Kurt Angle, 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin Address WWE And AEW Ticket Sales

Kurt Angle and Stone Cold Steve Austin addressed the emerging competition between WWE and AEW.

AEW's weekly show will begin on October 2 on TNT, while WWE's NXT will go live on the USA Network on Sept. 18.

While some pro wrestling fans believe AEW can eventually give WWE a run for their money, WWE legend Kurt Angle begs to disagree.

In a recent Facebook Q&A, Angle detailed his thoughts AEW and how their current emergence compares to TNA's rise during the 2000’s. According to Angle, he acknowledges the similarities between the two promotions. However, AEW must realize that they will always be “number two” to WWE in terms of TV ratings and live show attendances, NoDQ News noted.

“I see some similarities. AEW has a very long road ahead of them. I know that the talent there is up for a challenge. They can succeed if done right, but AEW will need to realize they will always be #2,” Angle said.

He also recalled a specific scenario with TNA in the past where he told TNA’s office how it really is. Based on Angle’s standpoint, WWE is “way too big” to compete with.

"WWE is way too big and has way too many years behind them for a new company to step in and take over the top spot. I recall when TNA tried to compete against WWE on Monday nights. I told the TNA office that ‘we will never beat WWE.’ I told them we should realize that we’re #2 and should be happy with it,” Angle added.

In the end, Angle predicted that AEW could succeed but will never be able to surpass WWE’s numbers.

"AEW has a tough road. Can they succeed? Yes. Will they beat WWE in ratings and arena ticket sales? No,” Angle pointed out.

Another WWE legend also shared his insight regarding how the WWE could effectively maintain good ticket sales. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin magnified the power of “emotions” in pro wrestling. According to Austin, real emotions being displayed during events or promos do sell tickets, Give Me Sport noted.

"I think that emotions sell tickets, but also being larger than life sells tickets,” Austin said.

Austin even singled out WWE star Seth Rollins in his idea. As per Austin, Rollins should show some emotions. He even set himself as an example to prove that viewers like seeing natural reactions during scripted scenes.

"Seth's a tremendous worker and I just think, man, when he turns up that entertainment factor, because he's pretty reserved on the horn. And, man, if you go back and watch my promos, I mean, I never know what I'm going to say. I was trying to channel and emit energy and people feed off that," Austin stated.