11 Oldest Wrestlers in AEW

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is synonymous with words like new, fresh, and exciting. By most metrics, people would probably assume that AEW has a bunch of famous but very young talent. That is far from the truth. In reality, AEW has a bit of everything.

AEW's focus is on the future. The so-called four pillars of AEW, including Jungle Boy, MJF, Darby Allin, and Sammy Guevera, are all in their mid to late 20s. Several 'experienced' roster members are in their early to mid-30s, including Hangman Page. The 'veterans' are in their early 40s, and the 'legacy' talent makes up the rest as managers, coaches, commentators, and other on-screen roles. Tony Khan and the rest of the VP's mapped it out quite well.

AEW fans weren't expecting to see a massive star like Sting returning to be not only an on-screen talent and manager but also active inside the squared circle. Granted, this is in a minimal capacity, but it's still significant given Sting's age. But that led to another question: while AEW fans love to make fun of WWE by relying on 'older' talent like Goldberg, AEW also has a significant number of elderly (by wrestling standards) wrestlers on their roster.

Here are the eleven oldest wrestlers currently wrestling in AEW.

---

#11 AEW Star Bobby Fish - Age 45

It's interesting to note that Bobby Fish has been wrestling since 2002. While he was a mainstay in many independent promotions, his time in NXT brought him more mainstream acclaim.

As part of The Undisputed ERA, Fish teamed up with Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly, and Roderick Strong to become one of the best heel stables on NXT. Some fans would argue they were one of the best stables in WWE itself.

Fish enjoyed great success with the group and became a 2-time NXT Tag Team Champion. While Fish was released by WWE earlier this year, his arrival in AEW has been quite significant. He has already enjoyed matches with Sammy Guevara, CM Punk and even recently reunited with Adam Cole.

At age 45, Fish is still having great matches and moving well with the youngest on the roster. How far can he go? In pro wrestling, there's no telling what's possible.

#10 AEW Star Michael Nakazawa - Age 46

How can one define Michael Nakazawa? His time in AEW has been unique. He was one of the first batch of AEW recruits and has been aligned chiefly with the likes of Kenny Omega and The Elite.

Nakazawa's time in professional wrestling has been an exciting affair. He has wrestled for various promotions such as New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Michinoku Pro, Big Japan Pro-Wrestling, All Japan Pro-Wrestling, and DDT Pro-Wrestling.

While Nakazawa may not be 'lighting up' AEW with his comedy wrestling style, he serves a crucial backstage function working with the Japanese talent due to his immense knowledge of the English language. While he may be 46 years old, Nakazawa will continue to serve AEW in any capacity possible.

#9 AEW Star Matt Hardy - Age 47

Matt Hardy in AEW? While some were not surprised, some fans probably thought that a wrestler in his mid-40s jumping to a year-old promotion during a pandemic was risky. Considering how Matt Hardy was used in WWE towards the end of his run there, his time in AEW has only been positive.

Hardy has enjoyed feuds with The Inner Circle and had a great rivalry with Sammy Guevara resulting in a cinematic match at The Hardy Compound.

While it's true that the "Broken" gimmick didn't take off, Hardy has proven that he can still entertain audiences and evolve when needed. His stable, Hardy Family Office, has been quite effective, and his 'Big Money Matt' character has certainly enjoyed screen time, especially during his feud with Orange Cassidy.

Being entertaining, funny, and cutthroat, Hardy has not disappointed and has been a significant asset to AEW despite his age. It'll be interesting to see how far he goes in AEW, especially with a possible reunion with his brother in the future.

#8 AEW Star Christian Cage - Age 47 (soon to be 48)

Christian was a significant surprise addition to AEW, and few thought he would be in the main event of AEW All Out 2021. Like Matt Hardy, Christian Cage is another Attitude Era personality that Tony Khan has recruited to AEW.

While Cage did 'wrestle' in WWE after six years, it was in a minor capacity. His feuds in AEW have been significant, and he has even had the pleasure of working again in IMPACT wrestling.

Soon to be 48, Christian Cage proves that he can still go with the best of them. His team-up with Jurassic Express has been enjoyable. While it's unclear how long Christian Cage may go or what plans AEW has for his future, fans will watch it with great interest.

#7 AEW Star and Commentator Paul Wight - Age 49

He may have been the 'Big Show' in WWE, but he's just plain old Paul Wight in AEW. Wight is 49 years old, and he's easily the 'biggest' man in AEW. Well, that's not counting Satnam Singh, AEW's recent signee. Wight has been used in a limited capacity but effectively.

While Wight has only been in the company for a short while, he had a significant feud with QT Marshall and The Factory, which culminated at All Out. Since then, he has wrestled matches on Dark. He's undefeated in AEW, which means that there might be plans to use Wight in a big feud down the line without overexposing him and keeping him in commentary.

What does Tony Khan have planned for Wight in the future? In pro wrestling, will there be a feud against another giant? Only time will tell!

#6 Former AEW World Champion Chris Jericho - Age 51

Chris Jericho was the face that helped launch AEW. His signing to the company was a surprise to many, but it has proven to be a smart move. Jericho has been a mainstay in professional wrestling for more than 30 years.

He's been in every major promotion and it doesn't look like he's slowing down. He was the first-ever AEW World Champion and, when Dynamite launched, became one of the company's top heels. His group, The Inner Circle, received accolades as one of the best heel stables around.

What's more, Jericho, at 51, is still vital and willing to evolve his character when the need arises. He has also helped other younger wrestlers achieve their potential, including Orange Cassidy and MJF. Jericho has been unselfish in his actions while being entertaining and striving to do better.

Can Jericho keep going? Well, maybe that 'Bubbly' will help him just a little bit.

#5 AEW Star and Head of Talent Relations Christopher Daniels - Age 51

Christopher Daniels was another early pick-up by AEW when it first began. As part of the SCU stable and The Elite, Daniels has been quite the presence on screen. With a career that goes as far back as 1993, Daniels has always been around.

He enjoyed most of his success during the original TNA feuding with AJ Styles and becoming a multi-time X-Division Champion. Daniels has been competitive in AEW and even wrestled in IMPACT. Though Daniels has noticeably seldom been seen in the ring as of late, it's still impressive that he can move in the ring with the best of them.

Given his backstage role, AEW fans will most likely see less of Daniels in the years to come, but that's not to say fans won't see him in the ring when they least expect it.

#4 AEW star and coach Dustin Rhodes - Age 52

Dustin Rhodes' match with his brother at the first-ever AEW pay-per-view was supposed to be a one-time deal. It turned into something else. Dustin and Cody had one of the best and most emotional matches of the night, which led to AEW signing Dustin Rhodes full-time.

While Dustin hasn't been winning championships, he's constantly proving he can move in the ring. Rhodes' role in AEW is more that of a coach rather than an on-screen character. His presence in AEW highlights his longevity and willingness to evolve. Like Chris Jericho and Matt Hardy, he strives to stay relevant.

Moreover, he has made it his mission to put over younger and established stars and not steal the spotlight. Rhodes is a proven performer, and he's constantly telling people in his subtle way that this 'One Last Ride' is going to be a long one.

#3 AEW Star Luther - Age 53

It would be foolish to suggest that fans knew who Luther was when he debuted with AEW. It was also unfortunate that Luther debuted as part of the canceled group The Nightmare Collective.

Luther was unknown despite being in the business for 30 years. He was known to wrestle on the independent circuit, but his short stint became a full-time deal. He signed with AEW in 2020 to work as a performer and in the AEW office. When he was offered the contract, Luther thought it was a joke.

With that said, Luther has wrestled on Dynamite, Dark, and Elevation wrestling alongside his tag team partner Serpentico. Will Luther be involved in a significant angle down the line? In pro wrestling, nothing's for sure.

#2 AEW Star and Coach Billy Gunn - Age 58

The man who once went by Mr. A$$ in the 1990s is still going strong in AEW. Billy Gunn has been more of a backstage presence in the company, given he was originally hired as a coach and less as a performer. Gunn did appear on the first AEW Double or Nothing pay-per-view and has been a presence on its other show Dark.

Most fans would know Gunn from his time in WWE, considering he was with the company for several years and a big part of D-X. In AEW, his role is that of a performer and a manager for his sons, Austin and Colten, who both make up the Gunn Club.

Gunn recently wrestled Darby Allin on AEW Rampage, who he lost to. While Gunn may not win any titles, he will certainly help lead the next generation.The question is whether they will follow the multiple championships that their father enjoyed? History has a way of repeating itself, especially in pro wrestling.

#1 AEW Star and Manager Sting - Age 62

AEW has done a great job of surprising fans, and they pulled off the ultimate surprise by bringing back Sting. Now, most thought The Icon would be limited to managing Darby Allin and being part of street fights and cinematic matches. Sting has proved them wrong.

Wrestling primarily in tag team matches and within a limited capacity, Sting has wrestled with the likes of Men of the Year and 2.0 and is technically undefeated. Sting has not been in singles competition since his time in AEW. His last singles match was against Seth Rollins in WWE, which resulted in a severe neck injury and his career coming to a halt in 2015.

Like Christian Cage, Sting has found new life in AEW and is treated like a legend. How long will Sting be in AEW? To quote the man himself: 'The only sure thing about Sting is...nothing's for sure.'