AEW Double or Nothing 2023 Predictions
The Wrestling Estate team predict AEW’s biggest show of the year to date, Double or Nothing!
AEW DON 2023
How Do You Rate the Build?
Steven Jackson
Curt Lemon
Russ Good
I felt like the build to Double or Nothing has been pretty good! With a quarterly pay-per-view model, I think AEW fans should have different expectations for how the shows are built. The WWE model, which is the one most of us are most familiar with, is fine when you only need to build a match for four weeks or so. But when there’s three months and change between the big four shows, there has to be a mix of long-term storytelling alongside an aggressive build for the final few weeks before the show. Overall, I’m looking forward to all three big shows this weekend, but Double or Nothing’s build gets a solid 7 from me.
Jack Goodwillie
John Corrigan
What Will Be the Post-Show Narrative?
Steven Jackson
Curt Lemon
Russ Good
The narrative coming out of Double or Nothing depends a lot on what happens in the main event. If the entire internet is right and Max retains, then the focus is likely going to be on the Blackpool Combat Club’s rivalry with The Elite, which shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. If Maxwell Jacob Friedman were to drop the title, unlikely as that may be, I think all four pillars would be affected, and that could be the catalyst for a number of different storylines. Something like that would dominate fan booking for a while.
As for the C.M. Punk of it all, that’s going to be a thorn in Tony Khan’s side from here until forever. The announcement of Collision’s first show being in Chicago all but guarantees the attendance of one Second City Saint, for better or for worse. Some fans will hate that he’s back, while I assume many in attendance on June 17th will be cheering their brains out when the static breaks and Cult of Personality hits. Both Punk and Tony will be under a microscope for every decision, match, and backstage rumor that involves the Punker, and I can’t imagine any scenario where any match result or revelation at Double or Nothing changes that.
JackGoodwillie
I imagine it taking a mammoth overachievemnt of a show to completely overcome the melodrama the company has become wrapped up in. The lackluster build only makes this hill steeper. I do think there will be matches that overperform, however (more on that later).
But particularly with the Collision news coming such close proximity to the show, the buzz seems to be more on CM Punk’s grand return than what is one of AEW’s biggest shows of the year.
John Corrigan
Most Anticipated Match?
Steven Jackson
Curt Lemon
Russ Good
I think I might actually be most excited for the Adam Cole versus Chris Jericho match after that beating on last week’s Dynamite. They’ve done great work building what could have been a throwaway return feud, and I feel like both guys might just decide to try and out-anarchy the Anarchy in the Arena match.
Jack Goodwillie
I alluded to there being matches that will overperform. While it’s becoming trendy to put over Jeff Jarrett’s AEW run thus far, I am in the camp that has loved what he’s brought. Jeff seems like a guy who doesn’t take himself too seriously for all he’s accomplished, and the light comedy has been a nice touch.
I’m also curious to see how AEW handles Wardlow one year after his shining moment at Double or Nothing 2022. Christian Cage is seemingly AEW’s fixer, though Jungle Boy doesn’t seem to be too much better off than he was outside of a light name change. Neverthless, from a strict matchmaking standpoint, it’s good matchmaking to put these two together and there are plenty of ways AEW can go here.
John Corrigan
MJF or the Field? Does Anyone Have a Chance?
Steven Jackson
Curt Lemon
Russ Good
YES. HAHAHA YES. My sicko brain has embraced the chaos, and I am all for Sammy Guevara taking the belt off Max. Given the kinda tepid response to Jack Perry lately, I also wouldn’t be mad at a heel turn for the former boy of the jungle. Spin the pillars on their heels by making Sammy a face, Jack a bad guy, and Darby Allin the unpredictable tweener middleman.
Realistic? Possibly not. But it would be awesome, and unexpected, and send all four pillars spinning in unpredictable ways, maybe for the better.
Jack Goodwillie
John Corrigan
The Blackpool Combat Club or The Elite?
Steven Jackson
Curt Lemon
Russ Good
Why, I covered this (and all the matches on the Double or Nothing card) on The Wrestling Estate’s AEW Double or Nothing Preview! Here’s a preview of that preview…a pre-preview, if you will:
“Bryan Danielson seemed to be relegated to a commentary role lately, but Jon Moxley, Claudio Castignoli, and Wheeler Yuta are gonna need him to balance things out against the Young Bucks, a recently-betrayed Kenny Omega, and “Hangman” Adam Page. The only other solution I can see is the vile Don Callis replacing Danielson with a young, confused Konosuke Takeshita as a jab at Omega. If that’s the case, maybe BCC goes over, but my money is still on the Elite.
Either outcome is okay by me, as we’re gonna get a great match regardless. These Anarchy matches are some of the best original ideas AEW has come up with, and they always feature a bunch of memorable spots. With this group of talent on both sides, there’s bound to be some really great wrestling in the middle of the mayhem as well. And the rivalry is bound to continue, as the story they’ve been telling seems to barely be reaching a middle – especially with Blood and Guts looming.”
Jack Goodwillie
Like I said, this storyline has seen its ups and downs. I am also critical of there having to be one token faction war on each of these cards. Better believe there will be one in Wembley.
That said, this match will deliver. Even if this kind of match isn’t your cup of tea, people will be talking about it one way or the other. Jon Moxley and Kenny Omega are no stranger to pushing the envelope in their matches and they’re gonna give the fans something to see. I’m thinking The Elite ultimately stand tall but this likely won’t be the only match these factions have.
John Corrigan
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