WWE vs AEW: If there’s one thing that excites wrestling fans, it’s when WWE and AEW take direct shots at each other. These moments are rare in 2025, but they still spark massive debates online. Recently, a journalist asked Tony Khan about WWE scheduling NXT premium live events against AEW’s biggest pay-per-views, stirring up discussions about how aggressive WWE has been toward its competition.
Even though Khan gave a diplomatic answer, the buzz didn’t slow down. So, let’s take a closer look at the WWE vs AEW 2025 battle comparing ratings, live shows, talent, and overall product and see which promotion is really on top.
WWE vs AEW: Who is bigger?
Before comparing anything else, we need to acknowledge a simple truth: WWE is much bigger than AEW.
Even the most generous estimates value AEW at around $2 billion, while WWE (under TKO) was bought for more than $8 billion two years ago. Since then, WWE’s massive Netflix deal has only increased its value.
This doesn’t mean AEW isn’t competitive in certain areas (like TV ratings for specific shows), but financially, WWE dominates the landscape.
WWE vs AEW Ratings And Media Rights
Modern pro wrestling is a TV-driven business, and both companies make most of their revenue from media rights.
- WWE earns nearly $1 billion per year from deals with Netflix, Peacock, NBCUniversal, and others.
- AEW, on the other hand, makes around $185 million per year from its deal with Warner Bros. Discovery.
When it comes to viewership:
- WWE SmackDown averages around 1.2 million viewers on Friday nights.
- AEW Dynamite typically draws 600,000 viewers on Wednesdays.
This shows WWE still has a significant lead in weekly viewership, though AEW has managed to stabilize its numbers after some dips in 2024.
Verdict: Advantage WWE.
Live Shows And Ticket Gates
WWE’s live event revenue is on another level. For example:
- Monday Night RAW in London brought in $3 million.
- SummerSlam 2025 in New Jersey earned an extra $7 million in site fees from the city just to host the event.
By comparison:
- AEW Double or Nothing brought in $600,000 last month.
- However, AEW’s All In at Wembley hit $9 million (2023) and $6 million (2024) proving they can still pack big arenas internationally.
On average, WWE shows draw around 11,000 fans, while AEW averages 3,000 for its weekly events.
Verdict: Advantage WWE.
WWE vs AEW Talent And Salaries
Who has the better roster? It depends on what you value.
WWE has Hollywood-level stars like The Rock, John Cena, and Rhea Ripley, giving them a huge brand advantage. They can also poach AEW wrestlers when they want to as seen with Jade Cargill and Blake Monroe (Mariah May).
AEW, however, has carved a niche for pure wrestling quality, living up to its tagline “where the best wrestle.” With stars like Kenny Omega, Jon Moxley, and Bryan Danielson, AEW continues to impress hardcore fans.
As for AEW vs WWE salaries, WWE wrestlers usually earn higher paychecks, but AEW offers lighter schedules and more creative freedom.
Verdict: Advantage WWE (in star power), but AEW wins for in-ring work.
WWE vs AEW: Which Is Better in 2025?
This is where things get interesting.
WWE came into 2025 on fire, with the Bloodline storyline, the Netflix deal, and John Cena’s retirement tour. But recently, fans have noticed a dip in excitement, with some criticizing the anticlimactic WrestleMania payoff.
AEW, on the other hand, is gaining momentum. Double or Nothing 2025 was a huge success, and All In: Texas is shaping up to be their biggest event of the year.
If you’re asking “AEW vs WWE-which is better?”, the answer depends on your taste. WWE delivers spectacle and star power, while AEW gives fans a more wrestling-focused product.
Where Does TNA Fit In?
Fans often ask “AEW vs WWE vs TNA who’s more popular?”
While TNA (Impact Wrestling) has made a small comeback with returning stars and nostalgia booking, it’s nowhere near WWE or AEW in terms of ratings, ticket sales, or revenue.
AEW vs NXT Ratings
One of the most heated battles is AEW vs NXT. WWE has aggressively scheduled NXT premium live events against AEW’s biggest pay-per-views. Despite this, AEW still outperforms NXT in key demos, keeping the Wednesday Night rivalry alive.
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FAQ
So, is WWE better than AEW?
On paper, yes, WWE wins in money, viewership, ticket sales, and star power. But AEW isn’t going away. In fact, with Kenny Omega back, a strong All In lineup, and a loyal fanbase, AEW continues to push WWE harder than anyone has in decades.
Who is the boss of AEW?
That’s Tony Khan and love him or hate him, he’s keeping WWE on its toes.
Is AEW or TNA more popular?
Easily AEW both in the U.S. and internationally.
