Former WWE champion Nic Nemeth recently spotlighted AEW’s tag team division during his appearance on Busted Open Radio, sharing his insights on the current championship scene. He focused on the dynamic matchup between the dominant champions, The Hurt Syndicate, and the high-flying challengers, Jet Speed, emphasizing that AEW should pay close attention to fan reactions when shaping the storyline.
The Hurt Syndicate, featuring powerhouse Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin, has solidified its reputation as a dominant force in AEW’s tag team ranks. Their blend of experience and raw strength has made them nearly unbeatable champions, posing a tough challenge for any contender.
On the other side, Jet Speed — represented by Mike Bailey and Kevin Knight — embodies everything The Hurt Syndicate is not. While the champions rely on power and intimidation, Jet Speed offers speed, agility, and an underdog spirit that is resonating strongly with AEW fans.
“You have to listen to the crowd. They decide whether it’s a good night or a bad night, or if people tune in the following week,” Nemeth shared during the radio show.
Nemeth’s view goes beyond a simple David versus Goliath narrative. He recognizes the strategic hurdles Jet Speed faces but also sees potential in their unconventional tactics. Bailey recently revealed on YouTube that their approach is to wear down the champions through relentless pressure and unpredictability, a strategy Nemeth finds compelling.
“They’re going to get beaten, so they have to try something different. But could they pull off a win by hitting the right moves quickly and surprising everyone to steal the title and escape?” Nemeth pondered.
Given Nemeth’s wide-ranging experience in WWE and his ongoing success elsewhere, his perspective carries considerable weight. He points out that storytelling in professional wrestling is often shaped more by authentic fan engagement than by scripted booking alone.
For AEW’s tag team division, this rivalry is about more than just winning the championship. It’s a test of whether the promotion can effectively balance the dominance of heel champions with the appeal of credible underdog challengers, fostering genuine fan involvement that Nemeth advocates for.
While it’s still uncertain if Jet Speed can convert their speed and fan support into championship success, at least one former world champion believes it’s within the realm of possibility.
Fan Take: This storyline matters to AEW fans because it highlights the importance of crowd engagement in wrestling narratives, making matches feel more authentic and compelling. If AEW successfully balances powerhouse champions with exciting underdog challengers like Jet Speed, it could elevate the tag team division and invigorate the sport with fresh energy.
