As we continue to watch AEW grow and develop we continue to see new stars emerge, gain momentum, and make a name for themselves on the wrestling circuit. All Elite Wrestling has given so many up and coming stars a major spotlight with new names looking to the brand to grow and kick start their careers instead of the WWE.
Already, we have seen so many breakout stars, awesome storylines, and epic matches but who will stand out in 2021? Well in today’s blog post I’m going to be looking at five names I want to see more of this year from the AEW roster whether it be newer talent or veterans who simply need that little extra push and more attention.
Sonny Kiss
At this point, everyone and their mother knows I am a huge fan of Sonny Kiss and have been since I first started watching his work over in Lucha Underground. Throughout 2020 we saw Kiss work some impressive standout matches including a title bout against Cody in the summer. His allegiance with Joey Janella has been interesting to watch also and it will be exciting to see where that tag team goes in 2021. Now, I would love to see more bookings for Sonny this year including longer matches and deeper storylines that explore his character a little more. An excellent representation of the LGBTQ+ community I feel so proud to watch Kiss whenever he is on my screen and the exciting young star has an athletic and exciting move set that sets him up for a series of matches that could really surprise and excite fans.
Kris Statlander
An unfortunate injury took Kris Statlander out of action for quite some time last year but with the young star back on the road it’s an exciting time for a woman who has played a huge part in developing the AEW Women’s division. Now, I may not personally be a big fan of her character Statlander is a phenomenal athlete screaming future champion and 2021 could very well be the year we see a title on her shoulder. Collisions in the near future with the likes of Britt Baker and Shida could go down as match of the year contenders but it is also matches against newcomers such as Tay Conti and Anna Jay that could allow these stars with less experience to really shine for Statlander will without a doubt bring out the best in these names. Here we have a powerful woman with an exciting move set already won over fans and I predict a strong year for her!
Ricky Starks
No one screams charisma quite like Ricky Starks and his alliance with Taz and co has given him a strong start and exciting catalyst. Joining the AEW roster last year we have already seen exciting matches and performances from Starks but in 2021 I really want to see things go up a level for the young talent. A popular name amongst fans, fun to watch and an excellent heel Starks has plenty of potentials, and this year I really do believe he will be a major AEW breakout star. What we need to see from him is of course longer matches and an even clearer and bigger role standing out a little more within his team. Turning on Taz and co in the future could be an interesting angle for Starks sure has enough charisma and interest to stand alone perfectly fine down the line.
Tay Conti
Personally, I have been a big fan of Tay Conti from the get-go dating back to her NXT days and it’s exciting to finally be seeing more of her in the ring and watch as her character develops. In 2021 I’m expecting to see more tag teamwork between Conti and Anna Jay as I mentioned earlier but I would also love to see the two collide down the line for I’m sure their chemistry, history and move sets will ensure not only a strong rivalry for the division but an exciting matchup that highlights the best of two future talents. Conti does have a little more experience on her side in comparison to the likes of Anna Jay and I would love to see her involved In more angles as the weeks and months progress but what is most important here is seeing her in action more. I really am hoping to see Tay Conti in longer matches especially against talents she can bounce off well in terms of move sets so names such as Britt Baker and Kris Statlander truly do spring to mind as must opponents for longer matches for Conti.
Miro
And finally, we have Miro. As one of AEW’s biggest 2020 signings, I was really excited to see the former WWE star make his way to All Elite Wrestling and while I was surprised by his alliance with Kip Sabian and Penelope Ford the trio seem to work well together. Now, it does feel as though it’s only a matter of time until Miro turns on Sabian and when that does happen it’s likely that will be the moment, we see things turn around and get more action and stronger action from the former WWE United States champion. Miro is working a completely new look and style to what we are used to seeing from him and it will be exciting to see what we get from him in 2021 considering we are yet to even scratch the surface in terms of what he is truly capable of in the ring.
2021 promises to be an exciting year for AEW and its rising stars and I really do hope we get to see more from the names above.
Now, I would love to know who you predict to be AEW’s breakout stars so tweet me over at @TezangiVictoria.