5 best second-generation wrestlers in AEW

AEW since its arrival has taken a keen interest in building its roster with generational talent. Using them as flagbearers for the legacies left by those who have come before. That makes sense, too, given the role that EVP Cody Rhodes played in their birth as the son of wrestling legend Dusty Rhodes.

Employing generational talent preserves wrestling history and adds a dimension to the legacy of a wrestler. Stu Hart is one such example of a legend in the business who has seen his legacy grow with the likes of children Bret and Owen Hart as they carved their own path in wrestling.

While AEW can be seen as a playground for the children of wrestling, it also acts like a wrestling family excursion with Arn Anderson, for example, able to steer his son Brock Anderson from ringside as his manager.

Given the abundance of wrestling bloodlines looking to make AEW their home, competition is rich and questions will be asked of the new blood. Who has the capability to carry the torch and reach the heights their last name promises?

#5 Dustin Rhodes: Eldest son of Dusty Rhodes and trusted AEW veteran

While AEW is blessed with a series of young second-generation wrestlers set to take hold in the future, it also pays well to have experience in their ranks. Dustin Rhodes is a prime example of the wealth of experience AEW possesses in their ranks, and as the son of Dusty Rhodes his experience is a valuable commodity.

Dustin could have been forgiven for resting on his laurels as the son of Dusty Rhodes, but has instead built a career of reliability in the ring, while wrestling for top promotions like WCW, WWE, TNA and AEW. You only need to look at the Rhodes generational showcase that was Dustin vs Cody Rhodes at Double or Nothing 2019 as testament to his own contribution to the family name.

Once known as Goldust, Dustin has enjoyed success as a midcarder throughout his career, holding both the WCW United States and WWE Intercontinental Championships. He also held tag titles in WWE and WCW, with his WWE reigns alongside his younger brother Cody.

#4 The Gunn Club: Sons and stablemates of AEW veteran and WWE Hall of Famer Billy Gunn

The Gunn Club have only just come onto the AEW Dynamite scene as a top heel tag team, but have been long-term prominent fixtures on AEW Dark for some time. Austin and Colten flank their Hall of Famer father, Billy Gunn, to comprise the Gunn Club, and we have seen feuds with Sting and Darby Allin.

The Sons of a Gunn have a unique opportunity in AEW, with their father standing shoulder-to-shoulder every outing is a learning experience where they can be actively coached by a former WWE Tag Team and Intercontinental Champion.

Both charismatic and reliable in-ring, the Gunn Club boys are fully capable of taking the throne in the tag division and beyond, and having Billy Gunn in their corner or tag rope only adds dimension to their dynamic and viability to their long-term prospects.

#3 Brian Pillman Jr.: Continuing late father Brian Pillman's legacy in AEW

Brian Pillman Jr. manages to strike a balance between familiarity and individuality when compared to his late great father, Brian Pillman. Sporting the signature blonde mullet and paying further homage alongside Griff Garrison as the Varsity Blondes, referencing his father's team Hollywood Blondes team with Steve Austin.

At the same time, Brian Pillman Jr. is clearly his own person, and has seen his work rate with AEW reward him with opportunities at the AEW World Tag titles and feuds with the likes of MJF and Malakai Black.

The Pillman wrestling legacy looks to be in good hands, with Pillman Jr. looking set for a glittering career.

#2 HOOK: Son of AEW announcer and ECW legend Taz

Not many wrestlers in AEW or indeed the world have managed to garner the attention and praise that HOOK has amassed in the first two outings of his career. The son of Taz has been a part of his father's stable since December 2020 before making his in-ring debut earlier this month.

His first outing against Fuego Del Sol resulted in a submission victory to much fanfare, with fans and peers alike impressed with the long-awaited debut.

It's plain to see that HOOK is on a path to greatness in AEW. Not only has his debut drawn attention, but he has even garnered such a following that he unseated CM Punk of all people to become the company's top merch seller.

In such a short span of time we have seen HOOK compile a following that even veterans of the sport dream of having. Already one of the most exciting second generation wrestlers right now, there is no telling where HOOK can go in AEW in the future.

#1 Cody Rhodes: Son of Dusty Rhodes in his third AEW TNT title reign

Love him or hate him, there is no doubt that Cody Rhodes has been quintessential to the birth and meteoric rise of AEW. The son and younger brother of Dusty and Dustin Rhodes respectively, Cody has spent his post-WWE career cementing himself as a legitimate main event attraction before settling into his EVP role with AEW.

Not content with sitting on the sidelines spectating, the American Nightmare has been a focal aspect of AEW programming, capturing the TNT title on three occasions. Taking character and booking criticism aside, the grandson of a plumber has more than proved his wrestling pedigree at this point, having carved a legacy entirely separate to but also in honor of his legendary father.

Perhaps the reason for AEW's continued investment in generational talent can be attributed to Cody's own status as one of the founding fathers of AEW and a generational talent in his own right.