I remember when TNA was hot, and also back when they were called TNA, one of the little things they loved to do was have commercials play during Raw. Always seemed like a smart enough move, made sense and was likely fun to do as a means of sticking in Vince’s craw. He had to have hated it, regardless of whether TNA itself was ever all that threatening to him. I wouldn’t be surprised to see AEW follow suit as we get closer and closer to their weekly tv show debuting on October 2nd.
Jim Ross has actually stated in interviews that doing so was a very sound idea on TNA’s part. One of their few back then, perhaps, but that’s a story for another day. Point is, it’s possible the thought has already occurred to many in AEW. In fact, they’re already taking a shot that’s very similar…
Over the weekend, The Rock had another new movie out. Titled ‘Hobbs & Shaw’, it’s another in the long line of Fast & Furious films, a spin-off of sorts. And wouldn’t you know it, but a trailer for AEW is appearing ahead of the movie in theaters! Mike Johnson of PWInsider has noted that many readers sent in reports of seeing this before and after the film. Specifically, it’s the one hyping up their impending debut on TNT, presumably the same one they’ve been showing on twitter recently:
The All Elite Era begins TODAY.
10.2.19#AreYouElite pic.twitter.com/6nHMTDaONQ
— AEW on TV (@AEWonTV) July 24, 2019
And just to confirm that it isn’t a bunch of fans making things up and sending in reports, here’s a mention of it from Matt Jackson:
https://twitter.com/MattJackson13/status/1158032693147447296
In addition to starring The Rock, Hobbs & Shaw also features Roman Reigns.
It’s Roman’s first real role in a theatrical movie. He’d previous appeared in an uncredited cameo in the WWE Studios film Countdown, and lended his voice to WWE’s crossover animated film with The Jetsons. It seems fair to say that this movie might have a lot of viewers who are atleast vaguely interested in pro wrestling. Lapsed fans, perhaps? Or just folks who’d be likely to give it a shot if introduced to a new show.
In particular, these trailers are taking place at AMC Theaters, the biggest movie house in the US. So that’s a lot of eyes that will presumably be on this trailer.
Hobbs & Shaw isn’t gonna be breaking any MCU records any time soon but it’s done well enough in it’s opening weekend. They got off to a $60 Million start, good for the #1 spot in the box office. That’s about in line with expectations. So suffice to say, a lot of people have seen it! That’s some solid advertising right there. But what do you think? Does this act mean much in the long run? Will stuff like this help spread the word about AEW to a larger audience? And would you be in favor of them doing the same during WWE’s actual shows?
Don’t be surprised if you’re watching Raw or SmackDown and catch a glimpse of AEW wrestlers filling up the screen sometime soon!
