*These rankings are a satirical take on pro sports power rankings and treat AEW as such. Any reference to sources or reports should not be taken seriously. Quotes are not real.
Following AEW Double or Nothing, the company knew they needed a strong show to build off that momentum. They thought utilizing stars from other sports would be useful, but it remains to be seen whether or not that worked.
One AEW official told me, "Tony Khan is big on crossover right now. Don't be surprised if some Jacksonville Jaguars start showing up in the coming weeks."
AEW Power Rankings - Week 33
1. Jungle Boy
Jungle Boy has yet to win the big one in AEW, but that can change next week against Cody. Despite his string of losses, Jungle Boy remains very confident and feels like he's playing with house money. Just being in the ring with Cody will allow him to grow. If he wins, he's the new champion. If he loses, he's still young and gaining invaluable experience. Jungle Boy is viewed as a high draft pick on a bad team. These early years are all about gaining experience and learning how to succeed down the line.
2. Jimmy Havoc & Kip Sabian
Havoc and Sabian are starting to come together, as evident by their victory on Wednesday. The duo had a great team-building exercise at Double or Nothing when Havoc tried to help Sabian secure a title shot. Though it didn't pan out, a stronger bond between the two was formed and fans saw that on Wednesday. They believe Hangman Page and Kenny Omega are vulnerable and look to capitalize next week.
3. Matt Hardy & The Young Bucks
Matt Jackson worked through his rib injury and Matt Hardy worked through his identity crisis. The Young Bucks enjoy having Matt Hardy as part of The Elite, especially this version of Matt Hardy, because he's actually multiple versions of Matt Hardy. In training, they can pull from the various version to help prepare them for anything. They needed the "deleter" Matt Hardy for the wild Stadium Stampede. They needed the "spot monkey" Matt Hardy for a six-man tag against Private Party & Joey Janela. Somewhere down the line, whenever they main event a show, they might need "big money" Matt Hardy to teach them how to draw.
4. Hikaru Shida
Shida wanted to get right back in the ring following her victory at AEW Double or Nothing as she was riding a momentum high. AEW didn't want to ruin that momentum so they scheduled a rather easy opponent for her and, as the champion, Shida delivered. I caught up with Shida following the match to ask her about the 2018 suspension, her actions last week, and her Double or Nothing victory. She said, "It was a tough week but I am doing well. I want to thank my fans for their support, my team for getting me ready, and my family because without them none of this would be possible. Bless."
5. Brian Cage
Jon Moxley requested Cage get a singles match following Double or Nothing and he requested to do commentary work for the match so he could get a personal scouting report. As the champion, Moxley's request was granted. Taz was not pleased that Moxley threw is weight around, which is why Taz got his wish on who Cage's opponent was. Taz wants Moxley to see as little tape as possible on his client. "This isn't the same Brian Cage that you're used to seeing. And Moxley will find that out at Fyter Fest."
6. FTR
Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler have arrived, but why are they here? The Young Bucks fully expected to be blindsided by FTR and were shocked that they actually saved them. The Young Bucks remain skeptical about their intentions. About FTR, they told me, "Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer." I tried to catch up with FTR for comments, but they sped off after their debut. They did send me a DM after the event saying, "We have a goal. We will accomplish it. Just wait." Keep it locked to their Twitter for more cryptic messages.
7. Cody
Cody has something to prove and him going the Open Challenge route is his way of proving it. He felt doubted by everyone, even those closest to him, heading into Double or Nothing. He got himself together and was able to conquer Archer, but he still feels doubted. He hears the whispers about MJF and he knows he can't challenge for the AEW World Title. He wants to make sure he earns the respect of everyone each and every week until there are no doubters. Brandi is said to be thrilled with this decision because Cody is at his happiest when he's able to perform each other. "I love my husband, but when he has a week off from wrestling, he starts to go a little crazy. This will be good for both of us. And no, he's no longer sleeping on the couch."
8. Mike Tyson
Tyson has a different memory of that night in 2010. Everyone recalls Tyson punching out Jericho on WWE Raw. But what they don't know is how Jericho antagonized him all day, acting as if he was better than Tyson. "He can't calling me buster," Tyson told me. "I didn't appreciate that. He did it again on Saturday. He's gonna learn."
9. The Inner Circle
The Inner Circle may have lost but they remain a strong unit. Chris Jericho held the Pep Rally to show that one loss will not divide them and that you either win or learn. Jericho expects Sammy Guevara, Santana, Ortiz, and Jake Hager to learn. While the Pep Rally was all fun and games, Jericho wanted to send the message at the end, "We're coming for heads." He wants Mike Tyson in the worst way. And now he wants a piece of Henry Cejudo, Vitor Belfort, Rashad Evans, and Mickey Gooch as well.
10. MJF & Wardlow
There are no issues between MJF and Wardlow. MJF has assured me.
11. Joey Janela & Private Party
A rough outing for Janela and Private Party as not only did they lose, but Marq Quen suffered an injury as well. Fortunately, Quen should be back in action shortly. Even if he's only out for a couple of weeks, that's a couple of weeks too much for a young team who still needs as many reps as they can get. It's possible Isaiah Kassidy and Joey Janela will continue to team moving forward as AEW wants to keep both men fresh and ready for then the opportunity arises.
12. Christi Jaynes
AEW officials love Jaynes. She pushed Shida on Wednesday and not many people expected that. Expect to see plenty of her on AEW Dark in the coming weeks.
13. Lee Johnson
Officials really like Johnson and we can expect to see more of him on AEW Dark. He needs some seasoning, but they like his upside and believe big things could be in his future.
14. SCU
A rough outing for the former Tag Team Champions. While Sabian and Havoc came together at Double or Nothing, Scorpio Sky and Frankie Kazarian were divided. They could have agreed to get the poker chip as the first two men in the ladder match, but instead fought it out in the name of competition. Sky is growing frustrated as he knows he's better than a tag team wrestler right now, but it's Christopher Daniels getting the opportunities as a singles competitor.
