All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has undergone notable production changes over the past year, blending evolving technology with a renewed emphasis on wrestler safety and fan experience, sources close to the promotion reveal. These updates encompass adjustments to ring setups, barricades, pyrotechnics, lighting, and the overall in-arena presentation, reflecting AEW’s efforts to balance a high-impact visual product with performer wellbeing and audience engagement.
According to a detailed report from Fightful Select, AEW temporarily phased out LED ring aprons and LED barricades during much of 2024, replacing them with traditional, non-LED versions. This shift stemmed from concerns raised by talent who experienced harder impacts and increased risk of injury from the LED equipment, which protrudes more sharply and lacks the forgiving nature of standard barricades. “There were a number of wrestlers that got banged up on the barricades and aprons, which are harder and stick out more than the standard,” insiders shared. Wrestlers and production staff reportedly favored the return to conventional barricades, which better absorbed bumps and helped matches flow more naturally. However, AEW leadership also recognized the LED boards’ importance in delivering a modern, visually dynamic broadcast, especially amid the company’s growing TV and streaming partnerships[4][5].
This balancing act became more complex following AEW’s new media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) beginning in 2025. The deal brought access to advanced IP-based production technology and state-of-the-art mobile production trucks, enabling AEW to enhance its broadcast quality and in-arena experience significantly. AEW EVP and Head of Global Production, Mike Mansury—who joined AEW from WWE in 2022 and was promoted earlier this year—explained the company’s vision to innovate by intertwining cutting-edge technology with the unique hybrid nature of pro wrestling. Mansury emphasized AEW’s goal of being “trendsetters as opposed to followers” by adopting IP-based workflows and revamping production infrastructure across its touring units[1][2].
One marquee element of AEW’s 2025 production strategy involves transforming the live event presentation to mirror a “sports-style” experience more closely. As Mansury noted in interviews with SVG News, starting next year, AEW will focus on creating a distinct split between the television broadcast and the live audience experience. When there is no in-ring or taped content airing on TV, fans attending the shows in person will enjoy unique entertainment designed to engage them, enhancing the live atmosphere and making it feel more special and dynamic. This approach aims to evolve AEW’s presentation beyond traditional wrestling programming into a more immersive, sport-like event[1][3].
In terms of production aesthetics, the recent return of the LED aprons and barricades coincided with AEW’s debut on HBO Max and the start of the new WBD deal. While these LED elements contribute to a high-tech, polished look that supports AEW’s branding as a major television product, the wrestler community continues to express reservations about the harder impacts associated with the LED surfaces during matches. At the Forbidden Door pay-per-view, insiders observed that the new barricades “suck to hit,” validating the safety concerns previously voiced by performers. Behind the scenes, debates between production priorities and talent health remain active, with a tension between presentation value and practical in-ring considerations[4][5].
Other production tweaks over the last year include modifications to pyrotechnics and weekly lighting adjustments, illustrating AEW’s dedication to refining every stage of their shows. These incremental changes reflect feedback from fans, talent, and production teams alike as AEW pursues a style that satisfies a broad audience while accommodating the physical demands on its performers[5].
Sources close to AEW note that these production developments are part of a broader evolution, continuing the company’s rapid growth and refinement of its product since its 2019 inception. AEW clearly aims to carve out a unique identity in the wrestling industry by blending sports-like presentation elements, progressive technology integration, and heightened attention to wrestler safety, especially as the company expands its reach through partnerships with Warner Bros. Discovery’s TBS, TNT, and Max streaming platforms[1][2].
A WWE insider familiar with AEW’s backstage dynamics remarked, “AEW has been very deliberate with these changes. They want to push the envelope creatively and technologically, but they also know that the talent’s health and the live audience’s engagement are critical. It’s a tricky balance, and you can see that in how they’ve adjusted the barricades and the live show experience heading into 2025.”
As AEW prepares for these major production shifts, fans and industry watchers alike will be paying close attention to how these innovations play out on both live broadcasts and in-arena shows — setting the stage for what could be the most transformative period in AEW’s short history.
This comprehensive look at AEW’s backstage production changes provides a window into how wrestling companies adapt to new media environments while managing performer well-being and evolving fan expectations. The coming year promises exciting developments as AEW implements a sports-style live experience combined with cutting-edge broadcast enhancements.