AEW released their latest rankings (May 5, 2021). Let’s check out the movers and shakers.
Men:
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Major changes hit the men this week. Brian Cage’s tainted victory over previous top dog Hangman Page had ramifications for both men. Cage popped into the set at #4, while Page dropped to #5. PAC leapfrogged #3 Jon Moxley to slide into #2. The new #1 status belongs to Orange Cassidy after his victory over Pentagon last week.
After Blood & Guts tonight, there are three episodes of Dynamite remaining before the Double or Nothing PPV on May 30. That doesn’t leave much time to build a hot feud for Kenny Omega’s AEW World Championship defense. Going by the rankings, Cassidy versus PAC makes sense as a contender bout. It would be #1 versus #2, and the two have past beef with each other to provide the emotional edge. That is the simplest solution. PAC also has history with Omega. Cassidy does not, so his kooky popularity would be the selling point.
AEW could also make it a four-way with Moxley and Cage. I imagine Cage will be squawking hard about a title opportunity since he took down Hangman.
I think it is too late for Christian Cage to get in the mix. Once Christian debuted in AEW, it was assumed by many that he would get the shot at Double or Nothing. He has not been active enough to rise up the rankings.
The fly in the ointment is Eddie Kingston. He has the prime story out of the bunch to get revenge on Omega helping to break his ankle and also trying to blow up Moxley with explosives. This story has the most heat for a PPV opponent, but then AEW would need to explain why Kingston gets to jump over the rankings into a title shot.
Women:
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No changes this week for the women. Dr. Britt Baker DMD will be in action on Dynamite. All signs point to her being Hikaru Shida’s opponent at the PPV.
Tag Team:
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The tag team rankings remain the same, but there are major stakes on the line for Dynamite. #1 SCU, #2 Jurassic Express, #3 Varsity Blonds, and #4 The Acclaimed will compete in a #1 contender match. SCU are the heavy storyline favorites to win, since Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian will split for good as a team upon their next defeat. It is only fitting that they go out with a title shot.
Do you agree with AEW’s rankings this week? If not, what would you change?