5 Best AEW Wrestlers Of 2020 So Far

A stirring build to a successful pay-per-view called Revolution. The acquisition of a handful disgruntled, yet gifted, ex-WWE wrestlers. TV tapings from a converted Georgia gym in which only about a third of the contracted talents were available. Another pay-per-view held without paying fans, but one that proved to be commercially and critically successful, regardless. All things considered, not a bad sophomore half year at all for All Elite Wrestling.

More than a year after its first show, what began as a loose collection of indy standouts, ageing WWE notables, and unknowns with potential has since shaped into a cohesive national promotion, most of its talents now identifiable with the AEW letters instead of where they worked previously. We've watched as the cream of the independent crop have developed new followings, WWE refugees have redesigned themselves, and top international stars have made good on the praise that existed before a national American audience gained weekly access to them.

So for the first half of 2020, the first year in which AEW has run shows from wire to (presumably) wire, who have the MVPs been? Here are my picks.

A stirring build to a successful pay-per-view called Revolution. The acquisition of a handful disgruntled, yet gifted, ex-WWE wrestlers. TV tapings from a converted Georgia gym in which only about a third of the contracted talents were available. Another pay-per-view held without paying fans, but one that proved to be commercially and critically successful, regardless. All things considered, not a bad sophomore half year at all for All Elite Wrestling.

More than a year after its first show, what began as a loose collection of indy standouts, ageing WWE notables, and unknowns with potential has since shaped into a cohesive national promotion, most of its talents now identifiable with the AEW letters instead of where they worked previously. We've watched as the cream of the independent crop have developed new followings, WWE refugees have redesigned themselves, and top international stars have made good on the praise that existed before a national American audience gained weekly access to them.

So for the first half of 2020, the first year in which AEW has run shows from wire to (presumably) wire, who have the MVPs been? Here are my picks.

5. Best Friends & Orange Cassidy

Showy embraces of friendship, complemented by unabashed slothiness. Chuck Taylor, Trent Beretta, and the aforementioned Orange Cassidy have become true fan favourites on account of their light-hearted approach, with "OC" standing out the most for his eclectic persona.

Not only does Cassidy deserve credit for getting an unusual idea over, but the trio earns praise for their reliability. Reports emerged that all three worked a spate of matches during a 24-hour stretch at the marathon Georgia tapings, really going the extra mile.

4. Dr. Britt Baker, DMD

Last year, Baker was a toothless (ironic) babyface, as generic as a fierce go-getter that plays by the rules could be. One necessary heel turn later, and suddenly Baker is one of the most interesting performers on the entire show. Funny how that works out.

Baker's "Role Model" character confounds "friend" Tony Schiavone, befuddles personal assistant Rebel (or "Reba"), and displays a comic touch that most probably didn't even realize Baker had in her. She's certainly making good use of her injury layoff, that's for sure.

3. Jon Moxley

You can certainly argue that the pandemic, and subsequent trimming of the available roster, did Moxley no favours (and that was before his wife was unfortunately afflicted). Moxley's reign as AEW World Champion could certainly have gone better so far.

But Moxley deserves partial credit, especially for the first two months of 2020. His hellbent Ahab-like run toward dethroning World champion Chris Jericho was far more compelling than the Dean Ambrose that other powers-that-be saw. Moxley reveals a much higher ceiling.

2. Chris Jericho

For more than two decades, "Le Champion" can be counted on for one thing: his range. We saw plenty of diabolical Inner Circle kingpin Jericho, as he dispatched multiple henchmen and resorted to ocular assault whilst trying to keep Moxley at bay.

And of course, we've gotten plenty of consummate entertainer Jericho. His commentary on Dynamite, whether filling in at the Georgia tapings or not, have been an absolute blast, whether he's getting Schiavone to say "Hentai", or emphasizing his hatred of Pineapple Pete.

1. Kenny Omega & Adam Page

An odd couple with depth. They can't agree on a beverage of choice, and have different ways of managing anger and frustration, but somehow, they make the tag team thing work. And at times in 2020, there have been teases that the end might not be far.

Their five-plus month Tag Team title reign was disrupted for a bit when Page refused to travel, but their matches (SCU, Lucha Bros, The Young Bucks) have been every bit as excellent as the rifts and dissension that has been teased. They give you the best in wrestling *and* drama.