Did Dwayne Johnson imply a major collaboration with WWE, posing a threat to AEW?
The removal of Vince McMahon from the WWE scene in 2023 has brought about a new era of innovation and excitement for the company. As WrestleMania approaches, interest in the WWE product is soaring to new heights. Factors contributing to this resurgence extend beyond McMahon’s departure and include the diverse and talented roster, engaging storytelling by Triple H, and strategic collaborations with pop culture icons like Logan Paul and Bad Bunny.
Interestingly, WWE has also pivoted towards building relationships with external wrestling organizations, a shift that has bolstered its appeal. In addition to a newfound partnership with TNA Wrestling, WWE has fostered amicable connections with GCW, NOAH, All Japan, and AAA. However, recent hints from The Rock suggesting a potential affiliation with a prominent Asian wrestling promotion have stirred speculation about the future landscape of the industry.
The Rock’s social media post featuring him wearing a New Japan Pro Wrestling shirt has sparked intrigue among wrestling enthusiasts. While it may simply be an expression of his fandom, The Rock’s deliberate choice of attire raises questions about a deeper meaning. Given his penchant for cryptic messages, his reference to being “intellectually intimidated” could potentially hint at strategic endeavors involving intellectual property, possibly in the form of collaborations between WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling.
This subtle nod from The Rock has sent ripples through the wrestling community, particularly in relation to the implications for AEW. With AEW’s established partnership with NJPW and the annual Forbidden Door co-promoted pay-per-view, the prospect of NJPW aligning with WWE could significantly alter the dynamic of the wrestling landscape. While AEW has benefitted from its relationship with NJPW, the allure of collaborating with WWE could prove irresistible to the Japanese promotion.
The recent resurgence of TNA Wrestling, coinciding with its collaboration with WWE, signals the potential value that NJPW decision-makers may discern in partnering with a global powerhouse like WWE. As speculation mounts regarding The Rock’s ambiguous hint, the wrestling world eagerly anticipates the unfolding implications of a potential alliance between WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling. The landscape of professional wrestling stands on the cusp of transformation, with implications that could reshape the industry’s dynamics for years to come.