AEW Vs. WWE: Head To Head

9. Direction/Staging

Omega Rollins
AEW

Astonishingly, given the decades of experience and vast wealth at WWE’s disposal, AEW is already ahead, niggling errors and growing pains notwithstanding. WWE’s constant camera cuts range from distracting to nauseating, the lack of pyro plots fiendishly alongside the fitful booking to make everything and everybody look mundane, and the bland, default staging area also reflects the apathy that plagues everything.

In contrast, AEW is committed to both the spectacle and credibility of pro wrestling. The separate kayfabe entrances convey the idea that the wrestlers aren’t performing in the same, immersion-breaking space, but rather fighting out of different camps. The pyro reflects the big-time occasion of this new, billionaire-funded entity.

Even Jim Cornette has put over AEW’s majestic video production, and he is loathe to put over anything adjacent to the company because he hates Kenny Omega so much that he once, literally, this actually happened, compared him to Adolf Hitler.

The entrance music is too low in the mix, but Executive Omega has at least recognised the problem.

SCORECARD: AEW 2-0 WWE

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and surefire Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!