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

2. Listening

INNER CIRCLE 1
AEW

AEW is produced for a mass audience, which might explain some of the more odious, obvious tropes. Too often, just in case you've forgotten that an act is feuding with a different act, you are reminded of this in some redundant pre-tape or other.

But then, more often than not, the promotion zones in on the super hardcore fan in the hope that they are taste-makers quick to identify the next crop of stars. This is a nationally televised major operation that gleefully puts indie standout Daniel Garcia in the main event, Satoshi Kojima on pay-per-view, glass in Chris Jericho's forehead via Nick Gage.

AEW actively seeks pops from the most knowledgeable, super-invested fans; the idea is to charm the most discerning and hope that the wider audience will follow.

Why, then, does it feel like the company isn't listening?

Because those fans are growing impatient with the over-booking, and they're starting to take the piss out of it. At its worst - and AEW remains a mostly excellent promotion - it can feel like TNA at its most chaotic booking a 2015 PWG show.

Which audience does that serve? The Venn diagram between indie purists/snobs and fans of overbooked TV wrestling is a circle. The most ardent fans are constantly criticising AEW for over-booking in 2022. The distractions have become a meme.

Has the listening company taken the crowd for granted?

 
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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!