The revival of American Gladiators on Amazon Prime Video is generating a lot of buzz — and some behind-the-scenes tension. The show, which features former WWE Champion The Miz as its host, has cast several wrestlers as modern-day Gladiators, including former WWE Superstar Rick Boogs, OVW’s J-Rod, and former TNA Tag Team Champion Jessie Godderz. But what’s causing the biggest stir is the involvement of current AEW talent: Kamille and Wardlow.
According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE isn’t thrilled that one of their marquee personalities, The Miz, is sharing the screen with wrestlers still under AEW contract — even if Kamille and Wardlow haven’t been actively featured on AEW programming for a while. The concern reportedly centers on potential brand crossover, especially if the AEW stars are promoted on-air alongside Miz, or worse, if The Miz ends up in segments that could inadvertently shine a spotlight on AEW.
The tension illustrates WWE’s longstanding policy of keeping its talent (and by extension, its brand) distinct from rival promotions — a stance that’s being tested more often as wrestlers branch out into mainstream entertainment.
This isn’t the first time WWE has found itself in a promotional tug-of-war. Just last week on the June 16 episode of RAW, WWE took issue with Netflix airing a trailer for Happy Gilmore 2 — which prominently features MJF, a top AEW star, in a major role as one of Gilmore’s sons. WWE stars Becky Lynch and Nikki Bella also appear in the film, though in smaller roles.
WWE reportedly pushed for a customized trailer that completely omits MJF, which Netflix agreed to air during RAW. Despite Netflix’s desire to market Happy Gilmore 2 as one of its biggest summer titles, WWE is unwilling to indirectly promote AEW by giving screen time to one of its breakout stars.
From AEW’s perspective, there’s less cause for concern. Sources suggest that AEW isn’t bothered by Lynch and Bella being involved in the same project as MJF. While it’s unlikely that AEW will do a full promotional push for Happy Gilmore 2 — especially since Netflix isn’t a direct partner — the exposure MJF gains from the film is likely seen as a net positive, especially following the success of The Iron Claw last year.
As mainstream media continues to embrace pro wrestlers from all promotions, expect more crossover complications like these. While fans enjoy seeing their favorite stars in new arenas, promotions like WWE remain hyper-aware of where and how their brand — and their competitors’ — is represented.
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