Opinion

Top 5: Wrestling Free Agency Moves

Published

7 years ago

July 3, 2018

It’s one of the best times of the sporting year: Free Agency! Both the NBA & the NHL started their free agent signing periods over the weekend, and players are making moves in hopes of improving their position in life. You might have heard about LeBron James going to the Los Angeles Lakers, John Tavares signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs, or even guys like Kevin Durant & Paul George re-signing with their current teams. It’s fun times for most people involved.

Pro wrestling has certainly had its share of talent movement over the years. Wrestlers often move from promotion to promotion looking to improve their quality of life. There was a lot more of this back when there were more viable promotions, of course.

Here are the Top 5 Wrestling Free Agency Moves.

5. Stan Hansen & Bruiser Brody to All Japan (1981)

Jumping between All Japan & New Japan Pro Wrestling simply wasn’t done back in the day. You were either with Giant Baba or Antonio Inoki for life. The bitter feud led to some bidding wars & wrestlers making tons of money to prevent the embarrassment a jump would create for the promotion losing talent. Hansen & Brody were two extremely successful foreign wrestlers creating a lot of interest in New Japan, and Baba convincing them to leave for All Japan shocked the wrestling world at the time. It was like two members of the Boston Red Sox choosing to sign with the New York Yankees.

Brody didn’t stick around long, because that wasn’t Brody’s way. Hansen spent the next two decades as All Japan’s top American wrestler & had a loyalty to Baba that no other promoter would enjoy.

4. Lance Russell to CWA (1977)

Most people will agree that the wrestlers are the most important part of any show. One notable exception was Memphis-area announcer Lance Russell. Russell was around Memphis wrestling even longer than Jerry “The King” Lawler, in fact he was the one that gave Lawler his break by showing his artwork on television. When Lawler & Jerry Jarrett split from Nick Gulas & formed their own promotion, they knew there was one piece of talent that they needed to have. He had more credibility with the local audience than anybody. Complicating matters a bit was the fact that Russell also served as program manager for WHBQ, the station airing Gulas’s show.

Russell agreed to join Jarrett & Lawler, and left WHBQ to work for their promotion full-time. Lance’s presence on WMC was proof to the area’s wrestling fans that Jarrett & Lawler’s promotion was the new big game in town.

3. The Fabulous Freebirds to World Class (1982)

Fritz Von Erich’s Dallas-based promotion needed a little spice. His sons were proving to be worthy successors to the family name, but they needed competition. Enter Michael “P.S.” Hayes, Terry “Bamm Bamm” Gordy, & Buddy “Jack” Roberts. The Fabulous Freebirds had already established themselves as top players in Mid South, Georgia, Memphis & other territories. Hayes made his way to Dallas as a single briefly, then once he saw what was going on he called Gordy & Roberts to let them know there was money to be made.

The Freebirds gave the Von Erichs exactly what they needed: the evil to their good. World Class business was never better than when Kevin, Kerry & David were going against Michael, Terry & Buddy. Every dynasty needs a Big Three.

2. Steve Austin to WWF (1995)

Stunning Steve Austin was one of WCW’s most consistent performers in the early 1990s. Multiple US & TV title reigns & his team with Brian Pillman showed that Austin had all the potential in the world. WCW never could figure out how to tap into it, and cut him loose while he was on the shelf with an injury in 1995. After a brief stint in ECW, the free agent made his way to the World Wrestling Federation. The Ringmaster was a brief hiccup before Austin realized the potential fans always thought he had…and then some.

The man WCW couldn’t see drawing on top ended up making the WWF more money than WCW ever earned.

Honorable Mention: Kurt Angle to TNA (2006)

TNA/Impact Wrestling has had most of the top wrestling stars of the 21st century make their way through the promotion. From where I sit, none of these free agent signings had the impact (pun kind of intended) that Kurt Angle did when he made the jump. WWE wanted him to go to rehab. Kurt didn’t want to. He went to TNA instead, and continued a storied in-ring career with countless classic matches & championship victories. There were bumps along the way, but Kurt’s come out on the other side.

Honorable Mention: Cody Rhodes to ROH (2017)

Cody operated as a free agent for a year after his departure from WWE, working for anywhere that would have him. In a rare move, he worked for ROH & TNA at the same time. In April 2017, he decided to make Ring of Honor his home promotion & exclusively work for them & New Japan Pro Wrestling. During his time with the company, the American Nightmare has taken over Bullet Club, held the ROH Championship & been a big part of the best business period in the company’s history. Cody bet on himself & it’s paid off.

1. Hulk Hogan to WWF (1983), Hulk Hogan to WCW (1994)

Vincent K. McMahon had a vision for the World Wrestling Federation. He wanted to take over the entire wrestling world. Screw the territories. In order for this work, he was going to need a heck of a top babyface. Enter Hulk Hogan, the hottest star in the industry towards the end of 1983. The Mania had started percolating in the AWA, but he was unhappy with Verne Gagne’s direction & business methods. Vince made the call, and Hulk made the jump. The rest was history.

Hulkamania ruled the WWF for a decade. Once it was over, Hogan thought he was going to go into other things. Movies, TV, stuff like that. Eric Bischoff & World Championship Wrestling had other ideas. They had been #2 to the WWF for years & never really gotten all that close. Adding Hogan immediately raised their profile. A couple of years later when he turned heel, they left the WWF in the dust. At least temporarily. The odds of that ever happening without Hulk making the move weren’t good.

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Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Published

1 day ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

AJ – Roxanne Perez
Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
DJ – Naomi
DPP – Roxanne Perez
Jason – Alexa Bliss
Patrick – Roxanne Perez
Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
Rob – Naomi
Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

AJ – LA Knight
Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
DJ – LA Knight
DPP – El Grande Americano
Jason – LA Knight
Patrick – Solo Sikoa
Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
Rob – Solo Sikoa
Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
DJ – Lyra Valkyria
DPP – Becky Lynch
Jason – Becky Lynch
Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
Rob – Becky Lynch
Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

AJ – Cena & Paul
Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
DJ – Rhodes & Uso
DPP – Rhodes & Uso
Jason – Cena & Paul
Patrick – Cena & Paul
Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
Rob – Cena & Paul
Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
Andrew – @IWCWarChief
Dave – @AttitudeAgg
DJ – @TheMindlessPod
DPP – @itsmeDPP
Jason – @JediFett
Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
Rey – @itsreycash
Rob – @rbonne1
Greg – @gregdemarco44
PC – @PCTunney
TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

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Classic POD is WAR

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

4 weeks ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
Patrick – Gunther
Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
Rob – Gunther
Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
Patrick – Becky Lynch
Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
Rob – Lyra Valkyria
Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
Rob – Jacob Fatu
Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
Rob – Dominic Mysterio
Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
Patrick – John Cena
Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
Rob – John Cena
Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1