Predicting The First 10 AEW World Champions

7. Hangman Page

AEW Chris Jericho
AEW

Here's where the prince that was promised finally comes into his own.

Hangman Page, at the time of writing, is way too frigid to strap at All Out. He should be temporarily removed from the conversation after 31 August. Page needs more time if he's to become the Kazuchika Okada to Kenny Omega's Hiroshi Tanahashi, and AEW will have their own Roman Reigns situation on their hand if he's pushed too hard, too fast, despite his popularity.

A tremendous fiery babyface, Page is best suited to treading the underdog's path. This is his natural route to the top because he's far from the finished article at 28 years old and isn't a star on Chris Jericho or Omega's level. He can afford to lose to headliners on the road to becoming one himself, and this year-plus journey begins as he sets off to overcome those early disappointments, with Page growing, developing, and finding himself as a main event-level performer and personality as he goes.

Pinning Omega in a legacy-defining pay-per-view main event is the final step. Page's celebration should be one of confetti, tears, and complete elation.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.