The fact that WWE called AEW out for "gory self-mutilation" did not sit well with the media
Follow Us
WarnerMedia executives are said to have been outraged by WWE’s remarks about AEW’s “gory self-mutilation.”
Since the beginning of 2019, AEW and WWE have been at odds. Both corporations trade punches in the form of promos delivered by their biggest stars and champions during television appearances.
In the Toronto Star on December 31, Vince McMahon’s company condemned All Elite’s Rampage episode, citing the savage brutality seen during a ‘Street Fight’ pitting Anna Jay and Tay Conti against The Bunny and Penelope Ford. The “gory” reaction was sparked by the bloody contest.
According to the Wrestling Observer, WarnerMedia executives were irritated when they saw WWE’s takedown. They saw McMahon’s remark as a personal assault and a coordinated effort to hurt their ability to market AEW products to advertising.
“We don’t believe that type of dangerous and brutal display is appealing to network partners, sponsors, venues, children, or the general public as a whole” WWE had said.
Although AEW President, CEO, General Manager, and Head Of Creative Tony Khan has yet to reply to WWE’s statements.
WarnerMedia interpreted this to suggest that WWE does not believe sponsors should invest money in All Elite Wrestling in the future, and they aren’t happy about it. Dave Meltzer also stated that the media conglomerate is pleased with the performance of AEW series such as Dynamite and Rampage on networks such as TBS and TNT.
These figures are encouraging for Tony Khan, as they may be the key to keeping All Elite Wrestling on TBS and TNT. Moving to TBS has also boosted Rampage’s statistics, according to the article.
Regrettably, Warner Media’s revenue is derived from ads. All Elite Wrestling might be severely harmed if advertisers decide to opt-out during the AEW slots. However, no additional announcements have been made yet.
There’s a case to be made that WarnerMedia should be pleased that WWE addressed AEW at all. This is one of the rare instances WWE and Vince McMahon have acknowledged AEW as a competitor, and people who read or heard about the statements may have a better understanding of what WWE was referring to. In a sense, WWE directed a large number of fans to the AEW show to see what the commotion was all about.
READ MORE: Max Caster of The Acclaimed takes more shots at WWE on AEW Dynamite
The comment was also seen as a ploy to hurt AEW, whose TV relationship with WarnerMedia expires in 2023.
The remark is similar to one made by WWE in the past, most memorably during the Monday Night Wars, wherein Vince McMahon sent Ted Turner a letter condemning WCW’s “self-mutilation,” informing Turner that he hoped investors would hold him responsible.
