14 Ups & 5 Downs For AEW In 2021

12. Redeeming Miro

Miro AEW
AEW

Miro's initial portrayal created the uneasy feeling that AEW wasn't infallible - but his reinvention, much like his God, created the feeling that the promotion was omnipotent.

His early run as the 'Best Man' gamer was - from day one - conceived with his eventual snap in mind. Watch his early segments with Kip Sabian; he barely suppresses the Redeemer he would become when lifting weights alongside his inexplicable best friend.

He was miscast for a reason - to build towards the reinvention while the rankings system had to remain intact - but the execution was very counterproductive.

As the Redeemer, Miro was incredible: a believable, terrifying monster heel who was outstanding at showing minute glimpses of vulnerability to orchestrate a sense of drama in his matches. An exceptional hope spot generator who never sacrificed his aura, the balance of the act was incredible - particularly since he showcased this range in sub-10 minute matches that didn't benefit from the twists that the longer modern match allows. He also got over, in superb 30 second backstage promos, with the wordplay of a prestige TV screenwriter.

Quotable, formidable, working a distinctive and resourceful style: Miro was one of the best wrestlers and TV stars of 2021.

Advertisement
In this post: 
MJF
 
Posted On: 
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!