When CM Punk joined Moose & Maggie a few weeks back to discuss his jump to All Elite Wrestling, he discussed how he felt AEW owner Tony Khan was “more approachable than other bosses he’s had,” meaning WWE’s Vince McMahon, and attributed it to Khan being a fan.
Bryan Danielson joined Moose & Maggie on Tuesday and echoed that latter sentiment, saying there are huge differences between Khan and McMahon – but also huge similarities, too.
“If you were to speak to both, you wouldn’t meet two more different people, but one of the things they’d both respect about each other is the hard work; neither sleeps much, and they both take on so much, and that’s incredible,” Danielson said. “But one big difference is communication. When you first talk with Vince, it’s intimidating, because he speaks very deliberately and doesn’t want to give you an answer he hasn’t thought about. When you talk to Tony, you can feel his excitement.”
Danielson had met Khan in the past, even if he didn’t remember it being more of a passing meeting, but his first interaction with his new boss just before his debut punctuated his point.
“When I was walking out right before All Out, he was like, ‘BRYAN! SO GREAT TO SEE YOU! LET’S GO!’ and gave me a big hug,” Danielson laughed. “I’ve really enjoyed talking with Tony and all our interactions have been great.”
But so, too, were his interactions with McMahon, and he left a lot of people he was fond of when he left WWE – but many of those relationships have carried on even with Danielson now in AEW.
“It’s definitely positive with Vince and I think with everyone in WWE; there’s a way to leave companies or make decisions in the business part of your life and still be friends with people,” he said. “I think a lot of people think of things in terms of companies, but I think more in terms of people. I’ve had great conversations with WWE people since I’ve signed with AEW.”
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Healthy competition is good, however, and while you may see AEW is either competition or an alternative to WWE depending on how you choose to look at it, the numbers will eventually speak for themselves.
“I’m sure, especially at a higher level of business, because in a couple years, both TV deals come up, and that’s how both companies make most of their money,” Danielson said. “There will be some competitive bargaining, and better ratings will get better money.”
And that’s great for the business, and for those who make a living in it, says Danielson.
“One thing I love is that Tony’s view of wrestling comes from a fan’s perspective, while WWE is more entertainment. The very first segment in most WWE shows is an interview setting up the entertainment for the night, while AEW is almost always a match,” he said. “It gives fans a chance to figure out what they like better, and it’s great for the wrestlers who have more of an opportunity. And, it will eventually go the other way where someone in AEW who is underutilized will go to WWE and show what they can do.”
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