AEW Needs To Capture The Moment

Twitter fights and a poor reaction to a UK TV deal can't stop All Elite Wrestling from focusing on the upcoming task at hand. 

All Elite Wrestling is in a unique spot. They are about to be the first true competitor to WWE since 2001. Pro Wrestling hasn't been on TNT since 2001. Yet, why is the hype around All Elite Wrestling fading? 

AEW's talent have been vocal on numerous topics, and that doesn't always work out in their favor. The prime example is Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes saying that AEW would have a better TV deal in the UK than the WWE. Recently it was revealed that the AEW UK TV deal isn't better and in some fan's opinions is far worse than promised. AEW needs to stop talking. It will save them from ruining themselves. The promotion needs to get focused on how it is going to compete against WWE NXT on Wednesday nights or even just how good AEW shows are going to be. AEW needs to desperately change the narrative. Especially with their debut show just days away. 

NXT being on the same night as AEW was probably the worse case scenario for AEW. NXT being on WWE Network is one thing. NXT being on USA Network and live every week is a whole new ballgame. WWE took arguably its hottest product and put it up against AEW. 

AEW needs to focus on their roster, production, and how they are going to convince the executives at WarnerMedia to not pull the plug. Even though AEW hasn't had a first TV show yet we have to face the reality. Getting canceled by TNT should be a huge fear. That's another battle, AEW must face. 

I am rooting for AEW but it's hard to justify some of the behavior and trash talking. I get you want to be proud of your product but there is other ways of doing that. Especially, when AEW's roster is worse than WWE's overabundance of talent. That's just a fact. 

Both EVP's Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks made comments about NXT, their new competition. When in reality you can't tell me that AEW wouldn't of  loved to sign guys like KUSHIDA, Matt Riddle, Keith Lee, and Adam Cole. That is only listing four! There is so much talent in just NXT alone. AEW has talent but it would be best for them not to comment on talent they would probably love to have. 

Outside of strategizing for weekly television. AEW needs to figure out their pay-per-view model because there is no way the average wrestling fan will be paying $50 for every one of their PPV's. On top of attracting talent to AEW. Jon Moxley and Chris Jericho were huge gets. But did AEW damage their relationship with CM Punk? Someone who could've been a big draw. Did AEW not reach out to John Morrison? This is where AEW has me worried. I hope they prove me wrong and they figure out the PPV model and the roster but right now this start-up seems lost. Also, if the big "Lex Luger" surprise is Jack Swagger I will be thoroughly disappointed. 

For AEW Dynamite on TNT. I've seen a lot of people feel it's key for AEW to have a "Lex Luger shows up at WCW" moment. I agree even though in this day and age that is particularly hard to do. This brings me back to the CM Punk and John Morrison blurb. Who's even available in pro wrestling free agency that could make a real impact on their opening show? 

I've joked that AEW seems like a spiritual successor to WCW. It's on TNT. It is partly run by Cody Rhodes, son of Dusty Rhodes. The names involved were also in WCW. It just seems too fitting. 

Also maybe Tony Khan is spread too thin? Does AEW need an executive who isn't an active wrestler and someone who isn't Tony Khan helping them out? They probably do. 

The competition is exciting but if AEW isn't careful. The Wednesday Night Wars could wrap up quickly and we could be in for another long stretch without any meaningful competition to WWE. I hope this isn't the case but AEW needs to remain focused and keep their eyes on the prize. Hopefully, we see a more positive narrative from AEW this week as the first episode of AEW: Dynamite airs on TNT. 

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