Casting features a diverse roster including wrestlers of various races, genders, and sexual orientations such as Nyla Rose (transgender) and Anthony Bowens (gay), but these elements appear incidental and integrated into athletic competitions rather than focal points of identity exploration or social justice narratives. No evidence of race/gender-swapping, lectures on systemic oppression, or plots revolving around critiques of traditional masculinity or norms; themes remain centered on personal grudges, championships, and in-ring action.

A surrounding controversy involved departing wrestler Big Swole critiquing backstage diversity in early 2022, prompting Tony Khan to defend AEW's inclusive hiring, and isolated fan ejections for transphobic signs, but these did not permeate the on-screen product or reception. Audience reactions focused on booking quality and ratings fluctuations unrelated to wokeness, allowing the show to maintain its appeal as pure sports entertainment free from heavy ideological overlay.