As we did with WWE New Year’s Resolutions, I’m likewise hoping that the athletes and management of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) will ponder upon areas they need to work on in 2021. Unlike previous years where this list included light-hearted suggestions, this time around, I have some serious insights that I believe AEW should seriously mull over.
So, without much ado, here are my New Year’s resolutions that I propose for Tony Khan and team to imbibe this year.
JR’s Insights Hold Value
I believe that criticism need not always be from someone who has performed the task in question. Jim Ross, though not a 10x world champion, possesses vast business acumen having been around for ages. Despite not agreeing with all his views, I respect some points he has raised, which I fear is lost in the noise merely because not everyone wishes to heed his critical feedback. Mislabelling him as “an old man who doesn’t know anything” when he points out an error, belittles his extensive understanding of the business. His critique on surplus superkick parties and spots of everyone idly waiting to catch someone needs to be heard.
AEW can continue focusing more on work-rate-style wrestling than WWE, but it doesn’t mean setting up maneuvers should gradually become more choreographed at the expense of storytelling. In my opinion, Cody Rhodes has mastered the balance by injecting more narrative into his fights and moves, elevating them beyond a sequence of stunts. I wish to see more thoughtful integration of moves into the narrative instead of including them for their aesthetics.
No More Rushed Main Event Pushes
AEW has a tendency to rush freshly signed wrestlers towards championship battles and then struggles with their positioning post-match. Case in point – Brian Cage. With no substantial storyline post his defeat to Jon Moxley, he has been merely parading with the FTW Championship. Miro, though an exception, hasn’t fared much better due to his unsuitable gimmick.
I propose a judicious slow-burn approach for incorporating new talent. Let them commence in a substantial feud, but not against the reigning world champion. Over the course of about four months, pave their way towards a championship battle if they seem ready and the timing appears right. Remember to chart out a plan for them post this fight to prevent them from fading into oblivion.
Allow WCW to Remain in History
While Cody Rhodes may have a sentimental attachment to WCW due to his father’s affiliation with the company, it is important to remember that AEW is a unique entity and not a successor. WCW’s main assets are owned by WWE, and it’s unnecessary for AEW to attempt being WCW 2.0 or try to salvage remaining aspects of WCW. AEW must strive to build its unique identity.
AEW’s trial to claim “Bash at the Beach” seemed unwarranted as the label holds limited resonance with current casual fans. I suggest building and owning new distinctive trademarks instead of perpetuating an outmoded image.
Also, a small suggestion – dial down the gambling motif. It’s unnecessary for everything to be branded as Casino Battle Royal, Casino Ladder Match, Double or Nothing, Deadly Draw, etc.
Refine AEW Dark / Streamline AEW Elevation
I previously mentioned this in a Quick Takes post, but I maintain that AEW Dark should not exceed 2.5 hours and should avoid matches with predictable outcomes. Watching Jack Evans duel with a wrestler who is explicitly going to lose for 15 minutes lacks entertainment value. Moreover, such matches shouldn’t consume major showtime.
I propose for AEW Elevation to be the platform where newer stars compete, leading to more suspenseful matches. AEW Dark should feature matches that couldn’t fit into Dynamite, hosting just a couple of important matches per show.
Penta El Cero – Time for a Change
While this may not be as significant as others, Penta needs a new catchphrase or at least limit the recurrence of the current one. His persistent use of “cero miedo” is becoming monotonous.
But this isn’t just a plea to Penta, every wrestler on AEW and WWE needs to inject variety into their introductions and moves, rather than sticking to repetition and monotony.
Continue Acquiring Talent
While the roster is already abundant, it doesn’t hurt to have a surplus of talent to choose from as many athletes are still green and might not improve with time.
With time, the bubble surrounding these contract acquisitions will burst due to scarcity of funds. It will then be time to let go of those who couldn’t prove their worth. This might seem severe, but it’s an inherent part of any business. I would like to see more experienced talent in the women’s division than their current roster.
More Feuds, More Stories
Both AEW and WWE sometimes lack ingenuity in developing feuds or stories and rely on creating the entire storyline around the expected match. While okay on occasion, dragging this strategy on trend becomes uninteresting.
Although “dream matches” can sell, constant reliance on the anticipation of a future match diminishes the worth of television episodes leading up to it.
I’ve presented my suggestions. I’d love to hear your ideas, particularly for the wrestlers I haven’t mentioned. What resolutions have you set for yourself this year? Share your thoughts in the comments section!