Is AEW Big Enough to Compete with WWE by Mid-2021?

As the wrestling community eagerly awaits the mid-2021 showdown between AEW (All Elite Wrestling) and WWE, the question arises: Has AEW gained enough ground to challenge WWE for supremacy in the pro wrestling industry?

The Current State of AEW

As of mid-2021, AEW has certainly made significant strides in building its brand and gaining traction. The company, owned by Tony Khan, has implemented several strategies that have contributed to its growth. One of the most notable factors is the dominant performance of AEW shows like 'Rampage.' For instance, the second 'Rampage' show drew high ratings and viewership, overshadowing WWE's flagship live event, 'SmackDown.'

Additionally, AEW's strategic partnerships and collaborations have led to increased exposure. By aligning with established talent and creating compelling storylines, the company has managed to generate substantial goodwill and attract a new audience to the world of professional wrestling.

Comparisons to WWE and TNA

While AEW has achieved impressive milestones, it still remains far behind WWE in terms of overall viewership and market share. There are numerous factors contributing to this gap:

The enduring legacy of WWE, which has been around since 1993, has ingrained its brand deeply into the hearts and minds of wrestling fans. Unlike AEW, WWE's roots stretch back to the WCW era, making it a more established and recognized brand worldwide.

AEW aims to compete with the golden years of TNA, with some even suggesting they might reach early WCW levels. However, these comparisons overlook AEW's lack of substantial financial backing and widespread industry influence.

Strategic Challenges for AEW

AEW still faces significant challenges in bridging the gap with WWE. Several key areas need improvement:

Increasing Viewer Numbers: Though AEW's second 'Rampage' show was a standout event, it did not translate to consistent high viewership across all their events. WWE has a proven track record of maintaining large audiences through consistent programming and continuous promotion.

Talent Acquisition: While superstar talent like CM Punk and Bryan Danielson (Daniel Bryan) have joined AEW, a consistent influx of high-caliber talent is crucial. Daniel Bryan's potential arrival in September will be significant, but it remains to be seen if he will bridge the gap and how the long-term impact of other talent signings will be.

Financial Stability: Building and maintaining the financial health of a wrestling promotion is a decades-long endeavor. WWE's success is in large part due to its strong financial backing, which allows for continuous investment in content, technology, and marketing. AEW must address this aspect to ensure long-term sustainability.

Conclusion

While AEW has made impressive strides and shown significant promise, it is still far from being able to compete with WWE on a par level. The company's focus should continue to be on building a strong, sustainable brand, fostering an engaged fanbase, and ensuring financial stability. Only through these efforts can AEW rise to reach the heights of WWE in the competitive pro wrestling landscape.