Is Impact Wrestling Part of AEW?

Over the years, professional wrestling has seen various promotions rise and fall. One such promotion that has gained significant attention in recent times is All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

But what about Impact Wrestling? Is it part of AEW? Let’s dive into the details to find out.

The Rise of AEW

AEW made its debut in 2019 and quickly became a major player in the world of professional wrestling. Backed by billionaire businessmen Tony Khan, AEW aimed to provide an alternative to WWE, which had been dominating the industry for decades.

AEW’s Unique Approach

One of the reasons for AEW’s success is its unique approach to storytelling and showcasing talent. They emphasize a more athletic style of wrestling, focusing on in-ring action and giving wrestlers creative freedom to express themselves.

Impact Wrestling: An Established Promotion

Impact Wrestling, formerly known as Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling, has been around since 2002. It has faced its fair share of ups and downs but managed to carve out a dedicated fan base over the years.

Relevance in Today’s Wrestling Landscape

Although Impact Wrestling may not have the same level of mainstream exposure as WWE or AEW, it still holds a significant place in the industry. It features a mix of established veterans and rising stars, providing an exciting blend of talent.

The Relationship Between AEW and Impact Wrestling

In December 2020, something unexpected happened that caught many fans by surprise: A crossover between AEW and Impact Wrestling. This collaboration opened up new possibilities for both promotions.

The AEW-IMPACT Partnership

AEW and Impact Wrestling agreed to a partnership that allowed talent exchanges, joint events, and the sharing of storylines. This collaboration gave wrestlers from both promotions a chance to showcase their skills to a wider audience.

Key Moments in the AEW-IMPACT Collaboration

A Hard to Kill Pay-Per-View Event

In January 2021, Impact Wrestling hosted their “Hard to Kill” pay-per-view event. This event featured an AEW World Championship match between Kenny Omega (AEW Champion) and Rich Swann (Impact World Champion). The match was a dream come true for wrestling fans, as two major champions faced off in a historic encounter.

The Forbidden Door Opens

AEW President Tony Khan appeared on an episode of Impact Wrestling and proclaimed that he had opened the “Forbidden Door.” This phrase became synonymous with the collaboration between both promotions.

The Benefits of the Collaboration

Growth Opportunities: The partnership allowed wrestlers from both promotions to compete against new opponents and gain exposure to different fan bases.
Cross-Promotion: AEW stars appearing on Impact Wrestling and vice versa helped increase viewership for both shows.
Enhanced Storytelling: The shared storylines provided fresh narratives and unexpected twists for fans of both promotions.

Conclusion: The Impact of AEW on Impact Wrestling

In conclusion, while Impact Wrestling is not officially part of AEW, the collaboration between these two promotions has undeniably had a significant impact on the wrestling landscape. It has allowed both companies to expand their reach, create compelling storylines, and provide fans with an exciting blend of talent.

As the wrestling industry continues to evolve, partnerships like the one between AEW and Impact Wrestling showcase the potential for even more exciting collaborations in the future.