Aron Stevens Endorses Triple H as WWE Creative Director

WWE’s Post-McMahon Era Thrives as Former Star Stevens Solidifies Future with NWA

The professional wrestling landscape continues to evolve, marked by critically important changes at the top of WWE and the career trajectory of veteran performer Matt Stevens (formerly known as Mike Bennett). Following the departure of longtime chairman and CEO Vince McMahon, WWE has experienced a period of growth under the leadership of Paul Levesque (Triple H), including a landmark deal to move Monday Night Raw to Netflix. Concurrently, Stevens has found a stable and fulfilling role within the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), recently committing to a new two-year contract and asserting his loyalty to NWA owner Billy Corgan. This article delves into the details of these developments, examining WWE’s current state, Stevens’ career path, and the broader implications for the wrestling industry.

The Levesque Era: A New Direction for WWE

The transition from Vince McMahon to paul Levesque at the helm of WWE represented a seismic shift in the company’s creative and business strategy. McMahon stepped down from his CEO position in July 2022 amidst allegations of misconduct, paving the way for Levesque, a former in-ring performer and long-time executive, to assume control of creative operations.

Levesque’s leadership has been widely credited with revitalizing WWE’s product, focusing on in-ring competition and storytelling, and prioritizing the advancement of existing talent. This contrasts with some of the perceived shortcomings of the later mcmahon era, which frequently enough emphasized celebrity appearances and less emphasis on wrestling fundamentals.

Perhaps the most significant development under Levesque’s guidance is the agreement with Netflix to move Monday Night Raw to the streaming giant in January 2025. This ten-year, non-exclusive deal is estimated to be worth over $5 billion and represents a major strategic move for WWE, expanding its reach to a broader audience and potentially attracting new viewers. The move to Netflix signals a broader trend in the sports entertainment industry, recognizing the growing importance of streaming platforms in delivering content to fans. While Raw will remain on USA Network for a transition period, the long-term implications of this deal are substantial, potentially reshaping how wrestling programming is consumed.

Matt Stevens: From WWE to NWA and Beyond

Matt Stevens, a seasoned professional wrestler with a decade of experience, made a name for himself during his time with WWE from 2012 to 2016. Competing under the name Mike Bennett, he achieved notable success, including winning the Money in the Bank ladder match in 2013 and capturing the WWE Tag Team Championship alongside Curtis Axel. However, his run with the company ultimately ended in 2016.

following his departure from WWE, Stevens embarked on a successful self-reliant wrestling career, performing for promotions such as Ring of Honor, Impact Wrestling, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He consistently demonstrated his versatility as both a singles competitor and a tag team specialist.

In 2019, Stevens found a new home in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), a promotion with a rich history dating back to the 1940s. Initially appearing as a competitor, he transitioned into a multifaceted role, functioning as a manager for various talents and occasionally stepping into the ring himself. His presence has been instrumental in the NWA’s resurgence in recent years, contributing to its growing popularity and expanding fanbase.

Loyalty to Billy Corgan: A Two-Year Commitment

During a recent interview with TMZ Inside The Ring, Stevens confirmed he has signed a new two-year contract with the NWA. He emphatically stated that any potential offers from WWE or All Elite Wrestling (AEW) would need to be directed through Billy Corgan, the owner of the NWA. as reported by WrestlingNews.co, Stevens’ comments underscore his commitment to the NWA and his strong relationship with Corgan.

Stevens’ loyalty to Corgan and the NWA is rooted in the opportunities he’s been given and the creative freedom he enjoys within the promotion. The NWA, under Corgan’s leadership, has focused on a more traditional, wrestling-centric approach, emphasizing in-ring storytelling and character development.This aligns with Stevens’ own wrestling beliefs and allows him to showcase his skills in a way that may not have been possible in other promotions.

The fact that Stevens publicly states WWE or AEW would need to negotiate with Corgan to acquire his services is a significant statement. It demonstrates his contentment with his current situation and his willingness to remain with the NWA, even if larger opportunities were to arise. It also highlights the growing influence of Billy Corgan within the professional wrestling industry.

The Future of Professional Wrestling: A Diversifying Landscape

The developments surrounding WWE and Matt Stevens