Exposing The Absolute Dumbest Criticism Of AEW

Hangman Page
AEW

Dustin Rhodes was deemed too old for TV. AEW embraced and used his age to build him as a sentimental favourite able to withstand a loss and get heels over. Shawn Spears didn't work out as a top heel, but he wasn't just trotted out to do his '10!' schtick. Pointedly, Jake Hager's MMA experience is used as a marketing ploy far more than his collegiate wrestling background. Even that which WWE used to promote Jack Swagger is considered a bad look. Even indirect comparisons are to be avoided. We have been told that we might know Brodie Lee under a different name, but to expect a different man underneath it.

Chris Jericho is different, of course, but he isn't exactly coasting on his residual WWE fame. He is playing a new character, who with his frequent selling and total commitment to showing ass is far more heel pro wrestler than sports entertainer. This is a choice, too. Jericho wasn't toiling in WWE. He was set there. He was a highlight of its programming before he left.

In the meantime, Hangman Page is the most over performer in the entire company, and he got over with a convincing modern update on a southern style and his own offbeat brand of comedy - two strengths hardly synonymous with WWE, a company he has never worked for, much like the other AEW stars that draw booming reactions - Kenny Omega, the Young Bucks, Darby Allin, the Lucha Brothers, MJF, Jungle Boy, Orange Cassidy...

What this criticism boils down to, ultimately, is "LOL your stupid promotion books talent so much better than mine lmao".

CONT'D...(4 of 6)

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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!