8 Amazing Wrestlers That Flopped In AEW - Miro! Jeff Jarrett! The Hardys! Ric Flair?!
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In this episode of WhatCulture Wrestling, host Cy Miller explores eight wrestlers who, despite high expectations, failed to make a lasting impact in AEW. The list includes The Hardys, Ric Flair, Bobby Fish, Malachi Black, Kota Ibushi, Miro, Jeff Jarrett, and Aja Khan. Miller challenges the use of the term 'flop,' arguing that many of these athletes faced circumstances beyond their control—such as injuries, creative misalignment, pandemic disruptions, or personal struggles—rather than outright failure. He highlights how potential was often unrealized due to inconsistent booking, health issues, or creative disagreements with AEW leadership. Despite the underwhelming results, Miller emphasizes that these wrestlers still contributed meaningfully to AEW’s story and that their journeys reflect the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling. The episode balances critique with empathy, celebrating the resilience and legacy of each performer.
The term 'flop' is overly harsh—many wrestlers faced external factors like injuries, pandemic travel bans, or creative misalignment.
Consistency in booking and character development is crucial for a wrestler’s success in AEW.
Personal health and mental well-being should be prioritized over performance expectations.
Creative vision conflicts between talent and executives (like Tony Khan) can derail promising storylines.
Some wrestlers, like Malachi Black and Miro, had potential but were underutilized due to unclear direction.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction: Rethinking the Term 'Flop'
Cy Miller opens by questioning the use of the word 'flop' to describe wrestlers in AEW, arguing that many athletes faced external challenges like injuries, personal issues, or pandemic disruptions. He emphasizes that simply being in AEW is a significant achievement.
Number 8: The Hardys – Potential Derailed by Circumstance
Matt and Jeff Hardy’s AEW run is examined, with Miller noting their struggles due to the pandemic, personal issues, and a lack of consistent momentum. Despite a brief but impactful tag team run with the Young Bucks, their overall impact was limited.
Number 7: Ric Flair – A Business Move That Didn’t Click
Ric Flair’s AEW stint is framed as a corporate partnership with his energy drink, Woo, rather than a creative fit. His appearances were limited, and his heel turn was rejected. Miller suggests AEW quietly phased him out.
Number 6: Bobby Fish – The Kickout That Broke Momentum
Bobby Fish’s controversial kickout after CM Punk’s GTS is analyzed as a potential turning point. Miller speculates that the incident may have damaged their chemistry and led to Fish’s departure, despite early promise with the Undisputed Era.
Number 5: Malachi Black – Untapped Potential
Malachi Black’s brief but promising AEW run is discussed, with Miller suggesting creative disagreements with Tony Khan may have stunted his growth. Despite his charisma and early success, he left without fulfilling his potential.
“If you never heard of this person, I totally get it. Why do you care? But if you were aware, it just would have been something that tied into the past so nicely and kind of summed up what AEW was going to do.”
“He ignored the doctors, and did his own rehab, and was walking before they told him he was able to walk.”
“You can go and watch his updates right now. Now once again, I really hope he's doing okay from a health point of view, but he broke his femur.”
Host
AEW
organization
Cy Miller
person
The Hardys
other
Ric Flair
person
Tony Khan
person
Bobby Fish
person
Malachi Black
person
Kota Ibushi
person
Miro
person
Jeff Jarrett
person
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