This might be TLDR, but some thoughts on AEW of late.
- I heard on the Cornette podcast that Jericho said they don't have a booker and they just all sort of book whatever they want. Well it shows. AEW has a good enough foundation that is growing and has the potential for multiple storylines that would make sense. They're all over the place though. One week it's Elite vs Inner Circle, then it's Jurassic Express vs Inner Circle or whatever else, now all of a sudden you've got Jericho vs Hardy... they're really all over the place. I would have had the Elite vs the Inner Circle. Then you have the MJF angle come in and Cody is distracted for a month or two. Inner Circle takes advantage in the short term, but eventually Cody returns and eventually things get settled. Hell, in the meantime you could have Omega vs Jericho so that the US audience can experience it. You could build that for months. That would leave Moxley maybe out of the picture, but you could have him feud with Neville. You're still left with a tag team division, the Dark Order which could build up Darby Allin (ffs Cody just compared him to Sting) and make some storylines with whoever remains. And this is coming from someone who thought they lacked roster depth initially and it would hurt them for a while, but I'm pleasantly surprised to see who they've brought in and experience some of the other guys I was never familiar with which has changed my mind.
- Like I've said before, I think the Dark Order angle is good idea in theory, however the execution is poor. The looks are just bad. I love Luke Harper, but Brodie Lee looks awful. His attire is horrible. If they really wanted to make a splash I would have cut his hair short, shaved his beard and given him a different look. This week's promo makes me think that even more than I did last week. Now he's in a suit eating a steak? Then change his look. It might sound nitpicky, but the look of a guy makes a big difference. Speaking of the Dark Order, in the current moment they could feud with Matt Hardy. Back to Lee though, while I love the discus lariat and he has a good set of moves, he needs a better finisher.
- Very underwhelmed by Jake Roberts' showing so far. We know what Jake can do, but his latest promo wasn't very good. I can get over that and they can improve, but I'm not sure about this Lance Archer guy. I know next to nothing about him, but watched a match and wasn't really too impressed. I could be wrong of course, and I get using Jake to build a guy like that up, but if he's not good then it's wasted. What I would have liked was Matt Hardy being the Dark Order reveal and maybe Brodie Lee with Jake. Lee can do a really good promo on his own of course, but if you're going to pair Roberts with somebody then make it worth Jake's while.
- Saw a few mentions of the Wyatt Family. Well I'd love to see a Wyatt Family reunion in AEW. I'd still want the booking sorted out, but there'd be a ton of potential with that. Doubt it ever happens, but stranger things...
- Not sure why they still are bothering with the win/loss records.
- I liked their first show in an empty arena where you had guys ringside. I think they could expand on that and rotate guys in and out depending on the match.
- I think I've said this before, but they could use another belt. I think that would help with some of the storylines. Something like a US Champion. Maybe even a third belt.
- Not a fan of Omega or Cody on commentary, but liked the Star Trek reaction.
- The whole thing where multiple guys are making gestures to Brandi is just dumb. If they actually went somewhere with it or if it was in an actual match that involved Cody, then maybe it'd make sense.
That's not to say there isn't a lot I like. I wouldn't even be bothering if I didn't like it. MJF, Sammy, Jericho, Cody, Darby Allin, the fact you have factions, a real tag team division possibility. A lot to like. I just think they need to bring it together and give it more of a direction.
