How AEW Has ALREADY Changed Wrestling

Sasha Banks
WWE.com

In any other era, had Sasha Banks walked out, Bayley would have been instructed to bury her the very next night. “It’s take-your-ball-and-go-home-time!” Bayley might have said, after feigning to check her imaginary watch. This didn’t happen; no longer able to luxuriate in the disgusting power that comes with monopoly, WWE, keen to be perceived as the babyface company, negotiated professionally with Sasha Banks to engineer her high-profile return throughout the spring and summer. Banks manoeuvred herself around this shifting, new landscape with the agency and nous of the politicians of old.

Some were irked by this—but empowering talent is a welcome return to an old paradigm. WWE has for years fed its performers sh*t. Now, they no longer have to eat it to live comfortably.

Sasha could have walked into AEW, had she returned without such a promise and with the intention of running down her deal. That is speculation informed by the logic of business. But how true is it? Sasha Banks is an established WWE star of the sort AEW hasn’t expressed much interest in signing thus far. AEW is intent on promoting a new, different breed of talent that otherwise could not have earned significant money.

AEW has signed members of the LGBTQ community, and has featured Nyla Rose prominently. And with good reason.

CONT'D...(3 of 5)

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Contributor
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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!