Tony Khan recently commented during an interview with ComicBook Nation that has created some interesting conversations throughout the week. Khan referred to a hypothetical AEW Hall of Fame, explaining that he had “never talked about it” but provided a good indicator of some names that would likely be included if something like this ever came to fruition.
With that in mind, I’ve brainstormed a few more names that ought to be considered for a hypothetical Hall of Fame, should AEW get around to it.
Sting
View this post on Instagram
One of the names mentioned by Tony Khan himself, ‘The Icon’ should be one of the first names on this list.
Although Sting had a Hall of Fame-worthy career way long before AEW even existed, it can’t be understated how incredible his work in AEW has been. From his debut in 2020 to his retirement in early 2024, Stinger cemented his legacy and used his star power to help the likes of Darby Allin rise through the ranks.
His undefeated run in AEW, paired with the fact that he retired with the AEW Tag Team Championships are just a couple of factors that play into his undebatable position in any hypothetical AEW Hall of Fame.
Brodie Lee
View this post on Instagram
The second man mentioned in Khan’s comments, the late Mr. Brodie Lee automatically gains entry to any hypothetical Hall of Fame as far as this writer is concerned.
After a mixed bag of success in WWE, Brodie Lee made his way to AEW amid the pandemic era and immediately captivated audiences, which made his work even more admirable.
‘The Exalted One’ claimed the TNT Championship relatively early on in his AEW career, and his run with the Dark Order was thoroughly entertaining. Unbelievably, his stint in AEW only lasted around seven months, as Lee’s untimely passing in December 2020 cruelly cut his career short.
It’s no secret that Brodie Lee is held in high regard within the world of professional wrestling, and he undoubtedly deserves a spot in this hypothetical AEW Hall of Fame.
“Two of the greatest champions and two of the greatest people we’ve ever had in AEW, and in very different circumstances. Sting and Mr. Brodie Lee would be great people to build any Hall of Fame class around.”
The Elite
It wouldn’t be an AEW Hall of Fame without the creators, the EVPs, and The Elite. Matthew and Nicholas Jackson, Kenny Omega, and Adam Page will certainly end up in an AEW Hall of Fame in the future, as the men behind the biggest competitor to WWE in decades.
Sure, this is unlikely to be something that will happen any time soon, but there’s no question that these four men deserve recognition for their services to professional wrestling.
Of course, the fifth member of the group was Cody Rhodes. It’s hard to imagine that WWE would allow their competition to enter their biggest babyface into their Hall of Fame, but he deserves a place alongside his former Elite stablemates.
Whether or not Cody is included, The Young Bucks, Omega and Page are deserving of a spot in an eventual AEW Hall of Fame.
Chris Jericho
Although the Chris Jericho of 2024 is a far cry from previous years, he will forever be a pivotal figure from the early days of AEW. His statement signing in 2019 came as a surprise to many within the world of professional wrestling, which helped the up-start AEW reach new heights.
As a recognizable legend, Jericho made perfect sense to be the top guy and helped carry the company forward during its early days.
Jericho’s run as the inaugural AEW World Champion captured the interest of casual fans, as the biggest name amongst a relatively small roster. It’s this run that makes the case for his position in a hypothetical Hall of Fame.
Jericho’s current standing amongst pro wrestling fans would make this an understandably contentious decision, but it seems hard to argue against this hypothetical entry for ‘Y2J’ into an AEW Hall of Fame.
Jay Briscoe
Although he never managed to compete within AEW, Jay Briscoe should be another name considered when thinking about this hypothetical topic.
Tony Khan touched on this during his interview, explaining that Briscoe needs to be “talked about and honored”. What better way to do so, than by entering him into an AEW Hall of Fame?
Both Briscoe brothers had stellar careers and their work for tag team wrestling will never go unrecognized. Potentially, Jay could be welcomed in alongside Mark Briscoe as a team, but Mark could also be the man to induct his brother later down the line.
Either way, Jay Briscoe undoubtedly deserves a place in an eventual AEW Hall of Fame.
Dustin Rhodes
Much like Chris Jericho, another man who helped the company thrive during the first few years was Dustin Rhodes.
‘The Natural’ put on one of AEW’s most iconic matches at AEW Double or Nothing 2019, opposite his brother Cody, which helped highlight exactly what to expect from WWE’s competition.
Dustin had a spectacular career prior to his run in AEW, of course, but his ability to continue to show up and put on matches at his age is exemplary. If Tony Khan wants to reward Rhodes for his commitment to AEW and willingness to help put over younger talent, a spot in a hypothetical Hall of Fame would be a logical step.
The Von Erich Family
A slightly more surprising entry, perhaps, but one that I believe makes sense.
Taking inspiration from the WWE Hall of Fame, there is typically an entrant or two that goes in for their notable work within the world of professional wrestling.
We’ve seen the The Von Erichs perform on AEW television a couple of times now, which suggests that there is a good relationship between them and Tony Khan.
As a fan of wrestling, Khan will understand the legacy of the Von Erichs and, if he decides, should consider honoring them by making them an entrant in any hypothetical Hall of Fame.
In my opinion, a fitting tribute to the Von Erich dynasty and one that should happen, if an AEW Hall of Fame comes around.
While all of the above are worthy entrants, there are sure to be current AEW stars that go down as legends for the company in another ten, fifteen, or more years. Until then, however, I believe that this would make for a fitting first class, should Tony Khan ever be interested.
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
Header photo – AEW – Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world. As well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. You can catch AEW Dynamite on Wednesday nights at 8 PM ET on TBS. AEW Rampage airs on TNT at 10 PM EST every Friday night. AEW Collision airs Saturday at 8pm Eastern on TNT. More AEW content available on their YouTube.
