AEW has been hammering home its recent Sports Illustrated wins on every single showand now we know exactly why.
During a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer peeled back the curtain on whats really going on. Fans have noticed that AEW programmingespecially Worlds Endhas been loaded with references dedicated to the Sports Illustrated awards. Whether its Tony Khan repeating accolades or on-screen graphics constantly reminding viewers, the message is being blasted loud and clear.
But this isnt just prideits strategic. Meltzer says AEW is trying to flip the script on a brutal past year and change the way fans and media view the company.
The perception AEW was trying to overcome? That it was a loser company run by someone in over their head. So AEW turned the Sports Illustrated awards into a full-blown brand rehab campaign.
And its not just pridetheyre using the SI name to signal importance. According to Meltzer, AEW couldnt make that kind of claim last year, even if they wanted to.
AEW knows exactly what its doing, and Meltzer admitted the plan is working. And how much is AEW leaning on the awards? Meltzer didnt hold back.
This is more than chest-thumping. Its a calculated attempt to reshape AEWs reputation heading into 2026. AEW is betting that by drenching its product in praise, it can shake the stench of past backstage drama, ratings slumps, and credibility hits. Its working overtime to remind fansand the industrythat its still in the fight.
So what do you think? Are you buying AEWs award-driven PR campaign or does it feel overdone? Drop your thoughts in the commentswe want to hear from you.
