6 Ups & 6 Downs From AEW Dynamite (Jul 29)

Downs...

6. Abandon All Life

AEW wrestlers ringside
AEW

The main factor contributing to Dynamite's lifeless, Moon-like atmosphere was the crowd's reconfiguration. Fewer wrestlers than usual were gathered around ringside this week, with many confined to the bleachers and the heel side almost empty, and those who were there weren't at their most vocal. This detracted from the experience as a whole.

Every part of Dynamite felt lesser as a result. As we noted a few weeks ago, the noise generated by these people meant the show no longer felt like a true Empty Arena Era affair. Take it away and AEW is closer to NJPW's current blandness.

The caveat here, of course, is that having less people around assuages social distancing concerns. If this was AEW's motivation, fair play. These shows are reviewed on the quality of the show, however, not behind-the-scenes stuff, and Dynamite was a harder watch than usual.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.