10 Wrestlers Whose Stock Has Risen In 2019

8. Darby Allin

Darby Allin
AEW

One match was all it took for former Evolve stand out Darby Allin to announce himself to the watching world and show what he's capable of. Against Cody Rhodes at AEW's Fyter Fest, he looked totally comfortable with the burden of a big spot, and their 20-minute time limit draw was wrestling 101 for introducing a new star to the masses.

The story was simple. Cody, despite being more experienced than Allin, couldn't put him away.

Now, thanks to genuine delight from wrestling fans over having an alternative to WWE monopolisation again, Darby has fresh eyes on him. Of course, there's a fair chance he would've had those anyway had he stuck around in WWN land (Allin would surely have been part of WWE's decision to air Evolve's 10th Anniversary Special), but pastures new are already bearing fruit for him.

He has presence, a ridiculous amount of stamina that already has people talking and a marquee match under his belt. By the time AEW hit television and grow their brand further, he'll be well-placed to become an emerging star they can build the upper midcard around.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.