There’s a weird thing going on in the “internet wrestling community” (ugh). A lot of people seem to resent things like Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling’s already successful attempt to run Madison Square Garden.
I tried buying @ringofhonor x @njpwglobal tickets because I know my friends will inevitably ask way too close to April 6 at 10:00:01.
— Ian Riccaboni (@IanRiccaboni) August 10, 2018
I could not purchase them.
Did we just sell out the Garden in under a minute? Do those sell out times ever include the presale?#ITSHAPPENING
Attempts to dismiss the success, importance, or even validity of the event with claims of “riding WWE’s coattails” or even suggesting this is somehow a bad thing are frustratingly common.
Let’s be real about one thing: competition is great for wrestling as a whole, even WWE.
All In selling 10,000 tickets, ROH/NJPW selling far more with the apparent sellout of the MSG show, this all breeds a healthier environment for wrestling than the top-end stranglehold some seem to want for WWE.
When promotions are able to make more money, they are (in theory) able to pay workers more money. Which means WWE has to also pay workers more money to sign — or keep — them. That’s a good thing.
When WWE feels threatened by competition, they tend to up their game. That’s a good thing.
When alternatives feel they can push their promotion toward new goals and bigger things seem attainable. That’s a good thing.
The idea WWE will just swoop in, buy up all the talent and torpedo anyone building momentum doesn’t work as well when companies can afford to pay talent to stay.
So, yes, ROH and NJPW may be using a weekend where everyone is in town to do huge things at MSG. But we all need to see the good in success across the wrestling spectrum.
This is a GOOD THING.
- Impact Wrestling’s latest TV offering was last night. Check out our recap and review.
- Ronda Rousey got some advice from Vince McMahon ahead of her debut at WrestleMania.
- Maria suffered another injury, but she still has her eyes on returning at Evolution.
- Speaking of injuries, there was an unfortunate one during day two of the Mae Young Classic tapings. Full spoilers for the show here.
- Ciampa vs. Gargano in a last man standing match for the NXT Championship? Count me in.
- Colt Cabana is suing CM Punk and all friendships eventually die.
- And the best news of the day: Renee Young will be at the commentary table for all of next week’s Raw.
We made it through another week, y’all. Do a headstand!
This is what happens when you threaten to snatch your aunties weave..... ♂️ @FearHavok @PWRevolver #TheFNCatalinaWrestlingMixer #SickDude #TheRascalz #TooSickForThisWorld #PWRevolverTagTeamChampions #StrongHearts #strongstylebrandathlete #OutcastsAndUnderdogs pic.twitter.com/HvxyLsiY5M
— Zachary Wentz (@zachary_wentz) August 7, 2018