Insight into AEW’s creative process reportedly suggests that decisions regarding creative plans are being made ‘much later’ than usual as of late.
On recent shows, AEW have set up a lot of interesting storyline threads for the future. On Dynamite, many fans are wondering what will come of the multiple challengers that the company have set up for MJF’s World Championship, with Samoa Joe and Kenny Omega just two of the names that are circling the title picture ahead of the champion’s next defence against Jay White at Full Gear. Also, on Collision, the House of Black’s continued interference in many aspects of the show has piqued the interest of viewers.
However, it seems as if the creative process backstage at AEW isn’t as structured and long-term as it used to be, as Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio had said that many decisions regarding the direction of certain storylines aren’t being decided until late in the day. Meltzer suggests that there have even been instances in which talent don’t know what they will be doing until the day of the show, something he compares to criticisms that were once directed at WWE.
“If you follow AEW, you know that a lot of the stuff is being decided at much later periods than previous. Guys are getting their information on what they’re doing later, and decisions are being made later. That’s just how it is.
There’s times the day of the show sometimes you don’t even know (what plans are). It’s almost at times like we used to talk about WWE. Which is also very frustrating for talent. A lot of guys have a lot of input on what they’re doing, so they’re doing stuff, but they don’t really know a long-term direction.
So they’re doing stuff and they’re coming up with ideas, but when you don’t really know exactly a long-term direction, you’re kind of coming up with ideas week-by-week too, but you don’t know where the ultimate thing is and maybe the ultimate thing hasn’t even been decided. So that’s one of the reasons that the shows are like the shows are.”
-Dave Meltzer
As mentioned, the company are in a position where their storylines can be taken in a multitude of different directions going forward. In particular, there is mystery surrounding who was under the devil mask when Jay White was attacked many weeks ago, something which is often referenced on TV as fans try to work out the identity of the masked man.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on the current creative process in AEW as we hear more.
If you use the quote above, please credit the original source with a h/t and link back to WrestlePurists.com for the transcription.
