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WWE Hall of Famer Suggests Tribalism is Good for Wrestling

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Xaiver Aguiar | Last updated Mar 19, 2025 9:04 PM ET

Since AEW's inception in 2019, wrestling discourse on social media has become increasingly toxic. Every angle or match has to be micro-analyzed and ridiculed, with fans going to absurd lengths to back their favored promotion.

Everyone from in-ring performers to backstage producers has jumped between the two companies, which has sparked only more debate. The endless discussions have helped wrestling get back into the mainstream and usher in a modern "golden age," which is perhaps why a WWE Hall of Famer is more than content with the constant internet discourse.

In a recent interview with Jay Reddick of the Orlando Sentinel, former Intercontinental Champion Jeff Jarrett talked about how much he loves the current industry divide.

"I love tribalism," Jarrett said. "I embrace it because it is the nature of what pro wrestling is—home team vs. away, good vs. evil, black, white, shades of gray. So many aspects of this world are super-divisive and super-tribalistic. But in wrestling, with that ability to evoke emotion, you create more chatter, you create more passion, and you create more revenue."

Competition helps breed unique results. There's a reason why monopolies are not allowed in free trade: it hinders creativity and creates an unfair power vacuum.

When WWE had two decades without a viable rival, the product suffered for much of that time. Triple H and the entire new TKO brain trust realize having enticing storylines draws intrigue and maximizes profits. Tony Khan has helped AEW sign a new media rights deal, and now they are operating on a profit. Both sides are thriving, and that's better for everyone involved.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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