10 Exact Moments Wrestlers Died Inside
1. Hangman Page
"Fans don't have the patience for long-term storytelling."
Lastly, a kayfabe diversion that illustrates the power of AEW's deft long-term storytelling - the first layer of a very dense, nuanced and rewarding character arc.
At All Out, Hangman Page lost the opportunity to become the inaugural AEW World Champion. On the subsequent Being The Elite, he was despondent. The Young Bucks tried to console him. He received it as an obligation on their part.
Page tried to play the role of top breakout babyface on Dynamite, but he failed. He lost a trilogy to PAC that, inadvertently but to no less potent effect, told two stories: the first match underwhelmed, but the second two were great. Page, struggling, still had potential as a top star, and to realise it, he left the Elite. The grand emotional heft of the story is that Page is Elite - and it's no shame for him to require the support network he himself extends to Kenny Omega - but by over-compensating, he will one day be truly left with nothing. The whole bit is plotted and textured to such incredible dramatic effect, and every conceivable ending is bittersweet devastation - and, of course, seminal pro wrestling.
AEW's base is high as kite on it, and it has simmered for almost a full year.
Fans do have the patience.
It just has to be good.