The Long Game
By Scott Keith on 10 May 2024
Fightful is reporting that barring injuries, AEW has booking plans set for their top stars thru 2024. While this in theory seems like a good idea, especially for a company that is hot like WWE, this seems like a terrible idea for AEW and part of what got them into the ratings tailspin to begin with. Far too many times Tony has stuck with specific booking plans regardless of if they are working or if the right call was to instead pivot. Countless acts and shows have suffered because of this. You saw it with Hangman, Swerve, Acclaimed, Miro, and multiple others who missed their peak because of “plans”. Tony has even created interim titles multiple times, even for one week when Cody got covid, rather than just pivot.
I understand Tony planned out the first 18 months of AEW with his efed years ago, and you can argue more has worked than didn't. But just like when a band has a hit first record with a collection of songs there worked on for years, and then struggle to recreate the magic once they get famous, Tony seems to be struggling creatively. The biggest change needed, besides a new booker, is he needs to learn when to pivot and ride the hot hand. AEW needs wins right now, they need worry about short term booking and the next PPV, not a show in August. You got guys like Okada and Ospreay chasing and holding jobber titles while they wait for bigger shows down the road. That just make them look silly, and Tony is risking once again missing the peak. Like why has Mercedes been cutting terrible promos for months if she wasn't cleared. I get Tony was desperate to pop a rating, but now his investment is already diminished. They crazy thing is Tony has these long term plans, but half the time can't promote the card of matches for weekly shows til day of most times. What do you think, is it time to focus on the short term to get some momentum, or do you agree with not budging regardless of the results?
His short term game is BAD right now. Like Collision is a three hour block in an arena selling well this week and we only know one match. Stuff still gets brought up and dropped all the time, like Adam Cole throwing shade on Wardlow, which had a bit of advancement a couple of weeks ago and then both guys vanished again. He really needs help with the serialized aspect of the TV shows, especially when I can literally ignore Rampage AND Collision most weeks and not feel like I missed anything.