Wrestlenomics
Wrestlenomics covers the business of pro wrestling, including finances, ratings, and industry trends. Pollock & Thurston is a weekly podcast hosted by John Pollock of POST Wrestling and Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics. They are often joined by relevant guests to discuss the latest news and analysis.
Episodes
Skydance | WON Hall of Fame Ballot | Engagement Index | Pollock & Thurston
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
PAC | Petition against Keanu Carver | Christy Hemme’s Study | Pollock & Thurston
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 appr
Our Interview with Janel Grant | Ari Emanuel’s Book | WWE on Rumble | Pollock & Thurston
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 Her Own Words: An Exclusive interview with Janel Grant | Pollock & Thurston
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 a
CMLL & AAA’s Big Week | Saudi Arabia Travel | Drug Testing | Pollock & Thurston
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 a
In Memory of Andy “The Butcher” Williams | Pollock & Thurston
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’ l
AEW All In London Data & Analysis | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston review the available data for AEW All In London, assess how it performed, and where it ranks among the company’s largest events.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/mOomyVJ3d_ETopics this week include:AEW All In London turnstile count, gate estimate, and other business notesKofi & Austin Creed address WWE pay cut offer How did NXT Heatwave perform? WWE vs.
AEW All In London | ESPN-WWE report | WWE Merger Settlement | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston look at the latest figures for AEW All In London, WWE merger lawsuit update, and ESPN’s denial of a report that it won’t renew WWE once its deal expires. VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/H3njxz5jjzsTopics this week include:WWE merger lawsuit updateAEW All In London this weekend How this weekend’s attendance compares to biggest non-WWE shows Will Ospreay aim
WrestleMania 42 Attendance | Missy Hyatt | All In hits 40,000 | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston chat about the WrestleMania 42 attendance, Missy Hyatt repeats an allegation about Vince McMahon, and All In hits 40k. Video version: https://www.youtube.com/live/PzjDjvcp-L4Topics this week include:Janel Grant describes a recent hospital stay Missy Hyatt repeats allegation against Vince McMahon on Dark Side WrestleMania 42 attendance from Las Vegas Stadium Author
WWE merger settlement figure | G1 Attendance | Avery Styles | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover the final settlement figure in the merger suit, WWE’s redacted filing, All In tickets, and etiquette for Indies. VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vn1w63oeBnoTopics this week include:Full merger settlement figure revealed for WWE & Vince McMahonWWE files Netflix contract… sort ofG1 Climax wraps up this weekend - how did it perform? AEW All I
TKO Q2 Earnings | SummerSlam | WWE merger settlement | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover TKO’s second-quarter earnings report, Mark Shapiro’s comments about SummerSlam, WWE’s portion of the merger settlement, and more.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/9-mWpJSieR8Topics this week include:Minor update in WWE merger settlementTKO’s second-quarter earnings reportWWE’s portion of merger lawsuit settlement WWE Royal Rumble in Arizona as part of
Ari Backs Paramount-WBD Merger | Grant Case Closed | SummerSlam | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston go through the latest headaches for Paramount and Ari Emanuel’s op-ed, Janel Grant’s case is officially closed, and WWE stages SummerSlam in Minneapolis.VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/live/aZyDSHwbxK8Topics this week include:Janel Grant’s case officially closed, moves to arbitrationWWE SummerSlam this weekend in Minneapolis YouTube TV to offer ESPN Unlimit
WWE Radio on SiriusXM | Netflix Viewership | ESPN cuts | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover Janel Grant’s move toward arbitration, WWE’s viewership on Netflix, and WWE Radio launching on SiriusXM.VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nClugYUhJ5sTopics this week include:Janel Grant, WWE & McMahon heading to arbitrationWWE viewership on Netflix over the first six months of 2026WWE adds ‘Mania 43 Watch Parties, live events for NYCAndreas
UFC Sets Record Gate Without A Leg To Stand On | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover TNA’s chaotic history and the Dark Side series, Thurston’s latest challenge, and WWE goes head-to-head with AEW in Chicago.Topics this week include:The Chaotic History of TNA WrestlingBrandon Thurston’s new challenges in the merger lawsuit WWE to run head-to-head in Chicago against AEW All Out AEW sues Queen of the Ring production companyWWE announces Surviv
AEW Contract Challenge, NJPW G1 Kickoff, Conor McGregor | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover Thurston’s challenge to unseal AEW contracts, Conor McGregor’s return at UFC 329, and NJPW's kickoff of the G1 Climax in the U.S. VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yrC5k0-exsTopics this week include:Judge rules AEW can file redacted version of contractsAEW announces All Out at the NOW ArenaG1 Climax begins this Saturday in IllinoisWWE &
Audio Released: Ari Emanuel Promised to Help Vince McMahon's Legal Issues | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston play the audio of voice messages from Vince McMahon and Ari Emanuel concerning the WWE transaction process and Stephanie McMahon’s role in the story. VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/NvzxZeXK1sgPlus: NXT’s viewership for the Great American Bash on CW, WWE counters AEW All In with an NXT & AAA doubleheader in August & more. Topics this week include:A
WWE, AEW, NXT & TNA Major Shows | Would Tony Khan Buy TNA? | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss four major shows coming up this weekend, WWE’s return to Saudi Arabia, and Tony Khan is asked about his interest in purchasing TNA.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/H3IM-02-BwoTopics this week include:Major weekend of shows from WWE, AEW, TNA & NXT WWE’s latest trip to Saudi Arabia: What do these shows mean now?Tony Khan’s Forbidden Door media ca
UFC Freedom 250 | TNA Shakeup | George Barrios | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss the UFC Freedom 250 event and all the coverage surrounding the show at the White House. VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7RG6q_qq0wPlus: TNA undergoes a major shakeup, Janel Grant posts about the WSJ reporting from 2022, John Pollock interviews former WWE co-president George Barrios, an update on the Liv Morgan stalker case & more. Topi
Janel Grant, Vince McMahon & WWE Move Toward Private Arbitration | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss the move by Janel Grant, Vince McMahon & WWE to move their case toward private arbitration and what it means.VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqttCcluHwwPlus: Grant comments on the anonymous emails to the WWE board in 2022, depositions by key WWE execs, and WSJ’s reporting. The WWE shareholder settles before the trial & all the latest
WWE Shareholders Head to Trial - Everything You Need to Know | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston present a primer and breakdown of the WWE shareholder lawsuit, which goes to trial next week in the Delaware Court of Chancery.VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYxSRY_da5wPlus: NXT’s Great American Bash goes head-to-head with Forbidden Door, Nick Khan speaks at a SBJ conference, George Barrios has released a book, and there will be no more UFC pay-pe
Vince McMahon & Nick Khan face sanctions in shareholder lawsuit | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston go through Judge Travis Laster’s 41-page opinion with sanctions levied against Vince McMahon & Nick Khan in the WWE shareholders’ lawsuit. VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yYO9ntJLCMPlus: Bushiroad sells its shares in New Japan Pro Wrestling, AEW Double or Nothing coverage, an update on Marcel Barthel’s legal case & more. Topics this week in
Rousey vs. Carano on Netflix | Ring boy suit | AEW-Paramount | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover the Rousey vs. Carano viewership stats, ring boys to remain anonymous in lawsuit, Tony Khan addresses WBD-Paramount stories, and Ludwig Kaiser is arrested for battery. VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/live/LbRYwfWlwHETopics this week include:Judge rules to continue “John Doe” anonymity for ring boys in WWE lawsuit, deciding against McMahonsTony Khan di
Triller v. Triller | WWE, McMahon defend Signal use | Wrestler unionization | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover two lawsuits involving Triller, WrestleMania 2028 update, wrestlers unionizing, and Jennifer Kay of Bloomberg Law joins us.VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/live/OHB3tB4qBrkJennifer Kay of Bloomberg Law will join us to speak about Wednesday’s Delaware Chancery Court hearing involving reps for WWE and Vince McMahon in the shareholder lawsuit regarding co
TKO Q1 Earnings | Ted Turner | WWE TV Contracts | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover TKO’s first quarter earnings report, Nick Khan extends his deal, the passing of Ted Turner, and more.Video version: https://youtube.com/live/jtQo-PfKbIAPlus: WWE’s Raw and SmackDown media rights contracts from 2019 - 2024 become public, more talent departures at WWE, contracts being “restructured”, Ted Turner’s legacy and role professional wrestling played,
The Vocal Minority Returns to WWE | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover WWE’s recent Town Hall meeting with exclusive audio, including reaction to WrestleMania, Paul Levesque’s new deal, Saudi Arabia, and online criticism.Plus: The latest round of WWE cuts, Janel Grant posts FBI letters, NXT’s PLEs move to CW, Carlos Silva addresses talent removal from shows, and more on the Berwyn Eagle Club drama. VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.
The Business of WrestleMania 42 | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover TKO’s takeover of Las Vegas for WrestleMania, and all the business notes stemming from the event. Plus: An ESPN reporter is denied WrestleMania credentials, Mark Shapiro’s testimony regarding Vince McMahon’s role in TKO, WWE moving forward with June show in Saudi Arabia, and understanding the percentage of revenues paid to WWE talent.VIDEO VERSION: https://y
WWE talent pay & WrestleMania ticket sales
This is Brandon Thurston's appearance with John Pollock & Wai Ting of POST Wrestling as part of their daily series ahead of WrestleMania.John, Brandon, and Wai discuss a new report on POST Wrestling by Brandon and Jason Ounpraseuth disclosing WWE talent pay. They also talk about how WrestleMania tickets are moving with only a few days left to go before the events.POST WrestlingSubscribe: h
TNA Talent Removed, Lawsuit Texts & WrestleMania 42 | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover TNA’s removal of talent from upcoming shows, the texts from the shareholder lawsuit, ‘Mania 42’s tax credit & more.Plus: Tony Khan promotes the Dynasty show with a media call and appears on The Coach & Bro podcast; Paul Levesque chats about the transition to head of creative; and the results of an AEW fan survey. VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.co
Texts from Paul Levesque, Nick Khan & Vince McMahon released | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston present a bonus show discussing Thurston’s reporting on new texts released as part of the ongoing shareholder lawsuit.Court filings have led to the release of internal texts involving Paul Levesque, Nick Khan, and Vince McMahon, with further insight into the friction between Levesque and McMahon and the merger process to form TKO in 2023. Full story:https://www.po
New Details in Janel Grant Case: Vince McMahon, Brock Lesnar & WWE | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston chat about an extensive filing in the Janel Grant case to oppose arbitration with details concerning Vince McMahon, Brock Lesnar & WWE.Plus: The latest ticket figures for WrestleMania 32, Wrestlenomics’ Reddit Sentiment Analysis for WWE & AEW, an incident at a Ruthless Pro Wrestling show, and Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling gets a TV deal in Canada. VIDEO VERSION
Muhammad Ali Revival Act | All In Tickets | Nielsen Gauge | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston chat about the first ticket estimate for All In London, NXT moves to YouTube, and more problems at Nielsen. Plus they discuss the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act passing through the House of Representatives, the next steps before the bill becomes law, recent adjustments to the bill, and the impact it will have on Zuffa Boxing and the sport. Topics this w
Tony Khan’s Bid For WWE in 2023 | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston chat about the revelation that Tony Khan placed a bid for the WWE during its sale process in 2023.They discuss the disclosure in unredacted filings that gives us additional insight into the bids for WWE three years ago, Tony Khan’s role, and more.Plus: WWE’s plans for a return to Saudi Arabia later this year are in jeopardy, WWE strikes a content partnership with
ESPN drops WWE letter grades | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss their reporting on ESPN's decision to remove letter grades from its WWE reviews and the relationship between the two. Plus, AEW launches a streaming/FAST service, NXT Stand & Deliver to stream on YouTube, and UFC releases its card for the White House. Topics this week include:ESPN dropped WWE letter grades from reviews after WWE pushback, according
WWE Plaintiffs Seek Sanctions Over Deleted Messages | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston go through the latest news on the WWE shareholder lawsuit and allegations of communications being deleted, plus Mark Shapiro speaks at the Morgan Stanley conference.Plus, Janel Grant speaks publicly again, and a judge orders that redactions be removed in the WWE shareholder lawsuit. Topics this week include:WWE plaintiffs seek sanctions over deleted Signal message
TKO’s Revenues Top $4.7 Billion | Wrestling TV Ratings Rebound | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston go through TKO’s year-end earnings report, new details on the UFC White House card, and big projections for 2026.Plus, Brandon Thurston examines the rebound in professional wrestling TV ratings following Nielsen's recent methodology adjustments. Topics this week include:TKO’s Q4 and Year-End Earnings Report Projections for 2026UFC to spend $60 million on White
Janel Grant speaks publicly about ongoing case | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston report on Janel Grant’s speech at the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence event on Thursday. Grant spoke about her personal experience since the initial reporting by the Wall Street Journal and her lawsuit filed against Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis & WWE in 2024, alleging sexual assault and sex trafficking.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.co
WrestleMania 41 draws $66 million gate in Las Vegas | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston look at the all-time gate record set at WrestleMania 41, drawing over $66 million over two nights, and the figures from John Cena’s retirement tour.Topics this week include:WrestleMania 41 gate exceeds $66 millionComparison of WrestleMania ticket prices over the years Pollstar figures for John Cena’s retirement tour, final draw sets a recordRonda Rousey to fight G
Prime Time Debut | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston move to prime time and discuss everything involving Brody King, Janel Grant to speak in public, the status of WM 42 ticket sales & more.Topics this week include:Anti-ICE chants and mainstream coverage for AEWBrody King misses Dynamite, WBD denies report regarding the reasonJanel Grant to speak in Hartford next weekRing boy’s response Vince & Linda McMahonA
WWE Royal Rumble | Ashley Massaro | Zuffa Boxing Contracts | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover the Royal Rumble, Ashley Massaro mentioned in the Epstein files, and a breakdown of Zuffa Boxing’s contracts.Topics this week include:Royal Rumble in RiyadhEvent still not available for YouTube TV or Comcast Xfinity subscribersBacklash announced for Tampa in MayAshley Massaro mentioned in Jeffrey Epstein filesVariety covers update by Nielsen before the Super
How did WWE get a stadium built in four weeks? | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss the rapid construction in Saudi Arabia of a stadium to house the Royal Rumble.Plus: Vince & Linda McMahon oppose John Does remaining anonymous in the ringboy suit, Triller’s finances & more.Topics this week include:John & Brandon discuss the process of having a stadium built in Saudi Arabia and questions regarding the labor utilized for WWE’s r
Response to Ring Boy Suit | Netflix Engagement Report | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss the defendants' responses to the ring boy lawsuit, Netflix’s engagement report, and TNA’s debut numbers on AMC. Topics this week include:Defendants file Answers in the ring boy lawsuitVince & Linda McMahon push to reveal identities Netflix engagement report for the second half of 2025Netflix’s earnings report TNA’s launch on AMCUFC kicks off on Pa
WWE Class Action Palooza | AEW Q4 | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss a class action lawsuit filed over WWE’s move to ESPN, AEW’s Q4 performance & Netflix’s WWE viewership stats. Topics this week include:Lawsuit filed against WWE over ESPN UnlimitedNetflix releases states for WWE programming in 2025AEW’s Q4 results from Brandon Thurston TNA’s launch on AMC this week Netflix Global Top 10 for the first week of 2026 Latest
Wrestle Kingdom 20 Success | WWE Holiday Tour | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover the success of Wrestle Kingdom 20, how WWE’s holiday tour performed, and Netflix strikes a deal for WWE’s library. Plus, POST Wrestling’s Karen Peterson speaks about the significance of Wrestle Kingdom, Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement, the debut of Aaron Wolf, the TV-Asahi broadcast, and Saya Kamitani’s breakout year. Topics this week include:Wrestle Kingdom
Endeavor’s Courtship of WWE | Biggest Stories of 2025 | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover the TKO merger process with new documents unsealed and correspondence among key executives revealed. Plus, a look back at the biggest news stories of 2025 and ones to watch in the coming year. VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/EZCOw8EBD1sMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http:
WWE Ring Boy Lawsuit Continues: Judge Says Case Will Proceed to Discovery | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover the latest developments in the WWE Ring Boy lawsuit, as a judge rules that most of the plaintiffs’ claims will proceed to discovery.They also discuss John Cena’s final match and the business impact it generated, along with Mick Foley publicly cutting ties with WWE over Donald Trump.Topics this week include:Warner Bros. Discovery’s board approving Netflix’s b
The Legacy of John Cena | Netflix vs Paramount | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston look at the career of John Cena as the longest tenured main eventer in WWE’s history and the fight between Netflix & Paramount.Topics this week include:The legacy of John Cena and his run on top in WWEThe showdown between Netflix and Paramount for control of WBDLawsuit over Cena’s theme song Cena’s latest comments on Vince McMahonMark Shapiro speaks at the UBS
TNA’s deal with AMC | The Politics Behind Tanahashi vs. Okada | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston welcome Trish Speirs to discuss her excellent feature on the booking of Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement match and TNA’s new media rights deal with AMC. Topics this week include:TNA inks multi-year deal with AMCThe booking of Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement matchWWE Raw falls outside the global top ten on NetflixMore on the WWE shareholder lawsuit and latest depositi
Big Data + Panel Wreaks Havoc on WWE & AEW | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston unpack the effect Big Data + Panel is having on the professional wrestling industry, and a blistering response from CW on the new methodology. Topics this week include:Big Data + Panel reporting by Brandon Thurston, including CW’s response Comparisons using the old and new methods for WWE & AEW Significant updates in the WWE shareholder lawsuit Vince McMahon’s
John Cena at MSG | Tony Khan speaks with Ariel Helwani | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston react to Tony Khan’s sit-down chat with Ariel Helwani, TKO’s big week at Madison Square Garden, a “Stunner” of a group chat, and the WON Hall of Fame class.Topics this week include:Tony Khan returns to the Ariel Helwani ShowTKO runs UFC 322 & John Cena’s Final Raw at MSGESPN and YouTube reach an agreementLatest in the ongoing shareholder lawsuit against WWETNA
WWE Teams with MLSE in Toronto | TKO Q3 Earnings & TNA Bound for Glory | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover WWE’s announcement with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, TKO’s Q3 earnings report, and how TNA Bound for Glory performed.Topics this week include:WWE and MLSE announce long-term partnershipTKO’s Q3 Earnings Results Mark Shapiro comments on Fox’s performance with UFCTNA Bound for Glory’s gate and tickets sold Janel Grant accuses Dr. Carlon Colker of acc
Hall of Fame Ballots Revealed | TKO Q3 Preview | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston share their Observer Hall of Fame ballots and debate who should be inducted this year. Plus: TKO prepares for its third-quarter earnings, analysis of AEW’s past quarter, Wrestle Kingdom 20 ticket update & a betting scandal rocks the UFC. Topics this week include:TKO to report Q3 earningsAEW’s past quarter performance Market-to-market comparisons for WWE &
WWE Ticket Prices Double | No-Compete Clauses | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss WWE’s enforcement of no-compete clauses involving Andrade and Samantha Irvin, and whether these clauses could withstand legal scrutiny.Combat sports regulatory lawyer Erik Magraken joins them to break down the legality of these contracts and the push by TKO to pass the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act. Topics this week include:WWE enforces a no-com
NXT vs. AEW Super Tuesday Results | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston look at last week’s “Super Tuesday” results, how TNA fared at Bound for Glory, and how best to assess a company’s success in this new era. Topics this week include:The changing metrics to assess pro wrestling companiesTNA reports 7,794 attendance for Bound for GloryAdvance for AEW WrestleDream in St. Louis Location for WWE Elimination ChamberRidge Holland released
AEW’s Public Funding & Attendance in Texas | SmackDown Viewership Plummets | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss the public funding and attendance figures from AEW All In Texas and react to SmackDown’s all-time low viewership.Thurston discusses his reporting on AEW All In Texas and the records he has received from the Government concerning the July 11 event at Globe Life Field. SmackDown falls to an all-time viewership figure under the new Big Data + Panel model, and
Nielsen’s Big Data Shake-Up: WWE & AEW Viewership Takes a Hit | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston chat with Douglas Pucci of Programming Insider about Nielsen’s new method of tracking viewership and the negative impact it has shown for professional wrestling programs. Pucci explains how the new method differs from the previous model, its impact on other genres of programming, and why pro wrestling has seen significant decreases. Then, Pollock & Thurston ch
AEW Dynamite Turns Six, Paramount inks Zuffa Boxing | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover AEW Dynamite’s sixth anniversary, Zuffa Boxing’s deal with Paramount, and Dana White appears on 60 Minutes.Plus, Josh Nason from the Wrestling Observer returns to the show. Topics this week include:AEW Dynamite’s sixth anniversary tonight WWE partners with DC Events for John Cena’s retirement matchZuffa Boxing signs deal with Paramount Dana White profiled on
WWE Wrestlepalooza vs. AEW All Out: Winners and Losers | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston break down the head-to-head showdown between WWE and AEW, with both companies running their biggest shows of the month.Topics this week include:WWE’s debut on the ESPN app with Wrestlepalooza and fan receptionAEW All Out streaming on HBO MaxTony Khan on streaming numbers and running afternoon eventsKey streaming & TV viewership data from the past weekWrestleMa
WWE Moves WrestleMania to Saudi Arabia | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover a massive week of news in wrestling, MMA, and sports media. The main story is WWE announcing that WrestleMania will be held in Saudi Arabia, with U.K. journalist Robert Jackman joining the show to break down the logistics and impact of the move.We also dive into:Independent promoters reacting to WWE’s Saudi Arabia strategyESPN’s media call ahead of Wrestlepa
AJ Lee Spikes Audience, Bryan Danielson on Counterprogramming | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston break down AJ Lee’s return to WWE and SmackDown surging to the #1 show on Friday, Bryan Danielson speaking on WWE’s counterprogramming strategy, and Bubba the Love Sponge’s response to the Nick Bollea lawsuit.Also covered on the show:John Cena’s upcoming retirement match in Washington, D.C.Paul Levesque addresses WWE’s contributions to Saudi ArabiaBubba the Love s
WWE Clash in Paris | AEW All Out Moves Start Time | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston break down WWE Clash in Paris, including the record-setting gate at La Défense Arena, WWE’s international business growth, and the company’s decision to run the venue on back-to-back nights.Plus, we cover the biggest stories across wrestling this week:AEW moves All Out to afternoon, PPVs available on HBO Max ROH Death Before Dishonor suffers technical issuesWWE an
AEW Forbidden Door, WWE ESPN Move | Pollock & Thurston
Neal Flanagan, filling in for John Pollock, and Brandon Thurston discuss AEW’s Forbidden Door event and press conference, WWE PLE starting on ESPN DTC streaming earlier than originally announced, plus recent legal developments.Also:WWE’s PLEs moving to ESPN DTC and reworked NBCU dealNotes from the Forbidden Door post-show press conferenceDr. Carlon Colker briefly discloses Janel Grant’s medical re
WWE’s Growing Dominance: Aggressive Tactics Against AEW | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss WWE’s increasingly aggressive strategies to compete with AEW, and whether these practices raise antitrust concerns. They break down what this means for AEW’s future and how the company can realistically respond.Also on the show:WWE’s September PLE possibly airing on ESPNTNA is open to a move to directly oppose AEWTriplemanía XXXIII from Mexico CityWrestleM
UFC’s $7.7B Paramount Deal | WWE PLE vs AEW All Out | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston break down the UFC’s historic $7.7 billion deal with Paramount, which will end the company’s pay-per-view business. We discuss what this means for UFC fans, the promotion’s future, and the broader combat sports industry.We also cover WWE running a Premium Live Event in Indianapolis set to go head-to-head with AEW All Out in September, plus:Judge grants Janel Grant
CNBC’s Alex Sherman breaks down ESPN-WWE PLE deal | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston present a bonus show as they welcome Alex Sherman of CNBC to break down the WWE deal with ESPN.On the show:The value of the deal for ESPN for its direct-to-consumer serviceCarriers that are offering the service to cable subscribers, and others that are not WWE splitting its rights across platforms and impact on the fanThe status of the UFC rights negotiations The
WWE PLEs Moving to ESPN, Brock Lesnar Returns | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston react to the news that ESPN has secured WWE’s premium live event package in the U.S. beginning in 2026.John & Brandon go over the details, what this means for the consumer, and specific factors to pay attention to. They also cover WWE’s controversial decision to bring back Brock Lesnar after the former champion was named in the lawsuit filed by Janel Grant.We
Hulk Hogan’s Death & Legacy | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston are joined by David Bixenspan (Between the Sheets) to discuss the life, death, and complex legacy of Terry Bollea a.k.a. Hulk Hogan. We cover the reaction to Hogan’s passing, his controversial lawsuit against Gawker, and how the media has handled the coverage of his death.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/04MQQD19PfUAlso on the show:Update on the WWE Ring Bo
Breaking Down WWE's Netflix Numbers | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston analyze WWE’s Netflix performance after six months, based on the latest Netflix engagement report.Special guest Lavie Margolin joins the show to break down TNA Slammiversary at UBS Arena, attendance insights, its U.S. TV distribution, and his upcoming book project.We also cover:San Diego’s budget plans for WWE Survivor Series 2025Real American Freestyle coming to
AEW vs. WWE: Who Won The Weekend? | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston wrap up AEW’s All In Texas weekend, which aired against WWE’s Great American Bash & Saturday Night’s Main Event.Who were the winners and the losers of the weekend? How successful was All In Texas? How did WWE fare with its strategy of presenting three cards in Atlanta?Plus, viewership for Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano on Netflix, legal updates across various
AEW All In Texas & WWE's Counter Strategy | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston preview the battle between AEW & WWE this weekend with three shows on Saturday.Trish Speirs joins us from The Trish and Sarah Wrestling Podcast to discuss the promotion of All In Texas, the attendance and gate figures, WWE’s opposition by placing two shows on the same day, and AEW’s overall direction after the first six months of the year. Plus, Carlos Silva s
CM Punk Apologizes for Saudi Arabia Comments | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover the past week involving CM Punk’s trip to Saudi Arabia, apology for past comments, and the backlash. We go into the comments made in the past, how Punk addressed them at the kickoff event, the reaction online, and Thurston’s opinion piece from earlier this week. Plus, Pollock & Thurston have exclusive details on the WWE Unreal series coming to Netflix, W
WWE Returns to Saudi Arabia | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss WWE’s return to Saudi Arabia amid political unrest in the Middle East, and speak with journalist Karim Zidan. Pollock & Thurston review the latest requests from Janel Grant for the discovery phase of her case. Stephanie McMahon sits down with WWE President Nick Khan.Additionally, Tony Khan discusses AEW’s cable audience, we examine AEW's popularity
How WWE Is Leveraging Politics: CM Punk, Saudi Arabia & Trump Ties | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston chat about the political identity of WWE and the promotion of CM Punk’s match in Saudi Arabia at Night of Champions.Plus, WWE & McMahons refile motions in the ring boy lawsuit, Janel Grant requests travel logs for Colker & McMahon, BKFC president details a past meeting with Vince McMahon, a lawsuit is filed against Jon Moxley & AEW, and Zuffa Boxing is
Can Paul Levesque Handle the Truth? | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston chat about R-Truth returning to WWE, the WBD split, WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, and Canelo vs. Crawford.First, we examine the six days between Ron Killings stating that his WWE contract wasn’t being renewed, the ensuing fan outrage, his return at Money in the Bank, and Paul Levesque’s non-answer at the post-show press conference.Plus, WBD splitting its companies
Can Vince McMahon Succeed Without WWE? Inside His New Company '14TH & I’ | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover this week’s major stories, including more information on Vince McMahon’s new company, 14TH & I. Then, they chat about SmackDown staying in its three-hour format and how important the program is for the USA Network, the recent contract expirations, and what leverage points the talent possess. Plus, two more antitrust lawsuits were filed against the UFC, a
Why is WrestleMania Leaving New Orleans? | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover the news that WrestleMania 42 is leaving New Orleans and is expected to land in Las Vegas.They chat about Thurston’s exclusive report, WWE’s handling of the announcement, how Las Vegas is expected to land ‘Mania for the second year in a row, and the ramifications of such a significant change.Major news broke on Wednesday that Janel Grant is dropping John Lau
AEW Timeline: 2019 - Present | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston dissect the history of AEW as it heads into Double or Nothing, six years after the promotion’s first event.John and Brandon discuss the company's highs and lows since its launch, the important moments in its history, the most impactful moves, and how it affected the professional wrestling industry.Plus: WWE presents SNME & Battleground this weekend, Pollst
TKO Profits From Fewer WWE House Shows | Pollock & Thurston
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 i
Analyzing 5 Million Reddit Comments | Pollock & Thurston
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 defamat
More Ring Boys Come Forward | Pollock & Thurston
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 c
WrestleMania 41, WWE Acquires AAA | Pollock & Thurston
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
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