Hold onto your seats, wrestling fans, because a major shake-up just hit the ring! A former WWE King of the Ring has stepped into AEW territory for the very first time, and it’s not just any name—it’s the man once known as Baron Corbin, now reinvented as Bishop Dyer. But here’s where it gets controversial: was this a one-time favor, or the first step toward a bigger alliance? Let’s break it down.
Before tonight’s Dynamite (January 21) in Orlando, Florida, Dyer—real name Tom Pestock—wrestled in an AEW ring alongside Martin Stone and the tag team Better Together (Hadar Horvitz & Ori Gold). Spoiler alert: they didn’t walk away with the win, falling to Brady Booker, Elijah Drago, and the freshly reunited duo of Billy Gunn and his son Austin. But this is the part most people miss: Dyer’s appearance wasn’t just a random cameo. Since his WWE run ended in late 2024, he’s been a staple on the independent circuit, currently signed to MLW (where he recently won tag team gold with Donovan Dijak) and making waves in Scott D’Amore’s Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling. He’s even slated for an upcoming MLPW-Ring of Honor crossover in March. So, why AEW now?
Here’s the twist: AEW reportedly shifted gears to tape Collision tonight due to weather concerns, and Dyer—who may still live in the Orlando area—could’ve simply been doing a solid for the promotion. Is this a sign of things to come, or just a wrestling favor between friends? It’s too early to slap an “Is All Elite” graphic on him, especially given his busy schedule. But don’t let that stop you from speculating!
And let’s not forget the man’s legacy: Dyer is the same wrestler who retired Kurt Angle and once fed Roman Reigns dog food. His presence in an AEW ring, even briefly, is a big deal. But here’s the real question: Does this appearance signal a potential shift in his career, or is he just keeping his options open? Let us know what you think—is Bishop Dyer’s AEW debut a game-changer, or just another chapter in his independent journey? Sound off in the comments and let the debate begin!
