After watching the 29 Oct 2019 AEW Dark ( https://youtu.be/tqdImouRtvo ) I finally hit my limit in regards to the AEW women’s division (as it has been presented so far.)
The four-way match on that episode was so much like the early 2000’s WWE that I wonder why AEW is putting this on their program
The problem appears to be that the women AEW have signed (as theirs, not just visiting for a match here or there) are equivalent to Kelly Kelly when it comes to their in-ring skill. In the particular four-way in question, both Penelope Ford and Allie (both of whom AEW are pushing) are far too afraid of the ropes, and of actually hitting another person, and of greatly relying on elaborately choreographed multi-person spots.
Another similarity to WWE is that under-skilled performers are there for the sex-appeal (once again Kelly Kelly, the Bella twins, etc.)
That four way would have been so much better being a regular match with Emi versus the visiting Sadie Gibbs (who’s decent.)
That the current champion (Riho) is a good worker is a benefit, but she is so undersized that she has to play the baby face in each match. And her opponents can’t pull off the heel act or are rather green (Britt Baker, Nyla Rose).
Also like the early 2000s WWE, AEW has come to depend upon a few very unusual women (Awesome Kong) or legends (Aja Kong) to be special appearances.
And while Yuka is very good, she’s only been seen a few times and is only a part timer. Hikaru Shida is supposedly committed to AEW, but she too is green (though better than the others) and currently her primary appeal is her sex appeal.
With the train of talent from Stardom possibly slowing down (due to BushiRoad wanting to reconfigure the business into something more successful) when will the crowds turn on AEW women’s matches?
I’m not going to criticize Brandi for playing a Stephanie McMahon parody as I think it is fine for Brandi and Cody to do an anti-WWE act. Yet Brandi too isn’t that good of a worker in the ring.
Bottom line: currently the majority of the women AEW is pushing are primarily of value for their looks, not skill in combat sports (or combat sports simulations.)
I for one don’t really like that. For me, I am hoping AEW will rise to a high work-rate women’s division that is primarily based around stories and combat, not center-fold qualities.