MJF and Athena emerged victorious in their respective casino gauntlets at AEW All Out last Saturday, but the specifics regarding when or how they will secure their guaranteed title shots remain unclear. Fans and analysts especially wondered if this situation would mirror last year’s, when Christian Cage won the Men’s Gauntlet but ultimately failed to capture the world title at AEW Revolution earlier this year.
During the Post-All Out Media Scrum, AEW owner Tony Khan was asked about the plans for this year’s gauntlet winners. Khan didn’t provide definitive answers but promised to clarify the situation at upcoming AEW events. He indicated that both MJF and Athena will have significant input in deciding the timing and scheduling of their championship matches.
“I’m going to meet with the winners and champions to thoughtfully plan the schedule before making any announcements,” Khan explained. “There’s a rhythm that makes sense here. After MJF distinguished himself against a strong group of competitors, the challenger should set his deadlines. And with Athena becoming the first woman to win the PPV Casino Gauntlet, we’ll be announcing her match soon.”
Fan Take: This update is exciting for AEW fans because it signals a more collaborative and strategic approach to title match scheduling, with the challengers having a voice in the process. It hints at compelling storylines and high-stakes matches ahead, which could elevate AEW’s competitive landscape and fan engagement even further.
