Backstage AEW News & Notes Ahead of Full Gear – Several backstage updates have surfaced ahead of tonight’s AEW Full Gear pay-per-view from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
These notes provide a clearer picture of expected returns, long-term plans, and internal discussions heading into the final major AEW event of the year. WrestlingAttitude.Com has compiled the latest details circulating within the company before the show goes live.
There is continued talk that the Hangman Page and Samoa Joe rivalry will not end tonight. Even if the main direction shifts following Full Gear, people within AEW expect some form of follow-up on upcoming programming. Hangman Page is also considered one of the stronger favorites to retain the AEW World Championship during the show, based on internal projections shared before airtime.
AEW is also set to get several names back soon. MJF is expected to return within the next month after completing filming for Violent Night 2. He is scheduled to appear at WrestleCade next weekend, which signals that he is about ready to begin ramping up for TV. Swerve Strickland is also penciled in for a return within the next month, barring unexpected changes. His planned time off after All In was delayed, but he is nearing the end of that period.
Zayda Steel is still not officially signed with AEW. However, she has been backstage at multiple recent shows, leading many within the company to believe a deal is likely at some point. In contrast, Britt Baker’s status remains unchanged. Despite the repeated phrase about bringing her back when the time is right, she has not been part of creative plans or current discussions.
There is uncertainty regarding Big Boom AJ’s next steps following this week’s programming. Internally, it is well known that he and QT Marshall have wanted to team together since AJ arrived in AEW, and the two finally had the opportunity to do so. They have a long-standing friendship, which is part of the reason the pairing came together.
Another situation involves the NWA. According to sources within the NWA, their talent and personnel were told to cool down public criticism of AEW’s new National Title. The request did not come from AEW. The first AEW National Champion will be crowned tonight in the Casino Gauntlet match, with Ricochet and Bobby Lashley viewed internally as leading contenders.
Regarding the Shelton Benjamin and Speedball Mike Bailey finish from Wednesday’s combined Dynamite and Collision taping, there is no indication of heat on either man. However, it was reiterated backstage that situations like the non-kickout audible highlight why such in-ring calls are discouraged, as the referee or assigned producer is not always aware of a sudden change.
Other projected favorites for tonight include Brodido, Kris Statlander, Mark Briscoe, Kenny Omega, and Jurassic Express. With several developing stories, potential surprises, and future returns on the horizon, Full Gear is expected to set the tone for AEW as it heads into the end of the year.
Backstage AEW News & Notes Ahead of Full Gear
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