Ranking Every MVP Of Every Major Wrestling Company
4. NWA: Nick Aldis
The MVP of the rebooted NWA isn't of tremendous importance because the show's success lies in its proof of concept.
Even if the ultra-faithful recreation of the '80s studio aesthetic renders it too ironic to many - the NWA is pitched as the return of gritty, traditional realism, when in real reality, there's some deeply hypocritical cosplaying at its core - its fans are very keen on it, with some justification. It's well-booked, distinct, the deliberate lack of modern styles and match lengths is refreshing, and the unscripted, old-school indebted promos are excellent and believable. It never outstays its welcome, and if those bizarre fake adverts ruthlessly underscore its fake symbolism, its MVP substantiates it.
Nick Aldis is excellent in the Ace role. His is a commanding presence, he's calculated and deliberate in the way he carries himself, and he simply looks the part. He exudes a class and gravitas that echoes and does not just aspire to the Nick Bockwinkel archetype, and his ring work further gets the gimmick over.
He is, the retro fonts and tribute tone be damned, a real World's Champion.