10 Most Important Wrestlers In AEW’s History
Many have stepped into the ring for AEW but only a select few have become synonymous with the brand.
A vast number of wrestlers have competed in AEW since it formed a few years ago, many of which have had their personal breakout performances in the promotion. Across Dark, Elevation, Dynamite, Rampage, and each of their quarterly pay-per-views. The company has given plenty of opportunities for performers to show their talents on a weekly basis.
Despite the plethora of wrestlers that have appeared in the promotion, very few are able to get to the point of being bona fide stars that have a lasting impact on the brand. Those that do have been amongst the best performers in all of wrestling since 2019; as it should be - only the best of the best find their way to the top of All Elite Wrestling.
There are many examples of wrestlers that have been important to AEW's continued success; Eddie Kingston was plucked from obscurity to become one of the most popular babyfaces in the brand, while Bryan Danielson has had a terrific in-ring year since debuting at All Out 2021. However, there are some performers who have played an intrinsic part in developing the company from an idea held by Tony Khan to a mainstream wrestling promotion...
10. Darby Allin
Darby Allin was a relative unknown amongst mainstream wrestling audiences before he first appeared for AEW in 2019, where he immediately became a fan favourite and a performer to invest in. His first matches against established stars such as Cody Rhodes, Chris Jericho, and Jon Moxley displayed Darby's unique talents, whilst elevating him to the level of his experienced opponents.
The TNT Championship win helped progress Allin even further, which also paid off his year-long feud with Cody after the 'American Nightmare' lost to the young upstart on his fourth attempt. Since then Darby has largely appeared alongside Sting, which has offered yet another excellent chapter in the career of 'The Icon,' who is now well into his 60s.
The pairing has been inspired and has provided so many memorable matches, feuds, and crazy spots performed by the burgeoning superstar and his legendary mentor. The duo could have arguably had an AEW Tag Team Championship reign by now, but it is unclear how much the company wants to keep Darby as a singles performer.
Allin should get the opportunity to fight for singles titles once again, as the daredevil looks set for continued success in the company for years.