Is AEW Better Than WWE? A Wrestling Fan’s Honest Breakdown – AEW and WWE put out great wrestling content every week. However, the debate surrounding which is better, AEW or WWE, continues to divide wrestling fans, even though the rivalry pushes both to great heights.
I’ve followed WWE and AEW over the years as I enjoy keeping up with my favourite wrestlers wherever they go. When CM Punk jumped to AEW, so did I to see how he would fit into a new environment. When he returned to WWE, I followed along once again, but I never stopped watching AEW because I’d gotten invested in several AEW storylines and wrestlers.
The difference between AEW and WWE isn’t all about the wrestlers, though. Even CM Punk himself shared that AEW was “a different business.” Many performers crossed over between the two and thrived in both places. The core difference lies in the storytelling, and that starts with the people behind the scenes.
AEW or WWE, which is better?
I personally think AEW is a more exciting wrestling product. The in-ring action in AEW feels more unpredictable and also unfiltered. There’s this raw energy to it that I quite love. The matches are more intense with a faster pace, and it reminds me of the earlier days of WWE.
However, if you’re asking which company is better when all things are considered, the answer gets more complicated because they both excel in different categories.
AEW excels at:
- Producing consistently good PPVs
- Tag team wrestling
- Showcasing different wrestling styles
- Providing more opportunities for younger talents
- Letting wrestlers have more creative freedom and personality
- Being less repetitive
WWE, on the other hand, is superior at:
- Production value and presentation
- Video packages, promos, and storytelling
- Making wrestlers larger-than-life stars
- Promoting events and selling them out in the process
- Maintaining a more successful women’s division
If you love pure wrestling, AEW is better than WWE. However, if you’re into glamorous storytelling and cinematic moments, then WWE can be better for you.
Which is more popular, WWE or AEW?
WWE is far more popular than AEW. WWE regularly pulls in over a million more viewers per show compared to AEW, according to Wrestlenomics’ TV ratings. This popularity extends beyond viewership to betting apps, where WWE consistently draws more betting interest. After all, WWE is a global brand and it’s been around for decades. You can walk into toy stores anywhere in the world and spot a WWE belt or action figures of superstars, like Roman Reigns.
WWE’s media presence also outclasses AEW. USA Network, Fox, and Netflix boost WWE’s reach to unimaginable levels. AEW still feels niche when compared to WWE in this regard. AEW fans are passionate, but the brand lacks the recognition WWE has.
AEW may have a better product when it comes to wrestling quality, but WWE wins in a popularity contest.
Will WWE ever work with AEW?
It’s extremely unlikely that WWE will ever work with AEW in a meaningful way. This is because WWE has nothing to gain from such a collaboration at the time of writing this. A joint show with the two brands would shine the spotlight on AEW and introduce them to WWE’s casual fans who may have never heard of the brand before.
Historically speaking, WWE generally prefers ignoring its competition unless it decides to buy them out or outlasts them.
Is AEW Better Than WWE? A Wrestling Fan’s Honest Breakdown
