10 WWE & AEW Wrestlers Poised To Break Out In 2022
9. Jake Atlas
Jake Atlas' time in WWE is a prime example of grossly underused talent. Shunted between NXT and 205 Live, Atlas struggled to make a mark in the company outside of a few wins in the 2020 Cruiserweight Title Tournament. Arguably he saw his greatest success prior to being released, with wins over LA Knight and Cameron Grimes.
A short time after his release, Atlas shocked fans when he announced his retirement at 27, giving his mental health as the reason, in particular his battles with major anxiety. Approximately three months after this announcement, Jake's fans and admirers rejoiced when he appeared on AEW Dark: Elevation #44. In his next match (AEW Rampage #23), Atlas finally got to share a ring with one of NXT's greatest ever champions, Adam Cole. In loss, he asserted that he can hang with the best of them. As a bonus, Atlas is also one of the few out gay wrestlers, bringing much needed LGBTQI+ representation to pro wrestling.
In 2022, the young, talented, and athletic Atlas should rise up the card with the TNT Championship never far from his sights...