Stevie Richards Criticizes WWE Creative Direction Under TKO

Posted by admin on June 8th, 2026

Stevie Richards used a milestone episode of his show to deliver strong opinions on the current wrestling landscape, naming a non-WWE bout as the best match of 2026 while sharply criticizing WWE’s creative approach.

Joined by co-host James Romero, Richards focused heavily on the mask vs. mask match between Ludwig Kaiser and Chad Gable, who competed under the El Grande Americano personas at AAA Noche de Los Grandes on May 30 in Monterrey, Mexico. The match ended with Gable unmasking in front of his family and has received widespread praise. WWE later aired the bout on Netflix following RAW.

Romero set the tone early. “Probably the best match of 2026” and “would win most people’s match of the year,” he said, while questioning WWE’s output the same weekend. “How can a WWE PLE not hold up to something from AAA with a much reduced budget, but it’s just so much better in every single respect.” He added bluntly, “Clash in Italy was terrible. The booking was awful.”

Richards used the comparison to highlight what he sees as a core issue in WWE’s storytelling.

“How can WWE get both these guys so wrong in so many different ways, or at least not have them live up to their potential on the main roster,” he said. “It wasn’t a match looking for a storyline, it was a storyline that led up to a match. WWE does it all backwards. This is proof of how WWE has it all incredibly backwards in the wrong way. You should be able to do this every single week on WWE TV.”

Richards also praised the reported AAA creative direction, linking it to The Undertaker. “He might be Booker of the Year if this continues,” Richards said.

The criticism toward WWE extended beyond match structure. Richards agreed with Romero’s description of the product as “soulless.” He argued that the company prioritizes corporate interests over storytelling.

“This is a corporation we’re watching, everything is done in excess and not efficiently,” Richards said, adding that WWE is “creatively bankrupt and have been for a long time… it’s because all these other masters that Triple H is serving.”

Both hosts strongly praised Gable and Kaiser. Romero declared, “I think Chad Gable is the best wrestler in the world, and I don’t think it’s close.” Richards compared Gable favorably to Kurt Angle, stating, “Chad’s getting over when they essentially have not pushed Chad,” and adding he “might be more versatile than Kurt.”

Richards also credited Rey Mysterio for his role in AAA. “Rey Mysterio has better business sense than TKO,” he said.

Despite the praise, both men expressed concern about what could happen when the performers return full-time to WWE programming. Richards repeatedly questioned how long it would take for momentum to fade.

He also pointed to LA Knight as an example of missed potential, noting his limited in-ring presence on RAW since before WrestleMania and criticizing how his character has been handled.

Romero echoed those concerns, criticizing a recent segment involving Jimmy Uso as ineffective and calling a possible feud a step down.

The discussion framed the AAA match as a standout moment in 2026 and a broader critique of how different promotions approach storytelling and talent presentation.