5 Ways AEW Worlds End can be bigger than the Royal Rumble
AEW is set to hold its annual pay-per-view, Worlds End, on December 28, 2024, at the Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Florida. Meanwhile, WWE will host the 38th iteration of the Royal Rumble PLE on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Both events are set to be grand, as several top stars will be in action. The Royal Rumble is usually one of the biggest pro wrestling events after WrestleMania and SummerSlam. The Triple H-led creative team would undoubtedly have big plans for the marquee PLE. That said, the 2024 Worlds End could be bigger than the 2025 Royal Rumble.
Here are five reasons why:
#5. Kenny Omega could return at Worlds End 2024
Kenny Omega has been absent since December 2023 after being diagnosed with diverticulitis. The Cleaner is scheduled to return to wrestling duties at Wrestle Dynasty in Japan on January 5. He will take on Gabe Kidd.
However, according to recent rumors swirling in the wrestling market, The Best Bout Machine might make his comeback sooner than expected. Rumors suggest he could return at the Worlds End PPV. Although there is no update on how the company will use him at the event.
#4. Shane McMahon could be revealed as the leader of The Death Riders
Shane McMahon was with WWE for a long time. However, earlier this year, it was confirmed that The Prodigal Son was no longer signed to the company. He is currently a free agent. Following his exit from the Stamford-based promotion, the former Hardcore Champion had a private meeting with Tony Khan earlier this year. This led fans to believe he was on his way to the Jacksonville-based company.
There has been no update regarding the situation, but the wrestling world is still positive that Shane will soon end up in AEW. It could happen at Worlds End, where he might be revealed as the leader of The Death Riders. Earlier this year, Jon Moxley claimed that his actions were someone else's bidding, and it is believed that McMahon is the one pulling the strings.
#3. Jon Moxley's reign may come to an end
Jon Moxley became the AEW World Champion at WrestleDream 2024 after he defeated Bryan Danielson. He successfully defended the title against Orange Cassidy at Full Gear. The Purveyor of Violence is now slated to put his belt on the line against Jay White, "Hangman" Adam Page, and Orange Cassidy in a Four-way match at Worlds End.
Since The Death Riders leader would defend his championship against three other stars, his chances of winning have reduced to 25%. Therefore, his reign could be in jeopardy given the match stipulation, and fans could see a title change at the event.
#2. Bryan Danielson might make a shocking return
Defending his title might not be the only problem Jon Moxley would have to deal with at Worlds End. He may also have to watch his back, as Bryan Danielson could make a shocking return at the venue to exact revenge.
Apart from dethroning The American Dragon at WrestleDream, Moxley also humiliated his former stablemate in front of a huge crowd. The Purveyor of Violence not only broke Bryan's body but also forced the veteran to retire from full-time wrestling.
Danielson never got to exact his revenge, as he immediately went on a hiatus to tend to his injuries. The AEW Worlds End PPV would be a great time and place to settle the score, as Moxley would already be preoccupied with White, Cassidy, and Page.
#1. Ricky Starks may invade the Worlds End PPV
Ricky Starks has been away from television since March 2024. According to media reports, Tony Khan is paying the absent star to stay at home. But nobody knows why he's not using such a talented wrestler on his shows.
Perhaps Khan has something grand planned for The Absolute Star, and fans may see those plans finally unravel at Worlds End. Given the frustration regarding his situation in the company, Khan could book Stroke Daddy to invade AEW on December 28.
This could be another blockbuster angle similar to The Young Bucks and Jon Moxley launching a coup against the AEW head. Ricky could form a group of rebels in the promotion and lead them against Khan, thus making him one of the biggest heels in the company. It would be a great story for his return angle.