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Shining Stars To Watch From AEW Dark and AEW Dark: Elevation (Part 2)

This is the second edition of this “Shining Stars To Watch From AEW Dark And AEW Dark: Elevation” list. AEW releases two episodes a week of unique matches to their YouTube channel. As the channel is almost at 3 million subscribers, and the episodes average around 300k viewers, this is a great launching platform for independent wrestlers. We will often see hot and upcoming independent stars brought on for matches against some of the biggest stars in the company. We have also seen these episodes be used as possible try-outs for wrestlers the company is interested in bringing in. Either way, these episodes serve a great purpose. We have seen many talents rise in popularity through these shows. Fuego Del Sol, The Dark Order members, Tay Conti, and more gain their footing within the company through consistent showings on these platforms.

The four part list has been split up by gender, multi-man teams, and possible signing status. The list is ranked, but this is not meant to be about the numbers. The list is simply meant to highlight all of the amazing work that these independent stars are doing inside AEW and out. We have worked to update their stats to the best of our knowledge. We would like to credit Cagematch for the match and championship stats.

  1. RSP/Rickey Shane Page – @RickeyShanePage

First Match: 7/1/2021

Number of Matches: 7
Number of Wins: 0

Intangibles: 

  • Well-known deathmatch wrestlers
  • Good size advantage
  • Easily identifiable character with great wrestling skills
  1. Leon St Giovanni – @LeonStGiovanni

First Match: 9/15/2021

Number of Matches: 2
Number of Wins: 0

Current Championships: Xcite International Championship

Intangibles: 

  • Great work in ROH, specifically in the pure division
  • Really good mix of styles
  • Electrifying high-flying moves
  1. Ryzin – @HAILRyzin

First Match: 12/8/2020

Number of Matches: 36
Number of Wins: 0

Current Championships: RPW Top Crown Championship

Intangibles: 

  • Fully embraces his character
  • Engaging social media work
  • Unique look that turns heads
  1. Dan Barry – @thedanbarry

First Match: 6/4/21

Number of Matches: 2
Number of Wins: 0

Intangibles: 

  • Strong personality work
  • Unique/eye grabbing ring attire
  • ​​Mick Foley’s trainer for his daughter (Noelle Foley)
  1. VsK – @isThatVsK

First Match: 10/21/2020

Number of Matches: 16
Number of Wins: 0

Current Championships: B!P Bedlam Championship and FWF Championship

Intangibles: 

  • Modern day Rick Rude
  • Creative online presence
  • Developed look and personality
  1. Toa Liona – @LionHeartUce

First Match: 10/25/2021

Number of Matches: 2
Number of Wins: 0

Intangibles: 

  • Big dude who can move
  • Imposing and intimidating figure
  • Went viral for lifting 500 lbs.
  1. JDX – @officialJDX

First Match: 6/29/2021

Number of Matches: 5
Number of Wins: 0

Current Championships: PWB Breakout Championship

Intangibles: 

  • Brings his personality into the matches
  • Associates his style with his character 
  • Well traveled and respected
  1. Kal Herro – @TheKalHerro

First Match: 5/13/2021

Number of Matches: 5
Number of Wins: 0

Current Championships: OVW Southern Tag Team Championship 

Intangibles: 

  • Memorable due to fanny pack
  • Undeniable charisma makes him hard not to cheer
  • Works like he is years beyond his age
  1. Isaiah Moore – @HIsaiah_MooreH

First Match: 8/20/2021

Number of Matches: 3
Number of Wins: 0

Current Championships: GLWA Tag Team Championship

Intangibles: 

  • Great at selling
  • Really good at storytelling and match pacing 
  • Knows how to make big spots look big instead of just another part of the match
  1. Lord Crewe – @LordCreweKills

First Match: 11/10/2021

Number of Matches: 1
Number of Wins: 0

Current Championships: Unsanctioned Pro Tag Team Championship

Intangibles: 

  • Awesome 3-match feud with Baron Black through WrestleAtlanta
  • Very violent man with a very violent look
  • Works great with Aaron Williams in ‘Cincinnati’s Most Wanted’ 
  1. Dan the Dad – @ThanksDanTheDad

First Match: 11/3/2021

Number of Matches: 1
Number of Wins: 0

Current Championships: A1 Zero Gravity Championship

Intangibles: 

  • Understands his character and sells it
  • One of the best actors in wrestling 
  • Great and unique character
  1. Brayden Lee – @TheBraydenLee

First Match: 8/20/2021

Number of Matches: 2
Number of Wins: 0

Current Championships: EMERGE Outbreak Championship

Intangibles: 

  • Style fits in with AEW
  • Former NCAA Division II Wrestler and Freestyle State Champion & All-American
  • Puts great mannerisms in between his moves
  1. David Ali – @theDavidAli

First Match: 6/10/2020

Number of Matches: 11
Number of Wins: 0

Current Championships: IWE New Age Championship, SFCW Heavyweight Championship 

Intangibles: 

  • Member of Overkill
  • Strong fundamentals
  • Great matches in Championship Wrestling Atlanta
  1. Jora Johl (FKA Robo) – @jorajohl

First Match: 5/12/2021

Number of Matches: 11
Number of Wins: 3

Current Championships: Dynasty Heavyweight Championship (as Robo)

Intangibles: 

  • Got the Matt Hardy rub and mentorship
  • Can work with just about everyone
  • Has all the tools to be a big international star
  1. Ren Jones – @rendavidjones

First Match: 8/20/2021

Number of Matches: 3
Number of Wins: 0

Intangibles: 

  • Personality pops out as soon as he is on the screen
  • Obvious confidence and belief in self and skills
  • Has the ability to deliver effortless promos
  1. Dontae Smiley – @PrimeTimeLiving

First Match: 9/10/2020

Number of Matches: 3 Number of Wins: 0

Current Championships: OIWA International Championship

Intangibles: 

  • Standout selling
  • His fluidity and his ability on the ropes are probably his biggest strengths
  • Well-delivered and believable finisher
  1. Ishmael Vaughn – @IshmaelVaughn

First Match: 10/24/2021

Number of Matches: 1 Number of Wins: 0

Intangibles: 

  • Charisma you can feel through the screen
  • 2x All-American
  • Great tag team work with Kidd Bandit
  1. Ashton Starr – @AshtonIsAStarr

First Match: 11/7/2020

Number of Matches: 1
Number of Wins: 0

Current Championships: AWE Tag Team Championship, SHW Tag Team Championship

Intangibles: 

  • A lot of personality and is super charismatic
  • Unique/standout look
  • Engaging social media presence
  1. Mikey Wild

First Match: 11/12/2021

Number of Matches: 1
Number of Wins: 0

Intangibles: 

  • Interesting character
  • Not what you expect to see on DARK/DARK: Elevation
  • 14-year veteran
  1. Vary Morales – @VaryMorales7

First Match: 12/17/2020

Number of Matches: 25
Number of Wins: 0

Intangibles: 

  • Fighter-brawler style from Mexico that’s not common on the US
  • Damn hard worker
  • Attention grabbing look and presentation

If you would like to see the first part of this list, you can click here.

We would also like to issue a huge thank you to Ryan Sullivan of The Mark Order Podcast for helping us scout and curate this list. Please follow them on Twitter and check them out on YouTube! Also, please check out Kiley Fuller on Twitter, as she helped us out with the intangibles!

Follow Jaychele Nicole on Twitter @jaychelenicole.

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