Bryan Danielson isn’t buying the idea that WWE sees AEW as a real threat — but he still finds their counter-programming approach a little strange.
During a recent interview with the Kairouz Bros, the AEW star was asked about WWE scheduling premium live events against AEW shows like All In, Double or Nothing, and Forbidden Door. While the timing has raised eyebrows among fans, Danielson doesn’t think it’s about fear.
“I’m just curious, like, what the people who are making these decisions, what they’re thinking, right? In the sense of like, ‘Oh, okay, this AEW thing. It’s a real danger to our billion-dollar business.’ That can’t be it.”
Danielson doesn’t believe AEW is on WWE’s level financially — yet. But he does think WWE’s corporate mindset may be rooted in power and control more than actual competition.
“It’s interesting because we’re not at the point of being a threat. It’s one of the things that people who really crave power and a lot of money play these weird games that I don’t understand.”
He added that he respects many of the people at WWE and doesn’t see this as a personal attack. Still, he’s curious about the bigger reasoning.
“I’d be interested to know, okay, what’s the decision-making process in this?”
As WWE continues to stack PLEs against major AEW dates — including the upcoming WrestlePalooza airing the same night as All Out — Danielson’s comments add an insider perspective that raises some big questions.
Do you think WWE’s counter-programming is strategic or petty? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
September 9, 2025 10:34 pm