#2. AEW EVP Cody Rhodes
The current AEW TNT Champion Cody Rhodes is perhaps the most divisive wrestler in the company right now. Fans are rejecting his de facto babyface persona and want to see him become a heelish character.
Perhaps Cody is waiting for the right time to pull the trigger and further the resentment amongst fans. There will come a tipping point. Perhaps pairing Rhodes with an evil manager like Paul Heyman might do the trick. There are hallmarks of the relationship between Tribal Chief Roman Reigns and his special counsel.
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Reigns also had trouble winning over fans, but his heel turn and subsequent alliance with Heyman pushed him to the top of the industry. Rhodes could follow a similar path, especially if he goes back on his promise and challenges for the AEW World title.
#1. Pinnacle leader MJF
On his Grilling JR podcast, AEW commentator Jim Ross compared MJF to Paul Heyman when it comes to mic skills:
"Let me tell you this, statement of the night may be that MJF is a younger, actually athletic version of Paul Heyman. I was around Paul Heyman when he was in his 20s a lot and I helped Paul a great deal back when nobody wanted to work with him because he was so obstinate in their view. Well, I saw talent. Was he a pain in the ass? Absolutely. But he was our pain in the ass and he was my pain in the ass partner who made both of us better."
"So we did some good work in WCW before he ever got to WWE, I always thought. I enjoyed it, I can tell you that. So Max is a young Paul Heyman, only with muscles and athletic ability. That just tells you where he ranks in my lexicon of some of the smartest guys Iโve ever been around in pro-wrestling."
MJF is the best talent that AEW has discovered. His mic skills are better than anyone of his generation, and the heat he generates is scalding. While he might not wrestle often, he always delivers in the ring as well. Many fans have pegged MJF to become a world champion, and for good reason. He could be the face of the company for the next decade if Tony Khan plays his cards right.
Paul Heyman has been lauded for his ability to harness young talent with high potential. He can appreciate the skills that MJF brings to the table. The alliance between the two will be absolutely box office. The only question is which company will that be in?
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