The year 2025 has marked significant progression for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), with Tony Khan orchestrating compelling storylines and high-profile matches. AEW is gearing up to hold Forbidden Door 2025 at The O2 Arena in London, England, highlighting the company’s expanding global reach. This period has also seen a clear division between wrestlers thriving in the spotlight and others fading into obscurity.
Stars Rising to Prominence This Year
Several AEW performers have gained tremendous popularity this year. World Champion Hangman Adam Page and the AEW Women’s World Champion stand out as top draws, both enjoying increased fan support and frequent appearances. Other wrestlers such as Kyle Fletcher, Kazuchika Okada, Mercedes Moné, Swerve Strickland, and Willow Nightingale have become regular fixtures on weekly broadcasts, solidifying their status within the promotion.
AEW Talent Struggling to Stay Relevant
In contrast, some AEW stars have been noticeably absent or sidelined on shows like Dynamite and Collision. Tony Khan’s apparent loss of interest in certain performers suggests a shrinking role for them in AEW storylines moving forward. Despite talent or past achievements, these wrestlers face challenges reclaiming their earlier momentum within the company.
Daniel Garcia’s Transition from Faction to Solo Competitor
Daniel Garcia signed with AEW in 2021 and was initially part of The Jericho Appreciation Society (JAS), which included prominent names like Chris Jericho, Jake Hager, Angelo Parker, Matt Menard, Sammy Guevara, Tay Melo, and Anna Jay. While the group started strong, it eventually dissolved, leaving Garcia to pursue a singles career.
Red Death’s Waning Popularity Despite Past Success
Red Death once held the TNT Championship and showed promise as a singles star. However, his momentum has dramatically slowed, with fan reactions growing lukewarm. Many spectators have described him as lacking charisma and engagement, casting doubt on his future relevance within AEW as Tony Khan appears to have shifted focus elsewhere.
Sammy Guevara’s Decline Despite ROH Tag Title
Though Sammy Guevara currently holds the ROH World Tag Team Championship, his profile within AEW has diminished considerably. Formerly regarded as one of Tony Khan‘s key assets and part of AEW’s “four pillars” alongside MJF, Jack Perry, and Darby Allin, Guevara’s appeal has faded compared to his peers. While once a three-time AEW TNT Champion, many fans now view him as lacking charisma.
“It used to bother me a lot, what people would say. Because I felt like I was always looking for outside validation. Ultimately, I just needed to find validation with myself. I feel like I found that,” said Guevara. —Sammy Guevara
Despite this resilience, Khan’s confidence in Guevara’s solo prospects may be limited, and the 32-year-old might not capture another singles title.
Britt Baker’s Absence and Possible AEW Departure
Britt Baker, once the emblematic figure of AEW’s women’s division, has been noticeably missing from company programming since November 2024. Known for her controversial persona, it appears Tony Khan may no longer plan to feature her prominently. Rumors, supported by former WWE personality Jonathan Coachman, suggest Baker might leave AEW and sign with WWE, underscoring her status as one of the promotion’s most significant “what if” cases.
The Significance of Tony Khan’s Decisions in 2025
Tony Khan’s booking choices this year reveal a distinct divide within AEW’s roster. While some wrestlers reach new heights in their careers, others have been effectively buried, impacting their visibility and opportunities. This shifting landscape has major implications for AEW’s future storylines and talent development. Fans and industry insiders will be watching closely how Khan manages these dynamics ahead of major events, including the Forbidden Door show in London.
