WWE counter programming Fight for the Fallen is a bad move

Counter programming Fight for the Fallen with the Evolve 10th anniversary show is a move that is done in bad taste by the WWE.

All Elite Wrestling has been the story to watch in professional wrestling in 2019. This weekend the promotion is putting on their next showcase, Fight for the Fallen.

WWE is looking to remind wrestling fans that they can be more than mainstream, and will present the 10th anniversary Evolve show live on the WWE Network as counter programming.

While competition is always a great aspect of business, there’s a bit of cringe in this situation as there’s an additional hook to the AEW show on Saturday: a portion of the proceeds of Fight for the Fallen are going to charity. The WWE is attempting to offer an alternative to its fans, but instead comes off in a totally negative light.

The name Fight for the Fallen speaks exactly to the social issue that AEW is attempting to address within this show. The company has made it clear that they are working to be cognizant of issues that represent all the fans that watch wrestling.

Farah & Farah is the presenting sponsor for the show and proceeds from the gate will benefit Jacksonville’s Victim Assistance Advisory Council (VAAC), whose website states their purpose is to “provide assistance to crime victims, their families and/or their significant others.”

“We have a moral obligation to give back to the communities in which we live,” said Eddie Farah, Managing Partner of Farah & Farah via a press release. “The fact that a mass shooting occurred here in Jacksonville just a few blocks from our office last year makes that moral obligation even stronger. We make it our mission to help protect injured people and their families and supporting AEW’s Fight for the Fallen is one of the ways we actively live out that mission. When we saw that the proceeds of this event would be used to support victims of crime and their families – connecting them with crucial supportive services – we had to be part of this.”

That is a powerful statement. As the United States continues to struggle with mass shootings and gun control laws, a wrestling promotion led by some of the hottest names in the industry is trying to support those that are impacted.

This is a cause that many people can get behind, and appreciate the fact that this company recognizes its importance.

Yet, the WWE is attempting to draw attention away from it. Evolve is recognized as one of the hottest independent promotions in professional wrestling.

That “independent” status isn’t quite as indy as it once was, as Evolve has had a working relationship with the WWE since 2015. During that time a lot of talent has moved back and forth between the organization, specifically NXT and Evolve.

If you look at the top two matches on this card, it’s all WWE talent as Adam Cole defends the NXT title against Akira Tozawa. Drew Gulak and Matt Riddle will also face off in a Catch Point reunion match. With the Austin Theory versus JD Drake match, there’s certainly action worth watching.

But what does it say about the WWE attempting to undercut a show that is meant to honor a positive cause? Does that resonate with professional wrestling fans, and cause some ill will to the biggest brand in the game?

These are questions that are worth asking. Especially when you consider that the WWE is under frequent criticism for their partnerships with the Saudi Arabian government or their laundry list of other controversial situations.

While it’s clear that the WWE is paying close attention to the momentum AEW is building, it’s not a good look to take this moment to attempt to attack their growing platform through counter programming.

AEW’s events have been receiving strong praise since Double or Nothing earlier this year, and there’s a lot of hype heading into Fight for the Fallen. Much more than is being presented for the Evolve show.

Surely there’s a contingent of people that will watch the Evolve show over the other, but for those wrestling fans that are socially conscious, it would be intriguing to see where their allegiances lie this weekend.

The WWE has grown into a force for philanthropy through such operations as their partnership with Susan G. Komen and their anti-bullying campaigns. As AEW attempts to launch their own philanthropic efforts with Fight for the Fallen, the WWE is attempting to cut into that success.

When looking at all the missteps the WWE has taken when it comes to social conscious conversations, this is one situation in which it was best for them to sit out rather than present the Evolve 10th anniversary show.