The Pro Wrestling Rant

Oh snap, Nick is dropping another Rant…. You bet I am and here we go.

AEW releases

Well holy crap, Tony Khan released a few of his wrestlers from off his gargantuan roster. I had to pinch myself as I thought I was having a dream. Especially being Ricky Starks, Malakai Black and Miro, whom Khan seemed to hold hostage and make them sit at home all because of them wanting out of their contracts and the high chance of heading to Papa H and his company.

For me, business is business and if I am paying you and have no creative ideas or plans to use you and you ask for your release, no way would I dispute.

Why piss away money when you could bring in newer talent or even toss a few bucks to some of the lower-paid wrestlers or heck, pad up your wallet some more. Tony might have well just too their salary money and flush it down the toilet because at the end of the day money is being pissed away.

Here is where things get wonky. You can’t trust everything you read on the Internet (unless it comes from me because I am that good) but when you constantly read how Tony gets so butt hurt over talents being unhappy that he throws a hissy fit and decides to bench them.

To me, stuff like that is why the AEW fanbase, ratings and attendance have been on a major decline over the last few years. It being out there that he wiped his hands clean of these 3 mentioned and showed the world that he is a boss to those who support him.

Also….Also, these 3 aren’t the only ones. Kamille seems to be on his naughty list which is such a shame because she chose to go work for Tony instead of Hunter because in her mind it was best suited for her overall career path. Hopefully, she isn’t regretting her decision.

The Lucha Bros. Yep, them too. Back in September word got out they were WWE bound, and Khan said, “like the heck you are” and added injury time to their contracts. Don’t holler at me about how Vince used to do that, yes, I know but where is Vince now? Oh right. Anyways, luckily Penta was able to dip out while Rey Fenix was slapped with a year more for injury time which is fine but why do it with the intention to make him stay home. Pissing money away.

That being said, current rumors have been out there that Tony and Rey have been in discussions regarding a release which is the right thing to do. Maybe I’m different but if I am the boss of any company and you don’t want to work there, well there’s the door and don’t let it hit you on your way out. You know he is WWE bound so just suck it up and let him go. Plus, you should realize WWE recently released a dozen or so peeps. Dig in Big Guy.

Ricky Starks released on Monday and shows up on NXT on Tuesday. Sorry Tony. Your loss.

Now Malakai Black. It is well known he is a Triple H guy and if he didn’t return to the promised land that would be a major shocker. With his wife Zelina Vega on Smackdown, I would bet money the blue brand will be him home. No, I am not saying they will pair up as if anything Vega should pair back up with Andrade.

When Black returns, I expect a big push. Mind you it might be held off until after Wrestlemania but it is coming.

As for Miro, I would love to see him return but let him be the beast he is. He was super over with the audience with the whole “Rusev Day” schtick so I wouldn’t be surprised if he returns to a thunderous ovation. Now I know they are divorced but for business I would pair him with Lana as the duo was money and has potential to be even bigger. I don’t care what anybody says, Miro has the potential to be a major, major, major player in the game and with the right people behind the scenes pushing that narrative the fans will be in for a treat.

Now do I think Mr. Khan should release some more talent, businesswise yes, but if he chooses not to, I hope it isn’t him being petty. Fingers crossed.

WWEID & NXT

Ok, picture it, Sicily 1914 a young.. Wait, my bad. Ok, what I meant to say is remember When Triple H was put in charge of NXT the developmental brand and transformed it into arguably WWE’s top brand at the time. Then remember when Triple H was near heart failure and had to seek medical help and ol’ Vincent swooped in and fired all of HHH’s guys and turned it back into a developmental brand.. Good times, eh? Nothing says love like kicking you when you’re down.

HBK has been taking NXT and building it back up to what the old Black & Yellow brand used to be. They sign big-name talents, showcase big-name main roster talent on their shows, work with TNA and now outdraw all 3 of AEW live shows combined. He made NXT the place to be all the while developing new talent.

How that WWE started their WWEID program where they are signing independent talent and working with some of the bigger indie promotions to create this wonderful idea of building for the future.

This program is truthfully a game changer. WWE is focused on helping independent wrestlers by giving them the proper tools to succeed. To me, this is beyond smart. It is changing the old mindset Vince McMahon had of “if I didn’t make you, you’re not a star” garbage.

They are shining a huge light on independent wrestling as a whole and by a small indie company promoting their show using a contracted WWEID wrestler will help draw in more of a crowd for them.

The program is teaching them more than just doing headlocks or how to take a bump. They are teaching the entire overall package ranging from storytelling to crowd investments. It’s truly a major win-win situation for wrestling in general.

Now with WWE Evolve which is an upcoming live show using up and coming talent, it is time for NXT to grow even more. So many main event stars currently in WWE came through HHH and NXT, so why not do it again. They are already heading in that direction so you might as well go full throttle here.

Remember the excitement for the Takeover events. I would religiously watch those and skip the main roster PPV’s because it was night and day. Every Takeover meant something and while the current PLE’s are heading that way, turn up the volume.

HHH, HBK & William Regal know what to do

One last thing before I go, currently Hollyhood Haley J and former TNA World Champion Josh Alexander are free agents…… Come on Mr. Levesque, bring them in and put them on whatever brand you see fit and you’ll have zero regrets.

Ok, that is all. I am ranted out for once, must be the lack of coffee or that crazy storm we had yesterday which went from snow to freezing rain to rain then the temperature dropped which meant everything was a sheet of ice.

That would suck the energy out of anyone let alone a bigtime stud like myself. Until next time, remember to tell your friends to tell their friends to tell their friends, ok you know what I mean, to get on board and follow us here at All Your Wrestling.