10 Exact Moments Wrestlers Died Inside

1. Hangman Page

CM Punk Inside
Being The Elite

"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.

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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!