10 Hidden Gem Wrestlers That Would Blow AEW Fans’ Minds

2. Davey Richards

Davey Richards
MLW

"Hidden gem" is admittedly a stretch for a five-time TNA World Tag Team Champion and former ROH standout with 17 years of experience to his name, but that Davey Richards' pro wrestling comeback is currently playing out on some of the independent scene's smaller stages is a shame.

The 38-year-old hasn't missed a beat. Balancing weekends on the indies with his shoot job as a full-time paramedic during the week, Richards has travelled the country for matches with Alex Shelley, Bandido, Daniel Garcia, Jonathan Gresham, and more, effortlessly shaking off four years of rust in a run that has yielded standout performance after standout performance.

Richards is now a more refined wrestler than he was upon stepping away from the ring in July 2017. He works through the gearbox more convincingly, interspersing bursts of dumb jock energy with targeted, focused mat work, and clearly relishes his role as an elder statesman on the scene. For that reason (and the fact that he's still an elite indie-style wrestler), he'd be a great guy to bring in to help elevate AEW's younger talent.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.