On 12 July, AEW hosts its biggest show of the year, All In: Texas, its first-ever stadium show in the United States.
Then in August, AEW returns to the UK for its annual crossover event with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Forbidden Door at the O2 Arena – this is in addition to two ROH pay-per-views in Supercard of Honor (the day before All In) and Death Before Dishonor on September 5.
With these events on the horizon, it’s likely we’ll see some major changes – as stars arrive, depart, and move between rosters – here are six changes we could soon see.
6. Wardlow Departs AEW
Wardlow has now been absent from AEW for over a year, reportedly due to a knee injury, as well being involved in a car accident.
He recently resurfaced, although not in AEW, but as part of the new cast for the reboot of American Gladiators.
At 37, time is running out for Wardlow to realise his potential and become a main event level star. Given his stagnation in recent years there are growing questions about whether this would even be possible while he remains in AEW.
Could Wardlow soon exit the AEW roster and become a major acquisition for WWE?
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5. Mercedes Moné Forms New Faction
On 12 July at All In, the unbeaten TBS Champion Mercedes Moné faces AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm in what is the biggest women’s match in the company’s history.
Ahead of that bout, there’s been speculation about Moné forming a new faction.
According to Fightful Select, there have been discussions about pairing her with ROH tag team The Renegade Twins – Robyn and Charlette.
While this has been rumored for quite some time, perhaps AEW will finally pull the trigger ahead of All In Texas.
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4. Gabe Kidd Signs With AEW
In January, Gabe Kidd was thrust into the consciousness of the wrestling world with a classic match against Kenny Omega at the NJPW/AEW crossover show, Wrestle Dynasty, at the Tokyo Dome on 5 January.
Coming out of that bout, he cemented himself as one of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s top stars – but the question is: how long will he remain there?
In recent months, the British star has appeared on Dynamite, and even helped Jon Moxley retain his title at Beach Break. He then followed that up by featuring in the Anarchy in the Arena match at AEW Double or Nothing, and sported a conspicuous Death Riders emblem on his gear at NJPW’s Dominion, where he won the IWGP Global Championship.
Could we soon see a major addition to the AEW roster with Gabe Kidd making the jump full-time?
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3. The Gunns Leave for WWE
The Gunns have been conspicuous by their absence from AEW programming in recent months.
In the last nine months The Gunns have only wrestled once on AEW TV, that being a February clash with The Hurt Syndicate over the AEW World Tag Team Championships.
Former AEW Tag Team Champions in their own right, Austin and Colten have improved markedly over the years, developing into an entertaining, old-school heel duo.
Could we soon see them depart AEW and make the move to WWE – perhaps being brought in alongside their “Badass” father?
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2. Golden Lovers Reunite
On the 21 June edition of AEW Collision, Kota Ibushi made a surprise return to the company – confronting Kazuchika Okada and hitting him with a barrage of strikes.
It appears Ibushi is being brought back to play a role in the ongoing storyline between his longtime ally and tag partner Kenny Omega and Okada, as they head towards a ‘Winner Takes All’ match at All In.
As the Golden Lovers, Ibushi and Omega were a legendary tag team in Japan – and while Ibushi may no longer be at his physical peak, he remains an excellent addition to AEW’s roster.
A reunion for Omega and Ibushi is inevitable, and post All In we could potentially see them embark on a proper run as a tag team.
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1. Athena Transitions to AEW Roster Full-Time
Athena has now held the ROH Women’s Championship for over two and a half years—the longest title reign in the company’s 23-year history.
Recent reports suggest that Mercedes Moné specifically wanted to lose to Athena in their standout Owen Hart Cup match this past April, paving the way for a full programme between the two.
Could we soon see this highly anticipated feud finally take shape after Moné’s big AEW Women’s World Title match on July 12?
With ROH hosting two major events this summer, it could be the right time for Athena to drop the title and make a permanent move to the AEW roster.
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