10 AEW Stars Who Desperately Need More TV Time
AEW is a wrestling buffet! But the table is getting pretty crowded.
While it’s been exciting to watch AEW turn itself into a dream match factory by picking up all our favourite free agents, the size of the roster has left some incredible talents struggling for screen time. Meanwhile, some of the stuff that makes it to TV feels far from essential.
Matt Hardy continues to eat up screen time, and while your writer is a huge fan of Cody Rhodes, the guy could stand to tighten up some of his lengthy, rambling promos. QT Marshall is a serviceable heel but there are more entertaining options left on the sidelines. Also, nobody needs to see a Brandi Rhodes vs. Dan Lambert promo battle ever again.
Supplemental content on YouTube is great for giving people reps and finessing win records, but Tony Khan needs to stop pretending it’s any substitute for showcasing guys on TV.
Some hugely entertaining and talented guys and gals are ending up lost in the shuffle. Sometimes, even when they do make TV, their segments seem rushed through obligatory.
This list will focus on the men’s side of the roster because all but about three women could fit this list, but honestly, that’s a bigger problem for a different article…
10. Marko Stunt
“Mr Fun Size” has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks, particularly when he didn’t show up to help Jurassic Express celebrate their Tag Team Championship victory. Marko hasn’t had a match for AEW since September and it’s been even longer since he wrestled on Dynamite or Rampage. Christian has seemingly usurped him both in the Express’ trios bouts and as ringside support.
Meanwhile, Stunt has made himself available for indie bookings (though crucially not yet for Wednesday nights). Dave Meltzer has confirmed that Stunt is still under contract with AEW but also speculated that when his contract is up it might not get renewed, which would be a real shame. There’s still a role for him to play in the company.
Nobody thinks Marko Stunt should be World Champion but wrestling companies also need guys who can be beaten. As a warm body to get chucked around by a monster heel Stunt is world class. Just look at his squash matches against Lance Archer or Mr Brodie Lee.
Not only does “Mr Fun Size” make those guys look like actual giants, his prominent role with Jurassic Express and connection with the fans means he elicits far more sympathy than any given local enhancement talent. All of which helps the heel get over as even more monstrous and despicable.