10 Burning AEW Criticisms Tony Khan MUST Ignore
9. "There Are Too Many Random Matches"
No, there aren't too many random matches in AEW because the narrative framework ensures - or at least seeks to ensure - that every last match matters and has a reason to exist in and of itself.
The rankings have been de-emphasised, which is really less than ideal for this vital core principle, but that's still why AEW matches happen when they happen with no "storyline" "build": to determine contenders for titles.
Every match, ultimately if indirectly, has stakes. There is literally no such thing as a random match under this overarching philosophy.
There is no other storyline reason for any AEW match to actually happen; those that don't rely on a storyline build are fixtures drawn by the (offscreen) General Manager to see who is best capable of eventually breaking into the title picture. The recent Darby Allin Vs. Jay Lethal match took place for this exact reason, as Allin himself articulated in the pre-match promo.
This is the way it has to be. This foundation must be in place and must remain in place; otherwise, what are we doing here? Random, disconnected segments is what wrestling should be so that the storytelling can then be weaved around it organically. Blood feuds must be seeded from this core purpose. If they just happen and happen too often, it all gets contrived.
MJF Vs. CM Punk remains the best exploration of this vital balance; throughout, both men constantly talked of their title aspirations before the feud simply became so intense that the grudge feud was inevitable.
This is the way 'round it should be.