Wrestlenomics

TKO Q3 Earnings | Shapiro Q&A | WON HOF Ballots | Pollock & Thurston Nov 6, 2026 1:09:33 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 earnin

WWE Crown Jewel 2019 Revisited | Location change in Saudi | Pollock & Thurston Oct 30, 2026 1:28:35 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 Je

Ring boy lawsuit continues | Netflix upheaval | NXT vs. Blood & Guts | Pollock & Thurston Oct 23, 2026 1:19:59 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

WWE’s Saudi Arabia Dilemma | WrestleMania 42 Ticket Sales | Pollock & Thurston Oct 16, 2026 1:10:56 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 Crow

Skydance | WON Hall of Fame Ballot | Engagement Index | Pollock & Thurston Oct 9, 2026 1:33:06 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 Oct 2, 2026 1:23:46 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 Sep 25, 2026 1:37:32 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 Sep 23, 2026 1:15:41 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 Sep 18, 2026 1:22:13 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 Sep 11, 2026 1:20:31 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 Sep 4, 2026 1:08:50 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 Aug 26, 2026 1:12:13 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 Aug 21, 2026 1:19:26 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 Aug 14, 2026 57:06 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 Aug 7, 2026 1:19:03 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 Jul 31, 2026 1:20:37 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 Jul 24, 2026 1:20:09 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 Jul 17, 2026 1:32:04 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 Jul 10, 2026 1:00:32 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 Jul 3, 2026 1:17:47 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 Jun 26, 2026 1:26:37 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 Jun 19, 2026 1:25:32 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 Jun 12, 2026 1:14:50 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 Jun 5, 2026 1:34:59 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 May 29, 2026 1:32:42 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 May 22, 2026 1:19:38 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 May 15, 2026 1:43:24 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 May 8, 2026 1:18:03 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 Apr 30, 2026 1:09:38 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 Apr 24, 2026 1:24:09 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 Apr 16, 2026 24:55 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 Apr 10, 2026 1:22:11 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 Apr 7, 2026 38:35 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 Apr 3, 2026 1:22:30 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 Mar 27, 2026 1:09:47 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 Mar 20, 2026 1:09:49 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 Mar 13, 2026 1:13:23 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 Mar 6, 2026 1:13:31 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 Feb 27, 2026 1:11:05 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 Feb 20, 2026 16:34 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 Feb 20, 2026 1:12:23 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 Feb 13, 2026 1:10:17 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 Feb 4, 2026 1:17:05 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 Jan 28, 2026 1:14:57 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 Jan 21, 2026 1:18:03 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 Jan 14, 2026 1:05:32 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 Jan 7, 2026 1:05:51 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 Dec 31, 2025 1:34:44 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 Dec 17, 2025 1:20:45 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 Dec 10, 2025 1:44:26 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 Dec 3, 2025 1:08:43 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 Nov 26, 2025 1:18:19 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 Nov 19, 2025 1:15:01 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 Nov 12, 2025 1:14:09 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 Nov 5, 2025 1:22:15 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 Oct 22, 2025 1:23:07 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 Oct 15, 2025 1:11:31 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 Oct 8, 2025 59:18 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 Oct 6, 2025 34:26 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 Oct 1, 2025 1:21:59 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 Sep 24, 2025 1:00:29 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 Sep 17, 2025 1:36:07 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 Sep 10, 2025 1:22:08 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 Sep 3, 2025 1:17:01 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 Aug 27, 2025 1:31:42 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 Aug 20, 2025 1:12:46 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 Aug 13, 2025 1:10:11 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 Aug 8, 2025 36:05 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 Aug 6, 2025 1:28:53 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 Jul 30, 2025 2:06:42 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 Jul 23, 2025 1:26:04 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 Jul 16, 2025 1:09:31 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 Jul 9, 2025 1:07:33 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 Jul 2, 2025 1:11:17 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 Jun 25, 2025 1:19:54 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 Jun 18, 2025 1:27:42 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 Jun 11, 2025 1:15:44 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 Jun 4, 2025 1:14:31 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 May 28, 2025 1:06:42 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 May 21, 2025 1:39:37 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

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