In the competitive world of professional wrestling, WWE has reportedly made a strategic move to limit All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) access to venues. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE has included a clause in their contracts that restricts venues from hosting AEW events within a certain timeframe of a WWE show.
AEW has positioned itself as an alternative to WWE and has been expanding its reach, including a successful turnout for ‘All In London’ at Wembley Stadium. However, WWE’s contractual clause could limit AEW’s touring options.
The clause does not impose an outright ban on AEW events at the same venues, but it does restrict AEW from running shows in the same timeframe as WWE at the same venue. The clause reportedly states:
“In arenas that do rent to both AEW and WWE, WWE has put clauses in its deals that AEW can’t run a certain number of weeks before or after the WWE show and also that AEW and the arena can’t announce the show or sell tickets until after the WWE show has taken place.”
While WWE may not publicly acknowledge AEW often, this move indicates that they are cognizant of the strides Tony Khan’s company is making in the wrestling industry. It remains to be seen how this will impact AEW’s expansion plans in the coming years, and whether they will face significant obstacles due to WWE’s strategic maneuver.
