The world of professional wrestling, particularly All Elite Wrestling (AEW), is a dynamic landscape constantly shifting with alliances, rivalries, and the pursuit of championships. Recent developments on AEW Collision, highlighted by returning stars, evolving tag teams, and brewing championship challenges, point towards several key trends that are likely to shape the future of the promotion and potentially influence the wider wrestling industry.
The Resurgence of Established Names & The Power of Factions
Andrade’s return and immediate re-alignment with the Don Callis Family exemplifies a growing trend: the strategic re-introduction of established talent. Wrestling fans have a built-in connection to performers they already know, providing an instant boost in viewership and engagement. This isn’t new – WWE has long utilized returning stars – but AEW is demonstrating a refined approach, integrating them into existing, compelling storylines. The Don Callis Family, in particular, is becoming a significant power player, suggesting factions will continue to be central to AEW’s narrative structure. A 2023 study by WrestleNomics showed that segments featuring established stars and well-defined factions consistently outperform those that don’t in terms of social media engagement and television ratings.
The Rise of the Trios Division & Tag Team Innovation
The focus on the AEW Trios Championships, with Hangman Page’s ambition to challenge for the titles with JetSpeed, underscores the importance of the trios division. This format offers unique storytelling opportunities and allows for more complex character interactions. Furthermore, the emergence of new tag teams like Mark Davis and Jake Doyle, immediately earning a title shot, signals a commitment to developing fresh talent within the tag team scene. This contrasts with relying solely on established duos. The success of teams like The Young Bucks and FTR demonstrates the audience appetite for strong tag team wrestling, and AEW appears poised to capitalize on this with a rotating cast of contenders.
SkyFlight & DCF: A New Generation of Competition
The rivalry between SkyFlight and DCF, intensified by Zayda Steel’s challenge to Marina Shafir, represents a push for the next generation of AEW stars. Steel’s story, particularly following the attack by Shafir and Megan Bayne, is a classic wrestling trope – the underdog overcoming adversity. This type of narrative resonates with audiences and builds investment in newer performers. The inclusion of Penelope Ford, returning from injury, adds another layer of intrigue and demonstrates AEW’s willingness to bring back sidelined talent to reignite storylines.
Championship Contenders & The National Championship Spotlight
The match between Anthony Bowens and Jack Perry, with the winner facing Ricochet for the National Championship, highlights the importance of AEW’s secondary titles. The National Championship, while not as prominently featured as the World Championship, provides a platform for showcasing talent and building compelling feuds. This approach helps to deepen the overall roster and prevent storylines from becoming overly concentrated at the top. Ricochet’s presence as champion also adds a unique dynamic, given his background in other promotions and his high-flying wrestling style.
The Kingston/Ortiz Partnership & The Power of Unexpected Alliances
The unlikely team-up of Eddie Kingston and Ortiz is a prime example of the unpredictable nature of AEW storytelling. These temporary alliances, born out of necessity or mutual animosity towards a common enemy (in this case, GYV), create compelling drama and often lead to surprising twists. Fans are drawn to these unpredictable dynamics, as they break away from traditional wrestling tropes. This willingness to experiment with unconventional pairings is a hallmark of AEW’s creative approach.
Future Trends to Watch
Several trends are likely to continue shaping AEW’s trajectory. Expect to see:
- Increased Cross-Promotional Opportunities: AEW has already begun exploring partnerships with other promotions. This trend will likely expand, bringing in new talent and storylines.
- Greater Emphasis on Women’s Wrestling: While AEW has made strides in showcasing women’s talent, further investment and dedicated storylines are crucial for continued growth.
- Continued Innovation in Match Types: AEW is known for its creative match formats. Expect to see more unique and visually stunning contests.
- The Blurring of Heel/Face Lines: The traditional distinction between good guys and bad guys is becoming increasingly blurred, allowing for more complex and nuanced characters.
FAQ
Q: Will Andrade’s return lead to a championship run?
A: It’s highly probable. Andrade’s established status and alignment with the Don Callis Family position him as a credible threat for any championship.
Q: What is the significance of the National Championship?
A: It provides a platform for showcasing talent and building compelling feuds outside of the main event scene.
Q: How important are factions in AEW?
A: They are crucial for storytelling, creating drama, and elevating multiple performers simultaneously.
Q: Will Hangman Page finally challenge Samoa Joe?
A: While his focus has shifted to the Trios Titles, the rivalry with Samoa Joe is far from over and will likely resurface.
Want to stay up-to-date on all the latest AEW news and analysis? Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss a beat!
