So with all the latest drama going on with Punk and AEW, alot of people are assuming all of it, or at least most of what happened, is a Work just like the MJF situation. Obviously the internet is blowing up about it, which is a good buzz for AEW to have after disappointing ratings came out. Under a million with a lower demo with Punk, Bryan, and Omega's first match in forever is a real yikes! Now you have new reports saying there is of all kinds of drama with alot of the top stars in the company, and it could reach it's breaking point soon.
My question is would it really be worth staging a work like this, especially if it's highlighting alot of the negatives people have been saying about AEW in regards to chaos backstage and Tony in over his head? Whether the MJF situation was a complete work or not it definitely didn't bring in extra PPV buys or new eyes, so i wouldn't consider it a successful or anything. Because of that i think it be weird to try it again so soon. And do you really want to build a reputation for constantly working your talent, can't think that would go over well? Plus I don't think this paints a good picture for AEW with renewal talks starting soon and also to attract new free agents. The whole situation is just weird and I am just clueless of what the benefits would be?
Also on a side not, what would you say was the last “work” that was actually good and improved a promotion's business? And what do you think was the best ever?
The whole MJF situation really did not make them look good, especially since the storyline was apparently “I hate this place and want to go to WWE” coming off the heels of an even bigger star doing just that. The Punk thing is completely mystifying to me, although if it leads to Punk v. Hangman doing a big number at All Out, then great, but we're like two weeks away from that PPV and they've only announced one match for it.
Again, I don't know who the solution is specifically, but it really feels like Tony needs to step away and go run his soccer team for a while and find someone else to book the show for 6-8 months and freshen things up. He loves stealing other stuff from shows he watched as a kid, why not copy Memphis and rotate bookers every now and then? Pretty sure you wouldn't have to ask Kenny Omega or Don Callis twice to give their opinion on everything.