Wrestlenomics · March 13, 2026 · 1h 13m

ESPN drops WWE letter grades | Pollock & Thurston

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ESPN WWE review letter grades

The story came up after the weekend show and it was confirmed to be by somebody on the WWE side that WWE had gotten it killed.

John Pollock

WWE business strategy

I think that is if you want to distill what is Nick Khan's long-term goal, it is making WWE closer to Marvel than it is anything else... a really valuable set of IP that can be sold at a great value to a much larger acquirer.

Brandon Thurston

WWE talent contracts/AI

I have no doubt that they will be at some point getting into like what whether it is like just the AI rights for all of these like performers as well like watch out for those in like the next contracts.

Brandon Thurston

ESPN journalistic independence

ESPN's decision contrasts with promises made by executives at the beginning of its new broadcast relationship... 'Is there reassurance you can provide to us that reporters who report on WWE for ESPN will still have full independence?' 'Yeah, I think the answer to that is an emphatic yes.'

Brandon Thurston

AEW media rights

I would love to be on the same channel as UFC. I have a great relationship with Dana White and Hunter Campbell. While their sister promotion is also in pro wrestling and is of a competitive nature there, I think that on my behalf, I would love to be on the same channel as UFC.

Tony Khan

WWE event scheduling/transparency

Today, press release, WWE in partnership with Visit Fort Wayne announced that Saturday night's main event will emanate live from the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Saturday, May the 23rd.

John Pollock

The Allen County War Memorial Coliseum does not have a World Wrestling Entertainment WWE event scheduled on or about May 23rd, 2026. This request is now closed.

John Pollock

WWE media access

Since then, ESPN's digital reporters, who previously had frequent access to WWE talent, haven't had a new story with original comments from WWE talent.

John Pollock

AEW streaming strategy

It feels as though they want to funnel as much of their pay-per-view business through HBO Max in the U.S.

John Pollock

Sports media ethics

I think it's very tricky to be able to try and engage in reporting when you are in business with these companies.

Brandon Thurston