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AEW has generated massive buzz ever since their flagship show moved to the TBS network. Last week, the company ticked all the boxes as they provided a collective display of shocking debuts and returns.
Wrestling fans will have high hopes this Wednesday night when Dynamite emanates from the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C. Despite producing a top-notch episode every week, the company's struggle to garner consistent viewership has been looming large.
While Tony Khan has lined up yet another exciting match card this week, will it be enough to move the needle? It is difficult to predict right now, but the company can surely draw more eyeballs if they continue to deliver big surprises every week.
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Now, let's quickly get down to bold predictions for Dynamite.
#5 AEW star Cody Rhodes teases entry into WWE men's Royal Rumble match
Current TNT Champion Cody Rhodes will make his much-awaited return to Dynamite this week. As delighted as one would be to see him back on television, wrestling fans are more concerned about his next potential move.
If you're wondering why we would say that, it is because we recently learned that Rhodes has become a free agent and has been working without a contract in AEW for a few weeks now.
Since the news broke, enthusiasts have been speculating whether the 36-year old star would enter the Royal Rumble match this year. WWE caused a stir after opening the so-called 'forbidden' door and announcing IMPACT star Mickie James as one of the entrants in the women's Royal Rumble match.
Regardless of this presumption, Dave Meltzer has quashed the rumor. We all know how much AEW and Cody Rhodes love to take shots at Vince McMahon's promotion.
Imagine Cody coming out this week to talk about his free-agent status and fueling rumors of his potential appearance at the Royal Rumble. The said segment will spark a lot of noise on social media, which would be a ratings ploy move from AEW.
#4 PAC joins forces with Malakai Black and Brody King on AEW Dynamite
AEW star Malakai Black finally introduced Brody King as the first member of his House of Black faction last week. The two men will now go up against The Varsity Blondes on the upcoming episode of Dynamite. In all likelihood, it will be a one-sided affair since it will be King's debut match.
Aside from that, there's a possibility PAC will join forces with Black and King this week.
It's worth recalling that PAC appeared via a cryptic vignette last week. The former WWE Superstar was wearing an eye patch, seemingly selling the aftermath of the mist that Black spat into his eyes months ago.
What if this is Black's way of recruiting members to his group? The former NXT Champion even spit the mist in Brody King's eyes, which led to him joining House of Black. It could all be part of the initiation, and if The Bastard turns heel to ally with the faction this week, Julia Hart could be next in line.
#3 Christopher Daniels returns and puts Adam Cole and The Young Bucks on notice
Christopher Daniels returning to AEW Dynamite this week could be a long shot, but one shouldn't forget that the veteran has been teasing his return to AEW programming for quite some time now.
The Fallen Angel has made several appearances on BTE episodes in recent weeks and has confronted the likes of The Young Bucks and Adam Cole. Interestingly enough, Daniels hasn't forgotten what Nick and Matt did to his eyes. Last year, The Young Bucks defeated Daniels and Kazarian in a brutal match, which resulted in the dissension of SoCal Uncensored.
That said, CD could make a surprising return after Cole and Baker outsmart Cassidy and Statlander in a mixed tag team match. Daniels could be the opponent Cole needs to get elevated before moving onto the bigger picture.
#2 Wardlow costs Shawn Spears his match against CM Punk on AEW Dynamite
CM Punk and Shawn Spears will square off against each other for the first time in AEW this week. As thrilling as the contest may seem, it is most likely to be a predictable bout, with Punk emerging victorious.
However, Wardlow could play a pivotal role in its outcome. MJF cost Mr. Mayhem his match against The Straight Edge Superstar last week. On top of that, when Wardlow was just about to turn on Friedman, Spears intervened to calm down the situation. The Conductor of Violence was visibly furious over his loss.
Wardlow is on the verge of unleashing on The Pinnacle, and what better way would it be to start with The Chairman this week. Having such a scenario would also help Punk keep his winning streak alive.
#1 Sting and Darby Allin remains undefeated in the AEW tag team division
Sting and Darby Allin will square off against The Acclaimed this week. The face-painted stars are presently undefeated in the tag team division, with an impressive winning record of 5-0.
It is unlikely that Max Caster and Anthony Bowens would cause an upset victory unless Andrade, who has a problem with the WCW Icon, decides to interfere. That said, Sting and Allin will be the favorites heading into the match.
Another victory means the fan-favorite stars will inch closer towards getting a tag team title shot, possibly at the Revolution pay-per-view.
What do you make of these predictions? Sound off in the comments section below.
