10 Things WWE Doesn't Want You To Know About AEW

10. Blood And Guts Is Great

Vince McMahon, with searing hypocrisy, labelled AEW as "blood and guts" in an attempt to undermine its product to advertisers.

In the process, he referred to WWE as "sophisticated," the new definition of which includes "using bags that collect dog sh*t as a comedic prop", "a subtextual exploration of Bobby Lashley's girthy c*ck," and "Erick Rowan is a creepy-looking f*cker and has a pet rat or something".

WWE, unless it wants to get Brock Lesnar over as ridiculously overpowered (as distinct from ridiculously overpowered) does not do blood and guts wrestling. It does seven-act story-driven wrestling fought at a certain, comprehensible pace, no matter the actual pace of the talent involved, and the thing is, blood and guts wrestling absolutely rules. Cody Vs. Dustin Rhodes was an emotional masterclass drenched in the claret that put over the familial stakes as something unsurpassable in its high drama. The bumps taken in All Out's Escalera de la Muerte were mind-blowing. The various Lights Out matches, for better or worse, make wrestling feel dangerous again - and the schedule excuses it, or has done so far.

WWE's matches are anodyne. The fans are turning off, and something vital is happening on the other channel.