WWE Spotlights Ex-AEW Champs in Rivalry Jab

WWE has spotlighted several former AEW wrestlers as current champions during recent events, a move some observers interpret as a subtle response to its rival promotion. The trend was evident at the Saturday Night's Main Event broadcast in Salt Lake City, where wrestlers who previously competed in AEW held multiple top titles in WWE.

Among the champions are CM Punk, who holds the World Heavyweight Championship; Cody Rhodes, the Undisputed WWE Champion; Jade Cargill, the Women's Champion; and NXT Champion Ricky Starks. Other former AEW performers, including Blake Monroe and Ethan Page, also currently hold titles, while Rey Fenix and Rusev receive regular television appearances despite not being champions. This contrasts with their time in AEW, where their screen time was reportedly reduced amid expectations of their departure.

A backstage photo from the Salt Lake City event captured Starks posing with Rhodes, Punk, and Cargill, all displaying their championship belts. Punk shared the image on social media with the caption, "Look at us," which has fueled speculation about its intent as a commentary on career trajectories between the two companies.