Wrestlenomics

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston dive into TKO’s third-quarter earnings, UFC’s big quarter, WWE’s live event decline, Mark Shapiro’s Q&A comments, and we play “True or False?”Video version: https://youtube.com/live/eEScAKMu_10Topics this week include:TKO President Mark Shapiro tries to balance safety and business in messaging to staff ahead of WWE & UFC events in Saudi ArabiaTKO Q3 earningsWWE & AEW live event market-to-market comparisonsWON Hall of Fame ballotsHow did TKO’s candidates fare on Election Day?State of Independent WrestlingMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomicsSubstack: https://wrestlenomics.substack.com/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @WrestlenomicsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlenomics.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston dive into the 2019 plane incident after Crown Jewel, WWE’s venue change in Saudi Arabia, and a court unredacted a WWE contract. VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ld1ULdPYE7sTopics this week include:Riyadh under “aerial hostile threat”Riyadh Season changes location of Crown JewelTKO holds employee meeting, comments on safety in Saudi ArabiaWWE Crown Jewel 2019 plane incident revisitedTKO Political Action CommitteeCourt rules WWE can’t redact line in Netflix contractNick Khan and Steve Koonin almost move Smackdown for WNBA FinalsJohn Cena and Cody Rhodes added to NXT head-to-headBob Arum says Saudi money is “drying up” Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomicsSubstack: https://wrestlenomics.substack.com/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @WrestlenomicsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlenomics.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston are back for another week to chat about a Maryland judge denying an attempt to have the ring boy lawsuit thrown out. Netflix has a tumultuous week of layoffs, its earnings report, and a new chief content officer. Plus, the U.S. Midterms allow NXT to revive the Wednesday Night War. Topics this week include:Judge denies WWE & McMahons’ attempt to throw out ring boy suitUpdate on conflict in Saudi Arabia: Dammam airport attackNetflix reports its Q3 earnings after firingsPeter Rice’s history with WWENXT to air against AEW Blood & Guts on Nov. 4 Legal updates:WWE merger lawsuit: WWE’s effort to keep Netflix information redacted deniedFlorida v. Barthel: MTD deniedRobertson petition: protection order extendedDispensa v. AEW: Motion to relocate case deniedAEW v. Triller: Trial date setAEW v. Queen of the RingAEW v. Nemeth: Request to replyMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomicsSubstack: https://wrestlenomics.substack.com/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @WrestlenomicsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlenomics.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover WWE’s Crown Jewel dilemma in Saudi Arabia, WrestleMania 42 ticket sales, and Max Caster's firing by TNA. Video version: https://www.youtube.com/live/dpxqVsy-zFgTopics this week include:WrestleMania 42 gatesWWE ticket price movementTNA fires Max Caster over Bound for Glory rapWrestleDream media call with Tony KhanAttacks in Saudi Arabia and status of Crown JewelComplaint filed against Montez Ford & WWEVince McMahon charges dismissed over 2025 car crashBela Bejaria out at Netflix Opposition to AEW’s Renewed Motion to SealMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomicsSubstack: https://wrestlenomics.substack.com/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @WrestlenomicsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlenomics.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover the closing of Paramount’s deal to acquire WBD and its long-term impact, preview this year’s Observer Hall of Fame candidates, and introduce the Wrestlenomics Engagement Index. Video version: https://www.youtube.com/live/OP2sSfAiVlcTopics this week include:Paramount’s acquisition of WBD is complete Missile attacks in Saudi Arabia Keanu Carver released by WWE, per report NXT and AEW Grand Slam France ratings Preview: Wrestlenomics Engagement Index WON Hall of Fame Ballot Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomicsSubstack: https://wrestlenomics.substack.com/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @WrestlenomicsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlenomics.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss the sudden passing of PAC, their reporting on the Order of Protection filed against an NXT talent, and a look at Christy Hemme’s recent paper. Video version: https://youtube.com/live/LrLoarqLfy8Topics this week include:The death of Benjamin SatterleyOrder of protection filed against NXT’s Keanu CarverHow WWE’s Worlds Collide performed on YouTube?Judge approves settlement in Paramount case Christy Hemme’s paper on occupational risks for pro wrestlersWWE and Bleacher Report enter content dealAri Emanuel will NEVER sell TKOMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomicsSubstack: https://wrestlenomics.substack.com/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @WrestlenomicsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlenomics.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss their interview with Janel Grant released earlier this week, Paramount settles antitrust suit, Tony Khan’s All Out Media Call, WWE inks deal with Rumble, and Ari Emanuel covers Vince McMahon’s exit in his memoir. VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m41GbevkA1ETopics this week include:Our interview with Janel Grant Paramount settlement is reached in antitrust suit AEW All Out media call with Tony KhanAri Emanuel recounts Vince McMahon’s exit from TKO in memoirWWE Main Event on RumbleWWE Raw’s Netflix numbers for 9/14 in Mexico CityESPN gets involved in WWE streaming suitThurston seeking records from LVCVA for WrestleMania 41Ryan Nemeth v. AEW update, language in AEW contractsMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomicsSubstack: https://wrestlenomics.substack.com/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @WrestlenomicsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlenomics.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Note: This contains references to suicidal ideation and to alleged sexual abuse, including of a minor, which may disturb some listeners. If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis, you can find confidential support services in your country through findahelpline.com.John Pollock and Brandon Thurston are joined by Janel Grant for an exclusive, wide-ranging interview about her life and her reaction to becoming a key figure at the center of the scandal around Vince McMahon in 2022 and beyond.She alleged in harrowing detail in her lawsuit that McMahon sexually abused her, which he denies. But what can hardly be disputed is that she abruptly went from having a private life to becoming a key figure in a high-stakes corporate scandal that made headlines worldwide. And it’s clear that’s a significant part of what occupies the former WWE employee today.Video version: https://youtu.be/Ya-8KM10TnoRead our written version of this interview: https://www.postwrestling.com/2026/09/22/in-her-own-words-an-exclusive-interview-with-janel-grant/Music courtesy: “Sunn Forest” by ELPHNTPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomicsSubstack: https://wrestlenomics.substack.com/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @WrestlenomicsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlenomics.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston welcome The Cubs Fan from Luchablog to speak about the biggest week of the year for AAA & CMLL following TripleMania 34, WWE’s recent shows, and this weekend’s Aniversario card.We also dive into the news of a travel warning in Saudi Arabia with WWE scheduled to host Crown Jewel in November, the broadcast situation involving Worlds Collide, Janel Grant speaks at a Connecticut event, and Ari Emanuel is about to release a book.Topics this week include:Travel advisory issued for Saudi Arabia, WWE Crown Jewel in NovemberAEW All Out is sold out What is going on with WWE Worlds Collide? Janel Grant receives Advocacy in Action Award, posts speech MLW gets new deal with Tubi, moves to Thursdays WWE Raw’s ranking for the Sept. 7 episode on Netflix WWE programming in Japan moving to Netflix on Oct. 1 AEW programming moving to Hulu Japan in November Ari Emanuel’s upcoming book releaseTRT, Peptides and PEDsMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomicsSubstack: https://wrestlenomics.substack.com/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @WrestlenomicsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlenomics.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston reflect on the life and career of Andy Williams, a.k.a. ‘The Butcher’, who tragically passed last weekend. VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/cvbLlvMK4TwThurston shares his memories of working with Williams and transitioning to pro wrestling after a successful musical career. From there, we welcome Damian Abraham from the band Fucked Up to discuss Williams’ legacy as a member of Everytime I Die and Atomic Rule.Topics this week include:The passing of Andy Williams, a.k.a. The Butcher Details on what happened at the venue from the police report Nick Khan’s interview on The Varsity with John Ourand Netflix’s Gabe Spitzer on The Sports Media podcast WWE Raw fails to rank in any regions on Netflix & moreVince McMahon subpoenaed in Endeavor take-private lawsuitMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomicsSubstack: https://wrestlenomics.substack.com/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @WrestlenomicsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlenomics.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy