10 Things AEW Stopped Doing That We Really Want To See Again

9. Approaching Run-Ins Realistically

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AEW/Lee South

We've long descended into necessary evil territory with the AEW run-in.

Not every run-in feels fake in that quintessentially pro wrestling way; some wrestlers dash frantically to save their friend without waiting for their entrance music to hit. Some scenes on Dynamite and Rampage unfold as organic-feeling moments of babyface vengeance. Too many don't, however, which over time makes the broadcast feel like an over-produced show in an insidious but unmistakable way.

It's easy to grasp why the North American TV pro wrestling promoter succumbs to this. Blasting the babyface's entrance theme generates a pop and spikes the mood.

But if you apply a second's thought to how this actually happens, the decaying '90s trope makes everything feel overtly performed. Does the wrestler, full of bravado and ego, ask the sound guy to hit their music? Is it somebody's job to stay alert for whomever is sprinting near the Dusty position? Or is pro wrestling a fake TV show?

This was always a short-lived deal in AEW in truth; by episode four, Cody had summoned the Nightmare Family one by one, all of whom entered the arena to their individual theme.

But it's something that differentiates the promotion from WWE, which is vital to framing it as the more realistic alternative.

 
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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!