AEW has made a number of manufacturing adjustments over the previous yr, however one latest replace is leaving wrestlers feeling the brunt of it—actually. With AEW’s new HBO Max TV deal formally in impact, the corporate has introduced again LED barricades and ring aprons, ramping up the visible presentation on tv. Nevertheless, that improve comes at a painful price.
The return of LED boards was on full show throughout Forbidden Door, the place wrestlers clearly adjusted how they took bumps into the barricades. It’s not only for present—these LED surfaces are considerably tougher and protrude greater than the usual setups AEW had been utilizing. Fightful Choose reviews a number of wrestlers have gotten banged up from collisions with the brand new aprons and barricades, prompting concern amongst expertise.
For a time, AEW had rolled again to less complicated, extra conventional barricades and canvas aprons, prioritizing security and crowd interplay. That old-school method was extra forgiving on the physique and customarily most well-liked by these within the ring. Wrestlers reportedly advised Fightful that they favored the usual setup as a result of it was much less bodily taxing and safer to work round.
Nonetheless, there’s an understanding backstage that trendy manufacturing expectations—particularly with a premium streaming companion like HBO Max—demand a extra polished, high-tech look. The visible improve helps give AEW a serious league really feel, even when it’s rougher on the performers.
This example highlights the continuing balancing act between showmanship and security in professional wrestling. Whereas AEW goals to reinforce its TV product, the choice to reintroduce LED boards is already having a real-world influence on its expertise—one stiff barricade bump at a time.
Do you suppose AEW made the fitting name bringing again LED boards for TV presentation? Or ought to wrestler security come first? Drop your ideas under—we wish to hear from you.
September 7, 2025 7:32 pm