Brandon Thurston
@brandonthurston.bsky.social
Email: brandon @wrestlenomics.com | Signal: BrandonThurston.14
Pinned
On the day Vince McMahon resigned in 2022, Endeavor/now-TKO President Mark Shapiro privately anticipated he'd be back and possibly sell WWE.
Liberty's Greg Maffei later called the merger “pre-wired.”
In-depth update on the WWE shareholder lawsuit: www.postwrestling.com/2025/12/29/i...
Liberty's Greg Maffei later called the merger “pre-wired.”
In-depth update on the WWE shareholder lawsuit: www.postwrestling.com/2025/12/29/i...
NEW: John Cena’s retirement show drew the biggest live gate for an arena event in WWE history, and probably all of pro wrestling history, even when taking inflation into account.
That and more on live event business of his retirement tour. 1500+ words: www.postwrestling.com/2026/02/19/j...
That and more on live event business of his retirement tour. 1500+ words: www.postwrestling.com/2026/02/19/j...
February 19, 2026 at 4:01 PM
NEW: John Cena’s retirement show drew the biggest live gate for an arena event in WWE history, and probably all of pro wrestling history, even when taking inflation into account.
That and more on live event business of his retirement tour. 1500+ words: www.postwrestling.com/2026/02/19/j...
That and more on live event business of his retirement tour. 1500+ words: www.postwrestling.com/2026/02/19/j...
NEW: Last year’s WrestleMania shattered all records for ticket sales revenue in pro wrestling history. The two events combined for $66M in ticket sales, according to Pollstar data not previously reported in media.
Read 800+ words: www.postwrestling.com/2026/02/16/w...
Read 800+ words: www.postwrestling.com/2026/02/16/w...
February 16, 2026 at 7:58 PM
NEW: Last year’s WrestleMania shattered all records for ticket sales revenue in pro wrestling history. The two events combined for $66M in ticket sales, according to Pollstar data not previously reported in media.
Read 800+ words: www.postwrestling.com/2026/02/16/w...
Read 800+ words: www.postwrestling.com/2026/02/16/w...
CNN confirms in a passing disclosure that WBD owns a minority stake in AEW, in this article on politics in AEW and WWE. www.cnn.com/2026/02/14/b...
February 14, 2026 at 3:54 PM
CNN confirms in a passing disclosure that WBD owns a minority stake in AEW, in this article on politics in AEW and WWE. www.cnn.com/2026/02/14/b...
Reposted by Brandon Thurston
Pollock & Thurston: Live at 8:30 pm ET tonight youtube.com/live/zEFurEB...
Prime Time Debut | Pollock & Thurston
YouTube video by Wrestlenomics
youtube.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:49 PM
Pollock & Thurston: Live at 8:30 pm ET tonight youtube.com/live/zEFurEB...
An AEW official with direct knowledge of the subject affirmed WBD’s denial and indicated Meltzer's report is incorrect and that WBD’s statement is true.
Read: postwrestling.com/2026/02/12/w...
Read: postwrestling.com/2026/02/12/w...
February 12, 2026 at 7:19 PM
An AEW official with direct knowledge of the subject affirmed WBD’s denial and indicated Meltzer's report is incorrect and that WBD’s statement is true.
Read: postwrestling.com/2026/02/12/w...
Read: postwrestling.com/2026/02/12/w...
WBD statement to POST:
“Warner Bros. Discovery did not have any involvement in Brody King’s upcoming AEW schedule. Any speculation to the contrary is categorically false. Brody is scheduled to appear during the next AEW event, which will air this Saturday on TNT and HBO Max.”
“Warner Bros. Discovery did not have any involvement in Brody King’s upcoming AEW schedule. Any speculation to the contrary is categorically false. Brody is scheduled to appear during the next AEW event, which will air this Saturday on TNT and HBO Max.”
February 12, 2026 at 6:02 PM
WBD statement to POST:
“Warner Bros. Discovery did not have any involvement in Brody King’s upcoming AEW schedule. Any speculation to the contrary is categorically false. Brody is scheduled to appear during the next AEW event, which will air this Saturday on TNT and HBO Max.”
“Warner Bros. Discovery did not have any involvement in Brody King’s upcoming AEW schedule. Any speculation to the contrary is categorically false. Brody is scheduled to appear during the next AEW event, which will air this Saturday on TNT and HBO Max.”
Reposted by Brandon Thurston
Plaintiffs in the ring boy lawsuit filed their reply to the earlier filings from Vince McMahon and U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, which argued the court shouldn't allow the plaintiffs to continue to use pseudonyms.
February 10, 2026 at 6:18 PM
Plaintiffs in the ring boy lawsuit filed their reply to the earlier filings from Vince McMahon and U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, which argued the court shouldn't allow the plaintiffs to continue to use pseudonyms.
Reposted by Brandon Thurston
The economics of WrestleMania 42 compared to 2025 in Las Vegas
www.postwrestling.com/2026/02/09/t...
www.postwrestling.com/2026/02/09/t...
The economics of WrestleMania 42 compared to 2025 in Las Vegas
With ten weeks until WrestleMania 42, there are potential changes to the yet-to-be-announced card in Las Vegas for the second consecutive year
www.postwrestling.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:33 PM
The economics of WrestleMania 42 compared to 2025 in Las Vegas
www.postwrestling.com/2026/02/09/t...
www.postwrestling.com/2026/02/09/t...
The Bills would’ve at least lost this Super Bowl in dramatic fashion.
February 9, 2026 at 3:10 AM
The Bills would’ve at least lost this Super Bowl in dramatic fashion.
Also new: The judge denied Janel Grant’s request for discovery in her lawsuit against Vince McMahon & WWE, but is allowing her to renew the motion later.
The decision moves the case forward after 7 months of inactivity while awaiting this ruling. www.postwrestling.com/2026/02/06/j...
The decision moves the case forward after 7 months of inactivity while awaiting this ruling. www.postwrestling.com/2026/02/06/j...
Judge denies discovery in Janel Grant lawsuit against Vince McMahon and WWE, allows her to renew the motion later - POST Wrestling | Podcasts, News, Reviews | WWE AEW NXT NJPW
The order reawakens the case after seven months of inactivity while awaiting the decision
www.postwrestling.com
February 7, 2026 at 12:18 AM
Also new: The judge denied Janel Grant’s request for discovery in her lawsuit against Vince McMahon & WWE, but is allowing her to renew the motion later.
The decision moves the case forward after 7 months of inactivity while awaiting this ruling. www.postwrestling.com/2026/02/06/j...
The decision moves the case forward after 7 months of inactivity while awaiting this ruling. www.postwrestling.com/2026/02/06/j...
NEW: We obtained the complaint TNA parent Anthem filed in TN against Gail Kim.
The suit, submitted in January, seeks judgment to bar potential claims Kim might bring under FL's Whistleblower Act and civil rights laws that prohibit employment discrimination.
www.postwrestling.com/2026/02/06/t...
The suit, submitted in January, seeks judgment to bar potential claims Kim might bring under FL's Whistleblower Act and civil rights laws that prohibit employment discrimination.
www.postwrestling.com/2026/02/06/t...
TNA parent Anthem seeks court order to bar Gail Kim from bringing Florida whistleblower, discrimination claims - POST Wrestling | Podcasts, News, Reviews | WWE AEW NXT NJPW
The preemptive lawsuit centers on Kim's "independent contractor" status and contractual terms that Anthem says require disputes to be litigated in Tennessee courts
www.postwrestling.com
February 7, 2026 at 12:09 AM
NEW: We obtained the complaint TNA parent Anthem filed in TN against Gail Kim.
The suit, submitted in January, seeks judgment to bar potential claims Kim might bring under FL's Whistleblower Act and civil rights laws that prohibit employment discrimination.
www.postwrestling.com/2026/02/06/t...
The suit, submitted in January, seeks judgment to bar potential claims Kim might bring under FL's Whistleblower Act and civil rights laws that prohibit employment discrimination.
www.postwrestling.com/2026/02/06/t...
Reposted by Brandon Thurston
Pollock & Thurston will move permanently to Thursday nights at 8:30 pm ET starting next week, Feb 12. The audio-only podcast version will be available for listeners early the following morning.
February 4, 2026 at 7:35 PM
Pollock & Thurston will move permanently to Thursday nights at 8:30 pm ET starting next week, Feb 12. The audio-only podcast version will be available for listeners early the following morning.
Includes background on the kafala system, Saudi Arabia’s 2025 labor reforms, why human rights groups say those reforms don’t go far enough, and an earlier report of the death of a worker on a World Cup stadium build in the country last year.
1600+ words: www.postwrestling.com/2026/01/30/r...
1600+ words: www.postwrestling.com/2026/01/30/r...
NEW: Royal Rumble stadium built in weeks raises questions from human rights groups about working conditions, WWE and Saudi officials unresponsive.
Quotes from: Amnesty International, ALQST, Business & Human Rights Centre, and FairSquare.
www.postwrestling.com/2026/01/30/r...
Quotes from: Amnesty International, ALQST, Business & Human Rights Centre, and FairSquare.
www.postwrestling.com/2026/01/30/r...
Royal Rumble stadium built in weeks raises questions from human rights groups about working conditions, WWE and Saudi officials unresponsive - POST Wrestling | Podcasts, News, Reviews | WWE AEW NXT NJ...
Despite recent reforms to Saudi Arabia's labor system, researchers say migrant workers on construction projects are still vulnerable to exploitation, especially on fast-tracked projects.
www.postwrestling.com
January 30, 2026 at 11:41 PM
Includes background on the kafala system, Saudi Arabia’s 2025 labor reforms, why human rights groups say those reforms don’t go far enough, and an earlier report of the death of a worker on a World Cup stadium build in the country last year.
1600+ words: www.postwrestling.com/2026/01/30/r...
1600+ words: www.postwrestling.com/2026/01/30/r...
NEW: Royal Rumble stadium built in weeks raises questions from human rights groups about working conditions, WWE and Saudi officials unresponsive.
Quotes from: Amnesty International, ALQST, Business & Human Rights Centre, and FairSquare.
www.postwrestling.com/2026/01/30/r...
Quotes from: Amnesty International, ALQST, Business & Human Rights Centre, and FairSquare.
www.postwrestling.com/2026/01/30/r...
Royal Rumble stadium built in weeks raises questions from human rights groups about working conditions, WWE and Saudi officials unresponsive - POST Wrestling | Podcasts, News, Reviews | WWE AEW NXT NJ...
Despite recent reforms to Saudi Arabia's labor system, researchers say migrant workers on construction projects are still vulnerable to exploitation, especially on fast-tracked projects.
www.postwrestling.com
January 30, 2026 at 7:37 PM
NEW: Royal Rumble stadium built in weeks raises questions from human rights groups about working conditions, WWE and Saudi officials unresponsive.
Quotes from: Amnesty International, ALQST, Business & Human Rights Centre, and FairSquare.
www.postwrestling.com/2026/01/30/r...
Quotes from: Amnesty International, ALQST, Business & Human Rights Centre, and FairSquare.
www.postwrestling.com/2026/01/30/r...
Reposted by Brandon Thurston
John Pollock & Brandon Thurston discuss the process of having a stadium built in Saudi Arabia and questions regarding the labor utilized for WWE’s return to Riyadh
Plus: Vince & Linda McMahon's opposition in the ring boy suit, Triller's finances & more
www.postwrestling.com/2026/01/28/h...
Plus: Vince & Linda McMahon's opposition in the ring boy suit, Triller's finances & more
www.postwrestling.com/2026/01/28/h...
How did WWE get a stadium built in four weeks? | Pollock & Thurston - POST Wrestling | Podcasts, News, Reviews | WWE AEW NXT NJPW
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss the rapid construction in Saudi Arabia of a stadium to house the Royal Rumble.
www.postwrestling.com
January 28, 2026 at 9:00 PM
John Pollock & Brandon Thurston discuss the process of having a stadium built in Saudi Arabia and questions regarding the labor utilized for WWE’s return to Riyadh
Plus: Vince & Linda McMahon's opposition in the ring boy suit, Triller's finances & more
www.postwrestling.com/2026/01/28/h...
Plus: Vince & Linda McMahon's opposition in the ring boy suit, Triller's finances & more
www.postwrestling.com/2026/01/28/h...
NEW: McMahons say “John Doe” anonymity will unfairly hinder their ability to find witnesses to clear them in ring boy lawsuit. WWE takes no position on pseudonyms. www.postwrestling.com/2026/01/27/v...
Vince and Linda McMahon file oppositions to ring boy plaintiffs' request to maintain anonymity in lawsuit - POST Wrestling | Podcasts, News, Reviews | WWE AEW NXT NJPW
McMahons say "John Doe" anonymity will unfairly hinder their ability to find witnesses to clear them. WWE takes no position on pseudonyms.
www.postwrestling.com
January 27, 2026 at 8:46 PM
NEW: McMahons say “John Doe” anonymity will unfairly hinder their ability to find witnesses to clear them in ring boy lawsuit. WWE takes no position on pseudonyms. www.postwrestling.com/2026/01/27/v...
Expanded view to Top 500. The other image is Top 75.
This still only represents 56% of all watch time on Netflix (shows+movies) during the 6-month period.
This still only represents 56% of all watch time on Netflix (shows+movies) during the 6-month period.
January 23, 2026 at 2:22 PM
Expanded view to Top 500. The other image is Top 75.
This still only represents 56% of all watch time on Netflix (shows+movies) during the 6-month period.
This still only represents 56% of all watch time on Netflix (shows+movies) during the 6-month period.
The most-watched shows (movies not included) on Netflix from Jul to Dec 2025.
Show/series groups & chart by me. Data from Netflix.
I chose to stack WWE content to put it in context. Only top 75 are shown which is 37% of all Netflix show watch time and 28% of all show+movie watch time.
Show/series groups & chart by me. Data from Netflix.
I chose to stack WWE content to put it in context. Only top 75 are shown which is 37% of all Netflix show watch time and 28% of all show+movie watch time.
January 22, 2026 at 10:34 PM
The most-watched shows (movies not included) on Netflix from Jul to Dec 2025.
Show/series groups & chart by me. Data from Netflix.
I chose to stack WWE content to put it in context. Only top 75 are shown which is 37% of all Netflix show watch time and 28% of all show+movie watch time.
Show/series groups & chart by me. Data from Netflix.
I chose to stack WWE content to put it in context. Only top 75 are shown which is 37% of all Netflix show watch time and 28% of all show+movie watch time.
Reposted by Brandon Thurston
Netflix releases viewing data for WWE PLEs, Smackdown, NXT for July to December 2025
https://wrestlenomics.com/articles/2026/netflix-releases-viewing-data-for-wwe-ples-smackdown-nxt-for-july-to-december-2025/
https://wrestlenomics.com/articles/2026/netflix-releases-viewing-data-for-wwe-ples-smackdown-nxt-for-july-to-december-2025/
January 22, 2026 at 2:35 PM
Netflix releases viewing data for WWE PLEs, Smackdown, NXT for July to December 2025
https://wrestlenomics.com/articles/2026/netflix-releases-viewing-data-for-wwe-ples-smackdown-nxt-for-july-to-december-2025/
https://wrestlenomics.com/articles/2026/netflix-releases-viewing-data-for-wwe-ples-smackdown-nxt-for-july-to-december-2025/
Reposted by Brandon Thurston
PWTorch reports 173k total viewers (P2+), P18-49 rating 0.04 for the debut of TNA Impact on AMC www.pwtorch.com/site/2026/01/20/tna-impact-viewership-data-is-in-for-premier-on-amc/
TNA Impact viewership data is in for premier on AMC
The viewership for last Thursday's TNA Impact debut on AMC was 173,000. Typically, Impact had been drawing around 80,000, with some peaks and valleys, on AXS over the years. With roughly double the av...
www.pwtorch.com
January 20, 2026 at 10:02 PM
PWTorch reports 173k total viewers (P2+), P18-49 rating 0.04 for the debut of TNA Impact on AMC www.pwtorch.com/site/2026/01/20/tna-impact-viewership-data-is-in-for-premier-on-amc/
Reposted by Brandon Thurston
CORRECTION: Programming Insider doesn't show a total viewership (P2+) number. The P2+ number reported earlier is likely incorrect. Programming Insider only appears to has various demographic data available only at this time, not total viewers. programminginsider.com/thursday-sco...
Thursday Scorecard: Return of Fox Comedies ‘Animal Control’ and ‘Going Dutch’ Left at the Starting Gate
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026 Program Averages Thursday, January 15, 2026 Net Time Dur Program Type Household Rtg/ Sh Adults 18-34 Women 18-34 Men 18-34 Adults 18-49 Women 18...
programminginsider.com
January 20, 2026 at 8:42 PM
CORRECTION: Programming Insider doesn't show a total viewership (P2+) number. The P2+ number reported earlier is likely incorrect. Programming Insider only appears to has various demographic data available only at this time, not total viewers. programminginsider.com/thursday-sco...
NEW: Plaintiffs in ring boy lawsuit say Vince & U.S. Ed Sec. Linda McMahon oppose their continued use of "John Doe" pseudonyms, WWE takes no position.
McMahons & WWE deny negligence related to abuse allegations against former ring announcer Mel Phillips.
www.postwrestling.com/2026/01/19/p...
McMahons & WWE deny negligence related to abuse allegations against former ring announcer Mel Phillips.
www.postwrestling.com/2026/01/19/p...
Plaintiffs in ring boy lawsuit ask court to maintain "John Doe" pseudonyms, say Vince and Linda McMahon oppose, WWE takes no position - POST Wrestling | Podcasts, News, Reviews | WWE AEW NXT NJPW
Dispute over anonymity opens next phase of the case. Defendants already know their identities. McMahons and WWE deny negligence related to abuse allegations against former ring announcer Mel Phillips.
www.postwrestling.com
January 19, 2026 at 8:05 PM
NEW: Plaintiffs in ring boy lawsuit say Vince & U.S. Ed Sec. Linda McMahon oppose their continued use of "John Doe" pseudonyms, WWE takes no position.
McMahons & WWE deny negligence related to abuse allegations against former ring announcer Mel Phillips.
www.postwrestling.com/2026/01/19/p...
McMahons & WWE deny negligence related to abuse allegations against former ring announcer Mel Phillips.
www.postwrestling.com/2026/01/19/p...
I get this point but at the same time, this goes against decades of pro wrestling tradition of dismissing all the haters until they simply go away and don’t comeback. Also, considering the merits of ideas rather than their source is actually dangerous. It could upset wrestling’s power structure.
Pro wrestlers are not the gatekeepers of who is and is not allowed to comment, critique, love, or hate a program/match/story.
The second you turn your passion into commerce, it’s a transaction with the consumer, who pays through their dollars and/or time spent.
The second you turn your passion into commerce, it’s a transaction with the consumer, who pays through their dollars and/or time spent.
January 17, 2026 at 3:48 PM
I get this point but at the same time, this goes against decades of pro wrestling tradition of dismissing all the haters until they simply go away and don’t comeback. Also, considering the merits of ideas rather than their source is actually dangerous. It could upset wrestling’s power structure.
Class action lawsuit filed against WWE, seeking refunds for customers who paid for ESPN Unlimited while already getting ESPN channels through a TV provider.
www.postwrestling.com/2026/01/09/n...
www.postwrestling.com/2026/01/09/n...
New lawsuit alleges WWE misled fans about ESPN streaming access to PLEs - POST Wrestling | Podcasts, News, Reviews | WWE AEW NXT NJPW
Plaintiffs seek refunds for customers who paid for ESPN Unlimited while already getting ESPN channels through a TV provider.
www.postwrestling.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:19 PM
Class action lawsuit filed against WWE, seeking refunds for customers who paid for ESPN Unlimited while already getting ESPN channels through a TV provider.
www.postwrestling.com/2026/01/09/n...
www.postwrestling.com/2026/01/09/n...