AEW Full Gear was the ‘restart’ the promotion needed
AEW Full Gear should be deemed a success, both by the fans that enjoy viewing the AEW product each week, and the minds behind the curtain. All Elite Wrestling badly needed a reset after AEW All Out, not just the show, but the circumstances leading into it that caused the combustible moment at that press conference. Full Gear delivered because it left fans pleased with the product and helps the brand with a much-needed restart across the board.
Some will declare Full Gear a “fan service” show, but it was what the company needed. It wasn’t about babyfaces getting all the big wins but highlighting the moments that fans wanted to see. The “heels” walked out with the two biggest titles in the promotion and fans were elated about both outcomes. These, along with every other victory and moment, set the stage for the next phase of AEW which fans should be excited to see.
One of the biggest takeaways from Full Gear was the focus on the women’s division. The show featured three big matches, two around titles and one around legacy. AEW needed to dedicate ample time to the women’s division as fans have pushed them to see this moment for three years.
Now, there’s a new champion in Jamie Hayter to take on fresh challenges in a women’s division that has ample depth. Cargill continues to establish her dominance. Then there’s Baker and Saraya, two big-name players that can go in their own direction. With other individuals on the roster like Toni Storm, Thunder Rosa, Nyla Rose, Serena Deeb, Madison Rayne, Willow Nightingale, and so many others – it finally feels like this division is getting what it deserved to see.
The men’s side of the equation has seen change as well. MJF is at the top as the AEW World Champion. The Acclaimed are established as tag champions, with Swerve in our Glory set for the split angle. Death Triangle remains the AEW Trios Champs, but there’s a story to be told there as Rey Fenix turned toward the dark side to get the win. There are still some challenges to overcome, such as building out the full trios’ division, but these angles help create intrigue around what is next.
Next. Kenny Omega vs Will Ospreay is a major match to kick off 2023. dark
Are things perfect with All Elite Wrestling? The answer is “no,” as it would be with any professional wrestling promotion. But one thing is for sure. The company is in a much better place coming out of Full Gear than they were back in September at the end of All Out. Fans should be excited to see what is next starting with AEW Dynamite and beyond.