10 Reasons Why The AEW Backlash Is Irrational

9. None Of Them Are WWE Rejects, Quite Literally

FTR Dynamite
AEW

Putting aside the absolutely sh*t-brained notion that wrestlers are property owned by WWE or the promotion in which they found fame - Christ, if only that were true, because then the AWA's Hulk Hogan's WWF run would be invalid, and your brains wouldn't be sufficiently washed to unleash that take - it is, in literally every case, objectively and provably untrue. Unless AEW picks up talent released on Black Wednesday - which they are allowed to do - none of the former WWE talents were fired i.e. "rejected" by WWE.

It's not just Chris Jericho. Let's start at the top.

Cody asked for his release. WWE begged Jon Moxley to stay, offered him a sh*tload of money to renew his contract, and were even nice to him on the way out (!) just in case he changed his mind. Jake Hager requested his release in 2017. WWE even released a statement referencing the fact that he had asked. Mr. Brodie Lee requested his release. FTR requested their release in their gear, and did so again several times. Dustin Rhodes asked for his release. WWE offered Matt Hardy improved terms.

Even Shawn Spears, who as a lower card presence is most likely to receive this accusation, rejected WWE. WWE didn't reject these performers; they all rejected WWE.

What you are doing here is inventing a set of imaginary circumstances to suit your own deranged narrative.

Because you are insane.

 
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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!