10 All Out Mistakes AEW Can't Afford To Repeat At Full Gear

9. The Lack Of Atmosphere

AEW Full Gear Set
AEW

Were the ringside "fans" miffed at missing out on a Dark payday, or something?

Because they were flat as f*ck at All Out. It was a weird night, specifically and non-specifically, and this was reflected in the catching lack of enthusiasm. Perhaps it was the sapping heat. Perhaps being that performative every week proved exhausting. Who knows.

But unsung heroes Austin Gunn and Big Swole should be promised some sort of bonus to bring the noise as they have done throughout the year.

The increased Daily's Place attendance might help create something approaching those intoxicating atmospheres of old. With capacity extended to 925 (and tickets expected to sell out), that number isn't too removed from the 1,170 that created a cauldron at ECW Barely Legal, or the houses that have received various indie classics so enthusiastically.

It's all so horribly different now. That audience is spaced out, as they should be, and the volume of open-air crowds is difficult to capture in more ordinary times.

One would hope (or bargain for) that the talent can feel it - even if we can barely hear it - allowing them to feed off the energy to better inform their performance.

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 current Undisputed WWE 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!