First and foremost, I'm stealing this from Reddit, and no I don't give a fuck. So with that said, based on the graphic posted above, who do you think was the best signing this past year?

I think most people will agree, their best signing, just so happens to be their biggest signing, that of course being Adam Copeland. Of course, having said that while I don't mind his run in AEW, my favorite get for AEW this year is Aussie Open AKA one of my favorite tag teams in wrestling today (hell let's go with a cheat and just say United Empire, so we can toss in Will Ospreay). Obviously, Skye Blue getting the All Elite graphic is cool and all, making her my favorite female talent to get that treatment in 2023. Although, while I was originally excited for Taya, I must say I have been kinda disappointed in her AEW run, as a whole.

I have to go with Jay White, while not entirely utilised well now, he's got the most legs in him at least of the next few years. He's a main event talent and should be utilised in that way.

Jay White for sure. He's had a slow burn since joining, which isn't a bad thing, but he's rising up the card. He's got his own faction and has generally been booked very strong. Tough to beat, and one of the chosen few with a clean win over Jon Moxley. I feel he's regressed as a character since NJPW, but I concede that's personal preference. White has had to Americanise his presentation so he's goofier and more exaggerated than he used to be. He surely has a tremendous future.

Skye Blue is coming along nicely, Mariah May intrigues me, Copeland is doing great in his last hurrah. Shibata is a must-watch for me considering his limited appearance. Fortunately he always delivers, reminding me why he was once my favourite wrestler on the planet.

Will Ospreay is a huge pickup, but while technically a 2023 signing, it's really a 2024 signing. Aussie Open a similar story, they got signed earlier but have been derailed by Mark Davis being perpetually injured.

Biggest letdown has to be Kota Ibushi.

Will Ospreay one of the names I was hoping AEW would sign early that I thought had the most promise.

Jay White I remember hearing him being bland in Japan when he first got there. I do remember some promos from him there toward the end which I thought were really good. But just based on AEW in the ring as a singles he is kind of bland. And when talking alone he is kind of bland. Give him the rest of BCG around he seems amazing since they are all way more charismatic then him. And it makes him seem more charismatic.

Didn't know Shibata officially joined and really that Saraya came in this year apparently was last year.

I said this in the wreddit thread when it was posted over there: Jay White and Will Ospreay are two of the biggest free agents to ever hit the market in the same year, and AEW got both of 'em locked down for their prime years. You can't argue with that. Absolutely massive for the future of AEW.

This is the one and only answer imo, but I will comment on a few others because they are big in their own ways, just not on the same level as those two:

Adam Copeland signing is a big deal, but he is in his twilight years and just came because he couldn't get Christian over to WWE to have their one last feud. It's awesome for what it is but isn't life-changing or anything.

Skye Blue has proven to be an excellent addition to the women's roster. She went from being green and unconfident to a sexy goth that has future champ written all over her. Sky(e)'s the limit for her.

Aussie Open will have as many tag team bangers as they want as long as they stay healthy. And Kyle Fletcher has already proven he can be a singles star. Great investment there.

Shibata not only returning to wrestling but joining AEW is incredible. If he starts wrestling regularly, you could almost lump him in with the same importance as White and Ospreay, but that remains to be seen. But even if that doesn't happen, having him train guys like Daniel Garcia, Wheeler Yuta, and any other young talent could be massive.

Finally, Nigel McGuinness has a great mind for the business, is hugely respected by most of the industry, and might be one of the best commentators working today. Very underrated addition.