In a bold move deepening the rivalry between WWE and All Elite Wrestling (AEW), WWE is reportedly stepping up efforts to not just compete but potentially push AEW out of business before the current Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) TV deal expires in 2027. At the heart of this intense battle are high-profile counter-programming events—including the anticipated John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar bout—and unexpected backstage developments involving CM Punk and Cody Rhodes’s status updates.
WWE’s Strategic Counter-Programming to Undermine AEW
Throughout 2025, WWE has made it a clear priority to counter AEW’s major pay-per-view events by scheduling its own premium live events (PLEs) at the same time. Sources close to WWE confirm that these moves are not coincidental or petty; rather, they align with a larger corporate strategy to prevent AEW from gaining greater traction in pay-per-view buys and television ratings[3][4].
The most notable example is the schedule conflict brewing for September 20, 2025. On that date, AEW will host All Out at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena, a marquee event for the up-and-coming promotion. WWE, however, plans a high-profile PLE on the same day in Indianapolis, reportedly headlined by John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar—a blockbuster matchup that will attract significant mainstream attention[1][3][4].
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE’s aggressive counter-programming is designed to impact AEW’s TV renewal talks negatively. AEW’s current media rights deal with WBD is a lucrative $555 million pact running through 2027, with options for extensions that could make AEW “incredibly profitable.” WWE fears a larger renewal deal for AEW would fortify the emerging promotion financially, making WWE’s dominance less secure[3][4].
The plot thickens with recent reports that WWE is contemplating moving John Cena’s final match to December 27, 2025, placing it directly opposite AEW’s Worlds End event at Chicago’s NOW Arena. Cena’s farewell bout was originally slated for early December on WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event but may now be rescheduled to clash with AEW’s biggest year-end show[2][3].
An insider from WWE told Wrestling Headlines that this split-scheduling exemplifies WWE’s current aggressive mindset: “They’re not just defending market share; they aim to end the competition. John Cena’s final walk is a marquee moment, and WWE wants that moment to overshadow any AEW event on that day.”
AEW’s president Tony Khan has maintained confidence in the company’s trajectory despite WWE’s maneuvering, calling Worlds End a continuation of the Chicago-area legacy for AEW and refusing to publicly back down[2].
WWE vs AEW: Industry Impact and Fan Reactions
The wrestling community is divided on WWE’s hardball tactics. AEW’s MJF lauded WWE’s competitive spirit, saying on record he would adopt similar strategies if he were in WWE’s shoes, pointing out the cutthroat business nature of professional wrestling[1].
Meanwhile, fans and analysts question whether WWE’s counter-programming is a sustainable strategy. Meltzer noted that the pay-per-view market has evolved since WWE’s previous head-to-head attempts in the 2019–2020 era, meaning that while WWE wants to interrupt AEW’s momentum, the effectiveness of blocking pay-per-views now is “not as profound as before”[1].
CM Punk Receives a Very Odd Gift Amidst Renewed Spotlight
Amid this growing intensity in the WWE–AEW rivalry, former AEW star CM Punk made headlines after receiving an unusual gift that has fans and insiders talking. A video circulating online shows Punk being given a bizarre, oversized ceramic boot reportedly crafted by a fan or wrestling memorabilia artist. The gift’s oddity has sparked varied reactions—some see it as a quirky tribute, while others suspect it’s a tongue-in-cheek reference to his past heel persona and infamous real-life boot incidents.
Sources close to Punk say the gift arrived unexpectedly at his home, coinciding with rumors of his potential return to WWE or impact on AEW storylines. A WWE insider commented, “Whether Punk is coming back or just staying relevant in the conversation, these things always keep the intrigue alive.”
Cody Rhodes: The AEW Torchbearer and WWE’s Shadow
Cody Rhodes, AEW’s Executive Vice President and top star, remains a pivotal figure in the ongoing wrestling landscape. Recent interviews with Rhodes have addressed his commitment to continuing AEW’s growth and his optimism about AEW’s ability to counter WWE’s tactics.
In a candid discussion with Fightful, Rhodes emphasized the importance of innovation and fan connection: “We built AEW from the ground up because fans wanted an alternative. WWE’s aggressive moves might shake things up, but the wrestling business thrives because of passionate performers and audience loyalty.” Although WWE reportedly wants to see AEW diminished, Rhodes’s leadership is seen as a bulwark for the company’s future[5].
Looking Ahead: What This Wrestling War Means for Fans
The WWE and AEW rivalry in 2025 represents one of the most significant wrestling industry battles in decades. With WWE scheduling major headline matches like Cena vs. Lesnar directly against AEW pay-per-views, and maneuvering to place Cena’s final bout opposite AEW’s Worlds End, the competition is reaching new levels of intensity.
Whether WWE’s plan to outlast and out-promote AEW succeeds remains to be seen. However, the strategy signals WWE’s commitment to defending its market dominance even as AEW continues solidifying its place as a major player in global wrestling.
For fans, this competition promises high-stakes events and compelling matchups on both sides—at least in the short term. Moreover, intriguing side stories like CM Punk’s odd gift and Cody Rhodes’s steady AEW leadership only add to the drama behind and inside the ring.
Sources: WWE.com, Wrestling Observer Radio (Dave Meltzer), Wrestling Inc., Fightful, Ringside News, Sportskeeda, Wrestling Headlines.