One of the hooks AEW used to entice viewers into watching Dark was the tease of more names being added to the Casino Battle Royale for Double or Nothing on May 30. The winner will earn a title shot at the AEW World Championship. Christian Cage and Matt Sydal were announced last week, and 8 more names were revealed on Dark.
10 of the 21 competitors are:
- Christian Cage
- Matt Sydal
- Will Hobbs
- Matt Hardy
- Isiah Kassidy
- Marq Quen
- Evil Uno
- 10
- Colt Cabana
- Jungle Boy
Matt Hardy and Jungle Boy were given promo time to announce their intentions.
It was a beautiful day for Matt Hardy on the Hardy Compound. He was pleased with HFO beating butt of the Dark Order on Elevation. Hardy’s goal is to embarrass the Dark Order out of AEW. That quest will continue at Double or Nothing in the Casino Battle Royale. The Dark Order is leaderless without guidance. In the HFO, Hardy is the boss. Private Party will work extra hard to make sure he wins the title shot for the AEW World Championship.
Just In! @MATTHARDYBRAND let's the #DarkOrder - and the entire world - know that the #AEWDoN Casino Battle Royale will now include #HFO members @IsiahKassidy, @Marq_Quen & Matt Hardy himself!
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 18, 2021
Watch #AEWDark Now at https://t.co/0ZEbTUF1Sh pic.twitter.com/q3keZbWBp1
Jungle Boy lost to Darby Allin in the TNT Championship bout, so he is moving on to the next opportunity in the Casino Battle Royale.
Just In! For the 2nd time in his career, #JungleBoy will be entering the Casino Battle Royale! May 30 at #AEWDoN
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 18, 2021
Watch #AEWDark Now at https://t.co/0ZEbTUF1Sh pic.twitter.com/1FrzeHXwlG
The field is okay so far, but AEW needs to add higher profile names. Right now, it feels like a vehicle for Christian to jump the line into a title shot. Adding Fenix and Pentagon would help as legit names for unpredictability. If AEW went with an upset, then Hobbs would be an interesting choice. It would also be amusing to see the dynamic between Team Taz and the Elite.
AEW typically has a surprise entrant. Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Daga are two names that jump to mind to fill that role, if AEW does indeed go that route. Personally, I’d like to see a big debut at the show. I’m pointing to Paul Wight. Lace up the boots, win the battle royale, and wrestle Kenny Omega on Dynamite. Seeing Omega stand across the ring from Wight would be very cool.
Who is the favorite to win from that bunch? Who is your upset pick? Who are you hoping to see as a surprise wrestler?