7 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dark (Oct 22)

Downs...

4. Turn The Volume Up

Dustin RHodes Strong Hearts
Lee South/AEW

This column has attempted to pin Dark's tamer crowds on AEW's decision to shoot these bouts after the audience has already sat through Dynamite's two hours of highs. That might not actually be the case. Observing this Philadelphia crowd, it's clear that they were actively engaging with what was unfolding before them. Rather than sitting idly (like the lack of noise would suggest), these people were moving with the moments and definitely getting involved, but it still didn't come across on the recording.

Perhaps the audio mixing is the problem. AEW have had similar issues with thin-sounding entrance themes on almost every show so far and it's not just the Dark crowds that sound off at the moment, but the in-ring mics as well. Those thumps and bumps are way too quiet to not be muted.

This makes for an odd viewing experience that'll be hopefully be tweaked in the future.

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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.