10 Reasons Why AEW Is Still The KING Of Wrestling

3. The Backstage Drama Is BACK

Jon Moxley
AEW

It's obviously not a productive or "good" thing that AEW has descended into full-on chaos, and it's understandable why the relentless drama and gossip is repelling some fans from the promotion.

Not a single thing AEW can put on television right now is as fascinating as the elusive CM Punk Vs. Young Bucks programme, and as a result, everything that Punk or the Bucks do on TV feels like a bittersweet compromise. A shadow looms over the excellent Punk Vs. Ricky Starks programme, much as it has restored the wonderful, confidence-drenched Starks heel act, because it's too difficult to take seriously the idea that Punk is bothered by him. He is too obviously feuding with one of the few people who can tolerate him, which defeats the entire purpose.

The Bucks meanwhile just seem bound and determined to tell the epic Elite story that might have peaked even before this business all got started.

But, sorry, the idea that Punk, the Tom Magee of the UFC, taking it easy on Jack Perry and his Jacques Rougeau level of preparation because he was worried he might kill him is simply very, very funny. AEW brought back blood. Managers. Unscripted promos. So much about wrestling you like.

They also brought back the dirtsheet, and be honest: you've enjoyed reading those as much as you've enjoyed watching a ***1/2 TV match over the years.

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!