Bully Ray slams AEW's plastic bag spot

AEW has once again found itself in hot water.

Tony Khan's company pushed the boundaries of professional wrestling on Saturday, as it produced one of the most violent pay-per-views in its history. One spot in particular was seen as particularly dangerous and graphic.

Shortly after beating Jack Perry to retain his AEW World Heavyweight Championship, Bryan Danielson was attacked by the Blackpool Combat Club, with John Moxley attempting to suffocate him with a plastic bag. That stunt has only been pulled two times in mainstream professional wrestling, first between Rick Flair and Terry Funk and second between Lance Archer and John Moxley for New Japan Pro Wrestling.

During a recent episode of "Busted Open Radio," Bully Ray explained why Vince McMahon was so strict on the type of weapon used during a match. Ray also explained how such a spot could lead to issues among a younger audience.

“Vince did not want any weapons used that could be deemed regular household items," Ray said. "Vince didn’t want a child to be able to watch Monday Night Raw or Smackdown or any WWE programming and see them use a weapon they could find in their house and go use on their little brother, their little sister, or somebody at school. So I could see somebody who may be allowed their children to watch AEW who’d be like, ‘I’m upset because my 10-year-old saw the plastic bag spot and then immediately went into the kitchen and took a plastic bag and put it over his brother’s head.'”

AEW has been accused of trying to earn fans via "shock factor" wrestling, leaning on dangerous spots for quick thrills that earn online virality. While moments like the one involving Danielson can be great for pushing a storyline and making an impact, the risk they run with the younger fanbase isn't worth it. Wrestlers are role models, after all.

Khan and AEW's creative team must find a middle ground. Their violent and intense style of wrestling is what sets them apart and what draws the older generation of wrestling fans. However, they've crossed the line on multiple occasions over the past year, which runs the risk of alienating some of their fanbases and pushing them toward their competitors.

Being a challenger brand is tough. Until AEW finds a healthy balance, it will be open to criticism from all corners of the wrestling industry.