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The recently concluded special episode of AEW Dynamite: Blood & Guts raised the bar for the show. Considering the quality of matches and developing storylines, the show was one of the best episodes in recent memory.
Other than that, the special edition of AEW Dynamite managed to gain 1.090 million viewers, and also took the first spot on cable on Wednesday night.
The highlight of the show was the Blood and Guts match between The Inner Circle and the Pinnacle. The latter team won after MJF forced the Inner Circle to surrender by threatening to push Chris Jericho from the top of the cage, which he eventually did after the match.
The Blood and Guts match proved to be one of the most ferocious bouts AEW has ever produced.
Now that AEW's special episode is in the books, we are heading towards another stacked edition of Dynamite.
Several exciting and high-stakes contests have been announced ahead of this week's show. Let's take a look at 5 things that must happen on the next episode of AEW Dynamite.
#5 Jon Moxley retains his IWGP U.S. Championship on AEW Dynamite
The most intriguing match-up on this week's AEW Dynamite will see Jon Moxley defend his IWGP U.S. Championship against Yuji Nagata. Nagata is returning to TNT programming for the first time in nearly 23 years.
This will be Jon Moxley's fourth title defense, having won the championship at last year's Wrestle Kingdom 14 by defeating Lance Archer in a Texas Deathmatch. The AEW star is currently the longest-reigning IWGP U.S Champion in history with a title reign of more than 480 days.
At this point, a title change is highly unlikely to happen. Yuji Nagata is well past his prime and the same cannot be said for Jon Moxley. Mox is arguably one of the most vicious wrestlers on the AEW roster.
For this reason, Jon Moxley is expected to retain his IWGP U.S. Championship this week. The match could be an instant classic, given the talent both of these wrestlers possess.
#4 The Young Bucks retain their AEW World Tag team Championships
Last week, the tag team of Frankie Kazarian and Christopher Daniels, collectively known as SCU, became the new No. 1 Contenders for the AEW Tag team titles. SCU defeated Varsity Blondes, Jurassic Express, and The Acclaimed in a fatal four-way tag team match.
Kazarian and Daniels will now face their long-time rivals The Young Bucks in what will be an incredible battle for the AEW tag team titles. Considering the momentum gained by Matt and Nick Jackson since becoming champions, it is unlikely that SCU will emerge victorious this week.
If that's the case, it would mean that Daniels and Kazarian won't wrestle as a unit moving forward as they have clearly stated that SCU will disband if they lose their title match.
At the moment, it appears likely that Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian will go their separate ways after receiving their last shot at the AEW tag team titles. Meanwhile, The Young Bucks may have Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston as their next challengers at AEW Double Or Nothing 2021.
#3 Cody Rhodes announces a new star will join AEW at Double Or Nothing 2021
Let's face it, we have all seen how these types of announcements have turned out to be in AEW. Either it's a new signing or a special match-up for the upcoming PPV.
Well, the same goes for this week as well when Cody Rhodes will make a huge announcement for their upcoming PPV, Double or Nothing on 30th May. As of now, Cody is not involved in a high-profile storyline so a swerve is completely ruled out at this point.
However, the American Nightmare could very well announce that a new star will be joining AEW at the Double Or Nothing PPV. Many fans have been predicting that Daniel Bryan could end up in Tony Khan's promotion.
Bryan is no longer with WWE and is currently looking for a part-time contract to wrestle. AEW can very well provide what Daniel Bryan needs right now. Moreover, TNT was upset last time the company kept a big-name signing a secret.
Cody Rhodes' announcement of a new star joining the company will ensure that a lot of people will tune in to watch AEW Double Or Nothing 2021.
#2 Miro becomes the new AEW TNT Champion
Ever since coming to AEW, Miro's has been lost in the shuffle. The former WWE star has been stuck in mid-card storylines alongside Kip Sabian. But it looks like his time to shine has finally arrived. Miro will challenge Darby Allin for the TNT Championship this week on AEW Dynamite.
Allin has been a tremendous champion thus far. He has overcome every challenge thrown at him and has elevated the title.
However, this will be the toughest challenge of Darby's career and there is a chance his TNT title reign might just come to an end this week. Darby and Sting are currently involved in a storyline with Ethan Page and Scorpio Sky.
With that being said, the duo of Ethan Page and Scorpio Sky might get way involved in the match and cause a distraction that could pave the way for a title change.
It makes sense for Miro to become a great TNT Champion at this point, while Darby and Sting might continue their storyline with Ethan Page and Scorpio Sky.
#1 Orange Cassidy becomes No.1 Contender for the AEW World title
The biggest match on this week's AEW Dynamite will be Orange Cassidy facing PAC in a No. 1 Contender's match for Kenny Omega's AEW World Title.
The match was announced by Tony Schiavone on last week's special episode of AEW Dynamite: Blood and Guts. While PAC vs Kenny Omega would be incredible, the confrontation between Cassidy and The Cleaner hints that we will see both of them square off for the title.
The match feels fresh, with a typical heel vs face storyline. The promo from both the stars would make this feud a must-watch one and would gain more eyeballs to the product.
So expect Orange Cassidy to walk out victorious in his upcoming match against PAC during this week's edition of AEW Dynamite. Expect a post-match attack from AEW World Champion Kenny Omega to build this feud ahead of Double or Nothing.
Which one of these scenarios do you think will happen in the upcoming edition of AEW Dynamite? Sound off in the comments section.
