AEW: MJF & Adam Cole Shirt Sets 2023 AEW Sales Record, Claudio Castagnoli on Blood & Guts Match, Banned Moves List Update

MJF & Adam Cole’s “Better Than you Bay Bay” Shirt Reportedly Top Selling AEW Shirt of 2023

MJF and Adam Cole’s tag team shirt reportedly recently set a new sales record in AEW for this current year, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Dave Meltzer reported that his sources stated that MJF and Cole’s “Better Than You Bay Bay” t-shirt has managed to become the highest selling shirt for AEW for all of 2023 so far. Meltzer reported that in just a few weeks since its release, this shirt has managed to sell more than any other AEW branded shirt for this year.

In terms of gross revenue, Meltzer reported that this shirt is currently the second highest grossing shirt of the year for AEW, only behind a MJF button down shirt that has a higher price point.

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Claudio Castagnoli Comments on BCC vs. Golden Elite Blood & Guts Match and Post-Match Handshake

Sports Illustrated held a recent interview with Claudio Castagnoli. One of the topics discussed included Catasgnoli’s thoughts on the Blood & Guts match from this past Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite show and how Blackpool Combat Club pushed The Elite to raise their level.

“It was the spectacle of blood and guts that people expected, and even exceeded that. We had modifications from last year with the separate entrances, which helped. There’s only been two other of these matches in AEW, but I thought it delivered. That’s what we wanted to come across. We lost that battle but we won the war. Thanks to the Blackpool Combat Club, now The Elite is better than ever. We brought them to a place they’ve never been.”

Castagnoli also gave his thoughts about the post-match handshake moment between BCC and The Elite that took place after the show had ended.

“The post-match between the BCC and The Elite, with Kenny talking and we all shook hands, that probably should have been on television, but it shows that there is nothing like being there in-person. There is nothing like being there live.”

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More on AEW’s “Banned Moves List” New Health & Safety Protocols

As noted before, AEW recently implemented a new health and safety protocols for their talent at AEW shows.

Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the general feeling within AEW’s locker room is that these new changes is not going to make any difference in AEW’s current product. One person spoken to reportedly stated that the actual rules for AEW’s banned moves have been in place for a long time and ever since AEW had brought in Christopher Nowinski to speak to talent very early into the company’s existence.

One talent spoken to reportedly stated that unless someone were to just outright defy the rules and flaunt over it, the most someone would be punished for a violation likely would just be a small fine.

Another talent spoken to reportedly stated that the moves listed as being currently banned are the same moves that have been banned in the company for years. This talent reportedly stated that this was just AEW officials putting it down on paper and may be enforced more closely going forward. This same talent reportedly also stated that the elimination of fake seizures and spitting spots likely won’t make any difference for shows.

Another talent spoken to reportedly stated that they are currently hopeful that this will lead to less repeated spots on shows. This same person reportedly stated that AEW tried to do this at their Double or Nothing 2023 event this past May with them not wanting anyone else on the show to bleed who were not involved in the Anarchy in the Arena match.

One top talent spoken to reportedly stated “The new rules have great intentions but it remains to be seen how well they work. I’d say for the most part, no big move, highflying, driver , or other otherwise has led to any injuries on the roster. The vast majority have been fluke accidents that could have happened to anyone. Avoiding repeat spots and getting permission for blood or hardcore items/spots are the big ones that need to be enforced so we’ll see how it turns out.”