Brody King has firmly established himself as a Brody King AEW rising star during the weeks following the Forbidden Door event, showcasing renewed energy and prominence in the company’s tag team landscape. His recent performances, particularly alongside Bandido, have positioned him as a central figure in revitalizing AEW’s tag division, which features a strong mix of established teams and fresh contenders.
After spending his early AEW career somewhat overshadowed by Malakai Black, King now commands attention as a physically imposing presence who stands toe-to-toe with notable wrestlers like Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin. Despite his team’s past achievement in winning the Trios Titles, those accolades carried little weight in the eyes of hardcore fans due to the titles’ limited prestige and exposure, as evidenced during their brief defense on the Forbidden Door pre-show.
Brody King‘s recent performances signal a return to the form that initially captivated wrestling enthusiasts nearly a decade ago. His size and intensity bring a rare dynamic to a tag team division that is looking to rebuild and evolve, with his partnership alongside Bandido serving as a key element of that transformation. This pairing injects muscle and versatility into the division’s competitive environment, which includes prominent duos such as FTR, The Young Bucks, The Outrunners, Gates of Agony, Jet Speed, Adam Copeland and Christian Cage, Big Billy and Bryan Keith, and The Hurt Syndicate.
The depth and variety of these teams suggest that AEW’s tag team division is in a healthy state, with plenty of room for growth and fresh storylines. Brody King’s rise is representative of this evolving landscape, offering the potential for new rivalries and title runs throughout the year.
Wardlow’s Return Sparks Excitement for Future AEW Developments
Another notable figure making an impression is Wardlow, who recently returned to AEW with a strong backing that includes aligning with Don Callis. His reintroduction to the roster, marked by a decisive attack on Prince Nana—a character known more for charisma than physicality—has ignited speculation about Wardlow’s role moving forward.
Wardlow’s size and presence have long been recognized within AEW, though his career trajectory has been inconsistent since his split from MJF. Fans and analysts alike are hopeful that this new direction could lead to a resurgence. The possibility of Wardlow engaging in a feud with Swerve adds intrigue and immediate interest to his renewed push.
There is also growing conversation about the potential for Wardlow to join forces with Josh Alexander, another member of the “Don Callis Family,” to form a formidable heel tag team. This collaboration would not only showcase their combined size advantage but could also reintroduce Alexander to his tag team roots, while allowing Wardlow to gradually reintegrate into in-ring competition. Wardlow’s return is viewed as a promising sign for AEW’s tag division depth and upcoming storylines.
The Decline of Jet Speed’s Tag Team Momentum
In stark contrast to Brody King’s rising trajectory, the tag team Jet Speed, consisting of Kevin Knight and “Speedball” Mike Bailey, has experienced a noticeable downturn in recent weeks. Once featured heavily on major cards, including a high-profile AEW Tag Title match at the All In Texas pay-per-view, their momentum has stalled.
Since that event, Jet Speed has struggled to achieve victories. Their last tag team win took place several months ago on a June 25 episode of Dynamite, where they defeated Ricochet and A.R. Fox. Since then, both Knight and Bailey have fallen in singles competition to Jon Moxley, and as a team, they have been unable to overcome Moxley and Wheeler Yuta.
Their position at Forbidden Door was further diminished when they competed in a losing effort during the pre-show’s opening trios match, contrasting with other participants originally planned for the main show. Their absence from the Forbidden Door main card raises questions regarding their status within AEW’s evolving tag team hierarchy.
The decline in Jet Speed’s win record reflects a broader effort to recalibrate the tag team division, which saw a dominant “Goldberg-esque” team drop the titles, opening the door for a more competitive and balanced field. However, the sustained losing streak experienced by Jet Speed prompts speculation over whether the duo will continue as a team or eventually pursue separate paths.
AEW Tag Team Division Enters a Period of Transition
Overall, AEW’s tag team division is in the midst of a significant reshuffle, marked by the rise of Brody King and the uncertain future of teams like Jet Speed. The mix of established veterans and emerging stars sets the stage for dynamic storylines and competitive matchups in the months ahead.
Brody King’s increased prominence highlights AEW’s commitment to diversifying its roster with unique talents, particularly larger wrestlers who bring a different style to the tag team scene. Meanwhile, Wardlow’s return adds depth to the division’s potential narratives, posing intriguing possibilities for alliances and rivalries.
What unfolds from here will likely shape the tag team division‘s direction, as AEW balances rebuilding efforts and capitalizes on the strengths of its roster. Fans can anticipate spirited competition as new champions emerge and longstanding rivals face off in this evolving landscape.
