AEW Vs. WWE: Head To Head
2. Diversity Of In-Ring Product
There’s a distinct (and increasingly unfashionable) in-house WWE mandate that imposes pacing restrictions on its performers.
The company has, through its recruitment policy, diversified the old WWE style—but the gear remains stuck in place. Ricochet was afforded more expression in NXT, for instance, much less PWG. He hasn’t wrestled to anywhere near the blistering pace set in his TakeOver: Phoenix classic opposite Johnny Gargano on the main roster. WWE is capable of in-ring excellence, but certain styles and speeds are prohibited.
AEW’s calling card is expression and diversity. Guys get dropped on their heads. Guys get driven into barbed wire. Guys twerk their arses, and it is amazing and never before seen. There’s a danger and freshness and character to it, and a sense of real speed.
The Lucha Brothers perform rapid bangers in a style divorced from WWE’s story-driven approach, which is representative of AEW’s head-turning tag team division, one loaded with depth. The tag action presented by AEW thus far has been scintillating. It just lunges at warp speed to a destination of total quality. Three shows in, and the promotion comfortably dominates WWE, NXT and New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Neither AEW or WWE’s Women’s division is on fire—but post-Ronda Rousey, the former edges it thanks to the joshi component, which best represents AEW’s entire M.O. of fresh, youthful pro wrestling.
SCORECARD: AEW 5-3 WWE