I already told this to someone else with the same point. But nobody is implying that AEW hasn’t done stupid shit. They absolutely have, and I frankly hated that Ciampa spot.
But what people *are* pointing out is that the DNA of AEW’s storytelling is noticeably different than much of mainstream American wrestling. Narrative isn’t driven by over involved angles. AEW’s TV primarily lets the narrative be driven by simplified angles and matches. Both things happening right alongside the individual wrestlers’ organic personalities and quirks, instead of a very specific set of creative demands. In other words, character drives narrative instead of the inverse. At least that’s how I view AEW’s product. I hate to sound overly wordy or pompous but this genuinely is how I see AEW’s TV.
Like anything, art evolves. The dividing line of what quality is changes and that’s a very healthy thing. But in order to point this out, there doesn’t need to be this smug, slanderous back fist on a certain style.
The finish to the men’s B&G match was functionally solid but had no place in what is meant to be this tribalistic war. Match had its moments. But good God, PLEASE take a year off from B&G. No more until 2028 at least. And run it in the Spring or Summer. Make it organic and not such a formality.
New video!
Is it time to crown Kyle Fletcher as AEW World Champion? No. Let’s talk about why…
Link:
youtu.be/LpB8by_lUjc
He knows the team is absolutely grilled
LSW retweeted
I enjoyed both Blood & Guts matches and thought the women especially rocked it, but WarGames is hard to nail without a genuine personal issue that the people believe in.
They can still be exciting and gory without that, but the emotional beats feel microwaved IMO.
I’ve been very outspoken about how the build to these B&G matches have felt more like a formality than in year’s past. It’s an issue which can be attributed to a broader problem in wrestling storytelling. Because WWE makes the same mistakes to differing degrees of failure. That said, the roster has worked theirs asses off tonight, and that shouldn’t be glossed over.
The tone of this women’s B&G match was terrific, with some genuinely next level performances from Skye, Willow, Lena, etc. You could really find something positive to say about every woman in the match. And that is a testament to just how much this women’s division has going for it. When they’re given the ball, they deliver and meet the moment. Those are qualities that you search for in a locker room. They take their work seriously and treat it like the most important thing on the show. Oftentimes, that’s something you don’t get from other rosters. It’s one of the chief issues with WWE’s women’s division, we are subliminally told that their work isn’t as heavy or rugged as the men’s stuff. They don’t blade, they get 8 minute title matches at WM. That shit sends a message. Impassioned match out there, angry, gritty and grimey.
No women’s division in North America is doing it like these ladies, hats off.
I didn’t love the spot either but…y’know, it is possible to express that you don’t like something without pontificating on the state of pro wrestling.
Absolutely love when shows just give the roster mic time to sell their angles and get their shit over.
In totality, DCF as a collective act is a poor central heel unit to anchor a promotion around. Most of this can be attributed to Don Callis overexposure, but the point remains. This truth is ironic though because the stable is full of wrestlers who could most likely contribute in a more substantial way in any other creative setting. Upsetting.