14 Ups & 4 Downs For AEW In 2020
9. The Build To Revolution
The build towards Revolution marked the very best stretch of episodic pro wrestling TV ever. A feeling of must-see euphoria swept over pro wrestling in February 2020. But that wasn't all.
Listen to the reaction that descended over Austin, Texas when MJF emerged to defeat Jungle Boy. That elusive, earnest heel heat captured and intensified the feeling of anger the Alabama fans felt when MJF lashed Cody's back in a test of his mettle. He had passed - after Wardlow lacerated his shoulder blade - but MJF in a scorcher proved himself an in-ring wizard as much as a sociopathic piece of sh*t. The layers of drama AEW built towards the most unpredictable big-time grudge feud in years were endlessly compelling.
Hangman Page and Kenny Omega evolved - much to the not-so-quiet disgust of the Young Bucks - to become the best tag team on the planet. Their own inner conflict - who really was responsible for their success? - added another wrinkle to what became a must-see saga.
Jon Moxley had to run through the Inner Circle. He did so, because the guy could pull it off, wearing an eyepatch and driving a stolen sports car - two developments that matched the aesthetic of two special shows, both of which added so much personality and pizzazz to the spectacle.
This brilliance wasn't just contained to the road to Revolution, though that was the peak.
There's nothing in pro wrestling like the big-fight feel AEW engineers ahead of its major shows through its meticulous long-term storytelling vision.The idea, and it has been articulated to incredible effect, is to ramp up and deepen the all-important sense of anticipation. You are to spend so much time wanting to see the big matches that spending the money to do so becomes a given.
The undercard unleashes constant big bangs of storytelling that, naturally, create stars. The second-annual Dynamite Diamond Battle Royal sparkled with deft and loaded storyline development. There's always an angle, a hook, a conflict - there is always a reason to watch. All TV functions to make you want to watch more adverts, if you want to be reductive and cynical about it. AEW does it to, yes, restaurant-quality standard.
The world went to sh*t almost as soon as Revolution faded to black.
AEW still delivered to shovel themselves out of it...