2 Ups & 5 Downs From AEW Rampage (May 13)

Downs...

5. Over These References

Max Caster said The Butcher has "the worst moustache since Vince McMahon".

Some will disagree, but this constant need to reference WWE just makes AEW look rather smalltime. Being brutally honest, the now-pavlovian dog "Oooooooh" responses from live crowds don't help - they encourage All Elite wrestlers to continue thinking they're cool or edgy for bringing up the other company.

AEW has made far too many references to WWE since launching, and it feels like that'll never change. Christ, Tony Khan even brings up guys like Nick Khan when ranting on Twitter, and apparently isn't "gonna stand for this sh*t anymore". Cue wild-eyed look, cue diminishing returns reaction etc etc.

Caster's raps have the same problem. Fans barely respond unless he's talking about McMahon or something else to do with WWE. Here's the thing: Max is clever enough to sidestep this and deliver punchy promos without being like "LOL Vince".