WWE has recently been giving certain Superstars more creative freedom when it comes to promos, allowing them to work off bullet points rather than having to memorize scripts. Turns out that All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has no interest in scripts at all.
During an episode of the Mature Audiences Mayhem podcast, Chris Jericho explained why the promotion won’t be using scripted promos for any of its shows.
“I think people are excited because it’s something different. I know this – there’s no scripted promos,” Jericho claimed.
He continued, “There are no writers because that is what wrestling is. That is where it came from! ‘Austin 3:16’ was written by Steve Austin, ‘Y2J’ was written by Chris Jericho, ‘Never Ever Again’ was written by Chris Jericho. All that stuff came from my head because I am the one who has to deliver it.”
Jericho addressed WWE’s attitude towards scripted promos, highlighting that “you have to say it because it’s what Vince McMahon wants.”
“I watch WWE – and listen, I love WWE. I worked there for 19 years. But you can see when people are saying s–t that they don’t buy, and you have to say it because it’s what Vince McMahon wants. And if you don’t say what he wants, you are going to hear about it. And if you don’t do it the next time, you probably won’t get promos anymore.”
Chris Jericho will is scheduled to defend his AEW Championship against Cody at AEW Full Gear in November. AEW’s television debut on TNT airs on October 2nd.
H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.