Wrestling legend Mick Foley believes All Elite Wrestling's historic All Out pay-per-view poses a major "problem" for WWE.
Foley, a WWE Hall of Famer who is currently signed to a 'Legends contract' with the company, shared his thoughts on the two wrestling promotions after All Out, which featured the debuts of several major former WWE superstars and set a company record for pay-per-view buys.
"I’d like to title this video WWE, We’ve Got a Problem because I think you do and that problem is that WWE is no longer the place for talent to aspire to," Foley said in a video shared on his verified social media account. "Part of it is because AEW is doing a great job of attracting great talent, proven talent, building other talent, creating storylines, but part of it is a problem of your own making.
"I think younger talent sees the way that developmental characters are cut or left by the wayside or in the case of Karrion Kross, greatly watered down and even made a joke of when they debut on the main roster. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it. If I was an aspiring talent now, big league talent with a major decision to make, I’m not sure that I would trust WWE creative to do the right thing with my career. You guys did wonders with me back in the day, that was a different time, different place.
"If it was today, I’m not sure I would trust the powers to be with my career in their hands. And until that changes, WWE, you’ve got a problem."
Former WWE Champion Bryan Danielson (formerly known as Daniel Bryan), former NXT Champion Adam Cole, and former WWE superstar Ruby Soho (formerly known as Ruby Riott) all made their AEW debuts at All Out on Sunday, which also featured the in-ring return of former WWE Champion CM Punk, who had recently made his first appearance for the company after a seven-year absence from professional wrestling.
Soho was among the numerous releases made by WWE since April, despite being involved in an ongoing SmackDown storyline and regarded as one of the top female competitors in the company.
The former 'Riott Squad' leader debuted as the surprise 'Joker' entrant in the women's Casino Battle Royale match, which she won to earn an opportunity to challenge AEW Women's Champion Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. for an upcoming title match.
Both Danielson and Cole reportedly received major offers from both companies before deciding to join AEW, which launched just two years ago and has quickly emerged as WWE's most serious competition since World Championship Wrestling, which was purchased by WWE chairman Vince McMahon in 2001.
Cole interrupted a post-match promo by AEW World Champion Kenny Omega and 'The Elite,' seemingly to get revenge on the group from being 'killed off' their YouTube series Being the Elite-- prior to joining NXT in 2017 -- but instead rejoined the group.
Danielson came out minutes later and helped Omega's opponent, Christian Cage, and allies Jungleboy and Luchasaurus, even the odds against the Elite before clearing the ring.
Cole is a one-time NXT Champion, the inaugural NXT North American Champion, and a one-time NXT Tag Team Champion alongside former Undisputed Era members Roderick Strong, Bobby Fish, and Kyle O'Reilly.
The 32-year-old has spent the majority of his tenure with WWE competing for the NXT brand since signing in 2017.
Danielson, a multi-time former World Champion, last appeared on WWE television during a losing effort to Universal Champion Roman Reigns in the main event ofFriday Night SmackDownin April and his contract reportedly expired after the appearance.
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