Over the previous two years, AEW has constructed arguably essentially the most proficient in-ring roster in skilled wrestling historical past. Tony Khan has labored tirelessly to signal elite wrestlers to the promotion.
Nonetheless, no matter what number of huge names have walked via the door, the corporate has frequently confronted criticism for an absence of long-term and short-term storytelling.
Luckily for AEW, they’ve some Corridor of Fame expertise to lean on. Adam Copeland has beforehand spoken of the significance of storytelling in skilled wrestling and has definitely contributed some concepts. Jon Moxley seems to be spearheading an evolution inside the firm. He has been entrance and middle through the current Dying Riders story.
In a current interview with Yahoo Sports activities Uncrowned, Moxley defined why narratives and tales are so vital in wrestling.
“Storytelling is at all times wanted, it’s important, it’s non-negotiable,” Moxley mentioned. “It’s a significant component to wrestling. You want a hook. How rather more do you get pleasure from sports activities when you have got an funding in who the individual is or the story of the season? Wrestling isn’t any completely different. You’re not going to select up a e book that has a bunch of descriptions of random objects or occasions — there must be a narrative or a thread that may take you on a journey. … We’re constructing. It’s about much more than what occurs within the ring. Constructing one thing sustainable for the long run that we will take pleasure in, we’ve been doing that for the previous few months.”
As AEW has discovered over the previous 12 months, having elite in-ring performers solely works when the viewers has a cause to be invested. Dream matches are a tough promote to nearly all of followers, and you’ll’t construct a sustainable enterprise mannequin on the again of a distinct segment and hardcore subset of wrestling lovers. Tales drive clicks; they drive viewers, ticket gross sales, merchandise, and all the things in between.
Even now, with the Dying Riders angle struggling to achieve traction, the fanbase is united in discussing why the story is not working. The byproduct of these on-line conversations is that others tune in to see what everyone seems to be speaking about.
Moxley, a former member of WWE’s The Protect, is aware of what it takes to drive a profitable story. He is been there and finished that. There is a cause Khan is trusting him to assist information the ship. And whereas there might be some tough waters alongside the way in which, AEW might be a lot better off as soon as there’s a longtime artistic crew.
Hopefully, then, the corporate can begin churning out new angles to assist attract new followers and create some homegrown star expertise.
