The Most Iconic AEW Feuds of All Time
While All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has only been around since 2019, it has already delivered some compelling and thrilling narratives over its short history. AEW’s wrestlers enjoy a level of creative freedom that allows them to address more mature themes compared to other wrestling promotions. This has facilitated intense rivalries that explore inner conflicts, the need for validation, and the lengths to which characters will go to assert dominance over their opponents.
Despite criticism regarding its story consistency, AEW has earned a reputation for focusing heavily on in-ring action rather than solely relying on scripted promos. Although opinions on wrestling styles differ, AEW has successfully filled narrative gaps through high-quality matches, enriching the storytelling experience without excessive exposition.
Today, we delve into some of the standout feuds in AEW’s brief history, highlighting five legendary rivalries that have shaped the promotion.
Kenny Omega vs. Hangman Page
This rivalry was pivotal in establishing AEW, particularly during a significant growth phase in 2021. Hangman Adam Page was viewed as the company’s central figure, initially announced as a future AEW World Champion. Over the years, his conflicts with friends like Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks set the stage for a compelling narrative filled with personal stakes.
Page’s battle with alcoholism and insecurities led to a breakdown of relationships and vital partnership losses, including a title match. As Omega’s rise continued, Page found solace in the Dark Order, eventually reclaiming his path and securing the title from Omega in a dramatic match, solidifying him as the focal character in AEW.
Young Bucks vs. Lucha Brothers
Before Hangman’s journey began, the Young Bucks aimed to revive tag team wrestling in an era focused primarily on singles matches. They found worthy rivals in the Lucha Brothers, who echoed this ambition. Their rivalry began in 2016, setting off a series of unforgettable encounters from the ring to the prestigious AAA Tag Team Championship at AEW’s inaugural event.
Both teams pushed the envelope of tag team wrestling, culminating in a notorious steel cage match characterized by unbelievable moves and emotional investment. With the Lucha Brothers transitioning to WWE, this rivalry remains a golden chapter in tag team history.
CM Punk vs. MJF
In 2021, CM Punk returned to wrestling, only to encounter the abrasive MJF, then quickly spiraled into a feud ripe with personal touches. MJF, who had long idolized Punk, used his animosity as a driving force, leading to compelling confrontations fueled by past disappointments.
Their matches built upon this emotional clash, including a brutal dog collar bout that showcased the raw intensity of both competitors. Despite Punk’s subsequent controversies sidelining his career, this feud stands out as one of modern wrestling’s most effectively told stories.
Tony Storm vs. Mariah May
Despite criticisms that AEW’s women’s division often lacks attention, the rivalry between Toni Storm and Mariah May has captured fan interest. Drawing inspiration from the film "All About Eve," their relationship evolved from mentorship to bitter rivalry, culminating in high-stakes matches.
Storm’s intense journey, leading her to reclaim her title, alongside May’s determination to rise through the ranks, has encapsulated the potential of AEW’s women’s division. Their Falls Count Anywhere match became a hallmark of intensity, solidifying it as an iconic rivalry in women’s wrestling.
Swerve Strickland vs. Hangman Page
In a darker narrative arc, Hangman Page and Swerve Strickland’s feud explored the psychological and emotional facets of rivalry. What began as a contest for respect devolved into chaos, complete with home invasions and escalating violence, embodying a grim portrayal of personal vendettas in wrestling.
Strickland’s journey to the championship was complicated by Page’s obsession with revenge, leading to a dramatic steel cage match that saw their animosity reach new heights. The underlying themes of hatred and desperation have made this feud both compelling and disturbing.
Editorial Opinion
These feuds matter not just for their entertainment value but also for the depth they bring to wrestling narratives, allowing audiences to emotionally invest in the characters. As AEW continues to carve out its unique space in the wrestling world, the evolution of these stories could redefine how rivalries are constructed and appreciated in professional wrestling.
