'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAFAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgf/2gAIAQEAAAAAmx7/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD/9oACAECEAAAAG//xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD/9oACAEDEAAAAD//xAAhEAACAgECBwAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEAAUTBgcSITEzov/aAAgBAQABPwDkzNavcT003owI0m9kW51KGBK4tO+VBXWbqqfCiRu31n//xAAVEQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAv/aAAgBAgEBPwC3/8QAFhEAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAED/9oACAEDAQE/AKM//9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
We're mere days away from AEW's upcoming marquee event, All Out, which emanates from the sold-out NOW arena in Chicago on September 5th.
CM Punk's jaw-dropping AEW debut has added a lot of star power to the thriving AEW roster. The company must be riding high on its momentum heading into its next pay-per-view. So far, eight matches have already been announced, out of which three are massive title defenses from top-tier stars.
Tony Khan may likely add a few more matches as we move closer to the event. However, the given match card looks significant and worthy enough to make it a star-studded show. Fans can expect management to deliver a collective display of entertainment and shocking elements on September 5th.
With that said, let's dive into five bold predictions for the AEW All Out event next month.
#5. AEW star Cody Rhodes makes his return to reignite his rivalry with Malakai Black
Malakai Black's continued dominance over The Nightmare Family may prompt Cody Rhodes to return and seek vengeance in his own style.
The former NXT Champion has become a force to be reckoned with ever since he arrived on the scene. He took out both Arn Anderson and Cody Rhodes with his vicious Black Mass signature. The storyline embarked on a heated rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Malakai Black, leading into the latter's debut match.
During the Homecoming edition, the Dutch star squashed The American Nightmare in no time.
The aftermath saw Cody Rhodes deliver a promo, which we eventually realized was his retirement speech. When he was about to leave his boots in the ring, Black surfaced again to prevent him from riding off into the sunset.
The entire angle served its purpose of writing Cody Rhodes off the television, but it became clear that the rivalry was far from over.
This past week on AEW Dynamite, Malakai Black destroyed Brock Anderson in the main event of the show. The post-match saw the former WWE superstar once again laying his hands on Arn Anderson.
Given the storyline's direction, it makes sense to have Cody Rhodes back at the upcoming event to kickstart his redemption story. Malakai Black could appear at All Out to deliver a scathing promo only to be ambushed by the returning Cody Rhodes.
Both men could then face each other at AEW Full Gear, which will take place in November.
#4. AEW star Sting accidentally costs Darby Allin the match
One of the most intriguing matches at AEW All Out will be the first-ever singles match between CM Punk and Darby Allin.
The Straight Edge Superstar took the internet by storm when he made his highly-anticipated AEW debut on Rampage. His sensational return to professional wrestling was itself big enough to create a buzz. However, CM Punk brought an extra layer to it by choosing Darby Allin as his first opponent. It is a match that doesn't require a significant build-up since the presence of the former WWE superstar would intrigue fans in the arena.
As exciting as the match sounds, the outcome is predictable, with CM Punk picking up a win in his first match with the company. However, Tony Khan could play an unexpected trump card that could play a decisive role in the finish.
It could be a long shot, but Sting accidentally costing Darby Allin against CM Punk could leave fans in a state of shock.
In the professional wrestling business, friendships, especially between mentors and students, don't last long. The company could tease a future explosion of the bond between Sting and Darby Allin at All Out.
#3. Ric Flair emerges as the new manager of Andrade El Idolo
Andrade El Idolo and PAC will face each other in a singles match at All Out. The Mexican star had intended to have a big name as his manager in the company. Tony Khan certainly brought legendary managers from the bygone era. From Vickie Guerrero to Chavo Guerrero, the stock of Andrade has increased immensely.
There's no doubt Chavo is the perfect lethal talking weapon for the former WWE superstar. However, there's no such thing in the wrestling world bigger than family. Speaking of which, rumors of Ric Flair joining AEW could materialize at the upcoming pay-per-view.
Fans already saw what Andrade and Ric could do in the same ring when the former had a match with Kenny Omega at Triplemania a few weeks ago. The Mexican star himself stated that he wants to bring Ric Flair and his fiance to AEW.
Charlotte Flair may be a WWE lifer for now, but The Nature Boy could be on its way to AEW.
He doesn't even have a non-compete clause which makes him eligible to appear at All Out. Imagine Andrade coming out with Ric Flair in stunning fashion to defeat PAC. The moment would itself blow the roof of the building.
#2. AEW star Frankie Kazarian turns heel and joins The Elite
Frankie Kazarian costing Christian Cage's AEW World Championship match against Kenny Omega could grab massive headlines on social media.
For months, Kazarian, dubbed "The Elite Hunter," has been trying to chase The Elite to lay his hands on them. However, the former SCU member has failed on almost every occasion. As the saying goes, if you can't beat them, join them.
In WWE, Randy Orton did the same during his feud with Bray Wyatt leading into WrestleMania 33. Although the storyline in AEW may not be as big, a similar move could shake the entire AEW division.
The match between Kenny Omega and Christian Cage will involve a lot of interference. Frankie Kazarian could turn on Christian to cost him the opportunity to become the AEW World Champion. The aftermath could see Kazarian shaking hands with Kenny Omega to close out the show.
#1. AEW swerves all fans by executing a Double turn during the match between Chris Jericho and MJF
The idea of turning Chris Jericho heel during his match against MJF may not sound too exciting on paper. However, one must not forget that Chris Jericho has put his career on the line against MJF at All Out.
The outcome is too predictable at the moment, as Chris Jericho recently revealed that he would continue to wrestle until his body endures. For both men, executing a double turn could prompt every fan to pop out of their seats.
The Five Labors of Jericho storyline has somewhat disappointed the way it ended. However, the company could rectify the mistake and leave fans in a state of shock at All Out.
Chris Jericho winning the match and embracing the dark side would be a treat to watch. The company wouldn't necessarily have to continue the storyline. Instead, they can build MJF from being a vicious heel to a lovable character, with fans pitting him moving forward.
