5 Things AEW Does Better Than NXT (And 5 NXT Does Better Than AEW)
3. Angles
No promotion books huge, building-levelling angles like AEW. Not one.
This is where Tony Khan's Mid-South influence comes to the forefront. Just as Bill Watts' territory was famous for huge moments like The Russians attacking 'Cowboy' himself and the all-time-great Ted DiBiase babyface turn, AEW is fast developing a similar reputation in this era of wrestling, as Khan cements himself as the sport's premiere angle booker.
From the raw, visceral drag of Cody's 10 lashes and 'The American Nightmare's' invasion of Chris Jericho's private suite to the Inner Circle's formation and the awesome, layered brawl on the Full Gear go-home show, Khan's pen layers pops on pops on pops on pops. When an AEW angle really hits, it is all-action, go-go-go pro-wrestling with each explosion bigger than the last, culminating in a cloudburst of excitement, tension, and emotions. This is neutralised somewhat in the Empty Arena Era, though there's little doubt they'll return once AEW starts hitting hot arenas again.
Contrast with NXT's glut of staredowns, building-wide brawls, and one-note ambush angles, and this is a clear win.