After four years of watching Tony D’Angelo’s crew dominate storylines on WWE’s developmental brand, wrestling legend Tommy Dreamer has finally found something to appreciate about the faction. But his newfound interest comes with a brutal assessment of why the group has struggled to connect with certain segments of the audience.
The ECW Icon’s Long-Standing Reservations
During his appearance on “Busted Open After Dark,” Dreamer didn’t mince words about his previous feelings toward the D’Angelo Family. Despite recognizing their individual talents, something fundamental kept him from fully investing in their storylines.
“I have never been into this D’Angelo Family. I’ve never been into…I like what they do, and I like them as a group, but nothing has ever really made me want to sink my teeth into any of them.”
The hardcore legend made it clear that his criticism wasn’t personal. He praised D’Angelo’s character work and acknowledged the group’s popularity within the NXT Universe. However, the storylines themselves failed to capture his attention until a recent episode changed everything.
The Moment That Changed Everything
Dreamer’s perspective shifted dramatically following a key storyline development involving Luca Crusifino accidentally striking D’Angelo. The veteran commentator praised both the angle and its aftermath, calling it the first time the faction truly grabbed his attention.
This moment of internal conflict within the Family provided the emotional hook that previous storylines had been missing. For Dreamer, it represented the kind of storytelling depth that transforms a good gimmick into compelling television.
What Made This Angle Different
The accidental punch and subsequent fallout showcased vulnerability within the typically unified group. This crack in their armor gave viewers something they hadn’t seen before – genuine drama that felt personal rather than purely comedic.
The Gimmick Problem: Why Mafia Characters Struggle in Modern Wrestling
Dreamer’s analysis went deeper than just praising a single angle. He identified what he believes is the core issue holding back D’Angelo’s crew: their foundational gimmick simply doesn’t resonate in 2025.
“I do think…like I’ve always said, I think these guys needed a gear, not a gear change, like an actual gimmick change, because I don’t know in 2025 if a mafia type of gimmick would get over.”
The ECW legend drew comparisons to other pop culture phenomena, noting that even successful shows like “Jersey Shore” might not provide enough cultural relevance for wrestling characters. His assessment suggests that what works locally might not translate to a national television audience.
The Comedy vs. Credibility Balance
Dreamer’s critique touched on a fundamental challenge in modern wrestling: balancing entertainment with believability. While he acknowledged knowing real-life individuals similar to the D’Angelo Family characters, he questioned whether that authenticity translates effectively to television.
“I feel it’s too comical.”
This assessment highlights the delicate line between entertaining audiences and maintaining the credibility necessary for viewers to invest emotionally in storylines.
Individual Talent vs. Collective Presentation
One of the most interesting aspects of Dreamer’s commentary was his clear separation between the performers and their presentation. He consistently praised the wrestlers themselves while critiquing the creative direction.
This distinction is crucial in understanding how veteran wrestlers evaluate contemporary storylines. Dreamer recognized the talent and work ethic while questioning whether the creative framework allowed those abilities to shine through effectively.
The Veteran Perspective on Modern Gimmicks
As someone who helped define hardcore wrestling and witnessed numerous character evolutions throughout his career, Dreamer’s insights carry significant weight. His critique reflects broader questions about which character archetypes remain effective in today’s wrestling landscape.
The fact that one emotional storyline moment could shift his entire perspective on the group demonstrates how crucial authentic storytelling remains, regardless of the underlying gimmick.
Now that the D’Angelo Family has finally captured Tommy Dreamer’s attention through genuine emotional storytelling, will NXT creative continue building on this momentum, or will they revert to the comedic elements that left veteran observers feeling disconnected? The answer could determine whether this four-year journey finally reaches its full potential.
