Suppose that the two giants of professional wrestling, WWE and AEW, come together. It is the final dream of many fans. But what is the real possibility of such a monumental crossover? A man in a unique position to comment on this particular topic, Bryan Danielson, who has served 12 years with WWE as Daniel Bryan and who has since gone to be The American Dragon in AEW, weighed in on this very topic recently. His view is an interesting insight into the intricate relations among the largest participants of wrestling.
The Unthinkable Crossover: A Wrestling Dream?
On the Ned and Josh podcast, Danielson touched on the à la carte possibility of a WWE-AEW partnership. His first reaction, which was a typical wrestling phrase, was “never say never.” This common saying that is usually used to allude to unexpected potentials in the industry keeps the dream alive in many who dream of dream matches and plots across the two promotions.
Danielson soon, though, dampened this optimistic reservation with a swab of hard reality.
Danielson’s Candid Take: The Reality of Rivalry
Although anything is possible in the unpredictable professional wrestling world that operates more on guesswork than on hard science, Danielson does not see a collaboration occurring in the near future. And his reasoning cuts deep. It seems to him, a fact that he asserted to in the matter, that WWE is somehow wishing, as it were, that AEW would just go away. It almost looks as though they would like us to quit business, said Danielson, a remarkably audacious thing to say on the part of such a revered man.
In the opinion of Danielson, this is not an empty illusion. He referenced the recent trend of the WWE to organize events that conflict with the AEW events. The competitive timing not only puzzles him but also the motivation behind the same. With the financial success that WWE has, which is seen to make them billions of dollars every year, Danielson was not afraid of questioning why they would then seek to put an adversary out of business. Wont you guys be rich enough already? he thought, with an emphasis on apparently unwarranted violence.
Navigating the Competitive Landscape: AEW’s Approach
Despite WWE’s perceived intentions and strategic counter-programming, Danielson emphasized that it’s not something AEW dwells on. His message to his own company is clear: control what you can control. Rather than stressing over the actions of its biggest competitor, AEW’s focus remains squarely on its own product – ensuring it’s as compelling and entertaining as possible for its audience.
Why Competition Matters: A Boost for Talent and the Industry
Here lies the crux of Danielson’s argument: the existence of two major wrestling companies like AEW and WWE is profoundly important. This isn’t just beneficial for fans who get more options; it’s absolutely crucial for the talent, both in-ring and behind the scenes.
Think about the ripple effects of true competition:
- More Opportunities: More major promotions mean more places for wrestlers, coaches, producers, and crew members to find work.
- Better Pay: With multiple big players vying for talent, there’s upward pressure on salaries and contracts.
- Increased Leverage: Wrestlers gain negotiating power when they have viable alternatives. This pushes both companies to offer better conditions and creative freedom.
Danielson firmly believes that most wrestlers currently in WWE likely want AEW to succeed and stick around, precisely because it benefits their own careers and the overall health of the industry. It prevents a monopoly and fosters an environment where innovation and quality are rewarded.
The Bigger Picture: A Call for a Thriving Ecosystem
The dynamic described by Danielson underlines the sheer dance between strenuous competition and the prospect of industry-wide health. Although the never say never dream of collaboration may be quite a way to go, Danielson makes an honest evaluation of the situation: it is a cutthroat business, and AEW has certainly rocked the boat.
His point that healthy competition is crucial to talent and the professional welfare of professional wrestling cannot be ignored. There is nothing like in any sport, having one overpowering league is in the best interest of its players or the fans. To make wrestling a very successful sport, it is of the essence to have a number of good wrestlers who can challenge one another to go the extra mile. It not only makes people become better it also makes matches more quality, stories more diversified, and, in the end, a more enjoyable experience for those of us in the seats. That is a win for all, even when some competitors would like otherwise.
