About this episodeThe host critiques the current state of professional wrestling, arguing that WWE and AEW are prioritizing nich…AI summary
The host critiques the current state of professional wrestling, arguing that WWE and AEW are prioritizing niche, acrobatic talent over mainstream appeal and realism, while gatekeeping Canadian wrestlers. He highlights logistical failures in venue selection and ticket sales, asserting that the industry's reliance on 'mark' wrestlers and unsigned talent is harming the independent scene.
Key takeaways 5
WWE and AEW are accused of gatekeeping Canadian talent, with Chris Jericho specifically cited as blocking qualified Canadian wrestlers from signing in favor of smaller, less marketable talent.
The host argues that modern wrestling has become too niche, focusing on 'leg slapping and flips' rather than realism, which alienates the general audience and hurts indie show attendance.
WWE's strategy of skipping surrounding towns (Kingston, Cornwall) in favor of a single major hub (Ottawa) results in lower attendance and higher travel burdens for fans.
AEW is criticized for giving away free tickets in England, indicating poor sales, while simultaneously employing a large roster of unused talent that could be more effective on the indie circuit.
The financial disparity in the industry is highlighted by Chris Jericho's rumored $6 million salary contrasted with indie wrestlers earning as little as $200-$750 per appearance.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“AJ Styles is not a household name. People can call me whatever they want. He's boring on the mic. And he's a great pretend wrestler. Not a good real wrestler.”
▶ 5:51Host's critique of AJ Styles' marketability and in-ring style compared to his own.
“Jericho is going to make sure no good Canadian wrestler gets signed. He'll hire all these Evil Ununo and those small Quebec guys... But they won't hire like people that could legitimately get over Montreal.”
▶ 20:48Accusation of Chris Jericho acting as a gatekeeper against Canadian talent in AEW.
“This is not nursery school. We're not in kindergarten here. I believe Do you believe in fourth place ribbons, too? If they're not good enough for TV, get rid of them.”
▶ 41:03Host's argument that AEW should release unused talent rather than keeping them on payroll without screen time.
“Good wrestling to me is not how many flips you can do and how many fake looking stunts you can do. It's realism.”
▶ 37:06Host's definition of quality wrestling, contrasting it with the acrobatic style prevalent in AEW/WWE.
“Business has only gone down since they signed Will Osprey.”
▶ 38:51Claim that signing high-profile indie star Will Osprey negatively impacted AEW's business metrics.
Chapters & Sections (18)▼
0:02WWE Raw Results and Industry Critiquechapter2
2:16WWE Double Standards and Match Results
3:58Wrestlers Paying to See Shows and AJ Styles Critique
6:55Wrestling Event Logistics and Industry Critiquechapter1
9:16Thunder Bay Event Costs and Wrestler Standards
11:53AEW Ticket Sales, Wrestler Evaluations, and Industry Critiquechapter1
15:28Power Slap Critique and Niche Wrestling
18:09WWE and AEW Canadian Market Analysischapter2
20:19Canadian Wrestlers Gatekeeping and Market Draw
22:19Wrestler Salaries and Canadian Market Neglect
25:14AEW Booking Criticism and Indie Impactchapter1
27:13AEW Roster Size and Unsigned Talent
30:18Wrestling Contracts, Allegations, and Industry Critiquechapter1
32:13Wrestling Contract Values and Industry Critique
35:38Wrestling Booking Critiques and Talent Evaluationschapter3
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