10 Ways AEW Has Made Other Wrestling Unwatchable

5. Banned Invisible Camera

Chris Jericho
AEW

To build on that point, AEW takes impeccable care to frame itself as something credible irrespective of the tone it intends to strike.

Whenever Dynamite cuts to a pre-tape, we are informed by Jim Ross that we are set to receive word from a top star: they have a match to promote, and this promotion is undisguised. Interviews are conducted by Tony Schiavone in-ring or by Alex Marvez backstage. There is a foundational logic to everything. Even when AEW frames a backstage segment without a broadcaster setting it up, the camera is acknowledged. This is sometimes contrived, with a line like "What are you following me around for?", but it's a contrivance that at least seeks to explain away something far more insulting to the intelligence.

The use of the dreaded, immersion-breaking invisible camera is super-rare, and on the very few occasions AEW leans on it, they hang a lampshade via a cute joke that functions as much to pop as reassure.

WWE's approach just isn't good enough. It was halfway excusable when it was entertaining, and popular, but it's neither of those things in 2020. These people should not be milling about backstage just because they used to in the Attitude Era.

It is a 20 year old TV formula that frames these men and women as scripted robots with sh*te patter.

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!