Predicting the next 5 AEW World Champions

In just two years of AEW's inception, Tony Khan has done a formidable job in building up the legacy of the promotion's coveted prize - the AEW World Championship. So far, only three men have held the title, with each having a considerably lengthy reign. Chris Jericho, one of the veterans of this business, became the inaugural champion.

Jon Moxley then defeated The Demo God and held the title for 277 days before losing to Kenny Omega last year. In his first title reign, The Cleaner surpassed all the records of previous titleholders, thus becoming the longest-reigning champion in the company's short history. Omega has become a force to be reckoned with, given that Don Callis and The Elite helped him on multiple occasions to retain the gold.

However, he won't be holding onto the AEW World Championship forever. Moreover, the company has brought in several megastars to its roster. Fans will also be expecting a title change down the road. Now, without further ado, let's take a look at the upcoming five possible champions.

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#5 Hangman Page defeats Kenny Omega at AEW Full Gear 2021

Hangman Page is the likeliest choice to become the next AEW World Champion. The Anxious Millennial Cowboy will challenge Kenny Omega at the upcoming Full Gear pay-per-view.

Both men have a rich history dating back to last year when they won tag team titles. Page was also part of The Elite. This is where the animosity between Omega and Page began. The Young Bucks soon kicked The Cowboy out of their faction. The aftermath saw Omega climb many big ladders in the company and become the world champion. Meanwhile, Hangman Page's character had self-esteem issues that derailed his momentum.

The storyline between Page and Omega has now come full circle. The former won the Casino ladder match to become the #1 world title contender last month.

He even seems to have gained all the confidence and is now laser-focused on dethroning The Best Bout Machine.

Given their feud involving friendship, hate, betrayal, and redemption for one person, we fully expect Hangman Page to reach the pinnacle of his career at the upcoming pay-per-view. It would be a storyline wreck if somehow the company decides to have him lose again.

#4 Cody Rhodes ends Hangman Page's fairytale run with the AEW world title next year

It could be a long shot, but Cody Rhodes capturing the AEW world title might become one of the hottest topics in pro wrestling history. The inclusion of The American Nightmare in this list may sound unreal since he cannot challenge for the top prize, as per the stipulation.

If we turn the clock back to 2019, Cody Rhodes came up short against then-champion Chris Jericho in a condition where he would never compete for the title again. Since then, the former WWE Superstar has stuck to his word and stated that it would be an easy 'heel' turn if he challenges for the coveted prize again.

However, we still believe that Rhodes might embrace the negative role down the road, especially given how polarizing he has become among the AEW universe. Imagine if he turns on his mentor Arn Anderson and then ignites a rivalry with Hangman Page.

The company could save this blockbuster feud for next year, possibly at the Revolution pay-per-view. It would also give Hangman Page a well-deserved run with the title before he eventually loses to Rhodes.

There's no doubt that Rhodes dethroning Page would garner a negative reaction from fans, which would perfectly cement the AEW EVP's status as a top heel.

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#3 Bryan Danielson dethrones Cody Rhodes to become the AEW World Champion at Double or Nothing 2022

It wouldn't be far-fetched to say that Bryan Danielson is bound to become AEW World Champion sooner or later. Although he is the frontrunner to become the #1 contender next week at Full Gear, it would still be too early for him to win the top prize or even compete for it.

To avoid a possible backlash, Bryan needs to get top-notch victories to his account to climb his way up in the rankings, while Cody Rhodes could carry the division on his back throughout the summer.

The company could initially book Rhodes to defeat Bryan on multiple occasions. A potential rubber match would then go down at Double or Nothing pay-per-view.

That said, a vengeful Bryan Danielson could finally reach the top of the division after dethroning Cody Rhodes in a potential five-star classic if booked compellingly.

#2 MJF cuts Bryan Danielson's reign short at AEW All Out 2022

It would have been absurd to leave MJF out of the next possible AEW World Champions from this list. Mr. Friedman became one of the company's rising stars during the pandemic era.

He may be competing in the mid-card division by the end of this year, but Tony Khan should make 2022 one of the most successful years of MJF's career. Unfortunately, his rise to prominence will have to come at the expense of Danielson's short reign.

However, imagine the build-up between Bryan and MJF. The latter could easily humiliate the former WWE Superstar on the mic or even through social media. Both men would set a true example of a babyface vs. heel feud. The company could book their first-time clash at the All Out pay-per-view next year, the same event that saw the jaw-dropping debut of Bryan Danielson.

MJF could even do the unthinkable by defeating Bryan in front of a jam-packed stadium, ending the pay-per-view with boos echoing throughout the arena.

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#1 CM Punk finally becomes a World Champion after nine years

CM Punk vs. MJF is one of those feuds where there is money written all over it. The longer the company delays this rivalry, it will only add more anticipation whenever both men share an AEW ring for the first time.

Some fans may think the former WWE superstar might lose all the steam he has picked up since his arrival. However, having Punk defeat the most hated guy in MJF, and that too for the world title, would garner a massive response from fans.

Tony Khan could save this dream clash for the Revolution pay-per-view in 2023. It would also allow MJF to have a significant title reign, where he could use heelish antics all the time to stay on top.

When people start getting tired of his reign, the company can then bring in CM Punk in the title picture for the first time. The prospect of seeing two of the top talkers cutting promos on each other would be delightful to watch. MJF might get a chance to go over Punk on the mic, but he would eventually drop his AEW world title to The Second City Saint.