4 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Rampage (April 5 - Results & Review)
AEW Rampage improves on last week's awful effort, but Tony Khan still has a HUGE problem.
Let's be upfront and honest about one thing straight away: AEW programming has no chance up against the might of WWE's WrestleMania 40 this weekend. Shows like Rampage and Saturday night's Collision will perhaps draw record-low ratings, and staunch defenders of the All Elite cause will point to 'Mania as an excuse.
That's valid, but it doesn't explain why there's such a shocking lack of oomph to AEW's product generally. Look, it depends what kind of fan you are. Tuning in for some technically sound matches/flashy spots and nothing else? Tony has you covered. However, if you're looking for properly-fleshed out characters and carefully-constructed stories then you might want to look elsewhere.
Rampage was indicative of Khan's struggles right now. All four matches presented on the show get an 'Up' here, so you'd be forgiven for wondering why this intro is laced with negativity. Well, simply put, it's because All Elite Wrestling should be better than it is in April 2024.
It is possible to admire in-ring work and be concerned about where the company is going creatively at the same time.
Here's all the good and bad from Friday's latest!