Tommy Dreamer has given his thoughts on the budding relationship between IMPACT and AEW, revealing his belief that both wrestling fans and the business as a whole will benefit!
Speaking to Innes McVey of Inside The Ropes during the IMPACT Wrestling Press Pass, Dreamer was asked for his perspective on AEW’s relationship with IMPACT – as well as other promotions – and if there are any similarities to the short-lived partnership fans saw between WWF and ECW back in the Attitude Era.
‘The Innovator of Violence’ first pointed towards some of the benefits both companies have already been able to reap from the partnership like Kenny Omega competing at Hard To Kill and The Good Brothers appearing on Dynamite!
“I think it’s a great relationship because you’re getting to see dream matches where Kenny Omega is the AEW World Champion and he shows up on IMPACT. [Kenny’s match at Hard To Kill] was a great tag match and then, hey, we got a bit of a reunion on AEW.”
Dreamer – who’s set to challenge for the IMPACT World Championship at IMPACT No Surrender next week – went on to discuss AEW Beach Break featuring stars from AEW, IMPACT and New Japan and how these crossovers will benefit not only fans but also the wrestling industry as a whole!
“Last night on AEW, you had wrestlers from AEW, IMPACT Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling on the same show – how awesome is that. The possibilities are endless for booking, for match-ups anywhere you want to go and that’s great for who? Wrestling fans and the business.”
IMPACT Wrestling Press Pass: Tommy Dreamer
Before he challenges Rich Swann for the IMPACT World Title at No Surrender, Tommy Dreamer is the special guest on Press Pass!
Posted by IMPACT Wrestling on Thursday, February 4, 2021
The ECW Original also discussed how IMPACT and AEW’s relationship compares to ECW and WWF’s in 1996 and 1997, disclosing how little he – and the rest of the ECW roster – knew about Paul Heyman’s true relationship with the Stamford-based conglomerate.
Back in the day with ECW, we were told by Paul Heyman: ‘This is the agreement. They’re trying to do stuff to go after WCW to try and get those ratings back and we’re trying to promote our first ever PPV here.’ That was the gist of the relationship, none of us knew Paul Heyman was getting a paycheck from WWE. None of us knew any of that.”
Elsewhere on the media call, Tommy Dreamer revealed how he and The Sandman were prepared for a real riot at In Your House 10: Mind Games whilst D’Lo Brown discussed his nerves and seeking advice before his IMPACT commentary debut at Hard To Kill! You can watch the Press Pass call in its entirety above.
If you use any of the transcripts above, please credit Innes McVey of Inside The Ropes with a link to this article.