Wrestling Is Real Wrestling Podcast

Time to dissect the latest chapter in the WWE bullying tactics to counter AEW, arguing that WWE's decision to counter-program AEW All Out with their new ESPN-backed Wrestlepalooza event was a major unforced error.
 This move, driven by a clear case of "Tony Khan derangement syndrome," aimed to disrupt AEW's business but instead provided them with the perfect opportunity to make a brilliant strategic pivot. 
We break down how AEW not only sidestepped a pointless head-to-head conflict by moving their event to an earlier time but also leveraged the situation to secure a groundbreaking pay-per-view deal with HBO Max. 
This maneuver not only validates AEW's business model but also highlights their focus on long-term growth over petty rivalries.
Adding a new layer of context, WWE's Wrestlepalooza will debut on the new ESPN direct-to-consumer streaming service at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 20. 
However, AEW's switch to a 3 p.m. ET start time for All Out strategically positions them to avoid a direct conflict and leaves WWE in competition with the most-watched time slot in sports: primetime college football.
On that very evening, WWE will be vying for eyeballs against significant matchups on the ESPN family of networks and other major platforms, including Auburn at Oklahoma, Illinois vs. Indiana, and Miami vs. Florida
These games, along with numerous other televised college football matchups, present a formidable challenge to WWE's attempt to make a splash on their new platform, highlighting the shortsightedness of their booking decision.

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The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, secured a decisive victory over Bronson Reed. The Wyatt Sicks, with the eerie presence of Uncle Howdy, successfully defended their WWE Tag Team Championship against The Street Profits.
Becky Lynch, emerged victorious, retaining her WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship against Nikki Bella. Later in the evening, in a crucial Fatal four-way match for the World Heavyweight Championship, Seth Rollins retained his title. 
The win came with a twist, in the true style of Bonnie and Clyde Becky helped Rollins defeat CM Punk to retain. The event also featured Rusev overpowering Sheamus in a Good Ol' Fashioned Donnybrook match, while John Cena triumphed over Logan Paul in a singles bout.

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The competition between WWE and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has been characterized by what many consider to be a series of petty and anti-competitive actions, particularly on the part of WWE. This approach appears to be rooted in a desire to prevent any competitor from reaching the level of success once achieved by WCW, which forced WWE to work harder and innovate. The modern-day parallel of this rivalry extends from the top corporate level down to the fan base.

Corporate Anti-Competition
The business tactics of WWE and its parent company, TKO, have been described as intentionally disruptive. Reports suggest that WWE has scheduled its own premium live events (PLEs) on the same weekends as major AEW pay-per-views, a strategy seen as an attempt to undercut their competitor and divide the audience. 

This move is allegedly aimed at monopolizing the market, which would allow WWE to dictate prices for its products and, as seen with TKO's other assets like the UFC, potentially reduce wrestler salaries by minimizing the need for competitive compensation. A protest by a stagehands union outside an AEW event, alleging that workers were being paid below standard rates, further highlights the economic tensions within the industry. While AEW has distanced itself from the protest, this incident draws attention to the broader struggles over worker compensation and unionization in professional wrestling, an area that could be affected by a lack of genuine competition.

Fanbase and Body Shaming
The rivalry's pettiness is not limited to corporate boardrooms; it has also seeped into the fanbases. Fans of both companies, particularly those who are highly loyal to WWE, have engaged in what is described as "juvenile" and "delusional" behavior. A prime example of this is the body shaming directed at AEW wrestlers. 

One AEW star recently opened up about facing "ruthless" body-shaming comments from fans, highlighting how this online harassment goes beyond typical wrestling critiques. This behavior stands in stark contrast to AEW's reported efforts to support its talent, which includes offering a tuition reimbursement program to wrestlers. This benefit is a significant step toward providing performers with long-term stability and is considered a rarity within the wrestling industry, showcasing a different corporate philosophy.

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AEW Forbidden Door London highlighted MJF and "Timeless" Toni Storm as top main event stars through stellar booking. MJF’s gripping AEW World Championship loss to "Hangman" Adam Page showcased his magnetic presence, while Toni Storm’s submission win over Athena for the AEW Women’s World Championship reinforced her dominance. 

Beyond the intense Lights Out Steel Cage main event, where Golden Lovers, Darby Allin, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Will Ospreay defeated Death Riders, The Young Bucks, and Gabe Kidd, most championship matches—like Kyle Fletcher’s TNT title defense, Mercedes Moné’s TBS four-way, Zack Sabre Jr.’s IWGP title bout, Kazuchika Okada’s Unified Championship win, and BrodiDo’s tag title victory—served as exhibition-style showcases, emphasizing AEW’s global star power over deep storytelling, with MJF and Storm shining brightest.


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WWE's recent maneuvers suggest a calculated strategy to dominate the industry, often at the expense of fostering genuine growth or collaboration. 
Under the leadership of Triple H and with TKO Group's backing, WWE has been accused of leveraging its resources to undermine rivals like AEW, while exerting influence over smaller promotions such as AAA and TNA. This approach not only involves aggressive counter-programming but also subtle digs that appeal to a segment of the fanbase thrives on tribalism and schadenfreude. Critics argue that these tactics—rooted in pettiness—risk alienating broader audiences and stifling innovation, as WWE prioritizes short-term wins over long-term industry health. The spread of this mindset from WWE management to podcasts hosted by former wrestlers (often with conflicts of interest) and fan commentators has amplified a toxic narrative, where success is measured by how much one can diminish competitors rather than elevate the sport.
A prime example of WWE's influence peddling is its recent acquisition of Mexican lucha libre promotion AAA, announced in April 2025 during WrestleMania in partnership with Mexico-based company Fillip.
This move marked a significant shift for AAA, with the Peña family retaining involvement but WWE taking a heavy hand in operations. The first major event under this new regime, TripleMania XXXIII on August 17, 2025, at Arena CDMX in Mexico City, showcased WWE's fingerprints: 16 WWE Superstars appeared on the card, including cross-promotional matches where WWE talent challenged for AAA titles.
The event shattered records, drawing 19,691 attendees (AAA's all-time gate high) and over 4 million viewers in the first 24 hours across WWE and AAA's YouTube channels in English and Spanish, with a peak concurrent audience of 614,000.
However, not all records are undisputed—lucha libre analyst Luchablog has refuted some claims, arguing that WWE's involvement stabilized AAA but hasn't truly surpassed historical popularity peaks, suggesting inflated metrics to justify the acquisition.
WWE's changes extend beyond the ring, with plans for a new AAA logo by year's end and Triple H publicly assuring talent that the goal is to "enhance" rather than overhaul, though the heavy WWE presence at TripleMania—including a victory by a WWE-affiliated star underscoring dominance—paints a picture of absorption rather than partnership.

WWE's aggression toward AEW has escalated into blatant counter-programming, seemingly designed to disrupt AEW's momentum and complicate its TV contract negotiations with Warner Bros. Discovery. This tactic traces back to AEW's initial "counter-punching" in the late 2010s and early 2020s, but WWE has ramped it up in 2025 as a "company directive."
Notable instances include scheduling NXT events against AEW's Forbidden Door in June and multiple shows (NXT Great American Bash, Saturday Night's Main Event, and Evolution) during AEW All In: Texas weekend in July, leading to poor ticket sales for WWE's Evolution and drawing criticism for diluting its own product.
The pattern continues with a last-minute Premium Live Event (PLE) addition on September 20, 2025—dubbed Wrestlepalooza—at Indianapolis' Gainbridge Fieldhouse, directly opposing AEW All Out in Toronto.
 This event, streaming on ESPN's new direct-to-consumer service (launching August 21, 2025), features high-profile stars like John Cena (in his last Indianapolis appearance), Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, CM Punk, and Drew McIntyre, positioning it as a star-studded draw to siphon viewers.
AEW President Tony Khan has responded defiantly, viewing it as validation of AEW's threat, while insiders note the goal isn't to convert AEW fans but to fragment attention and weaken AEW's bargaining power for future deals.
Complementing this, WWE's multi-year Peacock deal revives Saturday Night’s Main Event four times annually, with 2025 editions on November 1 and December 13 (featuring Cena's retirement match), ensuring consistent high-profile content that could overlap with AEW scheduling. WWE's NXT library remains on Peacock through March 2026, with SmackDown on a 30-day delay, bolstering its streaming dominance.
WWE's treatment of TNA (now rebranded but still airing Impact) exemplifies the "pushing around" of smaller promotions, blending collaboration with condescension. NXT star Trick Williams, after capturing the TNA World Championship, has been seen wearing the belt upside down—a deliberate statement, as explained on NXT commentary, symbolizing how he "turned the company upside down.
This visual has sparked backlash for disrespecting TNA's legacy, especially amid ongoing crossovers. Behind the scenes, WWE is reportedly pushing TNA to shift Impact to Wednesday nights, directly head-to-head with AEW Dynamite, as part of TNA's media rights negotiations potentially landing on a "WWE-associated" network. WWE holds an option to buy TNA outright, fueling speculation that this is a proxy war to erode AEW's viewership without direct confrontation.
This pettiness has permeated wrestling discourse, with management appeasing vocal fans through subtle jabs on programming and podcasts. Former WWE stars, often under NDAs or with lingering ties, echo anti-AEW sentiments, while fan commentators exploit grudges for clicks. As WWE expands its empire—via ESPN for PLEs like Crown Jewel (October 11) and Survivor Series (November 29), plus major events like WrestleMania on the DTC service—the question remains: Is this dominance building wrestling's future, or merely pandering to a petty faction at the cost of collective progress?
AEW Forbidden Door London is this Sunday, with several major championships and a highly anticipated Lights Out Steel Cage match set to electrify fans. The main event will see a collision between two of the biggest stars in the company as "Hangman" Adam Page defends his AEW World Championship against Maxwell Jacob Friedman, with the title even able to change hands by countout or disqualification, adding to the intensity. In a chaotic Lights Out Steel Cage match, the Golden Lovers (Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi) will team with Darby Allin, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Will Ospreay to take on the combined force of the Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli and Jon Moxley), The Young Bucks, and Gabe Kidd.A number of other titles are also on the line, including the AEW Unified Championship, where reigning champion Kazuchika Okada will put his title on the line against the formidable Swerve Strickland. The AEW World Tag Team Championship will be decided in a high-stakes three-way elimination match between The Hurt Syndicate, Brodido, and FTR. Additionally, "Timeless" Toni Storm will defend her AEW Women's World Championship against Athena, who earned her title opportunity in the Casino Gauntlet. Mercedes Moné will defend her AEW TBS Championship in a four-way match against Alex Windsor, Persephone, and Bozilla, while Kyle Fletcher will put his AEW TNT Championship on the line against Hiromu Takahashi, and Zack Sabre Jr. will defend the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Nigel McGuinness. The night will also feature a thrilling tag team match as the team of Adam Copeland and Christian Cage battles Killswitch and Kip Sabian.  

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AAA's Triplemania 33 event as one of the year's best wrestling shows, highlighting its use of over-the-top, character-driven performances. Memorable moments included the match between Omos and Microman and a puppet version of Finn Bálor's "Demon" character. The speaker suggests that WWE, under Triple H's leadership, could benefit from adopting AAA's "make-believe," campy, and fun approach to storytelling to energize its own product. 

While some WWE stars participated, the crossover with AAA's style highlights a need for more "pageantry" and "showmanship" in mainstream wrestling. These creative elements are what fans, including the "juvenile delusional fandom," truly enjoy.

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KOP argues that the TKO Group's business strategy, which combines the assets of WWE and UFC, is focused on securing maximum television and streaming dominance at the expense of talent and competition. 

New UFC Deal with Paramount+We look at the recent, historic seven-year, $7.7 billion media rights deal between TKO Group and Paramount for UFC content, beginning in 2026. This agreement is seen as a major power play, as it moves all UFC numbered events and Fight Nights exclusively to Paramount+. This move effectively ends the previous pay-per-view model, making all UFC events available to Paramount+ subscribers at no extra cost. The commentary suggests this massive deal not only secures a dominant position for UFC on a major streaming platform but also gives TKO significant leverage and influence in the sports entertainment landscape. This is presented as a clear example of TKO's strategy to consolidate its market position and drive subscriber growth for its media partners, further solidifying its "TV domination."
WWE Parting Ways with Karrion KrossKOP highlights the release of Karrion Kross and Scarlett as an example of "Kicking Out Talent." Following weeks of speculation, both Kross and Scarlett confirmed their departure from WWE. The commentary suggests that this decision was a result of Kross's creative frustrations and a breakdown in contract renegotiations. Kross himself reportedly expressed disappointment with his creative direction and revealed that he had been in discussions with the company about a new contract since January. His release, especially given his recent main roster run and past success in NXT, is framed as a talent-relations issue under the TKO banner, where performers who are not seen as part of the long-term plan or who express dissatisfaction are released, regardless of their potential.

WWE's Counter-Programming StrategyWWE, under TKO, continues to be actively engaging in "Intimidating Opposition" by strategically scheduling major events to directly compete with AEW's pay-per-views. Two specific instances are detailed: * AEW All Out vs. WWE PLE: WWE is reportedly planning a premium live event (PLE) to air on the same night as AEW's All Out. The rumored main event for this WWE show is a high-profile matchup between John Cena and Brock Lesnar, a move clearly intended to draw viewers away from AEW's event. This aggressive scheduling is seen as a direct challenge to AEW's business model and a demonstration of TKO's willingness to use its biggest stars to stifle competition. They also plan a similar tactic for AEW's Worlds End event. Reports indicate that discussions are underway for John Cena's final match to be held on a "Saturday Night Main Event," running head-to-head with Worlds End. This would be a major blow to AEW, as John Cena's retirement match would undoubtedly attract a massive audience and media attention, potentially overshadowing AEW's show entirely. This is presented as the ultimate form of "intimidation," using a once-in-a-lifetime event to cripple a competitor's major show.In summary, the commentary paints a picture of TKO Group Holdings as a ruthless and calculating entity focused on maximizing its market share through strategic media deals and aggressive competitive tactics. 
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In a landmark move for professional wrestling, WWE, under the umbrella of TKO Group Holdings, has secured a five-year, $1.625 billion media rights agreement with ESPN, positioning the sports entertainment giant’s Premium Live Events (PLEs) on ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming platform starting in 2026. This deal, valued at an average of $325 million annually, marks a significant shift from WWE’s current streaming partnership with NBCUniversal’s Peacock, which expires in March 2026 and was valued at $180-$200 million per year. 
The agreement, which includes marquee events like WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, Survivor Series, and Money in the Bank, will see all 10 annual PLEs stream exclusively on ESPN’s DTC service in the U.S., with select events simulcast on ESPN’s linear networks. This transition not only elevates WWE’s domestic reach but also underscores TKO’s strategic prowess in securing high-value media deals with the “worldwide leader in sports,” amplifying WWE’s mainstream legitimacy and global expansion.
A key advantage for fans is the deal’s accessibility for cable and satellite subscribers who already receive ESPN as part of their TV package. These subscribers will likely be able to authenticate their existing subscriptions to access the ESPN DTC platform at no additional cost, mitigating the impact of the platform’s $29.99 monthly price tag—a steep increase from Peacock’s $10.99-$16.99 plans. 
This authentication model ensures that millions of households (ESPN is available in approximately 72 million homes compared to Peacock’s 36 million subscribers) can seamlessly transition to watching WWE’s biggest events without incurring extra fees, potentially broadening the audience reach. However, fans without cable subscriptions face a significant cost hike, sparking debate on social media about affordability, especially for those solely interested in wrestling content.
TKO’s orchestration of this billion-dollar deal with ESPN highlights its formidable deal-making ability and strategic vision for WWE’s global growth. Led by executives like TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro, a former ESPN executive, and WWE President Nick Khan, the company has leveraged WWE’s passionate fanbase and proven subscriber loyalty to secure a 78% increase in value over the Peacock deal. This partnership aligns WWE with ESPN’s prestigious brand, reinforcing the “E” in ESPN (Entertainment and Sports Programming Network) and positioning WWE alongside other major sports properties like UFC, which has thrived under ESPN’s umbrella. The deal enhances WWE’s mainstream credibility, tapping into ESPN’s marketing and distribution power to attract casual sports fans and expand its audience on a national scale. 
Combined with WWE’s existing $5 billion, 10-year Netflix deal for Monday Night Raw and international PLEs, and other agreements with The CW (NXT) and NBCUniversal (SmackDown), TKO has crafted a robust media portfolio that cements WWE’s place in the mainstream entertainment landscape. The deal’s timing, coinciding with the launch of ESPN’s DTC platform on August 21, 2025, further amplifies its strategic significance, as WWE’s high-profile events are expected to drive subscriptions and bolster ESPN’s streaming ambitions.
However, while TKO’s business acumen shines, the deal does not address ongoing concerns about WWE’s creative and in-ring operations. Under Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE’s storytelling has faced criticism for lacking urgency and failing to develop complex, compelling narratives. Fans and analysts have pointed to mishandled storylines, such as the Roman Reigns–The Rock WrestleMania buildup, The Rock’s recent arc, and John Cena’s heel turn, as evidence of creative missteps. 
At a time when fans will pay up to three times more for PLEs on ESPN’s platform, expectations for high-quality booking and innovative character development are heightened. The absence of clarity on the future of WWE’s extensive archival content—currently a cornerstone of Peacock’s offering—further fuels uncertainty, as neither ESPN nor WWE has confirmed whether the vast library of past matches and shows will be included in the DTC deal. This lack of transparency, coupled with a nearly 3% dip in TKO’s stock price post-announcement, suggests investor and fan skepticism about whether WWE’s creative team can deliver a product worthy of the premium price and platform.
In summary, WWE’s $1.625 billion deal with ESPN marks a pivotal moment for sports entertainment, showcasing TKO’s ability to secure lucrative partnerships that enhance WWE’s global reach and mainstream appeal. The deal’s benefits for cable subscribers and its alignment with ESPN’s streaming goals position WWE for significant growth, but the creative team’s ability to address fan dissatisfaction and deliver captivating storylines will be critical to justifying the increased cost and maintaining audience loyalty in this new era.
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In a night of unexpected turns and high-stakes championship matches, Cody Rhodes emerged victorious over John Cena in a brutal street fight for the Undisputed WWE Championship. 
The night also saw Naomi successfully defend her Women's World Championship in a triple-threat match against Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky, replicating the surprise pinfall strategy used at a previous event.
The Wyatt Sicks, consisting of Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy, retained their WWE Tag Team Championship in a chaotic Six-Pack Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match. Despite the involvement of women and a high-energy performance, some teams like Motor City Machine Guns, Fraxiom, and #DIY received a subdued reaction from the crowd. The event featured many tables being broken, much to the delight of the sponsor, Slim Jim.
In a "Last Chance" match, Becky Lynch defeated Lyra Valkyria for the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship, meaning Valkyria can no longer challenge for the title while Lynch is champion. The match's intense resistance from Valkyria, including surviving a zip tie and a monkey wrench attack, led some to question the realism of her character's resilience, especially after her continued push was challenged by the appearance of Bayley.
The event's other championship matches saw Solo Sikoa defeat Jacob Fatu in a Steel Cage match for the WWE United States Championship, with an uncharacteristically small cage being used. Dominik Mysterio also successfully defended his WWE Intercontinental Championship against AJ Styles. 
There were several significant moments that were missed on camera, including Fatu breaking his handcuffs, Mysterio hitting a boot, and Valkyria putting Becky through a table. 
The night ended with a clear setup for a new rivalry between John Cena and the returning Brock Lesnar.
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SummerSlam 2025 starts up following a plot twist in a highly anticipated rematch between two of WWE's biggest stars: the returning hero John Cena and the "American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.

The main event of SummerSlam Night 1 saw CM Punk dethrone Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship. The celebration was short-lived, however, as Seth Rollins, who had won the Money in the Bank contract, appeared with his briefcase. With CM Punk weakened from his grueling match, Rollins cashed in, hitting a Curb Stomp on the unsuspecting champion to steal the victory and the World Heavyweight Championship, solidifying his reputation as "The Architect" of a new era.

SummerSlam 2025 Night 1 Match Results
 * Roman Reigns and Jey Uso defeated Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed (with Paul Heyman) by pinfall in a Tag team match.
 * Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss defeated The Judgment Day (Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez) (c) by pinfall in a Tag team match to win the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship.
 * Sami Zayn defeated Karrion Kross (with Scarlett) by pinfall in a Singles match. Since Zayn won, Kross had to admit he was wrong about Zayn.
 * Tiffany Stratton (c) defeated Jade Cargill by pinfall in a Singles match to retain the WWE Women's Championship.
 * Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul defeated Randy Orton and Jelly Roll by pinfall in a Tag team match.
 * CM Punk defeated Gunther (c) by pinfall in a Singles match to become the new World Heavyweight Champion.
 * Seth Rollins (with Paul Heyman) defeated CM Punk (c) by pinfall in a Singles match to become the new World Heavyweight Champion after cashing in his Money in the Bank contract.
 
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