Replaces former WWE star in BCC, massive reunion? - 5 ways Dijak could make his AEW debut
In a shocking turn of events, WWE has decided to let go of one of their recent call-ups to the main roster from NXT, Dijak. The 37-year-old performer had an entertaining 18-month run on WWE's developmental brand before he was drafted to RAW in April this year.
Unfortunately, the creative team could not come up with any plans for the former Retribution member on the red brand. With Dijak seemingly not fitting into the company's plans, the management of the Stamford-based promotion decided not to renew his contract.
Although WWE failed to recognize Dijak's huge potential, All Elite Wrestling could provide the former ROH star with the perfect platform to show his worth as a pro wrestler. There are several intriguing storyline options that Dijak could explore in AEW, granted that he decides to sign with the Tony Khan-led promotion.
In this article, let's look at five ways Dijak could debut in AEW.
#5. Replaces Buddy Matthews in The House of Black
On the June 15 episode of AEW Collision, Buddy Matthews suffered an unfortunate injury during a Trios Match between the House of Black and The Bang Bang Gang. The former WWE Cruiserweight Champion performed a Top Rope Meteora on Juice Robinson, which led to him landing awkwardly on his left knee.
Matthews was soon escorted backstage by AEW officials, where he was blindsided by Christian Cage's Patriarchy. Considering the extremity of his injury, the former World Trios Champion may have to sit on the sidelines for a while.
The House of Black currently finds themselves a member short, making them a vulnerable unit against other AEW factions. However, a debuting Dijak could certainly help even the odds for the mysterious faction.
A ruthless competitor inside the squared circle, the former T-Bar could be the perfect replacement for Buddy Matthews in the House of Black. Frustrated with a lack of title success in WWE, Dijak would be delighted to help the faction recapture the World Trios Championship.
#4. Teams up with his WWE rival Keith Lee
Perhaps Dijak's most memorable rival in WWE, Keith Lee would welcome the current RAW star in AEW with open arms. The two men have a storied history with each other, having clashed before in several in-ring classics in NXT.
While The Limitless One could be Dijak's first opponent in All Elite Wrestling, Tony Khan may take an entirely different creative direction. Instead of butting heads right away, the duo could instead join forces to take over the AEW Tag Team division.
![Keith Lee and Dijak are no strangers to each other. [Image credits: WWE Official Website Gallery]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/06/a6311-17195858079424-1920.jpg?w=500)
Having remained on the sidelines for months, a tag team run with Dijak would certainly breathe new life into Lee's AEW career. It could be a similar situation to Buddy Matthews and Malakai Black, who had an intense feud in WWE, only to end up joining forces in the Jacksonville-based promotion.
#3. Enters the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament as the Wild Card
The upcoming "Beach Break" edition of Dynamite is set to be an explosive episode. The first round of the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament will be concluded at the show, with Jeff Jarrett taking on an unannounced "Wild Card" opponent.
Since WWE has let Dijak's contract expire without prematurely releasing him, the 37-year-old is not bound by any 'non-compete clause', meaning he can appear in any wrestling promotion with immediate effect, without any legal implications.
Considering the buzz around Dijak at the moment, it would be a wise decision by Tony Khan to introduce him as the Wild Card on Dynamite.
Debuting against a decorated veteran like Jarrett would help the former Retribution member create an instant connection with the AEW audience. While Dijak may not win, he would benefit from playing the antagonist against Double J, who is determined to win the Owen Hart Cup in honor of his late friend.
#2. Replaces Claudio Castagnoli in the Blackpool Combat Club
Following a string of disappointing losses, Claudio Castagnoli seems to be on his way out of The Blackpool Combat Club. The Swiss Superman recently came up short against PAC in the quarterfinals of the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, which led to a post-match staredown between The King of Swing and Bryan Danielson.
With Castagnoli seemingly looking to part ways with the dominant faction, the BCC leaders could bring in Dijak to fill the void left by the former ROH World Champion. Known for his hard-hitting combat style, Dijak would complement the violence-based ideology of Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson.
An intimidating stable like The Blackpool Combat Club could lead the 6' 7" star to championship glory, helping him wash away the regrets of his WWE run.
#1. Feuds with Kazuchika Okada for the Continental Championship
As entertaining as he has been in onscreen segments, Kazuchika Okada's overall run as the AEW Continental Champion so far, has left a lot to be desired. Since winning the coveted title in March earlier this year, The Rainmaker has only had a handful of title defenses.
A lack of spotlight on the Continental Championship has somewhat diminished the title's credibility to an extent. Okada has yet to have a long-term rivalry with any challenger, owing to his involvement in The New Elite vs. AEW storyline.
However, Tony Khan could force the NJPW legend to step up his game by pitting a ruthless Dijak against him. As Shawn Michaels' go-to guy, he played a major role in elevating the prestige of the NXT North American Championship during his stay in the white and gold brand.
The 6' 7" star could pose a legitimate threat to The Rainmaker's title reign. Dijak could push a heel Kazuchika Okada to his limits, who has otherwise been invincible as champion.