All Elite Wrestling had a panel at Wednesday’s Television Critics Association media event. AEW members who participated include Cody and Brandi Rhodes, Awesome Kong, Jungle Boy and Nyla Rose. Here are some highlights from the AEW panel:
Of course, the big news of the AEW on TNT show starting Wednesday, October 2nd. They acknowledged the show does not have an official title yet, but Turner executive Brett Weitz said we can expect the name to be revealed over the next week or two.
Cody Rhodes says AEW on TNT will be quite different from what wrestling fans have been exposed to on WWE television. “The thing we have to do is not focus on WWE. The thing we’re providing is very different. WWE coins themselves ‘sports entertainment.’ We coin ourselves ‘pro wrestling.’ I don’t think the shows will look or sound like one another.”
When asked if AEW on TNT will feature gratuitous violence like weapons and blood, Cody said the more intense physicality will be probably be reserved for pay-per-view events.
Cody says the wrestling industry has been run by corporate interests in recent years. AEW on TNT is run by wrestlers and is geared towards wrestling fans
Brandi Rhodes said AEW’s talent roster is diverse because they’re going for the best talent out there, not cookie cutter performers to fill specific roles. “We’re not just looking for a blonde that’s 5’4″. We’re looking for Kia Stevens (Awesome Kong).”
Brandi said because AEW is only doing one show per week, the wrestlers won’t be driving themselves from town to town or working while injured. The well-being of talent is very important to them.
Awesome Kong says she’s “very happy” with what she’s seen from AEW thus far and feels “heard.” She added that AEW is a collaborative effort with no egos .”We put the product and the fans first.”
Jungle boy said AEW is the first big promotion he’s worked for and he loves how everyone has been so open to input. Talent is encouraged to speak up and contribute. “I can’t ask for anything better.”
Cody Rhodes said the tag team tournament will be a big fixture of AEW’s early shows. However, he added that you need to listen to the audience, because you can’t predict their reactions. They have storyline arcs planned out, but Brandi said “everything is shiftable” and they’ll respond to what fans are asking for.
This recap was compiled from tweets by media members who were in attendance for the TCA ’19 AEW Panel. Thanks to Eric Goldman, Chuck Barney,Meghan O’Keefe and Diane Gordon.
