5 Most misused wrestlers in AEW right now
AEW put on a star-studded show this past weekend in the form of the inaugural edition of the pay-per-view, Dynasty 2024. The event made headlines for its dream matches, surprise returns and notable title changes. The promotion is now gearing up for its next pay-per-view event, Double or Nothing 2024.
All Elite Wrestling boasts an incredibly talented roster, with new blockbuster additions like Will Ospreay, Kazuchika Okada and Mercedes Mone changing the landscape of the company's programming. However, the promotion has also continued to face criticism for under-utilizing many of its talent.
Although Tony Khan has revealed that he will be proactive with signing more free agents this year, several names in AEW could benefit from better creative and booking.
#1. Jay White has been relegated to the trios division
AEW's trios division features multiple impressive teams. Dynasty 2024 saw new Undisputed Trios Champions being crowned as the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Champions Bullet Club Gold (comprised of Jay White and The Gunns) defeated the World Trios Champions, The Acclaimed and Billy Gunn.
The victory of The Bang Bang Gang marks The Switchblade's first time tasting gold in the Tony Khan-led promotion. However, fans have criticised the company for some time for relegating a singles competitor of White's calibre to a long-running feud in the six-person tag division, especially after his shocking DQ loss to Billy Gunn this month.
The former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion had an impressive showing in the 2023 Continental Classic and had unsuccessfully challenged MJF for the World Title in a polarizing feud.
#2. Saraya has been out of action since February
Saraya's All Elite Wrestling debut in 2022 was a significant moment for the company's women's division. The Diva of Tomorrow competed against and alongside several major names, including Britt Baker, Jamie Hayter and Toni Storm. She won the AEW Women's World Title at All In 2023 inside Wembley Stadium.
In recent months, Saraya has been involved in a program alongside her brother Zak Knight against her former Outcasts member Ruby Soho and her on-screen love interest, Angelo Parker.
Soho cut her ties with the British star after weeks of mind games by walking out on her during a tag team match against Kris Statlander and Willow Nightingale in February 2024. The Anti-Diva has not competed in the ring since and even posted about it on social media. Although her feud with Soho is not likely over, Saraya's singles career in the promotion is seemingly at risk of stagnating.
#3. Malakai Black has competed in just two singles matches in 2024
Malakai Black's AEW career has led many fans to criticize Tony Khan for failing to use the former NXT Champion as a credible singles star. Despite winning high-profile matches over current WWE Champion Cody Rhodes after making his AEW debut, Black has primarily been booked in trios action as a member of The House of Black. The star commented on the subject himself last year, refuting speculations regarding his injuries.
Alongside Buddy Matthews and Brody King, Malakai Black found success in the trios division, and held the World Trios Titles. However, he has only been in two singles matches in 2024, against Bryan Keith and Christopher Daniels.
Black picked up a major win at Dynasty 2024 when he pinned Adam Copeland in a six-person bout. It remains to be seen whether he will be granted a TNT Title shot against The Rated-R Superstar.
#4. Wardlow has been busy assisting The Undisputed Kingdom
Following his betrayal of MJF at Revolution 2022, Wardlow emerged as one of AEW's hottest stars. He squashed the future AEW World Champion at Double or Nothing 2022 and even won the TNT Championship multiple times. However, Wardlow's utilization following his TNT Title reign has been slammed by fans and industry experts.
Mr. Mayhem did challenge Samoa Joe for the World Title on Dynamite: Big Business last month, but he was unsuccessful. Since then, he has been tasked by Adam Cole to help his Undisputed Kingdom teammates retain their titles.
Although the War Dog helped Roderick Strong retain the International Title at Dynasty 2024, it remains to be seen whether Wardlow will be kicked out of the stable by The Devil and revert to being a solo competitor.
#5. Johnny TV has been kept away from AEW TV
After appearing on Dynamite in 2022, Johnny TV returned to All Elite Wrestling in 2023 as part of QT Marshall's faction QTV. The former John Morrison, however, would not be featured prominently on AEW programming, except an International Title bout against Orange Cassidy on Rampage.
Johnny TV has primarily appeared in Ring of Honor since December 2023 and was recently defeated by Dalton Castle at Supercard of Honor 2024 in a Fight Without Honor.
As an in-ring veteran with a wealth of experience from across the world, the former Intercontinental Champion would arguably be best utilized as a regular fixture on television.
It remains to be seen what the aftermath of Dynasty 2024 will be in the coming week in AEW.