Wrestlenomics Radio

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover TKO’s takeover of Las Vegas for WrestleMania, and all the business notes stemming from the event. Plus: An ESPN reporter is denied WrestleMania credentials, Mark Shapiro’s testimony regarding Vince McMahon’s role in TKO, WWE moving forward with June show in Saudi Arabia, and understanding the percentage of revenues paid to WWE talent.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/YOJa0BRq-owTopics this week include:WrestleMania 42 business figures, attendance, and ESPN audience ESPN reporter denied credentials Mark Shapiro’s testimony regarding Vince McMahon in TKOHearing held on the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival ActProxy statement: Emanuel, Shapiro, Nick Khan comp; Johnson comp, board meetingsWWE talent paid about 15% of revenue in 2022Mark Shapiro speaks at the University of Alabama Night of Champions is going to Saudi Arabia Warner Bros. shareholders approve Paramount Skydance mergerTriller shuts down AEW Plus Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe

This is Brandon Thurston's appearance with John Pollock & Wai Ting of POST Wrestling as part of their daily series ahead of WrestleMania.John, Brandon, and Wai discuss a new report on POST Wrestling by Brandon and Jason Ounpraseuth disclosing WWE talent pay. They also talk about how WrestleMania tickets are moving with only a few days left to go before the events.POST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomicsSubstack: https://wrestlenomics.substack.com/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @WrestlenomicsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlenomics.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover TNA’s removal of talent from upcoming shows, the texts from the shareholder lawsuit, ‘Mania 42’s tax credit & more.Plus: Tony Khan promotes the Dynasty show with a media call and appears on The Coach & Bro podcast; Paul Levesque chats about the transition to head of creative; and the results of an AEW fan survey. VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UlEtQSX8JUTopics this week include:Texts revealed in ongoing WWE shareholder lawsuitPaul Levesque’s comments on taking over creative WrestleMania 42 qualifies for up to $4.3 million in tax credits WrestleMania ticket movement compared to 2025Tony Khan’s media call for Dynasty Khan addresses his bid for WWE and meeting with Shane McMahonTNA pulls talent from matches involving AEW performersTNA releases 2026 schedule  AEW Fan Survey conducted by Jesse Collings Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: http

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston present a bonus show discussing Thurston’s reporting on new texts released as part of the ongoing shareholder lawsuit.Court filings have led to the release of internal texts involving Paul Levesque, Nick Khan, and Vince McMahon, with further insight into the friction between Levesque and McMahon and the merger process to form TKO in 2023. Full story:https://www.postwrestling.com/2026/04/07/paul-levesque-nick-khan-texts-show-friction-between-vince-mcmahon-and-levesque-over-wwe-creative-in-2023/ Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomicsSubstack: https://wrestlenomics.substack.com/Twitter/Facebook/Instagra

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston chat about an extensive filing in the Janel Grant case to oppose arbitration with details concerning Vince McMahon, Brock Lesnar & WWE.Plus: The latest ticket figures for WrestleMania 32, Wrestlenomics’ Reddit Sentiment Analysis for WWE & AEW, an incident at a Ruthless Pro Wrestling show, and Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling gets a TV deal in Canada. VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/lTmHtPV23-wTopics this week include:Janel Grant files opposition to compel arbitrationMany new details revealed in Grant’s filingIncident involving Mads Krule at Ruthless Pro Wrestling Latest WrestleMania 42 & All In London ticket figures 2025 Reddit Sentiment Analysis Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling announces deal with TSN Some new filings in WWE shareholder case to be unsealed Apr 13 Additional reading:New details emerge in Janel Grant case - https://www.postwrestling.com/2026/04/02/janel-grant-adds-new-details-to-allegations-against-vince-mcmahon-brock-lesnar-wwe/ Reddit Sentiment Analysis

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston chat about the first ticket estimate for All In London, NXT moves to YouTube, and more problems at Nielsen. Plus they discuss the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act passing through the House of Representatives, the next steps before the bill becomes law, recent adjustments to the bill, and the impact it will have on Zuffa Boxing and the sport. Topics this week include:First ticket estimate for AEW All In London at WembleyMuhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act passes the House of RepresentativesNielsen delays Gauge Report Ari Emanuel reached out to Donald Trump over the LiveNation - Ticketmaster case NXT moves library from Peacock to YouTube KILL TONY: WrestleMania to stream on Netflix TV & streaming figures for Raw, SmackDown, Dynamite, and Slam Dunk editions of CollisionAdditional reading:The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act offers the worst of boxing and MMA (John Nash, Uncrowned)Nielsen’s Gauge Delay is ‘Indefensible,’ Says TV Trade Group (Variety)Dela

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston chat about the revelation that Tony Khan placed a bid for the WWE during its sale process in 2023.They discuss the disclosure in unredacted filings that gives us additional insight into the bids for WWE three years ago, Tony Khan’s role, and more.Plus: WWE’s plans for a return to Saudi Arabia later this year are in jeopardy, WWE strikes a content partnership with Front Office Sports, and WrestleMania 42 tickets experience some movement after this past week’s sale.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/Fx9BC1DVgbATopics this week include:Tony Khan bid on WWE during its 2023 sale process The status of WWE going to Saudi Arabia later this yearWWE strikes a partnership with Front Office Sports WrestleMania 42 ticket sales following the 3:16 saleWWE lifts blackout policy for watch parties AEW Revolution notes All In tickets go on sale this week at Wembley StadiumTV & streaming viewership figures Additional reading:Tony Khan bid for WWE in the 2023 sale process - https://www.p

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss their reporting on ESPN's decision to remove letter grades from its WWE reviews and the relationship between the two. Plus, AEW launches a streaming/FAST service, NXT Stand & Deliver to stream on YouTube, and UFC releases its card for the White House. Topics this week include:ESPN dropped WWE letter grades from reviews after WWE pushback, according to multiple sourcesAEW Revolution media call AEW launches MyAEW streaming service NXT Stand & Deliver to stream on YouTube Saturday Night’s Main Event in Fort Wayne on May 23 AEW attendances for Revolution & Double or Nothing MVP signs deal with ESPNTV & streaming figures for the past week UFC 326 numbers on CBS VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/tq6ZiBB1laIAdditional reading:ESPN dropped WWE letter grades from reviews after WWE pushback - https://www.postwrestling.com/2026/03/10/espn-dropped-wwe-letter-grades-from-reviews-after-wwe-pushback-according-to-multiple-sources/ AEW announces MyAEW.com str

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston go through the latest news on the WWE shareholder lawsuit and allegations of communications being deleted, plus Mark Shapiro speaks at the Morgan Stanley conference.Plus, Janel Grant speaks publicly again, and a judge orders that redactions be removed in the WWE shareholder lawsuit. Topics this week include:WWE plaintiffs seek sanctions over deleted Signal messagesJudge orders parties in WWE shareholder lawsuit to remove redactionsJanel Grant speaks on behalf of bill in Connecticut Mark Shapiro at the Morgan Stanley Conference Paramount+ to combine with HBO Max, if the acquisition is approvedUFC could air on TNTCM Punk claims Chamber drew the second-highest arena gateTV & streaming figures for the past weekVIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/ClYEuDUmTjwAdditional reading:Judge orders parties in WWE shareholder lawsuit to remove redactions - https://www.postwrestling.com/2026/03/05/judge-orders-parties-in-wwe-shareholder-lawsuit-to-remove-redactions-after-challenged-by

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston go through TKO’s year-end earnings report, new details on the UFC White House card, and big projections for 2026.Plus, Brandon Thurston examines the rebound in professional wrestling TV ratings following Nielsen's recent methodology adjustments. Topics this week include:TKO’s Q4 and Year-End Earnings Report Projections for 2026UFC to spend $60 million on White House card Wrestling TV ratings rebound for Nielsen adjustments WBD accepts a higher bid from Paramount, Netflix bows out WBD earnings, updated subscriber count NXT Stand & Deliver moving away from ‘Mania Weekend Zuffa Boxing signs Connor Benn, fight announced for April 11 Collision airs head-to-head with Elimination ChamberAdvance for Elimination Chamber in Chicago, per WrestleTixESPN Unlimited is available to Xfinity subscribersAdditional reading:Wrestling TV ratings rebound after Nielsen’s adjustments - https://wrestlenomics.com/articles/2026/wrestling-tv-ratings-rebound-after-nielsen-adjusts-big-data-panel-m

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston report on Janel Grant’s speech at the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence event on Thursday. Grant spoke about her personal experience since the initial reporting by the Wall Street Journal and her lawsuit filed against Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis & WWE in 2024, alleging sexual assault and sex trafficking.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston look at the all-time gate record set at WrestleMania 41, drawing over $66 million over two nights, and the figures from John Cena’s retirement tour.Topics this week include:WrestleMania 41 gate exceeds $66 millionComparison of WrestleMania ticket prices over the years Pollstar figures for John Cena’s retirement tour, final draw sets a recordRonda Rousey to fight Gina Carano on NetflixWWE’s European tour includes the first PLE in ItalyCNN article discloses WBD’s minority interest in AEWAEW Double or Nothing at Louis Armstrong Stadium Hearing in the Janel Grant case scheduled for JuneWBD reopens talks with Paramount TV & streaming figures for Raw, Impact, SmackDown, Grand Slam AustraliaAdditional reading:John Cena’s retirement show sets arena record WrestleMania 41 broke all existing pro wrestling gate records Netflix announces Ronda Rousey vs. Gina CaranoWWE Clash in Italy among European tour shows Warner Bros. Discovery reopens talks with ParamountMusic courtesy: “Panic B

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston move to prime time and discuss everything involving Brody King, Janel Grant to speak in public, the status of WM 42 ticket sales & more.Topics this week include:Anti-ICE chants and mainstream coverage for AEWBrody King misses Dynamite, WBD denies report regarding the reasonJanel Grant to speak in Hartford next weekRing boy’s response Vince & Linda McMahonAnthem Wrestling Entertainment’s case involving Gail KimWrestleMania 42 ticket sales and comparison to last yearTV & streaming viewership dataWWE & AEW market-to-market comparisons in JanuaryMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomicsSubst

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover the Royal Rumble, Ashley Massaro mentioned in the Epstein files, and a breakdown of Zuffa Boxing’s contracts.Topics this week include:Royal Rumble in RiyadhEvent still not available for YouTube TV or Comcast Xfinity subscribersBacklash announced for Tampa in MayAshley Massaro mentioned in Jeffrey Epstein filesVariety covers update by Nielsen before the Super BowlLegal updates across multiple casesZuffa Boxing’s restrictive contracts Dana White to testify in Johnson v. Zuffa this weekAdditional reading:Nielsen’s New Ratings Data Could Give Cable a Short-Term Boost (Variety)Nielsen’s Super Bowl measurement (Variety)Zuffa Boxing’s contracts (The Guardian)VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HymkZGWISkMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrest

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss the rapid construction in Saudi Arabia of a stadium to house the Royal Rumble.Plus: Vince & Linda McMahon oppose John Does remaining anonymous in the ringboy suit, Triller’s finances & more.Topics this week include:John & Brandon discuss the process of having a stadium built in Saudi Arabia and questions regarding the labor utilized for WWE’s return to RiyadhVince & Linda McMahon oppose ring boys’ anonymity Triller disclosure sheds light on AEW & BKFC ties TNA Impact’s second week on AMCParamount+ touts the success of UFC 324 TV viewership stats Additional reading:Nobody Wants to Work in These Situations”: A Decade of Exploitation on The Riyadh Metro Project (Amnesty International)What Is the Kafala System? (Council on Foreign Relations)Modern Slavery in Saudi Arabia (Walk Free)VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/live/5_dVKSkLFMUMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss the defendants' responses to the ring boy lawsuit, Netflix’s engagement report, and TNA’s debut numbers on AMC.  Topics this week include:Defendants file Answers in the ring boy lawsuitVince & Linda McMahon push to reveal identities Netflix engagement report for the second half of 2025Netflix’s earnings report TNA’s launch on AMCUFC kicks off on Paramount this weekendSmackDown airing on Syfy during the Olympics Netflix global viewership rankings, TV viewership figuresNielsen Gauge - Dec. 2025VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/KWajgkRs7HcMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomicsSubst

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss a class action lawsuit filed over WWE’s move to ESPN, AEW’s Q4 performance & Netflix’s WWE viewership stats. Topics this week include:Lawsuit filed against WWE over ESPN UnlimitedNetflix releases states for WWE programming in 2025AEW’s Q4 results from Brandon Thurston TNA’s launch on AMC this week Netflix Global Top 10 for the first week of 2026 Latest TV ratings figures VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/Ip6jaOPYXt8Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomicsSubstack: https://wrestlenomics.substack.com/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @WrestlenomicsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wre

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover the success of Wrestle Kingdom 20, how WWE’s holiday tour performed, and Netflix strikes a deal for WWE’s library.  Plus, POST Wrestling’s Karen Peterson speaks about the significance of Wrestle Kingdom, Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement, the debut of Aaron Wolf, the TV-Asahi broadcast, and Saya Kamitani’s breakout year. Topics this week include:Wrestle Kingdom 20 & New Year Dash figures Netflix strikes a deal for the WWE PLEsWWE Holiday Tour attendance down despite record gatesJudge denies WWE motion in lawsuit over injuryDr. Carlon Colker appeals a court order Dana White’s court hearing on Tuesday Latest TV and streaming figures Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe:

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover the TKO merger process with new documents unsealed and correspondence among key executives revealed. Plus, a look back at the biggest news stories of 2025 and ones to watch in the coming year. VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/EZCOw8EBD1sMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomicsSubstack: https://wrestlenomics.substack.com/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @WrestlenomicsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlenomics.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privac

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover the latest developments in the WWE Ring Boy lawsuit, as a judge rules that most of the plaintiffs’ claims will proceed to discovery.They also discuss John Cena’s final match and the business impact it generated, along with Mick Foley publicly cutting ties with WWE over Donald Trump.Topics this week include:Warner Bros. Discovery’s board approving Netflix’s bid and rejecting ParamountJudge allows the WWE Ring Boy lawsuit to move forward on most claimsJohn Cena’s final match and its business implicationsMick Foley ends his relationship with WWE over Donald TrumpNick Khan set to be deposed in the WWE shareholder lawsuitNielsen Gauge ratings for NovemberWWE Raw on Netflix viewershipWWE SmackDown and AEW Collision ratings analysisVIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ2bY8OaYFwMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https