Stevie Richards Calls WWE Soulless Under TKO

Stevie Richards described WWE’s current creative direction as soulless during the 100th episode of his show on June 7, 2026. Speaking alongside co-host James Romero, Richards criticized the company’s trajectory under TKO management while naming a non-WWE mask vs. mask match as the best of the year.

Why did Stevie Richards call WWE “soulless”?

During a milestone broadcast, Richards used his platform to lay into the current state of WWE’s creative process. According to Wrestling News, Richards characterized the product as soulless specifically in the context of its operation under TKO.

He spent a significant portion of the episode breaking down why the current direction fails to resonate. Richards’ critique focuses on a perceived loss of identity or spirit within the writing and execution of the current storylines.

Which match did Richards crown as the best of the year?

In a move that underscored his dissatisfaction with WWE’s current output, Richards looked outside the company to find the year’s top contest. He crowned a non-WWE match as the best of the year.

The match in question was a mask vs. mask bout. It featured El Grande Americano, played by Ludwig Kaiser, facing off against a competitor identified as The Original.

How does TKO’s management factor into these claims?

The core of Richards’ frustration stems from the transition of WWE into the TKO era. He suggests that the corporate shift has stripped the creative direction of its essence.

By contrasting the high quality of a non-WWE mask match with the soulless nature of the WWE product, Richards highlights a gap between corporate efficiency and artistic storytelling in professional wrestling.

This analysis was conducted during the 100th episode of his show, where he and James Romero evaluated the current landscape of the industry.