Keith Greenberg’s new book discusses the first five years of All Elite Wrestling’s historic rise… but strays away from confronting some uncomfortable truths.
BY: JACOB POLITTE
Online Editor
All Elite Wrestling, by and large, has been a breath of fresh air for many fans of professional wrestling since it burst into existence in 2019. It’s been around for so long, and has changed and re-shaped the industry so irrevocably that it has warranted a book that looks back on its first five years of existence. It’s just a shame that “This Book Is All Elite” is not that definitive, accurate piece of work, though I don’t blame that on its author, acclaimed historian Keith Elliot Greenberg.
For every positive memory recounted, there are a slew of not-so-rosy events ignored or misrepresented. And there are plenty of seismic events where next to nothing new is said about a given matter
Perhaps the biggest omission are recollections and discussions about the “Brawl Out” incident of 2022 and the “Brawl In” incident of 2023. Both of these incidents had a significant impact on the company’s perception and its internal morale for years afterward, yet are ignored completely in the book. Much of that may have to do with non-disclosure agreements signed by those involved (specifically the former incident). But while the players involved can’t discuss it, ignoring the incidents completely is a bit hit against the book’s credibility.
The details of wrestler/executive Cody Rhodes’ departure are largely ignored even as the departure was acknowledged. Rhodes’ departure is likely another instance where both sides have an agreement in place not to discuss the matter, though Rhodes himself alludes to some bad blood between the two sides in various interviews he’s done since. Specifically, these events not being elaborated on truly hurt the book’s credibility as a truly “all access” piece of literature.
There are smaller, less egregious errors in representation. In chapter three, for example, the author refers to the company’s “All Out 2020” event as an acclaimed show, and there’s not a single available review of the show available that addresses it as such; arguably, the show was among the most poorly received pay-per-views that AEW has ever done.
There are cool stories in here, and tons of behind the scenes information. But the juiciest bits aren’t a part of the meal, and that knock this book’s legitimacy down a few pegs.
