8 Problems Nobody Wants To Admit About AEW
3. Excalibur's Story
Not to go full Jim Cornette on this, but there really does need to have been some sort of acknowledgement as to why one AEW’s commentary team wears a mask.
For those casual wrestling fans or channel-hopping viewers who stumble across AEW, it’s an instantly confusing visual to be greeted by a commentator adorned in a shiny mask and a sharp suit. Sure, AEW die-hards may well be aware that Excalibur was one of the founding fathers of Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and was once one of the most well-travelled on the independent scene, but your average viewer is clueless to any of this.
Even for those who may well be aware of Excalibur’s in-ring career, he had a seven-year run that ended 12 years ago, before he transitioned to the commentary table. However you look at it, that's a long time ago.
Right now, an argument could be made that Excalibur is the best commentator in the game. That’s likely a debate that comes down to Excalibur and Mauro Ranallo. The point is, he’s insanely talented at calling the action and developing the story being told in the ring.
To be more inclusive of those casuals checking out AEW, though, either give some explanation as to why your commentator wears a mask, or simply lose the mask altogether.