As the professional wrestling calendar drew to a close, the final broadcasts of All Elite Wrestling’s flagship Dynamite and WWE’s developmental brand NXT offered starkly contrasting narratives, leaving fans with distinctly different takeaways. AEW Dynamite, aiming to conclude its year on a high note, delivered a festive and celebratory atmosphere, culminating in moments of genuine joy and positive momentum. In contrast, NXT’s final television offering of the year leaned into a darker, more somber tone, a decision that proved divisive and, for one prominent voice in the wrestling media landscape, elicited a particularly scathing critique. The juxtaposition of these two programs provided a compelling snapshot of the varied creative directions and audience engagement strategies being employed by major wrestling promotions as they headed into a new year.
The final episode of AEW Dynamite in 2025, as it turned out, was designed to be a feel-good affair. The company aimed to send its fanbase home for the holidays with a sense of optimism and anticipation for what lay ahead. This was not merely a matter of booking exciting matches, though those were certainly present. The focus was on storytelling that resolved lingering conflicts on a positive note, celebrated achievements, and hinted at exciting future possibilities without dwelling on negativity. The intention was to reinforce the brand’s identity as a vibrant, action-packed alternative in the wrestling landscape, one that, while not shying away from compelling drama, ultimately aims to leave its audience with a sense of satisfaction and uplift. This approach often involves showcasing beloved stars overcoming challenges, unifying factions, or achieving significant milestones that resonate with the established narratives of the past year. The atmosphere was designed to be infectious, mirroring the festive spirit of the season, and the booking decisions reflected a desire to reward the loyal viewers who had followed the weekly saga of AEW throughout the year.
Conversely, NXT’s final broadcast of the year seemed to embrace a more bleak and unsettling conclusion. Instead of a triumphant send-off, the show opted for a narrative that left many feeling disheartened and uncertain. This stylistic choice, while potentially aiming for a more gritty or realistic portrayal of the developmental brand’s competitive nature, landed with a heavy thud for some observers. The emphasis appeared to be on sowing seeds of discord, showcasing betrayals, and leaving key storylines in a state of unresolved turmoil, painting a picture of an NXT that was heading into the new year with significant internal strife and a sense of impending doom for many of its promising talents. This approach, while capable of generating intrigue, risks alienating viewers who may be seeking a more conclusive or optimistic resolution as a year concludes. The decision to end on such a downbeat note can leave a lasting negative impression, especially when contrasted with the more buoyant conclusion offered by a rival promotion.
The divergent outcomes of these year-end broadcasts immediately sparked discussion and analysis within the wrestling community. For some, AEW’s approach was a masterclass in concluding a chapter with grace and excitement, providing a much-needed dose of positivity. The narrative arcs that played out seemed to offer a sense of earned victory and forward momentum, suggesting that the promotion was building towards a strong future. This type of storytelling often resonates deeply with a fanbase, fostering a sense of shared accomplishment and loyalty. When a wrestling show successfully delivers on its promise of entertainment and emotional engagement, it solidifies its place in the hearts of its viewers. The closing moments of AEW Dynamite were, by design, meant to be memorable and uplifting, leaving a lasting impression of triumph and potential.
However, the reaction to NXT’s final outing was far from universally positive. The aforementioned critical assessment, labeling the show as "dogshit," was a particularly harsh indictment. This extreme negativity, while certainly subjective, highlights a significant dissatisfaction with the creative direction taken. Such a strong reaction often stems from a perceived lack of payoff, a frustrating continuation of negative storylines, or a feeling that the show failed to deliver on its potential for compelling in-ring action or engaging character development. When a wrestling program is perceived as aimless or overly bleak without a clear narrative purpose, it can lead to frustration and a sense of wasted viewing time. The criticism suggests that NXT’s final act of the year was not just disappointing but actively detrimental to the perception of the brand, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of viewers who had invested their time and attention.
To understand the impact of these contrasting broadcasts, it’s essential to consider the broader context of professional wrestling in late 2025. AEW, having established itself as a major player, was in a position to solidify its identity and continue its trajectory of growth. Its strategy for a year-end show likely involved reinforcing its core strengths: high-octane action, compelling character work, and a generally optimistic, albeit dramatic, narrative. The goal would have been to leave viewers satisfied and eager for more, building on the established momentum. This requires a careful balancing act, ensuring that even the most intense storylines have a resolution or a clear path forward that offers a sense of progression. A celebratory tone can be a powerful tool for achieving this, allowing the promotion to acknowledge its achievements and the dedication of its audience.
NXT, on the other hand, operates in a different sphere. As WWE’s developmental brand, its primary function is to cultivate talent and provide a proving ground for future main roster stars. This often involves a more experimental and sometimes grittier approach to storytelling. However, the effectiveness of this approach hinges on execution. A consistently bleak narrative, without sufficient moments of hope or clear progression, can become monotonous or even alienating. The "dogshit" label, while crude, speaks to a perceived failure in storytelling that goes beyond mere darkness. It suggests a fundamental flaw in the construction of the show, perhaps a lack of compelling stakes or a feeling that the characters were being subjected to relentless misfortune without any discernible narrative purpose. The developmental aspect means that NXT often features younger talent still honing their craft, and a poorly executed narrative can hinder their development and the audience’s connection to them.
The difference in outcomes can also be attributed to the inherent philosophies of the companies. AEW has often positioned itself as a direct competitor to WWE, offering a different style of wrestling and storytelling. Its year-end broadcast likely aimed to reinforce this differentiation, showcasing a product that prioritizes exciting in-ring action interspersed with character-driven narratives that often culminate in satisfying resolutions. This strategy appeals to a segment of the audience that may feel underserved by more traditional wrestling formats. The emphasis on positive reinforcement and celebratory moments would serve to highlight this contrast, presenting AEW as a more dynamic and ultimately rewarding viewing experience.
WWE, and by extension NXT, has a long history of employing a more soap opera-like approach to storytelling, often embracing melodrama and darker themes. While this can be highly effective when done well, it also carries the risk of alienating viewers if the tone becomes too oppressive or if the storylines lack clear direction. The critical assessment of NXT’s final show suggests that, in this instance, the brand veered too far into negativity, failing to provide the kind of engaging narrative that keeps audiences invested. The success of a darker narrative often lies in the promise of eventual catharsis or the emergence of heroes who can overcome overwhelming odds. If these elements are absent, the darkness can simply feel like unrelenting misery.
Furthermore, the specific talent involved and their respective storylines on each show would have played a crucial role. AEW’s decision to end the year on a positive note might have involved wrapping up major championships, resolving long-standing feuds with triumphant victories, or bringing together fan-favorite factions in a display of unity. This creates a sense of closure and accomplishment for the year. For instance, if a beloved champion successfully defended their title against a formidable foe, or if a long-awaited reunion of popular wrestlers occurred, these moments would contribute significantly to the overall positive reception.
NXT’s somber conclusion, on the other hand, might have involved a heel faction solidifying their dominance through nefarious means, a beloved babyface suffering a devastating defeat or betrayal, or the introduction of a new threat that casts a long shadow over the brand. While these can be effective in generating heat and anticipation for future storylines, the final impression of the year can be one of foreboding rather than excitement. If these darker elements are not balanced with moments of genuine intrigue or the promise of eventual retribution, they can leave the audience feeling drained and uninspired. The impact of a well-executed heel turn or a shocking betrayal can be immense, but it requires careful narrative threading to ensure it serves the larger story rather than simply being an exercise in negativity.
The audience’s perception of these broadcasts is also shaped by their existing expectations and preferences. Wrestling fans are a diverse group, with varying tastes in storytelling and presentation. Some actively seek out the darker, more intense narratives, while others prefer a more uplifting and heroic approach. The fact that one show was lauded for its feel-good ending while the other was lambasted suggests a significant divergence in how these particular broadcasts met, or failed to meet, the expectations of their respective audiences. The "dogshit" critique, in particular, points to a segment of the audience that felt their time was not respected, that the creative decisions were not only disappointing but actively poor.
In conclusion, the final broadcasts of AEW Dynamite and NXT in 2025 served as a potent illustration of how different wrestling promotions approach year-end storytelling. AEW’s choice to end the year with a celebratory and optimistic tone proved to be a successful strategy, leaving its audience with a positive impression and a sense of anticipation for the future. Conversely, NXT’s decision to embrace a darker, more somber narrative, while potentially aiming for a gritty realism, resulted in a highly critical reception from at least one prominent commentator, highlighting the risks associated with prolonged negativity in wrestling storytelling. The stark contrast between these two approaches underscores the subjective nature of wrestling fandom and the delicate art of crafting narratives that resonate with audiences, leaving them satisfied, engaged, and eager for what comes next. The final moments of a wrestling year can significantly shape the perception of a promotion heading into the next, and in this instance, AEW delivered a flourish while NXT left a grim mark.
