WWE’s ongoing strategy to counter-program AEW’s pay-per-view events has sparked debate inside and outside the wrestling world, with Bryan Danielson openly questioning the logic behind WWE’s approach. Meanwhile, wrestling legend Booker T has voiced sharp criticism of Ronda Rousey, further fueling the volatile backstage atmosphere within WWE.

Bryan Danielson, a rare crossover star who has held world championships in both AEW and WWE, recently shared his perspective on WWE’s counter-programming tactics during an interview with The Kairouz Bros podcast. WWE has repeatedly scheduled NXT premium live events (PLEs) to coincide with AEW’s major PPVs throughout 2025. This year alone, WWE’s NXT Great American Bash locked horns with AEW’s All In, NXT Battleground ran concurrent with AEW’s Double or Nothing, and NXT Heatwave was held opposite the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door joint show. WWE escalated this with the announcement of WrestlePalooza taking place on September 20, the same day as AEW All Out – marking the first time a main roster WWE supershow clashes directly with AEW’s flagship event[1][3][5].

Danielson expressed confusion about WWE’s motives, stating he doesn’t fully grasp why WWE feels compelled to counter AEW so aggressively. “I’m just curious, like, what the people who are making these decisions, what they’re thinking,” Danielson said. “In the sense of like, ‘Oh, okay, this AEW thing. It’s a real danger to our billion-dollar business.’ That can’t be it”[3]. Instead, he suggested the move stems from those “who crave power and money” playing “weird games,” rather than a genuine business threat from AEW. Danielson acknowledged that both promotions still operate on largely different playing fields and audiences, making WWE’s head-to-head approach somewhat puzzling[3].

From AEW’s vantage point, Tony Khan has publicly remained undeterred. When questioned about WWE’s scheduling wars during the Forbidden Door media call, Khan emphasized AEW’s focus on their product over competition. “We’re very focused on AEW and making the shows tremendous. I think we’ll have a great Collision on Saturday,” Khan remarked, signaling AEW’s commitment to growth despite WWE’s tactics[2]. AEW has even taken steps to schedule some events earlier in the day to avoid direct clashes, showing a willingness to let the product stand on its own rather than engaging in a constant ratings battle[4].

However, WWE’s strategy appears to reflect a clear intent to disrupt AEW’s viewership momentum, especially with the new media partnership launching WWE’s PLEs on ESPN’s direct-to-consumer streaming platform. WrestlePalooza’s announcement to compete with AEW All Out in the same weekend underlines the company’s aggressive stance on market control, something that insiders interpret as a power play. According to POST Wrestling, this represents WWE’s first main roster show scheduled head-to-head with a major AEW event, escalating the promotional war to a new level[1].

In a separate but related controversy, Booker T did not hold back in criticizing Ronda Rousey’s role in WWE. Known for his candid backstage insights, Booker T slammed Rousey during a recent podcast appearance, bluntly stating, “Nobody cares about her besides herself!” This harsh critique reflects ongoing backstage tensions regarding Rousey’s perceived ego and the reception fans have towards her character and in-ring presence. Sources close to WWE have indicated that this sentiment resonates with several locker room members who feel Rousey’s star power is overstated by the company’s marketing rather than genuine fan interest[reference from original article summary].

The interplay between these narratives reveals a wrestling world grappling with shifting power dynamics. On one hand, WWE’s calculated aggression via counter-programming and media leverage signals a company intent on maintaining dominance. On the other, voices like Danielson’s advocate for clarity and a more sports-centric focus instead of “weird games” driven by power lust. Meanwhile, the wrestlers themselves navigate internal politics marked by strong personalities and sometimes divisive figures like Rousey.

In summary, WWE’s scheduling battlefield against AEW is as much about business control as it is about wrestling content. Danielson’s rare insider’s critique adds a layer of reflection to the public discourse, challenging WWE to reconsider the impact of its strategies. Booker T’s commentary on Rousey further exemplifies how backstage sentiments can influence public narrative and fan perception. As WrestlePalooza and AEW All Out approach, wrestling fans and industry watchers will be keenly observing whether head-to-head competition benefits the industry or further entrenches its existing divides.

Key Takeaways:

• WWE has intensified counter-programming efforts by placing major NXT and main roster events opposite AEW’s flagship PPVs, culminating with WrestlePalooza vs. AEW All Out on September 20, 2025[1][3].

• Bryan Danielson questions the rationale behind WWE’s tactic, suggesting it’s driven by “people who crave power” rather than legitimate business concerns[3].

• AEW’s Tony Khan remains focused on improving AEW’s product instead of engaging in scheduling wars, signaling confidence in AEW’s unique appeal[2][4].

• Booker T publicly criticized Ronda Rousey’s self-centered reputation and questioned her relevance among fans, highlighting backstage unrest within WWE.

• WWE’s recent ESPN streaming partnership and strategic event timing reflect an ongoing battle for market share and audience attention in professional wrestling[1][2].

As the 2025 wrestling calendar unfolds, these tensions will shape the future of WWE and AEW’s rivalry, affecting talent, fans, and the broader wrestling landscape. Sources from podcasts, WWE.com announcements, and reputable wrestling news outlets confirm this dynamic period of competition and controversy within the industry.