10 Bold Predictions For What AEW Will Look Like This Time Next Year
8. The Women's Division...
…remain largely unchanged.
Recently, Tony Khan appears to have finally made an attempt to break the self-fulfilling cycle. The obligatory women’s match doesn’t always unfold in the death slot an hour and a half into the show. Previously, it was as if Tony Khan had sent a message to his audience: You only have to watch the women once, guys, and the main event isn’t too far away!
Naturally, this conditioned the audience not to give a sh*t about the division. Solving the problem requires bold action - i.e. sacrificing the numbers in a better slot until more women get over - but the fact that just one women’s match is promoted per episode just reaffirms the idea that the scene is both afterthought and obligation.
Recent developments might signal change, which is where the 'Bold' part comes in; Toni Storm is a great choice as Interim champion, and Dr. Britt Baker is now locked in a grudge programme with Jamie Hayter. This should ensure that the division receives more attention beyond the title picture.
Should.
When have we been here before?
At virtually any point across the last three years. It’s now at a point where change will only happen until it happens. Justifying the apathy and bargaining for change is naive and pointless - and with that rights fee yet to be negotiated, there will always be an excuse not to do something.