Vice President Of AEW Live Events Rafael Morffi Claims That WWE Seldomly Books Venues To Negatively Impact Competition
WWE has traditionally attempted to keep competitors out of the finest venues in a given market by leveraging its relationships with arenas and stadium management businesses. The most recent notable example would be ROH briefly losing their 2019 Madison Square Garden date until lawyers from then-parent company Sinclair Broadcast Group intervened, but this has been going on for decades. However, according to Rafael Morffi, AEW Vice President of Live Events and Touring, in a new interview on Chris Jericho’s “Talk is Jericho” podcast, it’s not as big of a concern these days.
“There’s markets where [WWE is] there either after or a week or two before us, but I think a lot of that is pure coincidence,” explained Morffi, who previously worked for WWE and Impact Wrestling. “There may have been one or two times; I think they may have conveniently booked a show before us… [Jericho: ‘It’s obvious! They did it to is in El Paso a couple weeks ago, I think it was, or Laredo, didn’t they?’] They were there a month before us in Laredo, yeah. But then you have stern conversations with venues; in that case, the venue didn’t let me know until they announced it. So you have some strong conversations with venues…I tell every venue: ‘Make the most amount of money you can from both of us. Just find some time for us.’ And most venues love hearing that.”
Rafael Morffi on Talk is Jericho
Morffi stated that it is more challenging in some cities, citing Detroit as one where it took time for AEW to debut since what was once a four-arena town has been shrunk to having only one suitable site, Little Caesar’s Arena. Finding an agreeable date needed patience between Red Wings games, Pistons games, and WWE’s three appearances in Detroit each year. Morffi’s old Major League Soccer co-worker “who has a lot of pull there” and “gave [AEW] a chance” last year for the Blood and Guts “Dynamite” special was essential.
Overall, Morffi’s comments suggest that while WWE has historically used its leverage to restrict competitors’ access to top venues, the landscape is shifting. AEW and other promotions are finding ways to navigate these challenges, with the help of influential individuals and strategic planning.
h/t Wrestling INC
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Vice President Of AEW Live Events Rafael Morffi Claims That WWE’s Seldom Booked Venues To Negatively Impact Competition.
