Whether its football or sitcoms, the fall marks the beginning of new eras on TV. Wrestling can now be added to this tradition. The long-awaited showdown between AEW and WWE kicks off this September. One looks to make a name for themselves while the other looks to continue their dominance in the industry. Like with any contest, let’s take a look at the match-up of AEW vs WWE.
The New Kids
After the success of an independent event in September of 2018, Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson), collectively known as The Elite, looked to create their own wrestling promotion. With the assistance of Shahid and Tony Khan, part of the ownership group of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham F.C., All Elite Wrestling (AEW) came alive! Their goal – To provide a high level of competition against WWE that hasn’t existed in almost two decades.
AEW brought in the new year with the official announcement of the company. Former WWE superstar Chris Jericho became the first major star to pledge his allegiance to AEW. Shortly after the announcement, other competitors such as Joey Janela, Pac (also known as Neville in WWE), and Kenny Omega joined the promotion. In addition to being competitors, Rhodes, Omega, and The Young Bucks serve as Executive Vice Presidents for AEW. Brandi Rhodes, Cody’s wife, also serves as the company’s Chief Brand Officer.
On May 15th, AEW announced their launch of live weekly prime-time shows on TNT beginning Wednesday, October 2. The end of their first pay-per-view “Double or Nothing” ten days later introduced the audience to the company’s next big signing, Jon Moxley (formerly Dean Ambrose of WWE). The event proved to be a major statement for AEW in providing a viable second option to wrestling fans and strong competition for WWE.
The Counterattack
WWE knew that in order to level the playing field on Wednesdays, they would need to offer additional TV programming to compete with AEW. Their plan of attack – Call up their most watched program from the WWE Network. Originally based as a development program, NXT worked their way into becoming a third brand for the company. WWE recently announced NXT’s move to USA network starting September 18 in order to start drawing in their audience before AEW’s premiere.
The news brought mixed reviews as fans worried if the same beloved show would exist through the transition. Rumors stirred as into the level of Vince McMahon’s involvement with the programming and what changes may come about. Those concerns were laid to rest with word that Triple H would still oversee NXT. In addition, news broke of Vince McMahon possibly stepping away from WWE for a short time to handle XFL matters.
Who will come out on top?
In the end, both companies look to entertain the wrestling community with their own agenda. AEW looks to prove themselves by focusing on more in-ring action for the audience while providing their competitors freedom for their mic work. WWE looks to bring the success of NXT to TV in an expanded version and continue their reign of supremacy. Who will come out victorious? Which side will the fans land on? The showdown of AEW vs WWE is one wrestling fans will not want to miss!
