Episode 341: AEW Grand Slam Reaction
Digest
This episode of 83 Weeks dives into the AEW Grand Slam event, analyzing the matches, crowd reactions, and the Young Bucks' heel turn. Goen Ray Thompson and Eric discuss the opening match between Nigel McGuinness and Bryan Danielson, highlighting the lack of backstory and the crowd's lukewarm response. They also analyze the Hook vs. Roderick Strong match, praising Hook's performance and the significance of his homecoming to the ECW territory. The episode then delves into the Young Bucks' heel turn, analyzing the lack of crowd response and suggesting ways to revitalize their characters. The discussion shifts to the future of AEW, with speculation about a potential new show on Monday night and the implications of AEW's television deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. The hosts also discuss NXT's upcoming move from USA to CW and assess its success on USA. The episode concludes with a discussion about the Vince McMahon documentary series on Netflix and its reception. The hosts share their personal opinions on the series and its impact on public perception of Vince McMahon. They also discuss the lawsuit against McMahon and the plaintiff's statement regarding the series. Throughout the episode, the hosts also discuss various sponsored segments, including Tacovas boots, Bluchu, eBay Motors, Lumen, and Manscaped.
Outlines
Introduction and AdFreeShows.com Update
Goen Ray Thompson introduces the episode of 83 Weeks, sharing updates about his personal life and the recent content on AdFreeShows.com, including a documentary series on Mr. McMahon.
AEW Grand Slam: Nigel McGuinness vs. Bryan Danielson
Goen Ray Thompson and Eric discuss the opening match of AEW Grand Slam, highlighting the lack of backstory and the crowd's lukewarm response. They analyze the match's technical aspects and the potential impact of Nigel McGuinness's return.
Tacovas Boot Sponsor Segment
A sponsored segment for Tacovas boots, emphasizing their quality, craftsmanship, and comfort.
Analyzing the Match Style and Nigel's Nerves
Goen Ray Thompson and Eric continue their analysis of the Nigel McGuinness vs. Bryan Danielson match, discussing the match style and the potential impact of Nigel's nerves on his performance.
Remembering Joey Carr
Goen Ray Thompson and Eric pay tribute to Joey Carr, a member of the AdFreeShows.com community, who recently passed away. They share their memories of Joey and express their condolences to his family.
Bluchu Sponsor Segment
A sponsored segment for Bluchu, a men's health product, emphasizing its effectiveness and convenience.
eBay Motors Sponsor Segment
A sponsored segment for eBay Motors, highlighting their wide selection of parts and their guaranteed fit program.
Talkville Podcast Mention
A brief mention of the Talkville podcast, highlighting its comedic content and upcoming season.
Analyzing the Crowd and Venue at AEW Grand Slam
Goen Ray Thompson and Eric discuss the crowd size and venue at AEW Grand Slam, comparing it to previous events at Arthur Ashe Stadium and analyzing the impact of the smaller crowd on the overall atmosphere.
Hook vs. Roderick Strong: A Homecoming for Hook
Goen Ray Thompson and Eric discuss the Hook vs. Roderick Strong match, highlighting Hook's impressive performance and the significance of his homecoming to the ECW territory.
Cage Match.net Ratings and AEW's Target Audience
Goen Ray Thompson and Eric discuss the ratings for the Hook vs. Roderick Strong match on Cage Match.net, highlighting the difference in opinion between hardcore AEW fans and the casual television audience.
Picture-in-Picture Advertising and its Effectiveness
Goen Ray Thompson and Eric discuss the use of picture-in-picture advertising during commercial breaks, analyzing its potential effectiveness and its impact on viewer engagement.
Lumen Sponsor Segment
A sponsored segment for Lumen, a handheld metabolic coach, emphasizing its benefits for weight management, energy levels, and overall health.
Metabolic Health and the Importance of Lumen
Goen Ray Thompson and Eric discuss the importance of metabolic health and the role of Lumen in providing personalized insights and guidance.
Analyzing the Match Styles and Crowd Response
Goen Ray Thompson and Eric continue their analysis of the AEW Grand Slam matches, comparing the styles of the Nigel McGuinness vs. Bryan Danielson match and the Hook vs. Roderick Strong match and discussing the crowd's response to each.
The Young Bucks' Heel Turn and the Lack of Crowd Response
Goen Ray Thompson and Eric discuss the Young Bucks' heel turn and the lack of crowd response they received at AEW Grand Slam, analyzing the potential reasons for this and suggesting ways to revitalize their characters.
The Young Bucks' Heel Turn and the Lack of Crowd Response (Continued)
Goen Ray Thompson and Eric continue their discussion about the Young Bucks' heel turn, analyzing the crowd's response to their match and the potential reasons for their lack of heat.
Picture-in-Picture Advertising and its Impact on Viewer Engagement (Continued)
Goen Ray Thompson and Eric continue their discussion about picture-in-picture advertising, analyzing its potential benefits for advertisers and its impact on viewer engagement.
Manscaped Sponsor Segment
A sponsored segment for Manscaped, a men's grooming company, highlighting their products and their commitment to providing a premium grooming experience.
AEW Grand Slam: A Variety of Match Styles
Goen Ray Thompson and Eric discuss the variety of match styles featured at AEW Grand Slam, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each and the overall impact on the show's entertainment value.
The Quiet Crowd at AEW Grand Slam
Goen Ray Thompson and Eric discuss the lack of crowd engagement at AEW Grand Slam, analyzing the potential reasons for this and suggesting ways to improve the overall atmosphere.
AEW Grand Slam: Night One Review
Eric Bischoff and his co-host discuss the AEW Grand Slam event, specifically focusing on the lack of story and character development in the matches. They critique the crowd's lack of engagement and the overuse of false finishes.
Wrestling Appreciation and Target Audience
Eric Bischoff argues that he enjoys wrestling matches when there's a compelling story behind them. He believes that the AEW audience is primarily interested in wrestling moves and doesn't necessarily care about the narrative.
MVP's AEW Debut and Intriguing Storyline
MVP makes his AEW debut, criticizing Prince Nana's management of Swerve Strickland. This sets the stage for a potential storyline involving MVP as a manager and the possibility of a Hurt Business faction in AEW.
Mariah May vs. Yuka Sakazaki: Lack of Connection
Eric Bischoff expresses disappointment with the lack of crowd engagement during Mariah May's title defense against Yuka Sakazaki. He attributes this to a lack of character development and story for Yuka, making it difficult for the audience to connect with her.
John Moxley vs. Darby Allen: A Brutal Main Event
The main event features a brutal match between John Moxley and Darby Allen. Eric Bischoff discusses Moxley's presentation as a hardened heel and Darby's willingness to take high-impact bumps.
Darby Allen and Jeff Hardy Comparisons
Eric Bischoff and his co-host discuss the similarities between Darby Allen and Jeff Hardy, particularly in terms of their characters, in-ring style, and penchant for taking dangerous bumps.
Pay-Per-View Approach: AEW vs. WWE
Eric Bischoff compares the pay-per-view approaches of AEW and WWE. He notes that the WWE card for Bad Blood feels more predictable, while the AEW card for WrestleDream is less clear-cut.
Summerslam 2024: Two-Night Stadium Show
The announcement of Summerslam 2024 being a two-night event at MetLife Stadium is discussed. Eric Bischoff believes this is a smart move by WWE, capitalizing on the success of previous stadium shows and the lucrative New York market.
Shane McMahon and AEW: A Potential Connection?
The Young Bucks post a selfie with Shane McMahon on Twitter, sparking speculation about a potential connection between Shane and AEW. Eric Bischoff believes that the photo is not a coincidence and suggests that Shane might be involved with AEW in some capacity.
UFC Lawsuit Settlement and Monopoly Concerns
The news of a $375 million settlement in a lawsuit against the UFC is discussed. Eric Bischoff believes that this settlement, along with the previous MLW lawsuit against WWE, highlights the concerns surrounding potential monopolies in the wrestling industry.
Bleacher Report Live Sunset and AEW Television Deal
The announcement of Bleacher Report Live sunsetting and AEW pay-per-views moving to Triller, YouTube, and pay-per-view.com is discussed. Eric Bischoff speculates about the implications of this move for the AEW television deal with Warner Brothers Discovery and the potential for a move to HBO Max.
AEW's Future on TBS and TNT
The discussion revolves around the future of AEW's television deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, specifically whether the deal is finalized and if AEW will continue on TBS and TNT. The hosts speculate on the possibility of a new show, \"Shockwave,\" and its potential impact on the existing AEW programming.
Speculating on AEW's Potential Monday Night Show
The hosts discuss the potential for AEW to launch a new show on Monday night, considering the absence of WWE's Raw on television due to its move to Netflix. They debate the pros and cons of this move, considering factors like audience overlap with the NFL and the potential impact on AEW's existing shows.
Hypothetical AEW Programming Decisions
The hosts engage in a hypothetical scenario where AEW loses Rampage and Collision. They discuss potential strategies for AEW, including rebranding an existing show or launching a new show on a different night. They weigh the pros and cons of different nights, considering factors like audience demographics and potential competition.
NXT's Transition to CW and its Success on USA
The hosts discuss NXT's upcoming move from USA to CW and assess its success on USA. They acknowledge NXT's consistent viewership and its role in developing young talent. They express uncertainty about CW's reach and potential impact on NXT's viewership.
William Regal's Twitter Statement on NXT
The hosts discuss William Regal's recent Twitter statement about his contributions to NXT and the wrestling world. They acknowledge Regal's impact on NXT's success and his role in developing new talent. They also discuss the controversy surrounding Regal's statement and his subsequent response to criticism.
Vince McMahon Documentary Series and its Reception
The hosts discuss the Vince McMahon documentary series on Netflix and its reception. They share their personal opinions on the series and its impact on public perception of Vince McMahon. They also discuss the lawsuit against McMahon and the plaintiff's statement regarding the series.
Speculation on the Plaintiff's Future Plans
The hosts speculate on the plaintiff's future plans, particularly the possibility of a book deal or other media opportunities. They express their skepticism about the media's portrayal of the situation and emphasize the importance of due process and evidence in court.
Hurricane Impact on Wrestling Events
The hosts discuss the impact of an impending hurricane on wrestling events, including the cancellation of TNA tapings and the disruption of travel plans. They emphasize the importance of safety and encourage listeners to stay informed and take precautions.
SaveWithConrad.com: Mortgage and Debt Consolidation
The hosts promote SaveWithConrad.com, a service that helps people save money on mortgages and consolidate debt. They highlight the benefits of working with Conrad Thompson, including his expertise, customer service, and commitment to helping people achieve the American dream.
Keywords
AEW Grand Slam
A major professional wrestling event hosted by All Elite Wrestling, featuring a variety of matches and storylines.
Young Bucks
A professional wrestling tag team consisting of Matt and Nick Jackson, known for their high-flying style and innovative moves.
Heel Turn
A shift in a professional wrestler's character from a fan favorite (babyface) to a villain (heel).
NXT
WWE's developmental brand, which has transitioned from USA to CW.
Vince McMahon
The former CEO of WWE, who is the subject of a Netflix documentary series.
Picture-in-Picture Advertising
A technique used in television advertising where a commercial is displayed in a smaller window on the screen while the main program continues to play.
Metabolic Health
The state of your body's ability to efficiently use and store energy.
AEW Television Deal
The agreement between All Elite Wrestling and Warner Bros. Discovery for the broadcast of AEW programming on TBS and TNT.
Shockwave
A potential new AEW show that has been rumored to be in development.
Q&A
What are some of the key takeaways from the AEW Grand Slam event, as discussed by Goen Ray Thompson and Eric?
The event featured a mix of match styles, with some receiving positive feedback while others were criticized for lacking backstory and crowd engagement. The Young Bucks' heel turn was also discussed, with concerns about their lack of heat and suggestions for revitalizing their characters.
How does Goen Ray Thompson feel about the use of picture-in-picture advertising during commercial breaks?
He believes it can be effective in keeping viewers engaged and preventing them from fast-forwarding through commercials, but acknowledges that it can also be distracting and irritating for some viewers.
What are some of the key differences between the hardcore AEW fans and the casual television audience, as discussed by Goen Ray Thompson and Eric?
Hardcore fans tend to appreciate more technical and old-school styles of wrestling, while casual viewers may prefer more spectacle and storylines. This difference in taste can lead to varying opinions on the quality of matches and the overall entertainment value of AEW events.
What are some of the challenges facing AEW in terms of maintaining crowd engagement and creating compelling storylines?
The company faces challenges in balancing the preferences of hardcore fans with the needs of a wider audience. They also need to find ways to create compelling storylines that resonate with viewers and generate excitement for their events.
What are some of the key factors that contribute to the success of a professional wrestling event, as discussed by Goen Ray Thompson and Eric?
Compelling storylines, engaging characters, a variety of match styles, and a passionate audience are all crucial elements for a successful professional wrestling event. The ability to create emotion and connect with viewers on a personal level is also essential.
What are Eric Bischoff's main criticisms of AEW's current programming?
Eric Bischoff criticizes AEW for lacking compelling storylines and character development, leading to a lack of audience engagement. He also expresses concern about the overuse of false finishes in matches.
How does Eric Bischoff view the AEW audience compared to the WWE audience?
Eric Bischoff believes that the AEW audience is primarily interested in wrestling moves and doesn't necessarily care about the narrative, unlike the WWE audience, which he believes is more invested in storylines and character development.
What are the potential implications of MVP's AEW debut and the possibility of a Hurt Business faction?
MVP's AEW debut could lead to a new storyline involving him as a manager and potentially the formation of a Hurt Business faction in AEW. This could bring a fresh dynamic to the company and attract a new audience.
What are Eric Bischoff's thoughts on the lack of crowd engagement during Mariah May's title defense against Yuka Sakazaki?
Eric Bischoff believes that the lack of crowd engagement is due to a lack of character development and story for Yuka, making it difficult for the audience to connect with her. He suggests that AEW needs to invest more time and effort in building up international talent.
Show Notes
On this episode of 83Weeks, Eric and Conrad sit down and watch AEW Grand Slam! Eric shares his thoughts on Bryan Danielson facing off against Nigel McGuinness, Hook retiring the FTW title, Jon Moxley's brutal battle against Darby Allin and what he believes is still missing from AEW's presentation. They guys also cover all the news and notes happening in the world of professional wrestling.
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