It’s time for All Elite Wrestling to refresh its main event picture
AEW needs to use this opportunity to elevate new names to the main event scene.
All Elite Wrestling rebounded well from a situation that could have hampered immediate developments. CM Punk, along with The Elite, were stripped of their titles and the promotion has moved on with available talent. However, this week saw some developments that caused some viewers to question when AEW will refresh its main event scene and in the eyes of many, no time is better than the present.
On Friday’s edition of AEW Rampage, “Hangman” Adam Page won the battle royal to earn a guaranteed title shot against three-time champion Jon Moxley. Moxley is coming off securing his third run as championship by defeating Bryan Danielson in the finals of the Tournament of Champions. That tournament included names like Darby Allin, Sammy Guevara, Chris Jericho, and “Hangman” Adam Page.
See a pattern?
As mentioned in a previous piece, it’s understandable that AEW leadership went back to their trusted hands when in need to rebound from losing Punk, Kenny Omega, and The Young Bucks. However, returning to those trusted hands lacks the creativity that is vital in professional wrestling. This was an opportunity to elevate other names on the roster, and AEW went back to the same individuals in the main event picture rather than pushing some others into the forefront.
There are some individuals on the roster fans have wanted to see more of in the main event. Ricky Starks, Eddie Kingston, Miro, Swerve Strickland, Keith Lee, and others stand at the top of that list. What’s interesting about the debate is that each of those names, except Miro, is currently involved in an angle, but it’s not an angle in the main event. As they come to a close it will be intriguing to see how they are used next. Each of these individuals has shown the abilities needed to be a top-level star, and it’s time AEW found a way to leverage them as such.
Will more of the same await MJF as champion?
If Moxley isn’t heading directly into a story with MJF, this was the chance for someone else to receive a title shot and main event moment to put on a showcase match with the champion. Yes, Moxley versus Page is going to be an enjoyable match, but how far does this match go in strengthening more of AEW’s roster? It doesn’t.
MJF is destined to be AEW World Champion. When it happens, it’s going to be the moment that fans have called for even before CM Punk stepped through the doors. But what happens after that? More of the same foils in front of him? Danielson? Omega? A returning Punk? Jericho? These are all names fans have seen before and remained at the top of the ladder. A program with MJF would make even bigger stars out of people like Starks or Swerve, but only time will tell if AEW will utilize them in such a way.
Three AEW names that would benefit from a return to WWE. dark. Next
Three years into AEW’s run and the company has built some credible names that jump off the page. MJF, Wardlow, and Darby Allin have all experienced big moments that can define a career. Now, it’s time to give that same type of push to others and that will call for AEW to finally refresh its main event scene.