Tossing Salt Presents:
Wrestling Fact or Fiction
AEW, LA Knight, Copeland vs Punk & More
October 15, 2023
DougMaynard.com

It’s time to take a step back and do something I haven’t done in a while, Wrestling Fact or Fiction. The statements are courtesy of Mr. Jake Chambers and 411mania.com. And the opinions expressed afterward, that’s all me. So let’s take a look at some wrestling-related topics and I’ll tell you if I agree or not, or as we call it, Fact or Fiction. Let’s do this.

Statement #1: Having Adam Copeland in AEW is better than having CM Punk.

FICTION: From the very beginning, Punk drew in fans, media, and attention. Copeland, while a legend and Hall of Fame wrestler in his own right, has yet to spike the ratings in any way, shape, or form. In terms of money and numbers, it isn’t even close between the two men. Maybe Punk ruffled a few feathers backstage with a certain clique of entitled children, but he had good promos, and good matches, and tried to help improve the product. I’m sure that Edge will be a positive Pete backstage, but I can’t picture him having great programs with the likes of MJF, Ricky Starks, etc. Punk was controversial, but the pros outweighed the cons by a large degree.

Statement #2: After 3 PPVs in less than 2 months, AEW ALL IN was actually the least memorable despite having one of the biggest live audiences in history.

FACT: The only thing memorable about the Wembley Stadium show was the backstage fight between CM Punk and Jack Perry, and Tony Khan “fearing for my life”. But does anyone remember any of the matches? Anything? AEW overloads the PPV events with so many matches that they all run together with ten-plus matches of the same style, lots of flips and tables, and absolute chaos. Nothing stands out as special or different. One day, AEW might realize that less is more sometimes. Well, someone needs to tell them.

Statement #3: There are too many title matches in AEW.

FACT: The reason for this is that there are too many titles. AEW has AEW titles, ROH titles, championships from Triple AAA and New Japan, and even a belt from ECW. Too many belts and too many championship titles devalue the important titles and the wrestlers that hold those title belts. Every AEW show has at least three title matches as part of the event, but does anyone believe it makes the show better or draws more fans? A title match makes no difference from any other match when everyone has a title already. Oy vey!

Statement #4: The best wrestling storyline of the year is the MJF and Adam Cole feud/friendship.

FICTION: It started well, but has fallen apart so badly since. And in a business that features the upcoming Edge & Christian drama, The Bloodline, The Judgement Day, Christian and the bad-father gimmick, almost anything else at NXT or Impact Wrestling, or hell, even the Tyrus-retirement angle. It started well, but the comedy skits, the injury to Adam Cole, and the rest of it have dragged the story from the Penthouse to the Outhouse. Best storyline? Not even close.

Statement #5: You understand and enjoy Toni Storm’s new gimmick.

FACT: I understand this gimmick and I feel it can be used to get Storm over as a character, a unique being on the roster, and not just another pretty face. It’s unique and stands out quite well. The only worry I have is that it’s over the heads of the average AEW fan and beyond their comprehension, but I like the Timeless Toni character and think it will do well and elevate Storm to the next level.

Statement #6: AEW is no longer “cool”.

FACT: AEW started well with a great buzz and so much excitement, promising a new alternative to the WWE, with fresh stars, great matches, and an energy that couldn’t be found anywhere else. And now? It’s a sanctuary for older WWE rejects, green-as-grass rookies who don’t belong on television, and no stories, no structure, and fading fast in every way that matters. It went from being different and interesting to a standard wrestling show that makes little sense, throws out matches with little or no build or context, and has limited appeal to mainstream, casual fans. Many words can be used to describe what AEW has become. Cool is not one of them.

Statement #7: “Main Event” is a patronizing nickname for Jey Uso since he has not been in many significant main event singles matches and has rarely won any.

FICTION: It sounds good and indicates the potential that Jey Uso holds for the WWE and his future career. While it’s true that Jey hasn’t been in many main event matches, he’s always stepped up when needed and delivered every single time. It’s a nickname that sounds good in the introductions and gives the WWE something to put on the t-shirts. I have no problem with it.

Statement #8: LA Knight can maintain his current popularity without ever being in an excellent wrestling match.

FICTION: A great character and promo only goes so far before the fans find another bright shiny object and start to lose interest. Right now, LA Knight is the hottest talent in the company (YEAH!), but unless he can back up the words with actions, it won’t last long. I think Knight has a great future ahead of him, but he’ll have to talk the talk and walk the walk to keep it on track. Only doing half the job does not a top guy make.

And there you go. My thanks again to Jake Chambers and 411mania.com for the statements and format. You guys are awesome. And with that, let’s wrap things up. Take care and be well, my friends. Comments, thoughts, and any questions are welcome and appreciated. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe. And I’m out of here. Watch out for foreign objects and I’ll see you at the matches.

Ubuntu!