Over the past year, the roster of All Elite Wrestling has truly grown. Some people stepped up in a big way such as Miro and Eddie Kingston, while some names joined the company and forced everyone to step up. They signed 29 wrestlers officially in 2021, but who are the top 9? Let’s break it down.
2point0 Are The Shock Success Of The Year
While fans who followed Matt Lee & Jeff Parker through the indies aren’t shocked, not much was expected of them after their run in WWE as EverRise. However, they went from comedy jobbers on 205 Live, to working against the likes of Jon Moxley & Sting.
They’re going to kick off 2022 feuding with Chris Jericho & The Inner Circle, a sign that they will continue having people take a swing at them, as two of the best enhancement talents in all of AEW. While their role is not too different from what was their normal in WWE, it’s the fact that they have stepped up to face main event level names without looking out of place that proved their worth to AEW – and why they’re ranked as the 9th best signing of 2021.
Christian Cage Shocked AEW Fans With His Consistency
When Tony Khan had hyped a ‘hall of fame’ level signing earlier this year, no one assumed it would be Christian Cage. However, he has shown up in a huge way for AEW. Coming off a hiatus due to concussion related injuries, many felt he was going to stick around in WWE after a shock Royal Rumble appearance – only for him to show up in AEW.
Since then, he’s went toe to toe with Kenny Omega – being one of the few men to pin him in AEW, and has pushed Jungle Boy to new heights as a mentor. What keeps Christian Cage at 8 is that he’s not got the longevity of other signings in terms of on-screen potential, but you know he will be a mentor for years to come, and will get as many matches in as he possibly can.
Lio Rush Is A Long Term Investment For AEW
It’s been a weird few years for Lio Rush, having rivaled even the legendary Terry Funk with his amount of retirements. His passion for professional wrestling was put into question by WWE, but companies like AEW & NJPW kept him coming back for more.
This would lead him to inking a contract with AEW – and given his talent and youth, he will be a star for years to come. 2021 just scratched the surface of his potential. He’s served as a mentor to Dante Martin, but in 2022 seems keen on breaking out as a singles star – and this will be the case for a long time to come – putting him at #7.
Daniel Garcia Is The Future Of Grappling
However when it comes to young signings within AEW – Daniel Garcia is perhaps the one with the most potential. After having a breakout year in the indies and getting interest from WWE – Red Death would settle down in AEW.
With 2point0 as his mentors, he’s gotten into the ring with the likes of Eddie Kingston, CM Punk, and potentially could meet Chris Jericho to start off 2022. The future of technical wrestling is Garcia, and that future lives in AEW hence Garcia at #6.
reDRagon Bring The AEW Tag Team Division To New Heights
Going to cheat a bit for a minute, as Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly joined AEW months apart – but while both are good wrestlers, they shine as one of the best tag teams in the world today. reDRagon being in the AEW Tag Team Division, and already showing their skills with a win in the main event of the last Dynamite of the TNT era.
Tension with Adam Cole might not give trios success, but they could be set to be the first team to hold tag team gold in WWE, ROH, NJPW and AEW in 2022. They didn’t do much in 2021, but everyone knows their potential – putting them at #5.
Malakai Black Is Ready To Build Upon His 2021 Success
Not many men can walk into a company and take out one of their top stars. Malakai Black did this when he took out Cody Rhodes in just about five minutes. While his 2021 was bogged down due to the endless feud that followed – it’s ending with him building an army in The House of Black.
WWE had built up a strong character for Black, and AEW were able to actually deliver on his potential. His entrances alone are awe inspiring, and many feel it will only be a matter of time before he becomes the AEW World Heavyweight Champion. That potential, his aura, and the growing House of Black all put him at a solid #4.
Adam Cole To Pave The Future Of AEW?
When Adam Cole hit the ring at All Out 2021, everyone was ready to see him shine. Things started off slow, with The Superkliq regrouping and losing at Full Gear 2021 – before entering a feud with Orange Cassidy.
Many felt the second feud ruined him, but a fantastic main event win alongside reDRagon showed the star that fans grew to love in WWE NXT. Cole has the youth, look, and skills to be a future champion – and his short time in AEW was truly special already, and enough alongside his potential to put him at #3.
CM Punk Changed The Tides Of Professional Wrestling
When AEW hit Chicago for the first time, everyone knew what was coming. Rumors were swirling for months, but when Cult of Personality hit and CM Punk returned from his nine year hiatus- it was a pop felt around the world.
Since then, Punk has worked off the ring rust in a series of great matches against the likes of Darby Allin & Eddie Kingston, and hopes to go for the AEW World Championship – and finally shut MJF up – in 2022. Punk would have been #1, but one man has generated more hype in AEW, and it’s someone Punk knows all too well.
Bryan Danielson Is Back To Being The Best Professional Wrestler In The World
When Bryan Danielson showed up moments after Adam Cole at All Out 2021, and went right after Kenny Omega – everyone knew The American Dragon was back. A thirty minute time limit draw with Omega would follow, and equally great matches with Minoru Suzuki & Eddie Kingston would follow.
He’d take Hangman Page to a thrilling one hour draw in AEW’s best match of 2021, and will look to start 2021 in a similar manner as he gets his rematch. Bryan Danielson has long been known as one of the best in the world, and he’s showing it week by week, match after match. Danielson is forcing AEW’s roster to step up much like CM Punk is, but few can dream of pacing his level – making him #1.
Who are your favorite signings in AEW from 2021? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get TheOvertimer’s Hottest Stories, Breaking News and Special Features in your email, CLICK HERE!
Remember to stay up to date with the latest news on TheOvertimer. Don’t forget to visit ScreenJuicer for great videos, news, and gameplay!
