Ups & Downs For Every AEW Roster Member

24. Dustin Rhodes

Dustin Rhodes
AEW

Up

One of this writer's favourite pro-wrestling matches of all time was Dustin vs. Cody at the original Double Or Nothing. This era may never produce another bout crammed with such raw, real emotion.

Down

The Jake Hager match was a flop. Dustin worked hard, but struggled to squeeze any juice from his opponent.

23. Brian Cage

Brian Cage
AEW

Up

'The Machine' works best in matches that allow him to showcase the full range of his abilities, so while the Jon Moxley title fight was strong, recent outings against Matt Sydal and in the Cody Rhodes/Darby Allin tag have shot him back to prominence. This guy is a video game character come to life.

Down

AEW has used Cage very well so far, making it hard to find fault. Perhaps the Will Hobbs match was a moderate disappointment to some.

22. Riho

Riho AEW
Scott Lesh

Up

Despite the excessive handwringing over her size and style from trolls and bad-faith actors, Riho proved herself a genuine ratings draw during her time as a Dynamite regular, particularly amongst important younger demographics. She drives business in the right direction.

Down

Her Women's World Championship run was admittedly hindered by a lack of character development outside the ring, though Riho showed plenty of personality between the ropes.

21. Best Friends

Sue Best Friends AEW
AEW

Up

Apologies for repeating an entry, but the Parking Lot Brawl f*cking ruled. A perfect hardcore match.

Down

Much of the Santana and Ortiz feud was played too cutely, particularly Sue's involvement, and they are now feuding with Miro and Kip Sabian over a broken arcade cabinet. While Chuck Taylor and Trent are funny guys, the tone needs to get serious at some point.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.