In recent months, Tony Khan’s All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has found itself in direct competition with WWE, as the latter moves aggressively to reclaim dominance in the professional wrestling world. WWE has reportedly devised a bold approach aimed at surpassing AEW by scheduling competing events and applying continuous pressure on Khan’s promotion.
Over the past year, WWE and AEW have been clashing through high-profile pay-per-view live events (PLEs). WWE strategically launched several marquee events coinciding with AEW’s major shows, including holding top-tier PLEs on the same weekend as AEW’s flagship event, All In Texas. Following AEW’s announcement that All Out would happen on September 20, WWE responded by debuting a new event, Wrestlepalooza, set for the same date.
Ongoing Battles Over Event Scheduling and Viewership
This move sparked speculation that Tony Khan’s AEW would move the All Out event to avoid a direct clash with Wrestlepalooza. However, recent updates suggest that WWE is prepared to continue head-to-head competition regardless of such schedule adjustments. Wrestling Observer’s Bryan Alvarez revealed that WWE plans to escalate these tactics, eventually forcing AEW into a situation where both companies must counterprogram each other’s shows.
“I’ve pretty much been told this from people in WWE – it’s like, that’s it, they’re gonna go after them and they’re gonna keep it up. The day is gonna come where WWE counterprograms, AEW moves a show, and then WWE moves their show. It’s gonna happen at some point. They’re gonna screw with the guy because now they know this guy’s gonna blink, he’s gonna move his show.”
—Bryan Alvarez, Wrestling Observer
WWE’s Intent to Replace AEW as the Premier Alternative
Since launching AEW in 2019, Tony Khan positioned his promotion as a new powerhouse in wrestling, offering wrestlers fresh opportunities. Yet, according to insider Dave Meltzer, WWE now appears focused on promoting its partner, TNA Wrestling, as the primary competitor to WWE rather than AEW. This shift represents a concerted effort to marginalize Khan’s company and regain full authority over the wrestling market.
“[WWE] really want TNA to become the other promotion because they can control TNA. This is a major full-court press. They just want [Tony Khan] out of the box and they know if the numbers stay good that he’s gonna get a renewal at a much bigger number, just like they did. He’s already very profitable, the number will make him incredibly profitable and they’ll never get away from him or anything like that. So they feel that they need to make sure this is the last contract,”
—Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Radio
As WWE intensifies competition through event counterprogramming and seeks to elevate TNA Wrestling, AEW faces persistent challenges to maintain its status. The rivalry between the Stamford-based WWE and Tony Khan’s AEW is increasingly defined by strategic scheduling and market control battles.
What This Rivalry Means for Wrestling’s Future
The ongoing tension between WWE and AEW signifies a pivotal moment for professional wrestling, as both companies vie for fan attention and industry influence. WWE’s aggressive tactics suggest a determination to undermine AEW’s ascent, increasing pressure on Tony Khan to respond effectively. The continuing rivalry is likely to result in more scheduling clashes and strategic maneuvers aimed at securing dominance in this lucrative entertainment arena.
The outcome of this power struggle could reshape wrestling’s competitive landscape, influencing contract negotiations, event timing, and the available opportunities for wrestlers. As Tony Khan’s AEW navigates these challenges, the wrestling community will closely watch how both companies adapt their strategies moving forward.
