>>13379285AEW fans react to 'help the show'. It's meta level engagement, it's not unironic, sincere, authentic investment. They cheer because "ohh hes such a good WORKER and nice guy i want to help this already rich man get more money, he deserves it", not because they are drawn into the performance. The exact same as how most modern wrestlers, WWE and AEW alike, don't lose themselves into their own character or performance, they're always half eyeing the audience waiting for applause at how cool that exchange was or how good their selling is. Nothing's authentic or earnest anymore, including most fan reactions. But it's a problem with all media. How many movies are authentic and earnest vs ironic, deconstructionist, subverting expectations, or stepping out of their story to either tell the audience a message or pander for an Oscar? Irony and postirony is killing entertainment.
