AEW Wrestler Hook Needs A Major Comeback In 2023
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Despite some critics slamming AEW for only signing ex-WWE talent, the company has proven time and time again that they have what it takes to build original stars. From the rise of Britt Baker, Nyla Rose, and Jade Cargill in the women's division, to MJF's rise to superstardom, and the introduction of The Acclaimed and Top Flight, AEW has introduced fans to homegrown and undiscovered talent on a regular basis. One name that stands out as a future main event star in the making is none other than the son of the Human Suplex Machine, Hook. Debuting in 2021, Hook has taken AEW by storm, with fans loving the young star. While the admiration from fans remains, Hook is a name in AEW that desperately needs to find better booking in the new year, and there is already a sign of the happening.
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While His AEW Debut Was Hot, Hook Has Yet To Get A Story To Sink His Teeth Into
After CM Punk coined the phrase, "Send Hook" in late 2021, the son of Taz would debut before the end of the year, looking like a star in the making. In the early months of 2022, Hook began his conquest in All Elite Wrestling, dismantling local talents and lower card acts in dominant fashion, showcasing his in-ring skills in short bouts. At Double or Nothing 2022, Hook had his first PPV match, teaming with Danhausen to take on Tony Nese and Mark Sterling in a fun, if forgettable affair.
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Eventually, Hook dethroned Ricky Starks and become the new FTW Champion, the third man to hold the belt in AEW, as he would taste his first bit of singles gold within the company. Despite finding short stories and big moments across 2022, Hook failed to really be given anything meaningful aside from the FTW Championship and a special tag match with Action Bronson. For one of the company's younger stars, he needs more heading into the new year.
Heading Into The New Year, Hook Already Has A Story
Despite not having many significant storylines thus far in his AEW run, one seems to be brewing for Hook. In recent weeks, Hook came to the aide of Jungle Boy Jack Perry, with both men seeing issues arise against The Firm. A hot partnership between two of AEW's youngest babyface stars seems like a no-brainer, with Hook getting the chance to work with new faces, and not having to only be kept in squash matches. As Hook and Jungle Boy now face off against The Firm's Lee Moriarty and Big Bill, it will be a test for all four men, with it being the FTW Champion's biggest storyline to date, while Jack Perry is looking to continue his momentum following a crazy steel cage match at Full Gear. As for Bill and Lee, The Firm's stock has dropped since their debut at All Out, but the dynamic between them is working, and they could use this feud to solidify themselves as a unit in the AEW Tag Team Division.
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In 2023, Hook Needs To Elevate The FTW Championship
Regardless of the outcome of this impending tag team feud between Hook and Jungle Boy and The Firm, one thing that needs to happen in regard to the son of Taz, is the elevation of the FTW Championship. Towards the end of Ricky Starks' reign with the belt, it seemed that became a goal for AEW, as Starks began regularly defending the championship on TV in open challenges. It was a great idea to get the fans behind Starks and added interest to a belt that needed it. With fans already behind Hook, AEW and Tony Khan need to consider attempting the same thing for the current champion.
Hosting an FTW Championship Invitational would be a great way to show that Hook is willing to fight anyone and everyone, regardless of if they are in AEW or an outside talent. That is something that helped elevate the TNT Championship immediately when Cody Rhodes won the belt in 2020, as it introduced fans to the likes of Ricky Starks and Eddie Kingston. As AEW continues to try and build their stars for the future, working on Hook in 2023 should become a priority.
