The wrestling world often pits WWE and AEW against each other, sparking debates about ratings, competition, and overall dominance in the industry. However, not everyone within these organizations sees the competition as a head-to-head battle. One such individual is AEW commentator Tony Schiavone, who recently revealed on the podcast “What Happened When” that he doesn’t keep up with WWE’s onscreen product at all.
Schiavone’s Perspective on WWE and AEW Competition
Schiavone’s stance is clear: he believes that what WWE does has no bearing on his work with AEW. “What they do does not impact me at all,” Schiavone stated. “People may say, ‘Well, yes it [does], because there’s a war going on and you’re competing for numbers.’ You know what? It ain’t what you think. This is not the 90s.”
Schiavone’s reference to the 90s harks back to the “Monday Night War,” a period when WWE and WCW went head-to-head in a fierce battle for television ratings. As someone who was deeply involved in that era with WCW, Schiavone speaks from experience, highlighting how different today’s wrestling landscape is from those days.
The Changing Media Landscape
Schiavone pointed out a significant shift in how wrestling content is consumed today. “WWE Raw” is set to move to Netflix at the beginning of next year, a platform where traditional ratings will no longer be a primary concern. This change underscores the evolving nature of media consumption and how it affects the competitive dynamics between WWE and AEW.
“If you get tied up into what they’re doing, you’re focusing on the wrong thing,” Schiavone continued. “You need to focus on your s**t. At least from my perspective, okay?”
Maintaining a Unique Voice
Schiavone draws a parallel between his approach and that of his favorite baseball commentator, the late Vin Scully. The legendary Los Angeles Dodgers announcer was known for not listening to other MLB commentators, a strategy intended to preserve his own unique style and voice. Schiavone adopts a similar philosophy, aiming to remain true to his own methods and focus on his work with AEW without being influenced by WWE’s product.
Schiavone’s Wrestling Commentary Legacy
Tony Schiavone’s voice has been a staple in professional wrestling for decades. Since the debut episode of “AEW Dynamite” in 2019, he has been one of the primary commentators for the promotion. His extensive career also includes over a decade of calling matches for WCW and a brief stint with WWE in 1989 and 1990.
Schiavone’s journey in wrestling commentary has seen him witness and participate in some of the most significant eras in the industry. His experience and unique perspective allow him to provide valuable insights and commentary for AEW while remaining unaffected by the external noise from WWE.
Stephen’s Note
Tony Schiavone’s approach to his work at AEW is a testament to his professionalism and dedication to the craft. By tuning out the competition and focusing on his responsibilities, Schiavone ensures that he brings his best to every broadcast. His philosophy serves as a reminder that success often comes from concentrating on one’s own work rather than being distracted by others.