AEW Instructed Arena Staff To Confiscate Any Anti-WWE Signs During Dynamite's TNT Premiere
Staff at Washington's Capital One Arena were also told to take away any political signs.
With the first episode of AEW Dynamite in the books and the Wednesday Night Wars officially up and running, now comes an interesting titbit of news about how AEW handled the possibility of anti-WWE antics on its TNT premiere.
According to Dave Meltzer over at the Wrestling Observer, AEW brass told staff at Washington’s Capital One Arena to confiscate any signs that were bashing WWE or anybody associated with Vince McMahon’s company.
Given the hugely passionate and loyal fan base AEW has already amassed in its short lifespan, AEW higher-ups were aware of the possibility of AEW fans turning up for Dynamite with signs knocking WWE. In fact, the eagle-eyed of you out there may have spotted a “Vince Fears Ratings” signed that was spotted on camera early on, before the reappearing during Dynamite's six-man main event.
In addition to this, one of the few other strict rules that AEW had in place was that there were to be zero signs with any sort of profanity or political message on them.
Previously, WWE was very publicly blasted by fans on social media for confiscating all pro-AEW signs and merchandise seen at WWE events – to the point where fans were refused entry to venues if they were wearing merch belonging to an AEW talent.