Predicting Where Every AEW Wrestler Will Be In 5 Years' Time

52. Kip Sabian

Kip Sabian
AEW

He hasn't realised his potential, which he still has. Smarmy face, fluent promo, decent work.

He hasn't left an unforgettable imprint on the promotion. He isn't particularly 'Elite'.

Perhaps an indie proving ground run might reverse that perception.

51. Lance Archer

Lance Archer
AEW

He's difficult to book, is Lance Archer. Too much of a beast to lose too often, he's also not quite magnetic, undeniable megastar material.

He's also not particularly young, so there's little incentive to invest. He's also incredibly fun to watch, so what do you do?

You retain him as an upper midcard scalp, allow him to murder people while he's still physically capable, and ignore the white noise spewed from bad faith actors who refuse to understand the role of the wrestling monster.

50. Lee Johnson

Lee Johnson
AEW

Super-gifted.

Unlike other young talents who aren't in the "Pillar" conversation, he should be. He's a victim of the unfortunate talent: TV time ratio, but this should correct itself over the years. He's a spectacular young talent guided by astute minds.

This will very likely culminate in a prosperous career that by 2026 will really just be getting started.

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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!