Tony Khan likes to turn every show in his wrestling promotion into an event. It often feels like we’re getting a “special” edition of Dynamite or Collision every other week. It probably detracts from the experience somewhat because there’s not a lot of room for hype and build-up since they keep throwing these small events at such an alarming rate.
There’s one event that does feel important, with unique matchups that reward those who understand international wrestling: forbidden door. This year’s event, which consisted of a crossover event between AEW, NJPW and Mexico’s own CMLL, gave us a series of exciting matches, culminating in a new classic match between Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay. While the end result wasn’t quite the five-star mega-event it wanted, it did have some great matches that AEW could draw from to give its roster a more cohesive narrative feel (which it desperately needed).
The obvious thing about “Gateway” is that as the final card began to circulate, it created a buzz online, and the anticipation surrounding it as a fusion of wrestling culture, AEW should make it their signature event. More important than an All In at Wembley Stadium or a Grand Slam at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. That’s what separates Khan’s wrestling program from WWE, though that window of opportunity seems to be closing quickly, as Triple H It also seems committed to bringing the fight to the doorstep.
In short, Doors could be AEW’s own WrestleMania. It has the potential to be an event you spend a year preparing for. Rivalries, title challenges, tournaments, all can be repurposed to set the stage for one of the biggest nights in international wrestling.
It was one of the most explosive events of the year so far, but it didn’t quite reach WrestleMania levels. In fact, it still has a long way to go, as AEW has been grappling with a glaring weakness almost from the beginning: the lack of extended and continuous storylines.
About three-quarters of the games played during this year’s event had some momentum because they all had a story. Perhaps the most notable was Toni Storm vs. Mina Shirakawa (currently signed to Stardom). Fighting for Maria May’s hand in a queer-coded competition that will be neatly resolved at the end of Pride month (June 30)th, 2024), Tony and Mina spent weeks trying to steal each other’s spotlight and claim May as theirs. Minaj, in particular, quickly won over the audience and gained a large following despite Storm’s overwhelming popularity within the company.
Mina lost a match that had great moments but was relatively quiet throughout. With it, a fair amount of storytelling is wasted on a resolution, with May prompting a not-so-subtle threesome after stepping in to tell them she wants them both to be there for her. They exchanged three kisses and then went to have sex.
This is a lost opportunity. If Mina wins, her rivalry with Storm could enter a more intense phase, with May’s relationship potentially still in jeopardy but with more suitors or jilted exes involved. There was a story to be told, but AEW chose to close the door on it right there. May now betrays Storm and sets up an inevitable match with her in the near future after she wins the Owen Hart Foundation Championship. Mina has been removed from the spotlight that she allowed herself to shine so brightly in such a short time in AEW.
Swerve and Ospreay have been feuding for weeks leading up to FD, with both men cutting promos and reinforcing their desire to be crowned the world’s best. The obsession of the best players. This game was outstanding in every aspect, although the driving force was to showcase the ability we are guaranteed to get when we perform.
People really wanted to see this and the energy was palpable. Swerve got the win, but it was a really good night for both of them as they further solidified their case as the best performers of this generation. Unfortunately, this is another missed opportunity to build on the story. This is a dream race that you need to take the time to play. WWE does a great job with this. Delayed gratification works when the necessary legwork needs to be done to assemble a narrative that can last a long time. The main event of a large event should not be prepared a month and a half in advance. It deserves time to breathe, grow, expand, change direction, and then refocus for maximum effect.
Then you have a very special game where one of the participants becomes a star, but ultimately fails by not taking risks and ending in a different way. That’s what happened in Mercedes Moné’s match against Stephanie Vaquer. Once again, Wacker came out to challenge Monet shortly before FD with little accumulation, relying only on her rapidly growing fan base and impressive presence to carry her through. Wacker is a generational talent, a wrestler who plays every match as if it’s her last. She has a very unique physical quality that comes into play when flying at high altitudes wrestling levels and a more structured rhythm level.
The thing is, you only know about Vaquer if you follow him on social media and already follow CMLL and NJPW content. she is the first fighter Holds both the World Women’s Championship belt and the World Women’s Tag Team belt in CMLL (she vacated both belts to sign with WWE and go to NXT). She has fans all over the world, but not just in the United States. You still have to give these types of wrestlers time on stage and make a case for why they’re here to take over their division.
Instead, Monáe defeated her in incredible fashion (gotta love that creative control clause, right?) and then, shortly after, AEW was defeated by WWE and lost the chance to sign her. The biggest mistake made here is assuming that every fan is up to date on every foreign promotion and its roster. Again, this is not a given. Star power does not automatically disappear if a wrestler has not been exposed to the public before. By joining WWE, Vacker has one of the best opportunities to become a household name. She works for a company that knows how to create superstars.
So, how can AEW turn Gate into their own WrestleMania-level event? The answer is so simple yet heart-wrenching. Take the time to develop the storyline. The Doors is arguably one of the most beautiful and complex storytelling events in wrestling, with a cross-promotional narrative slowly building into the event. The quality match is there. The talent is there. Give it all its due week in and week out and then see the resolution at the biggest wrestling event of the year. Forget the weekly ratings wars. Aiming for the gated WrestleMania war.
Wrestling is not just a sport, it’s a storytelling medium. The path to success lies in getting fans invested in the trajectory of their favorite wrestlers to achieve their dreams, whether that’s becoming champion or seeking revenge. The moment AEW makes a commitment is a game-changing moment.
related
