3 key options WWE needs to consider in their ensuing battle with AEW

WWE has been on top of the professional wrestling industry since defeating WCW and ECW in 2001 when Vince McMahon bought his competition. Since then, promotions such as Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA), Ring of Honor (ROH), and others have tried to topple WWE but lacked specific attributes. It is evident throughout history that WWE has had its issues with quality and meaningful storylines. Moreover, affording high-quality wrestling matches. However, history has taught fans that WWE always overcomes their mistakes, and usually winds up more improved.

This May 25th brought fans their first taste of alternative wrestling content with enough support to battle WWE, supplied by the brand new promotion All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Their PPV Double or Nothing afforded excitement on par with that of historical WCW events. Additionally, Jon Moxley formerly known as Dean Ambrose in WWE officially debuted in AEW (watch the video below). With AEW pulling out all the stops it has meant WWE must counter their actions.

Let's explore lucrative options WWE has available to battle AEW.

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#3 A new 'Attitude Era'

Could Sami Zayn lead the new Attitude Era?

WWE was at war with WCW and ECW for television ratings, ultimately leading to the Monday Night Wars. It was a period which sparked perhaps arguably the most well-known aspect of professional wrestling history, the Attitude Era.

The professional wrestling industry was for the longest time filled with colorful characters, ranging from Surfer Sting to Macho Man Randy Savage. Nevertheless, the times were changing. In 1996, WWE introduced a plethora of new characters to launch a new attitude.

At King of the Ring 1996, Steve Austin would become 'Austin 3:16' beginning his legacy, (watch the video below). In years to come, Austin became synonymous with WWE and arguably helped win their battle against WCW.

Another key performer for WWE was Goldust (Dustin Runnels). The son of legendary Dusty Rhodes, Goldust brought new edgier content to never before seen on television. In later years, this content continued with names like The Rock, Sable, and Chris Jericho.

Ultimately, the Attitude Era afforded arguably the best entertainment value in wrestling history. At present, WWE has a PG rating for its programming. However, with AEW challenging WWE, it is time for the new Attitude Era, especially with the addition of hardcore based wrestlers; Jon Moxley (formely Dean Ambrose) and Jimmy Havoc.

#2 Brand crossover shows

Just imagine NXT vs Raw. Seth Rollins vs Velveteen Dream.

In the battle with AEW, there will be shocking moments and excellent entertainment for wrestling fans. Nevertheless, both WWE and AEW will need to pull their best efforts out of the bag. It's not about beating each other, it is about pleasing the wrestling fans and being honest, WWE knows best how to please wrestling fans. However, at present, they are failing.

An excellent ideology that NJPW and ROH have brought to fans is by running regular joint shows, such as G1 Supercard, or the War of the Worlds series. Additionally, ROH worked alongside Chris Jericho in the Sea of Honor tournament, which was a roaring success. It was different and unique, a throwback to WCW Bash at the Beach, which was accepted positively by fans at the time.

WWE has five key brands at present including Raw, SmackDown, 205 Live, NXT, and NXT UK. Recently, during the Worlds Collide show, wrestlers from all these brands competed with each other (watch the video below). However, it seemed to lack a mainstream presence, like Raw or SmackDown. Essentially, if WWE creates enough hype and provides regular cross-brand shows, it could change the industry and help battle AEW. It is something new and unfamiliar, however, highly lucrative.

#1 Give Triple H full control

Triple H pioneered NXT. Could he revolutionize WWE?

Since 2013, Triple H has been the Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events and Creative, and has brought WWE to a new age within the wrestling industry. Since 2015, WWE NXT has progressed immensely, mainly due to Triple H, who acts as the Senior Producer. Notwithstanding his executive duties, Triple H performs as a wrestler and on-screen character. He will compete with Randy Orton at WWE Super ShowDown.

On May 25th at AEW Double or Nothing, Cody Rhodes battled his real-life brother Dustin Runnels. However, what happened before the match was a clear message to Triple H, but also a personal statement by Cody himself (watch the video below). But why was it relevant? Cody is an Executive Vice President for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and works in a similar role to Triple H.

Ultimately, Triple H and Cody could be considered the modern version of Vince McMahon and Erich Bischoff from the Monday Night Wars. Things are heating up between WWE and AEW, and it is wrestling fans who will benefit the most. What could we expect from WWE with Triple H running the show? Whatever the outcome, Triple H would be a perfect opponent for Cody.