SRS Q&A questions

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Fightful Select

Have you heard of any AEW wrestlers who are upset or speak up about some of the weird homophobia and sexism in Jericho and Lambert’s promos? Love AEW, but anytime they start making jokes revolving around those things it just makes me cringe. Thank you SRS, we appreciate you!

Ian Riccaboni please

Matthew Macofsky

When have I ever reported positive COVID tests?

Fightful Select

How did Roman Reigns out scoop you with his positive Covid results heading into the day 1 premium live event?

Chris Hohn

With such a big roster does AEW risk not having enough meaningful for their talent to do for those mid/lower card wrestlers?

Brickbat

Can you tell the MJF kidnap story? Don’t think I have heard that

Cameron Hutton

If and when this new NXT fails, is there even the slimmest of a chance we see the ‘14-‘21 NXT comeback?

Connor Augenstein

Do you think it was a good idea to have page go over Danielson?

Shawn Murray

With all the backlash from the Big Swole comments. Should Tony Khan take a step back from social media and do media in general?

What is HHH’s role with WWE now? Is he in danger of getting the ax as well?

Gavin Provost

Any word on interest the major companies may have in signing Darius Lockhart and his willingness to sign with AEW after his tweets on the Big Swole situation?

Do you know the contract situations of AEW announcers? Did they resign deals or are any coming up? Thanks.

Mark D

Do all coaches and backstage staff also have non compete clauses?

Darren Lloyd

Any idea on the status of Cody? He was scheduled for a preshow meet before AEW last night, and it was abruptly changed without any real communication to not include him. He wasn’t in the show. Also, to promote go big show premiere ringside seats were given fatheads of the go big show judges…but there was no real use or callout for them on the show. Were plans changed? Is Cody ok?

Jeff Seltzer

What was behind the recent Impact departures (Rohit and Striker) and should we expect other names?

Hi Sean, was wondering if there are any plans to change championship designs in NXT? None of the titles have been updated to include the new logo yet, and felt very weird seeing Bron hold up the current NXT belt after kicking through a big golden X.

Hey Sean, hope you're having a great day. Does William Regal, or any of the recent releases, have a no compete clause?

Just a couple of months ago, all signs pointed to Okada being brought in during the Best Friends joining Chaos, but never happened. Was there plans that fell through or was it never really the intention?

August

Do you expect anything buzz worthy to come out of Hard to Kill this weekend? Debut(s) of recent WWE releases or ROH releases? Big name as new announcer taking over for Striker? Big new distribution deal?!? I’m joking about the last one.

Dobby_TheBrain

With NXT releasing alot of HHH's hires/guys do you think Samoa Joe could be possibly next since WWE released him once before?

Matthew Graham

I know there's some heat because of the Melissa Santos comments, but is there any heat on Brian Cage for participating in the XPW rebirth show and winning the world title, especially after all of the negative press the Dark Side episode got in regards to Rob Black and the actual XPW company and operation, as a whole?

Rob Iapicca

Do you know if there will be a major debut in the Rumble matches? Or, perhaps a return of anyone who was released?

Trey Sherman

Is anyone above Tony Khan in AEW? I hope someone can tell him to stop with the dumb tweets.

Any idea if Fenix's injury last night caused any audibles to be called for the end of the show? The combination of odd camera cuts & the tag team roll call seemed strange & out of place?

kdk176

Do you see a reason why Louisville hasn’t gotten an AEW event beyond just timing? It’s a big wrestling city with both historic venues and the state of the art YUM Center.

BetterCallMaul

Can we get some more unboxing videos as supplemental Select content? You did a figure haul unboxing recently and stated you receive things in the mail semi-regularly and don't always know what the contents will be. Select already has ace content everyday of the week so not a regular unboxing segment, just random unboxings once in a while 👍

What are some interesting back up booking decisions that never made it to television that you’ve heard of over the years?

Dev W.

Apologies if I was asked since there is a ton of comments but do you know the length of Regal’s non-compete? For example is it the basic 90 days or is it a full year like Renee had?

Hey Sean, hope you're well. I keep seeing reports saying that AJ Styles has re-signed with WWE but I was of the impression that he'd signed a long deal in 2019 (he claimed would be his last) that wouldn't be renegotiated this early. Do you have insight on when his deal actually expires?

Joe Donovan

Did Vince lose faith in Triple H because he lost to AEW or did Triple H lose a power struggle sure seems like he's being forced out of the company

KEITH ELLIS

You mentioned on the post-RAW show that you thought it was very possible the royal rumble winner challenges for a title other than the WWE/Universal. What is the current likelihood of a unification match at Wrestlemania between Brock and Reigns?

Laura

Hi! Hope you’re having a nice day. You think WWE has an AJ Styles big signing debut at the rumble this year (or any time in the near future)? Seems like that kind of moment is no longer in play for them.

Sanjay Vemuri

Is there a part of you that’s scared there will be another Styles vs Nakamura situation for Lesnar vs Lashley at RR like it doesn’t live up to the hype. I feel like a pull apart brawl would work for the build to that match

Matthew Macofsky

Holla Sean, is there a Saudi show for February & can you see them doing Elimination Chamber match in Saudi? Have a nice day ❤️

JJ Gyllenhaal

If NXT 2.0 toured nationally once a month and filmed four weeks of TV at a time (like they did at Full Sail) at different venues in big markets, what would they draw? 1,000? 2,500? What would be the draw? 1) Ability to see NXT 2.0 for the first time live? 2) WWE TV in your home market? 3) New stars (Brekker, Melo, Wagner, Cora Jade, Waller) 4) Old stars hardcore fans haven't seen live since pre-pandemic (Ciampa, Dunne, Strong, etc...)

Kyle Niblett

Do you know if when Alexa returns she is returing with the fiend/doll gimmick or her old gimmick

Sean; Any thoughts on Fenix getting hurt possibly being Luchasaurus's fault for throwing him off target?

Jeff Greatens

Are there any factors that impact who AEW books for Dark appearances? (Ex: fan interest in a wrestler)

bromar

What can be a given reason for two guys not having chemistry a la Owens/Styles? Is that a matter of producing or two guys just not gelling?

Frankie Aguilera

Any updates on swerve Scott and where he might be signing?

Adam Cogswell

With the Vast amount of talent available on the free market in your opinion who would be the best fit for NJPW (I could see Shane Haste or Harry Smith going back)

Erik Pylvainen

How do you balance being able to report an injury but still respecting talent and making sure you have the best /confirmed info, while trying to balance pressure to be first compared to other sites?

David Feig

What’s more likely, Brock retaining and getting a title unification match? Or, Brock losing and win the rumble?

Are you aware of when PAC will be returning to AEW?

Brian Bayless

do you have any insight to the plans for Alexa Bliss next week?

NeganMOX

Sorry 5 main everters, in the 5 way

Andrew Taylor

By my count there are only 19 active women on the main rosters (exc Asuka, Lacey + Bayley). Can we expect a big bunch of vets to fill out the Royal Rumble or will they turn to NXT?

Garrick Knight

Hi Sean, I see your producer list each week but I'm not really sure what their actual involvement is. Can you explain this a little bit? When you see Jamie Noble as producer for those 5 main events I feel like, surely they can put a match together between how creative and experienced they all are? Is there much more to it than that?

Andrew Taylor

Seeing how AEW's roster and personnel is noticeably expanding with more potential signings, do you see Tony Khan possibly relegating some of his responsibilities to a committee of some kind? He could focus on the TV shows while co-bookers (if that's the right word) can work with DARK/Elevation wrestlers who need creative direction or storylines for their YouTube channel.

Sheila Antonio

Jay White wasn't mentioned officially at all during Wrestle Kingdom (except for Kevin Kelly dropping his name once or twice). Is there anything "wrong" with his contract status? What's the current plan for him?

ReferenceError

Does Anthony Greene have a per appearance deal with AEW?

Andrew

Thanks for the kind words for regarding my brothers loss on last weeks show means so much SRS and Fightful! Figure question:wiith Chella Toys making new BCA's (doing Meanie, Adam Bomb, Ulitmo Dragon and Sony Ohno and Duane Gill) which other random 90s personalities would you love to see in the BCA line down the road?

Matt Payne

Hello to you and your team once again! I want you 1st of all, thank you, for all the kind words you gave to me last week. You and your company have been more than amazing to me over the last year, and I can never thank you all enough. The community should always take care of each other, and you and your staff have always done that! My question to you this week is kind of personal. I remember back in the eighties that I fell in love with miss Elizabeth! She was always my 1st crush peri 1st crush. My question to you this week is who was your 1st crush While watching wrestling? Can't wait to hear your response.

The ❤ Blind ⚔ Dragon Paladin

Hey Sean, do you know if referees are considered talent or employees?

Abhinav Tirumala

Given the recent changes with nxt transitioning to NXT 2.0 and obvious change in creative direction and Triple H being away do you have any insight on the backstage morale

Taylor Cannon

Do you think we will ever see the return of the Nikki Cross character or the return of the Alexa Nikki tag team

Taylor Verley

Did AEW have any interest in Rok-C? I'm really surprised she's on her way to wwe all things considered

Danny Valentin

FWIW Swerve liked Hobbs’ post about enjoying his time at AEW.

Swaggamice

With WWE 2K22 just around the corner, there’s been a lot of talk about released wrestlers being in the game. Have you guys heard anything more concrete about the status of the roster for the game, like a ballpark roster figure or surprising wrestlers that are for sure out/in?

You mentioned Impact being at budget late last year, any idea is they plan to increase budget this yr with so many free agents available. Thanks.

Swaggamice

Any word on what had to be adjusted due to the Fenix injury? Was there a planned segment between Lucha Bros and Malakai? The guys on the ramp make me think Jurassic were going over, injury or not. But some are wondering if it was an audible.

Challenge Mania

Biggest surprise with WK16? Is there anyone you do not want to see in AEW?

Sean Taitt

When a new or any championship is made, how many do they make. A example is with the new IWGP world championship when Osprey was out and back in England and they crowned a new champion.

Michael Coriell

When all the ROH stuff went down, the plan was to “work internally to reimagine ROH.” Has there been any reporting yet (beyond speculating they’re going to be a glorified Indy) of what that will look like? Have any actual plans come out?

This may be a repeat/too soon but have you heard anything regarding Regal and AEW? AEW obviously shouldn’t sign everyone but Regal is just so valuable backstage.

Ben Susser

What are the future plans for Ciampa? Strong?

Do you feel that AEW views any black male wrestler on their roster as someone who could hold the World Title within the next 2 years?

With the recent NXT personnel releases, who is running NXT 2.0 day to day operations?

Sergio Cardenas

How do working house shows and bonuses go towards someone's downside in WWE? I remember FTR weren't used anymore before their release because they'd already met their downside and doing house shows would have meant paying them more

anakinjmt

Can you confirm if Impact is bringing in someone new to replace Matt Striker or are they reverting back to Josh Matthews, and what does that say about them financially if it’s the latter?

Is it possible that the situation with NXT is as much about the inability to transition wrestlers from NXT to RAW/SD? It feels like that is as much on NXT being developed as a standalone product as it does the creative group on the main roster. AEW doesn't feel like it's different products like NXT 1.0 did ... could it be that these creative cuts were justified?

Are you aware of any significant plans for Finn Balor going forward?

Shaun V.

With Drew McIntyre potentially being out for a bit, and Jeff Hardy no longer there, Smackdown roster seems to be lacking faces worthy of going up against Roman Reigns right now. Think there's any chance Walter, or Samoa Joe could be used to show up and do a program with him?

Paul Anthony Moss

Hi Sean, what are your thoughts on the impact Toni Storm had, leaving the way that she did? Meaning, do you think more people could leave using her arguments?

Matteo

Any Danhausen updates?

David Gillispie

Do you have any reliable word on which wrestlers with expiring contracts at AEW will not be re-signed? There's lots of speculation, and AEW probably needs to free up some spots, but it's a shame to see any originals go.

Quest Bruv

Any insight into how licensed music works in AEW? Are the wrestlers approaching Tony with a song request, are the songs Tony's idea, etc. Hook getting that Action Bronson song felt like a huge plus, and I feel like it would make a ton of sense for some others (if I had my way, Kingston would come out to an el-P/Run the Jewels track). Just curious if TK is constantly having to turn down requests, or if it's all his thing.

Dan Neff

Have you heard of any reaction from triple h regarding the recent nxt releases? I imagine he would be devastated.

Hey Sean do you know if any more releases are on the way today?

What are your thoughts on why tk puts so many multi man tags on per show vs traditional or a women’s match? For instance 12/29 dynamite had a total of 16 men in 3 tag matches in the first hour

Arturo Gonzalez III

Have you heard any updates on the AEW console game? Will they be announcing anything in the near future or showing any type of footage at all?

With Diamond Mine having yet another release, do you know the contract status of Biven's?

Eric Z

What happens with HHH now; does he take a desk job and do occasional legends appearances or does he come back and try to run NXT without his team?

Justin A. Thomas

any updates on mox return and Fenix /Atlas injuries ? Thanks , Sean for all your hard work . Much appreciated !

George Panas

Was Brody King meant to debut on Dynamite Wednesday? (Lights flickered multiple times) If not, do you have an idea on when he’ll be debuting. Thanks Sean!

Brie

What do think is the biggest money feud possible for AEW this year?

Shane

If not for Roman Reigns catching covid, would Big E still be the WWE Champ?

Mack Brounson

The NXT staff that were let go, when can they get another wrestling job?

Oscar Romo

what are your thoughts on the overall presentation of hook? i was at the prudential center and even with the substantially less rampage crowd (as usual) that arena went NUTS for him

Joe Ferro

Is there any update on the UpUpDownDown channel? Talent still holding out for Xavier Woods/Austin Creed?

Any idea who will be challenging Reigns for the title at Royal Rumble?

do you have any updates on why NJPW STRONG and AEW don't crossover more? Only Eddie Kingston, Jon Moxley, Chris Daniels, and Dan Garcia have crossed over there from AEW (excluding Lio Rush)

Jack Murphy

Was it always the current plans to have Henry Show and Lynn as judges or no was there something else planned

Kyle

Has there been any noted reaction from Roderick Strong from the UE reunion in AEW?

pourblackcoffee

Just a general what’s the deal with NXT UK now given the changes in the US? I doubt UK employment law would allow sudden changes like what we saw yesterday, but any long term plans for that group?

Lew Markham

Any word on Mox returning to AEW with GCW announcing him for a match with Homicide on Jan 23rd?

Radicz

Have you heard anything about how TBS felt about the amount of blood in the first 15 mins of their debut episode last night?

Jake Schwall

Did you here about any ideas for possible judges for the Hangman and Danielson match?

What’s up with AEW tag team Private Party? For awhile they were featured in Dynamite a lot. I can’t even remember the last time I saw them in a match.

Hi Sean! How much does Drew McIntyre’s injury throw a wrench into plans for Smackdown, Royal Rumble, and potentially Wrestlemania? Will we see someone new step up and into the plans they had for Drew? Thank you!

Amber

Is Kenny omega still working backstage while being away from the ring? If he’s still recovering from surgery then do you expect him to come back to his backstage role before returning to tv?

Adam Corona

Isnt Jericho’s contract up soon according to Fightful’s website? Do you see him leaving? I think he left on best terms possible with Vince

Gregoriano Ayala

Hey Sean, do you believe or have you heard of the events of last weekend (the tweet) negatively effecting AEW's efforts to bring in talent like Shane Taylor, Shane Strickland, etc? I know based on his Twitter thread Darius Lockhart seems to have pulled himself away which is a loss for the company in my opinion

Nicholai Crees

Is Kenny omega still at Dynamites even though he’s not wrestling or an on-air character at the moment?

Peter Nikolai

You good anything on WALTER in WWE? Is he happy? Whens his contract up? Might he be free soon?

Do you know whats going on with Elias?

Mitchell Brooks

Have you heard of any issues between Rhea Ripley and WWE?

Frank Gradia

What are some of your goals for 2022?

Auntie Collins

Do you think there is anything to the hints and GIFs that Conrad Thompson posts regarding starting a new wrestling company when people ask?

Reid Greenspan

Hey Sean where have Asuka and Elias been ? Any plans on them returning to TV anytime soon ? Keep up the great work

Mike Mckillip

Do you still think Liv Morgan becomes champion this year

Shawn Garner

What percentage would you give to likelihood of Keith Lee landing in AEW?

Curtis Hierro

Was Jurassic Express winning the titles an audible?

Rose Capone