Annual stock check: assessing AEW’s year-over-year performance

AEW Women’s division

Hikaru Shida is enjoying a respectable run as AEW Women's World Champion.

One of the consistent criticisms of AEW has been the shallow depth of its women’s division. While Riho’s championship reign included a memorable string of matches with Nyla Rose, her routine absence from weekly television undercut her title run.

In December 2019, Britt Baker hadn’t yet found her feet as the compelling "Role Model" character. Likewise, Hikaru Shida hadn't asserted herself as the resilient competitor that fans see today. Kris Statlander was one of the division's top stars, but her character wasn’t resonating particularly well with the audience.

12 months ago, sporadic appearances by the likes of Shanna, Jamie Hayter, and Bea Priestley on AEW television were fun. But their ambiguous contract situations meant they never truly felt integrated into the division. There were some bright spots in the women’s division a year ago. But there was also the rather forgettable Nightmare Collective with Brandi Rhodes and Awesome Kong.

SESSION 1. #AEW pic.twitter.com/cyJZAFirci

— Brandi Rhodes (@TheBrandiRhodes) January 26, 2020

One year later, the division has definitely improved, but it's still one of the roster's glaring weaknesses. The additions of Thunder Rosa and Serena Deeb have added some depth, but these two competitors don’t feel like they're truly AEW Superstars yet.

.@thunderrosa22 sent a warning to the Doctor. But, @RealBrittBaker was one step ahead of Rosa.Watch #AEWDynamite NOW on @tntdrama REMINDER: Next weeks episode of Dynamite will be on immediately after the NBA pic.twitter.com/JLIt18q6K9

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) December 17, 2020

Baker’s character work has been one of the best parts of this division. A feud between Shida and Baker could help the women's division reach the next level. But for now, it still requires a solid amount of work.

Broad outlook for AEW

With 2021 right around the corner, the broad outlook for AEW is rosy. An electric world champion makes every episode of AEW Dynamite a must-see show. Plus, the regular presence of Sting is another reason to celebrate.

STING MAKES HIS AEW DEBUT 😱(via @aew)pic.twitter.com/PnXBkwBtrM

— ESPN (@espn) December 3, 2020

Additionally, a budding partnership with IMPACT Wrestling opens the door to exciting crossover programs. AEW will be hopeful that this groundswell of momentum drives Dynamite's average weekly audience over one million viewers in 2021. With so much buzz surrounding this company, that goal certainly seems reachable.