Why Changing How AEW Dark is Taped is a Major Benefit
What is AEW Dark doing in the Impact Zone?
The first words that came to mind to me with the news that AEW Dark tapings will be moved to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, the former home of IMPACT Wrestling and WCW Worldwide in order to ease the Wednesday tapings for AEW. A smart move to not tire out those in attendance with mass tapings as most weeks see Elevation taped before Dynamite and Rampage after it I don't think a lot of people want to be at mass tapings that might end up 5 hours. AEW Dark has proved a useful show for AEW through the pandemic allowing for independent talent to work but also be used as a scouting tool. A lot of the talents on the AEW roster came though losing matches on Dark such as Red Velvet, Powerhouse Hobbs, Shawn Dean & Lee Johnson, The Varsity Blondes and The Acclaimed to name a few it has allowed for talent to develop and find their footing as well.
Not only does moving AEW Dark to a different taping format away from the rest of the shows give it more room to breathe it may allow for longer fleshed out matches and by dedicating more time to help talent grow by exclusively focus on Dark it might give them better returns in the long run.
Not only that but aesthetically AEW Dark will look different to the rest of the AEW shows. I've heard this is supposed to be AEW's answer to Studio Wrestling but couldn't find anything concrete on that front. You have to feel sorry for the NWA on that front with AEW taking what was their unique selling point but with a more interesting roster. I do wonder if they will also start having in ring promos as part of Dark now as well if they go down this route. Giving the less experienced members of the roster valuable in ring experience is one thing but promos are another thing which this format could be used to benefit the growth of the younger talent AEW has.
Regardless AEW Dark at the Universal Studios won't look Rampage or Dark which I think it to its benefit. I'm very old fashioned I like each show looking different I miss the old PPV sets the swinging hooks Backlash Hooks or the Judgement Day planet it helps stuff stand out and I'd love for AEW's PPVs to have unique sets but I don't think it will happen and seeing as all shows are taped at the same time so Dark looking different to the other shows will help it stand out.
All in all I am really looking forward to this change. If you can work the format to benefit the wrestlers long terms it will be a next positive going forward. If anything the first bulk of tapings should set the way for how AEW Dark will look and feel going forward.
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