The Disturbing Truth Behind AEW's Obsession With WWE

Tony Khan believes the hatred between AEW and WWE is real - but his fanbase might not buy that...

by Michael Sidgwick
WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Bloodline Roman Reigns Sami Zayn Jimmy Uso Solo Sikoa
WWE.com

Wrestling Twitter is a horrendous experience fought between two deranged tribes.

The Bloodline saga is the latest pro wrestling Event to further the culture war. Remarking that the instant classic of an angle at the close of the Royal Rumble, while outstanding, might have gone a bit long will not do. It was perfect. Nirvana was achieved in that moment. Pointing out that the invisible camera has driven the storyline forward is not critique, but nitpicking. This is a cinematic masterpiece!

Also, because it was produced by WWE, it can't possibly be good. Even though the storyline has engaged the WWE fanbase like very few others, and has finally substantiated WWE's insistence that this current Roman Reigns run is indeed legendary, it can only be merely "good". Little old terrible WWE have once again lucked into a good story. It's uncool to admit that WWE have done something that is an unqualified and gigantic success. They can't possibly have lovingly crafted an excellent story. Other wrestling does exist, you know! You can watch Breaking Bad if you want to know what prestige drama looks like!

Over in the other trenches, every time AEW books an action-heavy edition of Dynamite, and Tony Khan preserves a heat angle in favour of advancing his big stories with a patient, indirect chapter, you'll read the same thing: man, AEW should really learn a lesson from the Bloodline saga! If only the promotion that gave us the Hangman Page Vs. Kenny Omega and CM Punk Vs. MJF stories would learn what booking is! It's just as well life on earth began a month ago, because that favours our argument!

At present, were you to hop on Twitter or r/SquaredCircle, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the wrestling war isn't being waged between WWE and AEW, but rather Paul Thomas Anderson and Pro Wrestling Guerilla.

It is relentlessly stupid out there. There is no room for nuance. Dumb, cyclical debates happen every single day.

CONT'D...(1 of 5)

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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 surefire Undisputed WWE Universal 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!