Booker T Calls for Major Changes in AEW Amidst WWE’s Dominance
In the ever-evolving landscape of professional wrestling, Booker T has made headlines along with his candid evaluation of All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Despite AEW’s recent fulfillment, highlighted with the aid of its report-breaking occasion at Wembley Stadium, the WWE Hall of Famer believes the merchandising is dealing with critical problems that want addressing to hold its momentum and compete efficaciously with WWE.
AEW’s grand occasion at Wembley Stadium, which saw over 50,000 fans in attendance, marked a vast achievement for the agency. This document-setting crowd became a testament to AEW’s growing reputation and its capacity to attract a full-size target audience. However, the fulfillment of this event is juxtaposed towards the backdrop of WWE’s extraordinary run, which has been characterized through strong scores and a surge in recognition. This period of prosperity for WWE has inadvertently spotlighted some of AEW’s challenges, particularly in home attendance figures.
In a recent episode of his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T voiced his perspective on the necessary changes AEW needs to implement. “I can say it once, I can say it a thousand times, but it’s about creating stars,” he asserted. According to Booker T, the essence of a successful wrestling show lies in its ability to craft compelling stories and build larger-than-life characters. He pointed to WWE’s NXT brand as a prime example of this approach, noting its success is largely due to its well-developed storylines and strong character portrayals.
Booker T emphasized that while AEW has a roster full of talent, there seems to be a missing element in their storytelling approach. “You got so many guys in AEW that can play their role, no doubt about it, but without that story, without that feel, it feels like you’re missing something,” he commented. He suggested that AEW needs to re-evaluate its show format and focus on creating engaging narratives to keep the audience invested.
Further dissecting AEW’s performance, Booker T noted that the company’s recent show, despite a respectable turnout, fell short in viewership compared to previous events. “I don’t think it has anything to do with WWE,” he said, dismissing the notion that WWE’s success was impacting AEW negatively. Instead, he pointed out that AEW’s challenge lies in sustaining fan engagement and delivering consistently captivating content. “The numbers are falling off just to let you know that the fans even feel like they’re not doing something to keep them motivated,” he explained. Booker T believes that AEW must innovate and reformulate its approach to retain its audience and drive higher weekly viewership.
In a related development, Booker T also shared his thoughts on Ricochet’s recent move to AEW. Ricochet, who made his AEW debut at the All In event, participated in the Casino Gauntlet Match, signaling a new chapter in his career. Although specifics of his contract remain undisclosed, it is rumored that Ricochet has signed a multi-year deal with AEW. Reflecting on this transition, Booker T expressed confidence that Ricochet would thrive in AEW’s environment. “I feel Ricochet would be a better fit for AEW, especially after spending several years with WWE,” he said, suggesting that Ricochet’s unique style and high-flying abilities could make a significant impact in AEW.
As AEW keeps to navigate its path within the aggressive world of professional wrestling, the insights shared through Booker T underscore the significance of evolving and adapting to fulfill target audience expectancies. The comments highlights a critical moment for AEW, because the company have to address its inner techniques and storytelling techniques to maintain its region in the enterprise and hold its fan base engaged.
H/t to WrestlingNews.Co
