Professional wrestling wouldn't remain as popular as it is if fans didn't believe in its hottest stars and their ongoing conflicts.

The age-old discussion about whether in-ring action or stories are more important in pro wrestling remains prevalent, but larger-than-life characters have always been a hallmark of the industry.

The Undertaker was many fans' gateway into wrestling, as the man behind the theatrics and costumes allowed us to suspend disbelief. Superstars such as "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and The Rock took on the same unenviable task and created an entire generation of fans.

In this era, work rate is king and presentation can sometimes take a backseat. Nevertheless, the most prominent stars can still transcend the sport and generate interest at a time when instant gratification is so readily available.

These are 10 WWE and All Elite Wrestling stars who embody their character and keep us glued to the screen.

Mark Briscoe

Mark Briscoe has been a revelation for AEW this year.

Between his animated promos and in-ring work, the Ring of Honor Hall of Famer has been one of the most entertaining performers in the company.

The Conglomeration segments are hysterical, and his infectious energy makes him an endearing babyface. Briscoe can make us laugh and well up with emotion, but most importantly, he can make us believe.

It's bittersweet that he has become such a bright spot without his brother, Jay, by his side, but his resilience has been inspiring.

Uncle Howdy

Bo Dallas has been almost unrecognizable as Uncle Howdy. His transformation into the leader of The Wyatt Sicks has been remarkable.

It would be easy to write off another spooky gimmick with ties to his late brother, Bray Wyatt, but his character work has propelled an act that could have easily been dismissed from the start.

His acting in the vignettes without the mask is stirring and evocative of The Eater of the Worlds in the best way possible.

Harley Cameron

Harley Cameron has been a pleasant surprise this year.

The Australian singer-turned-pro wrestler has come into her own on AEW Rampage and Collision, so much so that no one even thinks about her as Saraya's plucky sidekick or the girl from those bland QTV segments.

Her backstage segments are quirky and funny, and she has steadily improved in-ring. Watching her develop into an exuberant comedic wrestler has been a blast.

Tiffany Stratton

Tiffany Stratton is undoubtedly one of the breakout stars of 2024 and an impressive NXT call-up with a bright future.

Her athleticism and gymnastic background give her a hook, and the Prettiest Moonsault Ever is an eye-catching finisher.

However, her glamorous "mean girl" persona puts her over the top. Pairing the 25-year-old with Nia Jax has allowed her to show a little more range as she waits for the right moment to cash in her Money in the Bank contract.

It's only a matter of time before the arrogant and conniving young star climbs to the top of the division.

Toni Storm

"Timeless" Toni Storm has played the lead in AEW's women's division as its main champion for most of 2024. Her layered character work as a disillusioned and difficult starlet and highly entertaining promos became a highlight of her 281-day reign.

The Australian has been one of the most consistent wrestlers on the roster.

In addition, Storm and her understudy, Mariah May, produced the best long-term storyline featuring women in the company's history.

Her three-month hiatus since her loss at All In London has created such a massive void, which is a testament to her excellent run this year.

Drew McIntyre

During his feud with CM Punk, Drew McIntyre emerged as one of the most compelling antagonists in wrestling this year.

Driven by his loss to Roman Reigns at Clash at the Castle in September 2022, he has delivered his most potent characterization since he returned to WWE.

The Scottish Warrior is believable and intimidating as he dispenses violence in the squared circle, but he's equally succinct and convincing on the microphone.

Although he is often exposed as a hypocrite, McIntyre is brutally honest enough to force viewers to second-guess what he espouses. That's the mark of a great villain with complex motives.

Orange Cassidy

Orange Cassidy's gimmick has made him a divisive figure online, but he's undeniably one of AEW's top babyfaces.

If his spectacular 326-day reign as international champion didn't prove some of his skeptics wrong, nothing will convince them.

Cassidy is one of the best in-ring storytellers in the company because of his fighting spirit and show-stopping comeback spots.

His commitment to his trademark minimum-effort style, slow-motion kicks and dry humor makes him one of the most unique wrestlers in the industry. It works so well that the live crowd always buys in when he gets serious.

Kevin Owens

Kevin Owens often acts as the voice of the audience as both a fearless underdog and a vicious heel.

His greatest strength is his distinct ability to effectively break the fourth wall and express what most of us are thinking.

The Canadian is an everyman persona that is difficult to reproduce, but he somehow makes it look effortless.

Even when he betrays his friends or does something despicable, we still want to root for him because his motives usually seem justified. When they're not, Owens does an excellent job convincing us they are.

Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns' career-defining heel turn in 2020 silenced most critics and cemented him as the biggest star of his era.

One could argue his talent between the ropes is underrated, but his character work is where he has excelled for the past four years.

His transition from an omnipotent champion to a dubious protagonist hit the mark because viewers are so invested in the character he brought to life as the head of The Bloodline.

The non-verbal aspects of his acting usually shine because he can express such a comprehensive range of emotions in his facial expression and body language. But he has also vastly improved as a talker.

'Hangman' Adam Page

"Hangman" Adam Page is the most beloved and complex character AEW has to offer.

For the past two years, his rivalry with Swerve Strickland has stood out as the greatest feud the company has produced.

The 33-year-old's descent into madness and his obsession with revenge and championship gold has delivered endless entertainment and unforgettable moments like the go-home segment ahead of All Out.

So much so that it's growing harder to deny his impact on AEW programming or that he has earned a spot in the world title picture in 2025.