Wrestlenomics

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About the show

Wrestlenomics covers the business of pro wrestling. Pollock & Thurston is a weekly podcast hosted by John Pollock of POST Wrestling and Wrestlenomics’ Brandon Thurston. They are often joined by a relevant guest.

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60 recent

1 hr 7 min

Saudi Arabia Fallout | AEW vs. NXT | Full Gear Media Call | Pollock & Thurston

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston chat about the fallout from Crown Jewel, Uncrowned’s article on TKO’s internal dissent, and AEW’s big head-to-head victory. Topics this week include: Fallout from WWE Crown Jewel, missile attack hours after the event Uncrowned’s article citing anonymous TKO sources on the shows Notes from AEW Full Gear media call with Tony Khan AEW Blood & Guts vs. NXT viewership notes from head-to-head Dana White turns down press secretary gig for Trump admin Who owns Bloodsport?? Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben Tramer POST Wrestling Subscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribe Patreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.com Forum: https://forum.postwrestling.com Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhR Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube : @POSTwrestling Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.com Wrestlenomics Subscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Substack: https://wrestlenomics.substack.com/ Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube : @Wrestlenomics Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlenomics.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

1 hr 9 min

TKO Q3 Earnings | Shapiro Q&A | WON HOF Ballots | Pollock & Thurston

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_10 Topics this week include: TKO President Mark Shapiro tries to balance safety and business in messaging to staff ahead of WWE & UFC events in Saudi Arabia TKO Q3 earnings WWE & AEW live event market-to-market comparisons WON Hall of Fame ballots How did TKO’s candidates fare on Election Day? State of Independent Wrestling Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben Tramer POST Wrestling Subscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribe Patreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.com Forum: https://forum.postwrestling.com Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhR Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube : @POSTwrestling Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.com Wrestlenomics Subscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Substack: https://wrestlenomics.substack.com/ Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube : @Wrestlenomics Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlenomics.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

1 hr 28 min

WWE Crown Jewel 2019 Revisited | Location change in Saudi | Pollock & Thurston

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=Ld1ULdPYE7s Topics this week include: Riyadh under “aerial hostile threat” Riyadh Season changes location of Crown Jewel TKO holds employee meeting, comments on safety in Saudi Arabia WWE Crown Jewel 2019 plane incident revisited TKO Political Action Committee Court rules WWE can’t redact line in Netflix contract Nick Khan and Steve Koonin almost move Smackdown for WNBA Finals John Cena and Cody Rhodes added to NXT head-to-head Bob Arum says Saudi money is “drying up” Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben Tramer POST Wrestling Subscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribe Patreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.com Forum: https://forum.postwrestling.com Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhR Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube : @POSTwrestling Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.com Wrestlenomics Subscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Substack: https://wrestlenomics.substack.com/ Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube : @Wrestlenomics Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlenomics.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

1 hr 19 min

Ring boy lawsuit continues | Netflix upheaval | NXT vs. Blood & Guts | Pollock & Thurston

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 boy suit Update on conflict in Saudi Arabia: Dammam airport attack Netflix reports its Q3 earnings after firings Peter Rice’s history with WWE NXT to air against AEW Blood & Guts on Nov. 4 Legal updates: WWE merger lawsuit: WWE’s effort to keep Netflix information redacted denied Florida v. Barthel: MTD denied Robertson petition: protection order extended Dispensa v. AEW: Motion to relocate case denied AEW v. Triller: Trial date set AEW v. Queen of the Ring AEW v. Nemeth: Request to reply Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben Tramer POST Wrestling Subscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribe Patreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.com Forum: https://forum.postwrestling.com Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhR Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube : @POSTwrestling Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.com Wrestlenomics Subscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Substack: https://wrestlenomics.substack.com/ Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube : @Wrestlenomics Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlenomics.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

1 hr 10 min

WWE’s Saudi Arabia Dilemma | WrestleMania 42 Ticket Sales | Pollock & Thurston

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-zFg Topics this week include: WrestleMania 42 gates WWE ticket price movement TNA fires Max Caster over Bound for Glory rap WrestleDream media call with Tony Khan Attacks in Saudi Arabia and status of Crown Jewel Complaint filed against Montez Ford & WWE Vince McMahon charges dismissed over 2025 car crash Bela Bejaria out at Netflix Opposition to AEW’s Renewed Motion to Seal Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben Tramer POST Wrestling Subscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribe Patreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.com Forum: https://forum.postwrestling.com Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhR Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube : @POSTwrestling Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.com Wrestlenomics Subscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Substack: https://wrestlenomics.substack.com/ Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube : @Wrestlenomics Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlenomics.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

1 hr 33 min

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/OP2sSfAiVlc Topics this week include: Paramount’s acquisition of WBD is complete Missile attacks in Saudi Arabia Keanu Carver released by WWE, per report NXT and AEW Grand Slam France ratings Preview: Wrestlenomics Engagement Index WON Hall of Fame Ballot Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben Tramer POST Wrestling Subscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribe Patreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.com Forum: https://forum.postwrestling.com Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhR Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube : @POSTwrestling Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.com Wrestlenomics Subscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Substack: https://wrestlenomics.substack.com/ Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube : @Wrestlenomics Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlenomics.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

1 hr 23 min

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/LrLoarqLfy8 Topics this week include: The death of Benjamin Satterley Order of protection filed against NXT’s Keanu Carver How WWE’s Worlds Collide performed on YouTube? Judge approves settlement in Paramount case Christy Hemme’s paper on occupational risks for pro wrestlers WWE and Bleacher Report enter content deal Ari Emanuel will NEVER sell TKO Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben Tramer POST Wrestling Subscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribe Patreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.com Forum: https://forum.postwrestling.com Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhR Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube : @POSTwrestling Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.com Wrestlenomics Subscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Substack: https://wrestlenomics.substack.com/ Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube : @Wrestlenomics Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlenomics.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

1 hr 37 min

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=m41GbevkA1E Topics this week include: Our interview with Janel Grant Paramount settlement is reached in antitrust suit AEW All Out media call with Tony Khan Ari Emanuel recounts Vince McMahon’s exit from TKO in memoir WWE Main Event on Rumble WWE Raw’s Netflix numbers for 9/14 in Mexico City ESPN gets involved in WWE streaming suit Thurston seeking records from LVCVA for WrestleMania 41 Ryan Nemeth v. AEW update, language in AEW contracts Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben Tramer POST Wrestling Subscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribe Patreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.com Forum: https://forum.postwrestling.com Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhR Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube : @POSTwrestling Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.com Wrestlenomics Subscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Substack: https://wrestlenomics.substack.com/ Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube : @Wrestlenomics Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlenomics.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

1 hr 15 min

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 and her reaction to becoming a key figure at the center of the scandal around Vince McMahon in 2022 and beyond. She alleged in harrowing detail in her lawsuit that McMahon sexually abused her, which he denies. But what can hardly be disputed is that she abruptly went from having a private life to becoming a key figure in a high-stakes corporate scandal that made headlines worldwide. And it’s clear that’s a significant part of what occupies the former WWE employee today. Video version: https://youtu.be/Ya-8KM10Tno Read our written version of this interview: https://www.postwrestling.com/2026/09/22/in-her-own-words-an-exclusive-interview-with-janel-grant/ Music courtesy: “Sunn Forest” by ELPHNT POST Wrestling Subscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribe Patreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.com Forum: https://forum.postwrestling.com Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhR Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube : @POSTwrestling Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.com Wrestlenomics Subscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Substack: https://wrestlenomics.substack.com/ Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube : @Wrestlenomics Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlenomics.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

1 hr 22 min

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 at a Connecticut event, and Ari Emanuel is about to release a book. Topics this week include: Travel advisory issued for Saudi Arabia , WWE Crown Jewel in November AEW All Out is sold out What is going on with WWE Worlds Collide? Janel Grant receives Advocacy in Action Award, posts speech MLW gets new deal with Tubi, moves to Thursdays WWE Raw’s ranking for the Sept. 7 episode on Netflix WWE programming in Japan moving to Netflix on Oct. 1 AEW programming moving to Hulu Japan in November Ari Emanuel’s upcoming book release TRT, Peptides and PEDs Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben Tramer POST Wrestling Subscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribe Patreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.com Forum: https://forum.postwrestling.com Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhR Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube : @POSTwrestling Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.com Wrestlenomics Subscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Substack: https://wrestlenomics.substack.com/ Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube : @Wrestlenomics Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlenomics.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy