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Top 10 shocking moments in AEW that fans didn't see coming

Since the start of the AEW in 2019, it has managed to captivate its audience with spectacular performances.

By Anupam | May 18, 2023 | 3 Min Read

Since the start of the AEW in 2019, it has managed to captivate its audience with spectacular performances. Many of their wrestlers have now become household names akin to the WWE superstars. It has managed to become the second-largest wrestling promotion and is now steadily growing towards becoming a true rival to the WWE.

AEW has managed to create moments that leave fans in awe, with shocking twists and turns that nobody saw coming. From surprise debuts to unexpected alliances, let’s delve into the top 10 shocking moments in AEW that left fans speechless.

1. Jake Roberts Interrupts Cody Rhodes:

It was during one of Cody Rhodes’ promos, a moment that seemed routine at first. But then, out of nowhere, the legendary Jake “The Snake” Roberts made an unannounced appearance. The arena erupted with surprise as Roberts interrupted Rhodes, asserting himself as the manager of the formidable Lance Archer. The atmosphere instantly shifted, and fans were left in awe, eagerly anticipating the intense rivalry that would ensue.

2. Jon Moxley’s Debut:

Former WWE Superstar Dean Ambrose shocked the wrestling world when he made his debut at AEW’s inaugural event, Double or Nothing. Going by his real name, Jon Moxley, he attacked Chris Jericho and Kenny Omega, making an immediate impact and solidifying himself as a force to be reckoned with in AEW.

Jon-Moxley-Image-Twitter@DarrenConnolly_ — Jon Moxley [Image: Twitter@DarrenConnolly_]

3. Sting’s Arrival:

During the first-ever Winter is Coming edition of Dynamite, the face-painted legend, Sting made his AEW debut. His debut was in a match between the team of Cody and Dustin Rhodes against Team Taz which was already the highlight of the event. But Sting’s debut and his alliance with Cody stole the limelight.

4. Adam Page confronting Kenny Omega

The buildup to this confrontation had been brewing for months, with tensions rising between the former tag team partners. The confrontation was a clash of emotions, as Page poured out his heart, expressing his disappointment and anger towards Omega. The betrayal of their former tag team partnership weighed heavily on him and he demanded answers.

5. The Arrival of Brodie Lee:

Another such moment happened when the former WWE star Luke Harper made his debut in AEW as Brodie Lee. His debut happened during a clash against Cody Rhodes where he not only defeated him but also established himself as the leader of the Dark Order.

6. Cody Rhodes Breaks the Throne:

In a symbolic act of rebellion against WWE’s past, Cody Rhodes shattered a replica of Triple H’s throne during his entrance at AEW’s inaugural pay-per-view, Double or Nothing. The gesture resonated with fans, representing AEW’s determination to carve its own path and challenge the status quo.

7. The Stadium Stampede Match:

AEW’s unique cinematic match concept took an unexpected turn when the Stadium Stampede match was announced. This innovative match, held at TIAA Bank Field, pitted The Inner Circle against The Elite in an all-out brawl throughout the stadium. The match’s unpredictable nature and various surprises left fans astonished and thoroughly entertained.

8. The Arrival of Andrade “El Idolo”:

In another twist of events, the former WWE Superstar Andrade “Cien” Almas joined the AEW bringing his dynamic talent and rich background to an already stacked AEW Roster. Andrade would even adopt a new name “Andrade el Idolo”. And would act as a main component for many of the dream matches that AEW fans wanted to see.

9. MJF Betrays Cody Rhodes:

A shocking betrayal unfolded when MJF turned on his mentor, Cody Rhodes, during a highly emotional episode of Dynamite. After Cody Rhodes had just defeated Wardlow in a grueling Steel Cage match, MJF attacked him, solidifying himself as one of the most despised heels in AEW.

10. The Arrival of CM Punk:

Perhaps the most seismic shockwave in AEW’s history came with the return of CM Punk to professional wrestling after a lengthy absence. The crowd erupted with uncontainable excitement when Punk made his debut at AEW Rampage: The First Dance. This momentous occasion marked a major milestone for AEW and left fans ecstatic.