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Do you think New Japan could make it in the US as a stand-alone product?
Good question. Certainly the quality of their wrestling is top notch, no doubt. But there are a few things that would work against them if you mean could they compete with WWE. One is the language barrier. To appeal to the American masses, being able to communicate is very important. Guys like Okada, Ibushi and Naito have a ton of charisma and could probably get over without saying much but for other talents it would be harder. The other big issue, aside from the fact that it’s really hard to get an audience for most entertainment products in 2020, is that the product is so in-ring based. I know it’s counterintuitive but the fact of the matter is that when wrestling appeals to the largest audiences it’s due to the characters and storylines at least as much as it is the action in the ring. The hardcore fans that like great work will watch, obviously, but the people that love the glitz and pageantry need characters and stories that interest them. New Japan is not WWE-like in that regard. Given that TV rights fees are the holy grail in 2020, that means you need viewers watching to get that deal. I am not sure New Japan could do that as currently constructed. Just look at AEW, they broke a million viewers their first three weeks and haven’t done it again since. It would be really tough.
I just finished watching Lucha Underground on Tubi. With the series over, what do you think Lucha Underground should best be remembered for? I think they should be credited with getting a lot of talents noticed and signed elsewhere.
I would agree with you on that.
What are the chances of John Cena making a return in the Royal Rumble and being the person to eliminate Brock Lesnar, setting up a match between the two at Wrestlemania?
Given that WWE loves bringing back stars from the past and giving them Title matches at WrestleMania, I would say at least 50/50. If Cena does that, they would book him for the Title at Mania for sure. The only reason I don’t have a higher number is Cena may be busy with his new career in Hollywood, which could preclude him from working Mania.
I saw Mike Bucci took a cheap shot at you on Mike Johnson’s Facebook page and then blocked you when you responded and put him in his place. Is he really like that? He can attack you, but when you respond he posts a bunch of nasty things and then blocks you from even seeing it? Does that mean we will never see another Symonology?
Yep. You saw it with your own eyes. He can dish it out but he doesn’t like to take it. I found it really comical that he blocked me and then attacked me when he knew I wouldn’t see it. It says it all about who he is. I am at least the second member of the staff here that he blocked because we called him on his BS. He does not like that, at all. However, if he wants to do a show with Mike though that is fine by me. He can be the child, I will be the grown up.
If the Street Profits do get the smoke, wouldn't they be in violation if the wellness policy?
If it’s for marijuana, yes and it would be an expensive one. This is from the WWE Wellness Policy:
FOR POSITIVE MARIJUANA DRUG TESTS
In the event of any positive test for marijuana, the WWE Talent shall be fined Two Thousand Five Hundred US Dollars ($2,500.00) per positive test, which shall be deducted from the WWE Talent’s downside guarantee.
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