Darby Allin. Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

Darby Allin still makes sense as an AEW champion of the future

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Nov 18, 2024 9:43 AM ET

Darby Allin is a key part of AEW's resistance against Jon Moxley's Death Riders. Orange Cassidy is leading the charge, with both Allin and Daniel Garcia having his back.

Earlier this year, Allin was being floated as a potential candidate to win the AEW World Championship. Those plans appear to have been put on hold, especially as Moxley's title reign is key to the current storyline.

However, according to former AEW and WWE star Matt Hardy, who was speaking on his "The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy" podcast, Allin's time will come. Hardy believes that sooner or later, the 'pillar' will get his moment as a world champion within the company.

"I got lots of love for Darby," Hardy said. "I think Darby is a tremendous person. He's so different and he's so reminiscent of Jeff, he lives in his own universe and I'm so envious of those guys that can do that. As far as him being a world champion, him being an OG, and he does so many things that are so different and spectacular and such a risk taker, I certainly wouldn't rule that out. I could see Tony Khan pulling the trigger on Darby Allin winning the big one at some point."

It's clear how much Khan trusts Allin. That's why he was partnered with Sting before the legend's eventual retirement. Allin has learned from one of the best to do it, but now, he must begin building his own brand and earning a shot at the biggest prize in the company.

Unlikely Moxley or most other championship contenders, Allin isn't dominant in the ring. Instead, he wins through sheer perseverance and grit. He takes significant pain but never backs down and often finds a way to secure a victory.

Allin is also a fan favorite. If his championship reign were done correctly, there would likely be a swell of support. For now, though, he will play his part in keeping the AEW locker room safe from the Death Riders. That role could see him emerge as one of the top baby faces in the company and eventually lay the foundation for a championship run.

AEW has drastically improved its storytelling in recent weeks, and Allin could be a significant beneficiary of that change.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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