AEW Dynamite: The Inspiration and History of Wrestling’s Game Changer
AEW Dynamite: The Inspiration and History of Wrestling’s Game Changer
Deets On AEW
AEW Dynamite: The Inspiration and History of Wrestling’s Game Changer
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) Dynamite is not just another pro wrestling show; it's a landmark in the landscape of professional wrestling, revitalizing a sport that had been long dominated by one major company, WWE. Since its debut on October 2, 2019, AEW Dynamite has challenged industry norms, created fresh opportunities for performers, and reignited the passion of wrestling fans around the world. This essay explores the inspiration behind AEW Dynamite, its roots, the pivotal moments in its history, and the show's impact on professional wrestling as a whole.
The Pro Wrestling Landscape Before AEW Dynamite
Before AEW's arrival, the wrestling industry was monopolized by WWE, with occasional contributions from smaller promotions like Ring of Honor (ROH), Impact Wrestling, and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) that catered mostly to niche audiences. The rise and fall of World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in the 1990s and early 2000s left a void that few companies could fill. WWE’s acquisition of WCW in 2001 marked the end of the “Monday Night Wars,” a period in which WCW’s Nitro battled WWE’s Monday Night Raw for television dominance.
In the years that followed, WWE became the undisputed leader, maintaining a significant presence on cable television while experimenting with different platforms like the WWE Network. Though there were independent promotions doing exceptional work globally, including NJPW’s expansion into the U.S. market, mainstream American wrestling remained under WWE’s umbrella. Fans craved something new—a product that harkened back to the competitive spirit of WCW while embracing the present-day realities of the sport.
The Spark of AEW: The Elite and the "All IN" Event
The inspiration for AEW Dynamite can be traced back to a group of wrestlers known as "The Elite." Made up of Cody Rhodes, Kenny Omega, and The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), The Elite were part of NJPW's Bullet Club, a faction that had become a phenomenon in professional wrestling. While under the NJPW and ROH banner, The Elite attracted attention from fans worldwide, not just for their wrestling prowess but also for their savvy use of social media to promote their matches, personalities, and a brand of wrestling that felt independent yet world-class.
In 2018, a Twitter exchange with wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer ignited the idea that The Elite could sell out a 10,000-seat arena in the U.S., something no non-WWE promotion had done in decades. What started as a challenge soon became a reality with the creation of "All In", a historic independent wrestling event held in September 2018 in Chicago. With the help of ROH, The Elite produced a sold-out event at the Sears Centre, proving that there was a hunger for a wrestling alternative. "All In" featured a combination of American and international talent, blending wrestling styles and demonstrating the power of independent wrestling. The success of this event showed that there was a market for a product that could stand alongside WWE while offering something different.
The Birth of AEW: Tony Khan’s Vision
While "All In" was a self-contained event, its success piqued the interest of many, including Tony Khan, the son of billionaire businessman Shahid Khan and a lifelong wrestling fan. Tony Khan saw the potential to build something more permanent from the momentum generated by "All In." With his financial backing and passion for wrestling, he approached The Elite and other prominent figures in the wrestling world to form a new promotion.
In January 2019, AEW was officially announced with Cody Rhodes, Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, and other top talents like Chris Jericho and "Hangman" Adam Page joining the roster. AEW was quickly positioned as a major alternative to WWE, and the company signed a television deal with WarnerMedia to air a weekly show on TNT, a network that once broadcast WCW Nitro, evoking the spirit of competition that had been absent for nearly two decades.
AEW Dynamite’s Debut and Initial Reception
On October 2, 2019, AEW Dynamite made its debut on TNT, airing live from the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The event was a major success, both critically and commercially. The first episode drew over 1.4 million viewers and featured a mix of established wrestling stars, rising independent talent, and homegrown AEW performers. This blend of talent gave the show an edge and created immediate buzz within the wrestling community.
One of the key components of AEW Dynamite was its focus on storytelling and character development. Unlike WWE, which often emphasized entertainment and spectacle over in-ring action, AEW prioritized wrestling matches and presented them as a serious sport. At the same time, Dynamite had a fresh, modern feel, with slick production values, a unique roster, and a commitment to diversity in both wrestlers and styles.
In the first few weeks, notable moments included Cody Rhodes' quest to win the AEW World Championship, Chris Jericho forming The Inner Circle faction, and Jon Moxley (formerly WWE’s Dean Ambrose) making his presence felt as a top star. The show struck a balance between showcasing high-caliber wrestling matches and building compelling storylines that resonated with fans.
The Wednesday Night Wars: AEW vs. NXT
The debut of AEW Dynamite coincided with WWE’s decision to move NXT, its developmental brand, to the USA Network in a direct head-to-head competition with Dynamite. This marked the beginning of what became known as the "Wednesday Night Wars." For over a year, the two shows battled for viewership on Wednesday nights, with AEW consistently outdrawing NXT in key demographics and overall ratings.
The competition brought out the best in both companies, with AEW Dynamite showcasing everything from high-flying tag team action to brutal hardcore matches. NXT, in turn, elevated its game, leading to a period of strong programming for wrestling fans. However, AEW’s fresh take on pro wrestling, combined with its more fan-driven approach, gave it an edge in the long run.
By April 2021, WWE moved NXT to Tuesday nights, effectively ending the Wednesday Night Wars. This was seen as a significant victory for AEW, affirming that the upstart promotion could hold its own against WWE and become a permanent fixture in the pro wrestling landscape.
Major Storylines and Iconic Moments
Throughout its history, AEW Dynamite has been home to some of the most exciting and talked-about moments in modern pro wrestling. Key storylines and feuds have helped shape AEW’s identity and contributed to its success.
The Rise of "Hangman" Adam Page: One of the longest-running storylines in AEW involved "Hangman" Adam Page’s journey to becoming AEW World Champion. Initially a member of The Elite, Page's character was portrayed as conflicted, struggling with self-doubt and a strained relationship with his fellow wrestlers. This slow-burn story culminated in Page defeating Kenny Omega for the AEW World Championship at Full Gear 2021, in one of the most anticipated and emotionally charged matches in AEW history.
The Formation of The Inner Circle and Pinnacle: Chris Jericho’s formation of The Inner Circle in the early days of AEW set the tone for the company's focus on faction warfare. Jericho, along with Sammy Guevara, Santana & Ortiz, and Jake Hager, became a dominant force on Dynamite. Their feud with MJF’s faction, The Pinnacle, led to a series of memorable matches, including the "Blood & Guts" match and the Stadium Stampede, which blurred the lines between wrestling and cinematic entertainment.
The Women’s Division: AEW’s women’s division has also been a critical component of Dynamite. Stars like Dr. Britt Baker, Hikaru Shida, and Thunder Rosa have elevated the division, with Baker’s character work and matches standing out as highlights. Her match with Thunder Rosa in a Lights Out Unsanctioned Match was a landmark moment, showcasing the women’s division’s ability to deliver main-event-caliber matches.
CM Punk’s Return: Perhaps the most shocking and anticipated moment in AEW’s history was the return of CM Punk to professional wrestling. After a seven-year hiatus, Punk debuted on AEW’s second show, Rampage, in August 2021, and his first appearance on Dynamite drew massive attention. Punk’s return symbolized AEW’s ability to attract top talent who had either been sidelined by WWE or had chosen to pursue alternative paths.
Cross-Promotional Partnerships: AEW’s willingness to collaborate with other wrestling promotions has also set it apart from WWE. Partnerships with NJPW, Impact Wrestling, and the NWA have led to the creation of the "Forbidden Door," where wrestlers from different promotions can appear on AEW Dynamite. This has led to high-profile matches, such as Kenny Omega defending his AEW World Championship against Impact and NJPW wrestlers, as well as the inclusion of stars like Jon Moxley in NJPW events.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and AEW’s Adaptation
Like all live sports and entertainment, AEW was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The company was forced to shift from live events with large crowds to empty-arena shows held at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida. Despite these challenges, AEW found innovative ways to keep the product engaging, including the creation of the "Cinematic Match", like the Stadium Stampede at Double or Nothing 2020.
The pandemic era also saw the rise of new stars like Darby Allin, Orange Cassidy, and Eddie Kingston, who gained significant fan followings through their unique personalities and performances. AEW adapted remarkably during the pandemic, not just maintaining its audience but also using the limitations imposed by the circumstances as opportunities for creative storytelling. Matches were pre-recorded and edited with more cinematic elements, such as Chris Jericho's "Mimosa Mayhem" match, blending humor, drama, and wrestling in ways that captivated viewers.
One of AEW’s defining moments during the pandemic era was the rise of the TNT Championship, introduced as a secondary title. Cody Rhodes became the inaugural champion, and his open challenge concept brought fresh talent into the spotlight. Notable challengers like Ricky Starks and Eddie Kingston, who were previously lesser-known, became integral parts of AEW. When Brodie Lee won the TNT Championship in a dominant fashion, it marked one of AEW’s most emotional and impactful storylines, especially following his tragic passing in December 2020. AEW dedicated a special episode of Dynamite to honor Lee, which showcased the promotion’s sense of community and respect for its talent.
Post-Pandemic Era: Growth and Expansion
As live crowds returned in mid-2021, AEW saw a resurgence in energy. Fan enthusiasm was palpable, and AEW Dynamite quickly capitalized on the momentum. The promotion expanded its roster, adding top-tier talents such as Bryan Danielson, Adam Cole, and Ruby Soho, bolstering its already impressive lineup.
One of the most memorable post-pandemic episodes was AEW Grand Slam, held at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City. Drawing over 20,000 fans, the event marked AEW’s largest crowd to date and featured a dream match between Bryan Danielson and Kenny Omega, which ended in a time-limit draw. This match was lauded as one of the best in AEW’s history and solidified Dynamite’s place as a destination for top-tier wrestling action.
The introduction of a second major show, AEW Rampage, in August 2021 gave AEW another platform to showcase its talent. While Rampage has not garnered the same level of viewership as Dynamite, it provided an avenue for AEW to feature more in-ring action, develop mid-card talent, and continue cross-promotional partnerships with other wrestling companies.
AEW Dynamite’s Impact on Wrestling Culture
AEW Dynamite’s impact on professional wrestling cannot be overstated. From its inception, AEW has challenged WWE's monopoly on mainstream pro wrestling, providing wrestlers and fans with a viable alternative. AEW Dynamite rekindled the passion of lapsed wrestling fans who had grown disillusioned with the WWE’s creative direction, offering a product that felt more in tune with the desires of modern wrestling audiences.
One of AEW's most important contributions is its treatment of professional wrestling as a sport rather than a spectacle. While WWE often veers into the realm of sports entertainment, AEW has emphasized the athleticism, storytelling, and in-ring psychology that wrestling purists appreciate. Matches are given time to breathe, and feuds are often built slowly, allowing fans to become emotionally invested in the outcomes.
Moreover, AEW has embraced a diverse range of wrestling styles and characters, from the high-flying antics of the Lucha Brothers to the gritty brawling of Jon Moxley. The presence of international stars like Kenny Omega and Penta El Zero Miedo has also helped AEW create a global feel, attracting viewers from around the world.
AEW’s openness to cross-promotional work has broken down barriers in the wrestling industry, making it a more interconnected and collaborative space. The concept of the "Forbidden Door" has introduced fans to wrestlers they might not have seen otherwise, as AEW champions have defended titles in other promotions, and vice versa. This sense of wrestling as a global community, rather than a competition between isolated companies, has been one of AEW’s defining innovations.
Critical Success and Accolades
AEW Dynamite has been recognized by both fans and critics for its consistent quality. It has won multiple awards, including "Best Weekly TV Show" from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter for several years in a row. The show’s focus on long-term storytelling, exciting matches, and providing a platform for new stars to emerge has resonated deeply with its audience.
One of AEW’s most significant achievements has been its ability to elevate performers who had been underutilized or overlooked by other companies. Wrestlers like Jon Moxley, Miro (formerly Rusev in WWE), and Malakai Black found new life in AEW, where they were allowed the creative freedom to reinvent themselves. At the same time, AEW has given independent wrestlers like Darby Allin and Orange Cassidy the opportunity to become breakout stars, adding a fresh dimension to the wrestling world.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite AEW Dynamite's many successes, the company has faced its share of challenges and criticisms. One common critique has been the inconsistency in its women’s division, particularly in its early days. While talents like Timeless Toni Storm and Krisa Statlander have emerged as top stars, many fans and critics felt that the division initially lacked depth and consistent booking. AEW has made efforts to address this, signing more female talent and giving them more time on Dynamite, but the company continues to face pressure to elevate the division further.
Another challenge for AEW Dynamite has been managing its expanding roster. With the influx of high-profile signings like CM Punk, Bryan Danielson, and Adam Cole, some critics have argued that homegrown talent like Jungle Boy and MJF could risk being overshadowed. Balancing established stars with up-and-coming performers has been a delicate task, but AEW’s emphasis on long-term storytelling and faction warfare has allowed many wrestlers to stay relevant even when they aren’t involved in the main event picture.
The Future of AEW Dynamite
As AEW looks to the future, the potential for growth is significant. With the continued backing of WarnerMedia, the company is well-positioned to expand its reach on television and other platforms. AEW Dynamite remains the flagship show, but the addition of Rampage and quarterly special events has diversified AEW’s content.
Looking ahead, AEW has also made moves internationally, with plans to hold more events outside the U.S., particularly in markets like the U.K. The company's success with ALL IN 2024 at Wembley Stadium illustrates the potential for AEW to continue growing its global fanbase. Additionally, AEW's willingness to innovate, whether through cinematic matches, inter-promotional collaborations, or unique formats like "Blood & Guts," means that Dynamite will likely continue evolving.
The future of AEW will also depend on how it manages its young talent. Stars like MJF, Darby Allin, and Jungle Boy are poised to be the faces of the company for years to come, but AEW will need to continue developing new talent to sustain its momentum. With the wrestling world becoming more interconnected, AEW has the potential to be a leading player on the global stage, forging relationships with promotions in Japan, Mexico, and Europe.
Conclusion
AEW Dynamite has become a revolutionary force in professional wrestling, offering an alternative to WWE's dominance and injecting fresh energy into the sport. From its roots in "The Elite" and the success of "All In," to its weekly showcases of top-tier talent, AEW Dynamite has redefined what modern wrestling can be. Its blend of athleticism, storytelling, and respect for the craft of wrestling has captivated fans worldwide and set a new standard for professional wrestling television.
As AEW Dynamite continues to grow, its legacy is already clear. It has challenged the status quo, offered wrestlers new creative opportunities, and given fans a product that celebrates the essence of pro wrestling. For many, AEW Dynamite is not just a weekly wrestling show—it’s a movement that has changed the wrestling landscape forever.