THIS Is The Exact Reason Wrestling Will Never Get Big Again

by Michael Sidgwick
Kenny Omega
AEW

Popular modern storytelling franchises - Game of Thrones, the Marvel Cinematic Universe - build and build the heft and meticulously arrange the moving parts so that the events form this incredible emotional core. The intricate booking through which AEW has arrived at Omega and The Young Bucks capturing gold - leaving Hangman shattered enough by his failures that he seeks solace in the Dark Order - transcends most everything ever seen in wrestling. There's a deft majesty to the long-term picture. Just consider those moving parts, and how AEW has arrived at this chapter of the Elite saga without ever comprising the individual beats on the journey.

If pro wrestling is a growth industry, and it is, analysing pre-pandemic data beyond WWE - the gains are marginal. The wrestling we grew up on - and persevered with - is an echo of itself. The industry needs new noise, and AEW are making it. AEW might not become this mainstream concern that changes the perception of professional wrestling.

But if any promotion ever does, it will borrow heavily from this new set of blueprints.

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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 surefire Undisputed WWE Universal 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!