Would you look at that… Another Rant… One thing I must say is that with all of this craziness happening all across the globe, the wrestling business has been that perfect fix needed to escape the realm of one certain individual. The news keeps the excitement going and the interest levels at max. Now let’s go….
I for one was shocked when I heard Saraya and All Elite Wrestling parted ways. I know she was recently dropping some WWE chatter which did take me by surprise given the history of AEW talent praising WWE, but I still didn’t see this coming.
The former Paige signed with AEW back in 2022 and quickly made it clear she was able to fight. Having to retire due to a neck injury I figured her in-ring days were behind her. Truthfully, I should have known better going off Bryan Danielson and Cope (still Edge to me) and with how mind-blowing technology is nowadays. It was great to see her back inside that squared circle.
Since she has been open to going back to the E, I would love to see her make her return. Since I am a 44-year-old man who is realizing that my indestructible body is in fact destructible, I would love to see her be a leader of a solid women’s faction whose goals are to make those non-believers become believers in the power of women’s wrestling. Her natural talent on the mic and her overall presence will draw in any audience. Saraya has that connection with the audience that is perfect to use towards elevating not only women but the entire women’s wrestling as a whole.
Saraya has overcome so much at such a young age, it shows how much fight she has in her. Having her personal life leaked without her consent is horrible and the way people judged her for being a human was an eye-opener, seeing how vile the internet can be. Whatever she chooses to do is her business and for people to judge based on that is ridiculous. Unless she committed some god-awful illegal offence then people should mind their business.
I think her overall talent, whether in-ring or behind the scenes or managerial, Saraya has so much to offer. The Performance Centre has raw talent who needs someone like her to show them the ropes and share her story and motivate others. Her WWE future is beyond just bright, she can truly help change the landscape of wrestling for years to come.
Well, I am not sure if it is WWE or TKO or what but the prices of Wrestlemania 41 are pitiful. On top of that, they haven’t crossed the 50,000 tickets sold per night yet either.
As we all know, Mania has become a huge spectacle with everything from the events to meet and greets to interviews to pop up merch stores. Wrestlemania is the Super Bowl of wrestling. Every wrestling fan’s dream is to attend but this day and age with the overall economy and corporate greed, it is becoming financially tough. Mania is a draw but there is no need to have nosebleed tickets selling at $700 a pop. Then on top of it, meet & greet prices are way overpriced. I saw prices range from $299 to $649. That is such a slap in the face to the fans. Truthfully, these meet & greets shouldn’t cost a dime. This whole Wrestlemania weekend spectacle wouldn’t be what it is if it wasn’t for the paying fans. To charge these obnoxious prices shows how the company only views its fans as money and money only.
I met AJ Styles right before he signed with WWE at a local event in my area. He was still the IWGP Champion as he brought the belt with him. For a photograph with him and an autographed 8×10 cost me a solid $10. Yes, 10 bucks a shot and guess what…. He probably did that easily 3-400 times. Now if he was charging say $100, he would have sold 0 and I would bet any amount of money on it that I would be correct.
To think a person is worth these amounts blows my mind. $300 bucks for a “hello, my name is Nick” and a quick picture and autograph, I will pass. Even if I was over the top rich, no way in hell would I condone that.
WWE needs a reality check and that will only happen once these events don’t draw then maybe someone high up will realize the audience deserves better. Until then, the company will continue over charging their audience just to thicken their wallets. Shame on you WWE.
The WWE Universe has welcomed former AEW star and brother of current WWE superstar Penta with a thunderous roar. Much like Penta, WWE treated Rey’s debut as a major deal, and it showed by how well he was received from the sometimes-fickle WWE audience.
I thought putting NXT’s own Nathan Frazer as his first opponent was utterly perfection. I know Frazer had that one botch which fans always love seeing for some strange reason, but his body of work was an excellent choice to highlight Fenix’ work.
I was a little confused as to why he wasn’t paired with his brother on Raw but then I realized that they already have plans set in motion for Penta so until then WWE will build Rey up so when they link up as the Lucha Brothers, the WWE fans will lose their minds.
Rumors have it that Rey’s first feud will be against Andrade and whoever came up with that is a pure genius. This is not only elevating Fenix but also the struggling Andrade who hasn’t been able to reclaim the heights he had back when he was headline NXT PLE’s during his first run with the company.
Both Rey and his brother are extremely marketable, and WWE was smart to release replica masks as fans, especially kids will go crazy for. WWE has been looking for the next Rey Mysterio and they now have 2. Mysterio was a money machine for the kids and the same will be said for Fenix (Penta as well). Putting out masks for these two are pretty much a guarantee to sell like hotcakes.
Only time will tell if and how well Rey Fenix will be but starting right out of the gate over with the audience, he is already a major star. Now we can just sit back, enjoy this show and patiently wait for the Lucha Brothers to unite on the WWE platform.
Back in 2018 WWE put on the first women’s only pay per view which received rave reviews and showcased some truly remarkable matches, including the Last Women Standing match, Becky Lynch vs Charlotte Flair.
With the Women’s Evolution finally showcasing the women and giving them the proper respect they more than well deserve; I believe WWE used Ronda Rousey’s popularity as a way to get the PPV over. I say that because when was the next all women’s event?
Vince as we know is and always will be a pervert and he had no issues showcasing women as objects and not their actual skills. The Women always had to go above and beyond just for a few minutes here and there. HHH and his NXT brand finally decided to change some of that. H having daughters probably help with this change.
I still have no idea why Evolution never became a year event. Same with the Mae Young Classic. I know change has happened within WWE in regard to how women’s wrestling is viewed but they still deserve more.
Recently news came out WWE was planning on holding another Evolution event but having it in July of this year. While anything can happen, this is a great sign. Hopefully WWE will give this even the proper build up as if done right will create some very magical moments for those ever so deserving women.
Fingers crossed WWE moves forward with this and doesn’t decide to go a different route.
WWE announced another inductee into this years WWE Hall of Fame, but it was just a little different then it always is. They not only announced 2 wrestlers, but they also announced a Wrestlemania match into the Hall of Fame.
The company decided to add another layer into the typical format they have been using and added a new category dubbed “Immortal Moment”. Finally, WWE realized it is not only the talent who deserve to be inducted but also other aspects help WWE get to where they are at and will continue to go.
Not only inducting Wrestlemania moments is a wise choice, but it is also acknowledging that without these moments, Wrestlemania might not be what it is today.
Wrestlemania 13, Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart with Ken Shamrock as the special guest referee not only put on a masterpiece, but it also created a moment which helped elevated Austin into mega stardom.
The visual of Stone Cold trapped in The Hitman’s sharpshooter with blood streaming down his face, in agony from Hart’s maneuver, then passing out. Slowly regaining consciousness, Austin not only ended up winning the match, but he was instantly shot into superstardom.
Both wrestlers were able to do what man only dream of and that is creating an iconic moment. This match will be used by upcoming wrestlers as inspiration and ways of storytelling. This match wasn’t just a classic, this match set the bar for future Wrestlemania matches to come.
Adding Immortal Moments into the fold is not only an excellent way to honor moments, but it also can be used as a motivator for the talent to go above and beyond and really highlight the artform.
Being Hall of Fame worthy isn’t always just the talent. Certain venue atmospheres, matches, eccentric entrances, all contribute to the show of all shows and finally are being rewarded. Whoever put the idea of the Immortal Moment on the table deserves a raise for their overall awareness on what is viewed as Hall of fame worthy.
I was floored when I read the news of Gail Kim’s firing. I know the company is trying to go in a different direction but letting her go wasn’t just a mistake, it can be detrimental to the company.
After having a hall of fame worthy career inside the ring, Kim took on a new role in Talent Relations. Her overall mindset on the business helped elevate TNA to the heights it is at today. Her work played a major role in the NXT-TNA working relationship and without her I can’t say for certain WWE would have ever agreed to this.
Especially for the TNA Women’s division, Gail played a major role in having the ladies on equal playing field as the men and made the division finally matter. Without her would we have Jordynne Grace, Rosemary, Masha Slamovich, etc? Ask the talent how important Gail Kim was to the company and you will see why her firing will cause some internal pain.
With the close relationship with WWE, I am really hoping Triple H doesn’t waste anytime bringing her onboard to the management team. Her talent and dedication would be a perfect fit helping WWE, especially with the Women’s division which could use her guidance.
While she would also be a great fit in NXT, HBK has Sara Amato as one of the big wigs at the Performance Centre. I am not sure if she has a role with the presentation of the NXT Women’s division so that is why I am hesitant on Gail going there. If Amato isn’t hands on, then Kim would be perfect for that. Either or, WWE in some way, shape or form, WWE needs to sign her as soon as possible before someone else gets her.
Every major company should be jumping through hoops aiming to land Kim. She has shown time and again what she has to offer and what she can do. My only hope is that her talent doesn’t become wasted. She is way too talented and has an incredible knowledge of the overall business to let slip away.
WWE, Triple H, somebody there please bring her in as soon as possible or else you will be kicking yourself in the ass for missing the boat.
Rumors came out recently that WWE was planning on doing a year long AJ Styles retirement tour this year but then John Cena decided it was his time to hang up the boots, so Styles tour was put off.
While I am not too sure when AJ’s current contract is up, but I don’t think he would do a retirement tour not being under the WWE umbrella. Styles has been vocal and open about his love for the company and for this being the place he wants to retire, and I think WWE has the same views.
AJ Styles came into WWE after being arguably the biggest name in the business and by doing so without the need of “WWE Supertar”. Like myself, many fans thought Styles-WWE would never happen. When he left TNA and ended up in New Japan, AJ became a different AJ Styles. I truly believe his work in NJPW is what caught the attention of WWE. The best thing AJ was bet on himself and walk away from the company that gave him the platform to become a household name.
The pop he received when he made his WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble entering at number 3 stills gives me goosebumps to this day when I watch it. That moment catapulted him to the next level and WWE quickly and smartly put the WWE World Championship on him within the first 9 months there.
Having a talent like AJ Styles go out with a retirement tour, much like Cena, is and will be a big draw. The Phenomenal One has shown time and time again he is a money-making main event level talent, and his career deserves the proper send off.
When he and the company go ahead with his retirement tour, I truly hope it is lead by him creatively. The only thing I will say which I think SHOULD happen is that his final career match needs to happen inside the TNA ring with him winning the TNA Heavyweight Championship and retiring as champ.
Without AJ Styles there would be no TNA and while many fans, me included, have been itching to see him back inside a TNA ring ever since the company became its relationship with NXT. WWE has worked with TNA in the past so even without the current relationship AJ Styles returning was possible but having him have his final match of his career with TNA is more likely to happen now then before.
Triple H understand the business and knows what AJ did for TNA and there is no doubt in my mind he gladly allow Styles to finish up with the company who allowed him to become the star he is today.
So, when that day does sadly come and AJ Styles has his last match, both WWE and TNA know the impact Styles had not only on the 2 companies but the impact he had on the overall business.
Last week word got out that recently released AEW star and former WWE superstar Miro aka Rusev re-signed with WWE. Not shocking at all as Rusev Day was insanely over and was shocking Vince McMahon didn’t capitalize on it more then he did.
Having been released from WWE after having a decent run, he signed with All Elite Wrestling, now dubbed Miro, it seemed the world was about to see what WWE dropped the ball with. Rusev, whether along side his wife Lana or Adien English, has the potential to be a major player in the game but it is all about opportunities and for some reason nobody has given him the ball to run with.
I was a big fan of him during his first WWE run and was excited for his new lease on life with AEW as I thought Tony Khan would see what many of us did in him and what he brings to the table. I would never have predicted his outcome there, but I am glad as I think he will finally be given the proper chance to show the world the real Rusev under Triple H.
I know many people are losing patience with Papa H and his signings and lack of exposure for them, but I think this will be different. He has potential to have major money-making storylines with talent like GUNTHER, Drew McIntyre, Seth Rollins, etc. This time though, with less restraints on him. He will finally be given his ball to run with and he won’t disappoint.
While news broke of his signing and didn’t include his wife, I still have hope WWE will pair them back together. As a power duo they have the chance to create something special. Lana was majorly over and Rusev Day just as big, and together they can reach even higher levels.
I think today’s wrestling, especially in WWE is lacking managers and the importance of them to one’s character. Adding someone as talented as Lana to be the mouthpiece for the Bulgarian Brute elevates his stock immensely. Not every talent needs to be a top-notch promo to get over. Having someone do the talking for them adds more of that mystique side to them. We all know Rusev can talk but why not allow Lana to do it for him, while he focuses on kicking ass inside that ring.
I am glad WWE quickly re-signed him and can’t wait to see what the company has in store for him. All I know is that we are all in for a real treat because Rusev will now have a major chip on his shoulder with how he has been mistreated all these years. WWE universe who aren’t too keen on Rusev, you better buckle up as shit is about to get real.
To continue from my previous rant on AJ Styles retirement tour, word is Karrion Kross’ contract is nearing its end. While anything can happen between now and then, you never know what can happen.
Kross quickly made his mark when he was brought into the WWE fold 5 years ago in NXT and just has never had the same momentum on the main roster. Having been released when Vince pulled a dick move and released a ton of his son in-law’s guys, HHH was quick to bring him back when he had the chance. This shows how high H views his work.
Under Papa H he still never received that monster push I expected yet he still was involved and never once seemed demotivated. Actually, his use of social media to help get his character over with the fans and keep his name buzzing has impressed management, and I figure once Wrestlemania season is over, and the new year starts Karrion will finally get the push he deserves.
Recently Kross changed his name on X from his character name to his real name. While that might not sound like a big deal, it is. Typically, talent do that it is a signal of them leaving the company. It would be a waste to see him go but it is understandable. There is a time when one has no choice but to thrown in the towel.
While it is always good for wrestlers to spread their wings, with Kross not having the proper push I am hoping they reach a deal. He has the potential to be a major main event talent and history shows Boss Man sees that in him, so hopefully a simple conversation over contract negotiations sheds light on what he brings to the table.
I am all for talent to jump around as it keeps them from growing stale and reignites spark into their character but when someone like Kross who can be “the guy” but for some reason hasn’t been given the chance is a tough pill to swallow. He and his wife make up characters that are exactly fit for WWE programming. They literally have the total package, just lacking opportunity. When given the opportunity I believe they both will make Triple H and his creative team regret dropping the ball thus far.
I just hope he is given the chance to shine. At the end of the day Karrion should and will do what is best for his family, whether that is in WWE or not. I am not a wrestler in any way shape or form, but career wise I have made moves to better advance my family. A few years back I took a job paying me roughly $30-40,000/year less then I was making but came with a pension which guarantees me and my wife the best retirement possible. So, while I have short term pain, I have long term gain. Same will go for Kross as he will choose what suites him the best.
If he re-signs and is given the ball, he will no doubt shine. If that is somewhere else, then I will still be there cheering him on. If he doesn’t re-sign then that is WWE’s fault and hopefully, they will realize they waste a lot of people’s talent when they become too focused on the one or two major storylines they put all of their cards into. Something will eventually click with WWE management about how to maximize with television shows with more talent.
Well, that does it for me. I literally have way more to rant about, but I don’t want to go overboard. Until then, tell your friends about All Your Wrestling to tell their friends, and so on. It is all about the word of mouth to help grow our site, capeesh.
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