MJF took the pro wrestling world by storm with his pipe bomb promo on AEW Dynamite on June 1, and it was one of the best we’ve seen in years and many have cited it as reminding them of Roddy Piper in the 80s.
While it was an amazing promo, the timing proved to be a double edged sword as there were several major executives from the parent company of TBS (Warner Brothers Discovery) were in attendance.
While MJF’s promo may have been in tended to demonstrate the best of AEW’s main storyline, it doesn’t appear to have worked out that way.
Corporate backlash
Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com reported that due to the severity of MJF’s promo, Warner Bros. Discovery issues an edict last week to remove MJF from all AEW promotional spots and commercials.
This explains why he was removed from AEW’s roster and shop on their website and the opening of Rampage, and we can expect him to be removed from Dynamite’s opening as well.
Since his promo, AEW hasn’t acknowledged MJF and videos of his promo that can be found are from fans in attendance or recording off the TV. AEW also stopped following him on social media.
It’s hard to believe the Warner Bros. Discovery are in on the worked shoot, and that would also show they don’t pay any attention to wrestling.
In a shocking and worrisome way, it’s reminiscent of how Warner Media handcuffed Eric Bischoff and WCW when it came to what they could broadcast while WWE could do whatever they wanted.
Still, it’s not a surprise given how realistic the promo was, and Warner Bros. Discovery will want to halt anything they view as too realistic or problematic before they’re canceled.
On the plus side, this would also seemingly dispel the claim fans have made of AEW copying WWE’s treatment of Sasha Banks and Naomi.
Adding momentum
While there are a number of fans that take this as a sign AEW will fire MJF and are waiting to celebrate, this is a good thing for AEW is Tony Kahn works it right.
It’s bringing eyes to AEW to see what’s happening, and there’s every reason to expect this to boost the ratings. Since MJF’s segments are typically the highest rated on the show, it’s a distinct possibility.
AEW has plenty of room to grow and improve, and continuing this storyline and riding MJF (and financially rewarding him) could be what takes them to the next level.
What do you think about MJF being scrubbed from promo materials? Will it help or hurt AEW? Let us know in the comments below.
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