Trending Topics - The AW Release - [a case of the summer]

Last week WWE released AW, presumably over the comments he made a couple of weeks ago on Raw (comparing Titus O'Neil to Kobe Bryant in a Colorado hotel...."unstoppable).  If you've been reading my comments on Twitter, you know how I feel about this issue.  To say the least, I am firmly against AW.

Now, first things first:  I have a VERY crude sense of humor and I detest anything that is overly PC.  I absolutely defended Daniel Tosh when he made a rape joke during one of his stand up routines.  So what's the difference?  As disturbing as it sounds, there's a time and a place for such controversial jokes.  For example, one could argue that it's appropriate (but still in poor taste) for that sort of joke to be made at a show for a comedian that is known for his risque and raunchy style.  However, on a PG program where such a topic can be easily avoided?  No, that's not the place.  And pretty much any person with half a brain would know that.

I suppose the real reason I'm so against AW is his reaction.  Let's compare the way AW reacted to the way Daniel Bryan reacted a couple of years ago.  The difference, of course, is that Bryan WAS legitimately screwed over.  Nonetheless, Bryan reacted graciously.  He was silent for a while, he was honest about his disappointment, and he put over WWE for the way they handled the situation (a personal phone call from Vince, their allowance for him to work indie shows immediately).  AW, on the other hand, immediately victimizes himself.  Instead of owning up to his own stupidity -- and yes, it was an incredibly stupid comment -- he went on and on about how unfairly he was treated.  He compared himself to the Rock and Steve Austin, which is ridiculous for two reasons.  For one, he is no where near their level (and thus, at this time, wouldn't be able to get away with what they have done) and it's a completely different time period.  The Attitude era was centered around shock TV and being crude and pushing the envelope.  This current era has made a concerted effort to distance themselves from virtually any sort of controversy whatsoever (again, an idiot would know that).  AW has also made some other ridiculous statements, like how AJ being interested in CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, and Kane at the same time is somehow on the same level as him making a rape joke (really?)

Is it unfair that AW was released when some others might not have in that same position?  Perhaps.  But that's nothing new.  Is it any surprise that CM Punk would get away with something that, say, Yoshi Tatsu would not?  I'm sorry to tell you, that's how life works.  At my office, if an Intern did something that puts the company at risk, and a partner who brings in millions of dollars does the same thing, I can guarantee you that the punishments will be different.  You have to weigh your risks with your rewards, and the scale didn't side in his favor.  Again, a smarter person would have recognized his role within the company and would realize what he could and could not get away with saying.

Honestly, I would just like AW to take some ownership over what he said and to admit that, really, it wasn't an unreasonable justification to terminate somebody.  Instead, he's cursing off the company, spewing out hateful comments about how unfair it is, and even playing the race card.  It's somewhat disgusting to see somebody who made a rape joke acting like such a victim.

The irony, of course, is that AW now claims that he was actually fired because he supported Linda McMahon on Twitter.  Personally, I don't buy this.  Why bring up the Sandusky hypothetical?  And why make the "fired me for making rape joke, put a convicted rapist in the Hall of Fame" argument?  My guess is that he didn't get quite the sympathy and support he thought he would over getting fired for the rape joke, so he switched gears and figured he could rally people against Linda's Senate campaign.  Anyway, what is ironic is that if AW handled his release with a little more grace, he probably would have been hired back within the year once the dust settled (like with Bryan).  Of course, he really blew that now.  Hope it was worth it, fella!