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AEW has been making a lot of headlines lately, mostly since last week's episode when CM Punk and MJF name-dropped not one but 4 WWE Superstars in arguably the best promo battle of 2021.
The aftermath of the segment prompted WWE to try to deliver something similar, as we all witnessed between Edge and The Miz on this week's RAW episode. It didn't turn out to be as intriguing as what MJF and Punk produced the other night.
Now, that leads us to a question mark surrounding whether AEW will continue to fire shots at WWE stars? The company has lined up some must-see matchups tonight. With that said, let's dive into what the company has in store for us in the upcoming episode.
#5 Cody Rhodes to finally turn heel after losing to Andrade El Idolo on AEW Dynamite?
Cody Rhodes will have an uphill task this week when he squares off against Andrade El Idolo in front of his hometown of Atlanta. The bout will have a street fight stipulation, which has sent fans into a frenzy.
The Mexican star has had Rhodes' number lately. Not only did he defeat The American Nightmare in their first-ever encounter, he also dismantled Cody Rhodes with a post-match attack. Given Andrade's current momentum and alliances with Malakai Black and the FTR, he can trick Rhodes again.
It will be a compelling booking decision if the company chooses this direction. Last week, fans heavily booed Rhodes and even showed disrespect to him by throwing back his weight belt. But it will be interesting to see if he will be receiving the same reaction in front of his hometown crowd.
Though Cody Rhodes turning heel on his home turf is a long shot, it would grab major eyeballs on him moving forward.
#4 Will CM Punk keep his undefeated streak alive on AEW Dynamite?
CM Punk will be in action again on AEW Dynamite as he faces Lee Moriarty in a singles match. The 27-year old rising star has produced a few breath-taking encounters since his debut. Even though the outcomes may not have gone in his favor, he has been successful in earning respect from the AEW universe.
Moriarty will be looking to do the same with The Straight Edge Superstar, who has made an impressive mark in the singles division with a winning streak of 7-0. Punk defeated Marshall last week after engaging in a war of words with MJF.
Speaking of Mr. Friedman, will he cost Punk his first loss against a rising star? It would entirely change the direction of their storyline, hence adding more heat to it. Whether or not the unlikeliest scenario goes down tonight, MJF could be looking to lay his hands on the former WWE Superstar.
#3 Kris Statlander vs. Ruby Soho ( Quarter-finals of TBS title tournament)
In a do-or-die situation, Ruby Soho and Kris Statlander will collide for a place in the semi-finals of the TBS title eliminator tournament. It will be a battle between two of the top babyfaces of the women's division.
Other than that, Soho received massive support from Statlander when she arrived at AEW. It is safe to assume that fans will be in for a friendly match tonight, both women will have to move their friendship aside. It will be interesting to see who emerges on top.
#2 Bryan Danielson vs. Alan Angels on AEW Dynamite
Bryan Danielson is another ex-WWE superstar who has been undefeated in singles competition since arriving at AEW. He will lock horns with Alan Angels of the Dark Order this Wednesday.
So far, The American Dragon has defeated Colt Cabana and Evil Uno to build momentum towards his first championship opportunity against Hangman Page. It wouldn't be far-fetched to say the former WWE Superstar would be the favorite to win another battle this week. Regardless of the predictable outcome, it will still be a must-see contest, given Bryan's tendency to bring the best out of his opponents.
With the Winter is Coming edition of Dynamite fast approaching, the company could make a notable announcement tonight by making Hangman Page's first title defense against Bryan Danielson official for the special show.
#1 Sting and Darby Allin vs. The Gunn Club on AEW Dynamite
A tag team match pitting Sting and Darby Allin up against Billy and Colten Gunn will also go down tonight. Both teams have been on a collision course since Allin surprisingly defeated Billy on Rampage a few weeks ago.
It's worth noting that both teams are currently undefeated in the tag team division. As intriguing as it is to see Sting gearing up for another match, fans are wondering if AEW has made a mistake by pitting him up against Billy. With Gunn also being well past his prime. With the men's combined age of 120, it will surely be a difficult task to avoid a train-wreck of a match.
Colten and Allin will have the responsibility on their shoulders to carry the pace of the match. Sting will be eyeing the opportunity to take revenge from Billy Gunn, who played a pivotal role in handing him a defeat against Triple H at WrestleMania 31. Whether or not the WCW Icon remains successful, fans will be rooting for the face-painted stars.
