5 dream matches AEW must book in 2024
AEW has arguably the most diverse roster in the pro wrestling industry today. From seasoned strikers to enthralling high-flyers, the Jacksonville-based promotion has many exciting talents that capture the imagination of fans every time they step foot in the squared circle.
Over the years, Tony Khan has booked numerous exciting dream matches on AEW programming. From Bryan Danielson vs. Will Ospreay to Jon Moxley vs. Kenny Omega, several insane encounters have occurred in the Jacksonville-based promotion that left fans awestruck.
Interestingly, there are plenty of first-time matches that are yet to take place in All Elite Wrestling. Fans are eager to see certain sets of wrestlers lock horns with each other who have otherwise been kept apart on television. In this article, let's look at five dream matches that Tony Khan must book in AEW this year:
#5. Britt Baker collides with Jamie Hayter
Following Britt Baker's groundbreaking return at Forbidden Door 2024, fans now await the arrival of her trusted ally, Jamie Hayter. Owing to her injury struggles, the ever-shiniest striker has remained on the sidelines for almost 13 months.
Once she is ready to come back, Jamie Hayter must consider going after the DMD. While there have been numerous teases of a rivalry between Hayter and Baker, their injury struggles have not allowed Tony Khan to pull the trigger on their feud. If Hayter soon gets green-lit for an in-ring return, Khan must immediately insert her into a rivalry with The Doctor.
The dynamic duo has only battled once before in AEW, where Baker scored a convincing win over an inexperienced Hayter. However, the 29-year-old star will look to return the favor to The Doctor the next time they engage in an in-ring battle.
#4. Kazuchika Okada vs. Swerve Strickland could be a solid dream match
Swerve Strickland has been dominant throughout his reign as the AEW World Champion. The Killshot has defended his title against top names like Claudio Castagnoli, Roderick Strong, and Will Ospreay. Despite being up against quality competition, Swerve has convincingly overcome all his opponents so far.
However, the 33-year-old's title reign could be in danger if a certain Japanese legend steps up against him. The star in question is Kazuchika Okada, who currently leads the most dangerous force in AEW, The New Elite.
Similar to Swerve Strickland, Okada has also been invincible as the AEW Continental Champion. Considering the growing issues between Swerve and The Elite, The Killshot could soon find himself on a collision course with The Rainmaker.
After taking down AEW International Champion Will Ospreay recently, Swerve would be pumped to take on another mid-card champion in Okada. As for The Rainmaker, he would be eager to add another feather to his cap by dethroning Swerve Strickland.
#3. Bryan Danielson takes on Jay White before his AEW retirement
Bryan Danielson is currently in the midst of his most memorable run as a pro wrestler. Since he arrived in AEW, The American Dragon has churned out several amazing in-ring classics. Known as the pioneer of modern technical wrestling, Danielson has thrived in the wrestling-centric environment of All Elite Wrestling.
As The Dragon looks to draw curtains on his illustrious career, there is one specific superstar he must battle before his eventual retirement. The star is none other than "The Switchblade" Jay White, who is counted among the finest wrestlers of modern-age pro wrestling.
White stood tall as one of the cornerstones of NJPW for years before his shocking arrival in AEW in 2023. Despite being far away from the main event scene, The Switchblade remains one of the best in-ring talents Tony Khan has on his roster.
It will be a travesty if Jay White does not get a match with Bryan Danielson before the latter's retirement. Their varying fighting styles could make up for a memorable encounter, giving fans an experience that they may never forget.
#2. Adam Cole vs. Jon Moxley could be a sight to behold for fans
While Jon Moxley is known to fight with grit and passion, Adam Cole relies on his technical superiority to get the job done. As effective as he has been with his mind games, even The Panama Playboy may think twice before targeting The Deathrider.
Once Adam Cole fully recovers from his injury, he should look to make a statement by going after Jon Moxley. Although Cole himself has featured in many extreme encounters in his career, he has yet to come across someone like Moxley, who lives and breathes hardcore wrestling.
A rivalry with The Purveyor of Violence could greatly benefit the former NXT Champion, whose credibility has taken a massive hit due to the Devil storyline. It would help Cole get his AEW career back on track while also giving a fresh new direction to Moxley's character.
#1. MJF could play the perfect antagonist against Will Ospreay
Since his return at AEW Double or Nothing, MJF has fired several shots at the company’s newest sensation, Will Ospreay. The two stars have also had a few confrontations on screen, but they have not been involved in any physical altercations.
As exceptional as he is between the ropes, Ospreay will need a lot more than in-ring skills to take down a mastermind like MJF. The Salt of the Earth carefully studies his opponents' strengths and weaknesses, which allows him to neutralize the biggest of threats.
The despicable star has defeated legends like Bryan Danielson, Kenny Omega, and CM Punk by taking advantage of the loopholes in their wrestling styles. Meanwhile, Will Ospreay's incredible agility and insane moveset give him an edge over The Salt of the Earth.
The Wolf of Pro Wrestling hates getting his limelight stolen by somebody. Interestingly, The Aerial Assassin has been the center of attention since his AEW debut, much to the dislike of MJF. Although they are involved in other storylines at the moment, Tony Khan should not delay the eventual MJF vs. Will Ospreay match for too long.
This dream match will serve as a battle of supremacy between the two performers, where the winner will firmly establish himself as the face of All Elite Wrestling.