It appears the head-to-head war between WWE and AEW premium live events is heading for a ceasefire, at least for the rest of the year. According to new reports, the upcoming scheduling clash on September 20 will be the last time the two promotions go directly against each other on a Saturday night in 2025.
That night will see WWE’s Wrestlepalooza, its first premium live event under a new deal with ESPN, run opposite AEW’s signature All Out pay-per-view.
Following that showdown, a report from WrestleVotes Radio on Sportskeeda WrestleBinge indicates that WWE’s calendar has been set to avoid AEW’s remaining PPVs. Any WWE live events held on the same nights as AEW’s WrestleDream, Full Gear, or Worlds End will reportedly be non-televised house shows. This reported shift in scheduling tactics speaks to a long-held perception within the industry regarding the company’s competitive philosophy.
According to a source with direct knowledge of WWE’s remaining 2025 schedule, there doesn’t appear to be any more counter programming against AEW PPVs for the rest of the year
— Cory (@Cory_Hays407) September 11, 2025
-.@WrestleVotes Radio pic.twitter.com/TB2QyCzjP7
WWE’s Approach to Competition
Speaking on the “Ned & Josh podcast,” AEW star Bryan Danielson recently gave voice to that perception, stating his belief that WWE’s corporate strategy is built to eliminate rivals. “They see a competitor, and no matter what, they want them gone,” Danielson said.
He clarified that he sees this as a corporate philosophy dating back to 1984, making a clear distinction between the company’s front office and the talent. Danielson noted he knows many “good people” who work for WWE and that the situation isn’t a simple case of good versus evil.