10 Reasons Why The AEW Backlash Is Irrational

3. The Sheer Level Of Scrutiny Is Insane

FTR Dynamite
AEW

The unique, unprecedented nature of AEW's launch has much to do with the overwhelming discourse attributed to it.

It was willed into existence as a major, by a billionaire backer, and fronted by a collective that had, for the first time ever, proved that significant money could be drawn beyond its vast walls. An arena-sized wrestling venture had emerged overnight in the social media age, and with a company that can be charitably described as repetitive the only other main topic of conversation amongst the fandom, AEW was all anybody could talk about - particularly since it existed, depending on your perspective, as a great saviour or arrogant irritant.

The thing is, Double Or Nothing was a tremendous, joyous professional wrestling show. An all-time special night in the history of professional wrestling worthy of the histrionic praise.

All of these opposing forces, made inordinately powerful through a shared voice, accelerated and intensified the backlash, which, as it later emerged, wasn't quite as earned.

A match went too long?

Hangman Page's main event career is over!

A (false) rumour surfaces about AEW paying TNT to air Dynamite?

This vanity project won't make any money!

One (1) chair shot goes awry?

Oh my God AEW must be stopped, lest every single person on the roster succumb to CTE in the years to come!

 
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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!