AEW on TNT

We finally have a date.

Wednesday October 2nd, 2019.

The AEW on TNT.

After 18 years Vince McMahon and the World Wrestling Entertainment are going to have actual competition for eyeballs. Now it’s not to say I expect the WWE to actually fall behind in the ratings down the road because the set up this time around is different. In the mid to late 90’s at the height of the Monday Night Wars both the WWE and billionaire Ted Turner’s WCW, both companies engaged in weekly warfare in the name of ratings on the exact same nights. On the exact same time slots.

There was blood in the water.

This time around I do not think it will have the same fervor. However it believe having a 2nd mainstream company to keep the McMahon family on their toes is healthy for business. It’s healthy for the rosters. Ultimately it’s healthy and beneficial for the fans.

I’ve spoken about this on this here blog that I’ve recently returned to watching the day present product and this is what I think about it thus far.

The in ring product is far superior than at anytime in the business. Hulkamania era. New Generation. Attitude. Post Monday Night Wars. These kids today has what it takes. From a talent perspective they are second to none in the ring. This includes the women as well.

Where’s the issue?

Well, they’re not interesting.

It’s not their fault either.

Vince McMahon has handcuffed his talent. The storylines are average at best. Mostly lame. And it shows in the putrid Raw ratings week after week. You know it’s horrible when a Reunion full of nostalgia with guys who haven’t even stepped foot in a ring since before Barack Obama was President are still getting major pop.

There in lies the problems.

The WWE does not have any stars.

Not that they can’t create them cause again the talent does exist. But when you handcuff and restrict your talent, the creative juices do not flow as naturally. I’m not even suggesting they should return to the gore and extreme of the Attitude era cause that was a one and done Hail Mary experiment innan attempt to save Vince McMahon’s company who was in that moment facing real and stiff competition from Ted Turner.

This is why the AEW is important.

Truth be told I’ve had a hard time watching their product thus far. Mainly cause they have not brought their product to TV. Ultimately storylines are what will hook me. You can’t do that with monthly Pay Per View events.

The game may change beginning this fall. Or maybe it won’t. The WWE have seen the warning shot. Now it’s on them to make the adjustments to continue keeping eye balls.