Every AEW Stable Ranked From Worst To Best
5. The Dark Order
How can you not love this...band of evil cultists that prey on the vulnerable?
In an enforced but no less wonderful development, the stable turned face as 2020 receded into heartbreaking view and recruited the vulnerable - Hangman Page - for a charming, subverted purpose that dovetailed beautifully into his own compelling character arc. He needed a friend, a true support network to rediscover his confidence, and he found it in a group of total, utter dorks.
The dynamic is enchanting, if you're that way inclined. John Silver's irrepressibly dumb face makes a bizarre story beat - this stable is still called the Dark Order - soar. They were well-equipped to make the turn because they were babyfaces already as the goofball dumbsh*ts terrorised by the awesome Mr. Brodie Lee.
The whole bit is too silly not to be great, and it helps - considerably - that in Silver and Stu Grayson in particular, the Dark Order boast several explosive pocket rockets workers within their ranks.
Silly can descend into lame on occasion, but mostly, this is advanced 'second match comedy' - a winning fusion of levity and excitement with a genuinely stirring undercurrent.