Deets On AEW
Deets On AEW
In the vast and storied history of professional wrestling, few moments have been as transformative as the birth of All Elite Wrestling (AEW). From its inception, AEW promised to be something different—a radical departure from the established norms that had come to define the industry for decades. But to truly understand why AEW matters, why its rise was so seismic, and why it continues to be a critical force in reshaping the landscape of professional wrestling, we must journey back to the conditions that set the stage for its arrival.
Professional wrestling in the United States had long been dominated by a single, towering force: World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). WWE, having absorbed its chief competitors by the early 2000s, enjoyed a monopoly-like position atop the wrestling world. For years, WWE was synonymous with professional wrestling in the mainstream, dictating the creative direction, style, and overall presentation of the sport. Fans, though loyal, became increasingly disillusioned with what they saw as a product that catered more to corporate interests and mainstream entertainment than to the passionate, dedicated wrestling fanbase. The voice of the diehard wrestling fan had grown restless, craving an alternative.
This is where AEW's story begins.
The Road to AEW: Independent Wrestling and the Power of the Fanbase
For years, independent wrestling promotions across the United States and abroad had quietly thrived, offering a different kind of experience. Promotions like Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), Ring of Honor (ROH), and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) catered to a more hardcore, wrestling-focused audience. These promotions placed an emphasis on athleticism, storytelling, and creativity, giving their performers—many of whom would later become AEW's foundational roster—room to develop unique personas and storylines that connected on a deeper, more personal level with fans.
Cody Rhodes, son of wrestling legend Dusty Rhodes, was one of many talents who, after leaving WWE, found success and fulfillment in the independent circuit. Alongside The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), Kenny Omega, and Hangman Page, Cody became part of a broader movement that challenged the notion that WWE was the only viable platform for professional wrestlers to achieve fame and financial success. These individuals, known as “The Elite,” built a devoted following through their work in NJPW and ROH, as well as their groundbreaking YouTube series Being The Elite.
The series wasn’t just entertainment—it was a peek behind the curtain, blurring the lines between reality and the scripted world of wrestling. It cultivated a direct connection with fans, pulling them into a world that felt authentic, engaging, and, most importantly, fan-driven. These wrestlers were telling the stories that fans wanted to see, unfiltered by the constraints of a corporate entity.
But the moment that crystallized this movement came in 2018 with the event known simply as All In. Spearheaded by Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks, All In was an independent wrestling show meant to be a celebration of the sport’s possibilities outside of WWE. What started as a bold experiment—one that many in the wrestling world were skeptical of—quickly became a phenomenon. The 10,000-seat Sears Centre Arena in Chicago sold out in less than 30 minutes, a feat that sent shockwaves through the industry. It was undeniable: fans were hungry for change, and All In proved that there was a market for an alternative to WWE.
The Birth of AEW
The success of All In caught the attention of Tony Khan, a lifelong wrestling fan and businessman. Backed by the financial resources of the Khan family, Tony Khan envisioned something greater than just a one-time event. His vision was the creation of a new wrestling promotion that could go toe-to-toe with WWE, not by mimicking its formula, but by offering something fundamentally different. AEW was officially announced on January 1, 2019, and with it came a bold mission statement: to be the alternative, to listen to the fans, and to let the wrestlers control their own creative destinies.
AEW wasn’t just a business venture; it was a revolution. At its core, AEW was founded on principles that had become all but forgotten in mainstream wrestling: creative freedom, diversity of storytelling, and respect for the fans’ intelligence. Tony Khan and the founding members of AEW understood that professional wrestling was, at its best, a collaboration between performers and their audience. By listening to fan feedback, by treating wrestling as a legitimate sport rather than just sports entertainment, and by giving wrestlers the freedom to be themselves, AEW quickly carved out its own identity.
AEW Dynamite: The New Standard
On October 2, 2019, AEW launched its flagship television program, Dynamite, on TNT. The choice of network was no coincidence—it was on TNT that WCW's Monday Nitro had once gone head-to-head with WWE's Raw during the legendary "Monday Night Wars" of the late 1990s. Now, AEW was returning wrestling to a station that had once been home to one of WWE's fiercest competitors, and the message was clear: AEW was here to compete.
From its very first episode, Dynamite was a breath of fresh air. The in-ring action was faster-paced, more athletic, and more innovative than what many WWE viewers were accustomed to. AEW's roster showcased a blend of established stars like Chris Jericho and Jon Moxley (formerly WWE’s Dean Ambrose) alongside rising talents such as MJF, Darby Allin, and Jungle Boy. Moreover, AEW offered something that mainstream wrestling had lacked for years: real unpredictability. Fans never quite knew what to expect on Dynamite, whether it was a surprise debut, an intense promo, or a shocking storyline development.
AEW's commitment to diversity also set it apart. The promotion put a spotlight on women’s wrestling with its dedicated division, though it faced challenges and criticism in fully realizing its potential. Nevertheless, AEW made strides by featuring talent from around the globe, including stars from Japan’s Joshi promotions and lucha libre performers from Mexico. The company also embraced a wide range of storytelling approaches, from serious, hard-hitting feuds to lighthearted and comedic segments that harkened back to the more experimental days of wrestling.
A New Era of Competition
As AEW grew, so did its fanbase. The wrestling world, long accustomed to WWE’s dominance, was now home to a genuine alternative. AEW didn’t just fill a gap; it created a new standard, forcing WWE to adapt in response. This wasn’t just competition for ratings; it was a philosophical battle over what professional wrestling could and should be. AEW emphasized long-term storytelling, nuanced character development, and an appreciation for wrestling’s rich history. It drew from wrestling’s past while pushing the genre forward, embracing both tradition and innovation.
The rivalry between AEW and WWE wasn’t just confined to the television screen—it extended to the way fans engaged with wrestling. AEW fans, known for their passion and loyalty, became part of a larger movement that championed the promotion’s philosophy. In contrast to WWE’s often scripted and formulaic presentation, AEW felt organic, unpredictable, and fun. This reinvigorated fan engagement led to a period often referred to as the "Wednesday Night Wars," with AEW Dynamite and WWE’s NXT airing head-to-head for ratings supremacy.
Though the landscape shifted with NXT’s eventual move to Tuesday nights, AEW’s position as a major player in the wrestling world had already been solidified. The company continued to expand, debuting a second weekly show, Rampage, and staging ambitious pay-per-view events like Double or Nothing, All Out, and Full Gear. Each event not only celebrated wrestling but also pushed the envelope, with matches and moments that delivered on AEW's promise of being the best alternative in wrestling.
The Legacy and Future of AEW
In just a few short years, AEW has transformed professional wrestling. It has given fans a reason to believe again in the possibilities of the sport. Wrestlers who once found themselves creatively stifled in WWE or elsewhere have discovered new life in AEW, forging legacies that resonate with fans on a deeply personal level. AEW isn’t just a wrestling company—it’s a community, a movement, and a rebellion against complacency.
As AEW continues to grow, its legacy will be defined not only by its in-ring action but by the cultural shift it has spearheaded in the world of professional wrestling. AEW has reminded the wrestling world that innovation, creativity, and a deep respect for the fans' voice are essential ingredients for success.
The story of AEW is still being written, but one thing is certain: AEW has already made history, and its influence on professional wrestling will be felt for generations to come. What started as a dream—a rallying cry from a group of passionate wrestlers and a visionary fan-turned-owner—has blossomed into a global phenomenon that has forever changed the industry.
This blog is a tribute to that revolution. To the fans who demanded more. To the wrestlers who risked everything. To the moments that shocked, inspired, and defined an era. This is AEW—the revolution that changed professional wrestling forever.