grappleghosts

[grappleghosts]

AEW Feels Like a 90's Sitcom (And Why That's A Good Thing)

There's been something bugging me about "All Elite Wrestling" lately.

For weeks now, there's been a certain nostalgia to the twice-a-week program that I just haven't been able to place.

It's a living, breathing anecdote to good old 90's nostalgia.

The Ensemble Cast & Formula:

Sitcoms rely on a diverse cast of characters to strike a balance and keep people coming back every week. Amidst the brand's high-octane matches and fiery promos, its structure and storytelling truly revive what I loved about 90's television.

Each member of its expansive roster have such distinct personalities that at times, I wish we'd see more of. Nonetheless, AEW captures a close - if not the exact formula of "alternative media."

A hallmark of 90’s sitcoms was their ability to tell self-contained stories while also weaving in larger arcs. The 'All Elite' employ a similar approach. They tie in broader narratives with an oddly .. complex 'comedy gold' that we look forward to every week.

The Roster & Their Sitcom Counterparts:

It's easy to see how AEW's larger than life stars are worthy of their own "90's intro parody". Think as if "Too Many Cooks" & "Full House" had their own twisted and dysfunctional reboot.

As much as I'd love to analyze the entire roster, I'm not that insane.

1.) Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) & Frasier Crane.

Frasier Crane and MJF are performers who thrive on attention and validation. Undoubtedly, two sides to the exact same coin.

(Years on TV: 1993-2004)

Similar Traits:

A taste for theatrics: While Frasier Crane's life is filled with his own dramatic blunders - MJF shamelessly brings the drama with him wherever he goes.

Overconfidence: Both men radiate a bold self-assurance. They each have a knack for flaunting their intellectual prowess. Utilizing more than a touch of arrogance along the way.

Self Absorption: MJF's famous line, "I am better than you in every single way, and you know it," is self explanatory. Frasier's ego is rooted in culture, but they both take pride in setting impossible standards.

At the end of the day;

Frasier Crane and MJF are showmen who crave the spotlight. They wield their sharp humor, charm, and over-sized egos in fancy suits.

2.) Harley Cameron & Kimmy Gibbler

(Years on TV/Pre-reboot: 1987-1995)

Main. Character. Energy.

I know that they're seen as 'secondary characters', BUT they are far from it. Both of their antics are pivotal for comedic relief but beautifully displays their strengths.

Similar Traits:

Unapologetically Quirky: Whilst they may seem unconventional or out-of-place, without their humor the main plot would be much more dull.

Confident: This is the cornerstone of why I believe this comparison fits. They are unshakably self-assured. Never failing to speak their minds and express themselves in oddball ways. While unconventional, there's never a staleness and always a level of unpredictability.

Thrive Under The Spotlight: Often inserting themselves into conversations or situations, Harley and Kimmy immediately take center stage. No matter how brief it may seem.

These two gals are important to the equation.

They bring a natural enhancement- like salt to sweet, to the dynamics of those they’re on screen with.

3.) The Learning Tree (Jericho, Bill & Keith) & The Simpson's bully squad (Jimbo, Dolph & Kearney.)

Same energy:

Hierarchy, plain and simple.

Both of these trios are notorious shit starters and troublemakers.

Similar Traits:

Unconventional Leadership: Let's be honest, in their own ways both Jericho and Jimbo pull the strings in their own ways. With an aura of cartoonish coolness and love of immaturity? The shoe indeed fits. Jericho’s mentorship of Big Bill and Bryan Keith? Strangely mirrors Jimbo’s informal guidance of Dolph and Kearney. AEW is by all means their proverbial 'playground'.

The Enforcer: Big Bill and Kearney take their places on the field solely as 'the muscle' here. They both step in to reinforce the groups utter intimidation and sheer dominance. Not a thought goes on behind their eyes though, honestly.

The Rising Star: Bryan Keith and Dolph are both the mostly silent yet hungry types in their respective groups. Under their mentorships, they have the most to prove but show equal promise. These two bring a well rounded energy needed to complete their units. The groups arguably wouldn't be the same without them.

The dynamics are eerily striking once you put them under a microscope.

Well, that was a journey. Huh?

I could honestly make this idea an entire series. It was difficult enough to narrow down the list to cover.

I'd definitely want to hear YOUR thoughts on these comparisons.

[grappleghosts]

What Could a "24/7" title look like in AEW?

There is something missing nowadays in the landscape of wrestling.

The sheer unconventionality, spontaneity, AND unpredictability. While having things set neatly for everlasting stories and laid out for us is great, sometimes it should be messy.

Think “Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve and Talent”, but for the old squared circle. If there was a way to incorporate a level of campiness to cleanse the palette while not taking the focus completely away from the week-to-week grind.

For the sake of making my point, I will briefly mention the 'big W'. The history of this cockamamie idea lays there in the:

WWE Hardcore Championship (1998-2002):

Imagine a lawless land, Mad Max meets Jawbreaker. No disqualifications, countouts AND pinfalls anywhere. As long as a referee is present, the title can and will change hands. Which honestly is like a 'quickie' in the weirdest tinder way possible.

On the power tripping high of ECW's successes, Vince introduces the idea under the 'no holds barred' and '24/7' guise. While the 'Attitude Era' has quite an everlasting aftertaste, the belt served it's purpose in its short lived stint. If you want a more concisive history, I've linked this video from WhatCulture.

Years later (2019-2023) the legend himself, Mick Foley- brought the idea back into a new format . Calling it the 'WWE 24/7' championship, but keeping the same wacky rules. However, history once again repeated itself. In four years time, the idea and the belt was retired into internet obscurity.

Though, before its ultimate demise? We got some golden moments that showcased talents - whom we wouldn't usually see in the main spotlight.

See where I'm going with this?

Concept:

By all means, the rules would remain the same. However, this would open the door to title switches during AEW's online content like "Hey! (EW)"- hosted by RJ City, and "Close Up" - hosted by Renee Paquette.

(Images Credit: All Elite Wrestling)

Who could even compete?

Anyone from established roster members/current title holders (both from the men AND women's roster), to those that we don't see a lot during weekly programming.

Now, if we wanted to get a little crazy with it? I'd go as far to say even AEW personnel. I'm talking RJ, Renee, Nigel, Excalibur, Ian, Alicia, etc. Under circumstances that wouldn't necessarily mean pinfall. I'm talking loopholes, baby.

Hell, EVEN the referees themselves. Aubrey, Bryce, Mike, etc. Imagine the crazy twists that could bring.

Overall, these circumstances could bring an extra layer to pre-existing story lines. Hypothetically, mind you.

The potential:

With the concept itself, I really believe that it could open the door for cross-roster mingling.

Where the "big W's" mixed tag team challenge failed, I feel AEW could succeed. Why?

Being that the 24/7 rule speaks for itself, imagine the likes of say- Harely Cameron using her cunning skill to swipe the title off of Prince Nana. EVEN Shibata stripping the title from Hikaru Shida.

The mingling could even aid in story betrayals, if you're willing to stretch your imagination far enough.

These are the absolute wild "what if's" that pile up in my brain until I put them into place here.

I choose to be a bit of a space cadet, where reality makes it seem that these things would never be possible. But sometimes following the rules is extremely boring.

Who would you like to see or what stories do you think could benefit from a '24/7' title?

[grappleghosts]

Fallen Angel's Flight: A Retrospective on the Legendary Career of Christopher Daniels.

As we loom over what’s to be reported as Christopher Daniels final in-ring match (report) - I wanted to revisit his long & spanning 32 year career (1993, to now.) His journey through the wrestling world is a remarkable tale of resilience, skill, and evolution.

I make the argument that the last ten years have encapsulated some of the most defining moments of his career.

However this retrospective will  intertwine what has led to his ‘Texas Death Match’ versus Hangman Adam Page (as of 01.18.2025.)

Daniels has solidified his place as one of wrestling's most respected and beloved figures, both by fans and the myriad of peers he has made along the way.

CD is a living example that innovation and evolution is a craft in the world of professional wrestling that at times feels like a dying art form. What truly sets him apart in the final years of his career - is his ability to blend experience with the hunger of youth. His matches have remained as captivating as ever, akin to Daniels' aura remaining frozen and timeless. I won’t be covering the entire oral history, but what I feel is pivotal to making my point.

Ring Of Honor (2002 - 2007):

February 23rd, 2002: CD makes his company debut at their inaugural show “The Era of Honor Begins.” [Vs Brian Danielson and Low Ki.] After falling to the two, the birth of CD’s stable “The Prophecy” followed. The group’s goal was to give the biggest middle finger to the company’s ‘Code Of Honor’ and sportsmanship. (Members: BJ Whitmer, Dan Maff, & Donovan Morgan.)

(2003- 2007): The stable would go on to have a company defining feuds against CM Punk (with his Second City Saints), Samoa Joe & Aj Styles.

The Return (2010-2023):

After focusing on the trajectory of his career in ‘Total Nonstop Action’ (TNA Wrestling) and his prior expired contract. This is where I make my case entirely.

His return as ‘The Fallen Angel’ revived my personal interest in the company, and it felt like everyone was guessing what would come next. Though upon his return, I genuinely feel like he didn’t hit his stride once more until;

(Image Source)

The Addiction:

Bringing his ignitive chemistry with Frankie Kazarian over to the ROH roster truly has created something that can never be replicated. I still jam to their theme song, but that’s besides the point. I remember sitting in front of the tv and being hooked onto every word during their introduction promo.

To this day, I still feel like they were something much much greater than what was left on tape. Upon beating The Young Bucks for the world tag team championship belts at ‘Supercard of Honor VIII’, it made me realize that no team was untouchable like they were.

Especially to bring down a team so renowned like Nick and Matt Jackson.

I cannot go without mentioning that despite them being the dirtiest of heels, they always found a way to elevate the division as a whole.

Even to those who seemed like they didn’t need it [The Kingdom, ReDragon, EVEN The Briscoe’s], but somehow revitalized and brought the best out of their opponents.

I would be amiss NOT to include the irrevocable answer to the big corporation’s “TLC” that was this ladder war from ROH’s 2016 ‘All Star Extravaganza’ as a prime example.

Daniels would go on later to assume the role of mentor, alongside Kazarian to Scorpio Sky in 2017. Dubbing themselves ‘SoCal Uncensored’. 

(Image Source)

The Final Face-Off:

In the timetable of CD’s multitude of main quests, there leads me to one man who’s crossed paths with Daniels quite a lot within the span of over a decade. Hangman Adam Page.

Be it through the canonical events of “Being The Elite” (2016-2024), or when an 18 year old Hangman cut his “first promo” during his days of SCWA, back in 2010.

Talk about a deep cut.

If you’ve kept up with the All Elite, the feud between Daniels and Page has been brewing for quite awhile now. If you’re a TL;DR person, the feud is well summed up in this hype package. If you don’t experience some form of wrestling euphoria after watching it, then I implore you to stick around regardless.

The What-If Of It All:

I’m not here to argue pedantics over how the booking begins to work in AEW. However, I WILL offer an alternative timeline or what I think would have been quite a lead up to CD’s final match and reported ‘in ring retirement’.

In my humblest opinion, it is a rare occurrence that story lines all but write themselves or naturally occur enough to make sense. This is where I get a little ‘Spider-Verse’ with everything or if you will;

If you’ve been following AEW as of late, or are just taking stock- there’s a current storyline ongoing between MJF & Jeff Jarrett (who’s billed as the ‘Director of business development.’)

The entire premise is Double J having one more wind in him, thus signing a performance contract with the company. Shocker - I know, MJF spoils Jeff’s parade by revealing in an in-ring promo that the contract was ONLY for a year.

Sound familiar? I’m only inferring that we’ve seen this happen before with none other than Daniels. In 2018, ROH had an ongoing story-line that his stable “SoCal Uncensored” had the clock ticking on their contracts.

A one year stipulation that sent the trio on a mad quest to chase gold one last time. According to the fine folks at Fightful, CD revealed the story-line was meant to lead to his retirement (but plans thus changed). While SoCal moseyed on over to the All Elite in 2020, these plans unfolded before the company was even a concept.

Overall, what I’m merely trying to say is this: I won’t gripe over the booking. Though, all of the stars have aligned impeccably well to suggest that the build up to the ‘Texas Death Match’, could have taken the “one year left” concept, ran with it, AND nailed a two point conversion.

While too much of something can be a bad thing, it still makes me wonder.

To CD:

Thank you for creating a remarkable path that will forever be ingrained in us wrestling fans’ collective memory. For showing us what it was like to adore and (at times) hate you in all of your good and bad glory.

You accomplished a batshit crazy amount of things in this industry, yet even outside of the ring you’ve selflessly uplifted the next generation of those who lace up their boots.

[grappleghosts]

Old Wounds, New Battles [El Generico & Kevin Steen] - A re-imagining.

The early days of "Ring of Honor" and "Pro Wrestling Guerrilla" have forever solidified their status as pantheon's of professional wrestling. They are eternally considered as a 'golden age' for those who have been there since conception. There are many other examples of thriving independent companies, but these two are where I settle my focus. (Image source)

Creativity was a paramount key to enable thriving talents and cement many a tag teams legacy. Without them, the whole of the wrestling world would feel dull. For now, I'll focus on the team that singlehandedly made me fall in love with the sport and art.

There are very few stories that are both compelling AND intertwined such as these two men. Their journey spans years of battles, betrayals, reunions that have made wrestling fans utterly invested. The history of Steen and Generico are indelible, and to THIS very day? I still think about, and so do others.

I'll skip ahead to 2007, when their oddball partnership truly took shape. One of my absolute favorites and an instant classic (of many) against the Briscoe Brothers, has to be their ROH ladder war from [09.15.2007].

The glory of "Steenerico" as the fans dubbed quickly turned sour after three years - in 2010. Which if you think about it in today's terms, is quite the situationship. Alas, both men landed on their feet. Steen aligning himself after brutally attacking our best masked boy, with Steve Corino - whilst Generico partnered up with Colt Cabana. [Corino & Steen vs Generico & Cabana - Street Fight : 04.24.2010] I know that "Steenerico" make up & break up many times after the fact, but iykyk.

To this day, I still wonder what could have been. If Generico hadn't died while saving children in a burning orphanage - and if Kevin had parted ways from the WWE. Now bare with me here;

What could have been?

(Gif source)

Fantasy AEW Feuds:

FTR (Forever The Revival): A clash of philosophies, if you will. Dax and Cash's entire prowess is built on the days of classic 1980's grappling. Why? Steen and Generico are fueled by unpredictability and high risk. Cash & Dax, would feel a certain disrespect towards "Steenerico" straying too far.

(Image Source)

The Young Bucks (Nick & Matt Jackson): This was a given. These four go together flawlessly, and screw it- a selfish choice. As far as the Bucks have come with founding AEW (alongside Rhodes, Omega & Khan) their paths crossing once more just make sense.

In another timeline, just maybe we'd see The Bucks put their IWGP straps on the line.

THIS match up from ROH's 2009 "Contention" still remains a favorite of mine.

(Image Source)

The Death Riders: This group is CERTAINLY not least. This is the epitome of 'is somebody gonna match my freak?'

We have our two main "murder bbygurls" in Moxley AND Steen. These two men are willing to do anything when crossed or threatened. Honestly, shit is better than a NatGeo documentary.

I digress though. This would be kooky at first, ignited by something so simple. Yet, it would evolve into an all out war. "Steenerico" have had their past face-offs with the likes of PAC, Claudio AND Mox. The numbers are proverbially stacked against the two, and lately has proven to be a mere reckonable force in AEW.

Throwing Marina Shafir into the preexisting 'Molotov Cocktail' only solidifies my choice more. With her former WWE career and background in MMA, there's no way she wouldn't play a massive role.

Essentially, it boils down to 'Steenerico' not being taken seriously- resulting in some drastic shakeups to the monstrous stable.

(Image Source)

All in all,

I genuinely often wonder what could have been. It's the entire point of this blog, to lightly touch on wrestling's history - but to also think outside of what the true reality is. It's not meant to be perfect. Generico and Steen were the first storyline that made me take the dive into consuming what wrestling had to offer. I'd love to hear YOUR thoughts on this silly little scenario I set into place. My bsky is linked on the blog, or comments here I'll see.

Till then, I find more ghosts of wrestling past to grapple with. - Luna