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

31. QT Marshall

QT Marshall AEW
AEW

QT Marshall formats the most well-received wrestling show of the century alongside Tony Khan, and is responsible for the development of so many incredible prospects.

The man has earned his selfless bi-monthly TV job to the real stars. It really is a small price to pay for his presence, which, iffy CM Punk match aside, is often far better than the match graphic suggests.

QT Marshall Vs. HOOK in a "huh" match that gets ***3/4 on a random November 2026 Rampage is your future. And it won't be anything close to a disgrace.

30. Ricky Starks

Ricky Starks
AEW

The issue with a list like this, and a roster as deep as AEW's, is that they can't all be future TNT Champions - but Ricky Starks is a future TNT Champion.

Drenched in swagger and presence, with a beautiful working style that never loses sight of the struggle, Starks is a delight with incredible versatility - and Tony Khan loves him so much that he's already recruited him as a full-time commentator.

He's a phenomenal talent in a company that rewards them.

29. Shawn Dean

Shawn Dean AEW
AEW

Dark mainstay and extra talent coordinator, Shawn Dean is destined for a "more of the same" future: he's well-liked and good at quietly important roles.

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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!