AEW's biggest pay-per-view event of the year, All Out 2021, is set to emanate live this Sunday from the Now Arena in Chicago.
As we edge closer to the highly-anticipated show, rumors and speculation are all over the internet, and we've picked out the most newsworthy stories in a special edition of the rumor roundup.
All eyes are on CM Punk as he prepares for his first match since his pro wrestling return against Darby Allin. An interesting backstage update regarding the potential outcome has now been revealed before the big showdown.
All Out 2021 is also set to have a few big debuts as two former WWE stars could reportedly announce their arrival in the promotion.
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There is also an update regarding Andrade and PAC's nixed match and the promotion's reworked plan for the storyline. That and more has been covered in a stacked rumor roundup dedicated to AEW All Out 2021:
#6. Reason why CM Punk could lose his AEW All Out match against Darby Allin
CM Punk's first professional wrestling match in seven years could end up in a defeat for the former WWE Champion, according to a report from WWFOldSchool.
It has been revealed that CM Punk could take the loss against Allin, as the former WWE star intends to make a statement that he is in AEW to elevate young talent.
AEW has positioned CM Punk as a top guy since his return, and fan speculation has previously hinted towards a victory for the "Second City Saint."
Here's what the report said:
"We are being told that Punk will lose his AEW debut match against Darby on September 5th in Chicago to make a statement that he's here to help elevate the younger wrestlers."
CM Punk is 42 years old but has a lot of hype surrounding his name for obvious reasons. Could Punk be angling himself for a loss at All Out to send a message? We'll have to wait to find out.
#5. Former WWE star Ruby Soho to debut at All Out as Tony Khan's big surprise
As revealed by Dave Meltzer in this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Ruby Soho, fka Ruby Riott, is reportedly set to debut in the Casino Battle Royale.
Tony Khan has teased a big surprise for the unannounced 21st spot in Battle Royale, with Ruby Soho widely expected to be unveiled as the 'Joker.'
Ruby Soho's non-compete WWE clause ended on August 31st, and the rumors had always hinted towards her being AEW-bound. Tony Khan has followed the tradition of revealing well-known debutants as surprise entrants. Ruby Soho is reportedly in line to be the next wrestler to get a similar booking treatment.
Here's what Dave Meltzer reported about Ruby Soho's rumored All Out debut
"Another potential debut is Dori Prange, who was Riott in WWE, using the name Ruby Soho. Reports from weeks back have indicated her as being in the Casino Battle Royale, likely in the 21st spot, which AEW always tries to deliver a surprise in."
In recent weeks, the former Riott Squad leader has posted several teasers of her new post-WWE character, with all roads seemingly leading to AEW.
#4. Backstage updates on Daniel Bryan's AEW status ahead of All Out 2021
Cassidy Haynes of Bodyslam.net was the first to report that Daniel Bryan was slated to make his AEW debut at All Out. Wrestling Observer's Bryan Alvarez followed up and confirmed the report based on inputs from several AEW sources.
Dave Meltzer has now issued an update and revealed that despite no confirmation from AEW, Daniel Bryan's debut was scheduled to happen on the show. It was added that if Bryan does not show up for some reason, it should be considered a last-minute change from AEW's end.
"Obviously Danielson's debut is not confirmed in the sense by the promotion, but we've been told by multiple sources it was scheduled for the show, and Bodyslam.net had been the first to report it publicly. If it doesn't happen, it would be a change in plans," revealed Meltzer.
It was additionally stated that Daniel Bryan's debut could have happened a while back, but the former WWE superstar decided to take a break during the summer.
AEW was also uncertain about the date of his debut and had zeroed down on two shows, September 5th's All Out or the Dynamite Grand Slam show on September 22nd.
As of this writing, fans should hope to see Daniel Bryan at All Out.
#3. Backstage news on Andrade vs. PAC being removed from the All Out 2021 match card
As announced by Tony Khan, Andrade's match was taken off the All Out card due to travel issues faced by PAC. Dave Meltzer noted before the official update that AEW officials were planning on canceling a match due to a 'health situation' with one of the talents.
While there is still not much clarity over the real reason behind the match being nixed, Meltzer reported that the bout would happen on regular AEW TV whenever PAC is available to compete.
While PAC will be unavailable for the All Out event, Andrade still seems ready to wrestle and even teased the possibility of facing another opponent.
If Andrade does indeed have a match, who do you want to see him face in an impromptu contest? A debuting Daniel Bryan? Let us know your picks in the comments section.
#2. Injured AEW star Kip Sabian in Chicago for All Out
Fightful Select reports that injured AEW star Kip Sabian is in Chicago for the All Out event. Sabian has endured a forgettable spell with injuries for over a year as he last competed in the Arcade Anarchy match on March 25th.
Sabian has been recuperating since undergoing shoulder surgery in May. It should be noted that there are no details of any plans currently being in place for Sabian, and he might just be at All Out to watch the show and support his partner, Penelope Ford.
Kip Sabian has not been seen on AEW TV since Miro turned on him at the end of April on a Dynamite episode.
#1. Updates on Adam Cole's AEW status
Adam Cole continues to be one of the hottest free agents in professional wrestling, and Britt Baker's recent teaser added more fuel to speculation regarding an AEW jump.
The reigning women's champion trolled fans by announcing the AEW signing of a free agent on the latest Dynamite episode, and many initially believed it to be Adam Cole. Baker later said that she had re-signed with AEW, but her blatant hint might have some purpose.
Dave Meltzer revealed that AEW would not have allowed Britt Baker to execute such a swerve unless the company was in talks with Adam Cole.
No further details were revealed that pointed towards a potential AEW debut for Adam Cole. If both sides agree on a deal, AEW officials would ideally want to save Cole's first appearance for a later date, as All Out already has a few debutants locked in to show up.
What are your predictions for AEW All Out? Any rumored surprises that you're looking forward to the most? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.