On August 25th in Birmingham, WWE Raw delivered a fast-paced and highly energetic show, following a less impactful SmackDown episode in Dublin, Ireland. During this Raw event, a notable reference to an AEW star sparked excitement among wrestling fans. Before the second hour began, Kofi Kingston faced Penta in a match that received critical acclaim. During the commentary, Corey Graves addressed The New Day’s ongoing mourning storyline, drawing a comparison to a memorable funeral segment involving Big Show and Big Boss Man from years earlier.
Corey Graves commented,
“This is a sad time for The New Day. It’s like when Big Boss Man showed up at Big Show’s father’s funeral.”
—Corey Graves, Commentator
This mention implicitly acknowledged Big Show, also known as Paul Wight, who has since left WWE and currently works with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a detail that gave the segment an additional layer of relevance for attentive viewers.
Behind the Scenes: Tony Khan on WWE’s Competitive Strategies
In a recent media event for the Forbidden Door pay-per-view, AEW President Tony Khan discussed WWE’s approach to counterprogramming and how AEW is managing the competition between wrestling promotions. Khan emphasized AEW’s focus on its own product rather than rival promotions, highlighting the company’s achievements in 2025.
Khan explained,
“We’ve had a great 2025 in AEW and I believe that, in large part, that’s because everyone in AEW is really focused on making AEW a tremendous promotion and continuing this excellent year we’re having.”
—Tony Khan, AEW President
He further noted that the company’s success stems from concentrating on improving wrestling content and engaging fans. Khan acknowledged the presence of other promotions but stressed AEW’s commitment to delivering top-tier shows and pay-per-views. This approach has helped maintain strong enthusiasm both inside and outside the AEW community, reinforcing AEW’s position as a leading wrestling organization.
Significance of the AEW Star Mention on WWE Raw
The indirect mention of Big Show, now an AEW talent, during WWE Raw illustrates the blurred lines and intense rivalry between wrestling promotions as they vie for fan attention. Such references provoke fan discussions and highlight ongoing narratives that extend beyond a single company’s programming. The spotlight on AEW during WWE’s flagship show may increase visibility for the promotion and intensify competition within the sport.
With WWE continuing to deliver high-energy shows and AEW focusing on innovation and quality, this cross-promotional nod could signal more intertwined storylines or future interactions between the biggest wrestling companies. Fans and analysts will likely monitor these developments closely, as the dynamic between WWE and AEW continues to evolve.
