One big thing: AEW refocusing on storylines
Adam Copeland, former AEW TNT Champion, believes AEW is shifting its focus back to storytelling, addressing a common criticism of the promotion.
Why it matters
• Storytelling is crucial for long-term fan engagement in professional wrestling
• AEW has been criticized for prioritizing “dream matches” over coherent narratives
• A renewed emphasis on storylines could help AEW compete more effectively with WWE
By the numbers
• AEW was founded in 2019
• The company has faced increasing scrutiny over its booking decisions in recent years
What they’re saying
Copeland told AMNY: “It feels like we’re getting more storyline emphasis because dream matches can only happen so often, and how sustainable is it? Story is always sustainable. Good story can last and last and last, and then you can always revisit it.”
Key example
Copeland pointed to the year-long feud between “Hangman” Adam Page and Swerve Strickland, which culminated in a cage match at AEW All Out, as evidence of this shift towards storytelling.
The big picture
This potential change in AEW’s booking philosophy could signal a maturation of the company’s approach to professional wrestling, potentially addressing fan concerns and industry criticism.
What’s next
Fans and industry observers will be watching closely to see if this renewed focus on storytelling continues and how it impacts AEW’s product and ratings.
Do you think AEW’s shift towards more story-driven content will improve the overall quality of their shows? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
