WWE Just Changed The Wrestling World Forever

Shawn Michaels
WWE

If anything, a legacy deepens over time, powered by nostalgia. Nobody really gives a sh*t that Shawn Michaels worked a Saudi show. He is still remembered as legendary, influential talent. As funny as his little ruffian head at Crown Jewel was, it's not the first thing one thinks of when recalling his run.

The next round of rights fees negotiations complicate the picture.

AEW stand a strong choice of procuring something approaching WWE money by the end of the year, but "WWE money" will take on an even more astronomical definition if that scenario plays out, and that doesn't even factor in an agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia than runs until 2028. The independent contractor might not be satisfied with 2022 WWE money in AEW, when 2023 WWE money will look even more appealing. WWE is in a strong position to offer an unprecedented retirement fund.

This all works out rather nicely for WWE, a promotion institutionally incapable of creating new stars. The promotion coasts along on its history. Now, potentially, WWE can coast along on AEW's.

This theoretical scenario also works out at AEW's expense.

CONT'D...(4 of 6)

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Contributor
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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!