During this week’s SXSW 2024 “Disrupting the Long-Monopolized Pro Wrestling Industry,” AEW wrestler Bryan Danielson commented on the AEW Title Tuesday edition of Dynamite going head-to-head with a loaded episode of WWE NXT that featured John Cena, The Undertaker, and others.
You can check out some highlights from the SXSW panel below:
On how everyone looked at the Title Tuesday vs. NXT show: “I think everybody in the company was really proud of that show. In my mind, and this is probably different from the way Tony views it from a business perspective. I don’t necessarily look at what the competitors are doing. On that particular night, I wasn’t worried about it. My thing is, focus on what we do best. We do things differently, and our fanbase loves the way we do things. let’s embrace the things that we do really well and put on our best possible show and not worry about necessarily about what’s going on on a different channel.”
On how people will tune in if you put on an excellent wrestling show: “Realistically, it’s not just that particular Tuesday night. It’s every Wednesday and every week you’re battling something. You’re not just battling other shows. You’re battling people’s addiction to their phones and all sorts of things. How do you keep people’s attention? In my mind, it keeps going back to this idea of quality. Something I said when I first joined AEW is that if you put on excellent professional wrestling, people will tune in. That’s the goal weekly. Put on an excellent professional wrestling show.”
WWE NXT defeated AEW Dynamite on that night in overall viewership and the key demo ratings.
In the world of professional wrestling, competition between promotions is fierce. One recent battle that caught the attention of fans and industry insiders alike was the clash between All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) NXT. During a panel at SXSW 2024 titled “Disrupting the Long-Monopolized Pro Wrestling Industry,” AEW wrestler Bryan Danielson shared his thoughts on the highly anticipated showdown.
The particular episode of AEW Dynamite, dubbed “Title Tuesday,” went head-to-head with a loaded episode of WWE NXT that boasted big names like John Cena and The Undertaker. Many wondered how AEW would fare against such formidable competition. However, Danielson revealed that he and his colleagues were not overly concerned about the rival show.
“I don’t necessarily look at what the competitors are doing,” Danielson explained. “My thing is, focus on what we do best. We do things differently, and our fanbase loves the way we do things. Let’s embrace the things that we do really well and put on our best possible show and not worry about necessarily what’s going on on a different channel.”
This mindset reflects AEW’s commitment to carving out its own unique identity in the wrestling landscape. Rather than getting caught up in comparisons and trying to outdo their rivals, AEW aims to deliver a product that resonates with their dedicated fanbase. By focusing on their strengths and putting on the best show possible, they believe they can attract and retain viewers.
Danielson also emphasized the importance of quality in capturing and maintaining people’s attention. He acknowledged that in today’s fast-paced world, wrestling promotions are not just competing with each other but also with various distractions like smartphones and other forms of entertainment. To combat this, AEW strives to consistently deliver excellent professional wrestling.
“Something I said when I first joined AEW is that if you put on excellent professional wrestling, people will tune in,” Danielson stated. “That’s the goal weekly. Put on an excellent professional wrestling show.”
While AEW’s “Title Tuesday” episode of Dynamite did not surpass WWE NXT in overall viewership and key demo ratings, Danielson’s comments shed light on the company’s philosophy and approach to competition. Rather than fixating on short-term victories or losses, AEW remains focused on providing a high-quality product that resonates with its fanbase.
The clash between AEW and WWE NXT serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle for viewership and fan loyalty in the pro wrestling industry. As both promotions continue to innovate and push boundaries, fans can expect more exciting matchups and captivating storylines in the future. Ultimately, it is the fans who benefit from this healthy competition, as they are treated to a wide variety of wrestling options and experiences.