Ex-WWE Star Paul London Slams AEW’s Creative Direction As Careless Storylines

Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Paul London isn’t pulling punches when it comes to his thoughts on today’s wrestling landscape. During a recent appearance on the That’s Wrestling! podcast, London shared his brutally honest take on the state of modern wrestling storylines, singling out what he sees as poorly executed ideas.

“People have seen everything now,” London said. “They see attempted murders every Wednesday [on Dynamite]. They see kidnappings. They see houses burning down, cars getting filled with coins, and just– the ideas are not good. They’re really poorly thought out. Fake walls that are so obvious. Bad camera angles where you can see tunnels that connect in the back when they should be the illusion. It’s just so careless. It’s so careless. And so, in turn, it’s hilarious. It’s my favorite comedy out there.”

While London didn’t explicitly mention AEW, his comments came in response to co-host James Here referencing the company’s flagship show, Dynamite. London’s critique reflects a growing sentiment among traditional wrestling fans who value realism and strong storytelling over flashy stunts and over-the-top angles.

This isn’t the first time London has taken aim at AEW. In the past, he’s criticized Brian Cage’s in-ring style for being overly flashy and inconsistent for a powerhouse wrestler. However, some may view London’s comments through the lens of his own frustration, as he’s previously revealed that AEW turned him down for a coaching or producing role.

Best known for his five-year WWE tenure, London made a name for himself in the tag team division, holding the WWE Tag Team Championship twice and the World Tag Team Championship alongside Brian Kendrick. While his in-ring appearances have slowed in recent years, London recently resurfaced in MLW on November 9, where he faced KENTA in a losing effort.