The debate about Adam Cole’s use in AEW is nonsensical at best
Adam Cole is one of the hottest acts in professional wrestling. Sitting at number one in the AEW rankings, it’s a matter of time before he’s standing across from the world champion with a title shot in mind. But there’s a big debate going on in Wrestling Twitter about whether Cole is being utilized correctly. As subjective as that conversation tends to be, the point remains that Cole is set to have a massive impact on AEW in 2022.
At AEW Beach Break, Orange Cassidy handed Cole his first defeat in a singles match. Since joining AEW back in September, Cole’s run has included wins over Frankie Kazarian, John Silver, Wheeler Yuta, Jake Atlas, Cassidy, and others. Enough to position himself to be the top man to face the AEW World Champion in the future.
Losing to Cassidy in a lights-out match doesn’t hurt Cole’s stock in AEW one bit. Kenny Omega and Britt Baker both lost lights-out matches before going on runs that would push them to championships. Many people complained about Omega’s use before becoming champion as well. How’d those losses work out for both of those performers?
For some, their dissent in the conversation comes when looking at how Cole was booked in NXT. While there he picked up both the North American and NXT Championships. He was a central part of major storylines with the likes of Johnny Gargano, Kyle O’Reilly, Finn Balor, Pat McAfee, and others.
But NXT has changed. If Cole had stayed within that brand or even more up to the main roster, there’s reason to show great concern about how he would be used. If at all. There’s a wealth of talent on the WWE roster that doesn’t get television time, or if they do it comes in ways that leave fans disconnected and tuned out. Would Cole be one of those individuals? He has the talent to be a top star wherever he performs, but that is only possible with opportunity. And he’s excelling with the opportunity that’s in front of him in AEW.
It would be best to say that the debate about Cole’s character and utilization isn’t so much about Cole, but more about questionable allegiances to wrestling promotions. Cole has been steadfast in his character since his days back in Ring of Honor, through the Undisputed Era, and now as a part of the Super Elite in AEW. Fans may not like where he’s being booked, but to deny that he’s performing in his role well would be a dishonest statement.
dark. Next. Danhausen makes his debut during AEW Beach Break
The same should be said about him not being a top performer in the business. In less than a year with the company, he’s right where he should be. The adage of “let it play out” doesn’t fit well when talking about many aspects of WWE’s booking, but it does when talking about Cole’s current placement on the AEW roster.
The situation played out just fine for Kenny Omega and Britt Baker. There’s a strong chance the same will happen for Adam Cole.