6 Ups & 3 Downs From AEW Dynamite (15 Mar - Review)

2. Cheap Heat Undermines Big Picture Women's Storyline

The Outcasts
AEW

In the second hour, the Homegrowns Vs. Outcasts storyline was developed in a way that wasn't particularly effective.

It all felt a bit desperate, with Saraya and Toni Storm ripping on the appearance of their detractors. After last week's "Each and every one of you" promo from Ruby Soho - which was actually a strong version of a tired WWE trope that removed the umbrella storyline from its JAS Vs. BCC retread tedium - this felt far too much like Dean Ambrose's abysmal late 2019 WWE run. Saraya referring to the fans as "stinky tw*ts" was probably well-earned. A lot of awful people treated her awfully on Twitter; you could at least believe her conviction.

Still, this isn't strong enough material to carry a programme that dominates almost the entire division. It isn't about titles, accomplishments. It isn't really about a deep-rooted personal issue. AEW is playing to the gallery with all of this.

Boo the heels! They think you’re ugly and they used to work for WWE, which you hate, don't you?!

Not nearly enough to get a saga going, is the answer to that question.

The inclusion of Riho into the mix is encouraging, but really, inserting an over act into a storyline is absolute bare minimum stuff and doesn't warrant an emphatic level of praise.

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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!