10 Times AEW Made The Critics Look Like IDIOTS

10. "What On Earth Is Jeff Jarrett Doing Here?"

Being the absolute best, that's what.

Even as somebody who isn't an ironic Jeff Jarrett apologist, his AEW run has been remarkable - and several critics thought Tony Khan was a rube whom Jarrett would inevitably exploit.

AEW is a brand that its fans treat with an almost profound reverence, whether that is earned or not, and as such, Tony Khan has tried his hand at the anti-AEW heel more than once. MJF's pipebomb might have worked, had Brawl Out not happened, but elsewhere, the role just doesn't work as much as it should in theory. Chris Jericho has hit various peaks in spite of the Appreciation Society (though Daniel Garcia is a delight) and the Outcasts, Christ. Their "AEW bad" schtick is almost as desperate as Disco Inferno's.

Jeff Jarrett's attempt to ruin the "sanctity" of AEW is exponentially more effective. Tony Khan has pitched his role to utter perfection, toying with the idea that Jarrett is an insidious, inveterate carny who will worm his way into holding a title at some point or another. The formula somehow hasn't faded, and Jarrett is set to receive yet another shot at an AEW championship at Double Or Nothing - which he'll lose, which will be satisfying.

This two-chord cycle, of anxiety and catharsis, has elevated the AEW midcard for months at this point - and Jarrett's over-celebrations and conniption fits are hugely entertaining. He takes the cheap heat shortcut every time, but everybody goes along for the ride.

Jeff Jarrett: Meta Carny has redeemed his entire legacy. That's how great he has been.