10 Reasons AEW Fans Should Be Worried
7. Shock Fatigue
From The Outsiders arriving in WCW to Edge making his unlikely Royal Rumble comeback, the shock debut or return is one of professional wrestling’s great pleasures. Some of AEW’s most memorable and celebrated moments include Jon Moxley’s arrival at the original Double Or Nothing or CM Punk’s much teased but never confirmed debut on Rampage’s First Dance.
The trouble is that Tony Khan has lent so heavily on surprise debuts and guest stars that the novelty has begun to wear off. Between MJF’s hired mercenaries, various “mystery opponents” and ladder match or battle royal “jokers”, the trope is nearly as frequent and expected as a moonsault.
To take just one example, with no disrespect to the guy, did Khan really need to book Johnny Elite as a mystery joker for the Owen Hart Cup? The spot could easily have gone to a seldom seen contracted talent like Brian Cage or Colt Cabana instead.
The upcoming Forbidden Door is something fans have wanted since AEW began. It should bring a raft of Japanese talent to the promotion. The arrival of guys like Hiroshi Tanahashi should feel like a game changer, rather than just this week's new guy.