5 Wrestlers From The 90s That Would Thrive In AEW (And 5 That Wouldn't)

Wrestling in the 90s was essentially a tale of two eras. The first half of the decade was an odd transitional phase, that was a combination of the cartoonish wrestling of the 80s and a growing emphasis on work rate and athleticism.

The second half of the 90s, which was spearheaded by the nWo and the rise of Steve Austin and The Attitude Era, is more commonly associated with the period. In many ways, AEW is cast in the image of the more subtle aspects of the 90s, such as smaller wrestlers and great matches being favored over size and spectacle. Therefore, there are a number of 90s wrestlers who would have thrived in AEW, and some who wouldn't.

10 Wouldn't Thrive: Diesel

Under his given name in WCW, Kevin Nash was one of the most over figures in all wrestling in the 90s. As Diesel in WWE, many of the characteristics that made Nash cool, were somewhat neutralized. The reason that Diesel would not have thrived in AEW was due to his style of work. He worked like a classic big man, which meant he didn't do much in the ring.

Plus, he's made it clear that he isn't a fan of smaller wrestlers, coining the term "vanilla midgets," and considering that much of AEW's roster are on the smaller side, it simply wouldn't be a good fit.

9 Would Thrive: X- Pac

Most agree that X-Pac/1-2-3 Kid was ahead of his time when he first began making waves in the wrestling business. Either character would have been an ideal fit for AEW, as his style would have blended well with much of the roster.

Coupled with the fact that he was never going to be World Champion in either WWE or WCW, it's a bit of a shame that X-Pac didn't exist in a different era. In many cases, AEW pushes wrestlers based on talent alone. Because X-Pac was a fantastic in-ring performer, he would have easily thrived in AEW.

8 Wouldn't Thrive: Sable

You could argue that Sable would thrive in any genre of entertainment, but AEW would not have been an ideal working relationship. It's been well documented that Sable wasn't particularly passionate about the wrestling business, and in AEW, passion is a prerequisite. Sable never really had any aspirations to be a wrestler, and her work was indicative of that.

Most, if not all the female wrestlers in AEW, are eager to continue to improve. The likes of Britt Baker, The Bunny, and Penelope Ford, will go to great lengths to maximize their TV time. A major star in her day, AEW and Sable would not be a joyous union.

7 Would Thrive: Brian Pillman

Tragically, Brian Pillman would pass away before the 90s even hit their biggest peak. Of course, his son now works for AEW, and Pillman Sr. would have been an equally good fit for the company. In AEW, Pillman would have likely enjoyed a great deal of creative freedom, which would allow for his brilliant mind to create some truly compelling television.

As Pillman matured and his instincts evolved, he would have likely gone on to not only create great angles for himself, but for others as well. Brian Pillman would have thrived in AEW and been a tremendous asset to the company.

6 Wouldn't Thrive: New Jack

New Jack would have simply been too controversial to thrive in the socially-conscious environment of AEW. Jack was known for being unhinged and unpredictably violent, and that would have likely severed any working relationship with AEW.

New Jack wasn't really so much a wrestler, but a brawler and an outlaw. While AEW has its share of brawlers, like Eddie Kingston, Jack often took things to a criminal level. Rest his soul, but New Jack is not a wrestler who would have thrived in AEW.

5 Would Thrive: Rob Van Dam

Though he has made somewhat critical statements about AEW, it doesn't change the fact that RVD would have been a great fit for the promotion. Rob's style is highly influential on the often fast-paced and high impact wrestling in AEW, and he could have amazing matches with the likes of Kenny Omega, Sammy Guevara, and Dante Martin, to name a few.

The idea of RVD wrestling for AEW is a highly fascinating one. There's no question that he would be one of the promotion's marquee names. The most interesting thing about this entry is that while it's unlikely, it's not impossible, as Rob is still more than capable of getting in the ring.

4 Wouldn't Thrive: Sid

Much like Diesel, Sid was a big man who worked like one, and was severely limited in the ring. It's also likely that Sid would have rubbed people in the AEW locker room the wrong way, as he was known for being somewhat disagreeable and even flippant in some cases. Because he possessed such an awesome physical presence, Sid would probably get over in AEW, but the relationship would almost certainly be short-lived.

Sid just didn't have the same love for wrestling that most of the AEW roster does, and it would alienate him, and cause him to lose interest. It's fun to think about, but Sid in AEW is better left to fantasy booking.

3 Would Thrive: Bret Hart

Bret Hart is universally considered to be one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, so it's a no-brainer that he would have thrived in AEW. Bret could have worked against the likes of Bryan Danielson, CM Punk, and even MJF, to nothing short of fantastic results. The promotion would have treasured Bret more than WCW ever did, and his motivation would have been higher in a working environment like AEW.

Hart could have also been a bridge to the European market for AEW, as he was revered there. Bret Hart in AEW would be a winning situation for all involved.

2 Wouldn't Thrive: Hulk Hogan

Some might feel that The Hulkster is more closely associated with the 80s, but it's important to remember that Hogan was equally active throughout the entire decade that was the 90s. In fact, he not only reinvented himself, but was a major factor in sending the entire industry in a different direction.

It's odd to think of Hogan not being able to thrive in any company, but that just proves how much the industry has changed. AEW has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to any sort of discrimination, and Hogan's now controversial past would certainly disenfranchise him from the rest of the locker room. Hulk Hogan simply wouldn't be the type of personality to thrive in AEW.

1 Would Thrive: Owen Hart

Owen Hart was the prototype for everything an AEW wrestler should be. He was athletically gifted, technically sound, funny and entertaining, and he led a healthy lifestyle. The list of quality matches that Owen could have in AEW is endless, and he would have fitted in perfectly with the locker room.

With the recent announcement of the Owen Hart Cup in AEW, it only reinforces what could have been. Owen Hart would have been a multiple-time World Champion if he were to have ever worked for AEW.