In a recent candid discussion, AEW’s Bryan Danielson expressed puzzlement over WWE’s persistent counter-programming tactics against AEW, questioning the underlying motives behind these scheduling clashes. Meanwhile, WWE legend Booker T harshly criticized WWE’s Ronda Rousey, claiming she exists only for herself and doesn’t resonate with fans.

Bryan Danielson—one of the few wrestlers to hold world titles in both WWE and AEW—opened up about WWE’s strategy to run key events opposite AEW’s major pay-per-views (PPVs). Over the past year, WWE has notably scheduled NXT PPVs on the same dates as AEW’s top shows such as All In, Double or Nothing, and the recent Forbidden Door event co-produced with NJPW. WWE’s new PPV, Wrestlepalooza, is even set to directly compete with AEW’s All Out on September 20, 2025, marking an escalation in WWE’s competitive booking approach[1][3][4].

Danielson shared his perspective in a recent podcast interview, stating he doesn’t fully grasp WWE’s reasoning behind these moves. “I’m just curious what the people making these decisions are thinking, right?” he remarked, suggesting that AEW likely does not pose a serious threat to WWE’s multibillion-dollar enterprise. Danielson implied counter-programming might be driven by “people who crave power” playing “weird games,” rather than a business necessity[4]. His comments resonate with the idea that WWE might be more focused on asserting dominance than reacting to actual competition.

This view aligns with AEW President Tony Khan’s remarks, who downplayed WWE’s competition during the recent Forbidden Door media call. Khan emphasized AEW’s focus on producing great shows and expressed confidence in AEW’s sustained success despite WWE’s tactics[3]. AEW has also shown ingenuity by scheduling some events at alternate times to reduce direct viewership conflicts, though WWE’s decision to place a main roster premium live event head-to-head with All Out indicates a more aggressive stance[1][2].

The counter-programming trend is significant as it marks the first time WWE’s main roster has officially gone head-to-head with AEW’s marquee events in prime time rather than just NXT shows. This shift signals WWE’s intent to compete more directly with Tony Khan’s promotion and potentially dilute AEW’s audience on crucial dates[1].

Meanwhile, in a separate brewing controversy, Booker T issued a scathing critique of WWE’s Ronda Rousey. During a podcast segment, Booker T claimed, “Nobody cares about her besides herself,” highlighting the disconnect between Rousey’s persona and the wider wrestling audience. Booker’s blunt assessment suggests that despite Rousey’s mainstream fame and UFC background, she struggles to connect with the wrestling crowd compared to more established or organic wrestling stars[4].

Booker T’s comments reflect ongoing debates about how WWE utilizes celebrities or crossover athletes, weighing their drawing power against authentic crowd engagement. Rousey, who has had a polarizing presence in WWE programming, remains a focal point in discussions about star power versus fan connection in professional wrestling.

Sources close to AEW’s locker room indicate that Danielson’s sentiments echo a broader frustration among AEW talent who see WWE’s tactics as disruptive and unnecessarily petty, designed more to assert control than to enhance the wrestling business.

WWE, for its part, has reiterated that scheduling decisions are made with fan interests and business considerations in mind, and that no promotion “owns” any given date or time slot. The evolving dynamic underscores an increasingly competitive wrestling landscape where programming strategies are as much a part of the battle as the in-ring action itself[1][3].

Key Details:

• WWE’s new Wrestlepalooza PPV will run head-to-head with AEW’s All Out on September 20, 2025[1][3].
• Bryan Danielson expressed confusion about WWE’s counter-programming, implying it stems from those craving power rather than business necessity[4].
• Tony Khan remains focused on AEW’s growth and dismissed WWE’s moves as distractions[3].
• Booker T criticized Ronda Rousey’s relevance in WWE, calling her a figure who resonates mostly with herself[4].
• WWE’s move to counter-program main roster events against AEW’s key shows marks a new, more aggressive phase in the wrestling rivalry[1].

As WWE and AEW continue their intricate scheduling chess game, the wrestling world watches closely to see whether these tactics will shift viewership dynamics or simply intensify the competitive atmosphere. Meanwhile, voices like Bryan Danielson and Booker T provide insider insight into the backstage sentiments shaping this high-stakes wrestling confrontation.