AEW’s Big Money Moves Spark Industry Debate

One big thing: AEW’s lucrative contract offers raise eyebrows

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is making waves with high-value contract offers to top talent, causing a stir in the professional wrestling industry.

The details:

• Swerve Strickland, former AEW World Champion, signed one of the “biggest deals in company history” ahead of AEW All In London.

• Daniel Garcia, who returned at AEW All In London, is expected to stay with AEW despite WWE’s interest.

• WWE insiders reportedly view these contract offers as “bad for the business,” according to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Why it matters:

These high-value contracts could shift the balance of power in professional wrestling, potentially escalating a bidding war for top talent between AEW and WWE.

The bigger picture:

• AEW’s willingness to offer substantial contracts demonstrates their commitment to retaining and attracting top-tier talent.

• This strategy could force WWE to reassess their own contract structures and talent acquisition approach.

• The wrestling community is divided, with some praising AEW for “normalizing paying wrestlers what they deserve,” while others worry about long-term industry sustainability.

What they’re saying:

“Normalize paying Wrestlers what they deserve,” tweeted The Maharaja, a sentiment echoed by many fans and industry insiders.

The bottom line:

AEW’s aggressive contract strategy is reshaping the professional wrestling landscape, potentially leading to better compensation for wrestlers across the industry.

What do you think about AEW’s high-value contract offers? Are they good for the wrestlers and the industry, or could they lead to unsustainable competition? Share your thoughts in the comments below.