AEW must be riding high on its momentum after successfully making its TBS debut last week. With that said, expectations will be much higher this Wednesday when Dynamite emanates from the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC.
While this week's match card isn't as pay-per-view worthy as last week's, there will be a few beef-settling matches that will be enough to engage the audience for 2 hours.
Plus, one shouldn't forget that Tony Khan recently teased a 'dream' signing coming over to All Elite Wrestling.
Who knows what card the head honcho is holding at the moment? Hence, expect the unexpected. Let's get straight down to bold predictions for Dynamite this week.
#5 Jon Moxley returns to confront Bryan Danielson on AEW Dynamite
Wrestling fans have been eagerly waiting for Jon Moxley's AEW return since the GCW promotion made Mox's match against Homicide official at Hammerstein Ballroom on January 23.
Cassidy Haynes of bodyslam.net even reported that the former WWE Superstar would return to the flagship show at the TBS premiere. Sadly, it just ended up being sheer hearsay.
But Dave Meltzer has also noted that there's no way Moxley's first appearance won't be on AEW television. This suggests that the Death Rider's comeback is imminent at this point.
Meanwhile, Bryan Danielson could be in dire need of a new opponent now that he can no longer challenge Hangman Page for the coveted prize. It's worth recalling that Mox could have faced Bryan in the tournament finals at Full Gear had he not taken a hiatus back in November last year.
Imagine Bryan coming out this week giving excuses for his world title loss. He could even deny leaving the ring until Tony Khan gives him another title opportunity.
Suddenly out of nowhere, Mox can make his return to destroy The American Dragon. A feud between two former WWE Superstars, this time in an AEW setting, could be magnificent.
#4 Sting responds to Andrade El Idolo
Last week on AEW Rampage, Andrade expressed his desire to recruit Darby Allin as his new assistant and asked Sting to 'name his price' in exchange for his protege.
It is unlikely that neither the WCW Icon nor Allin himself would be interested in having any business negotiations with the former NXT Champion. However, the face-painted duo could propose a tag team challenge for Andrade and a partner of his choosing.
Interestingly enough, the Mexican star has recently teased the arrival of Ric Flair in All Elite Wrestling. Not too long ago, Darby Allin pitched the idea of teaming up with Sting to face Andrade and Ric Flair in a tag team match.
Although this is mere speculation now, the company could plant the seeds for this potential dream match as soon as this week.
#3 Brian Cage returns to AEW programming to challenge Hangman Page
Brian Cage has been absent from All Elite Wrestling since October 6th last year, when he came up short against Ricky Starks in a rematch for the FTW title. But fans may finally get to see The Machine show up on Dynamite this week.
Cage recently posted a cryptic message on Instagram, notably demanding answers for the reasoning behind his forced sabbatical from television programming. What if the 37-year old star is indirectly teasing his much-anticipated return?
Brian Cage returning to renew rivalry with Hangman Page this Wednesday could be a long shot, but The Machine has teased coming after the title. Understandably, the company may choose to follow the ranking system to determine the next challenger for the world title.
Yet there are exceptions in the wrestling business, and inserting Cage into the main event scene could be best for business. Plus, Page and Cage have a rich history with one another, dating back to their series of matches last year. A rubber match between the two could be in the works.
#2 Sammy Guevara defeats Daniel Garcia to retain his Interim TNT Championship
Sammy Guevara became the interim AEW TNT Champion after defeating Dustin Rhodes at Battle of the Belts last week.
However, The Spanish God's winning moment was cut short by Daniel Garcia, and the two men exchanged blows to set up their upcoming match this week. Both men are expected to put on a hard-hitting contest, but it is unlikely that fans will witness a title change this early.
Sammy Guevara capturing the interim TNT title was most likely served on purpose to set up his rematch with current TNT Champion Cody Rhodes. The latter couldn't compete at Battle of the Belts, citing medical protocol.
But whenever Cody returns to the flagship show, the company may book him against Guevara to determine the Undisputed TNT Champion between the two.
#1 MJF accidentally costs Wardlow his match against CM Punk on AEW Dynamite
CM Punk and Wardlow will collide in a first-time-ever singles match this Wednesday night on Dynamite.
While The Straight Edge Superstar has been undefeated in the men's division since joining the roster, Mr. Mayhem is also on a hot winning streak. Considering both men's momentum, the company would be making a big blunder by breaking either man's undefeated run.
In that case, MJF could come out with bad intentions this week and attempt to cost Punk his match against Wardlow. The said scenario makes complete sense, given how the former WWE Superstar cost Friedman his bout against Captain Shawn Dean.
However, it would be the worst idea to hand Punk his first loss this early. But if MJF accidentally costs Wardlow, it would be like killing two birds with one stone.
Not only will it increase the chances of Mr. Mayhem turning on his leader, but it will also intensify Punk's feud with MJF. Despite the bold prediction, it will be interesting to see how the company books the finish of this match.