NXT Vs. AEW: Head To Head

3. Marketing

Cody HHH
WWE

NXT is powered by the WWE machine, which itself is a mainstay of the USA Network. The company’s preexisting relationship with several major sponsors and advertisers should launch NXT towards the most casual eyes possible, if in fact that matters. NXT hype will be everywhere, and on the platform that is Monday Night RAW, WWE also has access to what remains the biggest mass gathering of pro wrestling fans on a given night.

If WWE can do anything, it’s hyping itself. The company is still more than capable of casting a spell over the public, even if it is often mere smoke and mirrors.

AEW has used ingenuity in place of resource and coverage. Advertising the TV debut ahead of Hobbs & Shaw screenings was a cunning move; the movies was always going to do monster business, and its lead draws people with an inclination towards pro wrestling. Already, the TNT hype is gathering traction.

And it’s not for nothing that Kenny Omega, Jungle Boy and Britt Baker were dispatched to the Television Critic’s Association press event. Great-looking people charming critics into what you imagine will be several profile pieces was another shrewd move WWE hasn’t yet taken.

But, since Vince knows every bastard’s trick…

NXT 3 - 5 AEW

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!