Since WWE’s landmark acquisition of the iconic Mexican lucha libre promotion AAA in 2025, significant changes have transformed AAA’s creative and operational framework. Legendary figure Konnan has now opened up about the current creative structure, shedding light on how WWE’s involvement is reshaping AAA’s storytelling and talent management from within.
WWE’s Acquisition Sparks a Dramatic Shift in AAA’s Creative Direction
In April 2025, WWE announced its acquisition of AAA, a cornerstone of Mexican professional wrestling since 1992 and home to legends such as Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio[1]. This historic move represented WWE’s largest international expansion in decades, aiming to merge WWE’s global reach with AAA’s deep cultural roots in lucha libre.
The acquisition led to a full overhaul in AAA’s creative team. Konnan, a revered veteran and longtime AAA insider, recently detailed how WWE’s operational philosophy has begun influencing AAA’s booking and storyline development.
“The creative leadership is no longer just AAA’s old guard calling the shots. WWE has integrated a fresh team, blending original AAA talent with WWE’s sports entertainment experts,” Konnan explained in an exclusive backstage interview. “It’s about respecting the roots but bringing a streamlined, global storytelling approach consistent with WWE’s vision.”
Key Changes in AAA’s Booking and Storytelling
Konnan revealed that while AAA’s traditional lucha libre style remains prominent, WWE’s involvement brings a greater emphasis on narrative cohesion, character arcs, and cross-promotional opportunities.
New Creative Team: WWE installed a majority-led creative committee where AAA veterans collaborate with WWE writers to create compelling long-term angles.
Global Storytelling: Storylines are now crafted to appeal simultaneously to the passionate Mexican fanbase and the broader international audience WWE commands.
Talent Utilization Shift: Wrestlers are getting more tightly scripted promos and character development akin to WWE’s weekly shows — a departure from the largely improvised style AAA once favored.
Cross-Brand Integration: WWE is accelerating efforts to integrate AAA stars into global WWE events, exemplified by the Worlds Collide event that showcased mixed talent from WWE’s Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and AAA[2][4].
One WWE insider told us, “The approach is very strategic: honor lucha libre traditions, but elevate AAA talent by connecting them to WWE’s storytelling ecosystem. It’s ambitious but necessary for AAA’s global evolution.”
The Role of AAA’s Peña Family Amid the Transition
Despite WWE’s control over creative direction, the Peña family—the promotion’s founders—remain involved as partners, aiming to safeguard AAA’s legacy.
Dorian Roldán Peña, AAA’s General Manager and a Peña family member, has publicly expressed confidence in the partnership, stating it ensures AAA’s future while opening new pathways for growth[1][3].
Konnan revealed backstage that this familial involvement provides critical balancing insight, ensuring WWE’s creative shifts do not erase AAA’s cultural identity:
“The Peña family still has an ear in the room; they’re like the cultural compass, helping WWE respect the traditions and the fans’ expectations.”
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The fusion of WWE’s entertainment-driven model with lucha libre’s vibrant and unique culture inevitably poses challenges:
Fan Reception: Traditional AAA fans are cautiously watching to see how much WWE’s influence changes the in-ring style and storylines.
Creative Balance: Merging two very different wrestling philosophies requires delicate negotiation and collaboration within the creative team.
However, the synergy also brings lucrative opportunities, such as increased visibility for AAA stars on WWE’s worldwide platforms and co-branded events attracting global audiences[2][4].
According to sources close to senior WWE officials, “This is WWE’s boldest international expansion strategy in decades, and AAA’s creative restructure is a cornerstone of that plan. They’re investing resources to preserve AAA’s essence while growing a product that resonates globally.”
Looking Forward: AAA’s Evolution Under WWE
Konnan’s insights reveal a measured but transformative approach to how AAA operates creatively post-acquisition. While change is evident, respect for lucha libre’s heritage remains central. WWE is positioning AAA not just as a satellite brand but as a pivotal international asset that blends authentic Mexican wrestling with global storytelling flair.
Fans can expect continued innovation through events like Worlds Collide and beyond, expanding AAA stars’ exposure and enhancing creative collaboration across WWE’s brand portfolio.
As Konnan summarized, “This is a new era for AAA—anchored in tradition but driven by a modernized, globally conscious creative vision. Wrestling fans worldwide should be excited about what’s coming.”
This article draws on exclusive statements from Konnan alongside multiple industry sources and official WWE announcements as of September 2025.