Since 2016, the Young Bucks have been posting on their YouTube channel, “Being the Elite.” A few months after the creation of the channel, they started making weekly episodes. What started out as a travel vlog evolved into an avenue for the Elite to add more depth to their storylines, as well as give fans insight into the lives of pro wrestlers. It arguably played a major role in the formation of AEW.
“Being the Elite” has had its fair share of iconic moments; some are most memorable for their nostalgic value, while other moments have given fans and wrestlers alike a lot of laughs. Here’s a list of 10 of those moments, in no particular order.
10 The Unveiling of AEW
It was partially because of “Being the Elite” that Tony Khan reached out to the Young Bucks and created AEW. In episode 132, titled New Years Elite, the Bucks, Hangman, and Cody show the AEW logo to fans for the very first time.
It’s a uniquely sentimental moment for fans to go back and watch years later, now that AEW has grown so exponentially.
9 The Death of Adam Cole
The Young Bucks have an unyielding loyalty to Kenny Omega. They love him so much, in fact, that they’ve literally (at least in kayfabe) killed for him.
After Adam Cole tried to usurp Kenny’s authority as Bullet Club leader, Kenny ordered that the Bucks Superkick him out of Bullet Club. That wasn’t enough for Kenny, though. A few weeks later, he ordered the Bucks to poison Adam’s energy drink and kill him. Though they had their reservations, Matt and Nick obeyed their leader. For those interested in watching, Adam Cole dies in episode 54, A Curtain Call.
8 The Resurrection of Adam Cole
We all make mistakes, right? Kenny Omega realized the error of his ways in late 2021 and started to dearly miss his old friend, Adam Cole. The fact that Cole was now a part of the AEW roster was probably just a coincidence.
He, the Young Bucks, and the Good Brothers held a séance in Chicago and brought their deceased friend back to life and into AEW. Fans can see this in episode 272, Back From the Dead.
7 CM Punk’s Debut
CM Punk’s debut in AEW sent shock waves throughout the sports world. It only makes sense for BTE to have documented the event for the show. The debut takes place on episode 270, which is aptly titled, CM Punk.
The episode shows CM Punk backstage as Cult of Personality plays for the first time in an AEW show. Fans get to see Punk’s reaction to the massive audience pop and watch him walk through the tunnel for the first time.
6 “Bullet Club Is Fine”
The Bullet Club Civil War is a polarizing storyline for wrestling fans; most either really love it or absolutely hate it. Whichever side you’re on, though, you can’t deny that it’s one of the defining stories of the Elite. The quote “Bullet Club is fine” remains one of the most memorable lines from the whole arc.
The words were first said by Cody on episode 90 of BTE. It happens at the peak of the Bullet Club’s tension, and is a good re-watch for nostalgia’s sake or for newer fans retroactively watching the Elite.
5 Hangman Page’s Backstage Reception As Champion
Episode 282, titled Hangman’s Tale, covers the build-up and aftermath of Full Gear 2021. The episode ends with Hangman Page walking through the backstage area after defeating Kenny Omega for the AEW World Championship.
It’s an incredibly heartwarming moment; the new champ receives congratulations from his friends in the Dark Order, along with stars like PAC and Bryan Danielson.
4 The Elite Sing Karaoke
This is a throwback to the Elite and Adam Cole’s time in Bullet Club. It’s not from a numbered BTE episode; instead, it’s a one-off, 5-minute video from the Being the Elite channel titled, Adam and Kenny Explode!
In it, Adam Cole, Kenny Omega, and the Young Bucks sing a rendition of Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen in an attempt to blow off some steam. It’s very chaotic and worth a watch.
3 Brodie Lee’s TNT Championship Celebration
On August 22, 2020, Brodie Lee shocked the wrestling world when he squashed Cody Rhodes to win the TNT Championship. On episode 218 of Being the Elite, Brodie Lee celebrated his win with the Dark Order.
They partied in the only way they know how: screaming in cohesion and feasting on some Chili’s takeout.
2 Brandon Cutler Is Offered A Contract
Brandon Cutler is a longtime best friend of the Young Bucks, Matt and Nick Jackson. He’s also a solid pro wrestler on his own, and worked in the business for 7 years before coming to AEW.
The Young Bucks, appreciating their friend’s hard work, offered him a contract to AEW in 2019. He’s worked as an in-ring performer and as an Executive Content Producer ever since.
1 Cuddles With Budge
This isn’t exactly a single moment as much as it is an ongoing saga. The story started with Dark Order’s John Silver and Alex Reynolds trying to recruit Adam Cole to be their friend. They laid it on a little thick, to say the least. Though he was incredibly annoyed at their advances at first, Adam started to warm up to the pair.
John and Alex even have a nickname for him now, “Budge.” The three of them like to cuddle whenever they get the chance, but Adam Cole will insist to his Undisputed Elite teammates that he hates John and Alex.