Top AEW Star Returning At All Out 2022?
Former AEW PPV headliner reportedly set to make a comeback.
In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer attempted to deduce the identity of the Joker in the upcoming Casino Ladder match at All Out.
He speculated that Lance Archer hasn't been used for some time. The complexion of the field supports his mention of Dragon Lee, since Rush and Andrade are also involved. Additionally, Meltzer put forward the cult hero Konosuke Takeshita as a suggestion.
He also, in passing, indicated that Adam Cole, out of action since Forbidden Door, is "expected to be healed up and ready" - "so perhaps it's him".
Using precedent, Cole might not fit the bill. Traditionally, with the exception of Hangman Page, the PPV multi-man ladder match is booked to determine a TV-level challenger for the given AEW World or TNT champion. Cole successfully headlined Revolution this year, a huge commercial success, and he is one of the most over performers in any given building. The role is a notch below his star power and the way in which he's perceived by Tony Khan.
Regardless, this is excellent news for fans of Cole, and Meltzer's report perhaps aligns with Tony Khan's recent murmurings about the roster reaching a level never before seen.