AEW started the new year with a bang, adding multiple big names to its roster. However, the additions haven’t had the desired effect. The company’s television ratings continue to drop while its in-arena attendance is becoming a serious cause for concern.
Part of those issues can be placed firmly at Tony Khan’s feet due to the company’s well-documented issues with booking over the last six months. Comparatively, WWE’s vastly improved product has continued to draw fans back to its programming.
Here’s a look at how each of AEW’s big three additions has performed over their first six to eight months with the company.
1. Will Ospreay – A+
Ospreay officially joined AEW in November, but remained with New Japan Pro Wrestling to see out the final few months of his contract. His debut as part of the full-time roster came on Feb. 28. Since then, Ospreay has gone from strength to strength, rapidly proving himself to be a leading star of the company. His high-flying skillset, when coupled with his charisma and fearless approach in the ring, have seen him become an instant hit with the fans.
The English-born star is now gearing up for a match with MJF at Wembley Stadium on Aug. 28, when the two biggest names in AEW will compete for the AEW International (American) Championship. After hitting the ground running and establishing himself at the top of the roster, Ospreay has clearly been a home-run addition to the company.
2. Mercedes Mone – D-
Mone debuted in AEW at Big Business in March. Since she’s one of the most popular names in women’s wrestling, there was hope that she could help bring in a fresh new crowd of fans and establish AEW’s women’s roster as the best in the business. However, a series of uncharismatic promos and some underwhelming in-ring performances have left a lot to be desired from the big-money addition.
Despite being a major name, Mone isn’t getting the “pop” from the crowd that many had expected. Unless she can turn around the current trajectory, she could prove to be a costly mistake for AEW and find herself languishing in mid-card territory.
3. Kazuchika Okada – C+
Okada is a legend in Japan. He was the face of NJPW for over a decade. Yet, since joining AEW, he’s been used in more of a spot role. Khan quickly ensured Okada won a championship belt before tasking him with being a third wheel with The Elite. We rarely see him performing at the level that made him such an exciting talent in NJPW. Right now, it feels like his tenure in the company has yet to take off.
Once again, poor booking decisions are costing AEW. Okada is supposed to be a big draw for diehard fans and the international audience alike. They want to see him working in the ring, not dropping one-liners at the end of uninspired promo segments. Unlike Mone, Okada’s malaise isn’t his fault. He could still emerge as a big-time addition to the roster, but for that to happen, things have to change.
