WWE Counter-Programming AEW Is A "Company Directive" (WWE News)
Expect more of WWE holding events on the same day as Tony Khan's AEW in 2025 and beyond.
WrestleVotes Radio's Backstage Pass reports that TKO is "behind" WWE's bid to repeatedly counter-program opposite AEW events. This is said to be a "company directive" that's designed to start "controlling the narrative and momentum online" on PLE/PPV days going forwards. Naturally, WWE's social media streams garner a lot of chatter when there's something to talk about, and that could easily overwhelm the conversation surrounding Tony Khan's product.
The radio show says there's "no coincidence" here with the timing of certain WWE events.
For example, AEW's All In 2025 takes place earlier in the day this Saturday (12 July). Then, Triple H's league will put on the latest Saturday Night's Main Event special. That means they'll seize control of the chat on X and other platforms immediately once SNME begins. There's also expected to be a lot of hubbub about Bill Goldberg's retirement match opposite reigning World Heavyweight Champion and celebrated wrestling machine Gunther.
The crux of this campaign is to ensure WWE shows "have the last word of the night". This is also apparently going to be true of NXT live events - they could be carefully booked around All Elite programming so that WWE can "control the narrative" and flow of conversation online.
Recently, AEW star MJF called this strategy "incredibly intelligent". He's protective of Khan's brand, but thinks people would have to be "stupid" not to realise what Trips and WWE are up to. He admires the hustle rather than getting too defensive about it.
The long and short of this is that fans should expect more WWE counter-programming in the future.