In the world of professional wrestling, there has always been a fierce competition between different promotions. Fans often passionately defend their favorite promotion and engage in heated debates with fans of other promotions. But one fan-favorite AEW star has recently called out this tribalism between WWE and All Elite Wrestling in the pro wrestling fandom.
The star in question is none other than AEW’s own Jon Moxley. In a recent interview, Moxley spoke candidly about the toxic atmosphere that exists within the wrestling fandom and how it affects both the fans and the wrestlers.
“It’s like everyone just wants to pick a side and fight about it. It’s like high school all over again,” Moxley stated. “But the truth is, we’re all just trying to put on the best show for the fans. We all love this business and we should be supporting each other, not tearing each other down.”
Moxley’s words struck a chord with many fans, who have grown tired of the constant bickering and negativity within the wrestling community. It’s not just about WWE and AEW, but also other promotions like Impact and NJPW, who often get caught in the crossfire of these tribalistic debates.
The tribalism between WWE and AEW has been evident since AEW’s inception in 2019. As the first major competition for WWE in over two decades, AEW drew in a large fan base who were eager for an alternative to the established powerhouse. However, this has also resulted in a division among fans, with some staunchly supporting AEW and criticizing anything related to WWE, and vice versa.
But what many fail to realize is that both WWE and AEW are bringing something unique to the table. WWE has a long history and legacy in the industry, while AEW offers a fresh and more athletic style of wrestling. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but at the end of the day, they are both working towards the same goal – entertaining the fans.
Moxley, who has had a successful career in both WWE and AEW, understands this better than anyone. He was a key member of WWE’s top faction, The Shield, before leaving the company in 2019 and joining AEW. He has seen both sides of the coin and believes that fans should appreciate the efforts of all wrestlers, regardless of the promotion they are in.
“We’re all just trying to put on great matches, tell great stories, and entertain the fans. We shouldn’t be wasting our time and energy in arguing about which promotion is better,” Moxley added.
Not only does this tribalism affect the fans, but it also has an impact on the wrestlers themselves. They are constantly under scrutiny and comparison, which can be mentally and emotionally draining. It also creates unnecessary pressure to constantly outdo each other, leading to potential injuries and burnout.
Furthermore, the tribalism also has a negative impact on the growth of the industry. When fans are divided, it becomes difficult for new promotions to establish themselves and attract a wider audience. It also discourages potential fans from getting into wrestling as they may feel intimidated by the intense fandom.
In conclusion, the tribalism between WWE and AEW, and other promotions, needs to stop. As Moxley rightly points out, it’s time for the fans to come together and support all wrestlers, regardless of their affiliation. Let’s appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into putting on a great show, rather than engaging in pointless arguments. As fans, we have the power to create a more positive and inclusive community that celebrates the love for professional wrestling. Let’s make a conscious effort to do so.
