{"id":129365,"date":"2025-01-06T07:00:42","date_gmt":"2025-01-06T12:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/?p=129365"},"modified":"2025-01-06T05:09:48","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T10:09:48","slug":"breakout-aew-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2025\/01\/06\/breakout-aew-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Who\u2019s Going to Breakout in AEW in 2025?"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are so many ways and levels to breaking out. There are stages, like rungs on a ladder or tiers on a cake. Different metaphorical glass ceilings to shatter. <\/span><\/p>\n

Other types of metallic rings hang from the rafters at different heights. All deserve some appreciation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you care about the long-term marathon or just about the sprint that will be the next twelve months, plenty in the AEW locker room seems primed and ready to make the most of 2025. <\/span><\/p>\n

So, like when I looked at a range of <\/span>overlooked wrestlers in 2024<\/span><\/a>, <\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m going to take a broad look at who in 2025 will break away from the pack. Let\u2019s consider who will rise to the next tier in various divisions, card positions, and spots. I\u2019ve likely missed a few, so tell me who in the comments.<\/span><\/p>\n

Breakout Faction – Bang Bang Gang <\/strong><\/h3>\n

When Bullet Club Gold formed, it seemed like another splinter group of a faction past its prime. I still remember voices saying Jay White was dead on arrival. At the time, Juice Robinson was a bland jobber to the stars. But over time, Robinson\u2019s scenery-chewing persona bubbled and erupted <\/span>onto<\/span> Collision. <\/span><\/p>\n

Likewise, The Gunns, who still do not get enough credit for their development, added their <\/span>own<\/span> brand of loud and obnoxious energy to the mix.<\/span><\/p>\n

It worked. As a collective before All In last year, the group clicked. Solo, Jay White continues to go strong. Sooner or later, when reunited with his faction mates and they raise their guns together, the group has the potential to dominate.<\/span><\/p>\n

As foils to The Death Riders, the group\u2019s fun-soaked energy and complimentary characters could make them front-runners to take the AEW trios championships (as I <\/span>predicted last year<\/span><\/a>). <\/span><\/p>\n

Collectively, their chemistry and ability to engage the crowd as faces could, if harnessed well, recreate the <\/span>level of<\/span> fan engagement that The Acclaimed mastered in 2022.<\/span><\/p>\n

Midcard – The Acclaimed (Split) <\/strong><\/h3>\n

As an act in 2024, The Acclaimed is a useful example of something AEW could learn from in 2025: <\/span>cut bait and end a storyline\/team when fans stop caring<\/span><\/a>. However, the current teased split has ignited interest in both men\u2019s futures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Like a lot of fans, I soured on Max Caster in 2024. His raps and disses became mundane. His trolling\/Edgelord social media behavior is off-putting. <\/span><\/p>\n

But, yo, listen\u2026 As a character, Caster has the potential to be a truly despicable heel. Something AEW is lacking.<\/span><\/p>\n

Especially, as a deluded one who continues to proclaim himself \u201cthe best wrestler alive\u201d despite being squashed. Already, teases with The Hurt Business and a similar character adopted by Ricochet provide varied potential avenues for Caster. <\/span><\/p>\n

Solo, tag-teaming, faction member, or a combination of all the above as the year goes on, there\u2019s potential for Caster to become renewed and fresh again.<\/span><\/p>\n

As for the five-tool player, fans have been looking forward to Anthony Bowens standing by himself. The current Hurt Business tie-in could see Bowens become a member and turn heel. <\/span><\/p>\n

Or his natural fire and energy could see Bowens become a beloved midcard act. Like Caster, there are so many options.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both men will have room in early 2025 to see what they can do.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tag Team – The Outrunners\u00a0 <\/strong><\/h3>\n