In a recent episode of the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, wrestling legend Bully Ray shared his critique of All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) decision to schedule two major pay-per-view events in consecutive weeks. The AEW All In 2023 event was held on August 27 at Wembley Stadium in London, while the AEW All Out 2023 is set for September 3 at the United Center.
Bully Ray, whose real name is Mark LoMonaco, is a retired professional wrestler and radio host known for his straight-shooting commentary on the wrestling industry. He questioned the wisdom of AEW’s decision, considering the potential strain on performers and the risk of diminishing audience interest with such an intense schedule. 🤔
The scheduling of these events is indeed unusual, as it is typical for wrestling promotions to space out their major events. This allows wrestlers to rest and recuperate, and it also builds anticipation among fans. However, AEW seems to be bucking this trend in an attempt to capitalize on the momentum they have been building over the past few years.
One possible reason for this decision could be AEW’s desire to reach a global audience. By hosting one event in London and another in the United States, they are catering to fans in different time zones. This could potentially increase their viewership and broaden their fan base.
However, Bully Ray suggests that this strategy may have its drawbacks. There is the risk of audience fatigue, where fans may feel overwhelmed by the amount of content and choose not to tune in. Additionally, the quality of matches may suffer due to the physical demands placed on the wrestlers.
Despite these concerns, it is clear that AEW is willing to take risks and innovate in order to compete in the highly competitive world of professional wrestling. Their aggressive scheduling could be seen as a sign of confidence in their product and talent roster.
While Bully Ray’s critique raises valid points, it is ultimately up to AEW to determine their strategy. As a relatively new promotion, they are still finding their footing in the industry and experimenting with different approaches.
In the end, the success of AEW’s decision will be determined by their audience. If fans respond positively and tune in to both events, then it will have paid off. However, if viewership drops or the quality of the matches suffer, then AEW may need to reconsider their approach.
Regardless of the outcome, Bully Ray’s critique serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in running a wrestling promotion. Balancing the needs of performers, the desires of fans, and the business aspects of the industry is no easy task, and it requires careful planning and strategic decision-making.
As the wrestling world watches to see how AEW’s gamble pays off, there’s no doubt that discussions like these contribute to the ongoing evolution of the industry. It’s clear that whether in the ring or behind the scenes, wrestling continues to be a dynamic and exciting world.
