Bryan Danielson: AEW’s Rise forced WWE to Increase Wrestler Pay, Challenges Corporate Decision-Making
NEW YORK, NY – AEW wrestler Bryan Danielson asserted that the emergence adn success of All Elite Wrestling has fundamentally altered the professional wrestling landscape, specifically driving up compensation for performers across the industry. Speaking in a recent interview, Danielson detailed how AEW’s presence as a competitive brand has compelled WWE to increase wrestler salaries to retain talent.
“wrestlers are being paid more now than ever from a sports rights outlook,” Danielson stated, noting that in major U.S. sports, players typically receive 40-50% of revenue. “WWE was paying thier wrestlers nowhere close to that. now, keep in mind, they’re still not paying anywhere close to that, but they do have to pay more, because if they don’t, the talent is going to leave and go to AEW.” He further claimed AEW currently allocates 40-50% of its revenue to its wrestlers, despite generating less overall income than WWE.AEW’s current television rights deal was described as ”amazing,” but the company remains the “challenger brand.”
danielson also questioned the motivations behind what he perceives as attempts to stifle competition within the industry, characterizing such actions as “weird games” played by those focused on power and money. He argued that competition is ultimately beneficial for wrestlers in both AEW and WWE.
“If AEW wouldn’t have started, would Cody Rhodes be where he is right now? No, they have a megastar because AEW exists. Would CM Punk ever have come back? Probably not,” Danielson posited.
He further explored the complexities of corporate decision-making, noting the legal status of corporations as “people” in the United States, while together acknowledging the presence of “great people” working within WWE. Danielson expressed curiosity about the internal processes driving strategic choices within the company.
Danielson’s comments come as he transitions into a full-time role with AEW as a member of the commentary team for Wednesday’s Dynamite.
(Quotes are courtesy of Fightful)
