The REAL Reason All Elite Wrestling Could Change The Wrestling World
Recent changes by WWE to NXT UK contracts triggered huge concern from fans for those worried for the scene, whilst secure beneficiary Pete Dunne's words became memes with a "British wrestling is safe" tweet. Will the United States independent scene be "safe" with Ring Of Honor hovering up any talents AEW don't get to first? Though the nature of All Elite's relationship with its talents remains frustratingly vague, the biggest current discussion revolves around Kenny Omega - a man owing much of his cultural significance to NJPW that was returned in kind by transcendent in-ring work on their grandest stages. He should reap whatever benefit he choses from the labour and the love, but fans can expect statistically less of 'The Best Bout Machine' if a shared agreement isn't an option he goes exclusive with his buddies
It's all still speculative of course - All Elite have been WWE-levels of vague when the devil's really in the details. This too, isn't change. Transparency would be change. Statements backed up by evidential facts rather than empty promise would be change. A proper press conference with details and hard data from Tony Khan about pay, pensions and health insurance would be change. The fact the group have brought on 'Wrestlenomics' Chris Harington as a numbers doyen is change, but Chris Jericho promising to change worlds and universes is literally what he's been saying for 20 years. Actions speak louder than words but the wrestlers were all content to use microphones instead of muscles to preach to the converted.
From a wrestling fan perspective, the best part of the rally was the standoff between Adam 'Hangman' Page and PAC. In the former NJPW breakout star and current Dragon Gate Open the Dream Gate Champion, All Elite have a bonafide dream match in their locker. They've got loads of them in truth, but again - this was a day where they decided to tell more than show.
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