All Elite Wrestling is nearing another pay-per-view event. The build-up to AEW Revolution on March 9, 2025, has been a rollercoaster, and I don’t want it to stop.
The storylines are firing on all cylinders. The promotion understands its strengths and weaknesses. The matches on the Revolution card are compelling, and I’m confident I’ll leave the event satisfied.
It’s no secret that AEW has struggled mightily since 2022 (2021, depending on who you talk to). From backstage drama to declining ticket sales and from departures to odd booking decisions, the patience of wrestling fans wavered. However, it’s time to stop pointing fingers and start enjoying this new era.
I’ve been steadily watching AEW since Dynamite debuted in 2019, having window-watched the hype from that year’s pay-per-view events. I’ve watched the company in all its highs and lows. And I’m positively stoked to say that the company has captured the attention of wrestling fans as it had the first time.
Here’s why AEW Revolution will be an important event for the company.
Heavier Attention on the Women’s Division
In recent months of AEW programming, one of the weakest links in the AEW product received a facelift. Shows feature several of its women in high-profile matches, strong builds, and growing several wrestlers.
One such rising star is none other than Harley Cameron. Winning over fans with her musical numbers, puppet shows, and wrathful rants, she’s connected with fans.
Another important asset is Mercedes Mone, who has used her star power to add relevancy to the division. She’s elevated so many women, with more in line to challenge her. However, Mone is set for a rematch at Revolution with another Stardom star, Momo Watanabe, seven months after their match at Capital Collision 2024.
I could write an entire article about how the women’s division has improved (and I might), so I’ll leave this brief. I will, however, state that Toni Storm and Mariah May should main-event their world title match instead of Cope and Jon Moxley. They’ve had a gripping build and worked hard to pay off their story.
Return of the Stars at AEW Revolution
Piggybacking off of my last point, the women’s division has received additional boosts to the arm in the form of Penelope Ford, Julia Hart, and Jamie Hayter. This loads the roster with depth that’ll generate new storylines for months.
Over on the men’s side, Kenny Omega’s return from diverticulitis has bolstered the exciting in-ring action that few like him can provide. Running back his 2024 All Out match with AEW International Champion Konosuke Takeshita, Omega’s reputation will be well in place in what’s sure to be a barn-burner. Perhaps we’ll see a Young Bucks return.
Another important name, Samoa Joe, is back into the fold. I’m a huge fan of Joe, and I’m pumped to see him bring Katsuyori Shibata and HOOK back together with an official name: The Ops.
The Rated-R Superstar Cope’s return from a leg injury has become a thorn in the side of the Death Riders. And what a welcome inclusion he has been! His Ultimate Opportunist antics have seen fear inscribed upon Jon Moxley’s eyes, leading fans to question if Moxley will retain his run of dominance.
Renewed Focus on the Death Riders
The advent of the Death Riders came at such an iconic moment. As the former BCC turned against co-leader Bryan Danielson in a horrifyingly violent fashion, the team had a strong start.
Sewing a quilt of unity, the roster seemed raring to overcome this new threat to the company. Yet, there were issues in adding that same sense of peril in following feuds.
With less threatening presentations, it seemed that the terror of the Death Riders had more bark than bite. Combining that with a lack of challenge, it seemed Moxley and his briefcase would forever be linked in an almost Tribal Chief type of reign.
But a change occurred that I’ll get to in a moment. This said change saw a ruthless Cope sink to the levels that the Death Riders had promised fans. Conchairtos and weaponry, Cope’s attacks have left Moxley to watch as he took out the members subsequently.
Normally stoic, Moxley became vulnerable as his valued Riders were picked off. Giving tough love to Wheeler Yuta after losing Castagnoli and PAC to the violence, he’s increasingly desperate.
This is the character work needed. Moxley’s been a huge player in AEW’s success, and I’m confident the closure of this Cope rivalry will bring us closer to that version of Moxley.
Mainstream Crossover at AEW Revolution
TikTok sensations The CostCo Guys have been an incredible asset to the AEW team. “Big Boom!” AJ, Big Justice, and The Rizzler may sound like superheroes in the DC Comics Universe, but their inclusion in AEW is crucial.
Not only are they social media influences appearing in AEW, but they go the extra mile. They could easily make their appearances and bounce, but they include marketing techniques in their approach.
Whenever they make appearances on the news or other media, they often might mention AEW or wear their merchandise. They leave a huge impression on social media, and it helps that AJ has a professional wrestling background that adds legitimacy.
For other pop culture outlets, AEW has accumulated other influencers and celebrities. For hip-hop, this includes Swerve Strickland’s connections: Tech N9ne, Rick Ross, DJ Whoo Kid, and most recently, Bun B.
With the addition of AEW programming to the MAX streaming service, jaded and potential new wrestling fans can easily stumble upon the product. And they’re not the only ones! As of March 5, AEW has announced an extra streaming partnership with Amazon Prime Video.
Not only does this cover extra ground for AEW fans, but it also increases the likelihood of new audiences discovering All Elite Wrestling. This is perfect for those who want to see beyond the scope of WWE.
Tony Khan and Being in the Weeds
Following the Homecoming episode of AEW Collision on January 25, reports circulated that AEW’s CEO Tony Khan was more involved in the creative side of the product. The Homecoming episode was well-received backstage and among the fanbase. The following episodes of Dynamite and Collision echoed this, with an uptick in positive reception to the programming.
Before Khan returned to the helm, the product was unfocused. Nothing seemed to stick. Realizing there needed to be a change to the current plan, it only makes sense.
Venturing to smaller venues due to low ticket sales and negative online perception has only added to the early AEW vibes. Watching the current product, that same sense of spirit is evident.
This is the alternative to WWE that AEW has provided us. Of course, a return to the large and boisterous crowds is only inevitable; the quality of the shows enforces that, as it has done in the past.
These changes have thrust AEW into an exciting era. Khan’s involvement has improved AEW by an innumerable stretch. AEW Revolution is important for this reason, as it culminates in this hype.
Will it continue?
Conclusion
I’ve been a longtime viewer of AEW. Seeing this renewed vigor, I can’t help but be excited. AEW is in a state where it challenges itself, knowing what it needs, how to bring it, and when to deliver it.
This isn’t to say AEW was a horrible product. There were still great matches and entertaining segments. A far, far cry from WCW in 2000.
In 2025, AEW has improved its perception in wrestling, let alone its fanbase. AEW punches its way forward with the passion of each key player with the art they craft. It’s more accessible than ever, waiting for fans to join the revolution.
And we’re along for the ride.
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
Header photo – AEW – Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on AEW Revolution and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world. As well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. You can catch AEW Dynamite on Wednesday nights at 8 PM ET on TBS. AEW Collision airs Saturday at 8pm Eastern on TNT. More AEW content available on their YouTube
