Back in March, AEW debuted a new set for Dynamite that featured the return of the tunnels.
During a recent appearance on the “AEW Unrestricted” podcast, AEW Co-Executive Producer Mike Mansury commented on the inspiration behind the new set, Tony Khan wanting to bring back the tunnels, and more.
Mansury noted that “TK” was looking to do a design similar to the original American Gladiators and pay homage to AEW’s 2019 look.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On his initial reaction to the set: “I saw the new graphics, and I’m not going to lie to you, and this has nothing to do with the fact that I spent the bulk of my career there, but I remember walking into Climate Pledge that day and when they were starting to run through elements and stuff, I looked and was like, ‘That looks like a Survivor Series sort of look.’”
On Khan being adamant about the tunnels returning: “Tony really wanted to bring the tunnels back.”
AEW’s Dynamite Set: A Nostalgic Homage to American Gladiators
In March, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) unveiled a new set for their flagship show, Dynamite. One of the most notable features of the new set was the return of the tunnels, which brought back a sense of nostalgia for long-time wrestling fans. In a recent episode of the “AEW Unrestricted” podcast, AEW Co-Executive Producer Mike Mansury shed some light on the inspiration behind the new set and Tony Khan’s desire to bring back the tunnels.
Mansury revealed that Tony Khan, the founder and CEO of AEW, wanted to create a design reminiscent of the original American Gladiators. This popular 90s television show featured a unique set design that included tunnels for the gladiators to make their grand entrances. By incorporating this element into AEW’s Dynamite set, Khan aimed to pay homage to the show’s 2019 look while also evoking a sense of nostalgia for fans.
When Mansury first saw the new graphics and set design, he couldn’t help but draw comparisons to another iconic wrestling event – Survivor Series. The combination of the tunnels and the overall aesthetic gave off a similar vibe, which immediately caught Mansury’s attention. Despite his personal connection to Survivor Series, Mansury was impressed by the resemblance and acknowledged that it added an exciting touch to AEW’s production.
However, it was Tony Khan’s insistence on bringing back the tunnels that truly made an impact. Mansury revealed that Khan was adamant about incorporating this element into the new set. The tunnels had become synonymous with AEW’s early days and were missed by both Khan and the fans. By reintroducing them, AEW aimed to create a sense of familiarity and nostalgia for their loyal audience.
The return of the tunnels not only adds a visual spectacle to Dynamite but also serves as a reminder of AEW’s growth and evolution as a wrestling promotion. It symbolizes the company’s commitment to honoring its roots while continuously innovating and pushing boundaries. AEW has always strived to provide a unique and immersive experience for fans, and the new set design is just another example of their dedication to delivering top-notch entertainment.
As AEW continues to expand its fanbase and solidify its position in the wrestling industry, the new Dynamite set with its tunnels will undoubtedly become an iconic feature associated with the promotion. It not only captures the essence of American Gladiators but also represents AEW’s commitment to creating memorable moments for fans.
In conclusion, AEW’s decision to bring back the tunnels in their new Dynamite set is a testament to their dedication to providing a nostalgic and exciting experience for fans. Tony Khan’s desire to pay homage to American Gladiators and AEW’s 2019 look showcases the company’s attention to detail and commitment to delivering top-notch production value. The return of the tunnels adds an extra layer of excitement and familiarity to Dynamite, making it a must-watch show for wrestling enthusiasts.