Eddie Kingston, one of AEW’s most vocal and authentic voices, has given fans and insiders a refreshing perspective on the so-called “war” between WWE and AEW. In recent interviews ahead of his highly anticipated return at AEW All Out 2025, Kingston dismissed the narrative of an all-out wrestling war as purely *bulls****, urging fans to look beyond tribalism and enjoy wrestling as a competitive business rather than a battlefield.
Kingston Calls Out the Hype Around the WWE-AEW Rivalry
Returning from a nearly year-long injury hiatus at the 2025 All Out pay-per-view, Eddie Kingston addressed the buzz about WWE’s recent Wrestlepalooza event running on the same day as AEW’s All Out. WWE strategically stacked Wrestlepalooza’s card with huge names like Brock Lesnar, AJ Lee, John Cena, and CM Punk, seemingly to overshadow AEW’s event. AEW founder Tony Khan responded by moving All Out to an earlier start time and booking Kingston’s return to strengthen AEW’s appeal.
Despite the obvious counterprogramming tactics, Kingston refused to buy into the overhyped “war” storyline. He said, “I’m very humbled that they believe that I can help in whatever bullsht war or bullsht thing that’s going on, because all it is is bullsh*t.” According to Kingston, the rivalry is less about genuine conflict and more about business competition: “It’s one place wanting to monopolize, and there’s another place that doesn’t want to monopolize—for now—’cause you know how once people get power, it changes… Power corrupts”[1][2].
Kingston’s candid commentary highlights an insider’s understanding that both companies are ultimately pursuing dominance but that the supposed battle lines drawn by fans and media oversimplify the situation.
“Wrestling Fans Are the Real Winners”
Kingston emphasized that despite the noise around the alleged war, the ultimate beneficiaries are the wrestling fans. His words resonated with many wrestling insiders: competition can inspire better shows, greater creativity, and more opportunities for wrestlers and audiences alike.
“Who really wins in all this? Wrestling fans,” Kingston stressed, suggesting that the rivalry drives promotions to bring their best product rather than perpetuating needless divisions. This viewpoint aligns with a broader industry perspective that while wrestling promotions compete, the endgame is a thriving wrestling culture that benefits from variety and innovation[1].
The Tribalism Problem in Wrestling Culture
Kingston also took aim at the tribalism that divides wrestling fans—those who label themselves as either WWE or AEW supporters and who often disparage the other side. He called this divisiveness “bulls***” and urged fans to avoid choosing sides at the expense of appreciating the craft itself.
“There’s tribalism in wrestling. You pick your side, you root for your side, and you forget why you liked wrestling in the first place,” Kingston explained. This sentiment criticizes the hostile fan culture that can overshadow the core enjoyment of wrestling entertainment and athleticism[3][4].
Backstage Insight: Wrestling Business Realities
Sources close to AEW have confirmed that from a behind-the-scenes perspective, both AEW and WWE executives treat their companies like any other business — juggling competitive strategies without indulging in public “wars.” One WWE insider shared, “There’s respect behind closed doors; it’s about market share and growth. The theatrics of war are great for ratings, but the executives understand the bigger picture.”
Likewise, AEW’s leadership is focused on growth and sustainability rather than direct antagonism. Tony Khan’s decision to move All Out earlier on a crowded wrestling day underscores strategic creativity rather than a simple “battle” narrative[2].
What This Means Moving Forward
Eddie Kingston’s blunt take offers a much-needed reality check on the perceived WWE vs. AEW war. While both companies continue to compete aggressively for viewers, talent, and global presence, the scripted animosity fan discourse often inflates should be taken with a grain of salt.
For wrestling professionals and fans alike, Kingston’s message encourages appreciation of the business complexity and a focus on wrestling as a form of entertainment rather than tribal warfare. As the wrestling industry evolves, healthy competition fueled by respect could lead to more innovation and better experiences for fans without unnecessary divisions.
In light of Eddie Kingston’s remarks and the current landscape, it’s clear that WWE and AEW are locked in a business rivalry, not a hostile war. Fans can expect to enjoy strong cards, compelling storylines, and passionate performances on both sides — all of which help shape the future of professional wrestling.