Welcome one and all. The Verbal Brainbuster has been absent for a few weeks, with good reason might I add. At times there will be topics posted on a more frequent basis and will try to give notice if there's going to be a delay between editions. Ultimately, I love writing and wrestling, so this is something I'm always trying to make time to achieve.

The Current Climate

It is hard to proceed without addressing the rather large elephant in the room, that being morale across the industry. Beyond the scandals, interest in wrestling as a whole appears to be at a critical low. Now, I must specify, that Wednesday nights don't seem to be suffering too badly from this. Those ratings are holding between All Elite Wrestling and its competition, which is great to see.

I'm connected with a few publications and keep hearing about people calling it a day. This is all roles in pro-wrestling journalism from occasional writers to editors responsible for organising the content teams. Personally, I've never known anything like this. When the live events return, we're bound to see a resurgence, this is where all promotions need to aim for a home-run. 

As far as All Elite Wrestling goes, I am hoping that their direction which has drifted away from the ranking system is rectified. They've had to adapt to the changing circumstances, that fans can surely appreciate. On the other hand, they're deviating away from a number of factors that hooked eyes to their alternative product in the first instance. That has to stop.

The Omega Debate
A question struck my inbox over the past few weeks. In fact, it manifested into a productive and intriguing discussion. This isn't an original topical piece, but exploring all the angles was a blast to do. That's the comparison of Kenny Omega working in Japan to joining AEW. There have been vocal individuals, even those a part of the industry, who deem his current run as a disappointment.

Anyone who feels that way, well, has a right to. You can't feint that kind of emotion. The gentleman who contacted me, Martin, wanted to strike a conversation. Bearing in mind, this guy can provide a full synopsis of everything Omega has done overseas. I consider myself a dabbler, an avid one, but this man is a whole other level. Talking with fans, especially such as Martin, is a perk of the job. 

​ 

We're coming up to a month since debuting the Verbal Brainbuster right here on ZWrestletalk.com. It has been an interesting week in the pro-wrestling world, which feels awfully like the understatement of the decade. There are sex scandals flying left, right and centre. I've seen plenty fans jumping to a verdict in some cases but we must remember that the accused are innocent until proven guilty.

Spanish God

​Sammy Guevara has found himself in hot water over the emerging clip of him making inappropriate remarks about Sasha Banks. Immediately he's been suspended without pay, to receive sensitivity training and go through a revaluation whether the promotion want to continue employing him.

Sasha Banks has publicly addressed an apology, and Sammy Guevara has apologised multiple times. Like many topics these days, people are divided on AEW's approach on the matter. As a promotion, All Elite Wrestling's culture surrounds being ahead of the social curve. To acknowledge a scandal of this magnitude could only warrant a strong response from the get go.

We have seen time and time again where people in the limelight are haunted by a past decision through social media. For Sammy, this poor  decision of his occurred back in 2016, when he was around 22-years-old. Now he's understanding the oh so real impact it can have on a performers career. This is a valuable lesson he needs to learn to manage the rest of his career.

I do believe AEW will stand by Sammy, although, there is going to be a void on the show, especially when we see the Inner Circle this coming week.

Freshly Squeezed by the G.O.A.T

Orange Cassidy is 'over' with the audience. Has his gimmick reached its peak though?

At Fyter Fest this answer should be provided. You see, Chris Jericho is an ideal adversary to test the character's stock level. Cassidy isn't a typical wrestler, that's obvious. The point of his gimmick is witnessing an explosion of offense when a boiling point is reached. It is executed well.

Back at Revolution, competing against Pac, Cassidy blended intensity alongside humour in their match. An entertaining performance which resulted in Cassidy taking the loss. A decision that I felt was justified, as Pac needed a credible win to get his momentum back.

'Le Champion' Chris Jericho is legitimately the only one who can help elevate Orange Cassidy even further. But, here is a big but, something has to give here. Win, lose or draw: Cassidy is going to look like solid gold at Fyter Fest. Once it is all over, seeing his intensity die down over time will take the same toll on the push they're aiming to give him.

There are people that dislike Orange Cassidy, period. I look at him as a unique enigma, appreciate how fans rally behind him and I'm highly interested to see how he works together with Chris Jericho.

Fyter Fest Main Event

AEW World Champion Jon Moxley is going to miss the second straight Dynamite episode in a row. At this juncture, I'm fairly certain he's walking out of Fyter Fest with the strap on his shoulder. The dreaded COVID-19 pandemic is causing another complication to the promotions creativity processes.

It is certainly fortunate that this has come to light now and not closer to Fyter Fest, because the main event could of potentially been delayed. What you'd put in its place would be anyone's guess.

Brian Cage will be back in action tonight and needs to be fed a credible opponent. One this week and next would be even better. So far, the number one contender has climbed a ladder and pinned a jobber. That's it, besides throwing the champion into the back windscreen of a car. But record wise, that's all there is to him.

Tony Khan must view Moxley as the safest bet, because once in the clear, he'll be worrying more over the status change of Brian Cage. To be fair, I don't see any champions losing their championships on July 1st of 8th. I'd been shocked if any do. Less so for the TNT championship, I grant you.

After this is all said and done, AEW needs to put the focus back on their world title. The ranking system needs to be a huge factor in deciding the next contender. The title match at Fyter Fest comes across more thrown together than the majority of the card. It shouldn't be that way.


Here a question for you:

Why don’t you tell me what you think?
 
Or do you have a question in mind?!

You can contact me at [email protected], find my new Twitter profile @danielajbarker1, or track my Facebook page @danielajbarker. 
  
Until we meet again next week, take care.
 
 ​Follow @ZWrestleTalk on Twitter.   

Greetings on and all to another edition. You may have spotted in the past couple weeks I've sneakily transitioned from a Tuesday to a Wednesday. There's method in that madness to build a schedule, it allows me to speculate about topical points right before AEW Dynamite. Just to share with you, this week has been panic, so much so, I'm writing the Verbal Brainbuster as a breather. 

An enjoyable break in the week, I love writing and wrestling. Merge the two together, I am a happy bunny. 

Let's get down to brass tacks.

Cody as TNT Champion and the mystery opponent

I like Cody, he doesn't know who in the blue hell I am, though these days my appreciation for him is running a little thin. You can see a similar vibe pouring onto social media. As an executive vice president you're bound to face stigma over time. Only natural, to say the least. Place a person in control and responsibility, actions are easily criticised by the masses.

Many a spoken word has shed light on Cody being a "mark" for himself. His passion for the business one cannot fault. Out of the other wrestlers in an executive position, I'd imagine he formulates the better ideas. This doesn't discount the questionable decision making as of late. Whether this is directly him or not, All Elite Wrestling needs to re-evaluate focus on the show.

If we see another TNT title main event on Dynamite, I'm going to be further convinced that Cody's ego is proving to be an issue, creatively speaking. The ongoing emphasis surrounds this title and not the heavyweight championship. Yes, there is a drama developing between Moxley and Cage. But it isn't taking centre stage and being presented as the prime focus.

Not meaning to delve into the murky deeps of fantasy booking ideology, I focus the activity directly in the middle of the episode. A variable booking approach once in a while is healthy. What is currently going on isn't really doing the main event title scene any justice. Let's put this into perspective, the only main event spot the Moxley/Cage feud has been featured in, is Dark.

The Jericho and Tyson confrontation is responsible for one of those weeks. A huge publicity stunt is justifiable, as well as the first ever TNT title defence on the TNT network. Maybe I'm jumping the gun a little. A nagging feeling is telling me this won't shift any time soon, not with Cody holding the strap. You can tell he's desperate to build up a legacy and strive to live up to his father's name. Almost living vicariously in Dusty's memory, in a business that's significantly evolved since the golden era of wrestling.

We can draw inspiration from the past, yet our own paths are unique and should be perceived in such a manner. Trying to live a personal fantasy is fine in a contained scenario. This may be leading a step too far. Take into account in addition to this, that Cody continuously shot down the idea of a secondary championship added to the promotion.

Listening is one thing, making it all about you is another. I'd hoped Jungle Boy may have had a surprise victory. A transitional period where the former champion retained shortly thereafter. What we're seeing is someone holding an object of significant importance, laying down a clear path to building the prestige and centralising themselves around the methodology of doing it. 

I've seen an announcement that Arn Anderson has scouted a challenger for Cody tonight. A decent hook to attract interest. We'll see a decent match, the champion is a solid worker and brings out great results out of whoever he's in the ring with.

Who is this mystery opponent? Your guess is as good as mine. I'd hasten a suggestion they may be introducing the element where a wrestling outside the promotion has an opportunity. The conditions for a challenger not signed under contract is logically relevant to the teaser they've provided. 

I shall be keeping a close eye on this TNT championship situation as it progresses. Whatever transpires this evening will give a telling sign of what is yet to come. No doubt about that.


Le' Champion vs Orange Cassidy

The Best Friends are going over tonight, for the most part, their tag team title opportunity is to remain intact. If 'Le Sex Gods' win, feel free to heckle my intuition in the street. Despite the notion Chris Jericho would be an interesting addition to the tag division drama, now is not a good time. There's too much going on already and is gaining momentum.

Chris Jericho is going to work wonders with Orange Cassidy. On a personal level, he 'gets' the character. You're mixing arguably one of the greatest wrestlers of all time (a strong argument), to feud against a unique threat. A calculating heel fighting a lazy babyface. AEW did say we'd see something special out of Cassidy at Revolution during his match with Pac. I think we're about to see another impact made and may lead to 'Freshly Squeezed' pulling off a near upset. In a heated display of tenacity.

Not everyone likes Orange Cassidy. As stated in the above, he is unique and getting over. The connection with the audience should never be perceived as having made it. Or the pinnacle point of finalising an act and considered a success. The people are drawn to him and are susceptible to being lead along a journey of character development. Slowly executed to prime Cassidy to be considered a more serious competitor.

I didn't think much of the assault on Dynamite last week. Using oranges is the insult to injury choice for weapon. It wasn't actually an ambush. There's no logical way to expect such a brawl to occur there and then to prepare. I realise I'm looking to far into this. The problem is the booking has been a lot sharper, so these inconsistencies not only stand out but take away from what you're supposed to be immersed in.

Mike Tyson, the other element.

At Fyter Fest, the beginning of July, we may see Mike Tyson play a role into the Jericho and Cassidy outcome. The relationship established between All Elite Wrestling and the boxing legend is a great publicity tactic. So far, bringing a celebrity has panned out well.

The AEW Youtube channel saw a massive surge in viewership when the brawl broke out between Jericho and Tyson. A previous incident from the past, in a different promotion, gave more informed fans a reason to take an interest. It didn't alienate the audience. For a fresh pair of eyes could find something meaningful in that segment. Hell, the viewership speaks for itself.

I'm intrigued whether a match is going to occur. Whether Mike is going to wrestle Jericho, or Jericho to put on a pair of boxing gloves. It is a wrestling show, yet the latter is the more attractive option out the two. Not just so 'Le Champion' gets decked. Fans don't want to see inexperienced personalities inside the squared circle. The lack of knowledge and experience protrudes through the screen.

A boxing match is logical to promote Tyson's return to the sport. I don't think an AEW bout is going to discredit the legend in anyway. This partnership offers the promotion what it needs the most, an expansion, a flare to draw new eyes. The Wednesday night ratings are at a plateau, a little third party intervention is among the better ways to help break such a trend.

What do you think?
 
Why don’t you tell me what you think?
 
Or do you have a question in mind?!

You can contact me at [email protected], find my new Twitter profile @danielajbarker1, or track my Facebook page @danielajbarker. 
  
Until we meet again next week, take care.
 
 ​Follow @ZWrestleTalk on Twitter.   



 

We're here, it is the 3rd edition of the Verbal Brainbuster. This is Daniel A J Barker coming to you with this column exclusively on ZWrestletalk.com. I sincerely hope all of you are coping throughout these increasingly turbulent times and staying safe. There's a lot going through the media that operates 24/7 that is enough to drive anyone mad. Just remember, it's portrayed in such a way by design. Newspapers and sites need worriers to make a living.

Let's delve into a topic suggested to me by the owner of this website. Here I am going to go through a number of "WWE" talents which were released back in April and how they'd stand in joining the All Elite Wrestling ranks. By the impression made by circulating news across the web, Tony Khan appears to have his fingers on the pulse with regards to acknowledging limitations to the promotion as it presently stands.

If All Elite Wrestling were to offer half those wrestlers an opportunity, for instance, that would have an adverse effect on their entire system. They'd end up struggling creatively and television time-wise, the same way "WWE" does. Have you ever noticed the modern contradiction that pro-wrestling has access to exposure which grossly outweighs the impact to what was available during the previous era, and yet fewer stars are being produced?

Ok, such a statement may be a tad unfair, however, it could be linked with today's life. One of my favorite artists of all time, Prince, coined the quote: "Is anyone famous when everybody wants fame?". Our classification for celebrity status has evolved and has diluted the meaning.  Arguably the most significant wrestler in World Wrestling Entertainment in recent years was Brock Lesnar. The man with no gimmick.

Is Brock Lesnar billed as a celebrity? A Twitter personality? No, he's a wrestler that comes with no bells and whistles. I'm drifting off course here, it is still a fascinating happenstance. It feels like in 2020 we're desperate for vital pieces of past generations to revitalize the product in the current era.

Back to business, focus, Daniel, focus! When the releases were announced back "WWE"  Kurt Angle stood out as a person who'd never join All Elite Wrestling. Yes, he has been rehired again, but allow me to cut to the heart of the matter as to why he wouldn't. Accuse me of speculation here, but Kurt Angle's comments towards "AEW" come across as though they're accompanied by a lot of jealousy. 

I'm not bashing the 1996 Olympic gold medalist, he's one of my all-time favorites. I genuinely mean that. When he arrived at "TNA Wrestling" back in 2006, that man worked his backside off with a dream to be competitive against his former employer, Vince McMahon. Four years after departing from the promotion, all that fighting spirit has turned into complete dismissal. Back under the "WWE" umbrella he went, either given up hope a rival could grow through the wrestling scene and/or frustrated that his efforts did not break as much ground as one hoped.

EC3 is a likely candidate, it is well documented through social media that he's had interactions with 'Le Champion' Chris Jericho. I find it annoying when performers who possess raw talent are hardly utilized at all. For him to establish a stronger foothold in mainstream wrestling, All Elite Wrestling is 'the' platform to achieve that. You can accomplish great things by working with Ring of Honor and other independent promotions, however, EC3 has potential charismatically that warrants a camera and a size-able audience to take advantage of.

On a tag team notion, I'd love for Epico and Primo to join the division at "AEW". They've been one of those duos that you know will elevate to the next level without having a global juggernaut company overseeing their performances. Whenever creative tried to 'repackage' them, I wondered why. How else should you promote these two? Their in-ring work speaks for itself. You just need to pair them off with wrestlers of a similar size and style to build them up. That's all. But it never really went that way in the early going (especially) when it should have.

Bring them over to Dark & Dynamite, I believe you'll find them in their element, I truly do.

Rusev is a hell of a talent, where he'd fit in the current climate, not so sure. Unfortunately, we're inundated with dominant heels. It is now two consecutive months where one has ascended to number 1 contendership position for the world title. The problem is where would you place him at the moment? Perhaps you have an idea you'd like to share, there are methods at the bottom to get in touch. If there's a concept in mind that you feel could work, please get in touch.

Going over the list, there's a lot of solid performers. Many that will be best trying to get bookings through Ring of Honor, PWG, and tried to get over in Japan. World Wrestling Entertainment is the big leagues, though you can find yourself cast out once again. All Elite Wrestling needs to expand and needs to do so gradually. There's homegrown talent already growing a prescience and cannot afford to be too top-heavy. 

Amongst that list, one name does stand out. That person is none other than Zack Ryder. He is friends with Cody, so that possibility is a likely one. Around a decade ago, Zack took matters into his own hands and got himself 'over' using social media.  The people were firmly behind him, even CM Punk's pipebomb provided an opportunity to go out on "RAW" and connect with the "WWE Universe". It did not last long. Sure the company embarrassed social media, just not the person who made them aware of the power it possesses.

When you look at the current "AEW" locker-room, Zack Ryder could fit anywhere. He'd look natural on either show, fighting for the TNT title, and even earning an opportunity at the World title. He has charisma, an extremely likable persona. This is someone who can suffer setbacks and still appear bankable. Resilient is the word and that gives flexibility in how they use him. The man bounces back! 

There's no question to Ryder's quality of in-ring work. He'd integrate immensely well in that environment, perhaps the best to adapt out of all those released performers. If/when All Elite Wrestling brings him in, there are fans waiting to follow a new phase of Zack Ryder's pro-wrestling journey. His contributions inside and outside the squared circle would prove beneficial, not to a box office level, but enough to keep the profile of the company on the rise. 

What do you think?
 
Why don’t you tell me what you think?
 
Or do you have a question in mind?!

You can contact me at [email protected], find my new Twitter profile @danielajbarker1, or track my Facebook page @danielajbarker. 
  
Until we meet again next week, take care.
 
 ​Follow @ZWrestleTalk on Twitter. 
 

All Elite Wrestling is in a unique spot. They are about to be the first true competitor to WWE since 2001. Pro Wrestling hasn't been on TNT since 2001. Yet, why is the hype around All Elite Wrestling fading? 

AEW's talent have been vocal on numerous topics, and that doesn't always work out in their favor. The prime example is Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes saying that AEW would have a better TV deal in the UK than the WWE. Recently it was revealed that the AEW UK TV deal isn't better and in some fan's opinions is far worse than promised. AEW needs to stop talking. It will save them from ruining themselves. The promotion needs to get focused on how it is going to compete against WWE NXT on Wednesday nights or even just how good AEW shows are going to be. AEW needs to desperately change the narrative. Especially with their debut show just days away. 

NXT being on the same night as AEW was probably the worse case scenario for AEW. NXT being on WWE Network is one thing. NXT being on USA Network and live every week is a whole new ballgame. WWE took arguably its hottest product and put it up against AEW. 

AEW needs to focus on their roster, production, and how they are going to convince the executives at WarnerMedia to not pull the plug. Even though AEW hasn't had a first TV show yet we have to face the reality. Getting canceled by TNT should be a huge fear. That's another battle, AEW must face. 

I am rooting for AEW but it's hard to justify some of the behavior and trash talking. I get you want to be proud of your product but there is other ways of doing that. Especially, when AEW's roster is worse than WWE's overabundance of talent. That's just a fact. 

Both EVP's Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks made comments about NXT, their new competition. When in reality you can't tell me that AEW wouldn't of  loved to sign guys like KUSHIDA, Matt Riddle, Keith Lee, and Adam Cole. That is only listing four! There is so much talent in just NXT alone. AEW has talent but it would be best for them not to comment on talent they would probably love to have. 

Outside of strategizing for weekly television. AEW needs to figure out their pay-per-view model because there is no way the average wrestling fan will be paying $50 for every one of their PPV's. On top of attracting talent to AEW. Jon Moxley and Chris Jericho were huge gets. But did AEW damage their relationship with CM Punk? Someone who could've been a big draw. Did AEW not reach out to John Morrison? This is where AEW has me worried. I hope they prove me wrong and they figure out the PPV model and the roster but right now this start-up seems lost. Also, if the big "Lex Luger" surprise is Jack Swagger I will be thoroughly disappointed. 

For AEW Dynamite on TNT. I've seen a lot of people feel it's key for AEW to have a "Lex Luger shows up at WCW" moment. I agree even though in this day and age that is particularly hard to do. This brings me back to the CM Punk and John Morrison blurb. Who's even available in pro wrestling free agency that could make a real impact on their opening show? 

I've joked that AEW seems like a spiritual successor to WCW. It's on TNT. It is partly run by Cody Rhodes, son of Dusty Rhodes. The names involved were also in WCW. It just seems too fitting. 

Also maybe Tony Khan is spread too thin? Does AEW need an executive who isn't an active wrestler and someone who isn't Tony Khan helping them out? They probably do. 

The competition is exciting but if AEW isn't careful. The Wednesday Night Wars could wrap up quickly and we could be in for another long stretch without any meaningful competition to WWE. I hope this isn't the case but AEW needs to remain focused and keep their eyes on the prize. Hopefully, we see a more positive narrative from AEW this week as the first episode of AEW: Dynamite airs on TNT. 

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