As both businesses get ready for a Friday night clash on September 6th that will pit WWE SmackDown versus AEW Collision in a head-to-head competition for viewing supremacy, the continuing rivalry between WWE and AEW is intensifying.
WWE versus AEW in the Wrestling War
The world of wrestling has witnessed a growing rivalry between World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and All Elite Wrestling (AEW), an upstart promotion that launched in January 2019. Given that AEW has only been around for a short time compared to WWE’s more than 50-year history, some may argue that a genuine “war” between the two is premature, but there is unquestionably competition for talent and fan loyalty.
President Tony Khan’s AEW has made no secret of its desire to subvert WWE’s hegemony. Through the signing of well-known wrestlers and the development of original, cutting-edge content, AEW has significantly altered the face of the wrestling industry. Nonetheless, WWE continues to be the clear leader in the business with its many years of experience, extensive worldwide reach, and large financial resources. Wrestling fans have been enthralled with the match between these two titans, which has sparked discussions and stoked rivalries outside of the ring.
The Influence of AEW on the Wrestling Scene
It is impossible to exaggerate AEW’s influence on professional wrestling. Since its inception, the promotion has revitalized the business and offered a change of pace from WWE’s frequently repetitive style. After its October 2019 premiere, AEW’s main program Dynamite gained popularity and began competing against WWE’s NXT on Wednesday evenings. The “Wednesday Night Wars,” as they were called, saw AEW often draw more viewers than NXT, which forced WWE to reschedule NXT for Tuesday nights.
With no direct competition, NXT was able to flourish as a result of this relocation, while AEW was able to grow its viewership. But AEW’s achievements didn’t end there. The promotion is a strong rival of WWE because it often produces intriguing storylines, excellent matches, and a varied roster of talent.
The Next Match: Collision vs. SmackDown
The next development in this ongoing feud is scheduled to take place on Friday, September 6th, when AEW Collision and WWE SmackDown square off in a rare Friday night match. The AEW All Out pay-per-view, which is slated for the next evening on September 7th in Chicago, has forced AEW Collision, which was originally scheduled for Saturday nights, to change to Friday. Due to this scheduling choice, WWE SmackDown will now directly compete with FOX. FOX will broadcast the show’s final episode from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada before it returns to USA Network.
This SmackDown episode is especially important for WWE because it is the last of the show’s five-year tenure on FOX. The blue brand is entering a new era with its September 13th return to USA Network, but not before taking on AEW Collision in what looks to be a fierce ratings war.
Why Time Is Important
This matchup’s timing is critical for both promotions. With big matches like NXT No Mercy on September 1st and Bash in Berlin airing on August 31st, WWE is currently going through a busy time. Throughout a busy calendar, these events are essential to preserving WWE’s momentum and keeping fans interested.
Conversely, AEW is only recovering from its tremendously popular All In London event on August 25, which served as a prelude to the forthcoming All Out pay-per-view in Chicago. Fans of AEW are even more excited by the decision to air Collision on a Friday night, as there are just 13 days between these two important shows.
What’s at Risk: What Are the Stakes?
The goal of the September 6th match between AEW Collision and WWE SmackDown is to win over the hearts and minds of wrestling fans, not just the viewers. Although both promotions have devoted fan bases, this direct Friday night battle presents a special chance to win over viewers who aren’t sure and establish loyalties.
For WWE, a high rating would confirm its choice to come back to USA Network and highlight its power in the business. The destiny of the brand on its new network home may also be determined by how well a SmackDown program performs. When AEW Collision challenges WWE’s main event, it has the opportunity to send a strong message. In terms of viewership, AEW might match or perhaps beat SmackDown, which would be a huge accomplishment for the fledgling organization and an indication that it is here to stay.
The Possible Repercussions
The result of this match might have long-term effects on AEW and WWE. A WWE ratings triumph would solidify the company’s leadership in the market, while an AEW victory may inspire the promotion to take more chances and subvert WWE’s hegemony. Additionally, both businesses’ future programming choices may be influenced by the fans’ response to this battle, which could result in additional head-to-head matches down the road.
From a Journalistic Angle: The Broader Effect on Wrestling
This Friday night matchup is an intriguing development in the continuing evolution of professional wrestling from a journalistic perspective. The industry has been revitalized by the competition between AEW and WWE, which has created a dynamic atmosphere where both promotions are continuously pushing one another to improve. Fan interest has increased as a result of this rivalry, with many viewers turning in to watch which promotion will win.
The straight match on September 6th is a little representation of the larger conflict between AEW and WWE. It draws attention to how differently they approach wrestling—AEW’s more rebellious, fan-centric style contrasted with WWE’s polished, entertainment-focused offering. The rivalry stems from this philosophical conflict, which is what makes the competition so interesting.
The Function of Digital Platforms and Streaming
The part that digital platforms and streaming play in this battle is another thing to think about. As more wrestling fans watch matches online and via on-demand services, the traditional ratings war is only one aspect of the picture. Both AEW and WWE have embraced digital media to engage their fan bases, and how successfully each company uses these resources could have an impact on the result of this Friday night matchup.
The fight for viewership will go beyond TV ratings as streaming gains importance in the world of wrestling. The metrics of social media interaction, YouTube views, and streaming volume will all be important in figuring out whether marketing is capturing followers’ attention.
Wrestling Fans had a Memorable Evening.
The September 6th Friday night match between AEW Collision and WWE SmackDown is expected to be a turning point in the two promotions’ continuing rivalry. Fans will have to decide which show to watch as they are airing simultaneously, and the decision they make might have a big impact on professional wrestling in the future.
The stakes are extremely high as AEW prepares for All Out and WWE wraps off its tenure on FOX. This Friday night will go down in history, regardless of whether you enjoy AEW’s innovative style or WWE’s rich past.
