Matt Jackson on All In, Event’s Length, Other Stars Considered, & More

Recent episode of the WrestleZone Radio podcast show had Matt Jackson as the guest discussing September’s All In event, plans for the event’s length and card, other stars considered for the event, and more.

On the topic of which available star was outside their price range for All In, Jackson stated Hulk Hogan was the biggest star they knew they would not be able to afford for this event.

I was asked the other day about “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan and I was like, “He’d probably cost $150,000 just to make an in-ring appearance.” I can’t afford that. When we first announced this show I think everyone just assumed we had these endless funds so just go ahead and bring in whoever! Sometimes there are names that are just unrealistic. It really is just three guys running a show. Give me a break.

On the topic of the event’s length, Jackson stated they are currently leaning towards the goal of the event being around three hours in length.

Honestly, if it was just my opinion, and my opinion solely… it’s hard because it’s a team effort… I like three hours. I have a short attention span and I’m a father of two. I think I’m a millennial, I’m 33 now. I think three hours is realistic and I am going to try and keep it around that. I definitely do not want a five or six hour marathon show where the fans are worn out by the main event. It’s the same thing with our YouTube show. I like the shorter episodes that are just ten or fifteen minutes long. If it’s a special episode, like episode 100, we’ll go like 25 minutes. People ask me, “Well, why don’t you guys just do like an hour a week?” Well, because then you guys won’t like the show. That’s the point. You want to give them enough so they can’t wait for next week. I feel like the same goes for a pro wrestling show.

On the topic of the event’s card, Jackson stated they are currently working on plans for the card to be a balanced mix of match types.

I think all good wrestling shows have a good balance of every genre of wrestling. I feel like there should be the more serious technical match, maybe a match with more drama, comedy matches, women’s matches, a tag bout and then a crazy, longer main event. All shows need that balance. That’s why some shows aren’t as good because every match is more or less the same. That’s one thing that me, Nick and Cody are going to be pretty particular about is identifying to the talents what we want out of the matches and what we can hopefully get out of it. That’s the plan.

On the topic of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s stance on the event, Jackson stated they have been very cooperative with their requests for talent and plans for this event.

They’ve been nothing but great to us. If I ever go to them and say, “Hey, I need a talent.” they are just going to go, “just tell me who.” When it came down to finding a date we sat down with their office and found a day that would work if we needed a top guy like Okada. We worked around each other’s schedules so that we could get Okada there. So, they know how important this show is to us and they got us Okada and that is massive to us.

On the topic of which former ’90s star would fit very well with the event, Jackson stated PCO fits that criteria and someone they are currently considering for the event.

That’s funny. There’s a guy that has been getting a lot of buzz lately. I know he had a big match at Joey Janela’s Spring Break and that’s PCO. I actually spoke to a few of the guys that I know from the independent promotions and said, “Have you considered bringing this guy in? He’s really hot right now.” If we have room for a guy like that it would be great. Who knows? I don’t think, or know, if a lot of people remember him but he’s kind of getting this following right now. I’ve watched a couple of his videos and gifs on-line and he’s just great. Honestly, I’d book him just so I could do a bit with him on the show.

Other topics discussed during the interview included if Colt Cabana will be making an appearance during the event.