Since 2019, AEW has established itself as an alternative to WWE, providing fans with televised pro wrestling closer to the style of indie wrestling compared to Vince McMahon's WWE. At the same time, while presenting itself as the alternative to WWE, several names have surprisingly failed to reach higher heights with AEW, even with a ton of momentum coming in.During an episode of his "Hall ofFame" podcast, Booker recalled CM Punk's run in AEW after his long hiatus from pro wrestling, noting that he had little in common with the younger wrestlers due to how they view the pro wrestling industry."That's why, you know, certain guys have gone to AEW, and they just didn't fit in," he said. "You look at, you know, Matt Cardona, the guy who was a free agent, went to AEW, and boom, just, you know, didn't fit in."Booker also argued that the same thing happened toCodyRhodes, and that his success inWWE makes the case for this."Those guys are entertainment wrestlers, you know? They're not just going out there and doing matches," he explained. Booker then added that he thinks that The HurtSyndicate are currently experiencing this in AEW, expressing how they originally came "in hot" before cooling off recently."It seems that [AEW is] looking to change wrestling; the way people watch it, and look, there's nothing wrong with that, it's your prerogative," Booker argued. "It's your flavor and your cup of tea, more than anything."If you use any quotes from this article, please credit the "Hall of Fame" podcast, and provide a h/t toWrestling Inc. for the transcription.
