5 most influential AEW stars of 2021

#2. Kenny Omega carried the AEW Championship for most of 2021

Former AEW Champion Kenny Omega grew his profile so high while in New Japan Pro Wrestling that he became known as "The Best Bout Machine." He parlayed that nickname into the creation of AEW alongside the Khans and The Elite.

Alongside Danielson, Okada, and several others, Omega was always in the conversation for the best wrestler in the world. The Cleaner won the AEW World Championship from Jon Moxley at last year's Winter is Coming event. He held the title for most of 2021, dropping it to Page at Full Gear in November.

In that time, Omega passed through the "Forbidden Door" to compete for and win the IMPACT World Championship. That alone is impressive since many wrestling promotions don't work together. Some have worked together over the years, but most larger ones in the USA have kept to their own promotions.

By showing that he and AEW were willing to work with other companies, it grew the product and his profile. While that partnership with IMPACT is over, it was still a huge deal for the industry.

Moreover, it had to be a wrestler of Omega's caliber and influence to make the partnership work. He's one of the biggest names in the industry outside of WWE and his profile made it possible.

Omega's status in the industry is also so great that he put over the younger Page in defeat. Some stars aren't willing to do so, but Omega helped the growth of AEW by doing just that.

Since he's wrestled at such a high level for over a decade, The Cleaner is currently out of action to heal from various ailments. AEW likely wouldn't be in the position it is in today without his work and influence in the industry.