Dave Meltzer discussed on the latest episode of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE’s decision to feature many former AEW stars as current champions may be a subtle message to AEW.
This was particularly evident during Saturday Night’s Main Event. Meltzer pointed out that current champions such as CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Jade Cargill, Ricky Saints, Blake Monroe, and Ethan Page all previously competed in AEW.
He suggested that WWE is implying that “the grass is greener on the other side.” While some former AEW stars like Rey Fenix and Rusev are not holding titles currently, they are still receiving TV time—something they did not get in AEW because Tony Khan believed they were leaving the promotion.
Additionally, Meltzer highlighted a recent photo from WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event special in Salt Lake City. It featured NXT Champion Ricky Saints alongside Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, WWE World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk, and WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill.
They all posed with their championship belts, and Punk shared the photo with the caption “Look at us,” which was clearly intended as a jab at AEW.
