AEW has accomplished a lot in a short time since entering the wrestling world. Tony Khan’s vision landed a great TNT deal with the next few years already picked up by the network. The Young Bucks, Cody Rhodes and Kenny Omega are all still Vice Presidents with huge roles in the creative AEW is trying hard to make new stars that are different from what WWE offers.
We will look at the successful and not so successful experiments so far. The wrestlers that would get established already come off like stars with huge futures ahead of them. Others have unfortunately struggled to break out and must turn things around before too late. Find out just which talents have already stepped up and which must do it soon. These are five wrestlers that AEW already made stars and five that have struggled.
10 Star: MJF
The heel work of MJF has made him stand out as a special talent on the independent circuit even before AEW formed. Cody Rhodes played a huge role in MJF joining the new company and entering a storyline with him that has been going for many months.
MJF turning against Cody made him the most hated man in the company if he didn’t already accomplish that. The fact that MJF is coming off as the ideal villain to face the most popular singles star this early into AEW is a huge accomplishment.
9 Struggled: Jimmy Havoc
Jimmy Havoc signed with AEW after developing a strong reputation in the United Kingdom. The hardcore style of Havoc made him an intimidating figure on the independent scene, along with appearances for companies with television like Impact Wrestling and MLW.
Havoc has struggled to stand out in AEW with the strong level of competition. AEW has given more opportunities to the rising stars a bit younger than Havoc. There have been some fun hardcore matches for him, but Havoc is likely going to remain a lower card act moving forward.
8 Star: Sammy Guevara
Chris Jericho revealed he was the one to suggest hiring Sammy Guevara after seeing him wrestle for NWA Hollywood. The first episode of AEW Dynamite saw Guevara join the Inner Circle faction and becoming one of the proteges of Jericho.
Guevara has looked like a star already and fits in perfectly with the Inner Circle. The heel work of Guevara makes it extremely easy to root against him, between the facial expressions, cheating tactics, and his tendency to vlog everything.
7 Struggled: Shawn Spears
The WWE release of Shawn Spears aka Tye Dillinger saw him make the move to AEW. Spears entered a storyline with Cody Rhodes playing into their close friendship... until Spears attacked him with a chair. The match and segments between them were great, but it didn’t last in the long run.
Spears has not been able to find much momentum since leaving the Cody program. A short feud with Joey Janela did no favors for either man. Spears has been missing from AEW television for a few weeks. The company did not give up on him, but the time to break out could be running out.
6 Star: Jon Moxley
This could feel like a cop out since Jon Moxley was already a star as Dean Ambrose in WWE, but he looks like a completely different performer. Moxley wanted to leave WWE for a fresh start of having more creative freedom to showcase his vision of wrestling.
The run in AEW has seen Moxley completely reinvent himself. AEW has found another legitimate top star in him, and he’s nothing like his WWE character. The company deserves some credit for allowing him to showcase his full potential. Moxley has never been better than he is right now.
5 Struggled: Joey Janela
The signing of Joey Janela was a huge move for AEW at the time, given the buzz he created for himself. Some of the antics of Janela has enjoyed since have made him look foolish, like his Blink 182 concert fight with Enzo Amore.
Janela still has a lot to offer, but he has not shown enough to be viewed as a rising star. A newer push has seen him spotlighted a little more. Time will tell if it does work, as Janela must turn the ship around now before he falls too low down the card.
4 Star: Jurassic Express
The act of the Jurassic Express is one that sets as the barometer for fans watching AEW. If you enjoy the trio of Luchasaurus, Jungle Boy and Marko Stunt, AEW might be the perfect promotion for you. Others that dislike them would struggle to keep up with the show.
All three wrestlers are quite entertaining together, with their silly gimmicks merging into a great one as an act. Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus each have main event potential if things work completely right for them. AEW has made sure to spotlight them enough to show how unique the gimmick is compared to WWE acts.
3 Struggled: Britt Baker
The women’s division of AEW has been its biggest flaw, as they struggled to keep consistent stories going. Britt Baker was expected to be the face of the division, as she was among the company’s first talent signings after The Elite wrestlers.
The potential is clearly there, but Baker has struggled immensely to stand out as a top star. AEW turned her heel to try to change things up. The first promo insulting Tony Schiavone was tough to watch. Baker still does have a better chance as a heel to make a bigger impact in the future.
2 Star: Darby Allin
The wrestler to see his stock rise the most in AEW so far has been Darby Allin. Before AEW, the biggest platforms for Allin have come in PWG and Evolve. The push saw them get behind him right away, with matches booked with main eventers Chris Jericho, Jon Moxley, Cody Rhodes and Pac.
Allin already has formed a connection with the crowd and is now viewed closer to the level of the top stars than the mid-carders. AEW must continue pushing him to ensure his momentum doesn’t run out. Darby has the potential to become a future world champion.
1 Struggled: Dark Order
Dark Order has been a polarizing act in AEW, with many fans wondering why the company is still pushing them. The tag team formerly known as the Super Smash Bros had great success in PWG, but the new heel act has struggled to get over.
Recent segments have seen them teasing a mysterious leader. Rumors indicate Matt Hardy is the favorite to take that role when his WWE contract expires. It would be a huge help, as Dark Order needs a home run to save the act before it’s too late.