Highlights
- Hook’s AEW debut was impressive but his character in the lower midcard role needs development.
- Hook’s possible move to NXT could help him evolve as a wrestler with Shawn Michaels’ mentorship.
- WWE’s interest in Hook is understandable given his potential and young age, mirroring other AEW stars’ moves to NXT.
A decade ago, WWE NXT was the coolest wrestling show on TV thanks to Triple H and his group of indie stars. WWE’s third brand took a dive a few years ago when Triple H’s health forced him to take a hiatus and Vince McMahon’s NXT 2.0 became a boring mess. Thankfully, NXT is back and better than ever under the direction of “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels. It’s no longer where many veterans hang out, but a place built by athletes learning the craft or wrestlers who need help reaching the next level. No one could use that help more than AEW’s Hook. The son of Taz has a ton of potential, but with his status in AEW not improving, along with reports that he’s going to explore free agency when his contract ends, it’s time for Hook to send for Shawn Michaels and NXT.
Hook Joined All Elite Wrestling In 2020
Hook Had An Impressive AEW Debut
- Hook is the son of Taz
- CM Punk’s “Send Hook” promo built anticipation for Hooks’ debut
- Hook was in a short-lived tag team with Danhausen called Hookhausen
Hook made his AEW debut in late 2020 at the side of his father, ECW legend Taz, as part of the Team Taz faction. While other members of the heel group like Ricky Starks, Powerhouse Hobbs, and Brian Cage wrestled and spoke, Hook stood silent in the background and did not compete. It wasn’t until December 8, 2021, that Hook would finally wrestle, destroying Fuego Del Sol in his first match. He’d become a fan favorite before he ever stepped into the ring, thanks in part to CM Punk’s “send Hook” promo and the hype of building anticipation. When he finally came out, accompanied by that sick theme song, Action Bronson’s “The Chairman’s Intent”, he lived up to expectations. He didn’t speak or emote, but simply beat whoever was in his way without much trouble.
Hook had a long undefeated streak and a fun pairing with Danhausen (who knew eating a bag of chips could be so entertaining), but just as soon as Hookhausen began, it came to an end. Hook still rarely spoke or emoted, but instead of that being a strength, it started to become a weakness. Hook wasn’t evolving as a character.
The Real Life Friendship Between AEW’s Hook & The Rapper Action Bronson, Explained
The friendship between Hook and Action Bronson led to tag team match that saw the duo face-off against the Jericho Appreciation Society in New York.
Hook’s Booking In AEW Has Been Uneven
Hook Is Now Paired Up With Chris Jericho
- Hook beat Ricky Starks for the FTW Championship
- Hook was part of the infamous All In match with Jack Perry
- Hook is now paired up with Chris Jericho
The biggest problem with Hook in AEW is that he is stuck in a lower midcard role. His character did see some growth when, after Ricky Starks won the FTW Championship, a title created by Taz in ECW, Hook stood up for his father’s legacy and won the belt. He then began a partnership with Jack Perry, only for the former Jungle Boy to attack him and turn heel. It led to a fun feud where Perry beat Hook, giving him his first ever loss, and taking his FTW Championship in the process. At AEW All In Zero Hour, Hook beat Jack Perry in front of 80,000 fans to reclaim the title, but, well, there was this little thing where Perry yelled, “Real glass, go cry me a river” during the match, leading to a brawl with CM Punk backstage. Just like that, Hook’s win was immediately forgotten, almost like he was never there.
Hook hasn’t done a lot in the months since. He’s still a stone-faced kid that we cheer because he looks cool, not because of a story he’s involved in. Recently he has been given a story, but it’s being mentored by Chris Jericho, a man wrestling fans have turned on lately.
What Has Happened To Hook In AEW?
Hook is one of AEW’s most popular wrestlers, but Tony Khan’s up-and-down booking of the young star has killed his momentum.
Hook Would Be A Perfect Fit In NXT
Hook Is Reportedly Exploring Free Agency
On April 11 came an exclusive report from Michael Shalik of SEScoops, which read:
SEScoops has learned that HOOK (Tyler Senerchia) is interested in exploring his options in free agency once his contract with All Elite Wrestling expires later this year. A source familiar with WWE’s recruitment strategy commented, “I can see WWE clearly being interested in him.”
It’s easy to see why WWE would want Hook. He’s a known name who is only 24 years old, and he has all the potential in the world. WWE has grabbed up a number of AEW stars in the past months, including two who now work in NXT. Shawn Spears is now back on the NXT brand, and Lexis King, who competed under his real name of Brian Pillman Jr., is wrestling on Tuesday nights as well.
Hook’s path feels familiar to Pillman’s. Both are the sons of legends, and while they have talent, something is also missing. Pillman never had much of a character in AEW, but now, as Lexis King, he’s allowed to explore his personality. Hook needs the same guidance. A run in the WWE Performance Center to expand his skills in the ring would help, but what he really needs is to develop some sort of character besides being brooding while wearing a hoodie. If there’s anyone who can help him, it’s the likes of Shawn Michaels and William Regal. Hook is a star in the making. He just needs the right spotlight to show it. Send NXT.
