AEW Squash Match: What You Need To Know
Have you ever wondered about those quick, decisive matches you sometimes see in All Elite Wrestling (AEW)? These are often referred to as squash matches, and they serve a specific purpose in the world of professional wrestling. Let's dive into what an AEW squash match is, why they happen, and some examples you might have seen.
What is a Squash Match?
At its core, a squash match is a wrestling contest where one wrestler, typically a more established or prominently featured one, easily defeats their opponent, who is usually a lesser-known or enhancement talent. The match is designed to be short, often lasting only a few minutes, and the outcome is rarely in doubt. The dominant wrestler showcases their strength, skill, and overall superiority, while the other wrestler is there to make them look good.
The main goal of a squash match is to elevate a particular wrestler or storyline. By having a wrestler convincingly defeat an opponent, it helps to build their momentum, credibility, and reputation with the audience. This can be particularly useful for wrestlers who are newly signed, returning from injury, or undergoing a character change. A series of squash matches can quickly establish them as a force to be reckoned with in the eyes of the fans.
Squash matches also serve a practical purpose for the wrestling promotion itself. They provide a way to fill out television time while also giving the audience a clear sense of the hierarchy within the roster. It’s a visual representation of who's on their way up and who's there to help others get there. Think of it as a deliberate, strategic booking decision aimed at shaping audience perception and driving narratives forward. In AEW squash matches, you will see a lot of future stars showcasing their dominance.
Why Does AEW Use Squash Matches?
AEW, like other wrestling promotions, utilizes squash matches for several strategic reasons. Understanding these reasons can give you a better appreciation for why these matches are included in their programming.
Building Up Wrestlers
The primary reason for AEW squash matches is to build up specific wrestlers. When a wrestler is being pushed as a top star or is about to enter a major feud, squash matches can be used to demonstrate their dominance and build anticipation for their upcoming challenges. For instance, if a wrestler is scheduled to face the AEW World Champion, a series of squash matches leading up to the title match can make them appear to be a credible threat to the champion's reign. This helps to generate interest in the match and makes the outcome feel more significant.
Showcasing New Talent
AEW is known for bringing in new and exciting talent from around the world. Squash matches provide an excellent platform for these wrestlers to make a strong first impression. By allowing them to quickly and decisively defeat an opponent, AEW can showcase their skills and athleticism to a wider audience. This can help new wrestlers gain recognition and build a following among AEW fans. It’s a way to say, "Hey, keep an eye on this person; they're going places."
Advancing Storylines
Squash matches can also be used to advance ongoing storylines. For example, a heel (villain) wrestler might use squash matches to intimidate their opponents or send a message to a rival. Alternatively, a face (hero) wrestler might use squash matches to demonstrate their determination and resilience in the face of adversity. The outcomes and the manner in which these matches are won can add layers to the narrative, making the overall story more compelling and engaging for the audience. AEW squash matches serve as mini-chapters in a larger story.
Providing Variety
While AEW is known for its competitive and unpredictable matches, squash matches can provide a change of pace and add variety to the overall show. Not every match needs to be a grueling, back-and-forth battle. Sometimes, a quick and decisive victory can be just as entertaining, especially when it serves a specific purpose within the larger context of the show. It prevents the audience from becoming fatigued by constantly seeing high-stakes matches, and it allows for a more dynamic and engaging viewing experience.
Examples of AEW Squash Matches
To give you a better understanding of how squash matches are used in AEW, let's look at some specific examples. These examples illustrate the different ways in which squash matches can be used to build up wrestlers, showcase new talent, and advance storylines.
Wardlow's Rise
One of the most prominent examples of effective use of AEW squash matches is Wardlow's rise to stardom. In his early days with AEW, Wardlow was often featured in squash matches where he would dominate his opponents with his incredible strength and athleticism. These matches helped to establish him as a formidable force and built anticipation for his eventual split from MJF. Each squash match added another layer to his persona, making him an even more compelling figure when he finally stepped out on his own. Fans were invested in his journey because they had witnessed his dominance firsthand.
Jade Cargill's Undefeated Streak
Jade Cargill's undefeated streak was another example where squash matches played a crucial role. As she climbed the ranks in the women's division, Cargill was often booked in squash matches to highlight her power and dominance. These matches not only showcased her athleticism but also helped to build her mystique as an unstoppable force. Her quick victories made each subsequent match more anticipated, as fans wondered who would finally break her streak. This strategic booking made her eventual title reigns feel earned and significant.
Miro's "Redeemer" Phase
Miro's transformation into "The Redeemer" also involved a series of memorable squash matches. After initially struggling to find his place in AEW, Miro underwent a character change and began portraying a more aggressive and ruthless persona. Squash matches were used to showcase this new side of Miro, as he would brutally dismantle his opponents with a combination of power moves and technical wrestling. These matches helped to establish him as a credible threat in the TNT Championship picture and set the stage for his eventual title win. The visual of Miro decimating his opponents was a powerful way to communicate his character's evolution.
Showcasing the Dark Order
The Dark Order, particularly in their early run, used squash matches to establish their dominance as a group. Often, members like Brodie Lee would be featured in squash matches to demonstrate the stable's power and influence. These matches helped to build their reputation as a force to be reckoned with and made their eventual feuds with other top stars all the more impactful. By showcasing their collective strength, AEW made the Dark Order a significant presence in the tag team and stable landscape.
The Impact of Squash Matches on Wrestlers
While squash matches are primarily designed to benefit the dominant wrestler, they also have an impact on the wrestlers who are on the receiving end of the defeat. It's essential to understand the role these matches play for both parties involved.
For the Dominant Wrestler
For the dominant wrestler, squash matches are a valuable tool for building momentum and establishing credibility. These matches allow them to showcase their skills, highlight their strengths, and connect with the audience. A series of convincing victories can elevate a wrestler's status and make them appear to be a legitimate threat to their opponents. This can lead to bigger opportunities, such as main event matches, title shots, and high-profile feuds. It's a crucial step in the journey to becoming a top star in the wrestling world. The AEW squash matches are often used to propel these wrestlers to new heights.
For the Enhancement Talent
For the wrestlers on the losing end, often referred to as enhancement talent, squash matches provide an opportunity to gain exposure and experience. While they may not be winning the match, they are still performing in front of a live audience and on television, which can help them build their brand and gain recognition. Additionally, working with more experienced wrestlers can be a valuable learning experience, allowing them to improve their skills and gain insights into the business. It's a chance to show their resilience and professionalism, which can lead to future opportunities, even if it's not in a winning role. They are essentially contributing to the bigger picture of AEW's storytelling.
Balancing Act
The key to a successful squash match is balance. The dominant wrestler needs to look strong and convincing, but the enhancement talent also needs to show enough resilience to make the match believable. A well-executed squash match can be a win-win situation for both wrestlers involved, helping to elevate the dominant wrestler while also providing exposure and experience for the enhancement talent. It's a delicate art that, when done right, contributes to the overall quality and appeal of the wrestling show.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AEW squash matches serve a vital role in building up wrestlers, showcasing new talent, and advancing storylines. They are a strategic booking decision that helps to shape audience perception and drive narratives forward. While they may not be the most competitive or unpredictable matches, they are an essential part of the overall wrestling ecosystem. By understanding the purpose and impact of squash matches, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the art and science of professional wrestling. Whether it's Wardlow's rise, Jade Cargill's streak, or Miro's transformation, squash matches have been instrumental in shaping some of AEW's most memorable moments and characters. So, next time you see a squash match on AEW, remember that there's more to it than meets the eye – it's a deliberate step in the ongoing story of professional wrestling.