10 Creeping Problems AEW MUST Fix

7. Constant Outside Activity

Andrade AEW
AEW

The is the not-great byproduct of the great stable-based framework that preserves the best singles matches, creates several match permutations, and fleshes out the interior lives of the characters.

The wins on Dynamite are still clean enough. The balance is still just about right. Brian Cage didn't steal one from Hangman Page on the April 28 Dynamite; he decisively beat his weakened opponent. Heel chicanery happens and it happens a lot, but the babyface often withstands it to win. It's clear who the best and most deserving wrestler is, but it used to be crystal.

On the October 30 Dynamite, despite each being involved in the overarching Elite Vs. Inner Circle storyline, Hangman Page defeated Sammy Guevara clean in the middle and was effectively built ahead of his Full Gear match with PAC. If that match happens now, does it all get a bit muddied? Does the new trope of relentless activity detract from those sensational, Nitro-esque showing closing stable brawls with which early Dynamite raced off the air?

The issue now is that a precedent has been set. Why wouldn't the heel gangs stray from the action?

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!