his Son being there now and HHH loving regal.

[Sheer Magnetism]

People in AEW don't like Punk and blame him for a bad atmosphere. Also it is telling that a lot of comments Punk made which people thought "oh that is for his heel turn' was actually not the case, it was just Punk being an arsehole.

Certain people, many of which he had issues with that predated his arrival. Ask the Acclaimed, FTR, Darby Allin, Ricky Starks or Powerhouse Hobbs if they had a problem with him. Hell, ask MJF if he'd rather work with Punk or the Elite.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

Certain people, many of which he had issues with that predated his arrival. Ask the Acclaimed, FTR, Darby Allin, Ricky Starks or Powerhouse Hobbs if they had a problem with him. Hell, ask MJF if he'd rather work with Punk or the Elite.

MJF called him out for Brawl Out, furthermore Punk shat on his big moment, his return (something MJF has mentioned in promos leading up to Full Gear)

The other guys other than FTR have given no indication one way or the other - Starks in particular has always been more close with Cody, who for a fact fucking hates Punk too from back in WWE.

The usual sources as well clearly point to FTR saying Punk went too far. Every news report saying even Punk supporters - read FTR since they speak to everyone - said that Punk went too far.

[El Lobo]

Ahhh. Well Punk is a dickhead but then I think probably most wrestlers are.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

Ahhh. Well Punk is a dickhead but then I think probably most wrestlers are.

Oh for sure. The Elite are dickheads too by recent accounts, just not as overt in their disdain and aggression.

General rule of thumb - assume until proven otherwise that every wrestler in the world is MAGA and/or knows of some very shady shit going down and actively staying quiet about it (if not actually performing the shady shit)

And then someone like Punk who is in general, just a complete asshole

Truth be told the only one I can think for relative certain at the moment isn't a dickhead is Moxley - been through enough shit and put enough of himself out there that you can kinda tell he is a somewhat broken but ultimately very decent man.

[NightDancer]

More importantly the House of Black and Hat are BACK   


I'm happy again 

[Sheer Magnetism]

MJF called him out for Brawl Out, furthermore Punk shat on his big moment, his return (something MJF has mentioned in promos leading up to Full Gear)

The other guys other than FTR have given no indication one way or the other - Starks in particular has always been more close with Cody, who for a fact fucking hates Punk too from back in WWE.

The usual sources as well clearly point to FTR saying Punk went too far. Every news report saying even Punk supporters - read FTR since they speak to everyone - said that Punk went too far.

I'm not saying Punk is blameless for the situation, simply that the claims he was singlehandedly causing a horrible atmosphere in the AEW locker room are likely groundless, especially given how cliquey the Elite/Undisputed Era segment of the roster is. I'm not sure an MJF promo is exactly admissable evidence either.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

I'm not saying Punk is blameless for the situation, simply that the claims he was singlehandedly causing a horrible atmosphere in the AEW locker room are likely groundless, especially given how cliquey the Elite/Undisputed Era segment of the roster is. I'm not sure an MJF promo is exactly admissable evidence either.

Oh Elite are really bad too - the reason why AEW lockeroom apparently improved was because both of them were suspended. Kenny Omega definitely said "If it was up to me, I wouldn't have hired 80% of you" at the Summer perk up meeting.

I would claim against the Undisputed Era though, because Kyle is largely just a quiet dorky dude, and Adam Cole is legitimately beloved by absolutely everyone in wrestling, a genuinely nice guy (another one to go on my list with Moxley) - telling that Punk broke away from his rant to say I hope Cole is ok. The likes of Danielson, Kevin Owens, Kenny Omega, Samoa Joe, all wanted to bend over backwards to work with him and make him look good - people LOVE Adam Cole in the lockeroom.

Furthermore Bobby Fish tried to get them to leave with him back to WWE, they told him to go, and he ended up in TNA by himself.

So I would say Undisputed Era really isn't cliqy, in fact Cole is maybe the only universally liked wrestler among them all.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

Speaking of Adam Cole, AEW could really do with him coming back soon - enough time off that he would freshen things up, and a good heel to have when they have very few.

After MJF and Jericho who is the next big heel? I legit think it is Jay Lethal.

They need Cole back, and need to push hard on Strickland, Hobbs, House of Black, and RUSH

[tubby]

I really hope Lethal isn't anywhere near the top of the card.  Swerve is my pick, that guy is so good at everything, he plays into that sneaky heel persona brilliantly.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

I really hope Lethal isn't anywhere near the top of the card.  Swerve is my pick, that guy is so good at everything, he plays into that sneaky heel persona brilliantly.

That's the thing, he is too high but he is still the 3rd highest heel, given that unfortunately other potential heels are under Jericho's umbrella (Sammy and Garcia)

Swerve absolutely should get a mega push as a heel - beat Keith Lee and then I would have him beating a real top guy in a feud too (Danielson or Moxley or Kenny).

Would push Starks to a title too, maybe the TNT or ROH title. Same with Takeshita.

And yeah, Hobbs and RUSH I would say should be given monster pushes too to make them legit top contenders for face champions

[Stockholm Syndrome]

I've also honestly really gone off FTR uniting the titles too - I know they are amazing at it would make total sense, but Acclaimed are legit super over, organicly grown AEW stara

[gazzalfc]

So whats actually the deal with Punk then? He had a big bust up with 'the Elite' backstage, they all got suspended, he's injured for like a year anyway, no-ones been fired, they're back now and now everyones pretending he doesnt exist? Is he gonna get fired (or are they scared he'd go back to the 'E?)?

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong

There was an 'independent' investigation into what happend after the press scrum at All Out

The things that got leaked (to Dave Meltzer) from that is that The Elite charged into Punks locker room with an AEW lawyer, a fight ensued involving a chair, some biting, punks dog got hurt and Punk got injured (unclear if that was from his match or from the fight after). Everyone got suspended. Ace Steel got fired.

Following on from that investigation which no one knows who carried it out and what the results are. All we know is that Omega and The Bucks are back and it's being reported that AEW and currently negotiating CM Punk's release (with what many are guessing will included a big non-compete). Punk is injured anyway so it's not like he's going to be on TV.

No side wants what happened in that room reported. Legally Punk probably could sue but Kahn has deep enough pockets

Punk also has managed to piss off everyone in that locker room after All Out and the Executive Vice Presidents know how to take the piss (last night and a few weeks ago having Colt Cabana go against Jericho on TV).

Basically the EVP's control the strings and there was only ever going to be one loser

[OsirisMVZ]

My guess is AEW terminate Punk's contract the day after Mania to make sure he and WWE can't get a payday out of it all.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong

There was an 'independent' investigation into what happend after the press scrum at All Out

The things that got leaked (to Dave Meltzer) from that is that The Elite charged into Punks locker room with an AEW lawyer, a fight ensued involving a chair, some biting, punks dog got hurt and Punk got injured (unclear if that was from his match or from the fight after). Everyone got suspended. Ace Steel got fired.

Following on from that investigation which no one knows who carried it out and what the results are. All we know is that Omega and The Bucks are back and it's being reported that AEW and currently negotiating CM Punk's release (with what many are guessing will included a big non-compete). Punk is injured anyway so it's not like he's going to be on TV.

No side wants what happened in that room reported. Legally Punk probably could sue but Kahn has deep enough pockets

Punk also has managed to piss off everyone in that locker room after All Out and the Executive Vice Presidents know how to take the piss (last night and a few weeks ago having Colt Cabana go against Jericho on TV).

Basically the EVP's control the strings and there was only ever going to be one loser

Most people think Punks dog getting hurt was bollocks put out by Punk after the investigation found him to be in the wrong. The comment mentioned (which given the wording of the quote and the news he was in the room, makes me think it was MJF) was that Punk was like a psycho, and didn't even think about his dog.

[NightDancer]

Most people think Punks dog getting hurt was bollocks put out by Punk after the investigation found him to be in the wrong. The comment mentioned (which given the wording of the quote and the news he was in the room, makes me think it was MJF) was that Punk was like a psycho, and didn't even think about his dog.

Was it not Kenny Omega that was meant to have picked up the dog and taken it out of harms way after some failed attempts to get Punk to look out for the dog?

[Stockholm Syndrome]

Was it not Kenny Omega that was meant to have picked up the dog and taken it out of harms way after some failed attempts to get Punk to look out for the dog?

That's the story that come out but I don't believe it for a second, that was Kenny's version I think, where Punk was wild and the Elite did absolutely nothing

[NightDancer]

That's the story that come out but I don't believe it for a second, that was Kenny's version I think, where Punk was wild and the Elite did absolutely nothing

Ahh ok. Not really following the whole thing too closely because Punk always comes across as a snide thin skinned piece of shit that eventually gets into a bust up that is always the fault of everyone else, and on the other side there is Omega and the Bucks who come across as snide self servings pieces of shit who are always in the right.


The only saving grace the Elite have is all three can still really go in the ring, whereas Punk is limited by comparison.

But all four bring a serious amount of baggage one way or the other. My own take is AEW would be better off without all four of them.


Just give me more House of Black, More Baker, More Hayter, get Cargill some better storylines, more full on heel Swerve, and  MJF in some good fueds that do not include the BCC and I will be happy.

[Sheer Magnetism]

Whatever you think of the Punk/Elite dynamic, he almost certainly won't wrestle there again so 🤷. Agree with the Swerve love though, from what I've seen he has everything he needs to be near the top of the card. I don't think he and Keith Lee work well enough together to be top tag team heels there either.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

Fucking STELLAR promo by Ricky Starks just now

https://mobile.twitter.com/AEW/status/1600664442458427393

Also it has to be said Dynamite hasn't been brilliant for a fair bit, and shedding a bit of light on it, Tony Khan has apparently been dealing with his mother who had 2 strokes between All Out and Grand Slam. So between the Brawl Out fallout, and dealing with that, AND new PL and NFL season, yeah maybe it is fair to say he may not have had eyes on the ball

[Riquende]

I enjoyed "Dollar Store Dwayne", and "Skipping you (Pebble) back to Billy Corgan's NWA on Youtube" from MJF, but Starks knocked the responses out of the park.

[tubby]

That was an excellent show, having a hot crowd helped a bunch but there was so much good there.  Starks took his shot and the tag match was brilliant.

Not keen on that Regal stuff but I get why they did it.

Even the women's match was decent.

[John_P]

Really enjoyed Starks spearing the shoes off of MJF.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

Really enjoyed Starks spearing the shoes off of MJF.

That was such a good detail. Credit to MJF wearing slip ons and flinging his legs hard enough to send them flying.

Someone made the point that Starks going full on Working Class hero, along with the quicky snappy "out of no where" finisher that gets a big pop, is all very DDP

[tubby]

Just hope we don't get the Tony special of Starks disappearing from TV for a month after he's done with MJF.  I expect he'll get a bit of heat back with a win against a midcarder after the title match, but they need to keep his momentum up and give him something else.  Dude is a potential breakout star.

I know he's feuding with Mox now, but I would really like to see heel Hangman vs face Starks.

[tubby]

Great match on Rampage between Mox and Takeshita.  That kickout at one popped me big time.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

Sounds like Tony has listened and is going to take ROH increasingly off AEW and onto Honor Club (with NJPW talent to be an attraction).

Booking the last week has been excellent from him. Think legitimately he may be just in a much better place which hopefully translates to booking too.

Also, rumours swirling of Sasha Banks turning up to WrestleKingdom, which would probably mean leaving WWE. Now there's still plenty of time for Nick Khan to turn up to her house with a brand new Ferrari and a blank cheque, so who knows, lots of talked either way

[NightDancer]

Sounds like Tony has listened and is going to take ROH increasingly off AEW and onto Honor Club (with NJPW talent to be an attraction).

Booking the last week has been excellent from him. Think legitimately he may be just in a much better place which hopefully translates to booking too.

Also, rumours swirling of Sasha Banks turning up to WrestleKingdom, which would probably mean leaving WWE. Now there's still plenty of time for Nick Khan to turn up to her house with a brand new Ferrari and a blank cheque, so who knows, lots of talked either way

Rumours that she will be Saraya's tag partner for the bout against Baker/Hayter in January. Probably be Toni Storm or Shida after all the rumours of it being Banks.

Did wonder though if it might be Thunder Rosa, though not sure how she is physically. But would play into the real life heat Rosa has with Hayter and especially with Baker.

[tubby]

Would be amazed if it's Rosa, and the crowd will shit on anyone who isn't Sasha.

[NightDancer]

Genuinely surprised the other day when I say that Saraya is only turned 30 years of age a few months ago. I know she got into the business young, but still thought she was a lot older.


For some reason I thought she was quite a few years older than Britt Baker too, but Baker is a year older than her.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

Would be amazed if it's Rosa, and the crowd will shit on anyone who isn't Sasha.

I think there are perhaps SOME people who could also get away with it. Mainly Statlabder because she is beloved as an AEW original.

Rosa is apparently out until February, but I don't see her lasting that long given that the lockeroom hates her (Jamie wanted to batter her, Britt keeps making comments about coming to work hurt, Toni made comments about her "injury") and the fans know about the sandbagging and stiffness, and even that hiding from Jamie story

[tubby]

Don't think Statlander works, it would need to be someone Saraya has history with.  Thinking about it, it'll probably be Toni Storm, but they would need to announce anyone that isn't Sasha beforehand or the hype will just keep building until the reveal.

[NightDancer]

I think there are perhaps SOME people who could also get away with it. Mainly Statlabder because she is beloved as an AEW original.

Rosa is apparently out until February, but I don't see her lasting that long given that the lockeroom hates her (Jamie wanted to batter her, Britt keeps making comments about coming to work hurt, Toni made comments about her "injury") and the fans know about the sandbagging and stiffness, and even that hiding from Jamie story

Britt has been way more open than that in some interviews.

She has come out and openly said she does not like Rosa at all and Rosa has said on social media that the feeling is mutual.

They regularly take pot shots at the other in interviews and on social media, and Britt has been very clear that her comments are being said by her wrestling persona.

[Barefoot Doctor]

Vince apparently plotting a WWE comeback.

[please, I have my reasons for it but...]

Vince apparently plotting a WWE comeback.

They should do a second version of Succession, this time centered around the McMahons.

[amir87]

Vince apparently plotting a WWE comeback.

Don’t think he’ll pass the WWE’s wellness policy.

[Scottish-Don]

Riddle hasn't..............Bro

[tubby]

WWE don't even test for weed anymore so Riddle has been got with something worse.  Also sounds like a real dickhead in general.


If Vince does somehow get back in charge I will laugh for days.  Hope it happens, that shitty company deserves it.

[El Lobo]

I think he'd love nothing more than to die in the ring or in a storyline