AEW Wrestling just had their debut on the TNT Network last night and it was a very inspired broadcast, along with a few surprises along the way for those who have been following the brand since its recent inception. Not only was this event important for AEW, but it was just as important for the entire world of professional wrestling. WWE had their best years during the Monday Night Wars when they were pitted against WCW. At that same time, ECW was making a name for themselves, which in a way forced WWE and WCW to introduce hardcore matches and titles. As I write this, I fondly remember the Attitude Era.
While WCW was depleting the WWF (as WWE was known) roster by signing stars such as Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Kevin Nash (Diesel) and Scott Hall (Razor Ramon), the WWF was developing new stars like The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin. What I am trying to say is that it was the competition among organizations that led to some great decisions within the WWE.
In 2001, it all came crashing to an end when Shane McMahon appeared on Monday Nitro to announce that the McMahons had purchased WCW. At that time, Stephanie McMahon was introduced to the WWE Universe as being in charge of ECW. All competition among these three brands was officially wiped out in one evening. Stories that came from these other brands were now being told with a WWE spin on them. Now don't get me wrong, I always loved the WWF/E. But I loved the alternative of being able to check in on the NWO or the homicidal suicidal Sabu.
While it is true that TNA Wrestling was broadcasting for awhile on a television network that I was receiving, their odd ring shape was the most interesting thing, until they went to a standard wrestling ring. I had hope for TNA, but the multiple leadership changes were leaving me very confused. They still can pull it together, but now I can hang my hopes on another brand.
If you remember Chris Jericho, Stardust, Goldust and Dean Ambrose, they are all part of AEW. Stardust is now The American Nightmare Cody. Goldust is back to being Dustin Rhodes. Dean Ambrose is back to his Jon Moxley persona. In addition, they have added The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega, which many fans may remember as The Bullet Club. With a great stable of wrestlers, AEW is not trying to be another WWE. They are presenting to the fans their take on professional wrestling. Some of their roster contains stars that weren't happy with the direction of the WWE. If AEW wins their battle versus WWE's NXT on Wednesday nights, WWE also wins. More importantly, the wrestling fan wins!