10 Secrets Behind The Rise Of AEW

10. It Was Almost Really Bad!

AEW television is mostly fantastic.

The format lends itself to an immersive, energetic live experience in which insulting exposition and convenient plotting is not required. With every match announced in advance, and worked across a glorious, unimpeded stylistic range, Dynamite and Rampage advance storylines with electrifying angles, unscripted promos and an intricate, patient booking philosophy that dovetails across itself to preserve the premium attractions. AEW's first forays into episodic storytelling were less successful.

AEW's first forays into episodic storytelling bizarrely resembled the promotion they formed in defiance of.

On the Road to Double Or Nothing 2019 YouTube series, Chris Jericho and Cody developed a rivalry premised on Jericho's household name hubris and Cody's weary opinion of it. Jericho was adamant that he was responsible for AEW's existence, demanded a "Thank you," and resented Cody's lack of earnest appreciation and EVP status. Invisible cameras captured this authority figure storyline. A lively updated emulation of peak WCW Nitro it was not. It wasn't terrible. Jericho was priceless as the childish prima donna.

But it wasn't at all dissimilar to WWE.

Mercifully, Cody's backstage role was phased out of the narrative when the battle for AEW's soul heated up ahead of Full Gear 2019 as the promotion discovered its own storytelling identity.