All Elite Wrestling

Despite the controversy surrounding CM Punk, AEW returned to the formula that provided an alternative to WWE in an industry that lacked any true North American alternatives. It emphasizes the in-ring aspect of wrestling while embracing the campy nature of this weirdly artistic sport that we love.

All Elite Wrestling was first launched with the declared intention of being an alternative to WWE. This wasn't an inherent shot at WWE, but instead an objectively true statement about the fact that mainstream, and perhaps more importantly accessible, American professional wrestling had long been limited to just one prominent company. WWE produces a vibrant and beloved product that many fans enjoy, but the growing hunger for a product that focused more on the in-ring aspect of professional wrestling was becoming clear to see. With the growth of the American independent wrestling scene and promotions in countries such as England, Japan, and Mexico reaching a global audience, due in large part to the rise of streaming services, the stage was set for an American wrestling promotion to finally fill the mainstream void. Enter AEW. With a blend of tremendous 30-and-under talents such as Darby Allin, Jamie Hayter, Konosuke Takeshita, and MJF, and world-renowned veterans such as Adam Copeland, Bryan Danielson, Kenny Omega, and Sting, All Elite Wrestling is providing fans with a true alternative to the dominant force in the industry. And nothing benefits professional wrestling more than fans having options.

This is a difficult one to choose, primarily because there have been so many incredible fan moments. Bryan Danielson vs. MJF, Bryan Danielson vs. Zack Sabre Jr., Bullet Club Gold vs. FTR, and Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay all earned praise as Match of the Year candidates. Adam Copeland, formerly known as 11-time WWE World Champion Edge, debuted in AEW. We even witnessed unforgettable storylines play out, including Orange Cassidy defending the AEW International Championship a record number of times, and Adam Cole and MJF forming a captivating tag team known as Better Than You Bay Bay. Of all of the moments that were rewarding to fans, however, none embodied the incredible passion that AEW's supporters have than the feat at Wembley Stadium. More than 70,000 fans attended AEW All In, live from the iconic stadium. It was a wrestling event on the level of any in the history of the industry, with All Elite Wrestling proving once and for all that the in-ring product has a market that defies what skeptics and sports entertainment traditionalists ever believed to be possible. It was an incredibly rewarding moment for professional wrestling and AEW fans around the globe.