How AEW Must Reheat Its Biggest Monster

Cody Dustin Rhodes
AEW

The Dark Order here are symbolic of the self-doubt that has defined this ingenious character arc. They represent Page's inner turmoil, and that they are so large in number allows for weeks' worth of episodic storytelling. It's a neat trick AEW often deploys to prolong/enrich the big matches.

As fun as the Bunkhouse match was on this week's Dynamite, and it was all the more fun for how gratuitous it was, this is why the blade should be preserved. Not one moment of bloodshed has resonated with the same heft as Dustin Rhodes' gusher at Double Or Nothing. There's no going back now, but perhaps the person who bleeds might make all the difference.

AEW has a babyface to build to the top, a monster heel to reheat, and a sense of menace to cut through the frivolity that can, at times, undermine what this is all about. Mr. Brodie Lee needs to make Hangman Page piss blood from his face in a disturbing assault, and he needs to choke the life out of him using the bull rope. The Bucks must be predisposed, Kenny Omega simply apathetic. Page has worked so meticulously to invoke pity. Perhaps, to really shout louder for those in the back, he needs to do something more traditional to broaden the appeal of what is a very nuanced character. With the feud set, he can run through the ranks. Page Vs. John Silver is an awesome prospect of a TV building block in particular.

CONT'D...(5 of 6)

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Contributor
Contributor

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!