Darby Allin Finds WWE Counter-Programming “Fun”

Darby Allin isn’t phased by WWE’s efforts to counter-program AEW events.

All Elite Wrestling has established itself as a legitimate competitor to WWE despite being a relatively young promotion compared to the industry leader. Since its launch in 2019, AEW has frequently found itself competing directly with WWE, including instances where WWE has scheduled PPVs and other major events on the same days as AEW shows.

Darby Allin recently discussed WWE’s counter-programming strategy during a chat with Adrian Hernandez, revealing that he doesn’t really mind the competition.

“I love it. I honestly feel like that’s when you do your best work, and it’s no secret that everybody does their best work when their back is against the wall. I think it’s fun. My life doesn’t begin and end with wrestling. I have so much outside interests and hobbies, passions that sometimes I just laugh at all this wrestling stuff because I’m like, ‘There’s a whole world out there.’ It’s just like, ‘Alright, man. Whatever.’ But honestly, I feel like it’s gonna be fun.”

-Darby Allin

That perspective may not be what many wrestling fans, including those within the AEW fanbase, would expect to hear from Darby. However, given his “freestyle” approach to life, his stance is perhaps less surprising. AEW has continued to focus on its own programming despite WWE’s counter-programming efforts, with the promotion experiencing both successes and setbacks during its time as WWE’s primary competitor.

There will be another round of counter-programming next month, as both AEW All In: London and All Out are scheduled to take place on the same days as WWE events. All Out will go head-to-head with a Worlds Collide event, with both shows taking place in Chicago.

Elsewhere, Darby Allin recently stated that he’s ready to support Mick Foley’s return to the ring if the WWE Hall of Famer ultimately decides to make one. You can read more about that here.

As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on WWE’s efforts to counter-program AEW events, as well as the reaction to that strategy, as soon as we hear more.

If you use any of the quotes above, please credit the original source with a h/t and link back to WrestlePurists.com for the transcription.