Bryan Keith’s Surprising Path to AEW’s The Learning Tree

One big thing: Bryan Keith joins Chris Jericho’s new AEW faction

Bryan Keith, known as “The Bad Apple,” has become the latest addition to Chris Jericho’s new AEW faction, The Learning Tree. This unexpected alliance was revealed at Double or Nothing 2024.

The backstory:

• Keith was initially considered for several other AEW factions, including Shane Taylor Promotions and possibly House of Black.
• AEW President Tony Khan suggested Keith as an understudy for Jericho’s new group.
• Jericho was initially hesitant about leading another faction but was intrigued by the idea of Keith joining.

By the numbers:

• This marks Jericho’s 3rd faction in AEW, following The Inner Circle and The Jericho Appreciation Society.
• The Learning Tree currently consists of 3 members: Jericho, “The Redwood” Big Bill, and Keith.

What they’re saying:

“I remember hearing other groups that I would potentially be in, like four different groups, and none of them were The Learning Tree,” Keith revealed on “Talk is Jericho.”

Jericho’s reaction to Khan’s suggestion: “I was like ‘that really fits. I don’t know why it fits but it does.'”

Why it matters:

This unexpected pairing could breathe new life into both Keith’s career and Jericho’s on-screen presence in AEW. The Learning Tree has the potential to become a significant force in the company, given Jericho’s track record with successful factions.

What’s next:

Fans will be watching closely to see how The Learning Tree develops and what impact it will have on AEW’s landscape. The group’s dynamics and Keith’s role as “The Bad Apple” will be particularly interesting to follow.

What do you think about Bryan Keith joining The Learning Tree? Will this be Jericho’s most successful faction yet? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!