10 Things You Only Learn Attending AEW LIVE

7. The House Of Black Are Over To An Absurd Degree - But Need A Tweak

House Of Black
AEW

At the May 24, 2023 Dynamite/Rampage/Ring Of Honor taping, Tony Khan appeared in a backstage segment to announce that the first episode of Collision will emanate from the United Center in Chicago.

Before CM Punk's return was made explicit, possibly as a result of those scary ticket advances for the Canada dates, fans obviously knew what the deal was and as encouraged started up chants of "CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk!"

This is not to suggest that the House of Black are bigger stars than Punk - all available metrics prove overwhelmingly that this isn't the case whatsoever - but the trio generated a louder reaction in the MGM Grand. The House of Black was the most over act on the show in the building.

Punk will draw much stronger ratings and in person will generate a louder response, but this contrast was notable. Has Punk overdone the media games? Do the diehard AEW fans resent him for the shadow he has cast over the promotion?

Or are the House of Black just that awesome?

Their black metal action movie schtick was massive on a Dynamite that felt tepid overall. The look, the entrance, the "He's behind you!" Pantomime - which is shortly followed by an ungodly stiff strike right in the mush - fans love it.

The spooky lighting however should be abandoned immediately. It flattens the atmosphere and distracts the crowd. Being there, it is almost guaranteed that those matches would be louder without that aesthetic choice.

The reaction genuinely feels like "Oh. so we're doing this". Fans do not know what to make of it at all.

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!