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The Blackpool Combat Club is undoubtedly one of the most popular stables in AEW. The group was founded by Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley, and William Regal in 2022 after the former NXT General Manager asked the two men to make peace following their singles match at Revolution 2022. Since then, The BCC has added two more members to its ranks, including Wheeler Yuta and Claudio Castagnoli.
The faction recently returned to its full strength after Yuta made his comeback to the squared circle on the June 5, 2024, episode of Dynamite after being on the shelf for nearly five months.
The BCC is an integral part of AEW's programming, with members of the stable consistently appearing on television over the past two years. However, regardless of its members' individual accomplishments, the group arguably lacks a sense of direction as a faction at present.
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As such, let us take a look at three directions for The Blackpool Combat Club in AEW.
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#1. Claudio Castagnoli turns heel and leaves The BCC
Claudio Castagnoli debuted in AEW as a member of The Blackpool Combat Club at the inaugural edition of Forbidden Door in 2022. The former WWE US Champion arrived as Bryan Danielson's replacement against NJPW's Zack Sabre Jr., whom Castagnoli defeated at the pay-per-view.
The Swiss Superman has achieved considerable success as a part of the faction, including two reigns as the ROH World Champion. However, in recent months, he has been teasing some tension with his stablemate, Bryan Danielson.
The King of Swing had openly voiced his disapproval of The American Dragon's decision to represent Team AEW in the Anarchy in the Arena match at Double or Nothing 2024. More recently, he spoke to Danielson in a heated manner after losing to PAC in the quarterfinal match for the 2024 Men's Owen Hart Cup.
Given the hints of resentment and displeasure that is seemingly brewing between Castagnoli and Danielson, one can certainly entertain the possibility of the former turning on the latter and leaving The Blackpool Combat Club, which could potentially set Castagnoli on a collision course against the former WWE Champion.
#2. Bryan Danielson retires from full-time action after AEW contract expiry
Bryan Danielson has been open about 2024 his last year as a full-time active talent. The American Dragon has been wrestling his heart out in the closing chapter of his illustrious career, putting on barnburners against the likes of Zack Sabre Jr., Kazuchika Okada, and Will Ospreay in NJPW and AEW.
He has also declared himself as a participant in the Men's 2024 Owen Hart Foundation Tournament in hopes of earning an AEW World Title shot for All In 2024, and will face Shingo Takagi in a quarterfinals bout at Forbidden Door later this month.
Recent reports suggest that the former World Heavyweight Champion is set to leave the Jacksonville-based promotion in October, although his contract supposedly expires before that. Danielson himself had claimed earlier that his deal would expire before All In 2024, and expressed his interest in wrestling his last match as a full-time worker at WrestleDream 2024 in his home-state of Washington.
Although Tony Khan has spoken about his wish to retain Danielson's services in the future, the 43-year-old star could potentially depart from AEW once his contract with the promotion runs out, resulting in his exit from The Blackpool Combat Club.
Alternatively, Danielson could continue to work in All Elite Wrestling in non-wrestling roles and potentially remain associated with the stable despite not competing alongside his teammates.
#3. Jon Moxley breaks away from The BCC and goes solo
Since making his All Elite Wrestling debut in 2019, Jon Moxley has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. His dominance over the All Elite roster has only been amplified through his alliance with The Blackpool Combat Club.
The Purveyor of Violence currently holds the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, which he has defended in AEW and NJPW against the likes of Powerhouse Hobbs, Ren Narita, Shota Umino, and more recently against EVIL.
Although Moxley continues to associate with The BCC on AEW programming, his membership in the group is arguably not essential to his present career trajectory as a fighting World Champion. Furthermore, The Ace of the World has not shown any interest in pursuing non-singles accomplishments, such as the World Tag Team and Trios Titles, despite picking up major victories alongside his BCC teammates in those divisions.
While Jon Moxley could feasibly continue to be linked to The BCC, he could potentially be involved in bigger storylines and more compelling rivalries as a solo performer, like during his early years in All Elite Wrestling.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for The Blackpool Combat Club in AEW.
