Motive- Gabe Kidd/Eddie Kingston
Whether Gabe Kidd jumps to AEW from NJPW full-time or remains the Death Rider’s “Hired Gun”, the Madman needs motivation to define his character. Part of the problem with Kidd’s character is a lack of clarity that creates emotional disconnection. Sporadic appearances inherently impact the ability to create characterisation and a story, but even for knowledgeable fans of Kidd’s NJPW character, there are logic gaps. Even if you accept the head-canon, anti-AEW rants of Kidd on social media and interviews would logically see him aligned with the Death Riders’ mission to change AEW’s culture, why bother? Especially if NJPW is the priority.
Kid feels like a prop/obstacle rather than one of NJPW’s breakout stars because, despite his real-life experiences of mental health struggles, his brand of psychotic presence lacks the menace and definition of fellow Brit, PAC. The recent change in the Death Rider’s mission statement, AEW saving Jon Moxley, a turn could provide the catalyst and motivation.
Elsewhere, there are AEW stalwarts verbally capable of making everything make sense. Eddie Kingston, who, like Jamie Hayter when she returned from injury, inexplicably has no interest in old scores or friendships. On one hand, credit to AEW for listening to talent who are experiencing a crisis of confidence after injuries. Gradually reintroducing them and building them should be normalised. Yet outside the ring, in promos or a segment, a few lines explaining why they aren’t doing A, but Z instead, would solve the issue.
