The Disturbing Truth Behind AEW's Obsession With WWE

by Michael Sidgwick

Under 20% of internet users in the US are subscribed to Twitter. On more than one occasion, an AEW wrestler has referenced some backstage report or other to crickets. In September, Max Caster rapped about the talent meeting held to ease backstage tensions, and nobody reacted. Not everybody cares about this sort of thing. Eric Bischoff once tried to get a pop in WCW by referencing the scissors fight between Arn Anderson and Sid. He had to repeat the line, under the impression that it was so great that the only possible explanation is that the fans mustn't have heard. They did; they just didn't get it.

Don't confuse this for some "AEW needs to reach the casual fan!" rubbish. The uncompromising, patient vision is obviously engaging an audience with which Warner Bros. Discovery. is happy. Still: at times, AEW occupies the other end of the extreme.

What AEW is doing, as part of storylines with significant time investment, is a virtual strain of cheap heat. They're all but wearing the colours of the local sports team for five months on end. Khan is on record as saying, on the Dan Le Batard show, that the hatred between AEW and WWE is real, citing WWE's alleged contract tampering and their apparent attempts to unsettle AEW's business relationship with NJPW as motivating factors.

Recent evidence would indicate that he hates WWE more than the vast majority of his fanbase.

Bryan Danielson felt lost throughout much of 2022 because his character was wrapped up in this petty dispute between billionaires. The JAS Vs. BCC storyline coincided with AEW's least revered period in its history. That's when it becomes a problem. It's also a problem that this happens so often, and if the trend must continue, it should be reserved for MJF exclusively. If there is something to the "Bidding War of '24", it can't be anything when so many other characters are doing the same bit.

It isn't 2019 anymore. AEW is in no immediate danger from WWE's spiteful games. The promotion exists in a healthy state. AEW fans no longer receive WWE as a threatening entity that, through the Wednesday Night War, might kill AEW before it gets off the ground. WWE, as a heel, has lost its heat.

It's time that AEW stops selling for it.

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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 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!