Backstage Update on Jacques Rougeau Tribute Video Not Airing at AEW Redemption

As noted before, former WWE wrestler Jacques Rougeau was involved in a backstage incident at AEW’s Redemption event this past July in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This incident revolved around Rougeau throwing a “tantrum” backstage after AEW had refused to use a video he created for the Rougeau Family tribute segment on the show. This video had contained footage and music that AEW did not have the rights to and also had A.I.-generated content that AEW did not want to use for the show. Rougeau later posted the video on his official Facebook account.

Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Rougeau’s video only being one minute and 17 seconds in length should not have been an issue. Meltzer reported that the video containing footage of him pinning Hulk Hogan in a singles match on April 11, 1997 in Montreal was one of many key factors for why AEW refused to allow it to be aired due to the lack of them having the rights to broadcast it on their show.

Meltzer reported that Rougeau has recently claimed that there was no incident at the show. Meltzer also reported that there is currently no issues between him and AEW nor any heat over his backstage incident any longer.

In regards to the building security being made aware of the incident, Meltzer reported that the Bell Centre has a rule in place that if you are kicked out backstage for a discipline reason, then you are kicked out of the building period. This reportedly was the reason why AEW officials and security decided to let Rougeau calm down instead.

In regards to the reason why AEW was not able to air the video, Meltzer reported that there was no way that AEW lawyers could verify rights to using the Hogan footage and other footage used in the video in time to air it due to nobody in AEW saw it until the last minute.