All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has rapidly grown into an international touring force, firmly established as the second-largest professional wrestling company worldwide, yet few realize the Kevin Owens AEW origin influence that helped set this extraordinary journey in motion. The story of AEW’s creation is woven together by innovative wrestlers, chance moments, and a pivotal connection guided by Owens that forever altered the direction of wrestling.
The Foundation of AEW: Ambition and Alliances Lead the Charge
AEW’s emergence is rooted in the vision and ambition of The Elite—Cody Rhodes, Nick Jackson, and Matt Jackson—who together led the charge to create something new in a wrestling industry dominated by a single powerhouse. In 2018, the group responded to a challenge to fill an arena with more than 10,000 fans, a feat believed impossible for non-WWE promotions. Their ambition and resourcefulness produced the first major “All In” event, featuring talent from Ring of Honor (ROH), New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), AAA, TNA, and other prominent organizations. With Cody Rhodes leaving his Stardust persona behind and partnering with The Elite, momentum began to build rapidly around the idea of a true alternative for wrestling fans dissatisfied with WWE’s status quo.
The explosive impact of the All In event did not go unnoticed. Billionaire Tony Khan, himself a devoted wrestling fan, saw an opportunity and joined forces with The Elite. Together with growing support and a roster brimming with rising stars, All Elite Wrestling was officially born at the dawn of 2019. Backed by names like Kenny Omega, Adam Page, PAC, Chris Jericho, and the group SCU, AEW instantly set itself apart by drawing in both independent talents and global stars, inviting fans to envision a new era of professional wrestling. Yet, beneath this powerful alliance lay a critical catalyst—Kevin Owens.
Kevin Owens: Catalyst for Cody Rhodes’ Career Shift
The journey that brought Cody Rhodes into The Elite—whose collective efforts would later form AEW—traces back directly to Kevin Owens, who occupies a unique place in AEW’s origin story. In 2016, Rhodes was struggling in WWE under the “Stardust” moniker, lacking meaningful opportunities and drifting low on the roster. Dissatisfied and eager to break free, Rhodes made the bold decision to request his release, a move granted by the company. In a period of uncertainty, he sought advice from trusted friends, including Kevin Owens, who was at the time gaining traction as a main roster star in WWE.
Owens was a close friend of Matt and Nick Jackson—the Young Bucks—having built camaraderie with them on the independent circuits and in ROH. Recognizing the Bucks’ burgeoning popularity and pivotal role outside WWE, Owens urged Rhodes to contact them as he sought a fresh direction. The impact of this suggestion would reverberate throughout the wrestling world, marking a turning point not just for Rhodes, but for the wrestling business as a whole.
Reflecting on this critical moment during a discussion on Cody Rhodes’ podcast, the story was revisited as follows:
“You, of course, told me, ‘If you can talk to Matt and Nick — Matt and Nick Jackson, The Young Bucks — and see if there’s anything there.”
—Kevin Owens, Professional Wrestler
This direct advice helped Rhodes chart a new path. Acting on Owens’ suggestion, Rhodes connected with the Young Bucks, later joining their red-hot Bullet Club faction in NJPW and ultimately becoming a core member of The Elite. This chain of events opened doors for independent super shows, cross-promotional endeavors, and eventually AEW’s foundation, a direct outcome of this early friendship and guidance.
The Snowball Effect: How One Connection Altered Wrestling’s Course
Had Kevin Owens not intervened, Cody Rhodes’ post-WWE story—and by extension, AEW’s creation—could have been very different. Without Owens steering him toward the Young Bucks, Rhodes might have continued to work the independent scene, possibly starring for promotions like TNA for several years, or eventually returning to WWE in a midcard role. Instead, Owens’ advice set into motion a cascade of collaborations, as Rhodes quickly found his place alongside the Young Bucks and the wider Elite group.
This pivotal introduction triggered a “snowball effect,” fundamentally transforming not just Rhodes’ career, but the direction of the professional wrestling world. Once united, The Elite forged an alliance that would later be joined by Tony Khan, bringing together the vital pieces needed for AEW’s birth. While some speculate that Rhodes could have eventually crossed paths with The Young Bucks or that Tony Khan might have found a way to launch AEW regardless, the timing and chemistry that shaped the company as it stands today largely stemmed from Owens’ behind-the-scenes encouragement.
As AEW continues to evolve, challenges remain, including managing a growing roster and maintaining momentum. Still, the company’s trajectory was undeniably shifted by those early suggestions and relationships, proof that wrestling’s most significant revolutions are often born from quiet conversations and individual acts of mentorship. Kevin Owens, though now known primarily as a WWE star, occupies an essential, if less visible, role as an origin influencer in AEW’s historic rise.
Looking forward, AEW’s continued success will be shaped by innovative partnerships and the willingness of stars to champion each other behind the scenes, much as Owens did for Rhodes. The company stands as a testament to the power of ambition, collaboration, and the unpredictable ripple effects sparked by meaningful advice at a moment of uncertainty. For wrestling fans and historians alike, understanding the Kevin Owens AEW origin influence offers a new appreciation for the unseen catalysts fueling wrestling’s greatest revolutions.
