5 Reasons why Hangman Page should be the next AEW World Champion

AEW star Hangman Adam Page is regarded by many fans as one of the most important stars and characters in the company's history. His work since his heel turn earlier this year and his return at Dynamite: Beach Break has received much acclaim for its intensity and authenticity.

After finally exacting vengeance on arch-rival Swerve Strickland at All Out 2024, Page has once again directed his focus at the AEW World Championship currently held by Jon Moxley, even though Page recently suffered two high-profile losses to Jay White, including at Full Gear this past weekend.

Both The Hanger and The Switchblade called their shot for the World Title this week on Dynamite and were ambushed by Moxley and The Death Riders. While the program is still in development, there are several compelling reasons to consider crowning Adam Page the next All Elite World Champion.

Let us explore five such reasons below!

#1. Hangman Page hasn't been AEW World Champ since 2022

Hangman Page's pursuit of the World Championship was one of the most exciting and well-crafted storylines in AEW's history, culminating in The Cowboy's iconic win over Kenny Omega for the title at Full Gear 2021. However, his first reign came to a controversial end at the hands of CM Punk at Double or Nothing 2022 to conclude their now-infamous on-screen program.

Despite competing for the World Championship since then on a couple of occasions, Page has not held the belt in over two years. Jon Moxley, on the other hand, captured the belt on multiple instances since 2022, most recently winning it for the fourth time against Bryan Danielson at WrestleDream.

Considering Adam Page's popularity among the All Elite fanbase, the promotion could feasibly have him dethrone The One True King to regain the prized AEW World Championship and have a better run with the belt than his previous one.

#2. Hangman Page can revisit his feud with Jon Moxley

Another valid reason behind making Adam Page the next World Champion is the fact that this would allow the company to revisit The Hangman's bloody rivalry with Jon Moxley. The two men battled in singles and multi-person action in 2022 and 2023, which eventually devolved into faction warfare between The Blackpool Combat Club and The Elite.

Both Page and Moxley hold two victories over the other, with The Cowboy defeating The Purveyor of Violence in a Texas Death Match at Revolution 2023 in their last singles encounter. With the 33-year-old star seemingly intent on reclaiming the All Elite Wrestling World Title, and in light of his recent confrontation with Moxley at Full Gear 2024, AEW could begin building Hangman Page back up as a top star by having him dethrone Moxley in a blockbuster rematch.

#3. Hangman Page could have his first World Title defense against Christian Cage

This week on Dynamite, Adam Page explained that he had made a deal with Christian Cage at Full Gear to help him execute his AEW World Title match contract and steal the belt away from Jon Moxley in exchange for a championship opportunity later. However, The Patriarch failed in his endeavour due to interference from Jay White.

During his promo, Page seemed to promise that Christian would not be the next World Champion, claiming that the title belongs to him. Should Hangman succeed at winning the belt from Moxley, he could have his first defense against Cage in a massive first-time-ever singles bout.

#4. Hangman Page could have title matches against Jay White and Darby Allin

The All Elite roster is currently stacked with stars who could make credible challengers for the promotion's top belt. If Hangman Page is crowned the next AEW World Champion, he may have an immediate contender in Jay White, who beat him twice over the last two months - first at WrestleDream and then at Full Gear. Retaining the World Title against The Switchblade would allow Page to finally silence White's claims of being a better wrestler.

Furthermore, The Cowboy lost to Darby Allin in a stunning upset earlier this year. The 31-year-old has emerged as one of the promotion's most prominent faces lately and could be an excellent opponent for Page to legitimize his reign as World Champion.

Jay White (left) / Darby Allin (right) [Source: White's X profile, AEW's Instagram]

#5. Swerve Strickland could end Hangman Page's World Championship reign

Hangman Page's rivalry with Swerve Strickland is considered one of the company's most brutal feuds. The program reached a different level a couple of months ago, when The Cowboy burned down The New Flavor's childhood home live on Dynamite, taking revenge on the latter for invading his house in 2023. The two men clashed in an uncomfortably violent Lights Out Steel Cage match at All Out 2024, with Page emerging victorious.

Notably, Hangman also played a small part behind Strickland losing the AEW World Championship to Bryan Danielson at All In before that. Should Page be chosen to hold the World Title next, he could be granted a decent, action-packed reign that can end with Swerve dethroning him, which could lead to the next chapter of their rivalry.