8 AEW Teases Hidden In Plain Sight

To stick with the Four Horsemen theme for a moment - although, being honest, this entire list could be made up of Horsemen teases - many an AEW fan was trying to will into existence the idea of Cody Rhodes heading up a new variation of this legendary group.

Even though Cody's father, the legendary 'American Dream' Dusty Rhodes, had spent many a year battling the heel Horsemen group, the inaugural AEW TNT Champion seemed like a fitting choice to head up any such new Horsemen.

If you're looking at AEW and seeking that bona fide main event Ric Flair figure, the sheer history of Cody and his NWA leanings offered him up as a logical name to lead the charge - particularly as he had the Horsemen's Enforcer, Arn Anderson, at his side.

AEW cleanly leant into this, with teases aplenty that Cody was laying the groundwork for his own faction. And no, the Nightmare Family doesn't count.

For those paying attention, the American Nightmare could even often be seen sporting the famed four fingers - the symbol of excellence - during his promos. But for all the suggestion, all the hope, Cody Rhodes was nothing more than the absolute perfect red herring that audiences needed; all while MJF was positioning himself as the real Flair figure for a new dominant faction.