WWE is reportedly taking a hands-off approach when it comes to Busted Open Radio despite the show now airing under the WWE Radio umbrella.
Dave Meltzer wrote in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter at F4WOnline.com that those within WWE maintain the company is “staying out of any influence” on Busted Open. The situation was compared to NFL Radio, where the league provides the platform without dictating what its hosts are allowed to say.
“Those in WWE have said that they are staying out of any influence on the Busted Open show on WWE Radio,” Meltzer wrote. “Comparing it to NFL Radio where they discuss NFL issues but the NFL doesn’t tell the hosts what to say.”
SiriusXM’s wrestling channel officially rebranded as WWE Radio at the end of July, with Busted Open remaining a centerpiece of the station. Along with its regular weekly programming, the channel now carries WWE podcasts, simulcasts the audio of Raw, SmackDown and NXT, and produces its own commentary for WWE premium live events featuring Vic Joseph and Booker T.
Those involved with Busted Open have maintained that the tone and approach of the show will not change as a result of the WWE Radio partnership. However, one notable difference has been the lack of AEW discussion since the switch.
AEW wrestler Thunder Rosa, who had previously been part of Busted Open’s rotating lineup of co-hosts, confirmed her departure from the program following the WWE Radio launch.
Other promotions have not disappeared from the show entirely. TNA continues to receive coverage, while Tommy Dreamer regularly hosts an independent wrestling spotlight segment featuring interviews with talent from the indie scene.
