The wrestling landscape continues to evolve as major promotions embrace cross-promotional partnerships, and AEW International Champion Kenny Omega is taking notice. The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion recently shared his thoughts on WWE’s groundbreaking acquisition of AAA and how it reflects the changing nature of professional wrestling entertainment.
WWE’s Historic AAA Acquisition Draws Praise
WrestleMania 41 weekend marked a pivotal moment when WWE announced their acquisition of the legendary Mexican promotion AAA. This partnership will culminate in WWE Worlds Collide on June 7, representing the first official crossover event between the two companies.
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Omega expressed genuine enthusiasm for WWE’s embrace of lucha libre wrestling. The Canadian superstar acknowledged how this move represents a significant shift in WWE’s approach to international wrestling styles.
AEW’s Blueprint for Collaborative Success
While WWE’s partnerships represent a relatively new direction under Nick Khan and Triple H’s leadership, AEW has been pioneering cross-promotional work since launching in 2019. The company has previously collaborated with both TNA and AAA – ironically, the same promotions now working with WWE.
This collaborative approach has become a cornerstone of AEW’s identity, allowing them to showcase diverse wrestling styles and talent from around the globe.
The Evolution of AEW’s Roster Diversity
Omega highlighted how AEW’s current roster represents a perfect blend of wrestling styles and physical attributes. The former AEW World Champion emphasized the promotion’s improved depth across different wrestler archetypes.
“[Having complete cards] is the most exciting part of our show and our program right now. We have a lot of young guys that can do some incredible things. We have some bigger dudes on our roster, too, which we sort of had a lack of. Now we have the Bobby Lashleys, Powerhouse Hobbs, Samoa Joes.”
The addition of powerhouse wrestlers like Bobby Lashley has filled a crucial gap in AEW’s presentation. Combined with high-flying talents like Will Ospreay and technical masters like Swerve Strickland, the roster now offers something for every wrestling fan.
Lucha Libre’s Growing Influence Across Major Promotions
The integration of lucha libre elements has become increasingly important for both major American promotions. Omega noted how WWE’s partnership with AAA mirrors AEW’s own commitment to showcasing Mexican wrestling traditions.
“I feel AEW has really become, even now, especially with, I don’t know if you’d call it a merger, probably not the best technical term, but AAA working with WWE, they are introducing a little more lucha libre to their stuff as well too, which I think it’s great to see.”
This cross-pollination of styles benefits the entire wrestling industry by exposing mainstream audiences to diverse wrestling traditions.
The Philosophy Behind Style Diversity
Omega’s vision for professional wrestling extends beyond simple entertainment value. He believes variety in wrestling styles serves an educational purpose, helping fans develop appreciation for different approaches to the art form.
“In a perfect world I would love to show the various styles of pro wrestling so that people can develop an appreciation for it and if it isn’t what you like, there’s a chance that throughout that card, there is something that you are going to like because it’s not just going to be the same thing over and over again.”
This philosophy reflects AEW’s broader mission to present wrestling as a diverse art form rather than a homogeneous product.
Massive Weekend Ahead for Both Promotions
Both WWE and AEW have stacked their schedules with major events. AEW will make history with All In Texas on July 12, marking their first stadium show on American soil. Meanwhile, WWE presents a triple-header in Atlanta with NXT Great American Bash and Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12, followed by WWE Evolution on July 13.
The highlight of All In Texas will see Omega defend his International Championship against Kazuchika Okada’s Continental Championship in a Winner Takes All match, creating the new AEW Unified Championship.
As wrestling promotions continue breaking down barriers and embracing collaboration, fans are the ultimate winners. Will this new era of cross-promotional partnerships lead to even more ambitious projects between wrestling’s biggest companies?
