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Predicting What's Next for AEW for Rest of 2019 After Full Gear PPV

Donald Wood

All Elite Wrestling's Full Gear pay-per-view was one of the best pro wrestling shows of 2019, but the company can't rest on its laurels and most finish the year strong by developing storylines and continuing to build characters.

So far, so good.

With significant questions that need to be answered after Saturday's show, like which wrestlers will be next to challenge for the AEW World and Women's Championships, fans are excited to see what the next several weeks of programming will bring.

As we head into the holiday season, here is what to expect from AEW for the remainder of 2019.

      

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Who Is Chris Jericho's Next Challenger?

After AEW World Heavyweight champion Chris Jericho beat Cody at Full Gear, the question naturally arose about who would be the next No. 1 contender. After watching the rest of Saturday's show, two names have surfaced: Jon Moxley and Adam Page.

On the one hand, Page and Jericho have a history in AEW since they previously fought in the inaugural world title match, but Page's character has shifted. The Cowboy is now conflicted and teasing a heel turn, something he could continue by showing a new edge against Jericho.

The problem is that it doesn't feel right for Page to fight Jericho again, especially considering he would probably lose the matchup. On the other hand, Moxley could easily take the AEW Championship from Y2J and fans would generally accept it.

Moxley proved his worth in the hardcore main event of Full Gear, regardless of whether the bout was Lights Out or not, and he has earned his spot in the next title match. If Moxley has to go through Page to get there, then AEW has a marquee No. 1 contender match on its hand.

In the end, though, Moxley should be the next to challenge Jericho.

Can Anyone Dethrone Riho?

In one of the best matches on the card, Riho defeating Emi Sakura to retain the women's title proved she has the in-ring skill to be a top star. Now she just needs new challengers to push her to the limit.

In the pre-show match, Britt Baker defeated Bea Priestley by submission to continue her rise to the top of the division. While Baker has the in-ring skills and personality to be the champion, there is a new presence on AEW.

Riho is in trouble if Awesome Kong comes for the title.

While Baker appears to be the de facto No. 1 contender due to a series of wins and marquee matches, Brandi Rhodes' reintroduction of Awesome Kong has led to a genuine excitement around the women's division.

Before Awesome Kong gets to the ultimate David vs. Goliath battle fans want against Riho, the former Impact Wrestling champion should battle Baker and come out victorious. The stage will then be set for the most anticipated women's match AEW could book right now.

Will Cody Get Vengeance on MJF?

When MJF threw in the towel on his friend Cody and took away his chance to fight for the AEW title, wrestling fans knew what was coming. One low blow later, and the world is ready for the full-blown heel MJF we all deserve.

The question now is will Cody get his vengeance in 2019? Nope.

Over the next several months, MJF should keep his distance from Cody at all costs and talk as much trash as humanly possible. As one of the best talkers in the business, MJF will finally be able to show why he is considered by many to be a protege.

Cody gave one of the best promos of his life leading into the matchup with Jericho, but the intensity will be taken to a new level as the American Nightmare goes on the hunt for the former friend who betrayed him.

The best storylines involve a face chasing the heel, and Cody vs. MJF will be a prime example.

What’s Next for SCU?

AEW fans have shown their vocal support for SoCal Uncensored's Frankie Kazarian and Scorpio Sky since the company started, and now that they're champions, the duo is hotter than ever.

Add in the fact that Christopher Daniels made his triumphant return at Full Gear, and wrestling fans want to know what's next for the AEW world tag team champions.

The first challengers for the titles should be the Lucha Brothers after they attacked SCU and lost the tournament finals to a basic move. They were also not involved in the Full Gear finish, as it was Private Party who took the pinfall.

The problem is that people are overlooking Proud and Powerful. The team has been red-hot since joining AEW and just beat the Young Bucks in a marquee matchup, setting them up for a tag team title shot.

With AEW's commitment to the tag team division, the hope is that SCU sets the stage for another Triple Threat match against both Lucha Bros as well as Proud and Powerful.

Stars Set to Rise in 2020

There are only a few weeks left in 2019, but AEW should be doing everything in its power to build several stars for next year.

After losing to Jericho in a world title match, Darby Allin proved that he deserves to rise through the ranks once again and be one of the top stars on the roster. Allin’s fearless style makes him a star in the making, just as Jeff Hardy was in his younger days.

In the women's division, Hikaru Shida recently earned a big victory and looks to be climbing into the world title scene again. As one of the best in-ring workers on the roster, Shida and Riho would be a marquee battle.

Another female star to watch for is Penelope Ford. With Kip Sabian by her side, Ford is one of the most underrated female talents in wrestling today. Whether it’s with her mic ability or wrestling acumen, she will prove that the Super Bad Girl is here to stay.

The final star to keep on eye on is Orange Cassidy. Fans have only seen a glimpse of what he is capable of in the ring as a character, and they should be ready for a strong finish to 2019.

   

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