WWE Cites Success Of AEW To Dismiss MLW Lawsuit

It was reported yesterday that WWE had filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed by Major League Wrestling (MLW) against the company for alleged ‘monopolising’ of the professional wrestling market.

WWE filed a 35 page document yesterday, and full details of the filing can be found on PWInsider.

Most notably, WWE cited the creation and success of All Elite Wrestling as evidence that such barriers to entry exist in the professional wrestling market.

It reads:

“AEW’s success further undercuts MLW’s unsupported assertion that substantial barriers to entry exist. The complaint alleges that WWE’s popularity has “declined” over the last five years. It goes on to say that, during the same period, AEW entered the proposed market and successfully sold broadcast rights to WarnerMedia. Subsequently, AEW managed to capture an average 2020 rating of 0.344 compared to WWE Raw’s 0.5075 in the key 18-to-49 demographic. This successful entry and expansion refutes the existence of substantial barriers to entry. “

It’s strange to see WWE acknowledging the success of AEW publically, and we will bring more updates on the lawsuit as and when they become available.

Dave Meltzer also tweeted:

In the WWE's response to the MLW lawsuit, besides the written response they provided an exhibit. The exhibit was the October 18, 2021 issue of the Observer that covered WWE losing the 30 minutes head-to-head with AEW as evidence they weren't a dominant monopoly.

— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) March 16, 2022