For the third consecutive year, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is taking its major stadium show from Wembley Stadium to Texas. The match card isn’t as extensive as previous major AEW pay-per-views, but the stakes are high, especially with the outcomes of key matches. On Saturday in Arlington, two casino gauntlet matches will decide the upcoming world title challenger, with the Young Bucks also aiming to maintain their Executive Vice President (EVP) status while Will Ospreay and Swerve Strickland vie for the world title. This event will ultimately crown AEW’s first unified champion.
This show is surprisingly predictable, with 88% consensus among Wrestling Inc. staff regarding match outcomes. However, is it wise to make such predictions when high stakes come into play? Let’s dive into the picks!
Women’s Casino Gauntlet: Athena (38%)
This weekend, the women’s casino gauntlet match returns, potentially featuring multiple women vying for a title shot. Kris Statlander and Megan Bayne are confirmed as the first entrants, each aiming to establish dominance. Several contenders, including Willow Nightingale, Thekla, Julia Hart, Penelope Ford, Skye Blue, Athena, Thunder Rosa, Tay Melo, and Anna Jay, are building anticipation.
The winner will challenge either “timeless” Toni Storm, a four-time women’s world champion, or Owen Hart Cup winner Mercedes Mohn for the TBS title. With Athena already holding the ROH women’s title for nearly 1,000 days, her historical momentum presents a serious threat. While 38% of staff predict Athena will emerge victorious, 25% back Megan Bayne, and only 12.5% support Statlander.
Written by Max Everett
Men’s Casino Gauntlet: MJF (69%)
This Saturday also sees the return of the men’s casino gauntlet match. The unpredictability of the participants adds to the intrigue, with at least one name expected to contend with Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) for the title shot. Despite being sidelined during the Death Riders storyline, MJF has consistently voiced his intent to reclaim the AEW World Championship. Winning this gauntlet would secure him that opportunity.
While 12.5% of staff predict Mark Briscoe could come out on top, another 12.5% believe Darby Allin will claim victory. However, there’s also a 6.3% chance that ROH World Champion Bandido might steal the show.
Written by Sam Palmer
AEW TNT Championship: Kyle Fletcher (88%)
Kyle Fletcher, known for his tag team prowess in Aussie Open, is poised to become a star in singles competition under Don Callis’s mentorship. Having showcased his skills against top talent like Will Ospreay and Adam Page, he’s yet to claim an AEW singles title. A compelling 88% of Wrestling Inc. staff believe Fletcher will dethrone Adam Cole and seize the TNT Championship.
Although there was early consensus on the match outcome, late votes suggest a potential change, but the prevailing opinion is that Cole’s reign is reaching its end. Fletcher’s victory would be pivotal for him, while Cole seems to be on a downward trajectory.
Written by Nick Miller
AEW World Tag Team Championship Threeway: Heart Syndicate (81%)
The Heart Syndicate is recognized as a powerhouse in the AEW tag team division, yet they face a significant challenge as they defend their titles against Jetspeed, Christian Cage, and Nick Wayne. Despite this, 81% of staff are confident that the Heart Syndicate will retain their championship.
The tag team landscape is currently complex, with few challengers appearing capable of dethroning the Syndicate. While Jetspeed shows promise, they aren’t positioned to take the gold away from the reigning champions at this time.
Written by Sam Palmer
AEW TRIOS Title: OPPS (81%)
This weekend, a trio of wrestlers—Gabe Kidd, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta—are set to challenge for the AEW Trios Championship, previously held by the Death Riders. OPPS originally won the title during the fallout from a PAC injury and are keen to defend it successfully this time around.
With Kidd maintaining dual commitments in both AEW and NJPW, it begs the question of his long-term viability as a champion. The poll indicates significant support for OPPS to retain their titles, but 19% believe Kidd might rise as the new champion.
Written by Max Everett
No Provision for World Title Shot/EVP: Young Bucks (75%)
In an intriguing match, the Young Bucks will face Will Ospreay and Swerve Strickland, complicated by the stakes involving the world title and EVP positions. A solid 75% of Wrestling Inc. staff believe the Bucks will come out on top.
Although there’s concern that Ospreay and Strickland may lose their title challenges with a defeat, there’s potential for them to move into the tag division, creating further storylines. Regardless of the match outcome, the interest from both teams hints at a thrilling rivalry ahead.
Written by Daisy Ruth
AEW Continental & International Title Unified: Kenny Omega (81%)
Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada renew their rivalry in a significant match to unify their respective titles. Omega has not been pinned since October 2023, while Okada recently suffered a defeat against Kyle Fletcher.
The Wrestling Inc. staff largely favors Omega to win, especially considering Tony Khan’s intent to elevate this new Unified Championship as the company’s premier title. After a year away due to health issues, Omega’s determination to make a comeback enhances his chances.
Written by Nick Miller
AEW Women’s World Championship: Mercedes Mone (56%)
This weekend, Mercedes Mone faces Toni Storm for the AEW Women’s World Championship, following her impressive trajectory that includes multiple titles. Having secured her title shot by winning the Owen Hart Cup, she’s also a reigning TBS champion.
While Storm has defended her title impressively, Wrestling Inc. staff votes show a close prediction, with 56% leaning towards Mone. The stakes are high as both women bring significant wrestling accolades to the ring.
Written by Max Everett
AEW World Championship Texas Death Match: Hangman Adam Page (69%)
The Texas Death Match between “Hangman” Adam Page and AEW World Champion John Moxley is generating significant anticipation, with 69% of fans predicting a Page victory. This match carries heavy expectations following their previous encounters.
Amidst concerns over potential missteps, many fans are hopeful that Page, having found his stride again, can topple Moxley. The storyline has been tense, but there’s optimism surrounding Page’s potential to regain the championship.
Written by Daisy Ruth
