WWE recently shared their Q2 2021 earnings report, and that was followed by a call with investors yesterday. WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon was on the line, and it was pointed out by one caller that AEW appears to be making significant investments with their roster. They also noted that they're gaining in viewership, particularly with that key 18 - 49 demographic advertisers love.
Asked outright if he believes AEW is competition and if WWE should be making its own talent investments and preparing for the rival company to have to battle AEW for deals down the line, Vince was quick to shoot down the idea this is another WWE vs. WCW situation.
"Well, it certainly is not a situation where ‘rising tides’ because that was when Ted Turner was coming after us with all of Time Warner’s assets as well," Vince responded when asked if this is a "rising tides lift all boats" situation as it was with WCW. "That was a different situation. AEW is where they are. I don’t really know what their plans are, all I know is what our plans are."
"I don’t consider them competition in the way that I would consider WCW back in the day, not anywhere near close to that. And I’m not so sure what their investments are as far as their talent is concerned, but perhaps we can give them some more."
That last comment is pretty bizarre, and it sounds like Vince is referencing the fact AEW has been scooping up released WWE talent. That may show how little he valued those wrestlers, but essentially suggesting he'll fire more Superstars for AEW to sign...well, it's not a good look.
However, with CM Punk and Daniel Bryan heading to AEW, it feels like a war may be brewing...