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This week's special episode of AEW Dynamite Winter is Coming featured many surprises, including the return of "The Icon" Sting. The legend appeared on TNT programming for the first time in 19 years. Then, in the main event, AEW crowned a new AEW World Champion in Kenny Omega.
After a grueling match with many twists and turns, "The Cleaner" defeated Jon Moxley. Omega had some crucial help from IMPACT Wrestling's Executive Vice President Don Callis. After the match, Callis and Omega left the arena after they promised to explain their actions on IMPACT Wrestling next week.
Callis has well-known connections with AEW superstars such as Chris Jericho and Kenny Omega. Callis has even worked with AEW before. He was on commentary at AEW Full Gear when Omega defeated Hangman Page to earn his title shot.
The events of this week's AEW Dynamite confirmed the rumors of a partnership between AEW and IMPACT Wrestling. Now, the possibilities are endless. Fans could see various inter-promotional matches in the near future as the brand warfare picks up steam. Let's take a look at five dream matches between stars of AEW and IMPACT Wrestling.
#5- Darby Allin (AEW) vs. Rich Swann (IMPACT)
Rich Swann and Darby Allin both recently won titles with their respective companies. After a prolonged feud with Eric Young, Swann defeated him at Bound For Glory to win his first IMPACT World Championship. On the other hand, Darby Allin won the AEW TNT Championship from Cody Rhodes at AEW Full Gear. A clash between these two two fan-favorite superstars could be a match for the ages.
After Omega's victory at AEW Winter is Coming, Swann could be eager to cement his place as the true top champion of IMPACT Wrestling. With Sting teasing his involvement in the TNT Championship scene, a loss for Allin could be imminent. But defeating Swann could maintain Allin's hot momentum. It could also establish his place as one of the most prominent home-made stars in AEW.
#4- Deonna Purrazzo (IMPACT) could have an appointment with Dr. Britt Baker (AEW)
Ever since the inception of AEW, Britt Baker has been among its top stars. She was the first female wrestler the promotion signed, and she made her debut at AEW's inaugural pay-per-view. There, she defeated Awesome Kong, Nyla Rose, and Kylie Rae. Though she hasn't won the women's title, Baker remains prominent on AEW television. Still, she has every reason to seek IMPACT Wrestling's gold.
Often cited as the reason for the revival of Women of Honor back in 2015, Deonna Purrazzo hopped between several promotions for a while. Eventually, she returning to IMPACT Wrestling as a meticulous heel and called herself "The Virtuosa". At IMPACT's Turning Point event, Purrazzo defeated Su Yung and became a two-time IMPACT Wrestling Knockouts Champion.
An encounter between these two proud heels could be intriguing. In a battle for brand supremacy, the clash of their signature submissions, The Fujiwara Armbar and Lockjaw, would make it must-see match.
#3- "Broken" Matt Hardy could return to his IMPACT roots
In 2016, Matt Hardy debuted a new persona as a "Broken" man during his feud with his brother, Jeff Hardy. This gimmick gradually developed into one of the most polarizing storylines in modern wrestling. Broken Matt feuded with the likes of The Wolves (Eddie Edwards and Davie Richards), Decay (Abyss, Crazzy Steve and Rosemary), and Death Crew Council (which included current AEW star Eddie Kingston and Bram.)
After a controversial legal battle for the "Broken" gimmick, Hardy parted ways with IMPACT Wrestling. He then competed around the world and returned to WWE. He later debuted in AEW on the March 18 episode of AEW Dynamite, where he reverted to his "Broken" persona.
A working relationship between IMPACT Wrestling and AEW could allow Hardy to bring his Broken Universe back to its origins. He could rekindle feuds from his previous runs with the company. Hardy could also start new rivalries with the likes of Moose, Tommy Dreamer, and Eric Young.
#2- The Young Bucks (AEW) vs. The Good Brothers (IMPACT) is a match that's been brewing for a long time
When the Good Brothers, Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows, left WWE, many fans thought they would join AEW. After all, the company is helmed by their former Bullet Club allies, Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks. But they decided to sign with IMPACT Wrestling instead. There, the duo defeated The North to become the IMPACT World Tag Team Champions. The clash between the aces of their respective tag team divisions would be historic.
Episode 213 of Being The Elite shed some light was shed on The Good Brothers' previous talks with AEW. It's clear that the Good Brothers had been interested in working with the company.
With Omega set to appear on IMPACT Wrestling this Tuesday, The Good Brothers could reunite with their former Bullet Club teammate. The Young Bucks and Omega haven't been on the same page since the latter decided to focus on his singles run. This distance could play off in a potential feud, too. Matt and Nick Jackson, perhaps joined by Hangman Adam Page, could then defend the honor of the promotion they created.
#1- A dream match between Jon Moxley (AEW) and Sami Callihan (IMPACT) would be a violent showdown.
During their initial years in Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), Jon Moxley and Sami Callihan (then known as Solomon Crowe) were tag team. Since their days in the Switchblade Conspiracy, both men have established themselves as top stars. Moxley (under the name Dean Ambrose) became a WWE Champion while Callihan is a former IMPACT World Champion.
If IMPACT and AEW stars collide, these two brawlers would inevitably come head-to-head. The layers of their history would only add to the intrigue.
Recently, Callihan formed an alliance with Impact Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock. Here, he turned face during their feud with The North and Rob Van Dam. However, on the September 22nd episode of IMPACT Wrestling, Callihan returned to his heelish ways.
After losing the AEW World Championship, Moxley's future remains up in the air. A trip down memory lane could be the direction he needs. However, whether the former Switchblade Conspiracy teammates would reunite or implode into a CZW-style Deathmatch remains to be seen.
What other dream matches can you think of? Share your thoughts in the comments.
