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If Tony Khan and AEW didn't know, Mike Bennett is currently one of the most experienced and knowledgeable wrestlers on the planet. The Massachusetts-born star has wrestled all over the world, including the USA, the UK and Japan, since his debut in 2002.
Although his time in WWE didn't go to plan under the guise of Mike Kanellis, he has made a name for himself working for promotions such as IMPACT Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. His name was already established in the wrestling world long before his time with Vince McMahon's promotion.
Many will know Mike for his association with his wife, Maria Kanellis-Bennett, and also with Matt Taven in The Kingdom stable. He has won a number of championships including the IWGP Tag Team Championship, and surprisingly, the X-Division Championship.
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Outside of the ring, Mike is a family man and is passionate about motivational speaking. He has inspired many who have struggled with their own personal demons, including mental health and addiction. He is a well-seasoned professional who would be a welcome addition to any company, including AEW.
That being said, let's take a look at five dream matches for Mike Bennett in AEW.
#5 Mike Bennett vs. Eddie Kingston in AEW
This would be a first-time ever match between two professionals who not only believe in their craft, but also the importance of their mental health. The two men have been and are on similar journeys, fighting their demons and chasing their dreams and putting their own bodies on the line for our entertainment.
There doesn't need to be any feuding to build the match, it can simply be about mutual respect for one another. They can both show that no matter how hard days and life can get, you can come back fighting and make things happen.
They can talk to the AEW fans, and to people all around the world using their platform to make a positive change. The pair can show that vulnerability is not a weakness and that it is a strength that has helped them be where they are today.
If the two were to lock-horns in the ring, they would deliver. They are both outstanding performers and it would no doubt be a hard-fought clash. Both men would relish the challenge of coming one-on-one with each other and in AEW it could happen.
#4 Mike Bennett vs. Cody Rhodes in AEW
If you have seen these two collide before, then you would definitely love to see it happen in AEW. Cody and Mike have competed against each other in IMPACT Wrestling and on the independent scene.
In every match that the pair have had against each other, Cody has come out on top. Mike Bennett, never being able to defeat Cody, has already written the story for a blockbuster match in AEW.
#3 Mike Bennett vs. Miro in AEW
Remember when WWE decided to run a storyline that Miro, who was then Rusev, was the father of Maria Kanellis' baby? Yeah, it's probably time we all forgot about that too. It also resulted in Rusev defeating Mike in just 30 seconds live on RAW.
It is time to put those wrongs right. Both Bennett and Miro can go in the ring and give us an entertaining match. We're sure the pair would love to go and show the world what they can create together without some outlandish storyline looming over them. AEW would be the place to do it.
#2 Mike Bennett vs. Bryan Danielson in AEW
If Mike Bennett was to join AEW, this one would be very high on the bucket list. Mike has never gone toe-to-toe with the American Dragon before and it's about time it happened.
The two have appeared in the same match only once together in the Greatest Royal Rumble match in Saudi Arabia for WWE. That aside, it's a dream match that would showcase the best of both talents and they would no doubt take each other to the limit.
#1 Mike Bennett vs. CM Punk in AEW
Who still can't believe that CM Punk is back wrestling once again? The Straight Edge Superstar's return to the ring has generated an immense reaction from fans and wrestlers alike. If you want to prove yourself to be the best, then you have to beat the best in the world.
Mike Bennett has never faced him before, despite them being on the independent scene at similar times before Punk's time with WWE. This match would simply need to happen if Bennett joins AEW.
