Breaking Monopoly: AEW’s Impact on Wrestling Landscape 5 Years In
On the anniversary of AEW’s creation, it is important not to forget just how much things have changed. The landscape of professional wrestling has seen a seismic shift over the past five years, largely credited to the emergence of AEW. The company has not only aimed to provide a fresh alternative for fans but it has also sparked significant changes in the industry.
Shifting from Monopoly to Diversity
AEW’s inception marked a significant shift from the traditional monopoly conditions that had long dominated the wrestling industry. In a candid op-ed for The Players’ Tribune, MJF highlighted how the promotion’s existence means more options for wrestlers, translating into increased leverage and opportunities. This diversification has not only allowed talents to explore different avenues but has also injected a healthy sense of competition into the wrestling ecosystem.
MJF went on to speak to the profound importance of AEW’s creation, emphasizing how the promotion has had a lasting impact on the wrestling industry and praising the company for disrupting the status quo. It’s clear AEW is offering a viable alternative for both performers and viewers. It’s mere existence has not only challenged the norms but has set new benchmarks for excellence and creativity.
AEW’s Impact on WWE and Pro Wrestling
Forbes’ analysis emphasizes how AEW has compelled WWE to adapt and evolve. This has helped completely transform the pro wrestling landscape. The competitive environment spurred by AEW’s presence has forced WWE to stay on its toes, ultimately benefiting us, the fans, with more dynamic and engaging content.
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In a world without AEW, would CM Punk have had the opportunity to dip his toes back into the wrestling world? Furthermore, would current day WWE be a welcoming environment for CM Punk, or would it have been business as usual for the last five years? How healthy could Jon Moxley be right now if he had to keep being a clown in his own eyes for Vince McMahon?
Cody Rhodes described the impact AEW has made when he retweeted me after going back to WWE:
Warner Bros. Discovery and WWE Raw: Industry Game-Changer?
A recent development involving Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) potentially acquiring the rights to WWE Raw, as reported by Dave Meltzer and Wrestling Inc, raises questions about the broader implications for the professional wrestling industry. Could this deal reshape the landscape further, and how might it impact the existing power dynamics between AEW and WBD?
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AEW is locked in for their final year, but have not reached an agreement going forward. However, if WBD were to keep AEW programming and acquire WWE Raw as well, the possibilities are endless. In order to do good business for the network, the companies could be put into a position to do things we as fans have only dreamed of. Like a true American Forbidden Door: WWE vs AEW.
Current leadership at WWE/TKO seems like they would be way more open to something like that than the old guard. All purely speculation, of course, but we wouldn’t even be thinking about it if Tony Khan and a bunch of rag-tag misfits hadn’t rolled the old dice and put Rasslin’ back on TNT.
What Does The Future Hold For AEW?
AEW’s presence in the wrestling scene has undeniably stirred the waters, prompting discussions about profitability, individual aspirations, industry rivalries, and potential game-changing deals. As the industry continues to evolve, fueled by the creativity and competition AEW brings, the next five years promise even more surprises and transformations. Wrestling fans can undoubtedly look forward to an era where variety, innovation, and unexpected twists define the new normal. The question is, how will AEW continue to shape the future of professional wrestling, and what other surprises are in store? Only time will tell.
