When NXT (which was then in its "2.0" phase) squared off with AEW Dynamite during what became known as the "Wednesday Night Wars," the WWE developmental brand found itself well and truly beaten.
Since then, interest in AEW has waned and WWE is on something of a hot streak with Triple H calling the shots in place of Vince McMahon. On Tuesday night, the two shows squared off once again and both companies set out to load their respective cards with as much talent as possible.
In WWE's case, that involved enlisting stars like John Cena, Cody Rhodes, and The Undertaker. Now, the ratings are in and the gamble paid off.
According to Variety, NXT pulled in 921,000 viewers with 396,000 in the key adults 18-49 demographic. In contrast, AEW Dynamite averaged only 609,000 viewers with 346,000 in the demo. This is a humiliating loss for AEW, particularly as those key demos were once a major bragging point for AEW President Tony Khan.
He hasn't taken the loss well and, after previously describing Triple H and Shawn Michaels as "bald assholes," Khan has had an expected meltdown on social media. That includes taking a shot at HBK by declaring that this episode of NXT will stop him from winning the Wrestling Observer Newsletter's "Best Booker" award.
Just to put that into context for you, Khan won last year with 372 votes. A total of 978 people voted in a poll which, for anyone who isn't a subscriber, is meaningless. He's also been ranting about Vince McMahon and replying to a multitude of fans and trolls so the loss has clearly got under the billionaire's skin.
Both NXT and AEW offered fans 30 minutes of ad-free programming, and while WWE loaded their show up with main roster talent, Dynamite delivered "Title Tuesday." A number of championships were put on the line and the show was headlined by former WWE Superstar Edge facing Luchasaurus as part of his in-ring debut for the company.
Check out some of Khan's comments in the Tweets/Xs below.