Confirmation on a contract, Smackdown news, and FREE STORY on WBD-AEW

Clarifying WBD story

There have been a number of irresponsible aggregations regarding a note we had on WBD and AEW.

Sean Ross Sapp answered a question and noted that AEW and WBD no longer had exclusivity -- something he reported 11 months ago when the new TV deal was announced. For some reason, a number of outlets and fans pretended this was new information, and that it was happening because of WBD, platform changes and potential mergers. That isn't true at all, and the people aggregating it knew that. It was an effort to stir up controversy, spread misinformation and discredit original reporting.

The reality is AEW had negotiated to get their exclusivity back on their new deal, which is why they were able to discuss the possibility of having Shockwave on FOX.

The specific point in the answer was that AEW isn't at risk of losing their television deal, and aren't in danger of folding with any looming merger. Tony Khan owns AEW, as opposed to AOL Time Warner owning and broadcasting WCW. WBD also does not and have not had exclusivity since the start of this new deal. It was noted that if the worst case scenario unfolded (which is not in danger of occurring), and AEW needed to exist on literally any platform, Tony Khan could continue on any platform, including Youtube.

Also, if you don't get the news directly from the reporting source, you shouldn't be aggregating it. If the aggregator refuses to link to the original source, there's usually a reason -- they don't want the reader consuming the actual news

We appreciate you all for supporting original coverage.

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Confirmation on a contract

Fighful has gained confirmation of a talent under contract.

TNA Wrestling has gone back and forth over the years on using talent under contract or not under contract, changing their preferences on whether or not they want to use those without contract. In one recent case, it’s not an issue.

Fightful Select has confirmed that Cedric Alexander is under contract to TNA Wrestling. He’s been appearing on their programming for a number of months, but until now there was no confirmation he was under contract with the company. However, we’re not sure how long that contract runs. There are a number of talent there working without contracts.

Naturally, Cedric has been linked to the Hurt Syndicate in AEW, but as of right now, that 's not happening.

Smackdown/other Notes

• Jade Cargill was legitimately cut open during the match. We're told she's okay but needed to close the wound.

• The pin count botch was a subject of conversation backstage. The pinfalls used to be counted "as a shoot," but haven't for quite some time.

• We've asked about Bo Dallas' absence but haven't heard as to why.

• Je'Von Evans got a warm reception upon returning backstage.

• Fightful had reported earlier this week that more NXT integration was planned for the main roster, which we saw this week. We also will see a lot more NXT integration into TNA

• Details around Ash By Elegance vacating her TNA Title have been quiet.