Episodes

  • AEW Heads to MAX and WWE 90 Days to Netflix (ep.878)

    AEW Heads to MAX and WWE 90 Days to Netflix (ep.878)
    Oct 3 2024
    All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has officially signed a new multi-year media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). Here are the key details:* **Increased Value:** While exact figures haven't been released, reports indicate the deal is worth "upwards of $150 million per year," a significant increase from their previous agreement.* **Dynamite and Collision Stay Put:** AEW's flagship shows, Dynamite and Collision, will remain on their current networks, TBS and TNT, respectively.* **Streaming on Max:** Starting in January 2025, both Dynamite and Collision will be simulcast live on WBD's streaming service, Max (formerly HBO Max), in the US. On-demand viewing will also be available.* **PPV Changes:** AEW pay-per-views will be available at a discounted rate for Max subscribers.* **No Mention of Rampage or TruTV:** Interestingly, the announcement didn't mention AEW Rampage or any involvement with TruTV, both of which were included in earlier speculation about the deal.**What this means for AEW:*** **Increased Revenue:** The new deal represents a major financial boost for AEW, allowing them to invest further in talent, production, and expansion.* **Wider Reach:** Simulcasting on Max will expose AEW programming to a broader audience, potentially attracting new viewers who don't have traditional cable.* **Enhanced Streaming Presence:** With WWE Raw moving to Netflix, AEW's presence on Max solidifies WBD as a major player in the streaming wrestling market.This new agreement signifies a strong commitment from WBD to AEW and sets the stage for continued growth and success for the wrestling promotion.Bad Blood is almost here, and after that Raw, things are looking...interesting.Jey Uso wants revenge on Roman Reigns. Reasons? Unclear.Bron Breakker demands respect, acts like a brat. Pick a lane, Bron.The New Day are fading fast. So much for "New Day rocks!"Rey Mysterio finally lost his mask. Took long enough.Lyra Valkyria is back! To fight...Pure Fusion Collective? Okay...CM Punk and Drew McIntyre argued in a cage. Naturally.Judgment Day beat up Damien Priest. Again. Dominik Mysterio is somehow more important than the women's title. Sure.Wyatt's latest video was pure gibberish. Color me shocked. Sami Zayn wants a title shot because...WrestleMania? Gunther will give him one because...his dad got roasted? Uh huh.The Last Man Standing match had a ring implosion. Obviously. Seth Rollins is feuding with Braun Strowman. Why not?Basically, Bad Blood is shaping up to be a wild night of questionable booking. Get your popcorn ready.Jey Uso with a house show promo. Bron Breakker with respect respect.Slow burn of New Day till their contract runs out? Rey Mysterio unmasked... About 24 years too late.Lyra Valkyria is back to deal with PFC. Katana and Kayden sparring with Fire and IceCM Punk Drew McIntyre confront with security​ in a cage? Punk living in a hotel in preparation?More Judgement Day beating up Damien Priest with the numbers game. Dominik Mysterio and the shark cage the focus away from the women's world title rematch.Wyatt Sicks VHS makes no sense.Sami Zayn relitigating WrestleMania to get a world title shot. Gunther's Dad embarrassment convinces a title shotLast monster standing for those who stuck around for three hours. Ring implosion spot and Seth Rollins will start a feud with BBR.Miz is manipulated by Karrion Kross to turn heel.Wrestleview on X: A fantastic way for the three-hour #WWERaw era of the USA Network come to an end. This show was packed with great stuff: great matches and great build-up for Bad Blood. I'm psyched for Saturday, and next week's Raw looks totally stacked. WWE continues to be red hot.Absolutely phenomenal Last Monster Standing Match. It was pure chaos. The massive chokeslam through the table, Strowman diving onto everyone, Death Valley Driver off the crate, the ring imploding, Seth Rollins returning... absolutely beautiful insanity.NXT debuts on the CW and they needed a lot of help from the main roster to bolster it. WWE totally assumed that everyone watching on a new channel knows who all these stars are.Contact KOP for professional podcast production, imaging, and web design services at http://www.kingofpodcasts.com and click on Podcast Production Services. Subscribing to KOPs YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@kingofpodcastsFind all past episodes, plus where to subscribe to and how to follow KOP on social media at www.kingofpodcasts.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-is-real-wrestling-podcast--1559158/support.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • WWE Revenue Over Ratings Rollout a Red Flag for Their Future (ep.877)

    WWE Revenue Over Ratings Rollout a Red Flag for Their Future (ep.877)
    Sep 26 2024
    WWE's Double-Down: Prioritizing Loyal Fanbase Over Mainstream Appeal Under TKO Group. Get ready for 3 hours of Raw SmackDown and two-day of major pay-per-views.In a surprising turn of events, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), under the new ownership of TKO Group Holdings, appears to be doubling down on its core fanbase, potentially at the expense of broader mainstream acceptance.Since the merger finalized in September 2023, there's been a notable shift in WWE's programming. Storylines have become increasingly complex and reliant on insider knowledge, character arcs have become more convoluted, and the company seems to be leaning into the very elements that historically kept wrestling a niche form of entertainment.This strategy flies in the face of expectations set by the merger. Many anticipated that TKO Group, with its focus on mainstream sports like the UFC, would push WWE toward a broader audience. However, recent changes suggest the opposite. The company appears to be prioritizing its smaller, but highly vocal, fanbase, even if it means alienating potential new viewers.The reasons behind this decision remain unclear. Some speculate that TKO Group, after assessing the wrestling landscape, realized the strength of WWE's dedicated fanbase and decided to cater to them rather than chase a more elusive mainstream audience. Others suggest that this is a temporary strategy, a way to solidify WWE's core product before attempting a broader expansion.While some long-time fans are thrilled with the increased focus on their interests, there are concerns about the long-term sustainability of this approach. The wrestling industry has always struggled to break into the mainstream, and this inward focus could further cement its niche status.WWE's traditional pay-per-view model is already facing challenges in the age of streaming, and television ratings have been on the decline. By catering primarily to its existing fans, the company risks missing out on potential new revenue streams and growth opportunities.Only time will tell whether WWE's gamble will pay off. The company is betting that its loyal fanbase will continue to support them, even if it means sacrificing potential mainstream success. It's a risky strategy, but one that could prove successful if executed correctly. For now, WWE remains committed to its core audience, a decision that will undoubtedly shape the future of professional wrestling for years to come.Triple H's booking down to the level of the wrestlers and their lack of character or gimmick. It has a NXT Takeover ceiling....it will only draw a declining minority of diehard fans. Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns made comments. More taunting that Kevin Owens should turn heel on Cody. Something is not right in this storyline.Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley and a woman's world title rematch and it still has nothing to do with them. Dominik Mysterio and a shark cage tells you everything you need to know.Sami Zayn, do you think you would ever think he could be cross promoted to do anything like a Drew McIntyre or a CM Punk or Cody Rhodes?Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker are babyface playing heels. Wyatt Sicks overcome American Made and no after effects from either of them.Big Bronson Reed and Brawn Strowman booked into a last monster standing match, Sheamus and Pete Dunne and yet more never ending feuds."This Bronson Reed and Braun Strowman battle is genius booking. Been some of the best shit Triple H has given us on WWE Raw  all year."Jey Uso becoming IC Champion and his match with Bron Breakker had the making of a NXT Takeover main event. Joe Tessitore going all Mauro Ranallo. Wade Barrett going all Nigel McGuiness and the crowd getting stretched to a fever pitch to see Jey Uso get the pin. Timing again as the post match got 30 seconds right after he is announced as champion then the hard stop to USAs The Anonymous. End of the night and less than 1.5 million will watch with two Monday Night Football games to go up against. Bron with another short title run just to give Jey the belt at a very odd time. Here are the recent Nielsen ratings for WWE programming since 9/20, along with the shows that beat them head-to-head:* WWE Raw (Monday, September 23rd)* Viewers: 1.339 million* Key Demographic (18-49) rating: 0.43* Head-to-head competition: Two NFL games aired during Raw's timeslot, likely impacting its viewership. Specific information on the competing shows and their ratings wasn't readily available in my search results.* WWE NXT (Tuesday, September 24th)* Viewers: 620,000* Key Demographic (18-49) rating: 0.19* Shows that beat NXT:* WNBA Playoffs on ESPN (0.23 rating)* Gutfeld on Fox News (0.22 rating)* WWE SmackDown (Friday, September 20th)* Viewers: 1.494 million* Key Demographic (18-49) rating: Not readily available in my search results.* Head-to-head competition: Information on specific competing shows and their ratings wasn't available in my search results.Key Takeaways:* Raw's ratings were likely ...
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    59 mins
  • The WWE Fandom Foolish Fantasy and Their Precocious Pandering (ep.876)

    The WWE Fandom Foolish Fantasy and Their Precocious Pandering (ep.876)
    Sep 19 2024
    Oh, the WWE fandom's guzzling the Kool-Aid, blissfully unaware that their beloved universe is now a playground for cash-hungry wrestling podcasts, all united in the pipe dream of erasing Vince McMahon’s "indelible" legacy. Let’s just pretend Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns are the new “Super Powers”—as if we needed more forced nostalgia. Sheamus and Pete Dunne? Groundbreaking.

    Meanwhile, Judgment Day’s breakup teases us with all the drama of a bad soap opera, and CM Punk is out here rehashing Shawn Michaels' “Blaze of Glory” promo like it’s 1996. Jey Uso? Yeah, he’s paying “respect” to Bron Breakker’s “dog,” while conveniently forgetting his 14 years of championship wins. Oh, and we’re turning legends into jobbers. Natalya? Jobber. Braun Strowman? Jobber. New Day breakup? Because why not?

    Finn Balor? He’s not thrilled that Dominik left Rhea Ripley for Liv Morgan. Can you blame him? Big Bronson Reed tries to throw a guy at Braun Strowman, misses, and Braun no-sells it like a pro—classic WWE, right? Oh, and a golf cart got tipped over. This is what passes for feuds now. Don’t forget the 10 ambulances.

    Adam Pearce, clearly bored, decides that Sami Zayn should annoy Gunther next. Sami’s mission? Break up every faction in WWE—Bloodline, Alpha Academy, Imperium. That’s his thing now, apparently. Then there’s the 50/50 booking fiasco between Bianca Belair and Iyo Sky. It’s like WWE's allergic to making decisions.

    On the ratings front, FOX’s college football wiped the floor with RAW. Kansas State's boring win got 2.5 million viewers, while RAW limps in with 1.5 million. But hey, that's their golden number during football season, so no surprises there.

    CM Punk? He’s the new face of hot-shot booking NXT, no surprise Roxanne Perez can keep up with him. The latest trend? Slapping to start women’s title feuds. Original, right? Just ask Jaida Parker and Kehlani Jordan. And for those excited about Saturday Night’s Main Event returning in December, manage your expectations—it won’t live up to the delusional hype.

    The WWE Kool Aid that the fandom is drinking and the cash grabbers amongst my fellow wrestling podcast brethren are all in on the hopes of erasing Vince's legacy.

    Warner Bros. Discovery is “close to finalizing a package to renew" All Elite Wrestling and a formal announcement “could come as soon as next week, barring any last-minute challenges,” according to sources cited by John Ourand of PUCK. It “looks like it will be a four-year deal (three years guaranteed, plus an option)," and the $170M per year number “floating around wrestling message boards is apparently in the ballpark.” AEW matches will "air on TNT, TBS, and TruTV twice a week -- further evidencing” WBD CEO David Zaslav’s strategy of “making the latter two networks more valuable and sports-oriented in the cable bundle as the potency of TNT declines sans professional basketball rights.” This deal “marks a clear success for AEW,” which launched five years ago with a threshold WBD deal. AEW is also “pitching another package, primarily to broadcast channels,” but there is “no timetable for when AEW will start to push that deal" (PUCK, 9/16).

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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • WWE Bad Blood Being Built on Empty Hype and Exhausting Angles (ep.875)

    WWE Bad Blood Being Built on Empty Hype and Exhausting Angles (ep.875)
    Sep 12 2024
    * Wyatt Sicks ended American Made's run, now what? WWE has a habit of dropping storylines abruptly.
    * Judgment Day storyline continues with Rhea Ripley injured, adding to the group's long list of nonsensical plot points.
    * Jey Uso seems underutilized despite being part of the Intercontinental Title picture, proving yet again that WWE doesn't know how to handle tag team wrestlers going solo.
    * Bret Hart's appearance felt more like a way to trigger Sami Zayn's attack on Gunther, a predictable move considering WWE's love for cheap pops.
    * Pure Fusion Collective matches feel like filler content, another indication that WWE creative is struggling to produce compelling storylines.
    * Adam Pierce's informal address to the commentators is noticeable, perhaps another subtle dig at Vince McMahon's micromanagement tendencies.
    * Braun Strowman faces three smaller opponents, with Jey Uso's role unclear, further highlighting WWE's tendency to create confusing multi-person matches.
    * CM Punk's return and a World Tag Team Title match are the highlights for next week's Raw, let's just hope WWE doesn't ruin it with their usual brand of nonsensical booking.

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    48 mins
  • AEW All Out with BCC Betrayal, Plastic Bags, Needles, Splinters and Cinderblocks (ep.874)

    AEW All Out with BCC Betrayal, Plastic Bags, Needles, Splinters and Cinderblocks (ep.874)
    Sep 8 2024
    AEW All Out 2024 was a night filled with thrilling matches and championship clashes. The main event saw Bryan Danielson retain his AEW World Championship against Jack Perry in a hard-fought battle. Blackpool Combat Club comes apart as a Moxley-led mutiny grows.

    In other title matches, MJF successfully defended his ROH World Television Championship against Daniel Garcia, The Young Bucks kept their AEW World Tag Team Championship against the Blackpool Combat Club, and Will Ospreay remained AEW International Champion after defeating PAC.

    Mercedes Mone retained her AEW TBS Championship in a match against Hikaru Shida, where Kamille was banned from ringside. Kris Statlander also emerged victorious in a Chicago Street Fight against Willow Nightingale.

    In a four-way match for the AEW Continental Championship, Kazuchika Okada successfully defended his title against Mark Briscoe, Orange Cassidy, and Konosuke Takeshita.

    Swerve Strickland and Adam Page clashed in a brutal Unsanctioned Lights Out Steel Cage match, leaving both men battered and bruised and Adam Page scored a knockout.

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    16 mins
  • How WWE's Fumbled Booking Threaten to Tarnish New Broadcast Deals (ep.873)

    How WWE's Fumbled Booking Threaten to Tarnish New Broadcast Deals (ep.873)
    Sep 5 2024
    WWE's Current Strategy: Catering to the Arena, Not the Home Viewer. WWE seems to be prioritizing the in-person fan experience over expanding its television audience. The company's current storytelling and character development are geared towards generating excitement and reactions from those attending live events, often at the expense of creating engaging narratives for viewers at home.Evidence of this strategy:* No over-the-top storylines and characters: Current WWE storylines are often exaggerated and rely heavily on shock value and nostalgia, rather than nuanced character development and long-term storytelling. This approach can generate immediate reactions from a live audience, but can feel disjointed and confusing for viewers at home who may not be familiar with every reference or character.* Focus on in-arena moments: WWE's television broadcasts now often feature segments that are clearly designed for the live audience, such as extended crowd interactions, impromptu promos, and surprise appearances. While these moments can be thrilling for those in attendance, they can disrupt the flow of the show for viewers at home, making it difficult to follow the overarching narrative.* Lack of character depth: Many WWE characters currently lack depth and motivation, making it difficult for viewers to invest in their stories. The focus seems to be on creating larger-than-life personas that will elicit a strong reaction from the crowd, rather than developing well-rounded characters with relatable struggles and aspirations.Broadcast changes and their implications:* Netflix deal: While the recent deal with Netflix to air NXT could potentially introduce WWE to a new audience, the current focus on catering to the live audience may not translate well to a streaming platform where viewers are more likely to binge-watch and expect a more coherent storyline.* CW and USA Network: The move of SmackDown to the CW Network and the continuation of Raw on the USA Network presents an opportunity for WWE to reach a wider audience. However, the current approach to storytelling may alienate new viewers who are looking for more than just spectacle and shock value.Conclusion:WWE's current strategy seems to be focused on pleasing the existing fanbase and maximizing revenue from live events. While this approach may be successful in the short term, it risks alienating potential new viewers and hindering the company's long-term growth. If WWE wants to truly expand its audience and reach its full potential, it needs to find a way to balance the excitement of the live experience with the need for compelling storytelling and character development that will resonate with viewers at home.WWE's current narratives seem trapped in a cycle of never-ending feuds and missed opportunities. The storylines often feel predictable and stagnant, failing to create compelling drama or showcase the full potential of the talented roster.* Feuds That Refuse to Die: Several rivalries seem stuck in an endless loop, leaving fans feeling frustrated and bored. The Judgment Day and LWO saga continues to drag on, even incorporating Jey Uso without a clear direction. Similarly, the Wyatt Sicks and American Made feud with Alpha Academy as comic relief feels tired and predictable. CM Punk's pursuit of Gunther and Drew McIntyre remains unresolved, leaving fans questioning the purpose of the never-ending cycle of matches and promos.* Underutilized Talent: The roster is brimming with potential stars who are being sidelined or relegated to meaningless feuds. The Pure Fusion Collective feels directionless, despite their undeniable talent. Odyssey Jones, Kiana James, Teagan Nox, Lyra Valkyria, and Blair Davenport are all fading into obscurity, their initial promise overshadowed by a lack of substantial storylines.* Missed Opportunities: The Intercontinental Championship tournament lacks excitement and stakes, with Bron Breakker's absence further diminishing its importance. The women's division suffers from a lack of fresh feuds, as Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill continue their rivalry with the addition of Damage CTRL.Positives:* Joe Tessitore's Smooth Transition: Joe Tessitore's seamless integration into WWE's commentary team is a bright spot. His professional delivery and knowledge of the product bring a much-needed sense of polish to the broadcast.Overall, WWE's current creative direction leaves a lot to be desired. The focus on endless feuds and underutilized talent creates a sense of stagnation and predictability, leaving fans yearning for fresh stories and opportunities for new stars to shine.Contact KOP for professional podcast production, imaging, and web design services at http://www.kingofpodcasts.com and click on Podcast Production Services.Subscribing to KOPs YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@kingofpodcastsFind all past episodes, plus where to subscribe to and how to follow KOP on social media at www.kingofpodcasts.com/Become a supporter of this podcast...
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    54 mins
  • Snoozefest in Deutschland: WWE Phones in Bash in Berlin

    Snoozefest in Deutschland: WWE Phones in Bash in Berlin
    Sep 1 2024
    WWE Bash in Berlin was a predictable, uneventful affair that felt like a glorified house show. The five matches on the card lacked the spark and drama that fans expect from a major pay-per-view event. Storylines leading up to the event were largely ignored, making it difficult to invest in the outcomes. While there were a few decent moments, the overall experience was underwhelming, leaving fans with little to remember from WWE's first foray into Germany.
    * World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther defeated Randy Orton to retain the title. * WWE Undisputed Championship: Cody Rhodes defeated Kevin Owens to retain the title. * Strap Match: CM Punk defeated Drew McIntyre. * WWE Women's Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill defeated The Unholy Union (Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn) to win the titles. * Mixed Tag Team Match: Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley defeated Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan. *
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    15 mins
  • WWE Factions Falter, Feuds Fail to Flourish, Benefits on Trip to Berlin (ep.871)

    WWE Factions Falter, Feuds Fail to Flourish, Benefits on Trip to Berlin (ep.871)
    Aug 29 2024
    Waning Warlords of the WWE: The Bloodline, once a dominant force, now feels diluted and directionless. Meanwhile, Judgment Day and the LWO seem to be in a competition for who can have the shortest members.
    Intercontinental Intrigue, or Is It? A packed field of IC Title contenders promises... something, maybe. But with names like Miz and Kofi in the mix, it feels more like a nostalgia trip than a thrilling title chase.
    Wyatt's Whimper: Remember when we cared about the Wyatt 6? Yeah, me neither."Macho Man" McIntyre and the Punk Posse: CM Punk, the Taylor Swift for men, is after Drew McIntyre's shiny bracelet. This feud has "weird heat," which is wrestling code for "we don't really get it either."

    Promo Purgatory: Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton's promos are longer than a Lord of the Rings marathon, and about as focused.
    Big Men, Big Fatigue: Bronson Reed and Braun Strowman are both looking more winded than a pair of asthmatic elephants. Crushing a used car? Yawn.
    NXT Notes and Nostalgic Farewells
    Uncle Howdy, Unimpressive: Uncle Howdy wrestles like a regular guy, not some spooky supernatural entity. Disappointing.
    *Roxanne's Readiness: Busted Open is split on whether Roxanne Perez is ready for the main roster. The real question is, is the main roster ready for her?
    *Rosemary's NXT Arrival: Rosemary is crossing over to NXT. Hopefully, she brings some of that spooky energy that Uncle Howdy lacks.
    *Remembering a Legend: RIP to the legendary SID. He will be missed.
    *Ratings Reality Check: Get ready for RAW's ratings to plummet for football. It's inevitable when the product is this underwhelming.
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    57 mins