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All Elite Wrestling came to fruition on January 1st, 2019, (watch the video here). With Tony Khan's funding, the new promotion is a credible rival to WWE. However, let's not forget ROH, NJPW, and Impact Wrestling. Although separate, should these promotions band together, it could spell danger for WWE.
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Presently, AEW has a limited roster. It consists of; Brand Rhodes, Britt Baker, Hangman Adam Page, Cody, and The Young Bucks. Moreover, BJ Whitmer will work in a non-wrestling role. The formation of AEW is refreshing.
It creates an element of competition once again, similar to the Monday Night Wars. However, how much of a threat could they be to WWE? With success of the All In PPV, the future is unpredictable.
Let's explore possible options AEW could sign in 2019.
#4 Goldust (Dustin Runnels)
Dustin Runnels is his real name. However, in the squared circle he is known as; Goldust. He started wrestling in 1988 and has performed almost everywhere imaginable. He would come to prominence in 1995, beginning work with WWE where the character made its debut. Between 1995 and 1999 Goldust garnered mass intrigue with his stellar character portrayal, (watch the video below). At present, he is inactive due to an injury.
Throughout his multiple tenures with WWE Goldust earned a plethora of championships including; Intercontinental, Tag Team, and Hardcore championships. However, he never secured the WWE Championship. At aged 49 years, it is unlikely this would happen now in the modern WWE. Nevertheless, Goldust's ring abilities are still impressive. He has proven his value to WWE.
Goldust is the real-life brother of Cody Runnels (Cody Rhodes). Moreover, they are both sons of the legendary Dusty Rhodes. Therefore, it is feasible Goldust could work in AEW. Ultimately, his presence could serve multiple purposes. Whether as a; ring performer, trainer, writer, or manager. Goldust would be highly valuable to AEW.
#3 Shinsuke Nakamura
According to Fightful.com, Shinsuke Nakamura's contract with WWE expires sometime in 2019. Therefore, building speculation concerning his future. At present, Nakamura is battling with Rusev for the WWE United States Championship, following Nakamura's recent title loss.
Nakamura is best known for his time with NJPW, where he earned multiple IWGP Intercontinental Championship reigns. Moreover, he was beloved by Japanese fans. Nevertheless, his path led him to WWE. In 2016 he debuted for NXT, where he went on to become NXT Champion two times. In following years Nakamura would debut for SmackDown Live.
Since Nakumara's Royal Rumble match victory in 2018, he has garnered reasonable success. At Wrestlemania 34 he battled AJ Styles for the WWE Championship but was unsuccessful. Following this, he would achieve a small stint with the United States championship.
Considering Nakamura's recent run and expected contract expiry, his WWE future looks bleak. Could he help bolster AEW? His experience and popularity would be lucrative for the new promotion.
#2 The Good Brothers
In 2019, The Good Brothers' (Luke Gallows and Karl Andersen) contract with WWE will expire. Therefore, what can we expect from them in the future? In 2013 Gallows & Andersen formed a tag team within Bullet Club. Working in NJPW, the duo went on to earn three IWGP Tag Team Championships. Thus, their legacy began. In 2016 they would sign with WWE.
Their arrival in WWE was refreshing. Moreover, it was expected to yield a plethora of exciting moments. However, subsequent events were lackluster. They earned one Raw Tag Team Championship. On SmackDown tag teams such as; The Bar, The Usos, and The New Day have repeatedly battled for the championships. However, Gallows & Andersen were left underutilized, a waste of their talent.
This year it is likely they will look elsewhere to perform. One lucrative option is AEW. Firstly, the new promotion will likely appeal to Japanese styles of wrestling. Secondly, due to connections with former Bullet Club members; Cody, and The Young Bucks. Ultimately AEW would benefit immensely from The Good Brothers presence.
#1 Chris Jericho
Chris Jericho is arguably one of the greatest and diverse performers within the wrestling industry. Throughout his career, he has garnered extreme success. Firstly, with his vast character depictions. Secondly, his ability to capitalize on external factors like; fans, market, and trends. However, let's not forget his extensive resume.
Within WWE he was the first Undisputed Champion and holds the record for the most Intercontinental Championship reigns, at nine. Moreover, he holds the distinction for being the only person to have captured the WWE Intercontinental Championship and the IWGP Intercontinental Championship. Finally, he also leads the band Fozzy, who are immensely successful.
Currently a freelancer, Jericho has changed the industry like no other person. At Wrestlekindom 12 he shocked the world, performing excellently against Kenny Omega. Subsequently, Jericho progressed to becoming IWGP Intercontinental Champion, which he currently holds, (watch the video below). Considering the success of his Rock N Rager wrestling cruise Jericho is highly profitable. Thus, considering Jericho's connections with Cody and The Young Bucks, Jericho would be lucrative for AEW. What could we expect?
