The world of professional wrestling has always been shrouded in mystery, with one question always lingering in the minds of fans: is it real or is it scripted? All Elite Wrestling (AEW), the newest player in the professional wrestling scene, has not escaped this scrutiny. As fans flock to their weekly shows and pay-per-view events, the debate rages on: are the outcomes predetermined, or do the wrestlers have a say in the matter?
Understanding the Nature of Professional Wrestling
Before diving into the world of AEW, it’s essential to understand the nature of professional wrestling as a whole. Professional wrestling is a form of sports entertainment, a unique blend of athletics, theatrics, and storytelling. While the physicality of wrestling is undeniable, the outcomes are often predetermined to ensure a cohesive narrative and to protect the performers from injury.
The term “scripted” is often misused when discussing professional wrestling. It’s not entirely accurate to say that wrestling is “scripted” in the classical sense, where every move, every word, and every gesture is meticulously planned and rehearsed. Instead, the outcomes are typically predetermined, with the wrestlers having a degree of creative freedom within the designated framework.
The Role of the Creative Team
In AEW, the creative team plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative and determining the outcomes of matches. The team, comprised of experienced wrestling minds such as Tony Khan, Chris Jericho, and Jim Ross, work tirelessly to craft a compelling story that will engage and captivate the audience.
The creative process typically begins with a long-term plan, outlining the overall direction of the company and the storylines that will unfold over the coming months. From there, the team breaks down each show, determining the matches, the winners, and the key moments that will drive the narrative forward.
However, this doesn’t mean that the wrestlers are mere puppets, following a strict script without any input. On the contrary, AEW encourages its talent to contribute to the creative process, offering their insights and ideas to help shape the storylines and characters.
The Talent’s Perspective
In a recent interview, AEW wrestler Orange Cassidy shared his thoughts on the creative process: “Tony [Khan] is very open to ideas and willing to listen to what we have to say. If we have an idea, he’ll give us the freedom to run with it and see where it takes us.”
This sentiment is echoed by other AEW wrestlers, who praise the company’s collaborative approach to storytelling. The wrestlers are not merely following a script; they are actively involved in crafting their characters and shaping the narrative.
The Ebb and Flow of a Live Show
While the outcomes may be predetermined, the execution of a live show is far from scripted. AEW’s live events are a dynamic, fast-paced environment, where anything can happen, and often does.
As the bell rings, the wrestlers take to the ring, their bodies honed from years of training and preparation. The crowd is electric, their energy and anticipation palpable. In this moment, the script goes out the window, and the wrestlers are free to improvise, to react, and to adapt to the situation.
This is where the magic of professional wrestling happens, where the wrestlers’ instincts and training take over, and the audience is left on the edge of their seats. The outcome may be predetermined, but the journey to get there is often unpredictable, with the wrestlers pushing themselves to new heights of athleticism and drama.
Reading the Crowd
One of the most critical aspects of a live show is reading the crowd. AEW’s wrestlers are trained to read the audience’s reaction, to sense their mood, and to adapt accordingly. This is where the concept of “calling it in the ring” comes into play.
Essentially, the wrestlers have a framework for the match, but they also have the freedom to make adjustments on the fly, to respond to the crowd’s energy, and to create a more immersive experience. This is where the art of professional wrestling truly comes alive, as the wrestlers weave together a narrative that is both predetermined and spontaneous.
The Blurred Lines Between Reality and Fiction
One of the most intriguing aspects of professional wrestling is the blurred lines between reality and fiction. AEW’s wrestlers often find themselves walking a tightrope between their in-ring personas and their real-life personalities.
Take, for example, the enigmatic Chris Jericho, whose alter ego, “Le Champion,” is a masterclass in blurring the lines between reality and fiction. Jericho’s in-ring persona is an exaggerated version of himself, a confident, arrogant, and slightly unhinged character that has become a hallmark of AEW.
However, as Jericho himself admits, there’s a fine line between his in-ring persona and his real-life personality. In a recent interview, he said, “As Chris Jericho, I’m a goofball, I’m a funny guy, but as Le Champion, I’m a serious, intense, and sometimes menacing character.”
This blurring of the lines between reality and fiction is a hallmark of professional wrestling, and AEW is no exception. The company’s wrestlers are masters of creating a sense of authenticity, of making the audience believe in the world they’ve created.
The Suspension of Disbelief
Professional wrestling relies on the suspension of disbelief, the audience’s willingness to buy into the narrative and ignore the inherent contradictions. AEW’s wrestlers are masters of creating a sense of urgency, of making the audience believe that the stakes are high, and the outcomes are uncertain.
This is where the art of storytelling comes into play, as the wrestlers weave together a complex narrative that is both predetermined and spontaneous. The audience is treated to a rollercoaster ride of emotions, as the wrestlers push themselves to new heights of athleticism and drama.
The Verdict
So, is AEW scripted? The answer is complex, multifaceted, and ultimately, beside the point. While the outcomes may be predetermined, the journey to get there is often unpredictable, with the wrestlers pushing themselves to new heights of athleticism and drama.
AEW is a masterclass in storytelling, a blend of athletics, theatrics, and narrative that has captivated audiences around the world. Whether you believe the outcomes are predetermined or not, one thing is certain: AEW is an immersive, engaging, and thrilling experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
| Category | Scripted? |
|---|---|
| Outcomes | Predetermined |
| Match Structure | Partially Scripted |
| Wrestler Input | Encouraged |
| Improvisation | Frequent |
In conclusion, the debate surrounding AEW’s scripted nature is ultimately a moot point. What matters is the quality of the storytelling, the athleticism of the wrestlers, and the overall experience. AEW has proven itself to be a masterclass in professional wrestling, a thrilling and immersive experience that will leave you questioning the nature of reality itself.
Is AEW completely scripted?
AEW, like most professional wrestling promotions, has a mix of scripted and unscripted elements. While the outcomes of matches and storylines are often predetermined, the actions and dialogue of the wrestlers are not always set in stone. In fact, many AEW wrestlers have spoken about the creative freedom they have to improvise and make changes on the fly.
This approach allows for a more organic and dynamic feel to the shows, as well as the opportunity for unexpected moments to occur. However, it’s also important to note that AEW does have a team of writers and bookers who work to craft the overall narrative and direction of the promotion. So while there is certainly some freedom for the wrestlers to improvise, there is still a significant amount of scripting and planning that goes into every show.
Do AEW wrestlers have any input in their characters and storylines?
Yes, many AEW wrestlers have a significant amount of input in their characters and storylines. In fact, one of the things that sets AEW apart from other promotions is the emphasis on collaborative storytelling and wrestler input. Many wrestlers have spoken about the open-door policy of AEW’s management team, which allows them to pitch ideas and contribute to the creative process.
This approach not only leads to more invested and motivated wrestlers, but also results in more authentic and believable characters and storylines. When wrestlers are able to bring their own ideas and experiences to the table, it adds a level of depth and nuance to the storytelling that might not be possible with a more rigid, top-down approach.
How does AEW balance creative freedom with the need for a coherent storyline?
AEW strikes a balance between creative freedom and the need for a coherent storyline by having a clear overall direction and vision for the promotion, while still allowing for flexibility and improvisation. The promotion’s management team, led by Tony Khan, works to establish the overall narrative and key story beats, while also giving wrestlers the freedom to add their own twists and turns.
This approach requires a high degree of trust and communication between the wrestlers, writers, and bookers. By having a shared understanding of the overall story and its goals, the creative team can ensure that individual improvisations and ideas still serve the larger narrative. At the same time, the flexibility to adapt and adjust allows for a more dynamic and responsive storytelling approach that can capitalize on unexpected moments and fan reactions.
Do AEW’s ratings and viewership impact the creative direction of the promotion?
Yes, AEW’s ratings and viewership do impact the creative direction of the promotion. While the promotion’s management team has a clear vision and goals for the storylines and characters, they are also responsive to fan feedback and reactions. If a particular storyline or character is not resonating with audiences, AEW is willing to make changes and adjust course.
This approach is reflective of the promotion’s commitment to being fan-first and engaging with its audience. By paying attention to what fans are responding to and what they’re not, AEW can refine its creative direction and ensure that the show remains compelling and engaging. However, it’s also important to note that AEW is not solely driven by ratings and viewership – the promotion is also committed to telling meaningful and impactful stories that resonate with fans on a deeper level.
Can AEW wrestlers refuse to participate in a storyline or match?
Yes, AEW wrestlers do have the ability to refuse to participate in a storyline or match if they have concerns or objections. While the promotion’s management team has a significant amount of control over the direction of the storylines and matches, the wrestlers themselves are also invested in their characters and the overall narrative.
If a wrestler feels that a particular storyline or match is not in line with their character or values, they can express their concerns and work with the management team to find an alternative solution. This approach reflects AEW’s commitment to treating its wrestlers with respect and valuing their input and contributions.
How does AEW’s creative process compare to other promotions?
AEW’s creative process is highly collaborative and emphasizes wrestler input and improvisation. This approach is distinct from other promotions, such as WWE, which has a more rigid and top-down approach to storytelling. AEW’s focus on collaboration and creative freedom allows for a more dynamic and responsive storytelling approach.
In contrast to WWE, which has a large team of writers and a more formalized creative process, AEW’s creative team is smaller and more agile. This allows for quicker adaptation to changes and a more responsive approach to fan feedback. While both promotions have their strengths and weaknesses, AEW’s creative process is notable for its emphasis on wrestler input and improvisation.
Will AEW’s creative approach change as the promotion grows?
It’s possible that AEW’s creative approach may evolve as the promotion grows and expands. As the promotion takes on more talent and increases its reach, it’s likely that the creative process will need to adapt to accommodate these changes. However, AEW’s management team has expressed a commitment to maintaining the promotion’s core values and approach to storytelling.
While the promotion may need to make adjustments to accommodate its growth, it’s likely that the emphasis on collaboration, improvisation, and wrestler input will remain a key part of AEW’s creative process. By staying true to these values, AEW can continue to deliver a unique and compelling product that resonates with fans.