10 Biggest Wrestling Stories Of 2019 (So Far)
1. The Rise Of All Elite Wrestling
All Elite Wrestling has already altered the complexion of professional wrestling.
Through an incredible convergence of casual betting, the beautifully-realised DIY potential of a free-to-use platform, undiluted artistry, the creative apathy of a monopoly - and the instincts and commitment of a billionaire to capitalise on it - AEW formally announced itself at the turn of the year as nothing less than a utopia. In theory.
AEW's securing of a premium cable prime time deal is so incredible that it was once thought impossible. Sponsors are famously adverse to the industry, but not, perhaps, this transformative vision of it. The TNT deal promises the elusive, proper big-time competition the industry needs to better financially support its hard-grafting players, and to reward the audience with a more grandiose and accessible version of the state-of-the-art pro wrestling that has re-engaged the public on a smaller scale.
AEW is, and this is no exaggeration or even wishful thinking, a juggernaut.
Unprecedented demand for pay-per-view tickets - on the back of a critical and commercial smash success of a first show - has inspired a dizzying level of optimism behind a collaborative, extemporaneous and stylistically diverse brand of pro wrestling.
Is this reads as fawning, so be it: AEW have promised to change the world. Thus far, they might actually do it. If AEW is the babyface promotion, they just cut its 3:16 promo.