10 Things WWE Doesn't Want You To Know About AEW

7. AEW Is TV-14

Cody Dustin Rhodes
AEW

WhAT ABOut tHE AttITUDe ErA?

"Vaunted" is the word Cody used to describe the period in WWE history from 1997 to 2001, and he was right. Comments sections everywhere mourn this unrecoverable time period, and you can see why: it marked the last time the company felt vital, and that's more to do with agency and star power than any exposed t*t or unprotected chair shot. People love the edge and danger and (ironic) maturity of it all.

AEW has tapped into this sentiment by offering a TV-14 product that takes slight inspiration from it, in such a way that offers the same, admittedly cheap thrill.

Clearly operating under a one "sh*t" every two weeks rule, the "naughty little swear words" are effective. Chris Jericho's latter day ring style is that of a brawler. His stuff looks more painful than ever, and so when he threatened to "beat the ever-loving sh*t" out of Cody at Full Gear, you could believe him. Jim Ross said "sh*t" on the premiere, when calling Jake Hager's shock debut, and it put the man over. It was more "Sh*t! He actually looks pretty great!" than "Crap, it's Jack Swagger!"

It serves a purpose beyond the hur-hur element; it puts the promotion over as serious business for adult fans, as well as putting over the physicality of the upcoming matches.

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!