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There's a massive buzz surrounding AEW's upcoming Dynamite special - Winter is Coming - which will emanate from the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas. It will be the second edition of the snow-based theme event.
Wrestling fans have fond memories from last year's event, which saw Sting make a stunning return to TNT for the first time since 2001. The WCW Icon shared an intense staredown with wrestlers of different generations, starting with Arn Anderson, Dusty Rhodes, Cody Rhodes, and Darby Allin.
Beyond this segment, we also witnessed Kenny Omega emerge as the new AEW World Champion after defeating Jon Moxley. A lot has changed on AEW programming since then. Tony Khan has bolstered the roster by bringing in some of the biggest stars like Bryan Danielson, Adam Cole, and CM Punk.
With momentum on their side, fans can expect an eventful 'Winter is Coming' episode of AEW Dynamite on December 15th. The company has already lined up a pay-per-view-worthy match card; that includes a blockbuster match between Hangman Page and Bryan Danielson for the AEW World Championship as the show's headliner.
Tony Khan can pull off several unforgettable swerves and surprises on the episode to grab the headlines. Now, without further ado, let's quickly dive into bold predictions for this year's Winter is Coming episode.
#5 Bray Wyatt confronts Malakai Black on his AEW debut
Will Bray Wyatt finally find a new wrestling home in AEW? Fans have been wondering about this question since the former WWE Champion became a free agent about a month ago.
Though the 34-year old star appears to have ventured into Hollywood, he still has a lot to offer in pro wrestling. Previous reports from Dave Meltzer even suggested that plans were in place for Wyatt to show up at AEW, but the idea fell through, citing reasons still unknown.
While no explicit signs are swirling that may suggest that Bray Wyatt will be heading over to AEW, Tony Khan has brought in top-notch names in 2021. What better way to end the year on a high note than by bringing in someone like Bray Wyatt?
Imagine if the company pits the former in a buzzworthy face-off against someone like Malakai Black.
Yes, the latter appears to be kickstarting a feud with Brian Pillman Jr. and Julia Hart. But what if Wyatt debuts to aid the babyface faction? The AEW universe would go berserk to witness two sadistic personas in the same ring.
#4 AEW star CM Punk costs MJF his Dynamite Diamond Ring against Dante Martin
MJF and Dante Martin are set to collide at AEW Winter is Coming to determine this year's Dynamite Diamond Ring winner. Although the 25-year old star is the clear favorite to retain his ring, there's an outside possibility that CM Punk could intentionally cost MJF his most prestigious prize.
MJF and CM Punk have recently kickstarted arguably the most captivating feud for AEW viewers right now. Their rip-roaring war of words that lasted nearly 20 minutes has made the rivalry a must-see.
A potential first-time-ever match between the two seems inevitable. The company can kill two birds with one stone by having Punk interfere this Wednesday night. Not only can Martin look like a million bucks after defeating a top heel, but a loss for MJF will make things more personal between him and The Straight Edge Superstar.
If AEW gives Punk the upper hand over MJF before their impending clash, there's a strong chance that The Salt of the Earth will hand The Straight Edge Superstar his first-ever singles loss in AEW.
#3 Cody Rhodes finally shows his true colors by turning on Arn Anderson
Cody Rhodes' potential heel turn has become a widely-discussed topic, especially since fans have started to turn on the former WWE Superstar.
After finishing off his feud with Andrade and Malakai Black, the 36-year old star challenged Sammy Guevara for the TNT Championship. The bout will go down during the Christmas Day edition of AEW Rampage.
Though it would be too early to discuss the possible outcome of that match, the company could generate a lot of buzz by turning Rhodes heel as soon as this week.
The American Nightmare has already been teasing a character change lately. The star generated a massive buzz when he nearly took the heel tunnel before exiting through the babyface route on his way out.
Let's face it, Cody is bound to turn heel one way or the other, but it would be too predictable if it came against Guevara. That said, having the former TNT Champion turn on his mentor Arn Anderson this Wednesday will send shock waves all over the wrestling world.
It will also add an extra layer of hype when a heel Cody Rhodes comes out the following week aiming to dethrone The Spanish God for the title.
#2 Sting and Darby Allin stake their claim at FTR's AAA Tag Team titles at AEW Winter is Coming
Sting will complete the first anniversary of his AEW debut at the Winter is Coming special. The company can plan a historic moment for the WCW Icon by making him and Darby lay out a challenge for FTR's AAA tag team titles for Christmas week.
During last week's Rampage, Wheeler and Harwood ambushed the face-painted stars backstage, thus rekindling their feud. It's worth recalling that Sting and Allin defeated the FTR during the Grand Slam episode of AEW Dynamite a few months ago.
But the stakes could get much higher if both teams decide to lock horns one more time. Plus, Sting and Darby Allin are presently undefeated in the tag team division. AEW could garner massive eyeballs this Wednesday night by having the face-painted stars confront Pinnacle members to evoke their shot at the Mexican tag titles.
#1 Bryan Danielson shockingly ends the fairytale run of Hangman Page
Bryan Danielson ending Hangman Page's run with the AEW World Championship at Winter is Coming would make wrestling fans fume with rage. But regardless of the result, either Danielson or Page would have to suffer in some way.
While Hangman Page just fulfilled the prophecy of becoming the champion last month, The American Dragon is also off to an impressive start in singles competition, as he is undefeated in the twelve singles matches he has competed in so far.
Both men's momentum is at stake, but a babyface chasing the coveted prize has always drawn support from wrestling fans. The company can pull off a similar direction for the Anxious Millennial Cowboy by having him lose his newly won title to Danielson.
By all means, the decision may not hurt Page as one would expect. The company can always have him win the title back from the former WWE Superstar next year and become the first-ever two-time AEW World Champion.
Whether or not this bold prediction goes down, fans will be in for a treat to watch two of the best in-ring performers slugging it out for the top prize.
