Wrestlenomics Radio

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss the latest developments in the wrestling industry, including TKO COO Mark Shapiro’s appearance at the JP Morgan conference following the company’s Q1 earnings report, highlighting cost-cutting and WWE’s live events strategy.Plus, the influence of Sabu, WWE confirms Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia on June 28, AEW moves 12,000 tickets for Forbidden Door in London, comments from CW’s president on NXT, a six-show residency for AEW in Chicago, and possibly implications for Grant v. WWE as a result of an appeals court ruling.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/F50V9CX750URELATED:TKO COO Mark Shapiro at JP Morgan media conference: https://www.patreon.com/posts/audio-tko-coo-at-128856610Judge denies doctor’s motion to dismiss Janel Grant’s petition: https://www.postwrestling.com/2025/05/12/judge-denies-motion-to-dismiss-in-janel-grants-petition-to-obtain-evidence-from-doctor/Will Grant v. WWE go to arbitration? https://wrestlenomics.com/articles/2025/will-grant-v-wwe-s

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover an extensive Wrestlenomics study, movement in the Janel Grant case & a TKO Q1 earnings preview.Brandon Thurston has conducted a big study into Reddit, focusing on fan opinions toward WWE over AEW over the past six years and when shifts occurred. Judge Sarah Russell has made a notable ruling in the Janel Grant case, while Dr. Carlon Colker filed a defamation suit against Ann Callis and her law firm over the past week.Plus, A WWE shareholder lawsuit update, a preview of this week’s TKO Q1 earnings, TKO’s first boxing event is announced, AEW will take up residency at the 2300 Arena, and more.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/ZGz9xWUSoPQRELATED:Plaintiffs in shareholder lawsuit ask court to order Vince McMahon to comply with discovery https://www.patreon.com/posts/plaintiffs-in-to-128122445 Reddit sentiment for WWE and AEW and how it correlates with attendance trends https://wrestlenomics.com/articles/2025/reddit-sentiment-for-wwe-and-aew-and-how-it-correlates-wit

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss the amended complaint and new allegations in the ongoing ring boy lawsuit. This past week, a 111-page amended complaint was filed, including three additional “John Does” added to the suit. We discuss the new allegations being levied, provide further information, discuss the plaintiffs’ argument in favor of the case moving forward in Maryland, and paint a culture within WWE. They will also discuss Jacob Whitehead's story on Turki Al-Sheik in the New York Times this week, MoffettNatahanson’s analysis on UFC & WWE PLE rights, Real American Freestyle Wrestling & the latest viewership figures.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/GwshG6P-JJ4RELATED:Three more ring boys join lawsuit against WWE & McMahons (POST Wrestling)Turki Al-Sheikh and the two sides of boxing’s new king (New York Times)UFC’s $900M Play (Puck)Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum:

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston go through the success of WrestleMania 41 as WWE promotes the biggest weekend in its history.They discuss WWE’s released business metrics, Netflix stats, the reception for the two-night event, Paul Levesque’s speech at the Hall of Fame, and many other topics from Las Vegas. The major news on Saturday included WWE announcing its acquisition of Lucha Libre AAA, and we are joined by The Cubs Fan from Luchablog to discuss the major ramifications this deal could represent, the details that are known, the many questions following this news, and how it will affect CMLL.Note: The interview we planned to do with co-CEO of Fillip, Bárbara González Briseño, was cancelled just before the scheduled time. We hope to reschedule.Plus: Dwayne Johnson on The Pat McAfee Show, WWE Unreal on Netflix, Orlando secures funding for bids, ROH moves dates & more.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/pvpMvUVYrl0RELATED:Data Report: WWE WrestleMania 41 Press Release: WrestleMania 41 Becomes Most Su

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss WrestleMania Week and more developments from WWE and AEW.Pollock and Thurston go through expected attendance and revenue, how Las Vegas landed the event, and a historical look at WWE’s business across closed circuit, PPV, WWE Network, and Peacock eras. Plus: Nick Khan on The Bill Simmons Podcast, Paul Levesque on how his booking philosophy is different from Vince McMahon, Levesque’s praise for Donald Trump, SBJ’s profile on WWE executive Chris Legentil, Ryan Nemeth lawsuit against AEW moves to private arbitration, Forbidden Door set for O2 in London, and more.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/921tZpUXRToRELATED:How Las Vegas won the bid for WrestleMania 41Paul Levesque on High Performance & Andrew Schulz PodcastsRyan Nemeth vs. AEW & CM Punk lawsuit updateForbidden Door set for O2 Arena in London on 8/24Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https:/

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss the latest filings in the ring boy lawsuit, and welcome Brandon Ross and Richard Deitsch.Richard Deitsch from The Athletic joins the show to speak about WWE’s transition to Netflix, the impact of the first WrestleMania on the platform, and the brand's popularity while transferring its leadership away from Vince McMahon.Brandon Ross of LightShed Partners discusses the economic impact on the media industry, specifically TKO, as it shops the UFC and WWE streaming rights.Plus: WWE, Vince, and Linda McMahon issue a motion to dismiss in the Ringboy lawsuit; what effect could the economy have on WWE and UFC; and more.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/dxefGWqDwE8RELATED:Vince McMahon & WWE respond to ring boy lawsuitLinda McMahon files motion in ring boy suit Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston go through the results of an AEW fan survey conducted by Jesse Collings and the state of its fanbase.Collings joins us to break down the results, how fan sentiment has changed over the past year, positive and negative responses, who is connecting, whether the company is growing its audience, and other insights.Plus: WWE launches on Netflix in India, Nick Khan speaks about a potential PLE in the country, Janel Grant’s team pushes to move its case into discovery, a report on Max’s AEW streaming figures, UFC-Meta partnership, AEW All In Texas Week, and WWE Raw & Collision viewership figures.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/R-uu-7kdLZ4RELATED:2025 AEW Fan Survey Results (Jesse Collings)Nick Khan says a PLE in India is the goalJanel Grant’s attorneys ask court to start discoveryReport: AEW streaming number on Max UFC announces multi-year partnership with Meta AEW Collision viewershipWWE Raw on Netflix - March 24 Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSu

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston are joined by Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful to discuss the TNA cuts and the lead-up to this year’s WrestleMania.They chat about the reaction internally to the TNA cuts including Gail Kim being let go and the state of TNA in the marketplace.Plus, the promotion of WrestleMania 41 as WWE prepares for its major week in Las Vegas.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/yr4Cz_qh8rYRELATED:Endeavor goes private, TKO remains public and unchangedREPORT: Gail Kim among names departing TNA WrestlingOrlando seeking $18 million grant to bid on WWE & UFC eventsAEW Collision “Slam Dunk” Saturday and Sunday, Mar 22 & 23 on TNT: 554,000 viewers; 0.20 P18-49 rating & 584,000; 0.22WWE Raw, Mar 17 on Netflix: 3,100,000 global viewsMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRMerch: https://store.postwrestling.comTw

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss estimates of WWE’s viewership on Netflix and compare it to cable.Estimates on how WWE’s U.S. viewership on Netflix compares to its performance on cable, recent comments by analysts on WWE’s performance on the streamer, and more.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/N6qCcapUdgYPlus:Omari Palmer (Odyssey Jones) files defamation suitIndependent wrestler passes away in New JerseyAEW & Tony Khan vs. Ryan Nemeth updateTNT Sports head addresses UFC rightsWho owns TKO following recent acquisitions?The Roast of WrestleMania with Tony HinchcliffeWWE ID tournament with independent groupsVince McMahon attends an NBA game Ratings & more  Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRMerch: https://store.postwrestling.comTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profi

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston are chatting about TKO’s official entry into boxing with last week’s announcements and what it means for the industry.John Nash from Hey Not The Face is our guest to discuss the impact TKO can have on the boxing industry, Dana White’s comments last week, the fate of the Ali Act, and the financial power from Saudi Arabia. Plus: AEW Revolution draws 11,000 in Los Angeles, WWE sells out Madison Square Garden, the latest Netflix viewership stats, and the latest filing in the Janel Grant case. VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/_f6wbyhdT2sMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRMerch: https://store.postwrestling.comTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/Patreon: https://patreon.com

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss issues among WWE staff with employee incentive programs cut. Pollock and Thurston discuss new details of a consolidated shareholder lawsuit against WWE. The lawsuit alleges that the company manipulated its sales process and that the investigation into Vince McMahon was a “sham.” SLAM Wrestling editor Greg Oliver joins the show to discuss the late Jamie Hemmings and the history of WWE in Toronto as the Elimination Chamber prepares to take place at Rogers Centre.Plus: Ryan Nemeth files a lawsuit against AEW, Tony Khan & Phil Brooks, a unified front among the defendants against Janel Grant’s amended complaint, The Rock returns on SmackDown, and WWE staff lose several incentive packages post-merger. VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/tFWselH3sNsRELATED:Ongoing WWE shareholder lawsuit alleged Board’s investigation was a “sham”Ryan Nemeth sues AEW, Tony Khan & CM PunkWWE employee benefits and raises limited Jamie Hemmings tribute page Music courtesy: “Panic Bea

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston recap Linda McMahon’s confirmation hearing to oversee the Department of Education.Reporter Aaron Rupar of Public Notice speaks with John and Brandon about last Thursday’s hearing, his outlet's coverage of the ring boy lawsuit, and how that subject was addressed at the hearing.Plus: How is Netflix assessing WWE's viewership data? What is the status of Vince McMahon’s investigation? AEW Double or Nothing is leaving Las Vegas, NBC covers the ring boy lawsuit and several WWE stockholder-related news items. VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/Af0pFTRHmbARELATED:Linda McMahon is much worse than you think (David Bixenspan)Linda McMahon faces Senate confirmation hearing (Brandon Thurston)WWE sex abuse suit raises concerns ahead of Linda McMahon’s hearingNetflix clarification of how Raw viewership is calculatedAEW Double or Nothing emanating from ArizonaMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://pos

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss the court ruling related to the Vince McMahon case and documents being withheld.They break down the 44-page opinion that came down this week and explain what it is about, the status of the SEC investigation, and the statement provided by one of McMahon’s lawyers to POST Wrestling.Plus: Linda McMahon’s confirmation hearing begins on Thursday, the latest involving Dr. Carlon Colker, Vince McMahon attends the Super Bowl, AEW goes to Australia, WWE & AEW releases, and when the exclusive negotiating window between UFC and ESPN expires. VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/QEe9W7s0E58RELATED:New details on Vince McMahon’s alleged efforts to conceal NDA payments revealed by appeals courtMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRMerch: https://store.postwrestling.comTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover the latest involving the Ring Boy lawsuit and the Janel Grant case.The Ring Boy lawsuit will continue after the Maryland Supreme Court’s ruling this week to uphold the Child Victims Act. Since the ruling, additional survivors have joined the lawsuit as plaintiffs. The amended complaint was filed by Janel Grant’s legal team last Friday with new details and names attached and we will go through all the key points outlined in the 101-page filing.Plus: Stephanie McMahon appears on The Pat McAfee Show, WWE Royal Rumble business notes, latest Netflix viewership charts, and WWE is launching EVOLVE on Tubi.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/TVHpSWOh2ZQRELATED:Janel Grant expands lawsuitAdditional plaintiffs join Ring Boy lawsuitMaryland Supreme Court upholds Child Victims ActWWE promotes the success of the Royal Rumble   WWE EVOLVE announced on Tubi Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwre

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston chat about a record-setting Royal Rumble, WWE’s performance on SNME, and a return to Paris.This week, they cover the Royal Rumble at Lucas Oil Stadium, which will set new attendance and gate records and cap off an incredible month in 2025.Plus: Viewership for Saturday Night’s Main Event on NBC and Peacock is confirmed, Clash in Paris is the latest on AEW Grand Slam Australia, and how are the three-hour SmackDowns performing?VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/bY8OUfE5CJkRELATED:Wrestlenomics Report: Amazon Prime Video, Updates on NetflixThe History of the Royal Rumble Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRMerch: https://store.postwrestling.comTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/po

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston are here to discuss the WWE and TNA multi-year partnership and what each side has to gain. Rich Fann from PWTorch.com will stop by to discuss the WWE and TNA alliance, the benefits and liabilities of this news, the potential value on both sides and lots more.Plus: Netflix holds its earning call and comments on WWE’s viewership, an update regarding DR. Carlon Colker, Nick Khan speaks in Las Vegas, AEW Grand Slam Australia & Dynasty, and whether WWE has a ‘Hulk Hogan Problem’ this weekend. VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/qCuZFt8GkacMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRMerch: https://store.postwrestling.comTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/Patreon: https://patreon.

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss all the latest filings in the Janel Grant case and Vince McMahon’s SEC settlement.Plus: Netflix releases its first set of viewership figures for WWE Raw, TKO & Saudi Arabia poised to launch a boxing promotion, SmackDown viewership trends in the three-hour format, and the UFC’s media rights are up in the air. They also chat about Thurston’s latest opinion piece in the Wrestlenomics Report RELATED:Netflix Global Viewership dataJanel Grant’s team requests additional timeVince McMahon’s team files oppositionTKO nearing potential launch of boxing league with Saudi ArabiaMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRMerch: https://store.postwrestling.comTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe: https://wrestlenomics.c

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston are back to discuss the SEC’s announcement that Vince McMahon will pay a fine and reimburse WWE over regulatory violations.On Friday, the SEC announced that the former WWE chairman will pay a fine and reimburse WWE for his failure to disclose two agreements signed in 2019 and 2022.Pollock & Thurston discuss the fallout from this news, Vince McMahon’s on-the-record statement, and what happens next. Plus, a breakdown of the viewership data for the WWE Raw premiere on Netflix.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/cRA8mcevu70RELATED:Vince McMahon fined $400,000 by SEC, ordered to reimburse WWE for $1.3 millionSEC announcement Netflix announces WWE Raw premiere averaged 2.6 million householdsMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRMerch: https://store.postwrestling.comTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/You

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston react to WWE's launch on Netflix and the fallout from the show at the Intuit Dome.They chat about the presentation on Netflix, the reaction to the show, and the coverage it received.Plus: An update on all the latest news involving the Janel Grant case, SmackDown to move back to two hours, WWE’s involvement with Hulk Hogan’s Real American Beer and the audience rejecting of Hogan, John Cena’s schedule for 2025, Royal Rumble 2026 going to Saudi Arabia, the start of the AEW on Max era, and Dana White joins the Meta board of directors.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/hvSz10jxkn0Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRMerch: https://store.postwrestling.comTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe: https://wrestle

The full written version of the new weekly newsletter: https://wrestlenomics.com/newsletter/2024/wrestlenomics-report-3-hour-smackdown-all-in-texas-lee-fitting-aew-international-rights-netflix/Housekeeping: What is this?Smackdown moves to 3 hours in JanuaryEarly All In Texas estimate of tickets distributedNetflix NFL games average about 24 million viewers, no major issuesAEW international rights: ITV renews UK, Sky in Italy expires, new Canada dealWWE moves to Netflix in India in AprilWWE, Vince McMahon, and John Laurinaitis re-file motions to compel arbitration, as expectedOpinion: What Lee Fitting’s hiring says about the new WWE and Nick KhanMusic: "Two of Us" by SaidbysedClips from Nick Khan's January 2023 interview with Bill Simmons: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nba-no-mans-land-bradys-bleak-future-and-a-sit-down/id1043699613?i=1000595139416Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio2532/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy &