AEW – Double or Nothing – Where the wrestling speaks for itself

Double or Nothing – Where the wrestling speaks for itself

How am I so excited about AEW’s Double or Nothing when I know next to nothing about it?

Don’t get me wrong, I know some of the names of those involved. I’ve followed one or two of them for years on social media and in various promotions. But I don’t know anything about the stories that have fed into this event. I can’t tell you which promotions some of these performers come from. I can’t even pronounce some of their names but here I am, absolutely gripped, on the edge of my seat, following the rollercoaster of emotions along with the crowd.

This is not a match by match, play by play review of the event, this is me attempting to formulate my thoughts after watching, what is arguably, the best four hours of wrestling I’ve watched since this time last year.

The opening six-man tag team match between SoCal Uncensored and Strong Hearts set the tone for the evening and the momentum builds and builds. From an impressive display from the Joshi Wrestling ladies, to the emotional ending to Cody v Dustin Rhodes. From the exhilarating Young Bucks versus Lucha Bros match (Rey Fenix has this amazing spot in this match which has to be seen to be believed) to Jon Moxley making his AEW debut at the conclusion of the Chris Jericho versus Kenny Omega main event, Double or Nothing took us on a journey. A journey of classic wrestling, with a new age twist. A journey of character investment without any prior need to know their backstory. A journey of passion, of commitment, of excitement and opportunity.

I can’t recall the last time I watched a wrestling pay per view and saw a crowd as fired up and genuine as this Las Vegas crowd. It’s inspiring and energizing but also reassuring to know there is still passion for pro wrestling, despite a certain company and their bullish desire to saturate and over-expose themselves and their talents, to the point where some of us have lost nearly all interest in it.

It makes me wonder if we’ve reached our WWE limit. Have we finally had enough? I know I’m tired of world class talent being held back, under utilized and badly booked. I’m also tired of talent being held hostage, given no flexibility and worked to the bone. Not just in the ring but outside it too.

As fans, perhaps we know WWE’s in ring product too well. We know these wrestlers and characters too well. We know how it should be. We know how it should be booked. We know who the stars should be. We know how capable they are and if given the creative control, who will shine. We know too much, and we’ve seen too much of them. Are WWE now facing the consequences of thing they tried desperately to avoid? Talent over exposure. Our expectations are high because this company, is considered to be, the best of the best pro wrestling talent.

All Elite Wrestling is a journey into the unknown. We don’t know what we should expect, so in fact, at the moment, we expect nothing. And that’s why we are so in love with it. We’re watching, what could potentially be the rebirth of professional wrestling. We’re watching a fresh product with fresh eyes. We’re in unchartered territory and we’re intrigued and invigorated. Rather than too much expectation, we are going in with none and it makes this journey all the more exciting.

I wasn’t going to purposefully compare AEW to WWE but it’s clear AEW were firing a shot at WWE when Cody Rhodes smashed up a throne with a sledgehammer. At the WWE Hall of Fame this year, Triple H comment on Bllly Gunn moving to ‘that pissy little company’. After last night, it’s clear, the gloves are off.

What perfect timing for AEW to make a name for themselves and grab the spotlight. WWE only appear to be concerned with kissing the butt of Saudi Arabian royalty and lining up their chess pieces ahead of their new TV deal later this year. There appears to be little to no regard for the quality of their in-ring product. The story telling, the booking and the overall presentation of their TV product is nothing short of abysmal right now. There are too many adverts, too many promos, backstage segments and talking and it’s boring. We spend more time listening to Michael Cole talk then we do actually watching a match. And don’t even get me started on this 24/7 title crap. When was the last time the wrestling, the actual physical display was left to speak for itself?

WWE has opened the door for fans to walk out and AEW is stood with open arms to welcome us in.

I’m not saying AEW was perfect. There was a botched count by the female referee in the women’s match. Did it really need Bret Hart? Debatable! The commentary team at times seemed to be fumbling in the dark but it’s all forgivable and understandable for a company potentially sowing the seeds for a new beginning. We can also look past some of the imperfections because we’re not subjected to them week in and week out. Let’s see if we feel any differently when this has been on the air for twelve months.

AEW is brimming with world class talent. Guys like Hangman Page, The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega. Cody Rhodes is at the helm and appears to remain focused and humble. The championship belt and the match to determine who will hold it, is taking form. The tag team division is going to be like nothing we’ve seen before. With a strong female division at the heart of what they’re doing and a simple focus that it is fan focused and here to revitalize our love of professional wrestling, I for one, am all in.