2023 Pro Wrestling Thread

Vince would NEVER let something like this happen, but just imagine.

 

Yep. And with Goldberg having to go through Scott Hall earlier in the night, they did a great job building the anticipation.

 

I worry AEW would become WWE-ized rather than the other way around.

 

I don't really see how the money works for either side to "merge." Khan's net worth is around $7.56B according to that story, while WWE's market cap is around $6.5B. That means its actual sales prices might be in the $13B+ range, depending on how much of the library, broadcast rights and everything else that you get with it. At that price point, and given the respective reputations of the WWE and pro wrestling, maybe your pool of potential buyers is smaller so the price is depressed. But that still seems like a price that would require Khan to significantly leverage himself.

On the flip side - The WWE, if it's serious about a sale, is going to be looking to cut costs and run leaner. They're not going to outlay cash for a rival promotion right now, unless that price is really low. AEW (reportedly) generated $64M in revenue in 2020 and $100M+ in 2022, and while we don't know their costs, it doesn't seem like "final days of WCW" over there.

 

The story hits full absurdity with the line: "The Khans are open to discussing a potential role for McMahon, 77, after a sale..."

Can imagine how he would react to being told that another wrestling company would be so open-minded as to consider letting him work there.

 

Holy crap, Ruby Soho just set a new standard for juicing in AEW.

 

Taking the "Ruby" to a whole new level.

 

Tonight's Young Rock revolved around SummerSlam 1998 vs. Triple H.

The show included a superstar who left WWE injured, giving Rock a chance -- Chad Frost.

"Future" Rock said on the show that it was a pseudonym for someone he's not friends with to this day. Looks like HBK will be the one figure throughout Rock's career who won't be replicated on this show.

 

That’s so disgusting on Soho who is that supposed to appeal to?!? Also if the blood’s that dark you’re probably blading wrong?!? Jesus

 

Ha, that's some hot goss, but now that you mention it, they didn't really cross paths that much. HBK reffed two of the matches between The Rock and Triple H, but that's it. According to Random Internet Sites, it's because HBK snubbed his grandmother at some point.

 

It's a prime reason why I struggle to get fully invested in AEW. They're continually more interested in the shock/gore/"flippy shit" factor than actual storytelling/battles being played out in the ring.

 

I know people wax nostalgic about the old days, when Ric Flair's blonde hair was dyed red with blood and guys wore the "crimson mask" all the time. But things like this, or Jon Moxley bleeding/blading so often that it's pretty much part of his gimmick now, really isn't as great as they want to make it seem.
There is definitely a fine line — and a big difference — between doing it for effect in a big match or having it happen hardway, and doing it to look cool on a random episode of Rampage.