The world of professional wrestling is constantly evolving, with alliances and rivalries shifting like the sands of time. One question that has been on the minds of many fans is: are AEW and Impact Wrestling working together? The answer, as with most things in wrestling, is a bit complicated, but the short answer is yes, they have, and it’s been a fascinating ride.
This collaboration has brought a fresh dynamic to the wrestling scene, creating exciting opportunities for wrestlers and fans alike. We’ve seen wrestlers from both promotions appear on each other’s shows, leading to compelling storylines and dream matches. This article will explore the history of this partnership, the key moments, and what the future might hold for these two wrestling powerhouses.
So, let’s get into it and explore the details of the AEW and Impact Wrestling relationship, examining how it has impacted the wrestling world, and what the future may hold for this ongoing partnership.
The Genesis of Collaboration: How It All Began
The seeds of collaboration between All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Impact Wrestling were sown during a period of significant change in the wrestling industry. While WWE remained the dominant force, the rise of AEW in 2019 offered a viable alternative, injecting new energy and competition into the scene. Impact Wrestling, formerly known as TNA, had been steadily rebuilding its brand, and the opportunity to work with AEW presented a chance to elevate its profile.
The initial overtures were subtle, but the potential for partnership quickly became apparent. The wrestling world loves a good crossover, and the prospect of wrestlers from different promotions facing off was a tantalizing idea for fans. The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in early 2020, further accelerated the need for collaboration. With travel restrictions and other logistical challenges, sharing talent became a practical necessity for both companies.
The first signs of a real working relationship appeared in late 2020. This was a critical turning point, as it signaled a willingness from both sides to put aside any prior rivalries or reservations and work together for the greater good of the wrestling business. This opened the door for a wave of cross-promotional appearances that would significantly impact both companies.
Key Initial Moments
The initial phase of collaboration was marked by a few key moments that set the tone for what was to come:
- Kenny Omega’s Appearances: Perhaps the most significant early moment was the appearance of AEW World Champion Kenny Omega on Impact Wrestling programming. Omega, who had a history with Impact (then TNA), began appearing regularly, often accompanied by his manager, Don Callis, who also held a prominent role in Impact. This was a clear sign that AEW was serious about the partnership.
- The Impact World Championship: The Impact World Championship itself became a key part of the story. Kenny Omega won the title, further intertwining the two promotions’ championships and storylines. This created a buzz among fans and gave Impact a significant boost in exposure.
- AEW Talent on Impact Shows: Other AEW talent, such as The Young Bucks, also made appearances on Impact Wrestling, wrestling matches and engaging in storylines. This helped to solidify the collaboration and gave Impact a boost in star power.
These early moments were crucial in establishing the foundation for a more extensive partnership. They demonstrated the willingness of both companies to work together and laid the groundwork for future collaborations.
The Benefits of Collaboration: A Win-Win Situation
The partnership between AEW and Impact Wrestling has been largely beneficial for both companies. It has provided benefits that have helped them grow and thrive in a competitive market. Here’s a breakdown of the key advantages:
For Aew
- Expanding Reach: AEW gained access to Impact Wrestling’s audience, allowing them to reach a wider viewership. This was particularly helpful in markets where Impact had a stronger presence.
- Showcasing Talent: The partnership provided opportunities for AEW wrestlers to gain exposure and experience in a different environment. This was especially valuable for wrestlers who might not have been getting as much screen time on AEW programming.
- Fresh Matchups: The collaboration allowed for fresh and exciting matchups between wrestlers from both promotions. This kept the product feeling new and engaging for fans.
- Storyline Diversity: AEW could incorporate Impact Wrestling storylines and characters into their own programming, adding depth and variety to their narratives.
For Impact Wrestling
- Increased Exposure: Impact Wrestling benefited from the association with a fast-growing promotion like AEW. This increased their visibility and helped them attract new viewers.
- Access to Talent: Impact gained access to a roster of talented wrestlers from AEW, which bolstered their own programming.
- Prestige: The partnership with AEW helped to elevate the perception of Impact Wrestling, positioning them as a more relevant and competitive player in the wrestling industry.
- Financial Gains: The cross-promotional appearances led to increased ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and television viewership, all of which contributed to Impact’s financial health.
Ultimately, the collaboration between AEW and Impact Wrestling has proven to be a win-win situation, with both promotions benefiting from increased exposure, access to talent, and a more engaging product for fans.
Notable Crossover Events and Storylines
The partnership between AEW and Impact Wrestling has produced numerous memorable crossover events and storylines. These events showcased the best of both promotions and created moments that fans will remember for years to come. (See Also: How Is Wrestling Staged )
Kenny Omega’s Reign of Terror
Kenny Omega’s run as Impact World Champion was a pivotal storyline. It saw Omega holding both the AEW World Championship and the Impact World Championship simultaneously, blurring the lines between the two promotions. This storyline was a major draw for fans and helped to elevate the profile of both titles.
- The Build-Up: The storyline began with Omega’s alliance with Don Callis and his appearances on Impact Wrestling. Omega was presented as a dominant force, and his pursuit of the Impact World Championship was a major focus.
- The Championship Victory: Omega defeated Rich Swann to win the Impact World Championship. This was a significant moment that cemented the collaboration between the two promotions.
- The Defense: Omega defended the Impact World Championship on both AEW and Impact Wrestling programming, further solidifying the partnership.
- The Conclusion: Omega’s reign eventually ended, but the storyline had a lasting impact on both promotions, creating new stars and exciting storylines for the future.
The Good Brothers’ Impact
The arrival of The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows) in AEW was another key moment in the collaboration. They were already established stars in Impact Wrestling and their appearance in AEW added another layer of intrigue.
- The Alliance: The Good Brothers aligned themselves with Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks, forming a dominant faction known as The Elite.
- Impact Appearances: The Good Brothers continued to make appearances on Impact Wrestling, often wrestling matches and engaging in storylines.
- Championship Success: The Good Brothers won the Impact World Tag Team Championship, further solidifying their presence in both promotions.
- Adding Depth: Their involvement added depth to both AEW and Impact Wrestling’s tag team divisions, creating exciting matches and rivalries.
Other Notable Storylines and Appearances
- The Young Bucks vs. The Motor City Machine Guns: A dream match between two of the best tag teams in the world, showcasing the talent from both promotions.
- Christian Cage’s Impact Run: Christian Cage, a former WWE star, made a surprise appearance in Impact Wrestling, adding star power and experience to the roster.
- AEW’s Involvement in Impact’s PPVs: AEW talent regularly appeared on Impact Wrestling’s pay-per-view events, boosting the card and attracting more viewers.
These are just a few examples of the many successful crossover events and storylines that have resulted from the AEW and Impact Wrestling partnership. These collaborations have provided fans with exciting matches, memorable moments, and a sense of freshness that has kept them engaged.
The Current State of the Partnership
The relationship between AEW and Impact Wrestling has evolved over time. While the initial wave of collaboration was quite extensive, the level of interaction has lessened somewhat in recent times. This doesn’t necessarily mean the partnership is over, but it does suggest a shift in focus.
One reason for this shift could be that both promotions have become more established and focused on their own individual identities. AEW has continued to grow in popularity and has signed a number of high-profile wrestlers. Impact Wrestling has also been working to build its own brand and roster. However, that doesn’t mean that the door is completely closed. Cross-promotional appearances still happen, but they are not as frequent or as central to the storylines as they once were.
Recent Crossovers
Despite the changes, there have still been instances of collaboration:
- Appearances by Impact Talent on AEW: Wrestlers from Impact Wrestling have occasionally appeared on AEW programming, usually for special events or to promote upcoming matches.
- AEW Talent on Impact: Likewise, AEW wrestlers still appear on Impact shows, though less frequently.
- Joint Events: Both promotions may still work together on special events or joint ventures in the future.
The current state of the partnership is best described as a more measured and strategic approach. Both promotions are still open to working together, but they are more selective about when and how they do it. The focus is now more on strategic appearances that benefit both brands while maintaining their individual identities.
Potential Future Directions
The future of the AEW and Impact Wrestling partnership remains uncertain, but there are several potential directions the relationship could take. It’s important to remember that the wrestling world is constantly changing, and what seems unlikely today could become a reality tomorrow.
Continued Limited Crossovers
The most likely scenario is that the two promotions will continue with limited crossovers. This could involve occasional appearances by wrestlers from each promotion on the other’s shows, as well as joint events or collaborations on special occasions.
- Strategic Partnerships: Both companies might focus on strategic partnerships that benefit both brands, such as cross-promotional marketing or shared distribution deals.
- Special Events: The possibility of joint pay-per-view events or special TV shows could exist, giving fans unique experiences.
Expanded Collaboration
It’s also possible that the partnership could expand in the future, depending on the needs and desires of both companies. This could involve more frequent cross-promotional appearances, more integrated storylines, and even a sharing of resources. (See Also: Is Carmella Coming Back To Wrestling )
- Increased Talent Exchange: A greater exchange of talent between the two promotions could lead to more exciting matches and storylines.
- Joint Production: The possibility of joint production efforts, such as shared TV shows or digital content, could also exist.
Complete Separation
Of course, there is always the possibility that the partnership could end completely, though this seems unlikely. The wrestling landscape is always subject to change, and factors such as changes in management, financial pressures, or shifts in creative direction could influence the relationship.
- Focus on Independence: Each company could decide to focus solely on building its own brand and roster, limiting any collaboration.
- Competition: Increased competition in the wrestling industry could lead to a less cooperative environment.
Ultimately, the future of the AEW and Impact Wrestling partnership will depend on a variety of factors, including the business goals of both companies, the creative visions of their leaders, and the ever-changing landscape of the wrestling industry. Fans can anticipate that the relationship will evolve over time, potentially leading to exciting new developments.
Comparing Aew and Impact Wrestling
To fully understand the partnership, it’s helpful to compare the two promotions across key areas. This comparison helps to highlight their strengths and weaknesses and provides context for their collaboration.
Roster Comparison
AEW: AEW boasts a roster of well-known stars, including former WWE talent and independent wrestling standouts. They have a strong emphasis on in-ring talent and a diverse range of styles. AEW has a very large roster size, allowing for a multitude of matches and storylines.
Impact Wrestling: Impact Wrestling has a mix of established veterans and up-and-coming talent. They have a strong focus on character development and storytelling. Impact Wrestling’s roster is smaller than AEW’s, allowing for a more focused approach to storylines and character development.
Production Quality
AEW: AEW has a high production value, with state-of-the-art sets, lighting, and camera work. Their shows are generally well-produced and visually appealing. AEW has invested heavily in its production, creating a polished and professional product.
Impact Wrestling: Impact Wrestling’s production quality has improved over the years, though it is generally not as high as AEW’s. They focus on delivering a solid wrestling product with a more intimate feel. Impact Wrestling’s production is more cost-effective, allowing them to focus on other areas.
Television Presence
AEW: AEW’s flagship show, Dynamite, airs on TBS, a major cable network in the United States. They also have a secondary show, Rampage, on TNT, as well as several other shows and pay-per-view events. AEW has a broad reach and a significant presence on television.
Impact Wrestling: Impact Wrestling airs on AXS TV, a smaller cable network. They also have a streaming service and a presence on various platforms. Impact Wrestling’s reach is more limited than AEW’s, but they have a dedicated audience.
Financial Stability
AEW: AEW is backed by Tony Khan, a wealthy businessman, which provides the company with financial stability. They have the resources to invest in talent, production, and marketing. AEW is a well-funded company with significant financial backing. (See Also: Are Wrestling Briefs Like Speedos )
Impact Wrestling: Impact Wrestling has faced financial challenges in the past, but they have stabilized their finances in recent years. They operate on a more modest budget than AEW. Impact Wrestling has been working to improve its financial position and build a sustainable business model.
Overall Brand Perception
AEW: AEW is viewed as a fresh and innovative promotion that is challenging WWE’s dominance. They are known for their strong in-ring action, diverse roster, and fan-friendly approach. AEW has quickly established itself as a major player in the wrestling industry.
Impact Wrestling: Impact Wrestling is seen as a more traditional promotion with a focus on storytelling and character development. They have a loyal fan base and a reputation for producing quality wrestling. Impact Wrestling has a long history and a dedicated fan base.
The differences in the areas highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each promotion. The partnership has allowed them to share strengths, such as talent and brand recognition, to improve each other’s products.
The Impact on the Wrestling Industry
The collaboration between AEW and Impact Wrestling has had a significant impact on the wrestling industry. It has challenged the dominance of WWE, created new opportunities for wrestlers, and provided fans with a more diverse and engaging product.
Challenging Wwe’s Dominance
The partnership between AEW and Impact Wrestling has presented a united front against WWE, the industry’s dominant force. By working together, the two promotions have been able to offer fans an alternative to WWE’s product, creating a more competitive landscape and giving fans more choices.
- Increased Competition: The collaboration has fostered increased competition in the wrestling industry, which has benefited both promotions and the fans.
- Alternative Programming: The partnership has provided fans with alternative programming options, giving them more choices and increasing the demand for wrestling content.
New Opportunities for Wrestlers
The collaboration has created new opportunities for wrestlers to gain exposure, showcase their skills, and earn more money. Wrestlers from both promotions have had the chance to wrestle in different environments, work with new opponents, and expand their fan bases.
- Cross-Promotional Appearances: The partnership has enabled wrestlers to make cross-promotional appearances, increasing their visibility and giving them more opportunities.
- Expanded Roster: The collaboration has created a larger pool of talent, providing more matches and storylines.
A More Diverse and Engaging Product
The collaboration has enriched the wrestling product, offering fans a more diverse and engaging experience. The partnership has led to new matchups, fresh storylines, and a more dynamic approach to wrestling.
- New Matchups: The collaboration has allowed fans to witness dream matches and exciting matchups that would not have been possible otherwise.
- Fresh Storylines: The partnership has led to the creation of fresh and innovative storylines, keeping the product feeling new and engaging.
The impact of the AEW and Impact Wrestling partnership has been substantial. It has changed the wrestling industry and has created a more exciting and competitive environment for wrestlers and fans.
Final Thoughts
The partnership between AEW and Impact Wrestling has been a fascinating and impactful development in the world of professional wrestling. While the frequency of crossovers may have changed, the initial collaboration brought excitement and a new dynamic to the industry.
Both promotions benefited from the alliance, with AEW gaining access to Impact’s audience and Impact receiving a boost in visibility and talent. The collaboration led to memorable moments, such as Kenny Omega’s reign as Impact World Champion and the involvement of The Good Brothers.
Looking ahead, the future of the partnership is likely to involve strategic collaborations and special events, but the core impact of their joint efforts remains. The AEW and Impact Wrestling partnership has shown that collaboration can be a powerful force in the wrestling world, creating a more diverse and engaging product for fans.
