Opinion

Ca$h: Sports Entertainment VS Pro Wrestling

Rey Ca$h ponders if there’s a difference between sports entertainment and pro wrestling, and how that affects WWE and AEW.

Published

4 years ago

September 12, 2021

Rey Cash

Rey Ca$h ponders if there’s a difference between sports entertainment and pro wrestling, and how that affects WWE and AEW.

As a content creator, I’m often motivated by other people’s opinions. I often find myself reading a tweet or an article, or listening to a podcast and screaming at my phone or laptop. That’s how I know what I need to talk or write about. And there is no more scream-worthy conversation right now than WWE VS AEW.

The WWE VS AEW rhetoric is completely understandable. WWE has been a resident monopoly in the wrestling world for almost 20 years, so the second a viable major alternative pops up, it was inevitable that people were going to take sides. While the arguments have ranged from fun to downright toxic, there is one that particularly drives me crazy and is the reason you’re reading this article. I just can’t understand this assertion that WWE is sports entertainment, AEW is pro wrestling, and the two are markedly different.

Now, WWE willingly markets themselves as sports entertainment, and that’s totally a business reason. By separating themselves from the guise of legitimate sport, they can get around government regulations, and in turn, still leaving a faint association with sport allows them to have a much different (and often unfair) agreement with their talent. The independent contractor label is one that is specifically affected by this distinction because as their not sport, there’s no governing union that negotiates for them as a whole, and as their not typical entertainment, they aren’t considered actors enough to join the Screen Actors Guild. As such, WWE has been able to grow their business exponentially because of the unique label they have chosen. It’s this reason that they choose this ideology.

As stories are told, Vince McMahon has never been a fan of the way traditional wrestling was run. He dreamed of a much bigger world, ripe with unlimited possibilities. A world that traditional wrestling had never had those possibilities. With the new moniker of sports entertainment, WWE has grown to become a billion dollar powerhouse, buoyed by major sponsors like Snickers, Mattel, and TapOut to name a few. They’re regularly reported on by major publications and platforms like ESPN, Variety, and Sports Illustrated. And the one thing that’s always separated WWE from any other possible company is that they create stars that become completely mainstream, with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Cena, and Dave Bautista as recent examples.

So why did WWE have to change their label to garner these successes? What’s so wrong with the pro wrestling label? And is there even a difference between the two?

We’ve seen this argument come up multiple times in the past 20 years, with the advent and rise of organizations like TNA/Impact, Ring of Honor, and the American expansion of the fully sports-based New Japan Pro Wrestling. But it’s the rise of AEW that’s brought this argument to the front and center. Tony Khan is as big a traditional wrestling fan that we’ve possibly ever seen as the owner of a wrestling company. Every time you hear him talk, you can realize how motivated he is by the love of the business that grew in him watching as a kid and on. Because of this, he’s chosen to bring a few different tenets to his wrestling company. For one, he’s emphasizing that wins and losses matter, and he’s showing this by having win/loss records available and mentioned as a part of the program. Also, Tony allows a certain level of creative freedom with his talent. For the most part, the wrestlers are able to come up with their own gimmicks, promos, and match structure. And finally, AEW is showcasing the strength of their wrestling prowess by having long, major matches every show. The basis of their show is usually built on the strength of the matches scheduled for that night.

But is a WWE show really that different from an AEW show? And is there really a difference between the terms pro wrestling and sports entertainment?

WWE is known as the entertainment company. They value promos, segments, and the pomp and circumstance of presentation. But they also have really good wrestling matches. They also have kid friendly and hokey gimmicks, but they also have serious ones too. And they don’t put a premium on wins and losses to the extent that AEW does, but currently, the main way to challenge for a championship is to beat the champion in a non-title match. Isn’t that basically showing that wins and losses matter?

AEW, while known as the wrestling company, still values some of the entertainment value. There are MULTIPLE promo segments on each show, either in ring with Tony Schiavone, backstage, or even pre-taped. They’ve brought in numerous non-wrestlers to be important parts of the show, such as Shaq, Mike Tyson, and currently Dan Lambert of American Top Team. And for every serious wrestling gimmick and wrestler in AEW, there’s an Orange Cassidy, Luchasaurus, and Abadon. Finally, the win/loss records of AEW are a major part of the company, but there have been numerous times where the number 1 contender didn’t get a title shot, or a lower ranked contender received the big title match at the Pay-Per-View.

I’ve often thought that there is literally zero difference between the two labels. Sports entertainment IS pro wrestling. They’re two sides of the same coin, just differently named for convenience. It’s no different than most people calling a tissue a Kleenex or calling all soda a Coke. It’s just a label used to further and change the perception. And as such, both shows are much more alike than anybody will ever admit. If you really break down both companies match by match, show by show, you’ll see that while there’s a perception that sports entertainment and pro wrestling are drastically different, they’re actually the same thing.

FIN

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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

2 weeks 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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SUNDAY – Keeping the news ridiculous… The Oddity / The Front and Center Sports Podcast

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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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

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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

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

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

1 month 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