Five Changes I’d Like To See From AEW in 2023
A fan’s wishlist for a better year in wrestling
(Credit-AEW)
Of all the years that there has been pro wrestling, 2022 was certainly one of them. There were highs (MJF/CM Punk Feud, Stone Cold’s return at WM, Dax Harwood’s singles matches, Forbidden Door) and there were some real lows (Adam Cole and Hangman’s injuries, AEW Media Scrum, Vince McMahon’s payouts) that will forever change the way pro wrestling looks moving forward. Paul “HHH” Levesque is now running the show at WWE and I’ve personally been brought back into watching their product because of it. AEW itself has been really good as well but when WWE is both delivering on the presentation AND the product, it really shows the difference between the companies.
As we look to 2023, there are a few big issues that will be coming up that, to me, make it a big year for AEW to make the next step as an alternative to WWE for both fans and wrestlers. The first one is new TV rights. AEW got a solid deal (from reports I’ve read, I’m no TV business analyst) and I’d expect with their solid viewership and the demand for live entertainment, we’ll see AEW get a raise. The money that comes from the new deal will allow AEW to address the next big issue; the talent war. AEW originals will see their contracts come to an end and a move to WWE doesn’t have to feel like selling your soul for a payday with HHH in charge. There were times over the last 10 years that I thought nobody hated professional wrestling more than Vince McMahon but HHH has a love for it and it shows with the talent he has managed to bring back since taking over in July.
So now I present my 5 wishes for AEW programming in 2023 below:
1. More compelling stories and character arcs
My buddy Anthony and I are obsessed with The Bloodline and Sami Zayn’s Honorary Uce storyline. The way that Sami has gotten over with the crowd has been amazing and I’m genuinely dreading the day we see the Tribal Chief turn his back on Sami. AEW started off with an amazing story - Hangman Adam Page’s rise to champion. While other moments (The First Dance) may have stood out more for me as top memories in AEW history, nothing has been able to grab my interest from a story perspective like the Hangman arc.
I get it, AEW is more steak and WWE is more sizzle. But can’t I have a little bit of both?
2. A better ability to pivot/change plans as necessary
CM Punk got hurt right after his big title win in May and AEW seemingly hit pause on every plan they had while waiting for his return. Sure, we got some great Mox interim title defenses in that time but they were ultimately meaningless and just passing the time. Tony Khan, like many of his fans, seems to love long term storytelling but in a sport as physically demanding as pro wrestling, you have to be able to pivot as injuries come up.
Another instance that comes to mind is Kris Statlander’s injury as she was about to challenge Jade for the TBS title. Signs were pointing to Statlander being the one to dethrone Jade, potentially with some sort of involvement with Athena as well. Kris got hurt and the TBS title stuff immediately felt as if it were treading water again. An undefeated champion isn’t interesting if you don’t make it interesting. Jade doesn’t come off as a powerhouse when it feels like Tony is continuing to just buy time to either find a suitable opponent or for Statlander to heal.
3. Feuds that don’t drag on for too long
This past weekend, the Elitists were getting drinks with friend of the show Jeff, and discussing our favorite TV shows. One of the best compliments we gave Breaking Bad was simple; the series ended before we were ready to have it end. AEW has had some feuds that just seemingly drag on for far too long (BCC vs JAS comes to mind). Extended feuds that go the better part of the year should be the exception, not the rule.
4. Continue to push the next stars
Jericho is having a great run but it’s likely his in-ring career is winding down. AEW got their White Whale, CM Punk in 2021 but he successfully napalmed that bridge in the AEW Post All Out Scrum. There aren’t many other big stars to bring in at this point, especially since many names have loyalty to WWE. John Cena, Dave Bautista and others showing up in AEW are less likely to make an appearance than the aforementioned CM Punk returning to join a stable with The Elite.
If you cannot bring in the big stars, it’s time to make them. MJF seems to be headed to the mainstream between appearances on shows like Pardon My Take and his recent film bookings. We’re seeing a story right now that is making Ricky Starks look as if he’s being positioned as a star but AEW needs to keep the momentum. When someone, or something, is over they need to pour gasoline on the fire and see what takes off. Wrestling, whether people will admit it or not, has a massive influence on pop culture. If AEW can find that next person to break through, the sky is the limit.
5. Allow the Elitists to interview your stars
Okay, this one is a little self serving, I know. We’re now at a year old as a podcast and a website and our big goal in 2023 is to grow the show and get some interviews with some wrestlers. We’ve been fortunate to have some wrestlers agree to coming on the show but don’t have clearance yet from corporate. In 2023, we want to change that. We know we have a voice that wrestling fans value and 2/3rds of the show interview for a living.
Bonus:
A PPV in Detroit. Simply put, we deserve it (clap-clap-clapclapclap)
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