The Verbal Brainbuster: WWE Releases to AEW

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 dbarker89@hotmail.co.uk, find my new Twitter profile @danielajbarker1, or track my Facebook page @danielajbarker. 
  
Until we meet again next week, take care.
 
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