AEW All Out 2021: 3 wrestlers who must win

The third annual All Out takes place inside the NOW Arena in Chicago this Sunday. The event has a special place in the heart of everybody associated with AEW as it is the sequel to All In – the show that helped create the company.

All Out is AEW’s penultimate pay-per-view of 2021 and is one of the company’s “big four” extravaganzas. The atmosphere in the building will be electric, the event is sold out, fans are anticipating CM Punk’s first match in seven years when he takes on Darby Allin.

Other contests include Kenny Omega defending his AEW World Championship against Christian Cage, Eddie Kingston challenging Miro for the TNT Championship, Chris Jericho puts his career on the line against Maxwell Jacob Friedman, and Jon Moxley battles New Japan Pro Wrestling legend Satoshi Kojima.

Not only is the card stacked – rumors indicate Bryan Danielson could make his debut, and Adam Cole may show up as his WWE contract has expired. All Out promises to be an unforgettable night.

With that said – these three superstars need to have their hands raised on the night.

3. The Lucha Brothers must end The Young Bucks 302 day reign as AEW Tag Team Champions.

The tag team division in AEW is one of the best in the world, when teams are discussed, these two are near the top of the list.

Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson, Penta El Zero Miedo, and Rey Fénix’s paths have crossed before. They have faced each other in various companies such as PWG, AAA, and AEW – so the chemistry is there. All Out will be the first tag team Steel Cage match in AEW history – these four men will pull out all the stops to have the match of the night.

Since beating FTR for the titles at Full Gear last November – The Young Bucks have become full-fledged heels, aligning themselves with Kenny Omega to re-unite The Elite, dominating the tag team division in the process.

Their outlandish outfits and unique facial hair have kept them in the spotlight, as have their brilliant matches against Proud-N-Powerful, Jon Moxley & Eddie Kingston, and Jurassic Express. Unfortunately, their reign has become stale, and some elements of their bouts have become repetitive – how many times have The Good Brothers or Brandon Culter interfered in one of their contest?

In contrast – Penta and Rey Fenix would bring a refreshing change as champions. They are over with fans and have never won gold in AEW. They should be rewarded for being one of the most consistent and entertaining teams in the company by winning the most prestigious duos titles in the industry today.

2. Kenny Omega should retain the AEW World Championship against Christian Cage.

The issues between Kenny Omega and Christian Cage began in March when the AEW Champion interrupted his fellow Canadian’s scheduled interview. Later that night – Cage made his way to the ring, after Omega had brawled with Jon Moxley, and attempted to hit his foe with the Killswitch. Don Callis made the save, dragging his meal ticket to safety.

Five months after their first confrontation – “The Best Bout Machine” defended his Impact and TNA titles against Cage on the first episode of AEW Rampage. It was a superb match – Cage won after hitting his finish on a steel chair, the weapon was brought into the ring by Matt Jackson.

That bout was on television – they tore the house down. Image what Cage and Omega will produce at All Out, on pay-per-view, in front of a hot crowd in Chicago.

Omega plays the role of antagonist perfectly. He is obnoxious, annoying, and detestable – he should remain champion. If something is not broken – there is no need to fix it. Cage is unbeaten in AEW – Omega handing him his first defeat will add to his heel act.

In an ideal world – Omega retains and claims he has no more challengers left for his belt. Bryan Danielson’s makes his debut to a loud pop, they face-off, putting the wheels in motion for a dream match at Full Gear.

1. Only a win will do for CM Punk in his in-ring return against Darby Allin.

CM Punk stepping inside a wrestling ring again is a moment fans thought they would never see, yet here we are.

AEW hinted for weeks that Punk would debut for the company. The sensational moment arrived on the 20th August “First Dance” episode of Rampage. The United Center exploded when Cult of Personality hit – it was surreal seeing “The Best in the World” inside a squared circle for the first time in 2,763 days.

During his promo – Punk stated he returned to wrestling “for the young guys”, naming Darby Allin – who was standing in the rafters with Sting. Punk said we wanted to “help” Allin and noted how dangerous the master of the Coffin Drop is. However, to prove how bad he can be, Allin needs to step inside the ring with him at All Out and show it.

Sunday will be “The Second City Saviour’s” first singles match since facing Billy Gunn on the 20th January 2014 episode of Raw – he has been working out in a ring behind closed doors, but that is not the same as wrestling a proper match. Ring rust will be a factor – luckily for him, Allin is the perfect opponent.

The 28-year-old will make Punk look like a million dollars – he very rarely has a bad match. This bout should close All Out due to the significance and the quality it promises to be. Allin is 21-2 in AEW this year. A loss to Punk will not harm him one bit – the “Daredevil” will look strong in defeat.

Punk celebrating a comeback win in front of his home crowd is the perfect way for All Out to go off the air. That is the type of feel-good moment AEW is giving fans at the moment – long may it continue.