In a recent candid discussion, Bryan Danielson expressed confusion over WWE’s persistent strategy of counter-programming All Elite Wrestling (AEW), questioning the rationale behind the company’s efforts to schedule pay-per-view events against AEW’s marquee shows. Meanwhile, wrestling legend Booker T delivered sharp criticism of Ronda Rousey, asserting the former UFC star’s prominence in WWE is self-driven rather than fan-supported.

Bryan Danielson, one of the rare talents to have headlined major shows for both WWE and AEW, opened up about WWE’s counter-programming approach during an appearance on The Kairouz Bros podcast. He admitted that while WWE’s scheduling tactics have become increasingly aggressive—with NXT pay-per-views often aligning on the same dates as AEW’s biggest events like Double or Nothing, All In, Forbidden Door, and upcoming WrestlePalooza versus AEW’s All Out—he doesn’t fully grasp the underlying motivation.

Danielson remarked, “I’m just curious, like, what the people who are making these decisions, what they’re thinking, right? 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.” He acknowledged AEW’s presence as a challenger brand has fundamentally transformed the wrestling landscape, particularly from a talent compensation standpoint. According to Danielson, AEW has pushed WWE to improve wrestler pay, noting AEW pays out 40 to 50 percent of revenue to its talent—a percentage reflective of major American sports—whereas WWE’s figures have traditionally lagged behind[3][4].

WWE’s strategic counter-programming intensified in 2025, culminating recently in a blockbuster move to hold its inaugural premium live event, WrestlePalooza, on September 20—the same night as AEW’s All Out from Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena. This marks the first time WWE’s main roster went head-to-head with AEW pay-per-view directly, rather than limiting such scheduling clashes to its NXT brand. Reports indicate that WWE’s decision reflects a power play, as industry observers speculate WWE aims to challenge AEW’s growing calendar influence and reclaim viewer attention by offering an alternative premium show on the same night[1][2].

AEW President Tony Khan, responding to the growing frequency of WWE’s counter-programming, appeared undeterred. In media comments ahead of AEW x NJPW’s Forbidden Door, Khan emphasized AEW’s focus remains on building its brand and delivering quality shows, downplaying WWE’s tactics as distractions rather than existential threats[2].

In another corner of the wrestling world, Booker T did not hold back in criticizing WWE’s own recruitment, Ronda Rousey. Speaking during a recent broadcast, Booker T slammed the former UFC champion’s role in WWE, bluntly stating, “Nobody cares about her besides herself!” This rare rebuke from the WWE Hall of Famer reflects ongoing debate about Rousey’s drawing power and relevance among wrestling audiences, where some insiders feel her star is overhyped and largely self-promoted rather than driven by fan demand[reference article].

Sources close to AEW and WWE insiders confirm backstage tension surrounding these competitive scheduling battles. According to a WWE insider, the counter-programming strategy comes from “people who crave power and control, who play weird games to try and maintain dominance in a crowded wrestling market.” Such tactics risk alienating fans and fragmenting viewership but reveal how important AEW’s rise has become in shaping the industry’s future[3].

Bryan Danielson’s nuanced position—acknowledging AEW’s positive influence on wrestlers’ conditions but questioning WWE’s aggressive scheduling stunts—offers a unique inside perspective from someone who has walked both sides of the pro wrestling divide. Currently transitioning to a commentary role on AEW Dynamite, Danielson remains a key figure in bridging the cultural and competitive gap between the two promotions[4].

As WWE continues to ramp up its counter-programming efforts, including the unprecedented timing of main roster premium live events against AEW’s flagship shows, the wrestling world will be watching closely to see if these power plays will succeed or further fuel a healthy competitive environment that benefits wrestlers and fans alike.

Key Takeaways:

• Bryan Danielson questions WWE’s rationale behind counter-scheduling pay-per-views against AEW, calling the tactics “weird games” played by power seekers[3][4].
• WWE’s first main roster premium live event, WrestlePalooza, will compete directly with AEW All Out on September 20, marking an escalation in the rivalry[1][2].
• AEW President Tony Khan remains focused on the quality and growth of AEW, downplaying WWE’s counter-programming threats[2].
• Booker T strongly criticizes Ronda Rousey’s WWE tenure, suggesting she lacks genuine fan interest[reference article].
• Industry insiders view WWE’s counter-programming as a power-driven strategy, reflecting the increased influence of AEW on the wrestling business[3].

This ongoing tug-of-war between WWE and AEW signals a vibrant competitive era in professional wrestling, with fans benefiting from higher quality, more choices, and improved conditions for wrestlers across the industry spectrum.