In January 2019, All Elite Wrestling was born, formed by Matt & Nick Jackson, and Cody Runnels. Since its inception, it has caused a massive impact on social media channels In subsequent months, huge names such as Chris Jericho and Jim Ross have joined AEW. Ultimately it appears that AEW has a collective roster to rival WWE. Could there be a similar battle like WWE versus WCW?
Regardless of the upcoming months, AEW has refreshed professional wrestling, giving performers a different option. However, will they stack up with WWE? That question remains unanswered. There is one way WWE can fight back, and that is through solid storytelling, with stellar characters. Let's explore those characters.
#4 Mr. McMahon
New Champs in WWE! More RIGHT HERE
Vincent Kennedy McMahon is synonymous with professional wrestling, paving the way for all modern wrestling promotions. Moreover, he gave rise to the dominant WWE promotion. Since the early 1980s, McMahon helped birth Hulkamania and warred with World Championship Wrestling (WCW). The latter which McMahon purchased in 2001.
During the Attitude Era, WWE and WCW were at war for control of Monday night television. Every week fans would switch between Monday Night Raw and Monday Night Nitro. Notably, one character they would witness was Mr. McMahon and his legendary battles with Stone Cold Steve Austin. Quite literally, Austin and McMahon's feud was groundbreaking.
In the modern age, Mr. McMahon has remained a crucial element on Raw and SmackDown television. Recently on SmackDown, he stared down Roman Reigns, who would knock him down.
Their interaction was reminiscent of the Attitude Era. With the impending battle between WWE and AEW, McMahon must act. Fans need to see Mr. McMahon just like during the Attitude Era. What can we expect?
#3 Paul Heyman
Arguably a valuable prospect for any wrestling promotion, Paul Heyman, has garnered a plethora of success in the industry. Between 1988 & 1993, Heyman worked as a manager for NWA and WCW. However, everything changed in 1993. The legendary promotion, Extreme Championship Wrestling, was born.
During the Attitude Era, WWE and WCW would battle to control Monday Night television. However, lurking in the background was ECW. Every week the promotion wowed fans with hardcore wrestling. Notable names like Rob Van Dam, Sabu, Tommy Dreamer, and The Dudley Boyz made names for themselves. Nevertheless, in 2001 WWE purchased both WCW and ECW.
Since 2001, Heyman has held numerous roles within WWE. However, perhaps his time with Brock Lesnar is most notable. Being Lesnar's advocate, Heyman has garnered mass acclaim.
However, with Lesnar's recent defeat at WrestleMania 35, what is next for Heyman? Regardless of Lesnar's direction, WWE needs to utilize Heyman's wealth of knowledge. They cannot afford to lose his efforts to AEW.
#2 William Regal
In 1993, William Regal debuted for WCW and would spark an on-screen relationship with Triple H (then known as, Jean-Paul Levesque). His tenure with WCW formed the basis for his time with WWE.
In 1998, Regal debuted for WWE and progressed exponentially. He is a former multiple-time WWE Intercontinental, European, Hardcore, and Tag Team champion.
During his WWE tenure, Regal also performed other non-wrestling roles. Notably acting as Raw General Manager, and WWE Commissioner and his character portrayal was excellent.
Nevertheless, he retired from wrestling in 2013. Since 2014, Regal has assisted Triple H, acting as NXT General Manager.
NXT General Manager Regal has added depth to the brand and supported Triple H's vision. With the upcoming battle with AEW, the NXT brand will be highly critical to the success of WWE. Therefore Regal should take center stage. Perhaps Regal's heel character portrayal could return to times of old. Whatever happens, the future looks bright.
#1 Triple H
Following a minimally successful impact in WCW, Paul Levesque debuted for WWE in 1995, as Hunter Hearst Helmsley. A few years later Helmsley shortened his name to Triple H, and the story would begin.
Ever since 2000, Triple H has carved a path of success. He is a former fourteen-time world champion. Moreover, he recently became a WWE Hall of Famer as a member of D-Generation X.
Throughout his wrestling tenure, Triple H has been successful. However, his success has not been selfish. He has provided countless opportunities for those he has performed in matches alongside. Notably, names like Daniel Bryan, Seth Rollins, and Ronda Rousey. Ultimately he has been critical for upcoming talent in recent years.
Presently Triple H is the Senior Producer for the NXT brand, which will be crucial in upcoming years. The NXT brand has progressed exponentially, and Triple H can claim a part of that success.
With AEW seeking battle with WWE, Triple H will be crucial. Moreover, he could potentially be taking the reins of WWE when Vince McMahon decides to retire. Therefore, the future looks lucrative.