5 formerly underrated WWE Superstars who have found success in AEW

AEW has become a serious contender to WWE's popularity, growing exponentially since its inception.

Even hardcore World Wrestling Entertainment fans will be hard-pressed to deny that Tony Khan has masterfully handled his wrestling promotion to give Vince McMahon a run for his money.

A big part of All Elite Wrestling's success is the roster. Tony Khan has been quick to acquire talent at opportune moments, picking up several WWE released wrestlers to add to AEW's ranks.

This has helped the relatively new promotion to gain the much-needed legitimacy of the wrestling community, along with getting some top-notch, experienced stars on the roster.

AEW's management has also been viewed as better than Vince McMahon's company in several ways. Jim Cornette, for instance, has pointed out how AEW's promos are much better handled.

This has significantly improved the careers of multiple stars who decided to jump ship to AEW.

Here are 5 of those former underrated WWE wrestlers who are currently doing much better at AEW.

#5 Shawn Spears had an underwhelming run in WWE

Shawn Spears (fka Tye Dillinger) trained at the Hart Wrestling School in Cambridge, Ontario, which is an excellent start for any wrestler.

However, he was not really successful in his former ventures in several WWE developmental territories. His run in NXT and SmackDown can hardly be considered game-changing.

Shawn Spears has stated that it took him a long time to finally decide to take a shot at himself and make the switch to AEW. The Pinnacle member has even confessed that he was not initially confident about his decision.

However, AEW has pushed Shawn Spears in a much more concrete manner. His gimmick as a member of MJF's Pinnacle and his affinity with Wardlow have presented a unique dynamic in the All Elite arena.

While the Chairman is not really on the frontline of the company's roster, his impact on current storylines cannot be understated. Wardlow's story arc and the CM Punk-MJF feud have featured Shawn's presence quite prominently.

It is safe to say that Shawn Spears is much more relevant in AEW right now than his unstable career in Vince McMahon's organization.

#4 Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler (FTR/Revival) had an unremarkable stint in WWE

Dax Harwood's run in the WWE alongside Dash Wilder can hardly be considered as successful. Harwood started appearing in the NXT in around 2012, being featured in various matches against the likes of Adrian Neville (now known as PAC) and Corey Graves.

Dax Harwood further went on to form a tag team with Dash Wilder (now known as Cash Wheeler) and feud with teams like The New Day, Lucha House Party, The B-Team, and so on.

Admittedly they did achieve a modicum of success, but it still did not stop the duo from having complications with World Wrestling Entertainment regarding their contracts.

The messy release from Vince McMahon's organization did allow them to join AEW in 2020. Since their debut, the team has had multiple feuds in the tag team division, with being applauded for their unique style.

Despite attempts by Triple H to make the duo return to the NXT, Dax Harwood has admitted to being upset by how their dates were constantly being pulled from the main roster.

Dax has found a better home in AEW along with Cash Wheeler as FTR, going up against top teams like the Young Bucks and Lucha Brothers.

#3 Jon Moxley's WWE run was a gradual decline into irrelevance

While Jon Moxley debuted in one of the most dominant factions of his time in WWE, The Shield, it is hard to argue how the group declined over time.

His partners Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, were pushed much better by management.

However, Moxley never really got to that level, even though he was able to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Seth Rollins at the 2016 Money in the Bank pay-per-view event.

These issues ultimately led to Jon Moxley making the switch to AEW.

Moxley has admitted to finding his very first appearance on AEW much more electrifying than he could have hoped for. This means that the former AEW World Champion could be in the company for a long time, especially considering the success he has had in Tony Khan's promotion.

Fans instantly connected with Moxley right from his debut, and he has been able to hold on to that initial momentum brilliantly throughout his run at the All Elite company.

#2 Lance Archer's short WWE run was forgettable

Wrestling fans will be forgiven for not remembering that Lance Archer was a part of WWE back in 2009. His stint at Vince McMahon's promotion was short enough not even to be remembered by a majority of the wrestling community.

Lance Archer's two-year stint in Vince McMahon's promotion began in early 2009 under the name Vance Archer.

The latter made a tremendous start on ECW by igniting a mini-streak by defeating stars like Tommy Dreamer and Goldust, to name a few. Archer even competed during the 26-man pre-show Battle Royale at WrestleMania 26.

However, on November 19, 2010, Archer was released from his contract along with five other wrestlers. The MurderHawk Monster surfed through a number of wrestling promotions before landing in AEW, where he seems to have found his footing.

Apart from his absence due to a neck injury, Lance Archer has had a respectable run in AEW till date.

His most recent appearance was him attacking current AEW world champion Hangman Adam Page. This seems to be setting him up for a feud with the cowboy. This speaks volumes to his importance in Tony Khan's promotion, as opposed to his irrelevance in Vince McMahon's Company.

#1 Malakai Black is much more successful in AEW than he was in WWE

Malakai Black was a part of WWE for about four years, starting in 2016. Although his run in Vince McMahon's promotion was initially great, it slowly started getting less and less prominent in the wrestling community.

Vince McMahon's attitude regarding his employees was also not appreciated by the Dutchman, who was surprised at being released suddenly in April 2021.

However, Malakai Black has commented on how it was the right move for him to join AEW. The House of Black member also revealed that AEW granted him creative freedom to craft his new character.

It's safe to say that a performer like Black would thrive in a company where wrestlers have ample freedom to explore themselves.