9 Predictions For Chris Jericho's AEW Mystery Partners

2. Jake Hager

Chris Jericho Enzo Amore Big Cass
Twitter/@RealJackSwagger

Again, there's an "ex-WWE" stink here, of the sort AEW through Dave Meltzer have repeatedly insisted isn't the basis of their recruitment model.

But.

In an interview with Ariel Helwani in May, Jake Hager let slip that Jon Moxley's AEW debut was imminent. He didn't want to "step in Jon Moxley's shadow," by debuting at Double Or Nothing, he said, which indicates that Hager is either A) one of several wrestling fans who deduced that this was going to happen, or B) has held discussions with AEW to a point at which they laid out the calendar of events to him, to allow him to schedule his own.

Did Jake Hager spoil not one, but two debuts?

As for that ex-WWE stink - already, Shawn Spears feels entirely removed from his old Tye Dillinger persona. This version of the performer is more calculated, more sinister, and, through his association with Tully Blanchard, more studious. The reinvention, marked by a controversial angle, has been successful enough to render his featured role at All Out not just credible, but anticipated. He is, in effect, a new man steeled and motivated by old experiences.

Could Hager's new, ripped physique and (ostensible) MMA credibility act as the platform for another repackage?

Likelihood: 55%

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!