In professional wrestling, WWE and AEW are undoubtedly the top destinations for free agents. Both companies offer comparable pay, but when it comes to exposure, WWE seems to have the upper hand. However, for some wrestlers, the spirit and attitude of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) prove to be more appealing, as was the case with Anthony Bowens.
Bowens, one-half of The Acclaimed alongside Max Caster, is a former AEW World Tag Team and Trios Champion, and one of AEW’s most successful home-grown stars. But, in a recent interview on Unlikely with Adrian Hernandez, Bowens revealed that he almost signed with WWE during the pandemic era. He had competed on AEW DARK in September 2020, but after not hearing back from the company, he received an offer from WWE and even accepted it. However, before committing to WWE, he spoke to Tony Khan, and the rest, as they say, is history.
So, what made Bowens choose AEW over WWE? The answer lies in representation and acceptance. As an openly gay wrestler, Bowens has been celebrated by the LGBTQ community, and his success in the ring has brought him acclaim. However, it was the chance to be himself and the representation he saw in AEW that partially drew him to the company.
Bowens revealed that he liked the vibe of Tony Khan’s company, and when he saw Sonny Kiss and Nyla Rose being accepted as themselves, he knew that AEW was where he wanted to be. This sense of acceptance and inclusivity was a major factor in his decision to join AEW over WWE.
Bowens’ success in AEW is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing a platform for wrestlers to be themselves and express their true identities. Paired with Max Caster, the two have found enormous success, becoming one of AEW’s most popular tag teams. Bowens has also enjoyed singles success and has vowed to become a Grand Slam Champion.
Bowens’ story serves as a reminder that, while pay and exposure are important, they are not the only factors that matter. Representation, acceptance, and a sense of belonging can be just as crucial in a wrestler’s decision-making process. As AEW continues to grow and evolve, stories like Bowens’ will undoubtedly inspire others to join a company that values diversity, inclusivity, and acceptance.
