The premier PPV, Double or Nothing, of the fledgling wrestling company AEW is in the books. Since the event, there have been many great stories and reviews. Should the dominant wrestling company be looking in their rear-view mirror at this event? Or can they just smile and ride the wave? Let’s take a look at the pros, cons, and highlights from the PPV.
AEW Double or Nothing – Should the WWE be Worried?
Out of the Gate Flying
There was certainly no timidity in the AEW lineup of PPV matches. Going all out in a style that almost seems like it throws caution to the wind as far as wrestler safety. But beyond that, there were also plenty of messages sent to rival WWE. Cody Rhodes, often credited as the face of AEW, is also certainly someone who has done the most to push for its success apart from owner Tony Khan. Cody sent one of the first and biggest messages to the WWE and one of his former bosses, using a sledgehammer, Triple H’s go-to weapon. He used it to destroy a mock version of the throne Triple H has used many times. Symbolically stating his reign was now over.
This made the crowd cheer with delight and proved to the sold-out MGM Grand arena that the message was clear. AEW was in this to be a force to be reckoned with and had no plans on going anywhere.
Big Familiar Names in the AEW
Yes, there are many new, young and talented wrestlers getting their start on the AEW roster. However, there are some familiar WWE names that get the crowd roaring as well. One of the biggest being Good Old JR, back at an announce table and calling the matches with his signature voice and style.
Other big names include the aforementioned Cody along with his brother Dustin Rhodes. Their match had everything, brother against brother, bloodshed, all the heart you could imagine. And a speech from Cody afterward that left even the toughest men in the crowd with a quivering lip.
Not to be outdone, one of the biggest former WWE surprises was the interruption of Chris Jericho. After Chris won his match and was addressing the crowd. Jon Moxley, (Dean Ambrose to WWE fans) came through the crowd, entered the ring, and without saying a word, leveled both Chris and the ref who tried to control him. Making his statement that he too is ready to make an impression and isn’t going anywhere.
Last Word
There are those who only like to watch WWE. There are those who like to see others try to step up to the plate. However, there are those who like to watch both. Whichever faction you are a part of, to be certain, there is going to be a lot of entertainment in the wrestling world over the next months. Should the WWE be worried? History would say no, Vince McMahon knows how to handle adversary and competition. If worst comes to worst, he buys out his competition once they start floundering.
All that aside, the appearance of new meat on the market may just get the WWE to amp up their own storylines to keep their fans from straying too far. The WWE has been fighting sliding ratings for months so they will have to keep that in mind come October when the AEW will have a weekly show as well. 1.2.3.
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