8 Amazing Wrestlers That Flopped In AEW - Miro! Jeff Jarrett! The Hardys! Ric Flair?!

WhatCulture Wrestling16mApril 16, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of WhatCulture Wrestling, host Cy Miller explores eight wrestlers who, despite high expectations, failed to make a lasting impact in AEW. The list includes The Hardys, Ric Flair, Bobby Fish, Malachi Black, Kota Ibushi, Miro, Jeff Jarrett, and Aja Khan. Miller challenges the use of the term 'flop,' arguing that many of these athletes faced circumstances beyond their control—such as injuries, creative misalignment, pandemic disruptions, or personal struggles—rather than outright failure. He highlights how potential was often unrealized due to inconsistent booking, health issues, or creative disagreements with AEW leadership. Despite the underwhelming results, Miller emphasizes that these wrestlers still contributed meaningfully to AEW’s story and that their journeys reflect the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling. The episode balances critique with empathy, celebrating the resilience and legacy of each performer.

Key Takeaways
1

The term 'flop' is overly harsh—many wrestlers faced external factors like injuries, pandemic travel bans, or creative misalignment.

2

Consistency in booking and character development is crucial for a wrestler’s success in AEW.

3

Personal health and mental well-being should be prioritized over performance expectations.

4

Creative vision conflicts between talent and executives (like Tony Khan) can derail promising storylines.

5

Some wrestlers, like Malachi Black and Miro, had potential but were underutilized due to unclear direction.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Introduction: Rethinking the Term 'Flop'

Cy Miller opens by questioning the use of the word 'flop' to describe wrestlers in AEW, arguing that many athletes faced external challenges like injuries, personal issues, or pandemic disruptions. He emphasizes that simply being in AEW is a significant achievement.

2:00
3 min

Number 8: The Hardys – Potential Derailed by Circumstance

Matt and Jeff Hardy’s AEW run is examined, with Miller noting their struggles due to the pandemic, personal issues, and a lack of consistent momentum. Despite a brief but impactful tag team run with the Young Bucks, their overall impact was limited.

5:00
3 min

Number 7: Ric Flair – A Business Move That Didn’t Click

Ric Flair’s AEW stint is framed as a corporate partnership with his energy drink, Woo, rather than a creative fit. His appearances were limited, and his heel turn was rejected. Miller suggests AEW quietly phased him out.

8:00
3 min

Number 6: Bobby Fish – The Kickout That Broke Momentum

Bobby Fish’s controversial kickout after CM Punk’s GTS is analyzed as a potential turning point. Miller speculates that the incident may have damaged their chemistry and led to Fish’s departure, despite early promise with the Undisputed Era.

11:00
3 min

Number 5: Malachi Black – Untapped Potential

Malachi Black’s brief but promising AEW run is discussed, with Miller suggesting creative disagreements with Tony Khan may have stunted his growth. Despite his charisma and early success, he left without fulfilling his potential.

High-Impact Quotes
If you never heard of this person, I totally get it. Why do you care? But if you were aware, it just would have been something that tied into the past so nicely and kind of summed up what AEW was going to do.
Cy Miller16:33
Viral: 85.0
He ignored the doctors, and did his own rehab, and was walking before they told him he was able to walk.
Cy Miller9:30
Viral: 78.0
You can go and watch his updates right now. Now once again, I really hope he's doing okay from a health point of view, but he broke his femur.
Cy Miller9:24
Viral: 75.0
Speakers

Host

Cy Miller
Topics Discussed
Injury Impact on Careers92%Wrestler Underutilization88%Creative Vision Conflicts85%Pandemic Effects on Wrestling80%Fan Backlash and Booking Decisions78%Nostalgia in Modern Wrestling75%International Talent in AEW70%Corporate Sponsorships in Wrestling65%
People & Brands

AEW

organization

15xPositive

Cy Miller

person

12xNeutral

The Hardys

other

8xMixed

Ric Flair

person

7xPositive

Tony Khan

person

7xNeutral

Bobby Fish

person

6xNeutral

Malachi Black

person

6xMixed

Kota Ibushi

person

5xPositive

Miro

person

5xMixed

Jeff Jarrett

person

5xPositive

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