Following the aftermath of All In: Texas, AEW is evolving its storylines as Forbidden Door 2025 nears. The Young Bucks, Matt and Nick Jackson, are undergoing a significant character shift, influenced by wrestling icons like Chris Jericho and Kurt Angle. This transition comes after the duo lost their Executive Vice President roles, marking a new chapter in their careers within AEW.
The Jackson brothers, once dominant figures in AEW management, have faced a backlash from within the company. Their peers—ranging from backstage producers to fellow wrestlers—are responding to the period of control The Young Bucks exercised by introducing on-screen humiliations that strip away their former glory.
Behind the Scenes: Humiliation as a Deliberate Storyline Choice
Recently, the Young Bucks’ entrances have been downgraded, losing their signature pyro and theme music. Match graphics related to them have been replaced with low-quality clipart, and their introductions are now presented with hastily made lower thirds, signaling a fall from their previous prestigious status. Despite appearances, this decline is not accidental but a self-imposed aspect of their storyline journey.
In a conversation with Justin Barrasso from Undisputed, Matt and Nick Jackson explained that these setbacks serve as a creative evolution rather than simple embarrassment. They openly credit veteran wrestler Chris Jericho for inspiring their willingness to adapt and reinvent their characters over time.
“We love to make fun of ourselves,” said Nick Jackson. “If you can’t be the butt of a joke in this business sometimes, you probably picked a bad profession. We also like to reinvent our character work and that’s exactly what this has given us. We’ve learned from guys like [Chris] Jericho who always changed with the times, and we take pride in it.” —Nick Jackson
Alongside Jericho’s example, the brothers look to WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle as a model for balancing humor with in-ring competitiveness, showcasing versatility within wrestling entertainment.
“My mother-in-law and kids specifically, when they tell me how embarrassed they are for me, I can’t help but laugh when I tell them that this was our idea,” said Matt Jackson. “We’re born to play these types of roles. Many wrestlers in the business prefer not to take on these types of stories, which immediately makes us more interested in doing them. I think there’s a charm in being self-deprecating. There’s also a skill in being funny but still being able to go in the ring at the same time. Kurt Angle is a great example of that. I think it makes you more of an all-around entertaining wrestler.” —Matt Jackson
Ongoing AEW Retaliation Highlights The Young Bucks’ Fall From Grace
Despite their status as founding figures and multiple-time AEW World Tag Team Champions, The Young Bucks are currently portrayed as targets of ridicule on AEW’s weekly Dynamite show. After relinquishing their Executive Vice President authority, many involved with the promotion now seek to turn the tables on the former executives.
This retribution was demonstrated most recently when the Bucks were introduced as enhancement talent with nearly no attention to detail, as the production crew omitted their names from standard lower third graphics. Further emphasizing this demotion, a deliberately amateurish promotional poster was used to advertise their participation on the upcoming episode.
Matt and Nick Jackson responded sharply to AEW‘s admission that the diminishing graphic quality was a consequence of their alleged misallocation of the company’s graphics budget toward a luxury boat, highlighting tensions within the narrative.
The Young Bucks are scheduled to compete against Bandido and Brody King on Dynamite, with the extent of their storyline humiliation likely to unfold further in the coming weeks.
The Impact of This Storyline Shift on AEW and The Young Bucks’ Legacy
This storyline marks a critical evolution for The Young Bucks, as they rely on their resilience and the creative inspiration provided by seasoned wrestlers like Chris Jericho to embrace the challenges ahead. Their willingness to endure humiliation while reinventing their personas demonstrates their commitment to long-term character development within AEW’s dynamic environment.
As AEW continues building excitement toward Forbidden Door 2025, the narrative surrounding The Young Bucks will remain a compelling subplot, reflecting changes in power dynamics and the complex relationships inherent to wrestling entertainment. Their journey serves as a reminder that adaptation and humility can be powerful tools for performers striving to maintain relevance and connection with audiences.
