Former allies turn against each other; female star takes out frustration? - 6 AEW stars who must turn heel before 2025
AEW has been on a great run this year. With just a couple more months till 2024 comes to a close, this does not mean there won't be any shortages of potential surprises before 2025 comes.
For a few weeks now, there have been a lot of hints at heel turns, and with Full Gear season coming up, these developments may kick into high gear. This could see factions splitting up and stars deciding to go into business for themselves.
Here are some members of the AEW roster who could make last-minute swerves to end the year.
#1. The Acclaimed could come to an end
Last night on AEW Collision, disharmony between Anthony Bowens and Max Caster once more arose after it was revealed that the latter kept MVP's business card. When they were given an offer a few weeks ago, Bowens immediately rejected it, but the same can't be said about his tag team partner.
This may be a hint at Caster turning heel and possibly joining The Hurt Syndicate. The Acclaimed has been in a stagnant role recently, and this could force the self-proclaimed Best Wrestler Alive to look for better opportunities for himself, which could come at the cost of his friends.
This could also begin a singles run for Anthony Bowens, which many fans have been claiming, and see him finally separating himself from Max Caster.
#2. Britt Baker gets tired of playing nice
Back in July at Forbidden Door, Britt Baker made her return to AEW after being sidelined for several months due to health issues. She has not had the best of runs since her return, losing right away to Mercedes Moné in her first major feud since returning.
During the beginning of her time with the promotion, she has been a heel. She could go back to her roots and quit playing nice in order to make her way back to the top. The fans seemingly turned against her during her feud with The CEO, and this could be her way to get back at them and focus on getting what she wants.
#3. Cash Wheeler and #4. Dax Harwood of FTR could take advantage of The Young Bucks' absence
A few days ago on AEW Dynamite, The Young Bucks' reign as the AEW World Tag Team Champions ended, with Private Party dethroning them. However, their next big feud may have been hinted at last night on Collision.
After claiming that they were willing to defend these against anyone, they turned to the direction of FTR, and both Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood got a little physical with them. As arguably their biggest rivals in the EVPs won't be around for the time being, Cash and Dax may take matters into their own hands and take things too far in hopes of getting back their titles.
The last time they held the titles was a year ago, and this desperation may force them to turn heel. This would not be their first rodeo with this demeanor, and it could be a possible reminder to all of just who they were and what they could do.
#5. Daniel Garcia could turn on AEW
Daniel Garcia has gotten his hands full now as he has his sights on Jack Perry and his TNT Championship, Jon Moxley and his group, and the ever-so-looming possibility that MJF comes back for retribution against him.
Friedman has been focused on Adam Cole, so he has been dealing with the other two. A few days ago on Dynamite, Jack Perry kept it real with him, talking about how everything that Garcia believed in and fought for, he had done so already and how he was in his position before. These words may get to him, and he may rethink his morals.
This may force Daniel Garcia to choose himself and his ambitions and turn on everyone else before they turn on him. He could abandon the fight against Mox and the faction, and choose to not care at all about AEW and the fans.
#6. Lio Rush could reunite with Bobby Lashley
Bobby Lashley made his AEW debut on Dynamite a few days ago, and on his first night, he took out Swerve Strickland. With someone like The All Mighty on board, this could be the reason for more stars to take up MVP's offer to join them.
Among those who he handed out his business card to was Lio Rush. The cruiserweight was previously aligned with Lashley as his manager and hype-man during their time in WWE. He has shown heel-like tendencies recently and is thinking about MVP's offer.
He is currently aligned with Top Flight, but he could end up ditching them to reunite with Bobby Lashley as a member of The Hurt Syndicate. The former WWE Champion has spoken highly of him and would welcome him to the faction with open arms.
With Full Gear around the corner, there could be more developments for these heel turns in the coming weeks. It remains to be seen whether AEW will pull the trigger for some right away or let them boil until after the pay-per-view.