Thunder Rosa: AEW Is No Longer the Alternative to WWE

For the last six years, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has steadily carved out a space in the professional wrestling landscape, offering a distinct alternative to the established dominance of WWE. Now, former AEW Women’s World Champion Thunder Rosa believes that era of being “the alternative” is over. Speaking on REAL 92.3 LA, Rosa asserted that AEW has firmly established itself as a major player in the industry.

“For the longest [time], we were the alternative. We’re no longer the alternative, we’re here,” Rosa stated. “We’ve been here for six years. The stuff that we have been able to accomplish, and I’ve always been very proud of this, I was part of one of the biggest changes in mainstream wrestling, having one of the most compelling and brutal matches that people in mainstream media have seen.”

Rosa’s comments reflect a significant shift in perception surrounding AEW. Founded in 2019, the promotion initially positioned itself as a haven for wrestlers seeking creative freedom and a different style of presentation than what was offered by WWE. That initial positioning resonated with a dedicated fanbase, and AEW quickly gained traction, launching weekly television programs and hosting increasingly large-scale pay-per-view events.

Rosa specifically highlighted her “lights out” match against Dr. Britt Baker on a March 2021 edition of “Dynamite” as a pivotal moment. She described it as a groundbreaking event, marking the first time mainstream audiences witnessed two women engaged in a truly extreme match, complete with ladders, chairs, and thumbtacks, and featuring visible blood.

The significance of that match, according to Rosa, extended beyond the in-ring action. She wasn’t even under contract with AEW at the time, but understood the importance of delivering a performance that would resonate with a broader audience. “I remember Britt was telling me, ‘We gotta make sure this goes great and we don’t mess up,’” Rosa recalled. But for Rosa, the stakes were even higher. “I’m just thinking, ‘Girl, I know you’re doing it for the clout. I’m doing it because people don’t understand that this is not going to change my life, this is going to change a lot of… brown people’s lives.’”

This statement underscores the broader cultural impact Rosa hoped to achieve through her work. As a prominent Latina wrestler, she recognized the opportunity to break barriers and provide representation for a community often underrepresented in professional wrestling. The “lights out” match, with its visceral intensity and willingness to push boundaries, became a symbol of that ambition.

The match took place during a period of significant growth for AEW. The promotion had successfully navigated the challenges of launching during the COVID-19 pandemic and was beginning to attract a wider audience. The willingness to showcase women’s wrestling in a more aggressive and realistic light, as exemplified by the Baker-Rosa encounter, was a key differentiator for AEW, appealing to fans who felt underserved by WWE’s more sanitized approach.

Rosa’s assertion that AEW is “no longer the alternative” suggests the company has successfully transitioned from a challenger brand to a legitimate competitor. While differences in style and presentation undoubtedly remain between AEW and WWE, the former has demonstrated its ability to attract top talent, deliver compelling storylines, and generate significant revenue. The recent Holiday Bash event in Manchester, England, for example, featured a major return from MJF and a competitive Continental Classic tournament, indicating a continued commitment to delivering high-quality wrestling programming.

The presence of established stars like Jon Moxley, who recently competed in a Blue League bout against Roderick Strong at the Holiday Bash, further solidifies AEW’s position. Despite a recent challenging period for Moxley following his loss to “Hangman” Adam Page at All In, his continued presence demonstrates the promotion’s ability to retain key performers. The fact that photographer Ricky Havlik (@havlik_photo on Instagram) was present at the event, capturing images of Moxley and other stars, highlights the growing media attention surrounding AEW.

The evolution of AEW, as described by Thunder Rosa, reflects a broader trend in professional wrestling. The industry is no longer dominated by a single entity, and fans now have more choices than ever before. AEW’s success in establishing itself as a viable alternative has forced WWE to adapt and innovate, ultimately benefiting the wrestling community as a whole. Rosa’s words serve as a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in building AEW into the force We see today.