5 Things AEW MUST Do In 2021 (And 5 They Must Avoid)

AVOID...

5. Replacing 'The Exalted One'

Replacing Brodie Lee is a bad idea. There isn't another Brodie Lee.

The Dark Order's 'Exalted One' was a unique performer. Characters like his namesake, Bruiser Brody, have done the "intelligent monster" thing before, but not with Jon Huber's range. P*ss-funny one moment and utterly terrifying the next, he was well-spoken, razor-sharp, and captivating. A four-dimensional performer, his in-ring was just as varied and not just to the usual "agile for a big man" degree, as the 41-year-old proved himself a match layout master. Inside the ring and out, his mind was his most potent tool.

Whatever AEW does with The Dark Order going forward, a new 'Exalted One' isn't the move. Lee is irreplaceable. As sweet and kind as the idea is, Erick Rowan shouldn't sweep into AEW, and neither should John Silver, Evil Uno, or even Hangman Page. Only Brodie, whose ultimate endgame was to take these downtrodden souls and lift them up, can hold that mantle.

A completely new direction makes more sense for the Order, who should now press forward as a babyface unit. Besides, why would they need a new leader in the first place? With each member considerably stronger than before they met Lee, Brodie accomplished his mission. He did it.