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

[tubby]

I think the time has passed for Best Friends, and they got a huge moment at Wembley, which felt to me like it was the reward for being there from day one.  To be fair I completely forgot about Aussie Open, they'd be a great bet for it if Davis is back.

Think Fenix is probably way off, he was really struggling with injuries before he disappeared.

[stevieG786]

That being said, what's everyone's Mount Rushmore? Mine is: The Rock, Stone Cold, Undertaker and Hulk Hogan.

Hulk Hogan
Steve Austin
The Rock

those 3 are non negotiable

4th place is wide open. i'll personally go with Flair. but it could very easily be Andre, Taker or Cena.

[stevieG786]

Seth Rollins should probably let The Rock stick to the name calling cos it really doesn't come natural to him.

Yeah that was terrible from Seth.

can't wait for the face to face on smackdown this friday 

[stevieG786]

This is the best way they could go at Mania imo

Night 1 - The Rock pins Cody Rhodes
Night 2  - Cody pins Roman Reigns

RAW after Mania - The Rock and the bloodline turn on Roman Reigns

[Stockholm Syndrome]

Proper hard wrestler. Didn't realise he has an MMA win over Ken Shamrock no less.

Certainly a lot of talent there and I would trust AEW to get their division purring again before WWE does. They may have too many to work with there, but they can focus on a few and make it happen.

Win is questionable to say the least - it was with PRIDE if I remember right, where it is unknown if it was work or shoot MMA (with a pretty strong lean towards work). But still you can see in how he works he is hard and knows what he is doing - you need to be trained to know how to do that shit without actually hurting people badly.

Absolutely love him honestly

[sambhi92]

Of all time. I know people will have Austin or Taker as their GOAT's, and the kids of today will see Cena as their GOAT but for me, Rock had it all. Not the greatest in-ring but he could tell a captivating story and like mentioned above, I'd rather pay to see a story-teller and entertainer like Rock and Austin than a ring general like Bryan who has little charisma.

That being said, what's everyone's Mount Rushmore? Mine is: The Rock, Stone Cold, Undertaker and Hulk Hogan.

Austin, Rock, Undertaker and i know this is stupid but i'm gonna put Goldberg.

Those 4 reached a peak and fandom that i dont think has been seen every since. First 3 pretty obvious but Goldberg for me at the time was bigger than all those 3 in 98. His run was insane and just look at the crowd reactions during his matches

[Stockholm Syndrome]

I think the time has passed for Best Friends, and they got a huge moment at Wembley, which felt to me like it was the reward for being there from day one.  To be fair I completely forgot about Aussie Open, they'd be a great bet for it if Davis is back.

Think Fenix is probably way off, he was really struggling with injuries before he disappeared.

Lucha Bros/BCC would make a lot of sense too, given the recent history between Mox and Fenix (both pretty much getting hurt in the same match)

You could however do Death Triangle in a bit with PAC and Penta - although I want Singles PAC for a bit

One name not mentioned yet is La Faccion Ingobernables - RUSH has been away with visa shit, but I think they should give him a big push when back. They seem to be teasing LFI with Thunder Rosa right now, and with CMLL involved as well (and NJPW still) I think you can do a fair bit with LFI

[Riquende]

Win is questionable to say the least - it was with PRIDE if I remember right, where it is unknown if it was work or shoot MMA (with a pretty strong lean towards work). But still you can see in how he works he is hard and knows what he is doing - you need to be trained to know how to do that shit without actually hurting people badly.

Absolutely love him honestly

Presumably tuning in to this?

[Barefoot Doctor]

This is the best way they could go at Mania imo

Night 1 - The Rock pins Cody Rhodes
Night 2  - Cody pins Roman Reigns

RAW after Mania - The Rock and the bloodline turn on Roman Reigns

I do think Cody eats the pin on Night 1. Sets up the underdog story for Night 2 even more, and I don't think it helps anyone to have Seth be the one pinned (unless he's going over Drew the next night and I reckon McIntyre wins that one).

He's been put in a very difficult position, because, beyond his history with Roman (which they haven't emphasized enough), there is no reason for him to be helping Cody. Especially when he has a big, bad and dangerous Drew McIntyre coming for him.

Agree they need to play it up more. There was a Seth/Cody promo from a few weeks ago which leaned into it well, basically Rollins saying he created the monster Reigns became. This idea that in turning on his brother and breaking up the Shield, he accidentally set Reigns in motion towards becoming the Tribal Chief who demands fealty at all costs. It's a pretty cool way to make him feel uber invested in slaying the monster, even if it costs him his own title.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

Presumably tuning in to this?

You know what, probably

I like both Suzuki and Maki Itoh for very different reasons, but also Suzuki is actually really great at comedy.

I remember he had a match in the empty arena Tokyo Dome for DDT where he blended seamlessly between Yakuza boss murderer and Dick Dastardly cartoon Villain and it was fucking awesome.

Then there's the Mecha Mummy matches which are just works if art.

[I've been a good boy]

What was the appeal with Andre? Before my time but from what I saw on Youtube, he was slow in the ring and didn't speak English so couldn't cut a promo. Was it just the period of time he was wrestling in, that no-one had ever seen anyone as massive as him?

[tubby]

What was the appeal with Andre? Before my time but from what I saw on Youtube, he was slow in the ring and didn't speak English so couldn't cut a promo. Was it just the period of time he was wrestling in, that no-one had ever seen anyone as massive as him?

He was big in the territory days, huge wrestler compared to everyone else and could work a bit too before the weight/injuries caught up with him.  Was a special attraction way before WWF was the beast it became under Vince, and his reputation carried over when he committed full time.

[damomad]

He was big in the territory days, huge wrestler compared to everyone else and could work a bit too before the weight/injuries caught up with him.  Was a special attraction way before WWF was the beast it became under Vince, and his reputation carried over when he committed full time.

Found an old video of Andre recently, he was very athletic in the beginning before his health deteriorated. His final years just sounded so miserable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5d6mK5gAyQ

Reminded me of seeing Flair in his early days looking like an absolute tank and Iron Sheik looking like a cross between Lesnar and Angle. They look like different people compared to their inferior WWF days.

[ScouserAtHeart]

The only thing I remember about the Iron Sheikh is him winning the gimmick battle royal at WrestleMania because his hips couldn't take being thrown over the top rope

[tubby]

Reminded me of seeing Flair in his early days looking like an absolute tank

That one always gets me.

[Wild Romany Boy]

I do think Cody eats the pin on Night 1. Sets up the underdog story for Night 2 even more, and I don't think it helps anyone to have Seth be the one pinned (unless he's going over Drew the next night and I reckon McIntyre wins that one).

Agree they need to play it up more. There was a Seth/Cody promo from a few weeks ago which leaned into it well, basically Rollins saying he created the monster Reigns became. This idea that in turning on his brother and breaking up the Shield, he accidentally set Reigns in motion towards becoming the Tribal Chief who demands fealty at all costs. It's a pretty cool way to make him feel uber invested in slaying the monster, even if it costs him his own title.

I wonder about Cody eating the pin beforehand. If this whole thing was to make Reigns a huge babyface when he wins the title, I'm not sure it was all worth it (though they made a bunch of cash)

The Seth and Roman dynamic is interesting. Before their match, in their limited interactions, Rollins played up their SHIELD history whilst Roman wanted to move on from it. Rollins has gone shoot work about always feeling like the placeholder for Roman. He also got a win over Roman by DQ and really got into his head. They can lean in to it.

I have a question. What does everyone think about Roman Reigns?

I saw Cena put him on his Mount Rushmore, and it reminded me of Roman's initial push and how so many WWE legends would come out and talk about how great Roman was. His first NXT televised match, JR describes him as "having it". He's obviously a Vince project but Triple H picked Roman for the SHIELD over Chris Hero. Mox, ages after he leaves WWE, talks about Roman being the man people turn to.

They kept messing up (a face turn that they never quite hit the right note with, keeping him away from the title when he really could have won it) but there never was a more concerted effort to make someone the star than there was him. Hogan clicks pretty instantly, Austin rises steadily in WWE and then explodes, Rock gets there quickly, Cena bursts through after initial fumbles, but they got Roman wrong for over 5 years before they got it right.

What is it they saw? Because it was WWE legends coming out to bat for him too, when they really didn't need to.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

One thing I will say which I find pretty funny - there's a few of HHH NXT boys in AEW who don't want to be there (Black, Buddy, Miro, MAYBE Keith Lee)

Then you look at someone like Andrade who had a forgotten middle of the rumble return and is now in 3 minute matches on Raw to polite applause, and not in the title picture.

It may all turn around but honestly I think a few of these guys should be careful what they want, because WWE is pretty stacked at the top, HHH isn't actually their dad, and they may find themselves lost in a midcard shuffle when they go back.

[Wild Romany Boy]

One thing I will say which I find pretty funny - there's a few of HHH NXT boys in AEW who don't want to be there (Black, Buddy, Miro, MAYBE Keith Lee)

Then you look at someone like Andrade who had a forgotten middle of the rumble return and is now in 3 minute matches on Raw to polite applause, and not in the title picture.

It may all turn around but honestly I think a few of these guys should be careful what they want, because WWE is pretty stacked at the top, HHH isn't actually their dad, and they may find themselves lost in a midcard shuffle when they go back.

It might well be that they just prefer WWE. That they might not like the atmosphere in what, until now, has not been as structured a place. Some have blossomed, Swerve, some didn't, Andrade.

Truthfully, they all have their limitations, I think you could make a case AEW could use Buddy better but Lee is recovering from nearly dying from COVID and may never be the force he was, Black apparently has lingering injury issues and Miro is very protective over his spot.

Truth is, all of these men had their best moments under Hunter, Triple H is less likely to discard them for a new wrestler as Tony Khan seems to have a new toy syndrome thing going on, and they are gonna be playing to bigger live crowds.

If I'm honest, I don't think they will be used any better in WWE, but I can definitely see why they may be making eyes there.

[Tonyh8su]

Almost had a RIP Darby Allin

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1764512682424569943?t=97agm1KX72pKjV0pIGlbrg&s=19

That's the most insanely stupid thing I've ever seen in wrestling. And I do not say that lightly.

[Barefoot Doctor]

It might well be that they just prefer WWE. That they might not like the atmosphere in what, until now, has not been as structured a place. Some have blossomed, Swerve, some didn't, Andrade.

Truthfully, they all have their limitations, I think you could make a case AEW could use Buddy better but Lee is recovering from nearly dying from COVID and may never be the force he was, Black apparently has lingering injury issues and Miro is very protective over his spot.

Truth is, all of these men had their best moments under Hunter, Triple H is less likely to discard them for a new wrestler as Tony Khan seems to have a new toy syndrome thing going on, and they are gonna be playing to bigger live crowds.

If I'm honest, I don't think they will be used any better in WWE, but I can definitely see why they may be making eyes there.

Yeah, I think there is a perception that all wrestlers would surely want to be in AEW because they can be the best versions of themselves and have more freedom. I remember when Owens and Zayn renewed in WWE and loads of people said it was just financially driven. But since that point, both have been used incredibly well - Owens has main evented Night 1 of Mania two years running and Zayn has done it once too.

I think the simple truth is that if you're not loving life in one company, you'll think you can do better elsewhere. Most wrestlers won't be particularly self reflective and will think it's someone else's fault that they haven't succeeded, rather than thinking what they could do differently. Finance probably does come into it too, I imagine most people moving between companies will be getting a salary bump to do so - that's the benefit of competition in the marketplace.

I agree that I struggle to see the likes of Aleister Black or Buddy Murphy making it big in WWE, but who knows (and they both have partners in WWE which is probably a major factor). But I also thought Cody Rhodes would fall back into being a midcarder when he jumped to WWE and was very, very wrong on that.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

It might well be that they just prefer WWE. That they might not like the atmosphere in what, until now, has not been as structured a place. Some have blossomed, Swerve, some didn't, Andrade.

Truthfully, they all have their limitations, I think you could make a case AEW could use Buddy better but Lee is recovering from nearly dying from COVID and may never be the force he was, Black apparently has lingering injury issues and Miro is very protective over his spot.

Truth is, all of these men had their best moments under Hunter, Triple H is less likely to discard them for a new wrestler as Tony Khan seems to have a new toy syndrome thing going on, and they are gonna be playing to bigger live crowds.

If I'm honest, I don't think they will be used any better in WWE, but I can definitely see why they may be making eyes there.

I think it some cases it is fair to want to go back, but the way they've gone about it is in many cases not great. Nevermind a lot of them angling for a move after signing new big contracts after their initial AEW deals because HHH made moves asking them to break out of them. That and the fact it seems pretty obvious a number of these guys saw it as a golden parachute and they are actually above it as a company.

Andrade frankly went about things disgracefully - making heat and then punching Sammy Guevara a week after Kingston got done for the same thing, just to get out his deal. And then after Tony probably incorrectly tried to integrate him into Collision and the C2, goes out on bad terms. Punk did some shit, but even his stuff didn't seem as overtly pre-determined as Andrade

Black is either legitimately hot a fucked back, or is got a Coutinho's bad back. What I would say is (and Brit wres Twitter rumours so massive pinch of salt) is he apparently had the reputation of being Tommy (Bell)End in his old Brit Indy days, and had a comparison akin to the old Dutch national team dressing rooms at major tournaments.

Keith Lee I honestly don't know, the timing around the Swerve match cancellation is suspect but may be completely legitimate as COVID fucked him badly.

Buddy hasn't done much, but then again I don't think he was really worth the signing - not good or big enough to be better than your own roster, would have been better in TNA and being a top guy there IMHO

And Miro is Miro - he doesn't get matches as he refuses to job to anyone not ex WWE.

And to be fair, for all these possible types, you get a Cody Rhodes, a Shawn Spears, a Jade Cargill (not an ex WWE but someone who jumped) - goes out properly with no animosity and generally everyone happy for everyone either way

[tubby]

I'd be fine with AEW cutting any of Black, Murphy, Miro or Lee.  They're not really doing anything with them, for whatever reason, just mutual termination them.

I think he's brilliant in-ring, really crisp, but I wouldn't be surprised that Black has a high opinion of himself, judging by his past merch:

[Wild Romany Boy]

I think it some cases it is fair to want to go back, but the way they've gone about it is in many cases not great. Nevermind a lot of them angling for a move after signing new big contracts after their initial AEW deals because HHH made moves asking them to break out of them. That and the fact it seems pretty obvious a number of these guys saw it as a golden parachute and they are actually above it as a company.

Andrade frankly went about things disgracefully - making heat and then punching Sammy Guevara a week after Kingston got done for the same thing, just to get out his deal. And then after Tony probably incorrectly tried to integrate him into Collision and the C2, goes out on bad terms. Punk did some shit, but even his stuff didn't seem as overtly pre-determined as Andrade

Black is either legitimately hot a fucked back, or is got a Coutinho's bad back. What I would say is (and Brit wres Twitter rumours so massive pinch of salt) is he apparently had the reputation of being Tommy (Bell)End in his old Brit Indy days, and had a comparison akin to the old Dutch national team dressing rooms at major tournaments.

Keith Lee I honestly don't know, the timing around the Swerve match cancellation is suspect but may be completely legitimate as COVID fucked him badly.

Buddy hasn't done much, but then again I don't think he was really worth the signing - not good or big enough to be better than your own roster, would have been better in TNA and being a top guy there IMHO

And Miro is Miro - he doesn't get matches as he refuses to job to anyone not ex WWE.

And to be fair, for all these possible types, you get a Cody Rhodes, a Shawn Spears, a Jade Cargill (not an ex WWE but someone who jumped) - goes out properly with no animosity and generally everyone happy for everyone either way

All brilliantly put, and I agree, but it's a different point really from the initial one. They may not be handling things well, they may not be being the most professional, but they may simply want to be in WWE rather than have dreams of being main event.

It might be that AEW managed and booked them all the best they can do, but I wouldn't say, given that none of them have done that much, that we know that for certain.

Claudio is, for me, the one the other side. He felt he would be booked better elsewhere, he took a risk on that, and I wouldn't say it has panned out. But he seems happier there and continues to do good work.

It is good wrestlers have choices and I think you'll see a bit more jostling between the two companies and more than a few wrestlers doing some dodgy stuff to get out of contracts.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

Speaking of Sammy Guevara and Heat - he has been suspended for concussion Jeff Hardy and not following protocol in the match.

5 years in and no better than when he started, both in ring and on the promo

[damomad]

That's the most insanely stupid thing I've ever seen in wrestling. And I do not say that lightly.

When did we all become so serious? I used to watch ECW and thought stuff looked really cool, never had the reaction like I do now of he's going to regret that in years to come. Maybe it's being around long enough to see the stars of the 90's who pulled off stunts being absolute trainwrecks or in a coffin (drop).

[Tonyh8su]

When did we all become so serious? I used to watch ECW and thought stuff looked really cool, never had the reaction like I do now of he's going to regret that in years to come. Maybe it's being around long enough to see the stars of the 90's who pulled off stunts being absolute trainwrecks or in a coffin (drop).

I dunno, man. I also used to watch old ECW, I was between 12 and 16 at the time, so there's definitely that. I also never saw someone go back first through two panes of glass and immediately bleed like that.

Also worked in the business for the best part of a decade as well so there's definitely a bit of that in my reaction as well as the not being 14 anymore.

Then again, working in the business also stopped me from watching wrestling altogether now, the industry definitey isn't for me anymore either way.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

I dunno, man. I also used to watch old ECW, I was between 12 and 16 at the time, so there's definitely that. I also never saw someone go back first through two panes of glass and immediately bleed like that.

Also worked in the business for the best part of a decade as well so there's definitely a bit of that in my reaction as well as the not being 14 anymore.

Then again, working in the business also stopped me from watching wrestling altogether now, the industry definitey isn't for me anymore either way.

You used to work in the business? Cool, if you don't mind me asking what job did you have in it.

It is still a stupid move but a cool one, BUT it does appear at least to be sugar glass.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

Jack Perry has joined House of Torture.

Darby though jumping 20 feet through glass would be more productive and enjoyable, and I can't say I would argue against him

[stoa]

You used to work in the business? Cool, if you don't mind me asking what job did you have in it.

It's probably Sheamus.

[tubby]

Jack Perry has joined House of Torture.

Darby though jumping 20 feet through glass would be more productive and enjoyable, and I can't say I would argue against him

I've seen a few folks complaining about this move online, what's the problem with House of Torture (I don't really watch any New Japan these days)?

[Vegeta]

I find it funny that when a wrestler leaves AEW for WWE for creative frustrations that makes them evil but when a wrestler leaves WWE for AEW for the same reason The AEW fans don't talk about that instead they say good on them for leaving that evil organisation.

The reason why AEW hasn't been the success it could of been is that the owner and fan base are obsessed with WWE when they should ignore WWE and try to make AEW the best possible company it can be.

Whenever there is a 2nd wrestling company that is a competitor to WWE no matter who it is they always seem to be obsessed with WWE and mention them all the time on their shows, for once I just wish there was a wrestling company that paid no attention to what WWE does and doesn't bloat their roster with every ex WWE man or women they can sign.

[tubby]

I find it funny that when a wrestler leaves AEW for WWE for creative frustrations that makes them evil but when a wrestler leaves WWE for AEW for the same reason The AEW fans don't talk about that instead they say good on them for leaving that evil organisation.

The reason why AEW hasn't been the success it could of been is that the owner and fan base are obsessed with WWE when they should ignore WWE and try to make AEW the best possible company it can be.

I do think there's some truth in this, especially about ignoring WWE.  AEW was at its best when it wasn't trying to copy the sports entertainment aspects of WWE, but as soon as MJF got the belt and some creative control, he went on his awful WWE-style reign with all that rubbish from him and Cole, which just wasn't what people wanted from AEW.  WWE are brilliant at their version of wrestling, AEW shouldn't try and copy it at all because it's just not where their strengths lie.

[Wild Romany Boy]

I do think there's some truth in this, especially about ignoring WWE.  AEW was at its best when it wasn't trying to copy the sports entertainment aspects of WWE, but as soon as MJF got the belt and some creative control, he went on his awful WWE-style reign with all that rubbish from him and Cole, which just wasn't what people wanted from AEW.  WWE are brilliant at their version of wrestling, AEW shouldn't try and copy it at all because it's just not where their strengths lie.

An off point, but AEW have had very few good world title reigns.

I thought Jericho did a stellar job as the inaugural one (he went well down after though) and Moxley took it and ran with it. Omega's was a disappointment, Page's was lackluster after a great handover and then the belt got tied in to a fair bit of drama from Punk onwards for an extended period of time; Moxley steps in gamely over the period, but it doesn't really settle.

MJF's was a disappointment, but I feel that his booking got tied down rather than his effort. Joe, who wouldn't have been my first choice, has done a pretty good job in his chase and limited time with the belt of bigging it up again.

Swerve could well take it to another level entirely, and he has a few challengers waiting in the wings.

 

[tubby]

I do think they've had some really bad luck with injuries, and the Punk stuff really messed everything up.

Right decision for Joe to retain, Swerve needs to win the title one vs one when it happens.  They need to put it on Ospreay before the end of the year though.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

I've seen a few folks complaining about this move online, what's the problem with House of Torture (I don't really watch any New Japan these days)?

House of Torture is EVIL's bullet club faction. It is involved with all your standard bullshit tropes of major interference and stupid bullshit finishes. Basically any match with them is boring holding water shite until someone runs out to attack with a weapon, or a ref bump, or otherwise cheat.

They also engage outside the ring in sports entertainment bollocks like title stealing and a weird angle of deleting someone from the website.

The wrestlers in it are also largely middling at best - EVIL isn't a top guy, SHO is not great and has a worse look now, Yujiro Takahashi is BAD, Ren Narita has got awful with the gimmicky bullshit, Dick Togo moves like C3PO, and Kanrmaru is an old and largely ok but irrelevant guy.

They are ok maybe as a midcard act but they are going over to title challenges, and recently going over the young guys you would want to push with Okada leaving (big one being Shota Umino who really should be the next Ace of the company.

It is also 3 years old now, and just as bad back then as it is now

[tubby]

Ta, sounds pretty bad.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

I find it funny that when a wrestler leaves AEW for WWE for creative frustrations that makes them evil but when a wrestler leaves WWE for AEW for the same reason The AEW fans don't talk about that instead they say good on them for leaving that evil organisation

Thing is though, wrestlers have left for that and it's been mostly seen as sound. No one on either side has a bad word to say about Cody Rhodes or Jade Cargill or Shawn Spears or Lexis King (other than him being not very good mind, but no one begrudged him leaving).

When it comes to people like Andrade though, who went about it badly, or clearly didn't see themselves as on the level of that company, you have to say bit of a dick. Anyone willing to attack someone to get themselves out of a legal contract is a bit of a prick.

Or Miro having the old TNA RVD special of refusing to lose to anyone who wasn't also ex-wwe

Part of it as well is honestly if WWE let you go back then, you had a bit of a free pass because it was Vince and the whole toxic environment. If you then come out wanting to throw your weight around and get by on recognition the industry usually found out fast. I remember Emma/Tenille left and was asking like $5000 a single booking to do the bare minimum. There's been a few people who got let go and then in the future it is like "Oh no you were also a problem"

EC3 had that experience. I suspect Matt Riddle will get a bad rep pretty soon too

[Stockholm Syndrome]

The reason why AEW hasn't been the success it could of been is that the owner and fan base are obsessed with WWE when they should ignore WWE and try to make AEW the best possible company it can be.

Whenever there is a 2nd wrestling company that is a competitor to WWE no matter who it is they always seem to be obsessed with WWE and mention them all the time on their shows, for once I just wish there was a wrestling company that paid no attention to what WWE does and doesn't bloat their roster with every ex WWE man or women they can sign.

I do very much agree with this like. You don't get too much direct mention of WWE but some acts are either ex WWE or reference them. You also should not to WWE style, people who watch AEW don't want that.

It feels like in 2023 Tony and MJF read the whole comments from people on Twitter like "Oh there aren't any stories" "Oh too much wrestling is dull" etc, and tried to rectify that to the detriment of the show, just for the same people to make the same arguments because it is from people who didn't and wouldn't watch the show anyway - Twitter isn't real life my friends

December TV to present has been so much better because it is back to what made AEW good - it ain't all fixed but much improved.

They shouldn't be getting ex midcard WWE guys and I feel they should cut loose the likes of Black, Buddy, Hardy's, Miro, they are not adding anything.

Some guys like Mox and Danielson and Claudio or Reneé or FTR are so different to how they were in WWE, or are so good/recognizable at their jobs, you would want to keep them. Same goes for Mercedes who is probably the biggest female signing you can make, and has shown in Japan she is willing to go out and work.

You have people like Christian and Copeland too who are so ingrained in wrestling they almost subercede WWE in a sense, they go beyond the single company to be synonymous with wrestling in general (and bit like Sting). If they aren't wasting time like the Hardy's I think they are ok too.

But other than those which are legit stars for their division, they should focus on their own homegrown or non-wwe talent, and make their shows about AEW. Thankfully recently it appears they are doing exactly that.

I hope to God MJF either leaves for WWE or comes in knowing he has to fight for his place and not get back to that bullshit he brought in 2023 - he was awesome in the Danielson feud and match bring that shit instead

[Stockholm Syndrome]

An off point, but AEW have had very few good world title reigns.

I thought Jericho did a stellar job as the inaugural one (he went well down after though) and Moxley took it and ran with it. Omega's was a disappointment, Page's was lackluster after a great handover and then the belt got tied in to a fair bit of drama from Punk onwards for an extended period of time; Moxley steps in gamely over the period, but it doesn't really settle.

MJF's was a disappointment, but I feel that his booking got tied down rather than his effort. Joe, who wouldn't have been my first choice, has done a pretty good job in his chase and limited time with the belt of bigging it up again.

Swerve could well take it to another level entirely, and he has a few challengers waiting in the wings.

I agree largely except with Omega being a disappointment. I think his reign, feud with Mox, belt collector gimmick, feud with Christian, Danielson, and Hangman, was great stuff. I think his run was peak AEW honestly.

After that Hangman had a good run that fizzled out, and then a big mess after Punk with injuries, brawls, interim titles, etc. MJF was a bad reign with maybe the best match of any champ (Danielson ironman).

Joe is doing great, I hope Swerve and Ospreay and shortly probably Okada can too.

[Wild Romany Boy]

I agree largely except with Omega being a disappointment. I think his reign, feud with Mox, belt collector gimmick, feud with Christian, Danielson, and Hangman, was great stuff. I think his run was peak AEW honestly.

After that Hangman had a good run that fizzled out, and then a big mess after Punk with injuries, brawls, interim titles, etc. MJF was a bad reign with maybe the best match of any champ (Danielson ironman).

Joe is doing great, I hope Swerve and Ospreay and shortly probably Okada can too.

I believe ratings held steady with Omega in a way that others didn't, so it may be my own personal preferences aren't reflected by the AEW audience, but I thought it was a stinker. Started in a middling way, the matches with Mox I felt were mid (and their initial streetfight when Mox entered AEW was awesome) topped by the technical issue with the fireworks that somehow Kingston styled out, the Christian feud was a waste, there was that collaboration with Impact that went nowhere and a Hangman feud that ended awesomely but had issues being stop start because of the birth of Hangman's child (that was a booking error).

Danielson was the highlight. He came and instantly showed why he was the best they had. I'd watch them for ages.

To top it off, Omega had more mic time and he makes peak pre Tribal Chief Roman Reigns look like peak Ric Flair.

I think that the peak of AEW, for a sustained period, was when Mox had the belt and they were still an alternative. I think they lost their way under Omega, but he was so beaten down with injuries that I admire how tough the man must be to even get in the ring.

I think it's more cohesive now and the best is yet to come. And hope Omega makes a strong recovery because he very much has a part to play in that.