I either said it in here or in chat, can't remember, but I'll say it again. I knew AEW was a big deal and important from the start, but I always had trouble really accepting it. I didn't think it was going to be gigantic and didn't take it as seriously, even with the numbers. It had too much of the things I like in equal measure to the things I fucking hate, and felt like an indie with a sweet TV deal, and it always felt like it was missing something to really feel legit. I knew they were real, but I thought it was more a lol bubble real, if that makes any sense at all.
These signings totally changed that stupid feeling. Not that Mox or Jericho or Sting weren't huge, but they simply weren't the likes of Punk or Bryan. I wasn't a fan of the Elite guys. Now they not only have the biggest stars available but the deepest roster of name talent, guys who can fit anywhere on the card without a second thought, whose just existence elevates everything. It's not a bubble anymore; people I personally know who weren't fans or lapsed fans went CRAZY when Punk came back. They're crazier now for Bryan. I haven't felt a buzz like this in 20 years.
tl;dr any of the stupid doubts I ever had, wrong or right, about AEW are gone and holy shit this is something special.