WWE Acknowledges AEW Threat During Talent Meeting, Report Claims

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is the most popular pro-wrestling promotion in the world and it is likely to stay that way for the foreseeable future. But All Elite Wrestling (AEW) was launched earlier in the year and the new promotion is looking to eat into WWE’s dominance and at least in North America, they are making enough of an impact for WWE to take them as serious competitors.

Wrestling Observer reports that heading into WWE’s fifth pay-per-view of the year – Money In The Bank – Stephanie McMahon had a talent meeting, which is usual when the management gives speeches from time to time ahead of big events. But the report claims there was one difference before MITB as the chief brand officer spoke about AEW, which was a first, and the rival promotion was said to be mentioned as a potential competitor.

There has not been a wrestling promotion to challenge the might of WWE in North America since WCW folded almost two decades ago. But AEW, which is backed by Pakistani American billionaire Shahid Khan and son Tony, who is the founder of the new pro-wrestling promotion, have shown that they are willing to compete with WWE in terms of offering lucrative contracts and attracting top talent.

AEW signed WWE legend Chris Jericho by giving him the most lucrative contract thus far in his career, they also landed WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross and that has turned the heads of every pro-wrestling star. If the new promotion cannot compete with the popularity as of yet, they are already threatening WWE when it comes to signing the best talent on offer.

Vince McMahon is very protective of his brand and is doing everything to ensure the WWE roster remains unchanged. He has reportedly instructed the management to hand out new contracts, and has recently been rejecting numerous release requests from the likes of Luke Harper, Sasha Banks and former RAW tag team champions The Revival.

AEW will host its first live show “Double or Nothing” at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 25 and have signed a television deal with Warner Media with their shows expected to be aired on TNT and Bleacher Report Live. And if McMahon’s daughter named them as competitors, the promotion is certain to have made an impact in the short space of time since its inception earlier in the year.