10 Next Big Things In Wrestling You Need To Know

2. Kylie Rae (AEW)

Jordan Omogbehin Stokely Hathaway
James Musselwhite/AEW

Perhaps the most well-known name on this list is Kylie Rae, who was the standout performer in Double Or Nothing's four-way women's clash.

While Awesome Kong's arrival sparked the biggest pop, it was Rae who shone in the most, particularly during an exciting closing stretch with Britt Baker. Full of energy and exuberance, she was exactly as advertised. Her work was crisp, her personality strong, and her fight immense, and while Baker walked away with the victory, 'Smiley Kylie' emerged as the likelier breakout star (despite AEW's immense stock in the victor).

Rae plays her sweetheart babyface role excellently. She's an immensely likeable performer who comes off happy-go-lucky without being too saccharine, knows how to sell, times her comebacks well, and wraps all of her attributes up in a neat bow of athleticism. That's she's only 26 years old is extremely encouraging, too. Rae could potentially anchor AEW's women's division for years to come and while Bayley is the obvious point of comparison, she is her own character and will have the chance to show and develop this when AEW hits TNT in October.

Key Match: vs. Orange Cassidy (Beyond Wrestling Uncharted Territory - 17 April 2019)

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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.