AEW Trying To Find Scapegoat For Last-Minute Booking Issues [Theory]

Highlights

• Frustration brews in AEW locker room over delayed communication of creative decisions, leading to uncertainties and last-minute changes.
• Lack of advance notice leaves wrestlers in the dark about their roles and long-term direction, reminiscent of WWE's creative process.
• AEW management aims to keep creative plans confidential to avoid leaks, potentially caused by talents, suggesting fines for wrestlers involved in leaks.

In recent weeks, frustration has been brewing within the All Elite Wrestling (AEW) locker room regarding communication surrounding creative decisions. According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t WrestlePurists.com), the AEW talent roster has been experiencing delays in receiving information about their storylines and match plans. Reports are that talents are complaining.

Meltzer stated, "If you follow AEW, you know that a lot of the stuff is being decided at much later periods than previous. Guys are getting their information on what they're doing later, and decisions are being made later. That’s just how it is." This lack of advance notice has left many wrestlers in the dark about their roles and the overall direction of their characters, reminiscent of the uncertainty prevalent in WWE during its creative process. "A lot of guys have a lot of input on what they're doing, so they’re doing stuff, but they don't really know a long-term direction,' Meltzer noted.

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While AEW's Tony Khan didn't directly respond (he's the head booked) coach Jerry Lynn addressed the issue, emphasizing that leaks to wrestling media outlets were causing disruptions. Lynn pointed out that these leaks hindered the confidentiality of creative plans. As such, AEW is keeping things from everyone so that surprises aren't leaked. He compared the situation to a moviegoer wanting to experience the plot without prior spoilers, suggesting that early release of information damages both the product and the wrestling industry as a whole.

It's an intriguing response, because it suggests that talents within the locker room are the ones leaking that information. Therefore, AEW isn't telling the performers what they're doing until the leaks (if they happen) won't damage the product. If that's the case, it speaks to a much bigger problem inside the AEW locker room. It's also odd, because AEW is actually known for heavily promoting teases and storylines in an attempt to draw in viewers and improve the attendance at their shows.

Is There A Better Solution For AEW?

The easy thing for AEW to do is blame everyone else. Tony Khan has been heavily criticized in the past for being too worried about everyone else to keep an eye on his own product. This seems to be another example of him wanting to fix things, but doesn't know how.

Granted, AEW management is under no obligation to give wrestlers a certain amount of advance notice as to creative plans involving them. But, if the talents can't be trusted, why not have them sign non-disclosure agreements? If creative plans leak, simply fine the wrestlers that the creative involves. That would put a stop to it quickly.