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When AEW stepped foot into the wrestling world almost two years ago, not many people would have thought it would become the juggernaut that it is today. All the credit goes to Tony Khan and his management for making it possible.
In hindsight, multiple stars laid the foundation for the company, notably four EVPs - Cody Rhodes, Kenny Omega, and The Young Bucks. Even the higher-ups created a desirable working environment for their employees, which grabbed eyeballs from all over the world and prompted even well-settled wrestlers to jump over to this promotion.
Several ex-WWE Superstars jumped over to All Elite Wrestling to pursue their passion. For them, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise as Tony Khan booked them equally based on talent, irrespective of age or status.
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Today, the company holds the most stacked and impressive roster, a blend of youngsters and legendary stars. Some of the arrivals took place on the Dynamite show, which gives goosebumps every time we look back on it.
Now, without further ado, let's take a look at those unforgettable debuts that transpired on the flagship show.
#5 Sting stunned the wrestling world by making his AEW Dynamite debut last year
On December 2, 2020, during AEW Dynamite: Winter is Coming, Sting showed up in his old crow persona. It was a spine-chilling entrance with snow falling from the top, which also explained the theme behind the special show. It was his first appearance on the TNT network since the final episode of WCW Nitro almost two decades ago.
He entered the ring surrounded by the worn-out Cody Rhodes, Darby Allin, Dustin Rhodes, and Arn Anderson, who suffered a massive beating from Team Taz.
The faction had already left the ring after witnessing Sting entering the squared circle. The Icon's mere presence made the segment a must-see bit of television. Even though he didn't utter a single word, his staredown with each man in the ring gave goosebumps to everyone watching.
The AEW star then embarked on writing the final chapter of his wrestling career. So far, he has competed in four tag-team matches alongside Darby Allin and emerged victorious in all of them. Sting performed incredibly well in those matches and showed no signs of ring rust. He's truly a living legend of pro wrestling today.
#4 Legendary manager Vickie Guerrero introduced Andrade El Idolo to AEW
Andrade El Idolo's AEW debut is still fresh in everyone's minds as it took place on the June 4th episode of Dynamite this year. His arrival wasn't the most earth-shattering because it abruptly occurred in a segment involving Tony Schiavone and Mark Henry.
Vickie Guerrero rudely interrupted Henry, insisting that the former WWE Superstar leave the ring. Not many people anticipated that Guerrero would be bringing someone right after, which explains why people immediately jumped from their seats as Andrade was slowly marching towards the ring. The former NXT Champion could have received an even bigger pop had AEW given him entrance music on his first night.
Andrade delivered an emphatic promo, notably putting the entire locker room on notice. He even made his intention clear and vowed to become the face of All Elite Wrestling, something that people are yet to witness.
#3 Brodie Lee emerged as the Exalted One of the Dark Order
Brodie Lee's AEW debut was perhaps the most intriguing and visionary as he emerged as the leader of the Dark Order. On 18th March 2020, Evil Uno of The Dark Order cut another promo on Dynamite to tease the arrival of The Exalted One.
Soon after, Christopher Daniels interjected in that segment, thus asking Uno to stop spreading lies after lies. The entire complexion of that angle changed when the lights went off, and Brodie Lee appeared via a vignette.
As the lights came on, the former WWE Superstar was present behind Daniels and Kazarian in the ring. The aftermath saw SCU face a brutal beatdown from Brodie Lee and his group. His run with the company abruptly ended as Lee tragically passed away the same year he joined the company. His short stint saw him capture the TNT Championship, which has now become synonymous with his name.
Even though Brodie Lee has physically left all of us, he carved a beautiful legacy that people will remember for some time to come.
#2 Miro showed up as Kip Sabian's Best Man on AEW Dynamite
On the September 9th episode of Dynamite last year, Kip Sabian introduced Miro to the AEW universe. A week before the segment, Sabian announced that he was getting married to Penelope Ford while teasing the arrival of someone to be his Best Man, who will be present for his wedding.
The man formerly known as Rusev delivered an emphatic promo on his first night that also featured a massive dig at WWE:
"Ten years in the same house under the same glass ceiling, with the imaginary brass ring. Well you can take that brass ring and shove it up your a**," said Miro. "He claimed that 'Elite recognises Elite' and ended the segment saying 'My name is Miro, and I'm All Elite.'"
Miro quickly aligned with Kip Sabian and both men began a storyline with Best Friends featuring Orange Cassidy and Chuck Taylor. Both teams competed in an Arcade Anarchy match a few months later, resulting in Best Friends defeating Sabian and Miro.
Soon after, the Bulgarian star turned his back on Sabian, thus putting him on the shelf for months. Miro then embarked on a solo run that saw him capture the TNT Championship from Darby Allin. The former WWE Superstar carried the title for months and became the most dominant champion in the company's short history.
#1 Malakai Black appeared with a sadistic persona on AEW Dynamite
Malakai Black tops the list, given that the time and place were perfect to have someone of his stature set the wrestling world ablaze. On July 7th, during the Road Rager edition of AEW Dynamite this year, Arn Anderson joined Tony Schiavone for an in-ring interview when the lights suddenly went off.
As it came on, Black was standing in the ring in a sinister persona. The former WWE Superstar delivered a Black Mass to Anderson, and soon after, to Cody Rhodes. Fans popped out of their seats, and why not? It was AEW's first show outside of Daily's Place, and the company swerved their fans with a surprise.
What was your favorite debut among the aforementioned list? Sound off in the comments section below.
