WWE’s official acquisition of the Mexican lucha libre promotion AAA is seen as a move that can definitely change the course of the business for good. With that said, some people are concerned WWE might water down AAA in a big way, and now Konnan has shot down such concerns.
While speaking on the Keepin’ It 100 podcast, Konnan was asked if he’s concerned that WWE might change AAA and water it down like they did with ECW. Konnan made it clear he’s not worried at all.
Konnan explained that the ECW situation happened during Vince McMahon’s era, and he doesn’t believe Triple H thinks the same way Vince McMahon did. He noted that Vince McMahon was known for trying to destroy his competition, whether it was ECW or WCW.
Konnan believes that Triple H, after spending years backstage learning and being groomed for leadership, paid attention to what the wrestlers and fans liked. Konnan believes the Game likely made a mental note of what not to do if he ever got in charge. Konnan praised Triple H for being open to working with so many people, saying it’s been great for the whole wrestling industry.
“Absolutely not. Plus, the ECW thing was during the Vince era, and you know, Hunter—I don’t believe he thinks like Vince when it comes to that stuff, right? We’ve seen Vince likes to destroy his competition, whether it was ECW or when WCW went there. And Hunter, I think, being in the back all those years while he was learning and being groomed, he heard what the wrestlers liked, what the fans liked, and he probably thought, ‘If I’m ever in charge, I’m going to make sure I don’t do this, this, and this.’ And one of the things that he’s done, which has been great for the whole industry, is working with so many people.”
It’s to be noted that WWE already announced the first official crossover event between NXT and AAA, called NXT x AAA: Worlds Collide, set for June 7 at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. The event will show off talent from both promotions and mark the beginning of a new partnership.
As reported earlier, WWE plans to grow in Mexico beyond just working with AAA, so fans are watching closely to see how much the wrestling scene in Mexico will change this year. In the meantime, we’ll have to wait and see if WWE’s deal with AAA will help AAA in the long run.
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Do you think WWE’s involvement with AAA will help preserve the unique identity of lucha libre, or do you fear the promotion might change? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
