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Everyone knows the four pillars of AEW in MJF, Darby Allin, Sammy Guevara and Jungle Boy. Each had their memorable moments and took center stage in 2021. But All Elite Wrestling has also done well to allow other competitors to rise to the forefront.
Hangman Adam Page finally won the AEW World Championship at Full Gear 2021. Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D., had her coronation by winning the AEW Women's World Championship. Young stars like Rey Fenix, Powerhouse Hobbs, and Wardlow all emerged and showed their potential.
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The four pillars and new competitors have to step up to get that same rise up the card. Whether it's in the singles, women's, or tag team division, there is room for more superstars to be made on this roster. In this article, let's take a look at five AEW stars who should get a push in 2022.
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5) Lio Rush - AEW
Rush debuted in AEW at Double Or Nothing 2021 in the Casino Battle Royale as the Joker. Four months later, the former NXT Cruiserweight Champion officially signed with All Elite Wrestling. He's associated with Dante Martin and is playing a mentor to the young high flyer.
Lio is a skilled performer who might be the quickest professional wrestler in the world today. The way he moves around the ring is like a video game and that makes him an exciting competitor to watch. The Man of the Hour has achieved many accolades in singles competition on the independent scene and in WWE. His partnership with Martin might lead to tag team success in AEW.
Lio Rush is the kind of performer whom fans want to see on their televisions. He has a high octane offense, charisma in spades, and is an entertaining talker. Rush will fit in nicely as the TNT Champion or in the tag team division with Dante Martin.
There are many roles he could fill, and that's why 2022 should lead to a breakout.
4) Ricky Starks - AEW
Ricky Starks entered AEW as a free agent when he answered Cody Rhodes's TNT Championship open challenge. Cody won, but Starks impressed so much that he was signed to the company shortly.
In 2021, Ricky Starks feuded with Sting and Darby Allin, and debuted in AEW opposite the former. Absolute also waged war against his former Team Taz stablemate Brian Cage. He defeated Cage for the FTW Championship, which he currently holds.
Starks is charismatic, a stellar talker, and can work with just about anyone. He will have a huge 2022 and achieve more success.
3) Dante Martin - AEW
Dante Martin debuted in AEW as one half of the Top Flight tag team with his brother Darius. His surreal high-flying ability is unlike anything seen before in professional wrestling. Martin's movements are almost effortless and make him exciting to watch.
This year, he took substantial strides in his career. Dante ventured out on his own in singles action after Darius went down with an injury. He was able to steal the show against Kenny Omega, the Young Bucks, and MJF in the last several months.
Dante Martin is an extraordinary performer who should be in line for further opportunities in 2022.
2) Santana & Ortiz - AEW
The AEW tag team division is the best in pro wrestling today. The exceptional duos on the roster are amazing for what they've assembled.
In 2021, the division shone on the backs of the Young Bucks. Matt and Nick Jackson turned heel, reunited the Elite, and changed their entire look. It became one of the most talked about character shifts of the year.
They succeeded in their title defense against Santana and Ortiz, but many fans want more for the former LAX members. Santana and Ortiz debuted in AEW back at All Out 2019 and joined the Inner Circle stable shortly thereafter. They've put on some remarkable bouts against Best Friends and Private Party.
This year, Proud N Powerful feuded with FTR as part of the Inner Circle vs. The Pinnacle. The two tag teams clashed in some tremendous contests. FTR later squared off with the Lucha Brothers over the AEW World Tag Team Titles, and many have asked when it'll be Proud N Powerful's turn.
Santana and Ortiz are a wonderful blend of high-flying and hard-hitting offense. They might just have the most effective double-team offense in AEW.
Proud N Powerful vs. Lucha Bros. is a feud the company has put on the backburner for a reason. One has to think that 2022 will see these four men clash for the AEW World Tag Team Championships.
1) Thunder Rosa - AEW
Thunder Rosa officially signed with AEW in 2021 after working with the promotion for months. She arrived ahead of All Out 2020, and started the year embroiled in an intense feud with Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. Their rivalry elevated the entire division and, of course, the two women themselves.
The Lights Out Match at the St. Patrick's Day Slam special of AEW Dynamite is one of the greatest matches in the company's history. Thunder Rosa's name was put on the map, and she has consistently been one of the best performers in the AEW women's division.
Rosa is currently in the TBS Championship Tournament semifinals, but she should win championship gold in 2022. Tony Khan has teased a rematch between Rosa and Baker next year, and many speculate this will be the promotion's biggest women's match yet.
That's why Thunder Rosa is the AEW star who should get a push the most in 2022.
