10 Wrestlers You Didn’t Realise Were Vitally Important To Their Promotions

2. Dustin Rhodes

Dustin Rhodes
AEW

The blueprints for AEW were drafted by Okada Vs. Omega I, and its transformative, seismic effect on the industry - but, one might might argue, it was built on the blood of Dustiin Rhodes.

The claret that streamed down his face was an instantly iconic symbol of the emotional heft of which AEW was capable, and it stood in life-affirming contrast to the synthetic mass production of the competition. Rhodes was integral to the early success of the Dynamite flagship.

A burly, masterful vet powered by decades' worth of respect, he was inordinately sympathetic, which AEW exploited to stunning effect: his ability to sell the effects and withstand the stigma of a beat-down was key to getting the Inner Circle over as a top heel unit while, in parallel, preserving the aura of the Elite proper to maintain the perfect balance of the top programme.

Dustin's onscreen role has receded - AEW has taken care not to indulge a very convenient device - but Rhodes, in his dual capacity as a coach, has applied his vast expertise to the in-ring development of the relatively inexperienced reaches of the roster. Sonny Kiss and Britt Baker in particular have improved considerably.

Rhodes is AEW's MVP in a promotion crammed full of them.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!