EDITORIAL

The Pro-Wrestling Rant (May 27)

Nick Whitworth By Nick Whitworth 27 May 2025 7 min read

The one thing about living on the East Coast of Canada this time of year is each day could be a new season. Today is +11, feels like +6, and Wednesday is going to be +25—beach weather—then back to low teens on Thursday. In a week we can have three different seasons, so we never know how to fully dress. Anyway, I am here to rant, so let’s rant, shall we?

• Worlds Collide

Typically, WWE runs the same formula each year with the same events. The previous Worlds Collide events involved NXT and NXT UK talent with the odd main roster star. It was just blending the brands’ different styles, so to speak. Nothing really fancy, just a different approach to putting on another event.

This year’s Worlds Collide is exactly what the event name suggests: WWE-NXT-TNA-AAA. The title of the PLE is exactly what this is and screams money. This can showcase each brand/company to a whole new audience, especially with AAA. This event is the chance for everyone to shine, and everyone involved could be the real winners.

Already announced from TNA’s side have been Joe Hendry, the Nemeth brothers, and Moose. I think these are great choices, as these men can adapt to any style, especially with the high-speed, fast-action Lucha Libre style. I would like to see some of the female talent in TNA get a chance to shine at this event. TNA has always arguably had the best female division in the sport, and the women in that company deserve a spot on this major card.

I would love to see some WWE main roster talent at this event as well, with the likes of Finn Balor, AJ Styles, and Dominik Mysterio. Besides the luchadores currently in WWE who will be on the card, adding some of WWE’s bigger names into the mix just adds extra star power, even though the event will already draw attention due to the curiosity surrounding the “unknown” AAA talent among the typical WWE audience.

If WWE really wants to take AAA to the next level, they need to highlight the matches and talent clearly, showing the world they respect Mexican wrestling and don’t view it merely as a gimmick, like the WWE version of ECW.

Having recently announced Chad Gable vs El Hijo Del Vikingo—that is about as main-event as it gets. These two are perfect to headline this show and are the smartest choice to elevate Vikingo to the next level.

From the announcement of WWE acquiring AAA to Vikingo’s involvement at WrestleMania and his appearance at Saturday Night’s Main Event, it’s evident WWE plans on El Hijo being the face of AAA. Smart move.

The good thing about WWE and Triple H’s involvement is that hopefully Vikingo will tone down high-risk moves to prolong his career. He has suffered significant injuries due to his jaw-dropping moves, so with WWE’s guidance, they can teach him the whole “place and time” approach so he doesn’t spend most of his career injured.

I will state this: Chad Gable vs El Hijo Del Vikingo will be a match-of-the-year contender, hands down. I guarantee that.

Legado Del Fantasma vs El Hijo de Dr Wagner Jr, Pagano, and Psycho Clown is another spot-on choice. The WWE audience knows what to expect with LDF, and they will surely research their opponents and still have their minds blown. They’re the right choice to showcase how good their opponents are and to show the world how talented they themselves are. This again will be incredible to watch.

At NXT Battleground, Chik Tormenta and Dalys were at ringside for the Women’s Championship match between Jordynne Grace and champion Stephanie Vaquer and had a staredown with Vaquer. The duo working for AAA seems to be setting something up for Worlds Collide. I’ll be curious to see who teams with Vaquer, but either way, it caught my attention.

Fans unfamiliar with Tormenta and Dalys quickly went to YouTube for research, the easiest and best way to gain knowledge of wrestlers unknown to the WWE fanbase.

The recently released poster was proof we are in a different era for WWE. Vince used to collaborate with various promotions, but his ego eventually ruined potential collaborations. This poster clearly indicates WWE’s future direction, and it’s great to see.

Having the biggest name in Mexican wrestling history, Rey Mysterio, front and centre on the poster is strategically genius. Mysterio will bridge the gap between the WWE audience and Lucha Libre.

WWE has a major opportunity to highlight Mexican wrestling’s rich history. The style, masks, and spectacle are extremely marketable, and audiences will be captivated by the fast-paced, high-risk action. It’s similar to WWE storytelling, just presented differently.

Only time will tell if WWE keeps AAA intact or buries it, but if I were betting, I’d say Triple H and Nick Khan will enhance AAA’s exposure without major changes. If that’s the case, expect big things for AAA and everyone involved.

• Evolution II July 13th, 2025

may 27

Finally, after seven years, WWE has officially announced the next Evolution PLE for July 13th, 2025, in Atlanta. I’m unsure why there was such a gap between events, but at least it’s finally happening.

The women of WWE have worked tirelessly to show management they’re equally important. We’ve seen women headline WrestleMania and numerous other events, yet they remain underrepresented overall. Given that Triple H has daughters, I expected more progress toward equality by now.

As a father of two girls (and one boy), I’ve always supported women’s opportunities. Watching women, not just in WWE, deliver incredible matches is amazing. It’s not just about one or two talents; female wrestlers consistently have some of the best matches on the card.

Until PLEs become more equal, Evolution should be annual. The Mae Young Classic also deserves a yearly slot, highlighting WWE and outside talent and showcasing women’s wrestling excellence.

Though WWE has improved, there’s still progress to be made. Triple H should build Evolution with engaging storylines to reignite fan enthusiasm. Between Raw, SmackDown, NXT, AAA, and TNA, WWE can assemble an incredible lineup.

Let’s be realistic—the men appear as main stars because WWE promotes them heavily. Given equal opportunities, Chelsea Green could be as big a star as Cody Rhodes or CM Punk. WWE conditions its audience this way due to unequal airtime.

Only time will tell how Evolution turns out, but hopefully, WWE won’t drop the ball.

• Will Ospreay’s obsession with WWE

may 27

Honestly, I was disappointed when Will Ospreay signed with AEW instead of WWE—not because of AEW itself, but because I envisioned dream matches against Seth Rollins, AJ Styles, and Drew McIntyre.

While Tony Khan has showcased Ospreay superbly, making him a future champion, I wish he’d stop criticising WWE. His constant shots at WWE distract from his accomplishments. Interviews should focus on AEW and his own journey.

Telling AJ Styles to quit WWE for AEW was unnecessary. AJ loves WWE and is unlikely to switch companies late in his career. A respectful mention of a dream match would suffice.

So, Will, please keep WWE’s name out of your mouth.

• WWE’s in-ring action vs promos/segments

may 27

Saturday Night’s Main Event recently had only about 50 minutes of wrestling in a two-hour show—unacceptable. WWE has forgotten its core attraction: wrestling.

Storylines shouldn’t rely solely on lengthy promos. WWE should utilise social media more effectively, saving TV time for in-ring action and talent-building matches.

Triple H, bring wrestling back to WWE or change the name to reflect reality—World Wasting Everyone’s Time Entertainment.

• Trick Williams wins TNA Heavyweight Championship

may 27

Trick Williams winning the TNA title could either elevate a TNA star or be pointless. If this move leads to Mike Santana challenging and eventually defeating Williams, it’s perfect. Santana, now thriving solo in TNA, deserves a top spot before a WWE jump.

Overall, the NXT-TNA relationship has been great so far. If Santana wins, the Trick gamble will have paid off massively.

That’s all for now—exciting times ahead with Worlds Collide and Evolution approaching.