10 Bold Predictions For What AEW Will Look Like This Time Next Year

AEW is in disarray.

Yes, Tony Khan booked a tremendous Dynamite following the events of the infamous All Out press conference. The action was superb and varied across the two hours. MJF didn't get to cut the promo he'd spent three months workshopping, but he was on exceptional form. He knew he was going to receive a massive babyface reaction; that's what happens when a megastar returns after a long absence, irrespective of the role they were playing, and CM Punk's behaviour had babyfaced him. He was meant to do the precise opposite.

The Tournament of Champions idea was terrific, too: Tony Khan allowed himself to present a rare series of all-star dream matches he hasn't done to death, without burning through new combinations in a panic, in a tournament that puts over the sheer extent to which wins and losses have mattered and do matter.

None of this resolves the only thing fans truly give a sh*t about: CM Punk burying the sh*t out of the company, only for - and this is all alleged by several anonymous parties until the independent investigation is concluded - the Elite to confront him in an argument that led to what might well turn out to be a litigious mass brawl.

How might this impact AEW long-term, and what will the promotion in general look like this time next year?

Tony Khan remains enamoured with certain tropes that are growing tiresome.

So many backstage promos are interrupted. Every stable boss attempts to recruit further members; most recently, Ari Daivari attempted to sign Orange Cassidy to the Trust Busters, and Andrade continues to unsettle 10 of the Dark Order. That first example was mind-boggling. The match required no extraneous story. It was a fixture in a tournament. It already had a reason to exist.

Khan remains an excellent booker at his peak - the detail that prevented Max Caster from rapping on last week's Dynamite was inspired and actually put heat on the heel, where it belongs - and the man is superb at assembling teams.

The Acclaimed was his idea, and it was borderline genius. The act complements itself brilliantly, aligns two wrestlers that were hardly known or at least fashionable when they were working singles, and has evolved into a ratings sensation as well as a cult hero act. Similarly, Swerve In Our Glory, despite teaming previously on the indie circuit, weren't on the radar as a duo this time last year. Now, they are a great act on either side of the face/heel divide.

Despite promoting a brilliant, deep roster, Khan will once again use his inspired imagination to create a brand new tag act.

It might upset FTR, but it will be great nonetheless.