50 Best Wrestlers Of The 2020s (So Far)
5. Darby Allin
Darby Allin has emerged as one of the most captivating stars of the 2020s, using the seismic changes in the industry at the back end of the prior decade to make the whole industry work for guys like him in this one.
Carving out a niche as a one-man banger factory driven by risk-taking insanity and total fearlessness, Allin's a man that doesn't just bring the best out in opponents, but a specific kind of best that many performers didn't even know they had. A warped Sean Waltman for the modern age, the old adage is just as true; if you cant have a good match with Darby Allin, that's probably on you.
More than just a high-risk performer, Darby’s intensity and raw emotion connect deeply with his fans, making every match feel like personal hate-note to his opponent, or even himself. Elsewhere, his relationship with Sting had foundations far stronger than the fact they both painted their faces. The veteran saw something truly unique about the upstart, and wanted to back that quest just as much as Allin wanted to help form the final chapter of 'The Icon's career.
Beyond the ring, Darby has become a symbol of AEW’s willingness to push boundaries and embrace individuality. He is, in that respect, the most valuable performer the company has, as long as both sides are able to make the best of the bond.