How AEW Has ALREADY Changed Wrestling
Universe Mode: Unlocked.
AEW began life with a simple, lofty mission statement: to change the universe. And, just four shows in, that mission has been accomplished. But really, wrestling had already changed; AEW simply capitalised on it.
As John Cena’s Ace role diminished deep into the decade, and Roman Reigns failed to replace him, this transition period brought into focus the grand levelling of U.S. talent. Cena was the undisputed top star in the world of pro wrestling, but Reigns was not. Cena was the massively-muscled, ultra-charismatic showman with expert mic skills (delivery, if not content). He was quintessentially WWE in performance and influence. He made the enterprise feel as enormous as it was. Without him (nor ready successors), in terms of star power and skill, the stars of WWE and the Independent circuit were now level—a paradigm-shifting fact that the retooled NXT had already acknowledged through the failure of the old developmental model.
Only exposure separated them.
But that exposure began to manifest through Being The Elite and New Japan Pro Wrestling’s enormous cult buzz. The connectivity of YouTube and New Japan World beckoned disenfranchised WWE fans into a new world of hangout camaraderie and unparalleled in-ring artistry. In parallel, WWE systemically failed to promote its talent through shocking continuity, repetitive tropes, and prohibited expression. WWE hadn’t felt cool in an eternity, but the rise of this new subculture, again, brought its ancient quality into focus. AEW exists to drive that subculture into the mainstream.
But that’s not all.
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