In what is shaping up to be a fierce rivalry, WWE is reportedly planning to intensify its war against All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2025, amid a backdrop of strategic programming and controversial historical reflections from WWE legends. Meanwhile, a recent report brought to light intriguing backstage insights on Vince McMahon’s creative decision to have Owen Hart join the Nation of Domination faction, as well as news of a WWE Hall of Famer sustaining a bad fall.

WWE’s Renewed Push Against AEW

According to insiders close to WWE and multiple wrestling news sources such as Fightful and Wrestling Headlines, WWE is gearing up to raise the stakes in their competition with AEW, aiming to reclaim audience shares and bolster their brand presence. This comes at a time when AEW has been gaining momentum, thanks to well-received storytelling like Hangman Adam Page’s rise, capped by his victory at the 2025 Double or Nothing pay-per-view in May[1]. WWE reportedly plans to counterprogram aggressively with new talent pushes and blockbuster events, intensifying the existing battle for wrestling supremacy.

A WWE insider revealed, “The company isn’t just playing catch-up — they want to dominate TV ratings and social media buzz by showcasing fresh storylines and bringing back impactful characters that can rival AEW’s current hot streak.” This approach reflects WWE’s desire to capitalize on the surge of interest sparked by notable angles such as The Bloodline saga and Cody Rhodes’ prominence following his switch back to WWE after AEW tenure[5].

Vince McMahon’s Controversial Nation of Domination Strategy

On a nostalgic yet provocative note, WWE Hall of Famer The Godfather recently discussed the origins and intentions behind the Nation of Domination stable during his “Poddin’ Ain’t Easy” podcast. He revealed that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon intentionally positioned Owen Hart in the faction as a calculated “move to piss off white people.” The Godfather explained that the group was originally formulated to avoid excessive controversy, but McMahon often embraced controversy to generate heat and publicity.

The Nation of Domination, famous for its original lineup including wrestlers like The Godfather himself, was presented as a dominant faction that blurred the lines between racial representation and wrestling entertainment. McMahon’s decision to add Owen Hart, a beloved Canadian wrestler and a white superstar, to the mostly Black-led group was a deliberate attempt to challenge traditional wrestling dynamics and provoke a reaction from the audience. The Godfather noted, “Even within the group, members never fully understood all the reasons for that decision, but it was classic Vince — always pushing buttons”[3].

WWE Hall of Famer Injured in a Serious Fall

Adding to the ongoing drama, sources close to WWE reported that a prominent WWE Hall of Famer recently suffered an injury following a bad fall. Details remain sparse on the identity of the wrestler and the extent of their injuries, but insiders confirm it was a significant incident that required immediate medical attention.

Fightful confirmed the fall occurred during a non-televised event, with WWE’s medical team intervening swiftly. The wrestler is currently undergoing treatment, and WWE has yet to release an official statement regarding their status. This incident highlights the physical risks inherent in professional wrestling, even for veterans with decades of experience in the ring.

The AEW-WWE Rivalry in 2025: A Two-Front War

This year, the wrestling world has witnessed a pronounced rivalry between WWE and AEW, with both entities vying for dominance in ratings, live attendance, and digital engagement. AEW has garnered praise for allowing its talent more freedom in-ring, developing long-term storytelling arcs, and elevating newer stars, which has reinvigorated the pro wrestling business for younger audiences[4].

In contrast, WWE continues to leverage its vast resources, star power, and storied history. The recent creative push in WWE — highlighted by narratives such as The Judgment Day’s internal conflicts and major title feuds — reflects a strategic recalibration to retain fan interest and counter AEW’s rising threat[2].

Tony Khan, AEW’s president, has publicly acknowledged WWE’s efforts in counterprogramming and the increased competition but remains confident in AEW’s trajectory. Wrestling insiders suggest WWE’s intensification will involve a mix of returning legends, fresh rising stars, and aggressive content scheduling aimed at undermining AEW’s gains[3].

Looking Ahead

With WWE’s backstage willingness to embrace controversy—shown historically in the Nation of Domination saga—and its current ambition to reclaim wrestling’s top spot, fans can expect a dramatic year ahead filled with heated storylines, innovative programming, and intensified competition on all fronts. As the physical toll on wrestlers remains a reality, evidenced by the recent injury to a WWE Hall of Famer, the business side of wrestling continues to evolve rapidly.

Sources close to WWE hinted, “Expect surprises and bold creative moves in the coming months. Vince McMahon’s legacy of shaking things up isn’t over yet, even with new leadership in some parts of the company.”

For now, wrestling fans worldwide are watching closely as WWE and AEW escalate their war, bringing new excitement and unpredictability to the sport’s vibrant landscape. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.