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All Elite Wrestling is making waves across the world, even though it’s not had a regular TV presence yet. That’s soon to change, as AEW will be broadcast on TNT in the USA and ITV 4. They’ve had a strong start, and the company relies heavily on its diverse roster and social media to bring attention to the brand and shows.
They’re selling out small arenas in minutes, which is unheard of in a non-WWE product. Their pay-per-views draw hundreds of thousands of viewers everywhere they’re made available. Their merchandise tops store sales charts almost every week. The money and power behind this venture is massive with Tony Khan funding Cody Rhodes’ and the Young Bucks’ ambitious new prospect.
Kenny Omega, arguably one of the best wrestlers in the world, walked away from New Japan Pro Wrestling to become AEW’s Executive Vice President. Every member of the roster so far has a strong place within AEW, but who are the best people AEW has signed since its inception? Here’s my top 5 (and a runner up!)
Runner Up: Riho
Riho shines in the ring, but she didn’t work for Shine. Her personality shimmers, but she didn’t work for Shimmer either! Joshi wrestler Riho got a chance to show her talent in a three-way match at Fyter Fest with Yuka Sakazaki and Nyla Rose, both of whom almost made this list too.
Her hard work helped anchor the women’s divisions in the Japanese promotion Ice Ribbon and the Thai promotion Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling, but her 5-event deal with AEW is conservative, allowing her to experience a little bit of American life before committing to an American promotion.
It’s a smart move for the 22-year-old powerhouse, but it took her out of the running for the Top 5. I hope to see her in a longer contract soon, as do many who love Joshi wrestling.
#5 Jim Ross
Jim Ross is a great addition to the AEW announce team, though some have been less than kind to the veteran performer. Jim Ross, one of the greatest announcers of all time, has not only put his faith in such a new company, but he’s also been extremely vocal about taking on other roles behind the scenes.
His work might be controversial, but he’s a legend for a reason. When he called the brutal Double or Nothing match between Cody and Dustin Rhodes, his commentary made the bloody spectacle legendary.
#4 Private Party
I didn’t say all acquisitions had to be from the WWE! Private Party is on the road to stardom, signing with AEW after 14 years on the independent scene, specifically House of Glory, and turning heads during a stunning performance at Fyter Fest.
Everyone wants to know them, everyone wants to fight them, and everyone’s ready to see what they can really do when given a proper stage.
#3 Darby Allin
Both Cody Rhodes and Jon Moxley have given Darby Allin their approval, and audiences are doing the same. At only 22, Allin could have faded into the background of a hundred other painted faces, but he didn’t.
Instead, he showed us the pain he was capable of dealing out in his most high profile match to date at Fyter Fest when he fought Rhodes to a draw. Call me naive, but when Moxley names someone the future of the business, I believe.
#2 Jon Moxley
Of course, the controversial hardcore wrestler Jon Moxley is on this list! After a bombshell interview on the podcast Talk Is Jericho and a surprise appearance at the end of the AEW PPV event Double or Nothing, he’s beaten the bleach off of Kenny Omega’s head and taught Joey Janela what pain means.
Sure, he’s signed with New Japan Pro Wrestling too and participating in the G1 Climax, but he’s the biggest draw AEW has as they rocket upwards into casual viewer consciousness.
His work as Dean Ambrose in the WWE is pale in comparison, and AEW’s image will revolve to some extent on that star power.
#1 Chris Jericho
The GOAT never sits on his laurels when he takes breaks from WWE, but his latest break seems semi-permanent for once. He has toured with his band Fozzy, he organizes a luxury cruise every year, and now he’s signed with AEW.
He terrorized Kenny Omega in NJPW and he continued that feud at Double or Nothing as he stood tall over Omega’s body and screamed for appreciation from the livid audience. Jon Moxley was happy to give Chris Jericho some violent appreciation of his own.
Every match Jericho wrestles with AEW is a banger, and both his star power and his limitless imagination will bolster the company in these delicate first few years. His dedication to creativity might not be a part of the backstage work, but it doesn’t need to be. He’s the Brock Lesnar, the Stone Cold Steve Austin, the Ric Flair of AEW. His name alone garners interest from the most fans in the most age ranges and that’s irreplaceable.
Who are your picks for AEW’s best talents so far? Tell me in the comments or on the official Sportskeeda twitter page.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
