For the latter part of 2022 and early 2023, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has been stuck in something of a slump. Following the disastrously damaging post-All Out press conference, it felt as if the company was struggling to maintain fan interest. Its gleaming reputation had been tarnished. But things seem to be turning a corner – and no segment demonstrated that better than the one featuring the Four Pillars of AEW on the 15 March episode of Dynamite.
To understand how AEW found itself in such a difficult spot last year, you need look no further than its over-reliance on former WWE stars. While those wrestlers have benefitted the company immensely, it’s ultimately the lack of a homegrown babyface star that’s been holding the company back.
After Vince McMahon ‘retired’ from WWE – AEW’s main competitor – that company’s product improved. Couple that with hot angles and big stars – namely in the form of The Bloodline, Sami Zayn, and Cody Rhodes – and you’ve got a recipe for success.
AEW, on the other hand, appeared muddled and confused. Too many championships, too many wrestlers, too much ROH. This overabundance of, well, everything and the outward appearance of disorder was doing the company no favours.
Thankfully, the recent Revolution pay-per-view reinvigorated the product. It helped remind fans of what once made AEW so special. And it was capped off with what was arguably one of the greatest professional wrestling matches of all time in MJF vs. Bryan Danielson.
With that match in the rear-view mirror, it was clear that AEW had to capitalise on the renewed buzz. And they did – by FINALLY drawing on the oft-touted Four Pillars of AEW and putting them all together for a fantastic and memorable segment that’s sure to lead to landmark main event down the line.
Who are the Four Pillars of AEW?
The Four Pillars of AEW are MJF, Sammy Guevara, Darby Allin, and “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry. Since AEW’s inception, they have been routinely described as the brightest and most promising talents that would lead the company into the future.
These four wrestlers have intermittently crossed paths before. But MJF’s re-bar mitzvah on 15 March Dynamite marked the first time they have all been featured in a prominent angle with each other.
The champ kicked off his re-bar mitzvah in typical MJF fashion before being interrupted by Perry, Guevara, and Allin. Each wrestler then took turns cutting scathing promos on MJF before demanding title shots, setting up what appears to be a fatal 4-way match for Double or Nothing in May.
This moment was so important for AEW because it symbolised the promise of a fresh start with fresh faces. Sure – these men have been featured heavily on television for a long time. But now they’re all being positioned as the focal point – and as the top competitors in the company.
Above all, Darby Allin – who has experienced numerous start-stop pushes – stood tall as prime candidate to be AEW’s next top babyface. That’s not to discredit Jungle Boy and Sammy, who undoubtedly left their own marks on viewers last night.
As this segment came to an end, its underlying message was received loud and clear. AEW is done treading water and finally ready to take the plunge into the long-foretold future.
Are you excited to see more of the Four Pillars of AEW? Where do you think the feud will lead? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other Film & TV articles…
