As the wrestling world continues to evolve, criticism from legends carries significant weight. Recently, WWE Hall of Famer Scott Steiner and former WWE personality Jonathan Coachman have both voiced concerns about AEW, shedding light on different facets of the promotion that they believe need addressing.
Scott Steiner Calls for AEW to Focus on Storytelling
Scott Steiner, a revered name in professional wrestling with a career spanning nearly 35 years, has made waves with his critical assessment of AEW’s approach. Known for his explosive persona and impressive accomplishments in WCW, WWE, and Impact Wrestling, Steiner’s insights carry considerable clout. During a recent appearance on WrestleBinge, Steiner made it clear that AEW needs to enhance its focus on storytelling to reach its full potential.
“Competition’s always good for the business,” Steiner acknowledged, recognizing the positive impact of AEW’s presence in the wrestling landscape. However, his praise for the promotion was tempered by a pointed critique: “You just can’t have matches. Nobody gives a shit if they’re just matches with no storyline. You’re throwing two guys together, it doesn’t work.”
Steiner’s comments reflect a broader concern within the wrestling community about AEW’s current creative direction. While AEW has garnered a strong following with its high-energy matches and athletic prowess, Steiner’s critique highlights a perceived gap in narrative depth. For him, the heart of wrestling lies not just in physicality but in the stories that engage and captivate audiences.
Jonathan Coachman Questions Mercedes Mone’s Influence in AEW
Adding another layer to the critique of AEW, former WWE personality Jonathan Coachman has raised eyebrows with his comments about Mercedes Mone, the star formerly known as Sasha Banks. Since her debut in AEW in March 2024, Mone has been a topic of significant discussion, particularly regarding her creative control clause and her impact on the promotion.
Coachman’s skepticism about Mone’s role in AEW is sharp and pointed. He has questioned whether the star, known for her previous success and confident demeanor, has lived up to the hype. “Her impact, however, has come under fire from Coachman who believes that the star cannot back up her arrogant demeanor,” reports suggest.
Mone’s role in AEW has been a subject of much debate. While her presence was anticipated to bring a fresh dynamism to the promotion, Coachman’s critique raises questions about whether her influence has matched the expectations set by her WWE tenure and her high-profile entrance into AEW.
The Wrestling Community Reacts
Steiner’s and Coachman’s comments reflect ongoing conversations within the wrestling world about AEW’s growth and direction. For many fans and industry insiders, these criticisms are not just reflections of individual perspectives but also indicators of broader concerns about the promotion’s ability to balance athletic spectacle with compelling storytelling and impactful star power.
As AEW continues to carve out its place in the wrestling landscape, the feedback from veterans like Steiner and Coachman serves as a valuable checkpoint. Their insights remind both fans and promoters that wrestling’s essence lies not only in the physical confrontations but also in the narratives that connect with audiences on a deeper level.
With AEW’s rise and WWE’s ongoing success, the wrestling world remains dynamic and ever-evolving. The challenges and critiques presented by these seasoned voices underscore the complex nature of professional wrestling and the ongoing quest to captivate and entertain a global audience.
