7. Willow Nightingale
If you looked up the definition of natural AEW babyfaces in a dictionary, Willow Nightingale’s smiling face would be right there. Her bubbly energy and genuine positivity have made her an organic powerhouse that audiences absolutely refuse to turn against.
Even when she worked a very brief, obscure heel gimmick early in her independent career for NYWC, it didn’t stick. Willow is a rare, pure-hearted babyface whose infectious charisma shields her from ever transitioning to the dark side.
Her unique combination of unmatched powerhouse strength and a joyful disposition gives her a distinct presence in the women’s locker room. Audiences rally behind her because she brings a refreshing, real-world kindness to a cutthroat industry. A heel turn for Willow would feel entirely unnatural and break the hearts of thousands of fans.
6. Bandido
The masked sensation is the ultimate traditional técnico of All Elite Wrestling. Bandido treats the wrestling ring like a stage for superheroics, dazzling crowds with his unmatched strength and high-flying agility.
Throughout his entire career in Mexico and Ring of Honor, Bandido has rarely walked the path of a villain. His colorful presentation and honorable fighting style make him a permanent hero for younger wrestling fans.
His legendary single-hand military presses and jaw-dropping execution of the 21 Plex leave fans entirely breathless. Currently thriving in his beloved “Brodido” tag team alongside Brody King, his charm continues to captivate the AEW universe week in and week out. He remains a pure, uncorrupted superhero character who is far too valuable as a wholesome protagonist.
5. Riho
As the inaugural AEW Women’s World Champion, Riho holds a permanent place in the hearts of the fans. Her entire wrestling identity is built around being the ultimate, resilient underdog who fights from underneath against massive monsters.
Interestingly, Riho experimented with an “Evil Riho” persona during a rare Japanese independent appearance late last year. However, on national American television, her tiny stature and incredible fighting spirit make her a permanent babyface.
Whenever her signature theme music hits, the crowd instantly rallies behind her because she embodies the spirit of a true fighting survivor. Her ability to overcome overwhelming physical odds creates a special type of theatrical magic that only a pure babyface can generate. Tony Khan understands this dynamic perfectly, guaranteeing that she will always remain on the side of good.
4. Dustin Rhodes
“The Natural” has put together an unforgettable, multi-year run as the emotional backbone of the locker room. Since his bloody masterpiece against his brother Cody at the inaugural Double or Nothing, Dustin has been a flawless good guy.
This run stands in stark contrast to his pre-AEW career, where he portrayed the bizarre and deeply hated Goldust in WWE. Now operating as a legendary mentor, Dustin will undoubtedly retire without ever turning his back on the audience.
His modern television matches are fueled purely by heart, grit, and decades of crowd respect. Watching him execute flawless powerslams and flip stuns at this stage of his career earns him a standing ovation every single night. He has fully earned the right to finish his historic journey with the unwavering admiration of the fans.
