Should AEW consider more excursions for their younger talent?

In recent discussions within the AEW community, the concept of excursions for young wrestlers has resurfaced. AEW has established crucial partnerships with promotions such as NJPW, AAA, TJPW, and now CMLL, fostering the idea of AEW talents going on excursions to enhance their skills and overall experience.

Examining this topic reveals a few perspectives. One viewpoint suggests that excursions could significantly contribute to the in-ring improvement of young wrestlers, offering them valuable experience. This approach has proven successful for major promotions like NJPW over the decades, prompting many to advocate for AEW’s adoption of a similar model.

However, a crucial aspect often overlooked is the personal lives of the wrestlers. Undertaking excursions involves extended periods in foreign countries, away from family and loved ones, which can be emotionally taxing. While excursions may seem straightforward on paper, the challenging experiences, as shared by past NJPW wrestlers, should not be underestimated. It’s essential to acknowledge that excursions are not universally suitable, and individual preferences and circumstances should be considered.

An alternative for young wrestlers to contemplate is accepting indie bookings. AEW encourages its talent to compete in independent promotions, providing an excellent opportunity for those seeking more exposure and experience, especially when TV time within AEW may be limited. Surprisingly, not many wrestlers are taking advantage of this option. Skye Blue serves as a compelling example of the transformative impact that indie bookings can have on a wrestler’s evolution. Over the past two years, her remarkable progress positions her as a key future talent in AEW’s women’s division.

Ultimately, the subject of excursions for AEW’s young wrestlers will remain a focal point of discussion. While outlets like AEW Dark are missed for providing TV exposure, the solutions of excursions and indie bookings persist as primary considerations for addressing this matter.