Recent creative decisions in WWE may be part of a subtle message to rival promotion AEW. The Saturday Night’s Main Event Premium Live Event saw CM Punk (World Heavyweight Champion), Cody Rhodes (Undisputed WWE Champion), and Jade Cargill (WWE Women’s Champion) all holding their world titles. All three are prominent former AEW stars.
In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer suggested that WWE is intentionally highlighting the success of its former AEW talent to send a message that “the grass is greener” on their side.
This was exemplified by a photo posted by CM Punk after the show, featuring himself, Rhodes, Cargill, and NXT Champion Ricky Saints (another former AEW talent) all posing with their new championships. Punk’s caption, “Look at us,” was seen by Meltzer as “clearly meant as a shot at AEW.”
Meltzer did note that other former AEW performers, like Rey Fenix and Rusev, are not currently holding titles, but are still receiving TV time. He claimed this was in contrast to their time in AEW, where he alleges “they didn’t get any [TV time] in AEW because Tony Khan figured they were leaving anyway.”