It appears that the decision to run with an AEW brand split—which is expected to result in separate rosters for both shows—was decided upon long ago. This should come as no surprise considering how top-heavy its main event picture has been. AEW even has floaters who lean main event and could be if there weren’t so many in that position.
The Brand Split in AEW Has Been in the Works for A While
Fightful Select recently came across evidence that AEW has been gearing up for a brand split. This evidence is in the form of a trademark for “Transfer Portal” which is believed to be connected to the split.
It also points to the hard split approach being taken. After all, why would there be a need for trades if talent didn’t have a home brand between Dynamite and Collision to be traded from? If the company takes a soft split approach the wrestlers and their entourages could just migrate to the other brand.
Apparently, AEW will be going with a soft split featuring smooth trades between the brands as opposed to talent being locked into a brand. Now, if AEW will go with 2-for-1 trades and the like, that might make the soft trade a little more interesting.
Warner Bros Discovery is said to prefer there be no split and the direction was met with apprehension from some backstage. This mainly came from a brand split coming with touring obligations that would cut into their time and work outside of AEW.
As it stands, the Dynamite-Collision split will take the form of champions being either free agents or floating between brands while having a home brand. Basically, they can be assigned to Collision but defend the belt on Dynamite.
Other than that, this seems to be more of a process for organizing the roster, organizing and confining the booking, and keeping the peace. The latter objective has been well covered for a while now but setting the roster up to where wrestlers can be better utilized and the creative team has their specific pools of talent to utilize.
Because their exploits would be tied to the brand for their term, some wrestlers might see themselves move up and become involved in the program beyond exhibitions.
What do you think of the AEW brand split in general? Is it a good idea, an awful idea, or awful and taking more from WWE? Let us know down below!
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