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Despite Paul Heyman being one of the best characters in the company, WWE hasn't made managers as prominent as eras of the past or just not quite like AEW has. All Elite Wrestling has put an emphasis on their non wrestlers and allowed them to enhance their in-ring performers. In 2021, these managers have made a lasting impact on the overall product of the promotion.
Whether it be a young star who needs an experienced voice to add credibility or a middling talent that is in need of an extra boost, managers in AEW have become an integral part of their storytelling. They can be the driving force behind the feuds and be the narrator of the story being told on screen.
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With the year coming to an end, it seems ideal to analyze how managers have impacted All Elite Wrestling over the past 12 months. From the promos to their decisions, they were able to shift how the landscape of the company changed. In this article, let's take a look at the five most impactful AEW managers of 2021.
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5) Rebel - AEW
This might be the most controversial inclusion on this AEW managers list. Rebel often competes in matches and is more of an assistant to Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D., but there might not be a more impactful second in All Elite Wrestling than the former IMPACT Wrestling talent.
Britt Baker turned heel in early 2020 and was soon introduced to Rebel as her assistant. They became consistently entertaining act together, with the former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader completing the Role Model character of the Good Doctor. Rebel often looks for the approval of the current AEW Women's World Champion and gets involved in her contests.
The vignettes at the dentist's office with Rebel helping Britt were some great character work that grew the connection to the audience. AEW has furthered this package by adding in Jamie Hayter as a credible threat, but this hasn't lessened what Rebel does.
Rebel being able to wrestle helps Baker's feud well because she is a lackey and just out there to make the challengers look good ahead of their AEW Women's World Championship matches. It is crazy to think where Britt would be right now without Rebel being added to her act.
4) Tully Blanchard - AEW
Tully Blanchard debuted in AEW ahead of All Out 2019 as the manager of Shawn Spears. He immediately added a lot to his charge and then started to manage FTR. Tully led Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler to the AEW World Tag Team Titles at All Out 2020. With success in the first two years of the company, Blanchard once again made an impact.
Tully Blanchard aligned with MJF when FTR, Shawn Spears and Wardlow formed the Pinnacle stable with the self-proclaimed Face of AEW. They did so at the expense of the Inner Circle, which led to a months-long war between the two factions. The Pinnacle won the first Blood and Guts Match and then headlined Double Or Nothing 2021 in the second Stadium Stampede Match.
Tully Blanchard led FTR to championship gold again when they defeated the Lucha Brothers for the AAA World Tag Team Titles. From adding to his list of charges, forming a new group and winning more gold, the Four Horsemen member lent his experience to his guys and found new heights in 2021.
3) Arn Anderson - AEW
No other AEW talent was as meme'ed as Arn Anderson this year. The Four Horsemen enforcer continued in his role as the head coach of the Nightmare Family. Arn not only managed Cody Rhodes, but he also guided his son, Brock and Lee Johnson. His relationship with American Nightmare was a highlight of 2021 for Anderson, though.
Arn Anderson's 2021 will be remembered for his frustrated rant at Cody Rhodes where he said that the youngest Rhodes son is the type to let someone carjack him, while he is the type to pull his glock out and unload on the thief. This created so many memes and humor from wrestling fans. Arn provided one of the funniest promos of the year.
2) Taz - AEW
Taz came into AEW last year as a commentator, but he soon showed that it wouldn't be his only role. Upon the debut of Brian Cage, the former ECW Champion started to assemble Team Taz. The additions of Ricky Starks and Powerhouse Hobbs led many to believe this year would see even more success.
In 2021, Team Taz saw more opportunities to shine, but some dissension as well. Jealousy between Brian Cage and Ricky Starks led to the removal of the Machine and Starks claiming the FTW Championship. Powerhouse Hobbs has shined in matches against Dante Martin, Orange Cassidy and CM Punk as well.
The end of the year saw the biggest moment yet for this group when Taz's son Hook made his in-ring debut. Hook stunned the wrestling world with a near-perfect debut, destroying Fuego Del Sol on the December 10th episode of AEW Rampage.
From adding to his ranks to his son's impressive showing, Taz has had a banner year that has showed that he is a great motivator. With a remarkable promo style, Taz puts his enemies on notice before his boys let loose their brand of violence. Opponents can beat Team Taz if they can, but survive if they let you.
1) Don Callis - AEW
Revealed as "The Invisible Hand" behind Kenny Omega's slow-burning heel turn at Winter Is Coming 2020, Don Callis entered 2021 in a enviable position. He was the IMPACT VP and managed the AEW World Champion. In the process of bringing those two worlds together, Callis can stake claim to being an essential element in the forbidden door being opened this year.
Callis led Kenny Omega into IMPACT Wrestling, which brought more eyes to the promotion. The Cleaner defeated Rich Swann to win the IMPACT World Title at Rebellion 2020, which proved to be the biggest pay-per-view buyrate for the company in a decade. Don Callis took on a bigger role on AEW television as well, being a manager for the Young Bucks as well.
The Invisible Hand was the voice of the Super Elite throughout a magical run in 2021 that saw Omega as the AEW World Champion, the Young Bucks as AEW World Tag Team Champions and the Good Brothers as the IMPACT Tag Team Champions. Callis was a prominent figure in two major promotions and cut some stellar promos in garnering heat for the Elite members.
The Super Elite slowly started to lose their power and gold as 2021 went on. The Young Bucks losing their title at All Out 2021, followed by Hangman Page beating Kenny Omega for the AEW World Championship at Full Gear 2021. This doesn't take away from how Don Callis was in the corner of the top champs in All Elite Wrestling. That's why Callis has to be the most impactful AEW manager of 2021.
