Why WWE Is Making Its Biggest Long-Term Mistake Right Now

A WrestleMania X-Seven-sized heel turn.

by Michael Sidgwick
Karrion Kross
WWE.com

You will read what is at its core a very reasonable take on Thursday mornings.

"Crazy concept, guys, but you can enjoy both shows!"

This, again, is very reasonable. Both AEW Dynamite and NXT, irrespective of which style of presentation one might prefer, boast objectively great qualities. AEW fans love Dynamite for its intricate long-term booking, traditional pro wrestling vibe, tonal range and creative expression. NXT fans love the product for its pulsating modern in-ring fare and its intersection of logical storytelling and slick, soothing WWE production, highlighted most recently by the stunning presentation of the sky-scraping Karrion Kross.

Both shows are exponentially better on an artistic level than the generic, formulaic and broad - all too often, that is a euphemism for punishingly lame - fare on WWE's main roster.

But the point is that this isn't some four-hour celebration of wrestling. This isn't, as has been made rather clear in 2020, some philosophical war waged between professional wrestling and sports entertainment. This isn't Wednesday Vs. Monday. This is WWE Vs. any other promotion that dares exist. Two of those hours exist to slowly suffocate the other two hours to death.

Party!

CONT'D...(1 of 6)

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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 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!