Help make SquaredCircle safer and more inclusive by using the report button to flag posts and comments for moderator review. If you need to contact a moderator, [you can message us here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/SquaredCircle)
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/SquaredCircle) if you have any questions or concerns.*
If this isn't a work, I also feel bad for Spears. He plays the opening boss role for a faction to perfection, and I'm afraid he's going to be driftless again.
Yeah, he clearly doesn't have the star power to be a singles star in his own right, but he's absolutely killing it as the top henchmen in a heel faction.
One thing I would note about HFO is that while they may not have been anyone’s favorite faction, they were certainly an easy way to give some driftless talent some action. I could easily see fresh from his wedding Andrade get himself a nice wedding present in the form of Spears’ services.
Though they may not be from there, the number of people who live in bk/queens that are subway/taxi only who don’t know they’re on the island known as Long Island is surprisingly high. They assume it’s somehow physically separated
There's Long Island the geographic location, which Brooklyn and Queens are part of, and then there's Long Island the *community*, aka Lawn Guyland, which Brooklyn and Queens are very much separate from
Announce that MJF put his Dynamite Diamond rings on Christopher Daniels’ desk, and left the building. He had concerns about one of the other performers in his match, even though he’s worked with the performer before. He’s had 4 days to put together his match. AEW apologizes for not being able to deliver on the advertised match.
100% give Cutler a "cosplaying other wrestlers" gimmick. Nobody adresses that it's actually Cutler and eventually he goes up against the young bucks and they keep looking around wondering why Cutler isn't coming out to help them.
[I don’t know, I hear word he may not be the most popular guy in the AEW locker room these days](https://twitter.com/theadampage/status/1498036441754046471?s=21)
Wardlow gets his full entrance.
Do the “count to 10 or Wardlow wins by forfeit” and just straight up count him out. TK comes out to give Wardlow his contract and walks back without a word.
Let the crowd tell MJF how they feel and don’t mention his name *once.*
This is the best one I've seen yet. They really haven't hinted on what they were gonna do with Wardlow after this but they could even set that up instead too.
Yeah and Wardlow is actually #2 trending worldwide rn, just behind the NHL. I could be wrong but anecdotally his follower count seems to have jumped a couple thousand as well
It’s weird that MJF isn’t trending, but Wardlow is currently #3 in the US. I wonder if there’s some problem with the algorithm due to MJF only being three letters.
Yeah that could be it. Or iirc there's a curator(s) that decides what keyword/phrase should be listed, so maybe they're just a fan doing Wardlow a solid
i do like the count out idea. highlights that it was Max's choice to leave. Gives a kayfabe consequence to his actions. Wardlow still gets his contract.
it's not perfect by any means, but it gets the job done.
IMO they should mention MJF at least in kayfabe. All they need to do is have Schiavone say MJF is too afraid to face Wardlow and had run away. It would make sense for MJF's character, it would make sense for the story, and it would prevent the segment you described above from ending up being awkward.
If TK has *anyone* surprise worthy on standby or someone who's willing to help TK out for brownie points for a possible future job (someone from another company)...
Have TK come out and hand him the contract. Wardlow signs it but TK says "You wanted a match didn't you? You all wanted a match? Alright, let's have a match then. I always have something up my sleeve."
Then just have whoever it is come out to wrestle Wardlow. Even if its just a quick squash match for fun. The person helping out Wardlow would get some goodwill from the crowd, TK, AEW in general and fans wanting to see a Powerbomb Symphony. I think everyone would applaud someone for doing it for TK.
Problem is, I don't know if TK could get anyone like that on such short notice the day before unless he paid for them to work *and* their priority flight immediately.
Once the story is broken the only thing left to give is a good match. AEW has a lot of steady hands that can pull a 3 star out their ass on 24 hours notice.
Just ask the bucks if they know a guy.
I can just imagine the bullshit Bruce Pritchard would spout about “the deal” he was in the room for to get Cody to appear at DoN for one night in exchange for MJF
Wardlow v Cobb . It opens up the Forbidden door. Cobb can do the job and Wardlow can get a good match that the fans can be happy about. Cobb should still be in the states.
You don't want to debut a new talent just to get destroyed but a talent not already booked could work. 10, Blade or Silver could all have a decent match while getting destroyed. If Morrison is still in Vegas he would be better. The best would be Gresham for the ROH title but that isn't happening.
Brandon Cutler.
Edit: wait!! I got it! Smart Mark Sterling, selling a beating from Hook earlier has some shitty lawyer mistake where HE has to fill in and just gets murdered. Bad night for him.
I love this idea! He should come out with an even larger neck brace on and oversized plaster casts. Getting powerbombed to oblivion still gives a measure of payoff to the storyline and a cathartic moment for the crowd.
Then they book MJF on every AEW Dark and Dark elevation and have a different enhancement talent get a countout victory over him. That way if he ever returns his record is shit for the remainder of 2022 and he can't challenge for any titles in kayfabe.
If he does this, I don't think Tony would ever allow him back in an AEW event again. This is basically the equivalent of if Shawn Michaels had walked out on Mania 14 because he didn't want to put over Austin.
Let Wardlow come out like he has been with no music and security and all that. He stays in the ring and MJF gets counted out. TK comes down and gives Wardlow the contract and THEN play Wardlow's music
Lol that would be cool if he gave wardlow the contract. He could be like the opposite of Vince. Instead of firing he’s hiring. When he gives the contract Tony yells “YOU’RE HIIIRRREEED!!!!”.
Or AEW does exactly what you said, but then Wardlow cuts a promo saying that the fans deserve a match, demands Shawn Spears to come into the ring to represent MJF. Wardlow proceeds to powerbomb Spears into oblivion, pins him, and declares to the audience that, unlike a certain someone, he will never leave AEW high and dry like that.
Problem with that is the fans that aren’t on Reddit etc will just think of it as bad Tony booking and rage about it towards AEW. They would have to make mention at some point that he refused to attend.
it's almost a shame that mixed tag got made friday, because i'd do all this but then also have TK end the segment by saying his first official match as an AEW talent is a TNT title shot, right now, and have him squash scorpio.
If MJF does no-show, I'd have Tony Khan tell the fans the truth - that MJF walked out because he wanted more money, and he refused to fight Wardlow unless he got paid more. There's no point lying. Then, I'd have him give Wardlow the contract, and have FTR come out to celebrate - they aren't on the show, and they've (in story) continued to stand up for Wardlow. Now they are faces, they can say MJF is a piece of shit or what have you. While they're in the ring, have Platinum Max and the Gunn Club come down and have Platinum Max do one of his raps, then have it lead to an impromptu six-man tag, which ends with lots of powerbombs.
It's a fucked scenario, but Platinum Max is always great and can be super-acerbic, people are disappointed FTR aren't wrestling and will be pleased to see them, and it doesn't have to be a particularly long match if you want to shave some minutes off the PPV.
This is the best one I've heard. You don't treat the fans like idiots while still delivering 4 pops (contract, FTR music, Acclaimed rap, and powerbomb symphony). It's not as satisfying as the real match but would still be a good palate cleanser after a heel victory or other down moment on the card
It's really hard to say what to do with Wardlow. You could immediately put him into the TNT title scene and have him take it off Sky after the LA show, I suppose. This all just really sucks for the big fella.
Hell he has a route with either of those guys honestly. He had Punk beat until MJF stepped into the match and Hangman’s fear of Wardlow is well documented.
Honestly? If Punk beats Hangman and does Summer of Punk 3.0, I would love Wardlow to work up to being TNT Champ, then once Punk run has run it's course, have Wardlow become the first dual AEW and TNT Champ. That would be huge, plus then when you want to get the title off him, have the story be after holding and defending both titles for so long, he gets worn down and survives each match until he can't anymore. That way he gets a massive push, run and looks good in defeat.
Miro coming back and being like "I understand why God made me lose, he understood I have a bigger and better title to carry" and winning the World Title off Wardlow would be perfection.
I just want Miro to be world champion. The promos and character work he has done even if they are backstage edited vignettes have been some of the best of all time and he is such a great heavyweight wrestler
For me, ideally his path would be:
Dynamite next week he squashes a jobber. Gets on the mic saying he's going to do what he's always wanted to do since coming to AEW. He's going to climb up the ladder and become a Champion.
Let him then just slowly work his way up the card one by one while Hangman/Punk resolves, however the AEW Title shakes out over the Summer and have Wardlow be the next challenger at the PPV after next. Let him walk into 2023 as AEW Champion.
You give Wardlow a mic, let him come to the ring, let him cut a promo about how he's such a goddamn force of nature that MJF would rather skip town than actually have to face him. Hell, he left the company just to get away from him!
Then Spears comes out, tries to be all buddy-buddy with him, says there's no hard feelings, he was just doing what MJF told him to do...then Wardlow grabs him and just powerbombs the fuck out of him to make the crowd happy.
Then we get the WARDLOW IS ALL ELITE tweet. Boom. Easy. This one's free, Tony.
Have MJF counted out, send Tony out with an AEW contract and as Wardlow is about to sign, have Takeshita come out and say he would love to fight Wardlow for a chance to sign with AEW. They have a banger of a match but Wardlow still wins.
Have Wardlow enter the ring and win by count out, then TK comes out and gives him a contract
That sounds like the most obvious and emergency booking, I’m sure something better could be worked out
Anytime the crowd hates an angle and starts chanting Wardlow he comes in and powerbombs everyone. Make him like 911 in ECW
Would have been unfortunate for Ruby at the end of Rampage
have Wardlow's thing *before* the Sammy match. then he's so furious he comes back out and cleans house and powerbombs them all. you could have him come back out several times over the course of the show and crush people.
Anything but the intended outcome will feel ehh. You just work with what you've got there and do the best you can - and make sure to never hire MJF again, if he does dip.
Dumb question, but is there real life heat between MJF and Wardlow? If not, why would you want to rob your friend/coworker of the biggest night of his professional career (so far)?
I would love to know where that heat is coming from. MJF is one of the most protected wrestlers in AEW and always get a featured spot on Dynamite, and rarely has to take a bump.
And in the rare occasions where he has been out of character, MJF seems like a really nice and soft-spoken guy.
Wardlow comes out to the ring. There's no sign of MJF.
Justin Roberts gets handed a piece of paper from someone at the timekeeper's desk, reads it out that "MJF sold off Wardlow's rights to Andrade, but Andrade will give Wardlow a chance to be free, and all he has to do is beat The Butcher and The Blade in order to be freed from said contract."
One rich guy selling a talent to another rich guy.
Then, once Wardlow wins, TK can give him a contract and MJF can sit for 18 long months.
I think this would work better as a match if you made Wardlow face Andrade himself but then you probably don't want to drag the guy away from his honeymoon. BUT something involving Andrade would actually be the best kayfabe solution.
Have Jericho come out and blatantly say "just to be clear, these are TK's lines that I am being forced to read"
and then he throws one of his own zingers in there and clarifies "oh, but that last one was all me"
Tony Khan loves old school ecw/Paul Heyman booking. The blueprint is right there. Just like when sabu no showed an ecw show. Heyman comes out and says sabu fucked the fans and doesn't care about you. He only cares about the money and he turned his back on all of us so fuck him. TK does the same with wardlow in the ring. Says he signed wardlow and he's all elite and wardlow goes full Goldberg killing everyone.
If there's one person that TK should not draw lessons from on how to administer a pro wrestling company it's Paul Heyman given how his gross incompetence drove ECW into the ground and how he swindled many of his wrestlers
Tony comes out and congratulates Wardlow on his new contract, makes a thinly-vieled joke about an option for an extension with more money down the line, All Elite graphic goes up, show gets to shave off 20 minutes.
Considering Tony is already trying to stretch the show out longer so the main event doesn’t go to air while the basketball is still on, they’ll be making something happen.
Have Wardlow do an entrance, decimate Shawn Spears again, cut a promo on how much of a coward MJF is, then have Tony Khan come out, and give Wardlow what was *supposed* to be MJF's contract, then bench MJF till his contract runs out.
You announce that MJF was so terrified of Wardlow he no-showed. TK offers Wardlow a contract, but they get interrupted by whoever Wardlow was going to fued with next, and they catch a boatload of power bombs instead.
Then you just carry on the plan as if everything was normal.
yeah this is where I'm like fuckkkkk MJF (if this isn't a work). I'm all for leaving a job if you don't feel valued but don't fuck over your co-workers on the way out. Also, don't jeopardize your reputation when leaving a job because that can come back to haunt you. Do your PPV match the next day then leave. Leaving a promotion at the 11th hour of a huge feud is way different than leaving the day after the blow off match of said feud.
Have Wardlow hunt for MJF throughout the show. Power bombing people throughout the night. Ending with Shawn Spears on the phone with someone. He tells the person on the phone "you're next!"
Wardlow Powerbombs a cardboard cutout of Poochie with MJF's face on it. Then TK says "MJF has gone home. His planet needs him.". Then when the show ends play a sad tribute saying his ship crashed on the way back.
Bring replace him last minute with either another big guy or Spears. Have Wardlow beat the hell out of whoever it is and cut a promo about how much of a coward MJF is.
After every match no matter who it is Wardlow comes out and fucks them up and demands MJF show himself and backstage he's just wreaking havoc.
At the end of the show he says he will fight anybody that comes out. Tony Khan comes out and hands him a contract, Wardlow signs it.
Then Wardlow powerbombs Tony and the show ends.
MJF's mom comes in and adopts Wardlow because he is 'the son she never had'. Kisses Wardlow on the forehead and lifts his hand high as Excalibur announces that Wardlow is ALL ELITE.
Shawn Spears comes down & is beat up by Wardlow.
Then Tully Blanchard does a run in with his new ROH recruits (Cage, Kaun & Liona). Wardlow dominates Kaun and Liona, but Cage stands back.
We get Wardlow Vs Brian Cage when Wardlow wins and is made to look like a boss
I think you have to address the ongoing storyline. Have TK say that MJF is not in the building and is not returning his calls... and therefore, TK is declaring a win for Wardlow by forfeit, which means Wardlow is no longer under contract with MJF. TK then produces an AEW contract for Wardlow, which he eagerly signs, and then TK announces that Wardlow will have his first official match as an AEW wrestler immediately, and then introduces a big surprise opponent for him (whoever would be a shock that AEW could get on short notice).
Going forward after that, I think you just move on. Don't even say MJF's name. Just move forward with Wardlow as a monster face.
Haha funny answer: wardlow vs every security geek led by their chairman, in a handicap tag match.
Serious Answer: Wardlow comes out for the match, demands MJF. Tony Kahn comes out, kayfabes us somehow idk I can’t think of anything it’s late, says “Wardlow, I’ve been waiting a long time to do this, you’re one of our biggest stars, in stature and popularity, but I am happy to offer you an AEW contract and a place in our company.” Wardlow signs and as he walks away his music plays.
It’s War Pigs by Black Sabbath
You don't. Simple. If it's a real dispute, you just treat it as MJF is scared of Wardlow, no showed to avoid him, give Wardlow the win, and have him sign the AEW contract on the spot.
If they refer to the contract issue on air, that's when you know it's a work. Not one single person inside the business or outside it is going to be on MJF's side for this. Or at least none of them should be. AEW *does* have a history of honoring their contracts until they expire contrary to some of the arguments that pop up here. So why should they bother with someone that won't unless it's a work? Even if it's as good as a guy on screen as MJF is, it's not worth it. If this were literally any sport or UFC, he'd be blackballed from the moment of doing this. Or at least shoved onto one of the worst teams in the league. No reason to see this any other way.
Edit: Heck we just saw this sort of thing in the NBA with Ben Simmons and he was traded to the Nets to torpedo the last vestiges of playoff hopes they had. That sort of stuff still happens.
You bury him by never mentioning his name ever again and hold him under contract as long as you legally can.
If it's a work, it's fucking stupid and AEW needs to reevaluate how they do business.
If he actually no shows the PPV, MJF should become persona non grata just like a Tessa Blanchard without the racism.
I think you have Wardlow come out, then maybe Spears comes out and BSes a reason for MJF not showing, like Wardlow can’t get out of the contract if the match never happens or something, then cue a rare Tony Khan appearance as he comes out, hands Wardlow an AEW contract. Spears protests, Powerbomb x10, cue Wardlow’s (new?) music.
No matter what route they take, count out being the best option, it’s not going to be the same. People like Wardlow he’s over and he’s got a future here but this was going to be a benchmark match and launching point for his career. If that match somehow doesn’t happen that’s going to be really fucked and will make his trajectory a little uneasy but the fans will at least feel for him
Tony Kahn and Wardlow are in the ring, and Kahn announces MJF has not yet arrived. They’ll begin the 10 count and if they reach 10, MJF has forfeit the match and Wardlow will be granted his contract.
With the crowd’s help, we count to 10. Kahn awards the contract to Wardlow, which he signs.
The lights go out.
The lights return.
Malakai Black is standing before Wardlow. Black demands a match now that Wardlow is contracted. Kahn allows it. The match goes on until a double count out takes place with the two having an absolute brawl, setting up Wardlow’s first major feud as a contracted performer, and something actually interesting for Malakai.
If MJF is shooting for a contract with WWE, no showing a major POV cause you want more money isn’t really a good look, especially with the Sasha and Naomi shit going on.
Pull a Heyman on Sabu or Russo Bash at the Beach promo and bury his ass then sit him at home for 2 years.
If MJF is legit pulling an Ultimate Warrior then TK can never trust him again as a top guy in the company
Personally I'd see if I could trade contracts, MJF for Sasha straight up
If nothing else, Tony Khan is a master of pulling rabbits out of hats. Even if all this buildup has gone to waste, I'm sure he'll come up with something extravagant to replace it last minute.
Help make SquaredCircle safer and more inclusive by using the report button to flag posts and comments for moderator review. If you need to contact a moderator, [you can message us here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/SquaredCircle) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/SquaredCircle) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Tony: "Hey Shawn, are you willing to let Wardlow powerbomb you to death at DoN?" Shawn Spears: "...."
I love that the alternative to "Have a peaceful promo" is "KILL SHAWN SPEARS TO DEATH"
If this isn't a work, I also feel bad for Spears. He plays the opening boss role for a faction to perfection, and I'm afraid he's going to be driftless again.
Yeah, he clearly doesn't have the star power to be a singles star in his own right, but he's absolutely killing it as the top henchmen in a heel faction.
One thing I would note about HFO is that while they may not have been anyone’s favorite faction, they were certainly an easy way to give some driftless talent some action. I could easily see fresh from his wedding Andrade get himself a nice wedding present in the form of Spears’ services.
Shawn Spears: "...can I land a chair Shot first?"
Spears: "Can I do my chair thing?" Tony: "you can try." Spears: ;-;
"you can certainly try"
All I picture is Matt Mercer sitting in his chair saying that to spears. 😅🤣😂
Wardlow walks on stage with a sledgehammer and breaks a throne made of scarves.
Why does this read like one of those Keaton Patti "made a bot watch 1000 hours of ______l bits.
Because the wrestling world is in a simulation right now and someone is having a laugh.
Wardlow powerbombs all of Long Island
Literally picks up the island
[удалено]
Why not the whole state?
Cause fuck ya life, that’s why. *Bing Bong!* 🖕🏽
Eddie Kingston/PnP New York is NOT MJF’s New York them shits not the same let both islands (Long and Staten) be their own shitty things
Though they may not be from there, the number of people who live in bk/queens that are subway/taxi only who don’t know they’re on the island known as Long Island is surprisingly high. They assume it’s somehow physically separated
There's Long Island the geographic location, which Brooklyn and Queens are part of, and then there's Long Island the *community*, aka Lawn Guyland, which Brooklyn and Queens are very much separate from
Hey, we ain’t going down for Long Island’s shitty ass
Somebody give me a Streets of Rage/Final Fight kind of beat em up with Wardlow in it.
Wardlow is p much Haggar
Ah man this made me think if MJF does walk out do we get MJF chants through the show every time they go to long Island now.
And suplexes a train while he's at it.
Announce that MJF put his Dynamite Diamond rings on Christopher Daniels’ desk, and left the building. He had concerns about one of the other performers in his match, even though he’s worked with the performer before. He’s had 4 days to put together his match. AEW apologizes for not being able to deliver on the advertised match.
Wait, is Daniels working as an agent now?
Head of talent relations. He shows up out of nowhere to enforce it on BTE sometimes too.
Neat
https://youtu.be/QLmIR9BjaNA
This is fucking brilliant 😂
Just have Cutler go out in a MJF scarf mask and pretend it's his long lost brother.
"My name is Michael Jacob Friedman, and I am MJF's twin" *Kevin Owens comes out in hysterics*
No no no no no no. No the hell you aren’t. You’re god damn Brandon cutler and you know it!!
I DON'T LIKE LIARS!
reply ring alive erect ten nail pathetic tart pen elderly -- mass deleted all reddit content via https://redact.dev
100% give Cutler a "cosplaying other wrestlers" gimmick. Nobody adresses that it's actually Cutler and eventually he goes up against the young bucks and they keep looking around wondering why Cutler isn't coming out to help them.
Maybe have JR introduce MJF ala 96 RAW then Glenn Jacobs comes to the ring in a Burberry scarf
[I don’t know, I hear word he may not be the most popular guy in the AEW locker room these days](https://twitter.com/theadampage/status/1498036441754046471?s=21)
this is why adam page is my favorite wrestler in aew
Wardlow gets his full entrance. Do the “count to 10 or Wardlow wins by forfeit” and just straight up count him out. TK comes out to give Wardlow his contract and walks back without a word. Let the crowd tell MJF how they feel and don’t mention his name *once.*
This is the best one I've seen yet. They really haven't hinted on what they were gonna do with Wardlow after this but they could even set that up instead too.
Yeah and Wardlow is actually #2 trending worldwide rn, just behind the NHL. I could be wrong but anecdotally his follower count seems to have jumped a couple thousand as well
It’s weird that MJF isn’t trending, but Wardlow is currently #3 in the US. I wonder if there’s some problem with the algorithm due to MJF only being three letters.
Yeah that could be it. Or iirc there's a curator(s) that decides what keyword/phrase should be listed, so maybe they're just a fan doing Wardlow a solid
Yeah twitter collates hashtags together for the trending page.
I believe hashtags of three letters don't track right, has to be four or more. Granted, this is a faded memory and Ibcould absolutely be wrong.
I hope to god there's some AEW writer mainlining energy drinks and reading these ideas all night.
Energy drinks? Is that what we’re calling cocaine?
i do like the count out idea. highlights that it was Max's choice to leave. Gives a kayfabe consequence to his actions. Wardlow still gets his contract. it's not perfect by any means, but it gets the job done.
Then give Wardlow an immediate TNT title match. If he ends the booking fuckery around that title, the pop will be thermonuclear.
I've been hoping we get a Wardlow TNT title win and then maybe Wardlow vs Miro
You mean two big meaty men slappin' meat? Yes, please!
Yep
IMO they should mention MJF at least in kayfabe. All they need to do is have Schiavone say MJF is too afraid to face Wardlow and had run away. It would make sense for MJF's character, it would make sense for the story, and it would prevent the segment you described above from ending up being awkward.
If TK has *anyone* surprise worthy on standby or someone who's willing to help TK out for brownie points for a possible future job (someone from another company)... Have TK come out and hand him the contract. Wardlow signs it but TK says "You wanted a match didn't you? You all wanted a match? Alright, let's have a match then. I always have something up my sleeve." Then just have whoever it is come out to wrestle Wardlow. Even if its just a quick squash match for fun. The person helping out Wardlow would get some goodwill from the crowd, TK, AEW in general and fans wanting to see a Powerbomb Symphony. I think everyone would applaud someone for doing it for TK. Problem is, I don't know if TK could get anyone like that on such short notice the day before unless he paid for them to work *and* their priority flight immediately.
Once the story is broken the only thing left to give is a good match. AEW has a lot of steady hands that can pull a 3 star out their ass on 24 hours notice. Just ask the bucks if they know a guy.
[удалено]
I can just imagine the bullshit Bruce Pritchard would spout about “the deal” he was in the room for to get Cody to appear at DoN for one night in exchange for MJF
I GOT POWERBOMBED, BY WARDLOW
Wardlow v Cobb . It opens up the Forbidden door. Cobb can do the job and Wardlow can get a good match that the fans can be happy about. Cobb should still be in the states.
You don't want to debut a new talent just to get destroyed but a talent not already booked could work. 10, Blade or Silver could all have a decent match while getting destroyed. If Morrison is still in Vegas he would be better. The best would be Gresham for the ROH title but that isn't happening.
Brandon Cutler. Edit: wait!! I got it! Smart Mark Sterling, selling a beating from Hook earlier has some shitty lawyer mistake where HE has to fill in and just gets murdered. Bad night for him.
I love this idea! He should come out with an even larger neck brace on and oversized plaster casts. Getting powerbombed to oblivion still gives a measure of payoff to the storyline and a cathartic moment for the crowd.
Then they book MJF on every AEW Dark and Dark elevation and have a different enhancement talent get a countout victory over him. That way if he ever returns his record is shit for the remainder of 2022 and he can't challenge for any titles in kayfabe.
If he does this, I don't think Tony would ever allow him back in an AEW event again. This is basically the equivalent of if Shawn Michaels had walked out on Mania 14 because he didn't want to put over Austin.
I seen it in another post, but this would be a jetpack strapped to a wrestler followed by an anvil on the back type of story. All timer.
Let Wardlow come out like he has been with no music and security and all that. He stays in the ring and MJF gets counted out. TK comes down and gives Wardlow the contract and THEN play Wardlow's music
Lol that would be cool if he gave wardlow the contract. He could be like the opposite of Vince. Instead of firing he’s hiring. When he gives the contract Tony yells “YOU’RE HIIIRRREEED!!!!”.
Or AEW does exactly what you said, but then Wardlow cuts a promo saying that the fans deserve a match, demands Shawn Spears to come into the ring to represent MJF. Wardlow proceeds to powerbomb Spears into oblivion, pins him, and declares to the audience that, unlike a certain someone, he will never leave AEW high and dry like that.
This, but also have Mark Sterling come out to contest it (fully banged up from Hook) and take a dozen powerbombs.
Problem with that is the fans that aren’t on Reddit etc will just think of it as bad Tony booking and rage about it towards AEW. They would have to make mention at some point that he refused to attend.
I’m sure a decent chunk of AEW fans, especially the ones at that show, follow news online and know exactly what is going on.
Everyone in the building will know the situation. It’s trending #2 on Twitter.
it's almost a shame that mixed tag got made friday, because i'd do all this but then also have TK end the segment by saying his first official match as an AEW talent is a TNT title shot, right now, and have him squash scorpio.
Letting the crowd boo MJF just feeds into his gimmick more
If MJF does no-show, I'd have Tony Khan tell the fans the truth - that MJF walked out because he wanted more money, and he refused to fight Wardlow unless he got paid more. There's no point lying. Then, I'd have him give Wardlow the contract, and have FTR come out to celebrate - they aren't on the show, and they've (in story) continued to stand up for Wardlow. Now they are faces, they can say MJF is a piece of shit or what have you. While they're in the ring, have Platinum Max and the Gunn Club come down and have Platinum Max do one of his raps, then have it lead to an impromptu six-man tag, which ends with lots of powerbombs. It's a fucked scenario, but Platinum Max is always great and can be super-acerbic, people are disappointed FTR aren't wrestling and will be pleased to see them, and it doesn't have to be a particularly long match if you want to shave some minutes off the PPV.
And Platinum Max has a crush on MJF, so there's continuity. Love it.
This is surprisingly well booked, well done
Ugh, I'd love to see FTR roll up in their truck like back at Daily's Place with MJF hogtied in the back, just to deliver him to Wardlow.
Reminds me of the promo that Samoa Joe cut in TNA on the “superstars” and Kevin Nash.
This is the best one I've heard. You don't treat the fans like idiots while still delivering 4 pops (contract, FTR music, Acclaimed rap, and powerbomb symphony). It's not as satisfying as the real match but would still be a good palate cleanser after a heel victory or other down moment on the card
It's really hard to say what to do with Wardlow. You could immediately put him into the TNT title scene and have him take it off Sky after the LA show, I suppose. This all just really sucks for the big fella.
Just have Wardlow powerbomb Sammy for 20 minutes
Give him whatever the plan was for MJF. He’s over as fuck, can talk, and can work. Let him beat Hangman or Punk at All Out or Full Gear.
Fuck it just make the main event a triple threat and put the strap on Wardlow for full chaos.
I mean. He *was* destroying the current number one contender before Max got involved.
The VKM School of booking a champ
This is honestly an option that I would be okay with, the more and more that I see it, especially if Hangman was going to lose anyways.
Hell he has a route with either of those guys honestly. He had Punk beat until MJF stepped into the match and Hangman’s fear of Wardlow is well documented.
Honestly? If Punk beats Hangman and does Summer of Punk 3.0, I would love Wardlow to work up to being TNT Champ, then once Punk run has run it's course, have Wardlow become the first dual AEW and TNT Champ. That would be huge, plus then when you want to get the title off him, have the story be after holding and defending both titles for so long, he gets worn down and survives each match until he can't anymore. That way he gets a massive push, run and looks good in defeat.
Plus you could eventually get a perfect opponent for Wardlow in Miro
Miro coming back and being like "I understand why God made me lose, he understood I have a bigger and better title to carry" and winning the World Title off Wardlow would be perfection.
I just want Miro to be world champion. The promos and character work he has done even if they are backstage edited vignettes have been some of the best of all time and he is such a great heavyweight wrestler
For me, ideally his path would be: Dynamite next week he squashes a jobber. Gets on the mic saying he's going to do what he's always wanted to do since coming to AEW. He's going to climb up the ladder and become a Champion. Let him then just slowly work his way up the card one by one while Hangman/Punk resolves, however the AEW Title shakes out over the Summer and have Wardlow be the next challenger at the PPV after next. Let him walk into 2023 as AEW Champion.
You give Wardlow a mic, let him come to the ring, let him cut a promo about how he's such a goddamn force of nature that MJF would rather skip town than actually have to face him. Hell, he left the company just to get away from him! Then Spears comes out, tries to be all buddy-buddy with him, says there's no hard feelings, he was just doing what MJF told him to do...then Wardlow grabs him and just powerbombs the fuck out of him to make the crowd happy. Then we get the WARDLOW IS ALL ELITE tweet. Boom. Easy. This one's free, Tony.
Then TK comes out to give him the contract, and then TK does a shoot promo on MJF in total Vince Russo fashion
Have MJF counted out, send Tony out with an AEW contract and as Wardlow is about to sign, have Takeshita come out and say he would love to fight Wardlow for a chance to sign with AEW. They have a banger of a match but Wardlow still wins.
Takeshita has a match at Prestige tomorrow, so unfortunately he's out.
Let's just say I hope Shawn Spears is healed up from Weds, he might have to eat that Wardlow "2+ year storyline blue balls" powerbomb symphony.
Have Wardlow enter the ring and win by count out, then TK comes out and gives him a contract That sounds like the most obvious and emergency booking, I’m sure something better could be worked out
There needs to be a release valve for all of the heat in the story. Wardlow needs to powerbomb someone a bunch of times.
Honestly run this after the Sammy match and have Wardlow power bomb him, crowd would go nuclear
Anytime the crowd hates an angle and starts chanting Wardlow he comes in and powerbombs everyone. Make him like 911 in ECW Would have been unfortunate for Ruby at the end of Rampage
This would be genius.
I think that would make sense too, since wardlow was screwed out of the tnt title.
have Wardlow's thing *before* the Sammy match. then he's so furious he comes back out and cleans house and powerbombs them all. you could have him come back out several times over the course of the show and crush people.
Lmao that would be awesome, great way to kickstart a new feud too
Spear comes out and tries to make peace with the big man since his boss ran. Power bomb spears a bunch and then Wardlow signs the deal on spears back
Shawn Spears
Already been done on Dynamite, it'd feel ehh. And taking Powerbombs sucks lol poor Shawn
Anything but the intended outcome will feel ehh. You just work with what you've got there and do the best you can - and make sure to never hire MJF again, if he does dip.
Tony Khan powerbomb time? /s
Only if Tony makes a snide comment about negotiating an extension in 2 years
and TK does a shoot promo in total Vince Russo Bash of the Beach style and buries MJF
Wardlow just powerbombs every person in the Arena until the basketball game is over
Dumb question, but is there real life heat between MJF and Wardlow? If not, why would you want to rob your friend/coworker of the biggest night of his professional career (so far)?
There is apparently real life heat between MJF and Tony Khan. Wardlow is just caught in the crossfire.
The heat between MJF and Tony Khan is very real. Wardlow's just catching strays, unfortunately.
I would love to know where that heat is coming from. MJF is one of the most protected wrestlers in AEW and always get a featured spot on Dynamite, and rarely has to take a bump. And in the rare occasions where he has been out of character, MJF seems like a really nice and soft-spoken guy.
Wardlow comes out to the ring. There's no sign of MJF. Justin Roberts gets handed a piece of paper from someone at the timekeeper's desk, reads it out that "MJF sold off Wardlow's rights to Andrade, but Andrade will give Wardlow a chance to be free, and all he has to do is beat The Butcher and The Blade in order to be freed from said contract." One rich guy selling a talent to another rich guy. Then, once Wardlow wins, TK can give him a contract and MJF can sit for 18 long months.
I think this would work better as a match if you made Wardlow face Andrade himself but then you probably don't want to drag the guy away from his honeymoon. BUT something involving Andrade would actually be the best kayfabe solution.
Yeah, I was thinking of Andrade being on his honeymoon and him probably not wanting to come back to wrestle Wardlow.
Call him unprofessional and say he took his ball and went home.
He disappointed the AEW Galaxy
If anyone can make sense of this to a live crowd, it's Jericho. Even in a throwaway line.
Have Jericho come out and blatantly say "just to be clear, these are TK's lines that I am being forced to read" and then he throws one of his own zingers in there and clarifies "oh, but that last one was all me"
Vince Russo needs to book a red eye stat.
I get the humor, but I really hope TK is better than VKM with this kind of thing.
Considering how many of the top guys left WWE on sour terms, doubtful it'll be shade cast like that.
Tony Khan loves old school ecw/Paul Heyman booking. The blueprint is right there. Just like when sabu no showed an ecw show. Heyman comes out and says sabu fucked the fans and doesn't care about you. He only cares about the money and he turned his back on all of us so fuck him. TK does the same with wardlow in the ring. Says he signed wardlow and he's all elite and wardlow goes full Goldberg killing everyone.
Except have Wardlow speak not Tony Khan.
WARDLOW... YOURE ALL ELITE!!!!!!! WE GOT YOU OUT OF YOUR CONTRACT AND INTO A NEW ONE!
WE GOT YOU OUTTA THERE WARDLOW!
If there's one person that TK should not draw lessons from on how to administer a pro wrestling company it's Paul Heyman given how his gross incompetence drove ECW into the ground and how he swindled many of his wrestlers
TK is a legitimate business man though. Heyman is a creative at heart that sucked at the business side of things.
Fiscally, youre correct. Creatively, Paul is top tier.
Tony comes out and congratulates Wardlow on his new contract, makes a thinly-vieled joke about an option for an extension with more money down the line, All Elite graphic goes up, show gets to shave off 20 minutes.
Considering Tony is already trying to stretch the show out longer so the main event doesn’t go to air while the basketball is still on, they’ll be making something happen.
Impromptu battle royal where he throws out everyone lol.
for the vacated dynamite diamond ring
I’d have Excalibur say what Michael Cole said about Naomi and Sasha word for word, but saying MJF instead of Naomi and Sasha
Yes. And even mention a tournament for the vacant AEW Women's tag team championship.
That’d actually great
Whatever the ring is called. New holder for that.
This just reminded me that AEW has more female tag teams than WWE without a female tag team division.
Lmaooooo
with Tony Schiavone moving around weirdly and JR seem confused in Pat MacAfee fashion
Have Wardlow do an entrance, decimate Shawn Spears again, cut a promo on how much of a coward MJF is, then have Tony Khan come out, and give Wardlow what was *supposed* to be MJF's contract, then bench MJF till his contract runs out.
I would fucking cackle if TK paid Wardlow MJF's money and rubbed his nose in it.
This. Though I would have Wardlow face someone. They need him to wrestle. This was arguably their co-main event match.
You announce that MJF was so terrified of Wardlow he no-showed. TK offers Wardlow a contract, but they get interrupted by whoever Wardlow was going to fued with next, and they catch a boatload of power bombs instead. Then you just carry on the plan as if everything was normal.
This sucks
[удалено]
yeah this is where I'm like fuckkkkk MJF (if this isn't a work). I'm all for leaving a job if you don't feel valued but don't fuck over your co-workers on the way out. Also, don't jeopardize your reputation when leaving a job because that can come back to haunt you. Do your PPV match the next day then leave. Leaving a promotion at the 11th hour of a huge feud is way different than leaving the day after the blow off match of said feud.
Have Wardlow hunt for MJF throughout the show. Power bombing people throughout the night. Ending with Shawn Spears on the phone with someone. He tells the person on the phone "you're next!"
Shawn Spears gets destroyed like no one has been destroyed before.
Wardlow Powerbombs a cardboard cutout of Poochie with MJF's face on it. Then TK says "MJF has gone home. His planet needs him.". Then when the show ends play a sad tribute saying his ship crashed on the way back.
You say MJF was chicken and left town therefore voiding his contract with Wardlow. Then show the All Elite graphic.
Pull a WWE move and suspend him indefinitely without pay and take down all his merchandise
Bring replace him last minute with either another big guy or Spears. Have Wardlow beat the hell out of whoever it is and cut a promo about how much of a coward MJF is.
Maybe Excalibur can say on commentary that MJF let the entire AEW universe down.
AEW Galaxy\*
GALAXY, according to the best sports endahtainers: The Jericho Appreciation Society
After every match no matter who it is Wardlow comes out and fucks them up and demands MJF show himself and backstage he's just wreaking havoc. At the end of the show he says he will fight anybody that comes out. Tony Khan comes out and hands him a contract, Wardlow signs it. Then Wardlow powerbombs Tony and the show ends.
Have mjf's mom wrestle in his place and beat wardlow obviously
MJF's mom comes in and adopts Wardlow because he is 'the son she never had'. Kisses Wardlow on the forehead and lifts his hand high as Excalibur announces that Wardlow is ALL ELITE.
Shawn Spears comes down & is beat up by Wardlow. Then Tully Blanchard does a run in with his new ROH recruits (Cage, Kaun & Liona). Wardlow dominates Kaun and Liona, but Cage stands back. We get Wardlow Vs Brian Cage when Wardlow wins and is made to look like a boss
I think you have to address the ongoing storyline. Have TK say that MJF is not in the building and is not returning his calls... and therefore, TK is declaring a win for Wardlow by forfeit, which means Wardlow is no longer under contract with MJF. TK then produces an AEW contract for Wardlow, which he eagerly signs, and then TK announces that Wardlow will have his first official match as an AEW wrestler immediately, and then introduces a big surprise opponent for him (whoever would be a shock that AEW could get on short notice). Going forward after that, I think you just move on. Don't even say MJF's name. Just move forward with Wardlow as a monster face.
As he's in town, I'd book Matt Cardona to face Wardlow. He's also from Long Island and Cardona's tag partner Brian Myers trained MJF
Haha funny answer: wardlow vs every security geek led by their chairman, in a handicap tag match. Serious Answer: Wardlow comes out for the match, demands MJF. Tony Kahn comes out, kayfabes us somehow idk I can’t think of anything it’s late, says “Wardlow, I’ve been waiting a long time to do this, you’re one of our biggest stars, in stature and popularity, but I am happy to offer you an AEW contract and a place in our company.” Wardlow signs and as he walks away his music plays. It’s War Pigs by Black Sabbath
If they want to go kayfabe with it, say MJF was too afraid & have him squash Spears
Nah we’re way past kayfabing this to that extent. If he’s no showing say he took his ball and went home.
I think TK would do something insane if MJF really cant perform at DON after what he did with Jay White and the forbidden door comments at Keith Lee
I’d probably just do a backstage thing with Wardlow. Any other match would just be pointless.
Tony Khan himself comes out to give Wardlow the contract, Wardlow is All Elite graphic shows up on the titantron
You don't. Simple. If it's a real dispute, you just treat it as MJF is scared of Wardlow, no showed to avoid him, give Wardlow the win, and have him sign the AEW contract on the spot. If they refer to the contract issue on air, that's when you know it's a work. Not one single person inside the business or outside it is going to be on MJF's side for this. Or at least none of them should be. AEW *does* have a history of honoring their contracts until they expire contrary to some of the arguments that pop up here. So why should they bother with someone that won't unless it's a work? Even if it's as good as a guy on screen as MJF is, it's not worth it. If this were literally any sport or UFC, he'd be blackballed from the moment of doing this. Or at least shoved onto one of the worst teams in the league. No reason to see this any other way. Edit: Heck we just saw this sort of thing in the NBA with Ben Simmons and he was traded to the Nets to torpedo the last vestiges of playoff hopes they had. That sort of stuff still happens.
They do a 10 count and count MJF out and probably have some jobber go out there and we get some powerbombs.
You bury him by never mentioning his name ever again and hold him under contract as long as you legally can. If it's a work, it's fucking stupid and AEW needs to reevaluate how they do business. If he actually no shows the PPV, MJF should become persona non grata just like a Tessa Blanchard without the racism.
Beat up Shawn spears a lot.
Have him squash all mjfs goons
Tony just gives Wardlow MJF’s contract (kayfabe).
I think you have Wardlow come out, then maybe Spears comes out and BSes a reason for MJF not showing, like Wardlow can’t get out of the contract if the match never happens or something, then cue a rare Tony Khan appearance as he comes out, hands Wardlow an AEW contract. Spears protests, Powerbomb x10, cue Wardlow’s (new?) music.
No matter what route they take, count out being the best option, it’s not going to be the same. People like Wardlow he’s over and he’s got a future here but this was going to be a benchmark match and launching point for his career. If that match somehow doesn’t happen that’s going to be really fucked and will make his trajectory a little uneasy but the fans will at least feel for him
45 minutes of Wardlow powerbombing Spears.
Have Wardlow call out MJF for being a chickenshit and running with his tail between his legs when the time came.
MJF died on his way to his home planet
Tony Kahn and Wardlow are in the ring, and Kahn announces MJF has not yet arrived. They’ll begin the 10 count and if they reach 10, MJF has forfeit the match and Wardlow will be granted his contract. With the crowd’s help, we count to 10. Kahn awards the contract to Wardlow, which he signs. The lights go out. The lights return. Malakai Black is standing before Wardlow. Black demands a match now that Wardlow is contracted. Kahn allows it. The match goes on until a double count out takes place with the two having an absolute brawl, setting up Wardlow’s first major feud as a contracted performer, and something actually interesting for Malakai.
If MJF is shooting for a contract with WWE, no showing a major POV cause you want more money isn’t really a good look, especially with the Sasha and Naomi shit going on.
Triple threat main event, Wardlow pins Hangman for the title.
Pull a Heyman on Sabu or Russo Bash at the Beach promo and bury his ass then sit him at home for 2 years. If MJF is legit pulling an Ultimate Warrior then TK can never trust him again as a top guy in the company Personally I'd see if I could trade contracts, MJF for Sasha straight up
If nothing else, Tony Khan is a master of pulling rabbits out of hats. Even if all this buildup has gone to waste, I'm sure he'll come up with something extravagant to replace it last minute.
Wardlow vs Batista
Absolutely. WWE hall of famer and Marvel superstar Batista comes out of retirement to job to Wardlow. Love it.