The battle for talent between AEW and WWE was evident once again as Mercedes Mone, Kazuchika Okada, and Will Ospreay, all highly sought after by multiple promotions, ultimately decided to join Tony Khan’s AEW.
WWE was among those interested in signing them. Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that AEW President Tony Khan outbid the rival promotion.
“In all three cases it was known that Khan offered more money than WWE, and WWE officials, who seemingly expected the lure of WWE and WrestleMania being enough of a deciding factor, ended up with it not being the case,” Meltzer wrote.
The battle for talent in the world of professional wrestling has been heating up between All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Recently, three highly sought-after wrestlers, Mercedes Mone, Kazuchika Okada, and Will Ospreay, made the decision to join Tony Khan’s AEW, despite WWE’s interest in signing them.
According to Dave Meltzer’s report in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, AEW President Tony Khan outbid WWE in all three cases. This came as a surprise to WWE officials, who believed that the allure of WWE and the grand stage of WrestleMania would be enough to sway these talented wrestlers. However, it seems that money played a significant role in their decision-making process.
Mercedes Mone, Kazuchika Okada, and Will Ospreay are all highly regarded in the wrestling industry. Their skills, charisma, and fan following have made them hot commodities for promotions around the world. Both AEW and WWE recognized their potential and were eager to add them to their respective rosters.
AEW, a relatively new promotion founded in 2019, has been making waves in the wrestling world. With a focus on a more athletic and competitive style of wrestling, AEW has quickly gained a loyal fan base and has been able to attract top talent from other promotions. Tony Khan, the president of AEW, has been willing to invest heavily in securing these talents, as evidenced by his successful bids for Mercedes Mone, Kazuchika Okada, and Will Ospreay.
On the other hand, WWE has long been considered the pinnacle of professional wrestling. With its global reach and decades of history, WWE has been able to attract some of the biggest names in the industry. However, in recent years, AEW has emerged as a viable alternative for wrestlers looking for more creative freedom and a different style of wrestling.
The fact that AEW was able to outbid WWE for these three talented wrestlers is a significant development in the ongoing battle for talent. It shows that AEW is not only willing to compete with WWE but also has the financial resources to do so. This could potentially lead to more wrestlers considering AEW as a viable option and further intensify the competition between the two promotions.
It’s important to note that money is not the only factor that wrestlers consider when making career decisions. Factors such as creative freedom, schedule flexibility, and the overall direction of the promotion also play a crucial role. AEW has been able to position itself as an attractive option for wrestlers who are looking for a change and want to be part of a growing promotion.
The battle for talent between AEW and WWE is far from over. Both promotions will continue to scout and sign new talent in their quest to dominate the wrestling industry. As fans, we can look forward to seeing these talented wrestlers showcase their skills in the ring, regardless of which promotion they choose.