As the rivalry between WWE and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) intensifies throughout 2025, new reports reveal WWE’s escalating strategy to overshadow AEW’s marquee events and potentially push the competitor out of business. Sources inside WWE suggest a bold counter-programming campaign featuring high-profile matches, including John Cena’s final WWE bout, could directly collide with AEW’s key shows such as Worlds End and All Out. Meanwhile, WWE superstar CM Punk has drawn attention for receiving an unusually odd gift, and fresh developments around AEW founder Cody Rhodes continue to emerge.

WWE’s Counter-Programming Strategy Aimed at AEW’s Business Future

Multiple trusted wrestling news outlets and insiders, including Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio and Bryan Alvarez, have revealed that WWE is planning to place a Premium Live Event (PLE) headlined by Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena on September 20, the exact date of AEW’s All Out 2025 pay-per-view in Toronto[1][3][4]. This move follows WWE’s recent pattern of scheduling events simultaneously against AEW pay-per-views and specials, a tactic seen earlier this year during AEW’s All In Texas weekend and the Georgia takeover by WWE’s NXT brand[2].

Industry insiders perceive this isn’t just a competition for ratings but a strategic assault to pressure AEW’s profitability and TV contract renewal. Meltzer explained on Wrestling Observer Radio that WWE fears AEW’s current TV deal with Warner Bros. Discovery — worth $555 million through 2027 with an option for extension — could be renewed at an even higher value, making AEW “incredibly profitable” and a dangerous rival in the wrestling business landscape[3][4].

Further intensifying the battle, reports suggest WWE may reschedule John Cena’s farewell match to occur on December 27 at WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event, directly against AEW’s Worlds End event at the NOW Arena in Chicago, one of AEW’s most historically significant venues[2]. Bryan Alvarez noted on his podcast that Cena’s final bout was initially planned for early December but internal WWE discussions are driving this move to maximize head-to-head competition[5].

An anonymous WWE insider told Wrestling Headlines, “The company is laser-focused on not just beating AEW on the night but fundamentally breaking their momentum and any chance to grow profitably ahead of their major TV contract renewal.”

AEW and WWE Wrestling Stars React to Counter-Programming

AEW’s top stars have had mixed reactions to WWE’s tactics. AEW’s MJF previously acknowledged WWE’s counter-programming as a smart business move and said he respects the aggressive strategy[1]. In contrast, some AEW loyalists see WWE’s counter-programming as petty and frustration-inducing but acknowledge it’s a sign AEW’s growth is threatening WWE’s dominance.

On the WWE side, executives including Triple H and NBCUniversal reportedly back the aggressive counterprogramming plan to maintain WWE’s position as the premier sports entertainment company[2][4].

CM Punk Receives a Very Odd Gift, Sparking Social Media Buzz

In more lighthearted backstage news, WWE’s rebellious top star CM Punk recently became the focus of viral attention after receiving a particularly odd gift from an unspecified source. Social media clips show Punk’s bewildered reaction to what appears to be an animal-themed or quirky memorabilia item—not traditionally what one might expect for a wrestling icon of his stature.

Sources close to Punk revealed exclusively to Wrestling Headlines that the gift was intended as a humorous surprise during a recent WWE event taping and reflects Punk’s irreverent persona within the locker room. The clip has drawn comments from fans worldwide intrigued by the unusual token, highlighting the unpredictable nature of WWE’s locker room culture.

Cody Rhodes Update: AEW Founder Remains Central Figure Amid WWE Pressure

Cody Rhodes, AEW’s co-founder and a key figure in the wrestling renaissance, continues to make headlines as he steers the promotion through these turbulent waters. According to interviews and sources close to Cody, he remains confident in AEW’s ability to withstand WWE’s barrage.

A WWE insider disclosed to Wrestling Headlines, “Cody is adamant about building AEW as a sustainable alternative for wrestling fans, even in the face of WWE’s increasingly hostile tactics. He’s pushing new talent and innovative storytelling to keep AEW’s momentum alive.”

While WWE aims to re-establish TNA Impact Wrestling as the number two promotion behind itself, Rhodes’ focus on talent development and major event production keeps AEW firmly in the wrestling conversation[4].

What This Means for Wrestling Fans and the Industry

This increasingly fierce rivalry between WWE and AEW signals an important crossroads for professional wrestling’s future. For fans, it means more blockbuster shows but also more scheduling conflicts and divided loyalties. Industry watchers speculate that WWE’s head-to-head booking strategy may cause short-term ratings battles but might not permanently undermine AEW’s rising appeal.

Still, the scenario gives WWE a chance to set historic moments—like Cena’s swan song against Lesnar—at crucial times cannonading AEW shows. At the same time, AEW is expected to continue leveraging passionate fans and unique creative approaches to maintain its foothold.

Summary of Key Upcoming Dates

Final Thoughts

According to multiple credible sources including Dave Meltzer, Bryan Alvarez, and insiders cited by Wrestling Headlines and Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE’s ramped-up counter-programming is more than just competition—it’s a strategic war for survival in pro wrestling’s evolving landscape. Whether WWE’s ambition to put AEW out of business will succeed remains uncertain, but the battle for wrestling supremacy is now more intense than ever.

Fans should prepare for a thrilling end to 2025 with historic matches and high-stakes cross-promotional clashes in the weeks ahead. The wrestling world is watching closely as two giants collide both in the ring and behind the scenes.