411’s AEW Full Gear Preview (Roundtable Edition)

Well, hello there, Sickos, and welcome to the latest edition of my AEW PPV preview. Full Gear, considered one of the “Big Four” PPV for the company, emanates from Newark, New Jersey (as such has usually been the case since it began) this Saturday. And, as one would expect, the card is filled with intrigue, blood feuds that must continue and, of course, title matches.

As for what is concrete and definitive, we are running back the AEW Men’s World Title match from WrestleDream, as Hangman Adam Page will defend the title against Samoa Joe, but this time, the match will take place in the confines of a SALAD STEEL CAGE (Copyright Bruce Pritchard). The TNT Title will be on the line between two guys who have a long-spanning yet enthralling rivalry, as Kyle Fletcher will look to not only definitively put Mark Briscoe behind him, but will look to retain his title in a No-DQ match with the potential of adding Briscoe to the Don Callis Family should Mark lose. The Tag Team Titles will be on the line, as Brodido will look to stop FTR from joining the Young Bucks as three-time tag team champions in AEW.

The AEW Women’s World Title will be on the line, as Kris Statlander, bested twice in the past by her challenger, will look to finally get the better of Mercedes “Ultimo” Mone, and it should be noted that only Kris’ title is on the line in this one. And the company will debut yet another new title at Full Gear, as the AEW National Title will be awarded to the winner of a Casino Gauntlet match. It’s interesting, at least to me, that we are getting the crowning of a recently announced title before getting the first Women’s Tag Team Title winners, but hey, that’s just me.

Of course, when it comes to Tony Khan, money is (usually) no object, and to prove that point, we will have our first Million Dollar Match, as The Young Bucks will team up with DCF member Josh Alexander to take on Kenny Omega and the Jurassic Express. Also, the bad blood between Darby Allin and the Death Riders continues, as Allin will face PAC, which is the smart build, considering PAC tried to burn Darby to a crisp at Blood & Guts in Greensboro.

And, as has become tradition recently during the time of the Saturday PPV schedule due to the NFL season, the second hour of Collision/Tailgate Zero Hour will happen before the main show. Khan will continue to prove that money is (usually) no object, as four teams will vie for $200,000. Those teams will include The Outrunners, The Bang Bang Gang, Big Bill and Bryan Keith, and Max Caster and Anthony Bowens. Finally, speaking of teams, the hated rivals-turned-uneasy allies in Big Boom AJ and QT Marshall (therefore known as Boom and Doom) will take on Rocky Romero and Trent Beretta (therefore known, in shorthand, as RPG Vice). All of this and, surely, so much more in store for us.

Of course, I cannot do this without my friends (see also, “People I know from the community chat”), and I have enlisted some reoccurring fan favorites to pair with some brand-new blood in this thing.

First, allow me to introduce my new panelists:

Soda & Fries, who carries an unironic username, since he is forgetting the BEST part of that combination

Foreign Object, who tells me he is a fork, but doesn’t elaborate on whether he is true silverware or a plastic one

Now, allow me to introduce my Junior Legacy Panelists (those who have partaken in at least two of my roundtables):

Jonothan Hunter, who, my inside sources tell me, is putting his hat in the ring to challenge Jon Moxley for Full Gear

Matt Grappling, who carries the burden of grappling with not just wrestling, but with life in general

Hitman, who will continue as the Hyde to Arilyn’s Jekyll when it comes to the AEW Men’s World Heavyweight Champion

And finally, allow me to introduce my Senior Legacy Panelists (those who have partaken in every single roundtable to date):

DiabloPepe, who stretches the perimeters of wrestling and proves that tribalism is completely ridiculous and unneeded

I8mypants, who certainly has not been the same since the Bastard PAC returned and has started wrestling in pants

And of course, ME, seen as the Belger of this operation, except without a kidnapped Jessica Haggar and the ability to walk (Someone will get this reference)

So, enough of the long-winded introduction, and let’s get down to some (horribly laughable and wrong) predictions!

Zero Hour Tailgate $200,000 Match
The Outrunners vs. The Bang Bang Gang vs. Big Bill & Bryan Keith
vs. Anthony Bowens & Max Caster

Image Credit: AEW

Ryan: Hey, remember when the Outrunners were over and got nuclear reactions from the fans? Good times! Now, it seems as if the former mates of The Acclaimed have taken that spot, even if the response to them wasn’t as fiery was it were for Truth and Turbo.

You could, in theory and practice, make an argument for any of these teams to win the newest incarnation of the Tony Khan Tag Team Sweepstakes. However, Bowens and Caster fumbling their way into a victory, and realizing that they are, in the literal sense of the word, money together seems like the way to go here. What it leads to in the upcoming weeks and months remains to be seen, though.
WINNERS: Anthony Bowens and Max Caster FKA The Acclaimed

Hunter: Aw man I love all these people. I’m going to give it to the Outrunners, because if you’re a guy like me, and I know I am… how will the other six men keep up with the YOUNGEST MEN ALIVE?
WINNERS: SONS OF BITCHES

I8mypants: Much to the chagrin of both Max Caster and Anthony Bowens, they are successful as a tag team, whether they like it or not. (and they don’t like it!) Now, as much as I love the Outrunners and Big Bill, I see this being the light bulb moment for Caster and Bowens to accept their fate and continue to team with each other in the future. (Though it will still be a bumpy ride for sure.)
WINNERS: The Acclaimed

Foreign Object: I remember when The Acclaimed was just a mid-card team that the crowd loved. Then they got pushed to the moon. That same crowd got bored quickly with them. I also remember when The Outrunners were just a mid-card team that the crowd loved. They weren’t pushed to the moon, and the crowd is now bored with them too. The Bowens and Caster storyline is decent enough, and it will lead them to a big win here. Will they hug it out? Everyone else in this match will be an afterthought.
WINNERS: Anthony Bowens and Max Caster

DiabloPepe: Pepe is going to go with Caster and Bowens in this match. Out of all the Tag Teams in the match, Caster/Bowens have the most interesting storyline going so it will be interesting to see what happens when they win the $200K.
WINNERS: ex-The Acclaim

Grappling: In my fantasy book, I would have the Outrunners win to give the fans a pop, then have Anthony Bowens lose his mind, leaving the Outrunners, Max Castor, Jerry Lynn, and Billy Gunn in a pool of blood, establishing the Five Tool Player as a more interesting heel. However, I suspect that Not The Acclaimed will take the win, and with it a more conclusive hint that they’re better together.
WINNERS: NOT THE ACCLAIMED

Soda & Fries: I’m trying to imagine who would benefit most in terms of story potential from both winning and losing the money here. Outrunners could get some fun vignettes from spending their $200,000 but The Acclaimed will take this and continue to further their weird will-they-won’t-they story as they try and reconcile with the fact that even though they might not like each other, somehow, they work well together.
WINNER: Anthony Bowens and Max Caster

Zero Hour Tailgate Match:
Big Boom AJ & QT Marshall vs. RPG Vice

Image Credit: AEW

Ryan: Betting against Big Boom AJ is never a wise proposition, since he has not lost a match yet in his AEW/ROH career. This only proves to be the wiser when you realize that he is going up against RPG Vice who, whether right or wrong, are seen as the B-Team of the NWO Don Callis Family.

The fact that AJ is teaming up with QT Marshall, a man who he has had issues with since he first arrived in AEW, only speaks to how heinous and deplorable the DCF is. Perhaps if Trent and Rocky were going up against someone else, I could see them getting the win but, hey, no shame in being the JOB guys for the Family.
WINNERS: Big Boom AJ and QT Marshall AKA Boom and Doom

Hunter: Seriously, if you’re still whining about Big Boom AJ, it’s your problem. Man has delivered on every pre-show match he’s had for AEW; he’s not taking a PPV spot from anybody, crowd is hype for him, Big Justice, and the Rizzler. Shame QT Marshall must be involved. Anyways. The Cookie man and … sigh… QT Marshall… win. And Big Justice spears Trent? to get revenge for a couple of months ago. Crowd pleasing pre-show.
WINNERS: Boom and Doom

I8mypants: Well…I certainly did not see this one coming. Costco guy’s tag partner will be forever doosh nozzle QT Mar-Shall taking on the J.O.B. Squad of the Phallus Family. Well, it’s the pre-show, those crazy kids like Big Boom and his fam, and Rocky Romero spends his time on his back more than Jenna Jameson in the 90’s, SOOO.
WINNERS: Big Boom AJ & QT Marshall

Foreign Object: You’ve got to give the people what they want! Boom! Faces win! But … does anyone want this match?
WINNERS: Big Boom AJ and QT Marshall

DiabloPepe: Pepe isn’t that interested in this match, but it seems like it would be silly for Big Boom AJ & QT Marshall not to get the win. Pepe is just saying LOL!
WINNER: Big Boom AJ & QT

Grappling: AJ/QT, I guess. I don’t care.
WINNERS: Big Boom AJ and QT Marshall

Soda & Fries: Unless QT reveals himself to be wearing a Sam’s Club t-shirt and turns on AJ, Big Boom surely goes over (featuring a Big Justice spear and a Rizzler 619 or whatever) the designated jobbers of the Don Callis family in this obligatory feel-good pseudo celebrity pre-show match.
WINNERS: Big Boom AJ and QT Marshall

Zero Hour Tailgate CMLL Trios Championship Match:
Kazuchika Okada, Hechicero, and Konosuke Takeshita
VS. El Sky Team

Image Credit: AEW

Ryan: This is a vehicle, albeit a creative one, to continue the expanding rift between Takeshita and Okada. Don Callis CLEARLY knew what he was doing here, and the Alpha egos are going to explode, with Hechicero taking the L for his team here against the Champions. And, more to a point, if there was any drama about a title change, the match would have taken place on the main card and not the Zero Hour Tailgate.
WINNERS: El Sky Team (Still Champions)

I8mypants: Callis is hoping for the Family to gather more gold, but I see this properly kicking off the Takeshita/Okada feud.
WINNERS: El Sky Team

Hunter: Okada on the preshow? ZOMG. Anyway. This match is incredibly low stakes, because the purpose is to further Takeshita’s split from the Don Callis family and feud with Okada.

Finish will see Take and Kazu get pissy with one another, which results in HECHICEROOOOOOOO taking the fall. The bigger question is – does Takeshita leave the family immediately, or do they do the actual split after the Continental Classic?
Winners: YO SOY SKY TEAM

Grappling: My only criteria for my choice here is that I don’t think NJPW would be happy with their top champion losing a match on a PPV *preshow*, whether the storyline with Okada gives it room to happen.
WINNERS: DON CALLIS FAMILY (New Champions!)

Soda & Fries: First, Tony Khan is an absolute madman to have a main event quality trios match on the tailgate brawl. Not only that, but a match also that has quite a bit of story baked into it concerning the dissolving alliance of Don Callis Family stablemates Okada and Takeshita. It’s because of that exact factor that I see El Sky Team taking the dub here – that and I can’t see a CMLL title changing hands on an AEW pre-show.
WINNERS: El Sky Team (Still Champions)

Zero Hour Tailgate Match:
Eddie Kingston and HOOK vs. TBA

Image Credit: AEW

Ryan: I know that I am crazy these days, but isn’t this just a rinse and repeat from the Zero Hour Tailgate before WrestleDream last month? Kingston and HOOK vaguely throw out a challenge, I had modest hopes for the challengers, and still had those hopes circumvented when the Frat House answered the challenge.

So, who will step up to the guys from New Yok this time? The bottom line is that it doesn’t matter. What DOES matter is the tag team of the Mad King and the HOOKERS getting some kind of traction within the tag team ranks. I do like the team, I just wonder when/if they do something worthwhile.
WINNERS: Eddie Kingston and HOOK

Grappling: Unless it’s Copeland and Cage coming back as shock heels, there’s no value in having Hook and Eddie Kingston losing a match with no build this early in their partnership. Here’s hoping Eddie makes the pin, so we can have one fewer plays of Hook’s music.
WINNERS: HOOK/KINGSTON

Soda & Fries: I mean, c’mon.
WINNERS: Eddie Kingston and HOOK

Darby Allin vs. PAC

Image Credit: AEW

Ryan: You know, it’s funny to me that I can recall a time when EVERYONE was claiming that, come Hell or High Water, TK was going to put the AEW World Title on Darby. And I understand that his traverse up Mount Everest (and of course, back down) changed some of those plans, as Moxley ended up going on a long run and finally was dethroned by Hanger. But still, it seems like ancient history to me now.

As for this match, I’m not entirely sure how it goes. If we are to assume that the “Downfall of the Dictator” is coming, then PAC beating Allin here is the smart money, especially considering Moxley’s failures against the Human Crash Test Dummy. Also, and this might be touch and go, but I wonder how much Allin will be selling the effects of his freefall into multiple burning tables at the hands of, you guessed, The Bastard.

I guess the best thing I can hope for is some kind of “Scout’s Honor,” wherein PAC and Darby wrestle without interference on behalf of either man, but I doubt that happens. The better part of me sees PAC winning via the Brutalizer/Rings of Saturn, but Darby doesn’t give up since he, you know, doesn’t give up, but passes out from the pain of the hold. PAC needs a signature win here, and Darby will still be Darby if he loses.
WINNER: The Pants-Wearing Bastard, PAC

Hunter: PAC wins, without any help. Because he’s VERY imminently going to murder Moxley and take over the Deathriders (or split it off). A contrast to Moxley tapping to Darby. Why should the Deathriders continue to follow a clearly soft, complacent, went leader in Moxley?
WINNER: THA BASTAHD

Hitman: Where to go with this one. Darby got the big win last PPV against Mox so I can’t see him losing here. PAC needs a big win.

I just can’t see Pac winning here as Darby is getting a huge push and it just doesn’t make sense for him to lose. Either way another match that should deliver.
WINNER: Darby Allin

I8mypants: Darby vs. the Death Riders has been a thing for a year now. but PAC got a taste for extreme violence at Blood & Guts and now wants to finish what Mox failed to do and that’s end Darby Allin. Not content with tossing Darby into flaming tables, the surly one wants to end him for the last time. But Darby hasn’t been heard from since B&G. but knowing Allin, he’ll be there. I see this as the catalyst for PAC taking over the Death Riders. If PAC does what Jon failed to do, this would the shift of balance of power within the faction.
WINNER: he’s a… BASTARD! PAC!

Foreign Object: This one is going to be wild. It could be match of the night. Pac will be Pac and will just leave every one of us in awe as to how talented he is. And Darby … well … we won’t believe what we are seeing and will refuse to believe it’s even real. He’s going to take nothing but abuse the entire match before he pulls out the win at the last second.
WINNER: Darby Allin

DiabloPepe: This should be a fun match. Darby has his goal to end The Deathriders and PAC just wants to hurt Darby Allin. Pepe is fully expecting Darby to hurt himself in some crazy way for our entertainment lol! Pepe is expecting Darby to take a beating BUT still come out with the win! Pepe hates to see PAC lose a match on PPV, but Pepe is ready to move past The Deathriders, and a Darby win is another step towards the end!
WINNER: Darby Allin

Grappling: I’m looking forward to this one. PAC’s promo on Dynamite frames this as a straight-up, no-stipulations wrestling match, which gives ample room for the feud to continue beyond this weekend. With that in mind, I see it as a question of who benefits more from a win and suffers more from a loss. After the flaming table spot at Blood and Guts, Darby can take a loss to someone as dangerous as PAC without losing much (if any) status. Plus, if PAC wins clean, that gives us the shift in the Death Riders’ power dynamic that most of us see coming. Darby can recover and get his win back in a stipulation match down the road. This one goes to the Welshman.
WINNER: PAC

Soda & Fries: PAC is as good as ever and yet we’re so far removed from the early days of AEW where he was mixing it up in the main event, getting emphatic wins over Hangman Adam Page and Kenny Omega. Meanwhile Darby Allin is Teflon and yet he needs this win to continue reestablishing himself as a main card babyface since the return from his little holiday hike. The only way I can see PAC winning is if they start playing up the angle that everyone else in the Death Riders can get their business sorted except for Moxley.
WINNER: Darby Allin

$1,000,000 Match:
The Young Bucks & Josh Alexander vs. Kenny Omega & Jurassic Express

Image Credit: AEW

Ryan: Boy, just when you thought the stakes could not be raised any higher, we are getting our first million-dollar tag challenge! I mean, granted, it is a six-man match and not a normal tag that usually happens during this kind of challenge, but it’s still an interesting scenario, however.

The most sensible conclusion that I can reach here is that one man stands out as the odd one. And that man, unfortunately, is Josh Alexander, as it seems like the “Walking Weapon” is being put here to take the fall for his team. Otherwise, you have such luminaries as Okada and Takeshita who are not on the card, and their inclusion would have made my decision tougher to reach.

Forgoing the match for the ending (not that it will be bad, because it should not be), we should get the definitive answer from Matthew and Nicholas regarding whether they are joining the DCF or not. Something tells me that they refuse the offer one more time, the DCF circle them to give them a beating, but the winning team aids them in fighting off the DCF. And, just maybe, the winning team is nice enough to share some of their money with the Young Bucks. I mean, what is Luchasaurus going to do with so much money, anyway?
WINNERS: Kenny Omega and The Jurassic Express

Hunter: Broke Bucks has been one of my favourite gimmicks in ages and I don’t want it to end. Buuuuuuuuuut the sympathy towards the Bucks has been building.

I don’t know, I’m calling this one easily. With Luchasaurus and Perry selling on the floor, the heel trio has Kenny Omega at their mercy. Alexander and Callis are screaming for the Bucks to do something heinous and awful to Omega. They double superkick Alexander, jump outside. Omega V-Trigger, Countdown to Extinction, OWA, faces win. Post-match, we get the hesitant embrace to a huge ovation as the ELITE are reunited.
WINNERS: BI-GOD DINOGOAT

Hitman: This one has a lot of different ways I think it can go. Another match that should deliver plus it’s always good seeing Omega in the ring as you can see his in ring career might be ending given his health conditions. The Young Bucks are another team that always deliver on PPV. Love or hate them they have been doing some of their best work since losing their “VP” titles. Broke Bucks. End of match I’m thinking there will be an angle with Don Callis Family turning on Bucks setting them up as a face turn.
WINNERS: Omega/Jurassic Express

I8mypants: And so, we have another opportunity for the Broke Bucks to get out of the red. But it’s not going to be a walk in the park. Well, Jurassic Park, as Luchasaurus, Jungle Jack Perry, and Kenny Omega will go prehistoric on their ass, ensuring they live like a Buncha scrubs for the near future.

Not going to lie, as awesome as it was to see Jurassic Express reunite, they really haven’t been doing a whole lot due to Kenny’s part time schedule. With that known and the story of Okada trying to get the Bucks of Youth to join The Family, I can see this match not going in the favor of the former Elite friends with shenanigans thanks to everyone’s favorite smiling troublemaker, Kazuchika Okada. Or could I be wrong and Okada’s attempts fail thanks to Takeshita stopping him? Damn. Now I’m not sure who to pick. Going to go with the safe bet.
WINNERS: Kenny Omega and the Jurassic Express

Foreign Object: The old saying was AEW didn’t do storylines, they only cared about putting on the best wrestling. And while that is still true, AEW does indeed care about story. Just not as much as other promotions. The whole Broke Bucks thing was clever and provided humor while still allowing them to wrestle the Young Bucks way. But does anyone really care about this story? The whole thing can end with them winning the money in this one, or it could keep going if the faces win. I just want to see a good match here. If Omega turns heel and sides with his old friends I’d pop, but I’m going with him and Jurassic Express going home with the cash.
WINNERS: Kenny Omega and Jurassic Express

DiabloPepe: Pepe is still undecided how he feels about Jurassic Express getting back together. With that said, Jurassic Express need the win here. The Young Broke Bucks have been there most entertaining, not being EVPs and being trolled by the rest of the AEW roster/employees. The Bucks story with the DCF is better if they don’t win the money in Pepe’s opinion.
WINNER: Kenny Omega & Jurassic Express

Grappling: The quality of the action in this match isn’t really in doubt. The story of this match revolves around one question – will the Bucks follow through on the face turn currently being teased, discovering that it’s not about the money, it’s about the friends we made along the way? Or will they borrow Okada’s middle finger to flip off the world, and continue getting booed? I’m backing the former, with Alexander making too much of a dick of himself for the Bucks to tolerate, and I’m going to enjoy the fireworks that get us there.
WINNERS: BEST BOUT EXPRESS

Soda & Fries: The obvious thread in the background here is Don Callis courting The Young Bucks while they continue to have pensive, longing looks at Omega. I think it’s clear The Elite will be reforming for a feel-good run of sorts as Kenny segues more into a special attraction wrestler, so I see him and Jurassic Express getting the dub here, likely via a good deal of hesitation on the Bucks part due to the conflicting interests of money versus ☆friendship☆.
WINNERS: Kenny Omega and the Jurassic Express

No Holds Barred Match:
Jon Moxley vs. Kyle O’Reilly

Image Credit: AEW

Ryan: Would it be too much to ask for O’Reilly to continue to have Moxley’s number and take this match at Full Gear as well? Outside of losing the AEW World Title to Hangman Adam Page and then losing the rematch for the title, Moxley hasn’t been dominated in a feud quite like he has been by The One True Kyle.

Kyle’s fiery promo this past week on Dynamite is a dutiful reminder that he can still have the fire and the attitude and is more than the lovable goof that he had become in the Conglomeration. And I have a feeling that, while Moxley will get his licks, kicks, and forehead bites in, Moxley is going to learn this fact the hard way.
WINNER: Kyle O’Reilly (See also: The One True Kyle)

I8mypants: No need to beat around the bush…Kyle has had Jon’s number for several weeks now. He’s gotten a win from a blatant DQ from Mox and then count out the following week, but that wasn’t enough! at Blood & Guts, O’Reilly did the deal and made Moxley tap out to win the annual Blood & Guts match. but Kyle isn’t satisfied. he wants the match to be one-on-one with no bs. This match can also be the catalyst for a shift in leadership within the Riders.

There’s also a chance that Mox needs the Death Riders to help him win via shenanigans while PAC does what Jon failed to do in beating Darby on his own without any help. Going to go with my heart here, though.
WINNER: Kyle O’Reilly

Hitman: After Final Decision from blood and guts you knew this was going to be added. Should be another good match as Mox love/hate him has been on a great roll since losing AEW Title and given current situation going on he has been taking losses and helping to elevate talent. I am liking the more serious side of O’ Reilly and let’s hope this continues with Mox putting over Kyle and Death Riders turning on Mox. I know some are saying it’s taking too long, and I would usually agree but I am liking the way it’s going with Mox on a losing streak. Hopefully, Riders turn on Mox afterwards or will it be saved for Dynamite?
WINNER: Kyle O’ Reilly

Hunter: I’ve made it repeatedly known that, as a fellow British Columbian, I am a massive homer for the One True Kyle. I’ve been watching his career since his first year. I refed a match of his. Little did I know the world traveler he would become.

Since returning from a potentially career-ending injury, the “violent artist” has been an absolute workhorse for AEW. His personality shines when he can play off colourful characters like Orange Cassidy and Mark Briscoe. He doesn’t quite have the same s-tier ability to do comedy AND be a killer as Kurt angle, but he has found his niche. Still, I figured KYLE was going to be forever relegated to jobber to the stars.

The sudden push against Moxley has been a delightful surprise. An opportunity that Kyle O’Reilly has by any metric knocked out of the park. A star making performance in blood and guts.

Moxley, the ace of AEW, has been unravelling since losing the world title at all in. He’s been doing tremendous character work. He’s panicking as his world crumbles around him. His Deathriders character has always been a hypocrite. Jon Moxley is, at heart, a cowardly king.

A huge singles PPV match for Kyle O’Reilly. Jon Moxley lost his edge.

Does Kyle O’Reilly beat Jon Moxley by pinfall or submission in a straight one on one?

… No.

Because Roderick Strong will turn on him.

Boom. Kyle has an immediate new hot feud. Moxley “wins” but in a way that only makes him more weak, soft, and cowardly; everything the Deathriders oppose.

The only question is: is it PAC, Claudio, or Wheeler who bag King Jon?

Winner: Quitter McGee (Moxley)

Grappling: In the last few weeks, Kyle O’Reilly has gotten a lot of shine at Jon Moxley’s expense. Throwing Mox, the middle finger, then proceeding to tap him out in Blood and Guts made O’Reilly look amazing, and the passion he showed when throwing down the challenge on Dynamite was spectacular. But I don’t think Moxley will put him all the way over at Full Gear.

The no-holds-barred stipulation means that Kyle can lose without undoing all the boost he’s been given, and it would add some non-Strickland swerve to the Death Riders meltdown we’re all expecting if they helped Mox to one last win, then turned on him in favour of PAC (who will, if I’m right, have taken the win that Mox couldn’t). There will be plenty of near submissions for us to bite on, but I’m picking Moxley to get an undeserved win.
WINNER: JON MOXLEY

Soda & Fries: I know the story has been that Moxley has been on a downward spiral since losing to Hangman Adam Page and that O’Reilly has had his number since, and I feel we’re on the road to a turn where the Death Riders lose faith in Moxley as their leader and eventually give him the plastic bag treatment much to Bryan Danielson’s chagrin (because as an environmentalist he’d much rather bring his own), and yet I can’t see Moxley losing here. I just don’t think O’Reilly, even with the spotlight he’s been given and having the recent tap-out win on Moxley at Blood & Guts, is quite there yet. So, I think Moxley will win, but it’ll be in such a cowardly and craven manner that it won’t restore much faith in his leadership abilities from his crew.
WINNER: Jon Moxley

The Sisters of Sin vs. The Timeless Love Bombs
VS Babes of Wrath vs. The Mega Problem

Image Credit: AEW

Ryan: Well, it helps to complain after all. I’ll have to revisit my introduction and make a change to it before it goes to press, but I am happy that the women are getting another match on the main show, and with the remaining four teams in the AEW Women’s Tag Team Tourney, no less.

On their own merits, you can make arguments for any of these teams to win this match. Marina and Megan are a kick arse team and easily the most intimidating one left, Julia and Skye have great chemistry and Thekla in their corner, Mina and Toni are not just a great team, but they are LOVERS, and Willow and Harley are so goofy and fun that they can sneak up on you in a moment’s notice.

For me, I feel like I am going to have a personal favorite to win this match, but I also feel like there is going to be a favorite based on backup. Fun fact, only two of these teams have support behind them, with Penelope Ford backing up Megan and, by extension, Marina, and as mentioned, Thekla having Julia and Skye’s back. One of those is deadlier than the other, and it shouldn’t be too hard to figure out how the numbers game plays out.
WINNERS: The Sisters of Sin, Julia Hart, and Skye Blue

I8mypants: just announced recently, this is a way to keep focus on the awesome tag team title tournament for the inaugural Women’s Tag Team Championships where the winners will choose a stipulation for their semi-finals match in said tournament. adjusts monocle I expect a lot of awesome action to be studied in the name of science! I also have no clue who wins this. does Skye Blue continue her special brand of violence to win for her team and get a hardcore tag match as the stipulation? do Bayne and Shafir assert dominance and choose something submission-based? does Storm pick up the W and choose something nutty? do the Babes of Wrath dominate and Harley chooses Mini-Mone as the special ref? who knows!
WINNERS: I honestly have no clue, but I’ll go with the Sisters of Sin since Thekla said she has some sick shit planned for stipulations.

DiabloPepe: Pepe is going to go with the Timeless Love Bombs! Toni and Mina seem poised to win the entire tourney which makes Pepe happy! Lol!
WINNERS: Timeless Love Bombs

Hitman: This Match should be a lot of fun. Given the teams involved I’m Hoping Sisters of Sin come out on top as their stipulation could be a little barbaric. I’m also enjoying the team of Bayne/Shafir and wouldn’t be surprised if they come out victorious and they’re the ass kickers of the teams…But in the end.
WINNERS: Sisters of Sin

Hunter: I really hope they don’t wait for world’s end to do the finals of the women’s tag title tournament. Only three matches left. Crown the first champions on a big dynamite.

The winning team picks the stipulation for their semi-final match. Of the two bouts, it’s the love time bombs v Mega problem that has the most personal bad blood. Marina and Bayne tortured Mina at the close of blood and guts, forcing Toni to surrender to save her WIFE.

The match has anger going into it, so a stipulation makes sense.

Toni & Mina are headed to the finals of the tournament. So, at Full Gear, Marina & Megan win and call the stipulation.
WINNERS: death by snu-snu (Shafir and Bayne)

Grappling: As we head towards the pointy end of the Women’s Tag Title Tournament, this match becomes about who needs the boost in momentum and credibility. This is the match that I’ve had the hardest time picking, but I lay it out like this… Bayne and Shafir have been successfully positioned as a devastating force (Marina Shafir has benefitted from being a Death Rider more than anyone), the Babes of Wrath are utterly beloved and beat Athena and the CEO, and Toni Storm is still the women’s Ace right now. So therefore…
WINNERS: The Sisters of Sin

Soda & Fries: As feminists and allies, don’t we all win here? I want to say whoever wins this match and therefore chooses the stipulation goes on to win that semi-final, because losing a match you chose the stipulation for isn’t a look any of these teams need. So, it becomes a matter of guessing who will be involved in the final title match and working backwards from there. I did some mental math and came out with Bayne and Shafir getting the dub here? Yeah, I don’t know about that, but I’ll stick to it to keep things interesting.
WINNERS: Megan Bayne and Maria Shafir

AEW TNT Championship No DQ Match:
Kyle Fletcher vs. Mark Briscoe

Image Credit: AEW

Ryan: I will call this cliché to say, but I feel like THIS match is the toughest one to call. Truth be told, there are compelling reasons for both men to win this match.

For Mark Briscoe, his livelihood is at stake. Everyone’s favorite Chicken Farmer from Delaware was so hellbent on getting another match with Fletcher that he accepted the match with the stipulation being that, if he lost, he would have to join the Don Callis Family. And, not for nothing, but I feel like Briscoe being in the DCF and what they would do to him (I’m guessing that they force him to wear a suit and shave his beard) could make for compelling television.

For Kyle Fletcher, his ascent to the top of the company and his own personal ego are at stake. Fletcher, and of course Callis, love to downplay the times that Kyle has been bested by Mark, but the fact remains that Briscoe has beaten Fletcher in the past, multiple times. Fletcher is a future AEW World Champion and face of the company. But Briscoe has been the thorn in his side, and he simply cannot move past Briscoe no matter what he does.

And of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the match stipulation, with it being a No-DQ match. You would THINK that it favors Briscoe and allows him to get even crazier than normal, but just as well, it opens the door for any member of the Family to get involved without penalty. The more I think about it, I don’t know where this will be placed on the card in accordance with the Casino Gauntlet for the new National Title, and I’m not sure how many DCF members will be involved in it. Still, based on his own volition, Fletcher should be able to put Briscoe behind him for good, also adding the newest member of the Family. Here’s hoping I am wrong, though!
WINNER: The Protostar, Kyle Fletcher (Still Champion)

Hunter: As much as FULL GEAR does seem to be a show of rematches, boy, it’s tough to call most of these matches.

Briscoe has continued to evolve as a singles performer. He’s always had the crowd love, but he’s become a more complete singles wrestler since the tragic death of brother Jay (FUCK YOU WB EXEC). He had a great run in the 2024 Continental Classic: he’s the lynchpin of the Conglomeration. He spent a lot of time making his opponents look good but coming up short, all while gaining more love from the people. He really has a Mick Foley vibe going on!

The problem is, Fletcher is on FIRE as TNT champion. How do you cut that off? He’s actively defending the thing after Garcia and Adam Cole barely bothered. He’s putting on great match after great match. His presence, promo game, look, everything continues to evolve. It’s BONKERS to look back at the skinny kid with the terrible haircut in Aussie Open only TWO YEARS AGO and see what KOIL has become.

So, I think… Fletcher does win this. Mark Briscoe, being forced to join the Callis Family, has some remarkably interesting storytelling potential — eventually leading to a huge moment when he wins his freedom back. Pitting him against his Conglomeration homies. Fletcher continues to reign.

If Fletcher loses, there are only two scenarios where it makes sense: Either he then enters that National championship gauntlet and wins, OR AEW is planning to elevate him to the world championship.
WINNER AND STILL TNT CHAMPION: SKYE BLUE’S HOT ASS BOYFRIEND

Hitman: I’m really torn on this one as I want and think Briscoe deserves a title as his work this year has been some of the best. His interviews are hilarious. On the other hand, him joining the family could lead to some funny stuff. Kyle Fletcher has been one of the AEW breakouts from 2025 given all the injuries to top guys.
WINNER: Going with Briscoe to get some Gold even if it’s a short reign

I8mypants: Kyle has been on a tear ever since disposing of Dustin Rhodes and becoming TNT Champion. Challenger after challenger haven’t stopped the Protostar’s momentum. Enter Mark Briscoe. With a huge win against MJF and unsuccessful attempt at dethroning the Pink Ranger, the expert in the talky talk and wildest member of the Conglomeration looks to stop Sir Pepto Bismol from having another shitty celebration.

Suffice to say, as great as Mark has been these last several months (if not year), I think we’ll all need some of the pink stuff to stomach another win from the TNT champion. But, on the bright side of things, who better than AEW’s national treasure and chicken farmer from Delaware to be the one to cause even more trouble within Don Phallus’s family? Expect some shenanigans in the coming weeks.

RANDOM FUN FACT: Briscoe’s brush with the brash upstart began long before WrestleDream when Fletcher would beat Mark in the opening round of the Owen. this match will be a certified Briscoe, but at the end of the night, the word of the day will be indentured; as in Mark will become an indentured servant to the Phallic One and human hot dog, Don Callis.
WINNER AND STILL AEW TNT Champion: Kyle ‘Pepto Bismol’ Fletcher (say his full name!)

Foreign Object: The sooner you realize that Kyle Fletcher is the future of AEW the better. He has it all. Literally. The height, the looks, the fiancée, the talent, the body, the mic skills, so on. What makes Fletcher winning even more obvious is the stipulation. There will be weeks of fun to be had with Briscoe having to be part of the Don Callis Family.
WINNER: Kyle Fletcher (Still Champion)

DiabloPepe: Pepe said it a few weeks ago, but he would love it if Mark Briscoe got the big win over Fletcher and wins the TNT Championship, BUT Pepe knows that Mark Briscoe in the DCF will be comedy gold and Pepe can’t let that opportunity pass him by!! Lol
WINNER: Koil Fletcha (Still Champion)

Grappling: Fletcher and Briscoe have put together a great body of work. Their matches have been crisp but heartfelt, and the characters play off each other well. If Fletcher were the older man and Briscoe the younger, I’d be picking the Sussex County Chicken in a second, but I think Fletcher will be best served by a long title reign, as will AEW itself. Plus, there’s comedy to be had in Briscoe joining the Don Callis Family, as well as the story of Briscoe earning his release. Plus, the record of most defenses in a single reign that Fletcher will break if he wins belongs to Cody Rhodes, and I think AEW would prefer that changes. All these factors point in one direction.
WINNER: KYLE FLETCHER (Still Champion)

Soda & Fries: Story potential is the main thing I’m looking at here, and the idea of Briscoe having to collaborate with the Don Callis Family has a lot of meat to it. AEW toyed with a similar story for a hot minute when they had a face Wheeler Yuta stuck in a freshly turned heel Blackpool Combat Club trios’ team, but he quickly turned with them instead of teasing that circumstance out. With Briscoe being one of the best pure babyfaces on the roster, he can both take the loss against the Protostar and benefit from a prolonged program fighting his way out the DCF from within.
WINNER: Kyle Fletcher (Still Champion)

AEW World Tag Team Championship Match:
Brodido vs. FTR

Image Credit: AEW

Ryan: If I haven’t said it once, I have said it a thousand times, but Brodido have been a great team, and a breath of fresh air in the tag team division. With the exit of Malakai Black back to WWE, Buddy Matthews getting injured, and Julia Hart going off and doing her own thing in the Triangle of Madness, Brody King could have floated in the abyss, trading wins, and losses, on the regular. However, someone had the creative idea to pair up King with the ROH World Champion, Bandido and, as they say, the rest is history!

HOWEVER, this is the time for the perfect strangers to drop the tag team titles to FTR. If I am being honest with myself, turning FTR heel based on what they did to Adam Copeland (and his wife, Beth) must have some end game, and that end game is them winning the tag team titles for a third time at Full Gear.

And to be completely transparent in my way of thinking, I am not even factoring in a return of Copeland and Christian Cage to continue their battles with FTR and take the tag team titles from them as one last career milestone for the Canadians. This is solely based off the fact that FTR are deserving of tying the Young Bucks with their third tag team title reign within the confines of AEW. It’s been a fun run for Brodido, but Top Guys are about to reign once again.
WINNERS: 6-Star FTR (and New/Old Champions!)

Hunter: Man, this is hard to call. A good thing!

FTR are my favourite (suck it, Americans, proper commonwealth spelling) tag team of the past decade or whatever. I fuckin’ love tag team wrestling. BRODIDO may have been a makeshift team, but they have gelled SO WELL and are just incredibly easy to cheer for. Bandido, if there’s any justice in the world, will be a future AEW Men’s World Champion. And Brody King is just a fucking mensch. Good to see him finally get gold and a good push after being a guy there to “have a good match but lose” for quite some time.

This one feels based on scenarios:
1. FTR win, Christian Cage & Adam Copeland challenge them for the world tag team titles

2. FTR try to cheat to win, Christian Cage nullifies the cheating (punches Stokely, whatever), which evens the playing field and Brodido retain. C&C v FTR continues, no titles involved.

Personally… I really don’t love the scenario where Christian & Cope beat FTR — AGAIN — for a tag title run. I don’t HATE it, but like… this is the fuckin’ pattern for every Adam Copeland feud since he returned across both WWE and AEW. The only feud he’s “lost” was against Moxley, and the one against Roman. I want to see C&C LOSE to Dax & Cash, putting them over. So, fuck it, I’m going with my heart. C&C v FTR doesn’t currently NEED the tag team titles. Cage makes sure FTR don’t win, Brodido retain.
WINNERS AND STILL CHAMPIONS: FUCK ICE (AKA Brodido)

Hitman: Talk about a match that should tear the house down. FTR never disappoints. Little torn on this one also as Brodido has had a good run as Tag Champs.

On the other hand, FTR has been on a losing streak that usually signifies an incoming change, setting up future contenders.
WINNERS: FTR (New World Tag Team Champions)

I8mypants: Oh, those dastardly FTR and their hoe-less manager. Cash and Dax have been naughty this year, but while Santa will be giving these men coal, fate may see them getting gold. As of late, FTR have been taking a page out of the Legend Killer’s playbook and been giving legends and faces alike a hard time. It started when they attacked the Rock & Roll Express and then jumped up a notch when they injured Adam Copeland’s wife (and ADAMMM! hasn’t been able to cope with that ever since). Anyone unfortunate enough to cross them have been on the wrong side of a whooping and Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat looked to be their next victim. But the most surprising tag team of the year, Brodido (Bandido and Brody King) put a stop to that. Now, these two teams clash for the tag team titles.

I admit I am biased…I love the unexpected and awesome tag team of Brody King and ROH world champion Bandido, but FTR have been denied long enough. So, with a heavy heart, I know we won’t see Brodido celebrating by doing the Macarena.

-barks in disapproval- :'(
WINNERS AND NEW World Tag Team Champions: FTR (with their hoe-less manager, Stoke)

Foreign Object: The Brodido experiment was fun. We got the macarena from the big guy. Bandido has shown us all just how strong he is. But it’s time for FTR to take the straps back. They’re the better team, their manager is a classic pest, and according to one 411 commenter they have the best theme in pro wrestling. There are a lot of teams out there that will be ready to challenge FTR for the titles, which means we get lots of great tag matches in our future.
WINNERS: FTR (New Champions!)

DiabloPepe: Brodido have been a fun team to watch, but it has been a minute since FTR has held the AEW World Tag Team titles. Pepe thinks that FTR pick up the W here.
WINNERS: FTR

Grappling: Brodido have been great fun to watch – I’ve always been a big fan of teams made up of contrasting styles rather than near-duplicates – but I think this will be where they let the straps go, in service of the bigger picture. As I said elsewhere, I think TK will pull the (EVP) trigger on the Bucks’ face turn, and with the Continental Classic coming up, either or both of Brodido would work well in the lineup without having to put the tag belts on ice in the process. With that in mind, it’s the right time for FTR to take back the gold. Whether or not managing the tag champions gets Stokely any hoes is yet to be established.
WINNERS: FTR

Soda & Fries: The unique thing about FTR at this stage of their careers is that they rarely need to be heated up to be considered a threat for the Tag Team titles, and that’s thanks to a combination of workmanship when called upon and the impressive body of work behind them. In comparison, as a tag team Brodido are infants, and if AEW are serious about continuing to build up the tag team division to the heights and relevance it used to have by continuing to both establish and elevate other tag teams, Brodido will continue their winning ways.
WINNERS: Brodido (Still Champions)

AEW National Championship Casino Gauntlet Match:
Competitors TBA

Image Credit: AEW

Ryan: Listen, we can argue about whether AEW needs yet ANOTHER Men’s title. And there has been, and will continue to be, discourse over the fact that Billy Corgan’s NWA has taken offense to the company bringing this title into the fold. However, despite Billy’s rage and just being a rat in a cage, the title is here, and the first champion will be crowned this Saturday.

While we know that, definitively, The Hurt Syndicate and Ricochet will be in the match, you can go ahead and check off some of the standard mid-card and upper-card talent. After all, who is to say how this title will place in accordance with standing against the TNT and the Unified Titles. So, I expect Eddie Kingston, Roderick Strong, Kyle O’Reilly, Claudio Castagnoli, and Orange Cassidy, just to name a few, to be in the match. I’m also fully anticipating a surprise return from somebody. Could that person be Switchblade Jay White or Buddy Matthews?

At the risk of being labeled a hypocrite, I am going to keep my reasoning for a winner brief. I have long advocated for Ricochet to get singles gold in AEW, and this is his opportunity to do so.
WINNER: Fellow Eagles fan, Ricochet (AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA!)

Hunter: Not going to bother with discourse about the National championship, we’ve all exhausted it. Casino Gauntlets are a lot of fun and it’s certainly AEW’s most successful “new” type of match.

Bobby Lashley and Ricochet are heavy favourites. I suspect they might both cancel each other out. In that case, who is a potential winner?

Kyle O’Reilly perhaps but based on Collision I expect the One True Kyle v Moxley (or some tag or trios match involving them) to be announced for the card. Speedball or Kevin Knight? Their team won’t be broken up yet. Kyle Fletcher if he loses the TNT title, but I don’t think he is. Some of the participants in the Tailgate Brawl four-way tag match might get in, but I doubt Bowens or Castor win a singles title while running this unhappy partners angle.

Eddie Kingston? Possible, and that’s likely where we see him on the show’s card, but winner? MJF? Wouldn’t put it past TK, and even if MJF winning another title isn’t the most exciting it nonetheless makes sense. But he’s the wrong guy to strap up with a belt meant to contested for all over. Hechicero? Mistico? Fuck it.
WINNER AND INAUGURAL NATIONAL CHAMPION: A RETURNING KNIFE PERVERT SWITCHBLADE JAY WHITE

Hitman: Yes, another Title added to company. It should be a fun match with some surprises. I can see Cage returning for this.
WINNER AND FIRST AEW NATIONAL CHAMPION: Ricochet

I8mypants: As of this writing, all the participants haven’t been named (with only the Hurt Syndicate and Trevor Doosh as officially being in this match), so this can go one of many ways. Will Ricochet AH-HAA on his way to victory? Will Lashley or Benjamin add gold to the Hurt Syndicate once more? Will we get surprises, someone returning, or a debut? Tune into Full Gear to find out!
WINNER: I cannot even begin to guess who will win this. the Ricochet/HS feud has been going on for so long that Lambchop wrote a song about this feud, so I don’t know WTF is going to happen.

Foreign Object: What makes this one interesting is that it’s not for a ring, money, or a future title shot. It’s for a belt. So, the winner will all come down to how seriously AEW takes this new title. Will it be a bottom rung title? If so, anyone the crowd likes could win it, like a Dustin Rhodes, an AR Fox, a debut from Killer Kross. If AEW puts some importance on the new belt … I’m calling it now … MJF returns and wins.
WINNER: Maxwell Jacob Friedman, MJF!

DiabloPepe: Pepe is going for Heel-O-Chet all the way in this one!
WINNER: Heel-O-Chet!

Grappling: I know. I agree. We don’t need another AEW belt. But here we are anyway. We get the nod to the 1989 Royal Rumble at the start of this match, with the Hurt Syndicate starting things off the way Demolition did 36 years ago, but I don’t see either of them winning. With these matches, especially as we don’t know all the participants, it’s difficult to pick a winner, so I’m going to say the winner I’d prefer. It’s time to reward AEW’s best weasel heel, and a weaselly win of a Casino Gauntlet is a great way to do it.
WINNER: RICOCHET

Soda & Fries: AEW’s YouTube channel posted an “AEW Timelines” video over the weekend all about shocking debuts, which is a bit of a coincidence since this is a match which is tailor made for them. So, I’m calling it now, Blue Kane is All Elite. As for the winner, I don’t know, let’s say Lashley.
WINNER: Bobby Lashley

AEW Women’s World Championship Match:
Kris Statlander vs. Mercedes Mone

Image Credit: AEW

Ryan: I’m just going to be upfront with you when I say that I am expecting this match to be one of, if not the best, match on the show, and I am anticipating this one more than I am the rematch for the AEW title in the presumptive main event.

Everyone knows the history between Mone and Statlander within the halls of AEW, as Mone has the two wins to zero advantage over Stat Daddy. However, since their last singles match at, oddly enough, Full Gear in 2024, Statlander has managed to slay the dragon and finally capture the AEW Women’s World Championship. And even though she won the title in a 4-way match back at All Out, she proved that her win was not a fluke, when she defeated the former champion, TIMELESS Toni Storm, at WrestleDream last month.

Mone, now giving herself a new nickname in Ultimo Mone, will look to add yet another title to her ever bludgeoning collection. However, I feel the fact that HER TBS Title is not on the line, and only Kris’ title is up for grabs, telegraphs the winner of this match. If this were a title-for-title match between these ladies (although, why would Statlander want to take a step back to a title that she already won in the past), I feel like Mone would get the win here. However, just like when Mone challenged Storm for the Women’s Title back at All-In Texas, she will have nothing to lose in this match except, well, to lose the match.
WINNER: Kris Statlander (Still Champion!)

Hunter: Mercedes Mone is 2-0 against Kris Statlander, will go into the match having won at least one if not two more championships, and has all the momentum in the world.

And that is the perfect scenario for Kris Statlander to finally defeat the CEO.

Look, ending Stat Daddy’s title reign barely two months in to Mone would be a huge downer to most of the fans (at least, I think so). I like Mone fine, but don’t do this to Statlander. Is there a story in Stat rebounding from the loss? Sure. But it would be deeply unsatisfying and a bit of a “fuck off”. Stat finally beating Mone is the play, here. And hopefully… it also leads to Mone finally crashing out. She can win ALL these other titles, but two shots at the AEW Women’s world title and she’s come up short? I remain a bit disappointed that Mone losing against Toni Storm back at ALL IN had little impact on her, but they got to pull the trigger now. Mone will win the AEW women’s world title, but after she drops a ton of her other belts.
WINNER AND STILL CHAMPION: THE STAT DADDY!

Hitman: This is going to be one hell of a match. I can’t see Mone winning the title as Kris just started her title reign. This match to me is going to be used to elevate Statlander more with back-to-back PPV wins against Storm and Mone.
WINNER: Kris Statlander retains title in one hell of a match

I8mypants: oh, this is going to get interesting. As we all know, Mercedes has been on a bit of a belt collecting side quest and looks to add the AEW Women’s Championship to her collection. Only problem is that Kris Statlander is standing in her way and she’ll be damned if all her hard work that culminated in winning the AEW championship will be for not after successfully defending her title against the former champion in Toni Storm, The Timeless One.

But Mone is persistent and wants more shiny gold and is determined to add a fourteenth belt to her already impressive resume and makeshift skirt. But will Mercedes choke again when challenging for the big one or will the Mone Train go full steam ahead? Personally, I don’t think Ultimo Mone has enough coal to blaze past Stat Daddy.
WINNER: Kris Statlander (Still Champion)

Foreign Object: I’ll hand it to Mone, she’s come a long way since her debut when she was still wrestling the WWE way. She still has a lot of work to do on the mic, and her character is a dud … but she can wrestle her ass off. Stat is simply a beast. She finally won the big one and deserves it. One would think this could go either way and that’s where the problem is. Tony Khan and his creative team have backed themselves into a corner with Mone and all her titles. The only others we’ve seen do that in recent memory are Ultimo Dragon and Kenny Omega. When you’re on that high of a level, you just don’t lose very often. Sure … Mone loses here (like she did to Toni Storm) and the storyline of her not being able to win the big one is born, but no … Mone wins it. And she won’t be dropping the TBS title either anytime soon!
WINNER: Mecedes “Ultimo” Mone (New Champion!)

DiabloPepe: From Pepe’s point of view, this is an absolute must win for Statlander. Statlander should be right with Timeless Toni and The C-E-O as the top women in AEW Women’s Division. Statlander beats Mone and she puts her name right next to those other two Ladies. Also, at some point, Mone must start losing some titles.
WINNER: Boop Alien Stat

Grappling: The CEO’s Belt Collector gimmick has been discussed and picked apart all over wrestling discussions and gives Mercedes momentum heading into the match with Kris Statlander. Statlander is not as big a star as Mercedes, but the money, now and into the future, is not in making the Women’s World Championship a part of a collection, it’s about making it the One Title That Matters. I believe Mercedes’s path to the World Championship is a “phoenix from the ashes” story, and she hasn’t started to burn yet. So, this one goes to Stat, preferably clean as a sheet.
WINNER: KRIS STATLANDER (Still Champion)

Soda & Fries: The minds of Mone dissenters are going to blow in unison when she “books herself” to lose to Statlander. As far as I see it, this isn’t a match Mercedes needs to win, but it’s a match Kris does. I feel Mercedes will make Stat look strong, while she’ll lean into some more sneaky heel tendencies to even the contest out.
WINNER: Kris Statlander (Still Champion)

AEW World Championship Match:
Hangman Page vs. Samoa Joe

Image Credit: AEW

Ryan: Is it fair to say that I am already fatigued from the Joe-Page title match loop? Granted, the initial title match at WrestleDream led to not only Joe losing, but beating up Page after the match which, in turn, has led to a rematch and a SALAD STEEL CAGE! I am in the minority here, but I would have liked to see this title match set up someone else on the card for a potential jump up the ranks, much like Fletcher did when he challenged Page for the World Title at All Out.

To a man, Joe is going to be a credible challenger for the World Title based on his past accomplishments in AEW and in the wrestling industry. The addition of the SALAD STEEL CAGE, despite Joe losing his mind when Page announced the stipulation, aids Joe in being more vicious and savage.

I do wonder if this set-up means that Joe could win his second World Title, but what becomes the end game if he does win? Also, why would you have Joe turn heel on Hangman after his loss at WrestleDream if he is going to lose yet AGAIN to him at Full Gear? I suppose some of it can be explained away if Hobbs and Shibata aren’t around to help Joe out, but still, running it back so quickly is an interesting choice to make.

While some of me believes Joe can win the title, the better part of me doesn’t believe in stopping Hangman’s title reign so abruptly, like his first one was years ago. Let the Cowboy defeat Joe once again and then move on to someone else for World’s End.
WINNER: Hangman Adam Page (Still Champion)

Hunter: It’s been pointed out (by a regular 411 commentator whose username escapes me) that this is the first time in its six-year existence that AEW has run the same world title match two PPV straight. Interesting to note as it is an intriguing demonstration of AEW booking philosophy. And when they do the rare quick world title rematch, they usually run it on Dynamite.

On one hand, it feels like another obvious Hangman title defense, just with added stakes and drama due to the heel turn of Joe and the Opps, which I didn’t necessarily NEED but I’m quite enjoying. Especially dickhead Shibata. Hangman feels like “THE GUY” in this title reign, which — due significantly to shitty booking — he did not in his reign from a couple of years ago. I’ve seen some commentary that his reign “isn’t good”. Malarkey. Horseshit, if you will. He’s in the babyface champion fiery defense stage.

I’m going to go out on a massive limb here. Hook tapping out quickly in the past few weeks against the Opps hasn’t been an accident. Whether it has been intentional, or Hook has some kind of realization, I’m calling Hook turning on Hangman and Joe walking out World champion. I suspect Hangman will get it BACK shortly if it happens but hey, why not?
WINNER: THE CHAMP IS HERE! (New Champion)

Hitman: I am torn on this one since this is first time I can be wrong that AEW has done back-to-back PPV with Men’s World Title Match?

We all know how I feel about Page but is it too soon for him to lose the Championship, or do we need a change? The cage stipulation has made this interesting for me as it’s used to keep Joes Opps from Interfering. In the end, yes, we need a new champion, and Joe is the right guy to end this title reign.
WINNER AND NEW CHAMPION: Samoa Joe thanks to some sort of interference

I8mypants: This one’s been brewing for a bit and is based on Joe’s personal belief that the cowboy isn’t championship material. This feud continues because the Hangman warned him to not fuck around lest he find out. Well, Joe’s going to find out since after suffering a loss to the champion at WrestleDream, Joe feigned respect and then assaulted him. The unhinged cowboy bided his time and then struck during Fright Night where he impersonated Tony Schiavone (!) and gave Joe and his Opps brethren a swift beating.

The burly Samoan then sent his fellow Opps member in Hobbs to soften him up, but the champion held his ground, defeating Powerhouse via a fall reminiscent of The Rock and Mankind’s epic fight at the 1999 Royal Rumble. (complete with a power outage for dramatic effect.) But it didn’t end there as Joe sent Shibata after the cowboy in hopes of having the champion worse for wear at Full Gear.

So how will this go? While I have no problems with the final boss holding gold again, I don’t see Adam losing this short into his reign. The only question is: how will Joe spin the loss this time?
WINNER: Hangman Adam Page via cowboy shit.

Foreign Object: People like Joe. People like Hangman. Joe is one bad man. Hangman is a bad man. So, who, as a booker, would you give the win too? Joe can hold his own with the belt, but Hangman is the better option to represent AEW as its champion. Sure, Joe could win and they could run it back and Cowboy could win it at the next PPV. But the storyline is over here. Cowboy retains, his music plays, the crowd cheers … and then Swerve Strickland returns. Crowd pops. Stare down. Fade to black.
WINNER: Hangman Adam Page (Still Champion)

DiabloPepe: Pepe wasn’t that interested in this feud when it first started. They had a solid match at WrestleDream. Pepe wasn’t expecting the feud to continue, but it did and Joe and The Opps turned Heel, which made things more interesting for Pepe. The feud got hotter with the Heel turn, but Pepe still doesn’t think that Samoa Joe leaves Full Gear with the title and Pepe isn’t just saying that because he fears the wrath of Arilyn, LOL!
WINNER: Hangman Page

Grappling: The build has been solid, and Samoa Joe walks into any match with credibility. He’s earned that. But while he’s a good pick to give us an engaging title match in a cage, he’s not the man to bring Hangman’s reign to a quick end, especially with MJF waiting in the wings with his contract ready. These two should put on a hell of a show, but I’d be astounded if it weren’t “…and still…”
WINNER: HANGMAN PAGE (Still Champion)

Soda & Fries: Back-to-back title defenses against the same challenger are a bit of a rarity in AEW so in a strange way this is refreshing, though the result must have about the same odds as WrestleDream, where bookies hilariously refused to take bets. It’s nothing against Joe who I loved as a champion, just that Hangman still feels early in his run. I imagine there’ll be Opps x Eddie Kingston & Hook shenanigans to elevate the stakes.
WINNER: Hangman Adam Page (Still Champion)

And that will conclude our Full Gear preview! I would, once again, like to take the time to thank everyone who decided to take part in this panel (whether freely or coerced with damning extortion), and for creating a rambunctious yet self-controlled debate over the matches for the show.

I would like to thank my Boss and Editor Supreme, Jeremy Thomas, for letting me run with this idea, even if it could have ended as badly as an exploding powder keg.

Finally, I would like to thank the community for aiding and abating my rampant stupidity through all my projects, whether you like my work, love my work, hate my work, or you are indifferent to it. When you click on an article, read it, rate it, and comment on it, it raised the profile of the site and for me personally to some advanced metric that I fully do not understand, so thank you all!

Full Gear will take place this Saturday LIVE from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey! The Zero Hour Tailgate/Second hour of pre-empted Collision starts at 7:00PM EST and is free to view on TNT. The main card starts at 8:00PM and is available wherever and however you get your PPV fix!