WWE's Big E: It's An Exciting Time For Wrestling

Professional wrestling in the United States is currently in its hottest period since the late 1990s, with WWE and AEW as the industry leaders. Both companies have held major shows in 2021 and their weekly programming has performed well in the key 18-49 demographic, leading to ratings competition for WWE Raw for the first time in over 20 years. The forbidden door has also been opened and talent have crossed between AEW, NJPW and IMPACT Wrestling throughout the year.

Speaking about the current state of the industry with Ariel Helwani, WWE Champion Big E noted it is an exciting time for wrestling.

"It's exciting. Watching wrestling in the mid-90s to late 90s and the Monday Night Wars, that was, to me, that felt like the golden era. We all have different golden eras, but for me as a kid, I love that era so much. It is an exciting time and for me, personally, I'm glad that so many other extremely talented performers have the opportunity to showcase their skills and that there is a place for people to work and show how good they are," Big E said on The Ariel Helwani Show.

"If anything, it should force us in WWE to say, 'Hey, let's show that we're the best. Let's step up here and show we can put on barn burner shows every single week.' That's the beautiful thing, it's a kick in the ass for the industry. It's a positive thing all around. I love to see talented people do their thing," he continued.

"I have nothing negative to say about the state of wrestling and where we're at right now. It's a hot time. I'm not just a guy on the show. I'm put in the captain's seat and if the shows aren't good, that's on me. I'm expected to be the one to help bring the tide up. We're all supposed to rise together and I'm supposed to help drive that ship. I'm excited about the industry. I don't think it's time to complain. There are people who want to poke holes in things, if anything, let's focus on us and getting better and putting on better shows and giving fans what they want and really spearhead this time in our industry."

H/T to Fightful