WWE’s much-hyped WrestlePalooza, the first Premium Live Event (PLE) streamed on ESPN Unlimited, landed with a thud, earning a scathing “C” grade from ESPN combat sports writer Andreas Hale. The Indianapolis event, meant to kick off
WWE’s blockbuster five-year, $325 million deal with ESPN, promised “epic moments” and "surprises" but delivered a lackluster card that left fans and critics underwhelmed. Hale praised the Women’s World Championship match between Stephanie Vaquer and IYO SKY as the sole highlight, while slamming the Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena opener and the Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre main event .
WWE’s broader strategy isn’t faring much better. In a desperate bid to counterprogram against AEW’s growing momentum, WWE has leaned heavily into international partnerships and nostalgic angles, but the results are falling flat.
The company’s tampering with Mexico’s AAA promotion saw Dominik Mysterio controversially crowned the new AAA Mega Champion, a move that stirred resentment among lucha libre fans for its heavy-handed WWE influence. Similarly, Natalya’s eventual crowning as AAA’s Reina de Reinas, while a nod to her veteran status, feels like another attempt to leverage WWE’s global reach without addressing core creative issues.
Meanwhile, WWE’s collaboration with TNA and NXT has sparked rumors of an “invasion angle” reminiscent of the 2001 WCW/ECW storyline, with NXT and TNA talent reportedly set to cross paths in a bid to recapture that era’s chaotic energy. However, wrestling insiders note this recycled concept risks alienating modern fans who crave originality over rehashed nostalgia.
None of these maneuvers have made a dent in AEW’s momentum.
Despite WWE’s aggressive counterprogramming, AEW continues to maintain viewership and critical praise, with recent events like *AEW All Out* earning high marks for delivering consistent in-ring quality and fresh storylines. Posts on X reflect growing fan frustration with WWE’s direction, pointing to overpriced PLE tickets—exacerbated by the company’s pivot to overseas markets like Australia for *Crown Jewel*—and lackluster TV tapings that are struggling to fill arenas.
WrestlePalooza’s failure to deliver, coupled with these strategic missteps, has fans questioning whether WWE’s global ambitions and counterprogramming gambits are backfiring, leaving the company scrambling to regain its footing against a nimble AEW.
As Hale noted, “the best is yet to come” may be WWE’s hope, but for now, the company’s playbook is looking more like a recipe for mediocrity than a path to reclaiming wrestling supremacy.
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