How WWE vs. AEW Started and How It’s Going: Looking Into Their 5-Year Rivalry

WWE has been ruling the pro wrestling space for a very long time. While it faced competition from several companies back in the 80s and 90s, today’s scene is very different. However, while WWE has all its rivals defeated, AEW has emerged as a formidable competitor ever since its inception.

AEW and WWE have clashed with each other on several occasions. Both companies have been dueling each other ever since the AEW began operations in 2019. As we start a new year, let us look at all the times WWE and AEW exchanged blows with each other.

WWE vs AEW, ft. The Wednesday Wars

The Wednesday Wars between the AEW and the WWE was the first direct face-off between the two brands. The Wednesday Wars began on 2 October 2019 and lasted for 75 weeks till 7 April 2021. These 75 weeks saw WWE NXT go against the AEW Dynamite every Wednesday between 8-10 PM.

Although both brands put up a formidable show each week, it was AEW who won this war. Moreover, the new company defeated WWE in 63 astonishing weeks out of 75 in terms of viewership numbers and ratings. 

This didn’t just increase the stature of AEW but also forced the WWE to switch NXT to Tuesdays. While this war ended with the moving of one show, the other one started with the movement of wrestlers.

The big transfers from WWE to AEW

The WWE was the dream of every professional wrestler who wanted to make it big. While several pro wrestling outfits are doing a great job, WWE just didn’t have any match when it came to exposure and fame. However, AEW became that alternative when it arrived in the market.

WWE wrestlers had to comply with what the top management wanted because switching companies was as good as quitting. But AEW became the second home of WWE wrestlers who didn’t like what WWE was asking of them. The list of high-profile transfers starts from Daniel Bryan, Rusev, and Paige, and currently stops at Adam Copeland aka Edge, not to mention that Cody Rhodes first helped head the company.

This became a tricky situation for WWE, especially since ex-WWE members also helped AEW grow via administrative work. But, the flow of big names hasn’t been one way. The arrival of CM Punk is probably one of the biggest transfers recorded in history. 

Also Read – Has CM Punk Ever Strayed Away From His Straight Edge Society Ethics?

However, since Punk’s arrival is actually a comeback, the biggest AEW draw by WWE is Jade Cargill. While this battle involved the movement of big names in pro wrestling, the next battle involved the movement of big events in the WWE.

A Saturday Special instead of a Sunday Special

Several hardcore fans have pleasant memories of sitting before their TV screens and watching the WWE Pay Per View events on Sundays. But, this is just a memory now, since Triple H now holds Premium Live Events on Saturdays instead of Sundays.

This is because AEW has its own PPVs scheduled on Sundays. Although WWE is used to butting heads with AEW now, this was a big strategic move that actually helped both brands. Big events involve a lot to lose, and a safe bet is always the best bet. 

Moreover, this is something even the fans are happy about since they don’t have to choose between both shows. While all these big changes showcase that AEW has an upper hand, recent viewership numbers show Tony Khan in on the back burner. In fact, WWE has lately been the dominant rival between the two pro wrestling outfits.

The current peaking numbers on weekly shows

The WWE did receive several sharp blows to its viewership numbers because of AEW, but WWE is still a major player in pro wrestling. Recent charts showcase that the new Tuesday War between both companies was won by WWE, which was surprising especially since Adam Copeland made his AEW debut.

While this gave WWE a sigh of relief, AEW found itself stifled when CM Punk made his comeback to WWE. The highlight of the Survivor Series saw several viewership as well as fan engagement records being broken by WWE. 

Moreover, while this was definitely a death blow to AEW, WWE is on the verge of getting another major win that will spell doom for AEW.

The war for broadcasting rights

WWE recently announced that Monday Night Raw will be looking for a new broadcasting partner after its current license expires. Interestingly, one of the top broadcasters who are interested in the red brand is Warner Bros Discovery. This is the same broadcasting company that airs AEW as well.

This is a major strike against AEW since Tony Khan’s company is still not in the clear with WBD. While WWE also has other big players like Amazon Prime Video wanting to work with it, AEW finds itself in a pinch. As 2024 proceeds further, both pro wrestling brands will continue their intense competition and bring the best content for fans.

Which pro wrestling outfit do you like more, AEW or WWE? Who do you think will outlast the other?

WATCH THIS STORY:- Every WWE Superstar Who Attacked Vince McMahon