Being the Elite exploded onto the scene as a platform for Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks to spread their popularity and creativity outside of Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Along with Cody and Hangman Adam Page, this long running series afforded other wrestlers on the indies a chance to shine and make a name for themselves. The YouTube show that started a Pro-Wrestling revolution, BTE has delivered many classic, hilarious moments for internet wrestling fans. Who could forget Cody’s f*ck the revival chant at every chance he got? Or how about Jay Lethal being encompassed by his Black Machismo persona? It isn’t just fun and games as BTE was expertly used to flesh out the rivalry between Cody and Omega along with promoting the Elite’s inaugural Pay-Per-View event ALL IN. BTE was the foundation in which All Elite Wrestling was made. Over the past couple of months however, Being the Elite has found itself in a standstill. The show that was once must watch has now become something done out of habit. As AEW continues to evolve perhaps it would be best for BTE to retire.
BTE delivered hilarious moments celebrated by wrestling fans for over 200 episodes. Unfortunately, fatigue is a major problem for YouTube content creators who, the majority of, experience burnout after years of editing and fall out of love with their channel. None of this is to say this is happening with BTE currently. The problem lies in continuing a series when the well is beginning to run dry. After BTE’s 200th episode, the Young Bucks have said they were unsure how long the series will last. The segments and skits on the current episodes are funny. However, they rarely add anymore substance to existing feuds. The last instance of BTE starting and developing a feud was with Hangman Adam Page. His decision, last year, to try and leave the Elite began on YouTube. At present his story involving FTR has been given plenty of time on Dynamite. Aside from Dark Order trying to recruit other wrestlers and Christopher Daniels Life Alert commercials; what purpose does BTE serve anymore as opposed to just comedy? This isn’t saying AEW should only put content on TNT. AEW would be wise to experiment more and invest in their other YouTube projects. Right now BTE merely exists as unnecessary side content for Kenny and The Bucks and it isn’t what AEW can afford to be distracted by.
Being the Elite currently features segments such as: Best Friends trying to murder Brandon Cutler, Brodie Lee destroying John Silver, Colt Cabana picking on Kenny Omega akin to Bugs Bunny, Young Bucks trying to win over the 50+ demo, Matt Hardy being Matt Hardy, Nick Jackson screaming Deadass, Matt Jackson and his enlightenment with God, and Santana & Ortiz speaking Spanglish. These segments are entertaining in their own right and yet pointless at the same time. Fans get plenty of development for Brodie Lee and Matt Hardy each week and have been clamoring to see more from the newer wrestlers. The majority of the time goes to Kenny and The Bucks who, yes create the show, also have plentiful time as opposed to other wrestlers on the roster. Literal weeks go by in which wrestlers such as Jurassic Express, Darby Allin, Lucha Bros, AEW Women’s Champion Hikaru Shida, Big Swole, Nyla Rose, and Scorpio Sky don’t appear on TNT or BTE and instead are relegated to Dark. And with BTE currently promoting more of the wrestlers who appear regularly on Dynamite as opposed to the people who require more attention, fans have a right to be concerned. The second show for AEW should give more time for wrestlers on TNT that will hopefully solve this issue.
BTE was at it’s best delivering upon the feuds spearheaded by the Elite. In many ways, BTE operated as a prototype to Dynamite. A blueprint for Kenny and The Bucks to become bookers for other wrestlers. Currently, with Dynamite and Dark there is enough between the three hours each week to give enough for wrestlers to do and not become overexposed in the process. The comedy from BTE does not need to be removed entirely. It could incorporate into either Dark or Dynamite rather seamlessly and keep continuity for Kayfabe. Ending BTE would allow The Bucks to write more consistently for wrestlers and force them into using TV time more effectively. By retiring BTE the Elite could focus more on keeping the momentum for Dynamite and Dark and begin improving upon multiple criticisms fans have lamented on their product for awhile now. WWE continuously suffers from being able to properly focus on both Raw and Smackdown for decades now. AEW can steer clear of WWE’s mistake by creating a concise creative schedule free from programming intrusions. AEW can also use this opportunity to flesh out the Road To series as a way to add upon current storylines with promos and character vignettes fans have been clamoring for.
AEW has done a great job making Dynamite feel important every week. Fans are given an exciting two hours on TNT that sees story lines develop at a natural pace with some surprises thrown in. It is immensely important for AEW to keep the lightning charged pace with their hit show and avoid suffering from burnout. In addition, AEW should avoid putting an excessive amount of content weekly. Being the Elite was the platform that helped turn Kenny and the Bucks into WWE’s biggest competition since 2001. Unfortunately, the YouTube show has begun to outstay it’s welcome. BTE will always be fondly remembered as the brand that launched a wrestling company fans have begged for. Now it’s time for Being the Elite to leave with a fulfilling legacy, before it begins to bomb.
Stay tuned to Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this 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 Wednesday nights at 8 PM ET on TNT and AEW DARK Tuesday nights at 7 PM ET on YouTube.
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