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Almost all the wrestling promotions like WWE, AEW, and IMPACT Wrestling, to name a few, were affected by the pandemic era, which prompted them to run their shows in front of empty arenas.
For a rising promotion like AEW, everyone thought that the global pandemic must have halted their momentum because the company stepped foot in this wrestling world almost a year before this unprecedented situation occurred.
However, the company's durability helped them not only survive the pandemic era but thrive in it. Now almost half the year has passed, and the company did capture some of the memorable moments. AEW World Champion Kenny Omega surfaced as the pioneer of the promotion. He even benefitted from AEW's partnership with other wrestling promotions and captured the IMPACT World and AAA Mega Championships.
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Aside from the main event scene, the rivalry between Chris Jericho and MJF grabbed headlines throughout the summer. The battle between the two men soon turned into a faction war, as the Inner Circle and the Pinnacle broke the hinges.
Meanwhile, one cannot forget witnessing WCW's Icon Sting compete in his first wrestling match in front of a live audience in over six years. We also saw some notable signings such as Christian, Mark Henry, Paul Wight, Malakai Black, and Andrade El Idolo.
As rumors of CM Punk and Daniel Bryan joining AEW have also surfaced, it looks like we're heading towards an exciting second half of 2021.
That said, let's take a look at five things that must happen in AEW before the end of this year.
#5 Hangman Page becomes AEW World Champion
One of the most stunning ways to end the year on a high note would be to crown Hangman Page as the AEW World Champion.
Kenny Omega and Hangman Page have kickstarted their rivalry by involving The Elite and the Dark Order. Both factions will soon collide in a five-on-five elimination bout with an extra stipulation added to it. If the babyface team wins, Hangman Page and the Dark Order will earn an opportunity to challenge for the AEW and Tag Team Championships respectfully.
Now we do expect the babyface team to win the match and get in contention for the championships. But for whatever reason, it doesn't look like Kenny Omega will be dropping his title this soon.
The Cleaner unexpectedly retained his IMPACT World Championship against Sami Callihan at Slammiversary, to which everyone thought he would lose the title.
The stunning swerve may suggest that the company is high on making Omega an indestructible force. With his current momentum, the company won't have him lose the AEW World Championship for at least a few more months.
However, the longer Omega stays as the champion, the more it will benefit someone like Hangman Page when he dethrones him.
One way or the other, the Anxious Millennial Cowboy's time to shine is imminent. Given his storyline with Omega reflecting friendship, betrayal, drama, and suspense, it makes sense to have Hangman Page capture the AEW World Championship from him before the end of 2021.
#4 Sting wrestles his first singles match in AEW
It could be deemed a long shot, but AEW star Sting should compete in his first singles match with the company.
The WCW legend made a stunning in-ring return earlier this year by competing in two memorable tag-team encounters alongside Darby Allin. The first bout saw both men competing in a cinematic match against Ricky Starks and Brian Cage. Sting's next bout was special for numerous reasons, as he wrestled in front of a live audience for the first time since 2014.
Sting and Darby Allin defeated Ethan Page and Scorpio Sky at Double or Nothing. The WCW Icon emerged as the star of the night for his remarkable performance. He also proved critics wrong by taking multiple bumps in the ring. It was a nostalgic feeling for fans in attendance to witness Sting delivering big maneuvers, which he used to do back in his prime.
His alliance with AEW star Darby Allin has no doubt impressed everyone, but one would wonder about their endgame. Although Sting may have a lot left in his tank, deep down, we know that he may only have a few years left in him.
AEW star Sting always wanted to walk off into the sunset on his terms. It makes sense to have him engage in a heated feud with someone like Chris Jericho, Cody Rhodes, or even Darby Allin, as both have enough chemistry to work on a storyline.
All these wrestlers could be a safer option to carry the match with Sting and give the Icon something to be proud of.
#3 MJF competes for the AEW World or TNT Championship
AEW star MJF has emerged as the breakout star of the company this year. His feud with Chris Jericho, let alone provided him with an opportunity to showcase his in-ring abilities and mic skills. On top of that, MJF formed his faction, which goes by the name the Pinnacle, featuring FTR, Wardlow, and Shawn Spears.
The Pinnacle and the Inner Circle had a long-running rivalry throughout the summer, with both factions scoring a win against each other. The equation has now come to a singles feud between MJF and Chris Jericho, which is imminent.
Despite becoming the top heel in the company, it's a crying shame that he hasn't competed for either TNT or AEW World title. His stock has increased immensely over the past few months, and the company should insert him in the title picture as soon as he finishes his feud with Chris Jericho.
The Salt of the Earth could be a great heel opponent if Hangman Page becomes the AEW World Champion.
Both men could produce a classic heel vs. babyface storyline that would grab headlines for the company. Whether or not the company books him to win the title, he must be elevated to the main event scene sooner rather than later.
#2 AEW introduces the Trios Championship
There's no denying that AEW currently holds the most stacked men's roster in the professional wrestling business.
On top of that, most of these wrestlers are past the factions. Teams like the Dark Order, Hardy Family Office, the Nightmare Family, and Best Friends, to name a few, are directionless at the moment.
The problem isn't that they aren't getting enough television time. Instead, most of these rivalries lead nowhere. The company recently booked consistent Trios matches on AEW Dynamite. Sadly, there's no positive outcome from it. The fact is these factions don't get enough opportunities at either the TNT or AEW World Championship.
Given the current scenario, Tony Khan must introduce a Trios Championship by the end of this year. It would be a reward for those factions who considerably feel less prominent competing in a group.
The entire landscape could get changed if all the current factions are eyeing for the Trios Championship. In fact, it would bring people's interest back in the six-man tag team matches.
The company's product will quickly rise in the years to come.
#1 Paul Wight or Mark Henry makes their in-ring debut in AEW
AEW's monstrous signees Mark Henry and Paul Wight are yet to make their in-ring debuts with the company.
Both former WWE superstars have been given more of a corporate role in the promotion. With Mark Henry set to become an analyst for the upcoming AEW: Rampage, Paul Wight is already part of the commentary team for AEW: Dark Elevation.
Fans have been desperately wanting to see these men lace up their boots again. However, Mark Henry recently revealed that he's recovering from nagging injuries that he suffered years ago. This means fans may have to wait to see the World's Strongest Man step foot in the ring again.
But Paul Wight is seemingly fit and in better shape at this stage of his career. The company could book his in-ring return for the upcoming All Out pay-per-view or even at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, which will host a special episode of AEW Dynamite.
There are plenty of options for him like Miro, Lance Archer, and Jake Hager, to name a few. Fans could also get to see the long-awaited dream match between Shaq and Wight.
It will be a surreal moment for the company to have either Mark Henry or Paul Wight wrestle at one of their shows this year.
