For the first time since its inception, AEW will be making its debut in New York for a Dynamite and Rampage episode titled Grand Slam. NYC has played host to multiple wrestling events in the past. AEW will also join the elite list of promotions who have made their mark.
The show will emanate from Arthur Ashe Stadium, which holds a sitting capacity of over 22,000 people. It will indeed be a gigantic show, and the company has lined up a pay-per-view-worthy match card.
A total of five matches will transpire on Wednesday night, including a dream clash between Bryan Danielson and Kenny Omega.
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If the recently concluded All Out event is anything to go by, then the Grand Slam will have even bigger surprises. After all, Tony Khan has provided jaw-dropping moments at every special event. Fans are wondering if he is hiding another trump card up its sleeves for next week.
That said, let's dive into five bold predictions for the AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam.
#5 AEW star Wardlow costs MJF against Brian Pillman Jr.
Wardlow turning on MJF would be a feel-good moment for the NYC crowd. The rivalry between MJF and Brian Pillman Jr. has taken the internet by storm, especially after Mr. Friedman dragged his rival's entire family into it.
From Pillman's pregnant sister to his late father, The Pinnacle leader spared no one and disrespected them to such an extent that it caused a massive stir on social media. No one expected this feud to generate significant buzz heading into the event in New York.
AEW's Wardlow has been decently used in this storyline by making him a stooge for MJF. In fact, he prevented Pillman multiple times from assaulting Mr. Friedman.
If Wardlow interjects during the match between MJF and Pillman, the outcome would be very predictable.
However, there's a slight possibility that the Grand Slam might be Pillman's night to shine in front of a jam-packed stadium.
For quite some time, MJF has expressed rage at Wardlow for failing to do his job. The latter even failed to help Mr. Friedman against Chris Jericho at All Out.
Sooner or later, Wardlow's anger will burst, and next week could be the perfect time for him to turn on his leader and help Pillman pick up a career-defining victory. The aftermath could see an exciting feud between The Pinnacle members.
#4 WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair shows up in AEW
Legendary Ric Flair making his presence felt on AEW's biggest show would grab massive headlines. The 16-time world champion left WWE last month and doesn't seem to have a 90-day non-compete clause, given his recent appearance in AAA.
Speaking of which, The Nature Boy showed up as Andrade's manager during the match against Kenny Omega.
Andrade El Idolo recently expressed his desire to have Ric Flair in AEW. It is worth noting that the Mexican star seemingly kicked Chavo Guerrero out of his faction. The entire angle could be on purpose to have Andrade surprise everyone by having Flair on his side as the new manager next week.
#3 Hollywood star Rosario Dawson helps Cody Rhodes hand Malakai Black's first loss
Going by what transpired during the recently concluded Dynamite episode, Hollywood star Rosario Dawson might help Rhodes defeat Black next week.
Black recently targeted Rhodes' co-star on the Go Big Show, Dawson. The latter jumped onto the back of the former NXT champion and helped Rhodes lay his hands on Black. Both men engaged in a massive brawl in the crowd and backstage area.
The company might repeat the scenario by having the Hollywood star create a distraction for Black, thus allowing Rhodes to hand Black's first loss in AEW.
Having a finish like that would prevent the former NXT champion from taking a clean loss. On top of that, it will give fans a rubber match between Black and Rhodes down the road.
#2 Bryan Danielson suffers a loss on his AEW debut
One of the most intriguing matches on next week's AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam will be the first-time ever clash between Bryan Danielson and Kenny Omega. It will also be the debut match for the former WWE superstar.
There's immense hype surrounding this dream bout as people never thought they would get to see two of the most technically sound wrestlers of this generation in the same ring.
Given the caliber of both men, their encounter might even be a match of the year. It's worth noting that the AEW World Championship will not be on the line. Considering that, fans are expecting Bryan Danielson to win in his debut match.
However, AEW could swerve all of us by having Kenny Omega emerge victorious. The Cleaner is the promotion's top champion and is at the top of his game.
AEW might emphasize his momentum by making him go over the former WWE superstar. Moreover, Bryan may not benefit from winning the match since he won't be challenging for the top championship anytime soon.
#1 Adam Scherr fka Braun Strowman puts the entire AEW roster on notice by making a stunning debut
Braun Strowman appearing in front of a jam-packed stadium would send New York City fans berserk. Despite rumors suggesting that the former WWE superstar is IMPACT Wrestling bound, AEW could still sign him.
Tony Khan's promotion is currently firing on all cylinders, and there isn't a better way to capitalize on their momentum by bringing in Braun Strowman to their roster.
Many people admitted that the arrivals of Cole, Bryan, and Punk were the worst kept secret. However, Strowman showing up would be completely unexpected.
The company doesn't need to book his appearance after the conclusion of the main event. The former WWE superstar would be a better fit to come out alone and cut a scathing promo, notably saying he's All Elite. He could easily get the loudest pop of the night.