The One Thing WWE & AEW MUST Learn From NJPW

by Andy H Murray
Smug Vince McMahon
WWE.com

Roman Reigns, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Triple H were among the list of absentees referenced by Vince McMahon during the G1 2019 earnings call. Each left WWE in a bind, but where were the substitutes? Where were the next guys up? Where were the rising stars McMahon had groomed for ascension?

If WWE's star-making machine wasn't damaged, those absences wouldn't have been a problem. Like NJPW, the company could've had 3-5 performers waiting in the ring, primed and ready to go, but they didn't. They had nobody. They had nothing but excuses.

For AEW, losing Kenny Omega, Jon Moxley, and Chris Jericho to injury tomorrow would be a disaster. This need not be the case a year from now. If they follow the Gedo blueprint and prime the likes of MJF, Hangman Page, and Jungle Boy for the spotlight, they'll be well-equipped to survive any talent raids or injury crises. Tony Khan won't need to complain about declining live attendances, because his new stars will have him covered.

Gedo, meanwhile, will continue as the best booker in wrestling by ensuring that the next time an Okada or Naito departs, a SANADA will leap seamlessly into their spot. A Juice Robinson, SHO, or Zack Sabre Jr. will then climb to the level just below, patiently waiting for their own headlining tilt.

Imagine if Vince McMahon had the next Brock Lesnar lying in wait. It's almost as if he shouldn't have burned Braun Strowman on 'The Beast.'

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.