5) Fan Investment – Be Heard
Statlander and Hayter worked an excellent match at Worlds End, but it was noticeable how the crowd was not too enthusiastic. Some fans online blamed AEW’s positioning of the bout and creative choices. Card placement, face vs. face match, etc. Others blamed the fans in attendance for not caring. Personally, both have truth.
Historically, AEW has yet to move past its self-created, self-fulfilling prophecy of singular stars and ratings, justifying limited time. This has conditioned and tempered some AEW fan expectations. Simultaneously, some AEW fans don’t seem as bothered about parity for the female wrestlers.
Undoubtedly, the division is still growing and improving, and the difference in consistency between the heights achieved by the men’s and women’s matches is a large factor. The problem is that improvements will continue to be piecemeal if the system limits the women’s time and creative effort. Some fans aren’t too worried about the pace of progress, if there is.
The most defensive comments and backlash I experienced in 2024 came from writing about the women’s division. Particularly overt and underlying misogyny. From arguing with folks who ignored why MJF could move away from misogynistic heat would not change the character and might make some female fans want to support the new AEW World Champion, to problems with the women’s blood and guts match. Some see people as other fans and their expectations. I include this because I think it’s important to recognise the divisions within the fanbase. AEW has the bulk of responsibility for the creative and presentation of the division, but as fans, we can impact the priorities.
Ultimately, if fans want and ask for a Women’s Continental Classic, be specific in what exactly we want. There’s no problem with just wanting a tournament because the men have one. It’s still progress. If some fans want more from the division and booking, true parity, be vocal about it. Tony Khan says he’s listening.
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
Header photo – AEW – Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on MJF 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 8 pm Eastern on TNT. More AEW content is available on their YouTube channel.
