Darby Allin AEW Rising Star status was unmistakably reinforced this week as he secured four wins in his past six matches and marked his seventh consecutive appearance on AEW Dynamite. His presence on the program was notably emphasized, including a vignette featuring Darby painting on a canvas with his own blood while issuing a challenge to Jon Moxley for the upcoming All Out event. Wheeler Yuta responded on Moxley’s behalf, claiming the Death Rider would not face Darby directly.
The episode’s main event showcased a no-rules match between Darby and Claudio Castagnoli, paying homage to the wild, chaotic style made famous by the historic ECW Arena, where AEW recently held events. Darby emerged victorious, signaling a potential next opponent from the Death Riders faction, with speculation focusing on either Wheeler Yuta or Gabe Kidd.
Darby Allin has solidified his position as one of AEW’s top babyfaces without relying on championship titles to define his success. His character blends elements reminiscent of Mick Foley and the late Spike Dudley, creating a distinctive niche that resonates deeply with the audience. Regardless of personal taste for his unorthodox style, his connection with fans is undeniable.
Jon Moxley Continues to Regain Momentum After Title Loss
Jon Moxley has bounced back impressively with three successive singles victories following his loss in the AEW World Title rematch. Remaining a consistent presence on Dynamite, Moxley has swiftly moved into a fresh rivalry with Darby Allin, maintaining relevance at the top of the card.
Supporting this dynamic, Gabe Kidd has appeared more regularly, complementing Moxley’s faction, the Death Riders, which also includes Kris Statlander and Daniel Garcia. This reinvigorated stable appears poised to take center stage in upcoming storylines. Fans eagerly anticipate the developments in the burgeoning feud between Darby Allin and Jon Moxley.
Challenges Facing Juice Robinson and Babyface Depth in AEW
In contrast to Darby’s resurgence, Juice Robinson has struggled recently, recording four losses in six outings and lacking any matches on Dynamite since his return from injury at All In Texas in July. The Bang Bang Gang, and by extension Bullet Club Gold, have been plagued by injuries, with leader Jay White likely out for the year. Juice’s return has coincided with further misfortune, including Colten Gunn suffering an injury during his first televised appearance back, leaving Juice to team with less charismatic members like Austin Gunn.
While Juice Robinson remains a potentially valuable asset to AEW’s roster, his current positioning may reflect a plateau in his career trajectory, exacerbated by recent defeats such as his loss to Big Bill on AEW Collision. There is hope among fans for a return to the more intense, wild persona that made Juice a standout during his New Japan tenure. Whether that version of Juice will be revived remains uncertain.
AEW Faces a Shortage of Key Babyfaces Amid Star Absences
The men’s babyface division has been depleted significantly due to the absence of major stars like Will Ospreay and Swerve Strickland, both of whom have played prominent roles over the past year. Alongside these two, long-term fan favorites such as Jay White, Orange Cassidy, Eddie Kingston, and Bryan Danielson are also unavailable, leaving a notable vacuum on the face side of the roster.
Darby Allin’s recent return adds a crucial presence for the company’s good guys, but gaps remain wide. AEW is attempting to elevate other wrestlers like Mark Briscoe, who is well-regarded but appears to have a ceiling just below genuine main event status. The full return of Kingston and Orange Cassidy would provide a significant boost when they are ready to compete again.
A strategic alternative to fill this void might involve turning a standout heel into a babyface, with Konosuke Takeshita identified as a prime candidate to make an instant leap into main event contention. Alongside Darby and Hangman Adam Page, he would help form a strong nucleus of popular babyfaces. Additional top performers such as Mark Briscoe, Adam Copeland, Christian Cage, and Kenny Omega could then be utilized flexibly to support main event storylines as needed.
Implications and What Lies Ahead for AEW’s Rising Stars
Darby Allin’s renewed prominence as AEW’s top rising star energizes the promotion during a period of babyface scarcity. His unique appeal offers AEW a dependable anchor on the good side of the roster, even as key players remain sidelined. Jon Moxley’s steady comeback and expanded stable could lead to engaging narrative conflicts, particularly with Darby, generating anticipation for All Out and beyond.
The challenges faced by stars like Juice Robinson highlight the unpredictable nature of injuries and momentum shifts in the wrestling business. AEW’s ability to adapt and elevate promising talent such as Takeshita will be critical to maintaining balance and fan interest across divisions. The evolving landscape suggests a period of creative opportunity as AEW builds new stars and storylines heading into its fall schedule.
