Before diving in, it’s crucial to clarify that my thoughts do not revolve around CM Punk, despite his past influence on AEW Collision’s direction. What appealed to some viewers might not resonate with those who prefer Dynamite. Additionally, it’s important to acknowledge that CM Punk wasn’t solely responsible for shaping Collision’s creative path, leaving some of its distinct elements intact.
While watching AEW Collision on Saturday night, I noticed a shift in its tone. It struck me as resembling Dynamite during its peak moments and, on occasion, adopting characteristics of Rampage during its less captivating. I feel justified in my critique of Rampage, as I covered it for over a year until we determined it was no longer worth the effort to provide live coverage.
So, what’s the issue with Rampage? Well, it boasts quality wrestling, but little else. There’s a reason why fans lost interest in programs like WWF Heat in the past, and why AEW no longer produces YouTube shows like Dark or Dark: Elevation. Rarely do wrestling matches stand alone as compelling content. Regardless of the medium, be it television or fiction, character development and coherent storytelling consistently take precedence over action. Viewers need to form an emotional connection with the performers, which can’t be achieved through matches alone.
Preferences in wrestling vary; some prefer quirky gimmicks while others lean toward a more serious product. To me, Dynamite feels like an all-encompassing, somewhat unfocused, family-friendly show, appealing to a wide range of tastes. It incorporates humor, making it more enjoyable for younger viewers. In contrast, Collision seemed to intentionally differ from the standard AEW format. It deliberately slowed the pace, emphasizing wrestlers’ commitment to selling their actions. More importantly, it placed a significant emphasis on storytelling, which was a refreshing departure for longtime wrestling fans.
The soft roster split played a valuable role. If you wanted to see performers like Miro or Andrade, Collision was the destination, while fans of The Elite or The Hardys could tune in to Dynamite. This limited crossover helped maintain a sense of novelty for both shows. You knew what to expect from each show, and for a while, it appeared to work well.
WWE encountered challenges with a similar concept for years. During the early days of the brand draft, Raw and SmackDown had distinct vibes. Raw embraced sports entertainment, while SmackDown focused on intense competition and memorable matches. Their differences complemented each other, at least until they eventually became almost identical. Today, Raw and SmackDown are nearly indistinguishable, aside from their rosters.
It appears that Collision might be heading in a similar direction. While suggesting it could become another Rampage might be an exaggeration, it’s clear that AEW is making a considerable effort. However, I recall the initial hype surrounding Rampage and its current status, which is far from exceptional. Collision could follow a similar path without careful nurturing and without the chance to establish its unique identity distinct from Dynamite. To maintain long-term success, AEW should continue introducing fresh storylines, as it has after All In & All Out, to cultivate new stars capable of carrying the promotion over the next two decades.
In conclusion, the evolving landscape of AEW Collision warrants careful consideration. While the show has displayed promising shifts in its approach and the soft roster split has shown potential, there’s a need for continued nurturing to carve out its unique identity. Avoiding a path akin to Rampage’s and focusing on storytelling and talent development are pivotal for AEW’s sustained success in the years to come.
Also Read: AEW Wrestlers Who Fell Back After Enjoying Strong Fan Support
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The Evolution of AEW Collision: Nurturing a Unique Identity for Long-Term Success
AEW Collision, a popular wrestling show, has undergone some noticeable changes in recent times. While it has shown promising shifts in its approach, there is a need for continued nurturing to carve out its unique identity and ensure long-term success. In this article, we will explore the evolving landscape of AEW Collision and discuss the importance of storytelling and talent development in maintaining its appeal.
One of the key observations about AEW Collision is its resemblance to Dynamite during its peak moments. This all-encompassing, family-friendly show appeals to a wide range of tastes with its somewhat unfocused approach. It incorporates humor, making it more enjoyable for younger viewers. However, Collision has also adopted characteristics of Rampage, which is known for its quality wrestling but lacks in other aspects. This raises concerns about the direction Collision might be heading in.
The issue with Rampage lies in its focus solely on wrestling matches, without much emphasis on character development and coherent storytelling. This is a common problem in the wrestling industry, as matches alone rarely stand alone as compelling content. Regardless of the medium, whether it’s television or fiction, viewers need to form an emotional connection with the performers, which can only be achieved through well-developed characters and engaging storylines.
To address this issue, Collision has deliberately slowed the pace and emphasized wrestlers’ commitment to selling their actions. It has placed a significant emphasis on storytelling, which has been a refreshing departure for longtime wrestling fans. This shift in focus is commendable and shows potential for the show’s growth and success.
Another factor that has contributed to Collision’s appeal is the soft roster split. By featuring different performers on Collision and Dynamite, AEW has maintained a sense of novelty for both shows. Fans who prefer certain wrestlers can tune in to the show that features them, creating a diverse viewing experience. This limited crossover has worked well in the past, and it is important for AEW to continue introducing fresh storylines and cultivating new stars to sustain this success.
However, there is a cautionary tale in the form of WWE’s Raw and SmackDown. These shows initially had distinct vibes, with Raw embracing sports entertainment and SmackDown focusing on intense competition and memorable matches. Over time, they became almost identical, losing their unique identities. AEW Collision should learn from this and avoid becoming too similar to Dynamite or any other show in the AEW lineup. It needs to establish its own unique identity to stand out and attract a dedicated fan base.
To maintain long-term success, AEW must continue nurturing Collision’s growth. It should focus on developing compelling storylines and characters that resonate with the audience. This will help create an emotional connection between viewers and performers, ensuring their continued interest in the show. Additionally, talent development is crucial for AEW’s sustained success. Introducing new stars who can carry the promotion over the next two decades is essential for its growth and longevity.
In conclusion, AEW Collision has shown promising shifts in its approach and has the potential to carve out its unique identity. However, careful nurturing is required to avoid a path similar to Rampage’s and maintain a focus on storytelling and talent development. By doing so, AEW can ensure its sustained success in the years to come.