The Elite: A Revolutionary Force in Professional Wrestling
The Elite: A Revolutionary Force in Professional Wrestling
Deets On AEW
The Elite: A Revolutionary Force in Professional Wrestling
The Elite has become one of the most influential factions in modern professional wrestling, reshaping the landscape of the industry both in and out of the ring. Comprised of Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), and originally including Cody Rhodes and Adam "Hangman" Page, The Elite transcended the traditional boundaries of wrestling stardom. Through their in-ring prowess, creative storytelling, and entrepreneurial spirit, they played a pivotal role in launching All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and defining a new era in professional wrestling. This biography delves into the origins of The Elite, their influence on the global wrestling scene, their role in AEW's rise, and the legacy they have created.
Origins: The Bullet Club and the Formation of The Elite
The origins of The Elite can be traced back to the faction that helped them break out on the international stage: Bullet Club. Founded in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) by Prince Devitt (Finn Bálor), Bullet Club quickly became one of the most popular and controversial factions in professional wrestling. It blended a rebellious, anti-authority attitude with a strong emphasis on merchandise and branding, something that would become a hallmark of The Elite.
Kenny Omega joined Bullet Club in 2014, following Devitt’s departure. Omega immediately made an impact, adopting the "Cleaner" persona and cementing himself as a top-tier talent in NJPW's Junior Heavyweight division. The Young Bucks, Matt and Nick Jackson, were also key figures in Bullet Club, known for their high-flying style, innovative tag-team offense, and unrelenting charisma. Together, Omega and the Bucks formed a subgroup within Bullet Club known as "The Elite" in 2016.
This subgroup focused on pushing boundaries both in the ring and through storytelling. They embraced an edgy, irreverent tone, blending humor, athleticism, and an avant-garde approach to professional wrestling that resonated with fans globally. The Elite’s chemistry was undeniable, and their popularity began to eclipse that of the broader Bullet Club faction.
Breaking Boundaries: The Elite’s Global Influence
By 2016, The Elite’s popularity was skyrocketing, thanks in large part to their work in NJPW and their strong presence on social media. Kenny Omega made waves by winning the G1 Climax tournament in 2016, becoming the first non-Japanese wrestler to do so. This victory launched Omega into the NJPW main event scene, where he went on to have one of the most highly regarded rivalries in modern wrestling history with Kazuchika Okada.
The Omega-Okada series of matches is widely considered one of the greatest rivalries of all time, with their bout at Wrestle Kingdom 11 in January 2017 being heralded as a six-star match by wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer. Omega’s performances helped solidify him as one of the best wrestlers in the world, and his association with The Elite only grew stronger as a result.
Meanwhile, The Young Bucks were trailblazing in the tag team division. Known for their innovative moves and high-octane matches, the Bucks became a global phenomenon in their own right. Their “Superkick Party” persona and in-ring chemistry made them fan favorites, and they excelled in various promotions around the world, including Ring of Honor (ROH), Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), and NJPW.
The Elite’s ability to connect with fans through platforms like YouTube also played a significant role in their success. Their show, Being The Elite, which debuted in 2016, became a cult hit among wrestling fans. It offered a behind-the-scenes look at their lives, blending reality with fiction and giving fans unprecedented access to the personalities of Omega, the Bucks, and their allies.
The Birth of All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
By 2018, The Elite had become so popular that they began to contemplate an even bigger move—creating their own wrestling promotion. The idea of a wrestler-owned company gained traction following the success of ALL IN, a 2018 wrestling event that was largely spearheaded by Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks. The show, which took place in Chicago, was a massive success, selling out the Sears Centre Arena and proving that independent wrestling could draw a large audience.
The success of ALL IN caught the attention of Tony Khan, a billionaire and lifelong wrestling fan, who approached The Elite with a proposal to start their own promotion. This led to the creation of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), with Khan serving as president and Omega, The Young Bucks, and Cody Rhodes taking on key roles as executive vice presidents. Hangman Adam Page, another prominent member of The Elite, was also a central figure in the promotion’s launch.
AEW was officially announced on January 1, 2019, and immediately generated buzz within the wrestling world. The company promised to be an alternative to WWE, with a focus on athleticism, creative freedom, and fan engagement. The Elite played a central role in this vision, with Omega, The Bucks, Cody, and Page serving as both performers and creative forces behind the scenes.
The Elite in AEW: Defining an Era
The Elite’s influence on AEW has been profound. From the very beginning, they were at the forefront of the promotion’s biggest storylines and matches. The Young Bucks became pillars of AEW’s tag team division, delivering match-of-the-year candidates with teams like FTR, The Lucha Bros, and Santana & Ortiz. Their AEW Tag Team Championship win at Full Gear 2020 was a crowning moment in their already illustrious careers.
Kenny Omega, meanwhile, quickly established himself as a dominant singles competitor. After a slow-burn character development in 2019, Omega captured the AEW World Championship in December 2020, defeating Jon Moxley. His reign as champion, which incorporated a "Belt Collector" gimmick, saw him holding multiple titles simultaneously from various promotions, including AAA and Impact Wrestling.
Hangman Adam Page’s journey was also central to AEW’s early years, particularly his storyline with Omega. The two teamed up to win the AEW Tag Team Championship in 2020, but their eventual breakup led to one of the most compelling long-term storylines in wrestling. Page’s character, often referred to as "The Anxious Millennial Cowboy," resonated with fans for his struggles with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and alcoholism. His eventual victory over Omega for the AEW World Championship at Full Gear 2021 was a triumphant moment, symbolizing not just his personal growth but the broader ethos of The Elite.
The faction’s influence on AEW extended beyond their in-ring accomplishments. The Elite has been heavily involved in the promotion’s creative direction, helping to shape AEW’s identity as a company that values innovation, inclusivity, and fan engagement. They played a key role in introducing concepts like the AEW trios division, the AEW women’s division, and the company’s partnership with other promotions through the "Forbidden Door" concept, which allowed wrestlers from NJPW, Impact Wrestling, and other organizations to compete in AEW.
Conflicts and Departures
Despite their successes, The Elite has not been without its challenges. In 2021, rumors of backstage tensions began to emerge, particularly between Cody Rhodes and the other members of The Elite. Rhodes, who had been one of the founding figures of AEW, began to distance himself from The Elite in both storyline and real life. In early 2022, it was announced that Cody would be leaving AEW to return to WWE, marking the first major departure from the group.
Cody’s exit created a shift in The Elite’s dynamic, but the group remained strong. Omega, The Bucks, and Page continued to carry the banner of The Elite in AEW, while Cody’s departure allowed them to focus more on their evolving stories.
Another challenge came in the form of injuries. Kenny Omega, who had been carrying multiple championships and delivering intense matches, took time off in 2021 to undergo surgery for various injuries, including knee and shoulder issues. His absence left a temporary void in The Elite’s ranks, but The Young Bucks and Adam Page continued to thrive in their respective roles.
The Elite in 2024: Evolution, Betrayals, and New Alliances
By 2024, The Elite has undergone significant changes, including betrayals, departures, and new additions that have reshaped the faction’s identity within AEW. These developments highlight a tumultuous year for the group, as it continues to evolve in response to internal struggles and external forces.
The most shocking development in 2024 was the expulsion of Kenny Omega from The Elite. Once the heart and soul of the group, Omega’s firing sent shockwaves through AEW and its fanbase. Omega’s departure from the faction wasn’t just a professional separation; it signaled the end of an era for The Elite as fans knew it. Tensions had been brewing for months, with Omega’s leadership being called into question by other members of the group. His removal was orchestrated in a dramatic and public way, showcasing The Elite’s willingness to embrace conflict in their ranks in pursuit of a new direction.
Following Omega's firing, Hangman Adam Page went through his own downward spiral. Page, who had long been battling his own emotional demons, took a dark turn. His character shifted from the “Anxious Millennial Cowboy” into a more erratic and unpredictable figure. His descent into madness culminated in his decision to leave The Elite altogether, citing personal reasons and mental instability. This marked a tragic moment for Page, whose journey with The Elite had been filled with both triumph and turmoil. His departure signified the fragmentation of what was once a tightly-knit group of wrestlers bound by shared goals and values.
In 2024, The Elite made the bold decision to recruit Jack Perry, a wrestler whose trajectory had taken a dark turn with the rise of his new "Scapegoat" persona. Once known for his bright future and technical prowess, Perry had undergone a drastic character shift, embracing a cynical and manipulative side. As "Scapegoat," he positioned himself as a victim of circumstances and conspiracies within AEW, using this narrative to justify his ruthless actions in the ring. His recruitment into The Elite was met with controversy, as some viewed him as an opportunist, but the group saw potential in his cunning and his ability to destabilize his opponents psychologically. Perry’s “Scapegoat” persona brought a new edge to The Elite, allowing them to expand their reach by incorporating his antihero character, which resonated with AEW’s more rebellious fanbase. His addition provided the group with fresh momentum at a time when they were reeling from the loss of key members, and it signaled a shift toward a more unpredictable, darker version of The Elite.
Another high-profile addition to The Elite in 2024 was none other than Kazuchika Okada, one of the most celebrated wrestlers in the world. Okada’s inclusion solidified The Elite’s continued connection to New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and the broader global wrestling scene. Okada, who had a storied rivalry with Kenny Omega, became a fitting replacement for Omega as a leader within The Elite. His presence added a level of gravitas to the faction, and his in-ring style, leadership abilities, and global appeal helped propel The Elite into a new phase of its existence.
By 2024, The Elite has been completely redefined. No longer reliant on the original members who built the faction from the ground up, the group has found new life in its current incarnation. While the departures of Omega and Page mark the end of one chapter, the addition of Perry and Okada signals the beginning of another. This transformation has allowed The Elite to continue influencing AEW’s creative direction while adapting to the ever-changing landscape of professional wrestling.
Legacy: Redefining Professional Wrestling
The Elite’s impact on professional wrestling cannot be overstated. They helped shift the paradigm of the industry, proving that wrestlers could succeed outside the WWE system and, in many cases, create something even bigger. Their use of social media, merchandise, and alternative platforms like YouTube revolutionized how wrestlers connect with fans. Being The Elite remains one of the most influential digital wrestling shows, offering a unique blend of humor, storytelling, and behind-the-scenes content.
Moreover, The Elite's vision for AEW has helped create a promotion that is not only a viable alternative to WWE but a trailblazer in its own right. AEW’s emphasis on athletic competition, long-term storytelling, and creative freedom has made it a favorite among die-hard wrestling fans and casual viewers alike. The Elite’s work with AEW has redefined the possibilities for what professional wrestling can be in the modern era.
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy
The Elite has left an indelible mark on professional wrestling, from their time in NJPW and Bullet Club to their roles in launching AEW. Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, Cody Rhodes, and Hangman Adam Page have all contributed to the group’s success in unique ways, pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a professional wrestler in the 21st century. Their legacy is not only defined by their in-ring accomplishments but by their influence on the business as a whole, helping to create a wrestling promotion that values creativity, innovation, and fan engagement. The Elite will be remembered as one of the most important and revolutionary factions in the history of professional wrestling, and their story is far from over.