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AEW recently announced a massive seven-man Casino ladder match to crown a new #1 contender for Kenny Omega's World Championship.
The bout will take place on the upcoming episode of the Dynamite edition, which will also be the flagship show's second anniversary.
So far, the company has unveiled six participants featuring Jon Moxley, Lance Archer, Matt Hardy, Orange Cassidy, Andrade El Idolo, and PAC. In addition to that, a Joker will also partake, which will be revealed right before the match.
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Throughout the year, Tony Khan has swerved its fans by bringing an unexpected name to his promotion. There's no doubt he's holding another massive surprise up his sleeve this week. With multiple hottest free agents still looming in the wrestling market, the company might bring one of them.
Moreover, a few superstars have been on the sidelines for quite some time, so the stage seems set for them to make their return. Now, without further ado, let's dive into five possible superstars that could be revealed as the Joker for the ladder match this Wednesday.
#5 Miro may have AEW World Championship in mind
In a surprising turn of events last week, Miro lost his TNT Championship to Sammy Guevara. As exciting as it was to see a title change, the decision felt absurd since The Redeemer started to become one of the popular acts in AEW.
Regardless, his loss could be a blessing in disguise if the company has bigger plans for him. We have often witnessed superstars entering the main event picture after dropping their secondary title.
Miro has tremendously elevated his character and in-ring performance. He seems more than ready to fight for the coveted prize of this promotion. Even if he's not winning the entire match, the former WWE superstar will still be in the spotlight.
#4 Lio Rush could prove to be the dark horse in AEW's Casino ladder match
Lio Rush, who made a cameo appearance at Double or Nothing earlier this year, is finally All Elite. Given his high-flying ability, he could be the perfect addition to the ladder match.
The former WWE superstar may have vengeance on mind as Matt Hardy will also be competing in the match. The latter eliminated Rush from the battle royale a few months ago. He could seek revenge by preventing Hardy from winning the bout. It could reignite a fresh feud on television down the road.
Whether or not AEW chooses to go in that direction, Lio Rush's mere presence in the upcoming match will keep fans at bated breath.
#3 Buddy Murphy makes his AEW debut by entering Casino ladder match
Former WWE Superstar Buddy Murphy is currently a free agent and rumored to be making his AEW debut anytime soon. Even though Murphy recently expressed his desire to join IMPACT Wrestling, he might sign with the rising juggernaut.
Earlier today, Murphy took to Twitter to post a picture of the 'Joker' emoji. Although he deleted that tweet right after, many believe Murphy uploaded it about the Joker spot left in the Casino ladder match.
If the former RAW tag team champion does end up in the bout, he could be a clear favorite to become Kenny Omega's next challenger.
#2 CM Punk will add star power to the ladder match
CM Punk doesn't seem to have an opponent to ignite an immediate rivalry, which is why the company might choose him as the Joker in the upcoming Casino ladder match.
The Straight Edge Superstar has made an impressive start to his AEW career, defeating Darby Allin and Powerhouse Hobbs. Having the former WWE superstar compete in such a stipulation would eventually bring the best out of him.
On top of that, he could trade blows with the likes of Jon Moxley and Orange Cassidy, whom he hasn't faced in his entire career yet. Although it would be too soon for him to enter the championship picture, don't be surprised if Punk becomes the #1 contender for Kenny Omega's AEW World title.
#1 AEW star Hangman Page returns and wins the Casino ladder match
Imagine a vindictive Hangman Page returning to win the AEW's Casino ladder match this week, thus rekindling his rivalry with Kenny Omega. The Anxious Millennial Cowboy recently took a hiatus, given that his wife was due to give birth to their first child.
The last time fans saw Hangman Page on television was when he lost an opportunity to challenge Kenny Omega for the AEW World title. He even split from the Dark Order. Page has had low esteem issues in the past, but he might return with more laser-focus than ever to climb his way to the top.
Hangman was always supposed to face The Cleaner for the AEW World Championship, and even dethrone him. Their feud has been brewing for over a year now. With Full Gear fast approaching, Tony Khan could reignite Page's redemption story.
AEW's second-anniversary show seems to be the perfect time and place for the fan-favorite superstar to return. Whether or not the above-mentioned list transpires this week, fans will be in for a treat to watch an exciting ladder match.
