AEW star and current full-time Dynamite commentator Bryan Danielson recently offered his perspective on the key differences between the AEW and WWE television products. Having been a main event star in both companies, “The American Dragon” is in a unique position to analyze the two promotions’ distinct approaches to professional wrestling. In a recent interview with Downunder the Ring, he broke down what he sees as the fundamental differences in both the in-ring style and the character presentation, highlighting the aspects of AEW that he personally enjoys. His analysis provides a thoughtful look at the two largest wrestling companies in the world from someone who has experienced both locker rooms at the highest level.
Danielson first discussed the difference in the in-ring action, describing AEW as a more athletic and exciting style.
“I would say WWE tends to be informed more by like drama and like outside of the ring action. In AEW, you get more actual in-ring wrestling. The wrestling that you see is more action-packed, it’s more hard-hitting, it’s more high-flying. I would say it’s a more exciting style of wrestling, although I’m not going to take anything away from the guys in WWE. Some of the guys do that sort of thing. But that’s not, that’s not what they’re going for, right?”
He then explained why he feels the characters in AEW are more genuine and relatable.
“Also, wrestling is character-based. One of the things I like about AEW, and that I loved working there, is that the characters you see on TV are closer to people in real life. It’s not quite as cartoony. [AEW wrestlers] have a little bit more nuance when they do things, and you have to say, there’s always going to be exceptions in both companies whenever you say these types of things, and people will say, ‘Oh, Brian’s bashing WWE.’ I’m not saying that at all. There are different ways of doing things, right? But I think it’s more genuine, and I think the people within AEW, because of how Tony runs it, are closer to the characters that they want to be, the characters that they desire to be. So, yeah, that’s what I would say about that.”
H/T to Fightful for the transcription. Thanks for checking out this article. Make sure to follow Jeff Jarrett and all things GFE on Facebook.