Jeff Jarrett suggests that WWE’s willingness to collaborate with other wrestling promotions indicates a significant shift in the wrestling business approach in comparison to the past.
Discussing this phenomenon on a recent episode of his “My World” podcast, Jarrett reflected on the exclusivity of past decades, comparing the competition between WWE and WCW to that of the Yankees versus the Red Sox – no space for other teams. He recalled WWE’s limited collaborations with ECW and TNA, but overall, the attitude was much more insular.
Continuing his perspective, Jarrett pointed out, “I guess this happens when you’ve been around 37, 38 years. The scenario was overall different – ECW was just kind of there, while in TNA days, having a working relationship was possible such as Global Force, AEW, New Japan and more. However, the ‘Forbidden Door’ concept was not prevalent.”
Indicating the current trend, Jarrett highlighted, “WWE is now forging specific alliances with a Japanese company, another American company. In light of such changes, you see unusual, yet intriguing, scenarios, like a presidential candidate being interviewed by the US Champion, or a reknown wrestler like AJ Styles returning to his roots. Such occurrences would have been unimaginable a generation ago.”
Bringing attention to significant happenings, he cited, “For instance, seeing Matt and Jeff [Hardy] from TNA, or Nic Nemeth in a TNA ring, or Netflix’s deal with the wrestling industry – these are all signs of the business transforming positively.”
Highlighting recent examples, the article mentioned Jordynne Grace of TNA featuring in WWE’s women’s Royal Rumble match in January this year and TNA’s Knockout competing within NXT. Additionally, WWE talent participated in Bloodsport X event during WrestleMania 40 weekend. In the coming month, AJ Styles will compete against Naomichi Marufuji at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Dominion show.