One big thing: Former WWE commentator Jonathan Coachman slams AEW All Out 2024 for its extreme violence
Jonathan Coachman, known as “The Coach” during his WWE tenure, strongly criticized AEW’s All Out 2024 event for its excessive brutality, particularly targeting the Lights Out cage match between “Hangman” Adam Page and Swerve Strickland.
Why it matters:
• The event’s extreme violence sets a new benchmark for AEW, potentially influencing future bookings and industry standards.
• Coachman’s criticism highlights the ongoing debate about the appropriate level of violence in professional wrestling, especially considering its live audience.
Key points:
• Coachman called the event “disgusting” on the “Gabby AF” podcast.
• He argued against comparing wrestling to movies, emphasizing its real-time impact on live audiences.
• Coachman criticized Tony Khan’s booking decisions, claiming they’re influenced by social media reactions.
• He expressed concern about the potential for young viewers to imitate dangerous stunts.
What they’re saying:
“When you can’t write a story good enough that you have a hypodermic needle inside somebody’s mouth — it was disgusting,” Coachman said.
By the numbers:
• AEW All Out 2024 featured multiple extreme matches, including the Lights Out cage match.
• The event drew significant attention on social media, both positive and negative.
The big picture:
This controversy raises questions about the balance between pushing creative boundaries and maintaining responsible entertainment in professional wrestling. It also highlights the ongoing competition between AEW and WWE in terms of content and audience appeal.
What do you think about the level of violence in modern professional wrestling? Is it necessary for storytelling, or has it gone too far? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.