5 Potential twists in the AEW Owen Hart Cup

In December 2021, AEW announced the debut of The Owen Hart Cup, to honor the legacy of the late pro wrestling legend, Owen Hart. The two installments of the high-stakes tournament have been a huge success, garnering immense praise from the audience.

The debut edition of The Owen Hart Cup was a memorable affair, with the couple of Adam Cole and Britt Baker emerging victorious in their respective brackets.

The competition was even more fierce the following year, when Ricky Starks defeated CM Punk to win the prestigious Cup, whereas, on the women's side, Willow Nightingale got the victory at Ruby Soho's expense.

The stakes are even higher for the 2024 edition of The Owen Hart Cup. As announced by Tony Khan, the winners of this year's Owen Hart Cup will receive a world title shot in their respective divisions at AEW's annual London show, All In.

In this article, we look at five potential twists that could go down in this year's Owen Hart Cup.

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#5. PAC wins the Owen Hart Cup after Death Triangle turns heel

The trio of Rey Fenix, Pentagon Jr, and PAC, collectively known as The Death Triangle, has become an afterthought on the roster. PAC, who is the leader of the group, vented out his frustrations on the recent episode of AEW Collision.

Speaking on his recent shortcomings, PAC stated that he felt humiliated by his failures since returning to the company. Determined to get his shot at redemption, the former AEW International Champion also announced his entry into the Owen Hart Cup.

With names like Shingo Takagi and Bryan Danielson set to feature in the annual tournament, the road ahead will not be easy for the 37-year-old star.

However, if The Death Triangle embraces its ruthless heel side, PAC's chances of winning will go significantly higher. With Fenix and Pentagon in his corner, PAC will emerge as a serious threat to other contenders in the competition.

A heel version of PAC could win the 2024 Owen Hart Cup to set up a match against Swerve Strickland or Will Ospreay at AEW All In.

#4. Bryan Danielson's dream of winning the AEW World Championship gets crushed once again

With only a little time left for him as a full-time performer, Bryan Danielson has entered the Owen Hart Cup with huge aspirations. After falling short of winning the AEW World Championship multiple times in the past, The American Dragon is ready to earn his one last shot at the prestigious title.

At the moment, Danielson winning the high-stakes tournament seems like a predictable outcome. However, it will be a twist in the tale if the BCC member comes up short yet again.

Considering his ongoing issues with The Elite, the tyrant faction may cost Danielson the Owen Hart Cup in Calgary. Although a loss in the finals will be heartbreaking for The American Dragon, it will generate immense support for the popular babyface.

Despite not winning the Cup, Danielson could still find his way back into the World Championship match at All In London. It will be the perfect recreation of the The Authority vs. Daniel Bryan storyline, that led to the historic main event of WrestleMania 30.

#3. Ricky Starks returns to win his second consecutive Owen Hart Cup

Ricky Starks has been absent from AEW Television since March 2024. Fans are very vocal about wanting to see The Absolute One back on the company's programming. In a recent interview, Tony Khan also showered praise on the former FTW Champion, thanking him for his contributions to the promotion.

Although Starks already won The Owen Hart Cup in 2023, the stakes have gone up a notch this year. The winner of this year's tournament is slated to headline this year's All In pay-per-view, an opportunity that Starks would not want to miss out on.

Tony Khan could pull off a swerve by booking Ricky Starks to win the iconic tournament for the second consecutive year. It will be a well-deserved win for the former AEW Tag Team Champion, who has been long overlooked by Tony Khan.

#2. Dustin Rhodes kicks off his retirement tour by winning the Owen Hart Cup

Since his AEW debut, Dustin Rhodes has remained one of Tony Khan’s most trusted assets. However, the veteran may not have much time left in the squared circle.

At the age of 55, The Natural is very close to drawing curtains on his illustrious career. The upcoming summer will be the perfect time for Dustin Rhodes to ride into the sunset.

Dustin Rhodes is one of the most well-respected figures in pro wrestling. [Image credits: Dustin Rhodes' Instagram]

Tony Khan could have the former Goldust take the Owen Hart Cup home as a reward for his contributions to the Jacksonville-based promotion. The historic win would pave the way for a memorable retirement tour for The Natural, eventually culminating in a world championship match at AEW All In.

#1. Hangman Adam Page wins the Owen Hart Cup with The Elite's help

The New Elite has seemingly set its sights on the AEW World Champion, Swerve Strickland. On the recent episode of AEW Dynamite, the villainous group offered Swerve a spot in their team for Blood and Guts, only to be met with a refusal from the champion. The two sides almost came to blows during the segment before The Acclaimed intervened.

The Elite may play a long game when it comes to teaching Swerve Strickland a lesson.

The Young Bucks could bring back Swerve's eternal rival, Hangman Adam Page, to pit against the current AEW World Champion. Page, who was suspended by The Jacksons in March 2024, could prove to be a solid weapon against The Killshot.

The beloved Cowboy could enter the Owen Hart Cup to represent The Elite in the tournament. With The EVPs by his side, Hangman can prevail over the other challengers to set up a rematch against Swerve Strickland at AEW All In.