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With the one-year anniversary of their debut show fast approaching, All Elite Wrestling has enjoyed an impressive first 12 months in existence.
Their debut effort, Double or Nothing, was a pay-per-view event held at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, on May 25 last year. The show received a mostly positive reaction from the wrestling world, selling out almost instantly and drew a healthy buyrate of over 100,000 pay-per-view sales worldwide.
Despite this, though, some still doubted whether Tony Khan's promotion could make it in the long term. Critics argued that it was one thing to make a success of a single show catering to a niche audience, but quite another to experience that same success as a full-time touring company, with a commitment to produce weekly television.
As it turns out, there was no need for any concern. The first-ever episode of AEW Dynamite on TNT aired on October 2, live from the Capital One Arena in Washington D.C., in front of a sold-out crowd. Fans snapped up every available ticket within three hours of the event going on sale.
Ratings for the first episode of AEW Dynamite were also pleasing - and have remained strong ever since. The show runs head-to-head with WWE's NXT on Wednesday each week and frequently won that particular battle.
So impressed was TNT with the performance of Dynamite that, earlier this year, the network extended their contract with AEW until 2023. The deal also calls for the creation of a second AEW television show.
The key factor in the success of AEW has, of course, been its performers. Here are five of AEW's most valuable players from their first year in business.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article belong to the writer and doesn't necessarily represent Sportskeeda's stand.
#5 Sammy Guevara
Sammy Guevara may not lead the AEW championship rankings in terms of victories, but the "Spanish God" has been an entertaining fixture on the promotion's programming from day one.
Guevara holds the distinction of appearing in the first-ever match in AEW history, losing to Kip Sabian on the Double or Nothing pre-show. Guevara later following this up by competing in the opening match on the debut edition of AEW Dynamite. Cody Rhodes defeated Guevara in the contest.
In addition to his in-ring skills, it is Guevara's character work as both a member of The Inner Circle and the "Le Sex Gods" tag team (with Chris Jericho) that has helped make him such a well-received part of AEW Dynamite.
The visual of Guevara sprinting to avoid a golf cart driven by Matt Hardy will live long in the memory. His karaoke version of Chris Jericho's "Judas" entrance theme was another hit with fans.
For a man with a limited reputation on the national stage when AEW was born, Sammy Guevara has rapidly built his name over the past year.
#4 Jon Moxley
The former Dean Ambrose is one of AEW's high profile signings. Debuting at the end of last year's Double or Nothing, Jon Moxley made a significant impact when he attacked Kenny Omega to close the show.
The Moxley Vs. Omega rivalry was put on hold, though, when "Mox" was forced to undergo elbow surgery shortly before the pair's first scheduled encounter. The wait did not make their eventual bout any less intense, however.
Clashing in a controversial "Lights Out" match, Moxley and Omega engaged in a violent, weapon-filled brawl in the main event of AEW's Full Gear pay-per-view in November. Moxley won a bout that received mixed reviews due to its extreme content. Indeed, AEW later received a $10,000 fine from the Maryland State Athletic Commission because of the explicit nature of the match.
Moxley now had a first big win in AEW under his belt and quickly moved on to feud with Chris Jericho over the AEW Championship. Moxley emerged victorious over Jericho, becoming only the second man to hold AEW's top prize, and still holds the belt today.
AEW went all out to sign Jon Moxley when his WWE contract expired last year. Tony Khan knew what a difference a star like Moxley could make for his promotion - and the current AEW Champion has undoubtedly delivered for his new boss.
#3 Kenny Omega
Recognized as one of the best professional wrestlers on the planet in the years leading up to the formation of AEW, Kenny Omega was always destined to be a big part of the company's plans.
After headlining the promotion's first show opposite Chris Jericho, Omega has consistently been one of the strongest in-ring performers in AEW in the last 12 months.
Omega, though, was not a frequent winner during the early days of AEW. Suffering pay-per-view defeats to Jericho, Pac and Jon Moxley, Omega experienced a long losing streak. The quality of these matches, however, was always top class.
Omega got back on-track in January by lifting the AEW Tag Team Championships alongside Adam Page. The duo, both members of The Elite, share an uneasy alliance as champions.
With that said, though, the team did participate in what many consider to be the best match in AEW history so far.
Their Tag Team title bout with The Young Bucks at Revolution in February was sensational. Omega and Page retained their belts in a 30-minute classic. Following the event, fans hailed the bout as one of the greatest tag team matches of all time.
On his sheer in-ring talent alone, Kenny Omega deserves recognition as one of the best in the short history of AEW.
#2 Cody Rhodes
Proving himself to be the top babyface in the promotion, Cody Rhodes has delivered as a performer from the moment AEW began.
Beginning with his emotion-filled clash with brother Dustin at Double or Nothing, Cody has been a part of matches that have told some epic stories during the past year.
Cody lost the chance to ever again challenge for the AEW Championship as he failed to take the title from Chris Jericho at Full Gear. The American Nightmare had vowed, during a heartfelt interview before the match, that he would never take another bout for AEW's top prize if he lost to Jericho.
After interference from MJF cost him the match, Cody was out of title contention. For many characters, this might lead to a loss in their intensity. This has not been the case for Cody, though.
His absence from the main title picture has made Cody a more intriguing figure. Despite a loss in his grudge clash with MJF at Revolution, Cody remains beloved by an audience who is invested in his story. Cody's road to glory in AEW looks set to be a long one. The ending, however, will surely be satisfying.
#1 Chris Jericho
AEW's Chris Jericho recently stated on social media that he believes he is the best professional wrestler in the world right now.
"Not being egotistical or arrogant, but right here and right now, for the first time since 2010, I honestly feel that I AM the best in the world in the pro wrestling biz. Not gonna discuss or debate. It’s just the way I feel."
In some ways, his point is hard to argue - especially when looking at the work he has done since joining AEW.
Jericho, who turns 50 this year, has always prided himself on being a master of reinvention.
It was not altogether surprising, then, when Jericho christened himself "Le Champion" after becoming the first AEW champion in history.
Since adopting the persona, though, Jericho has done all he can to contribute to the success of AEW - and seems to be having a great time in the process.
From his famous "A Little Bit Of The Bubbly" line after winning the championship, to forming The Inner Circle, Jericho has been involved in many of the things that have made AEW unique in its short history.
Jericho does not wrestle every week, but when he does, he generally delivers in the ring. His matches with Cody, Scorpio Sky and Jon Moxley for the championship were all brilliant.
Jericho's delivery on the microphone has also set him apart. Each member of his Inner Circle stable has been enhanced by their association with Jericho. His commentary work alongside Tony Schiavone in recent weeks has also helped the overall quality of Dynamite as a television show.
He may be into his 30th year as a professional wrestler, but Chris Jericho remains an exceptional talent. AEW is all the better for his presence.
