Ok, so after watching AEW’s Pay Per View All Out, it’s obvious there are some great things going on over there.
That could be the next big problem. With the recent signings of Adam Cole, CM Punk, Ruby Soho, and Bryan Danielson, the question comes to mind when to close the gates.
AEW is unique not because of the services it provides its workers, from benefits to a better working atmosphere, but it gives young Indy talent a place to showcase what they have to offer in the ring. And while you might argue well that’s what AEW’s Dark Elevation and Dare are for (YouTube shows) the problem of putting them over for the Main Roster to build up an original cast from inside the company becomes competition to well-known names from outside the company that bring branding and ratings. So how have they responded? Everyone who is considered a legend or over in the wrestling world has been paired with an up and comer:
- Sting w/Darby Allin
- Jack Roberts w/ The Murderhawk Lance Archer
- CM Punk (probably w/Team Taz)
- And now, Ruby Soho w/Britt Baker
- Christian Cage w/Jurassic Express
- Matt Hardy with Private Party, The Butcher, The Blade, and The Bunny, Angelico, Jack Evans
Now I say those words lightly because everyone was over in their area of work, but nationally not so much when it comes to the Indy workers. I get it.
This is a balanced approach to giving the rub to upstarts while utilizing the branding of the veterans. Eventually, it will fade because of the stories they bring with them, and someone will have to say, “We’ve got all we need” and close the gates. When that happens? Who knows. But there are only 7 days in a week and 4 have shows.
They need to think about a cap on talent now rather than later.