NZPWI Roundtable: AEW Double or Nothing 2020 predictions, preview

by NZPWI

May 24, 2020

NZPWI Roundtable: AEW Double or Nothing 2020 predictions, preview

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In a year of unique matches, AEW Double or Nothing may play host to the most unique of them all.

Chris Jericho’s Inner Circle battles The Elite and Matt Hardy in a Stadium Stampede at the empty TIAA Bank Field next to Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida.

The Inner Circle have enjoyed a numbers advantage over the last few months but Hardy ensures the odds will be even on May 24.

Who does this unique match-up favour? Join the NZPWI Roundtable as we break down the card for AEW Double or Nothing 2020.

* * *

Stadium Stampede:
The Elite (Hangman Page, Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks) & Matt Hardy vs. The Inner Circle

David Dunn (71% accurate for 2020):
Look, there’s no logical way to break down a Stadium Stampede and try to determine a winner. It’s going to come down to who’s got more on the line, and who’s got the most to prove.
Winners: The Elite & Matt Hardy

Grady Hooker (64% accurate for 2020):
The Elite (and Hardy) seem to have the number of The Inner Circle lately. Hardy will also be extra enraged that his best friend recently got murdered in cold blood by Jericho, which isn’t to make it any easier for The Inner Circle.
Winners: The Elite & Matt Hardy

Steve McCleary (63% accurate for 2020):
What’s a stadium shaped like? That’s right, the circular symbol of victory. Plenty of games played in stadiums, but this is 2020 — all games are on hiatus, and the winners are the ones who don’t play. They fight.
Winners: The Inner Circle

Richard Butler:
Wow, I have no idea where to start with even trying to objectively find a winner here. I think I’ll have to go with The Inner Circle, they’re one cohesive group. The Elite has Adam Page, who’s great, but can they rely on him? I also feel The Inner Circle will do anything to win, whereas I’m not sure The Elite will stoop to the same lows.
Winners: The Inner Circle

AEW World Championship:
Jon Moxley (c) vs. Mr Brodie Lee

David:
Jon Moxley was the talk of the town coming out of Double or Nothing 2019, and I see the same being true for 2020.
Winner: Jon Moxley

Grady:
The Exalted One might have a crazy cult behind him, but Moxley has proven he can hang with the craziest. If anything, The Dark Order might end up accidentally costing Brodie Lee his championship opportunity.
Winner: Jon Moxley

Steve:
I believe in Mr Brodie Lee and what The Dark Order profess, but you don’t box in Mox.
Winner: Jon Moxley

Richard:
I’ve got Mox here, but not decisively. I’m expecting a lot of Dark Order shenanigans and interference along the way.
Winner: Jon Moxley

TNT Championship:
Cody w/ Arn Anderson & Brandi Rhodes vs. Lance Archer w/ Jake Roberts

David:
Lance Archer has been utterly dominant over the course of the TNT Championship tournament. With Jake Roberts in his corner, adding that little extra touch, he’s going to be near-unstoppable for the foreseeable future, which includes this match.
Winner: Lance Archer

Grady:
I think Cody is a little full of himself and scared of this match-up at the same time. That’s a great combination for Archer, who can easily capitalise and become the first TNT Champion.
Winner: Lance Archer

Steve:
EVERY. BODY. DIES.
Winner: Lance Archer

Richard:
This is really hard to call. There will be action in the ring and ringside with Arn and Jake – and that’s not even factoring in Mike Tyson. This will be entertaining as hell…
Winner: Cody

AEW Women’s World Championship, No Disqualification Match:
Nyla Rose (c) vs. Hikaru Shida

David:
Shida’s been at the top of the AEW Rankings forever – her title shot is long overdue. Unfortunately for her, she’s got to face The Native Beast with no count-outs or disqualifications, which is a stipulation I feel favours the champ.
Winner: Nyla Rose

Grady:
Nyla has had a great run as champion, but her time might be coming to an end as Hikaru Shida stands across the ring from her.
Winner: Hikaru Shida

Steve:
Nyla has the power advantage, but there’s more to winning than being strong. Shida is the total package.
Winner: Hikaru Shida

Richard:
Nyla Rose takes this. I’m not her biggest fan but she’s just kicking ass and brutalizing her competition at this point so it’s hard to bet against her.
Winner: Nyla Rose

Casino Ladder Match:
Colt Cabana vs. Darby Allin vs. Frankie Kazarian vs. Joey Janela vs. Kip Sabian vs. Luchasaurus vs. Orange Cassidy vs. Scorpio Sky vs. ???

David:
Ladder matches are always dangerous, and always exciting. The same can be said of Darby Allin…
Winner: Darby Allin

Grady:
A lot of great talent in this match! My heart wants me to pick Kazarian or Luchasaurus, but they don’t really have the advantage in a ladder match. That advantage would go to someone like Darby Allin, so I will pick with my brain.
Winner: Darby Allin

Steve:
I think ??? has worked too long and hard to let this opportunity pass them by. Remember these words: 2020 is the year of ???
Winner: ???

Richard:
I’m picking the mystery man! Especially if they’re the last man to enter. They have a huge psychological advantage knowing who they have to prepare for, and everyone else has no idea what to expect.
Winner: ???

Dustin Rhodes vs. Shawn Spears

David:
Spears issued the challenge for this match, he must have a reason.
Winner: Shawn Spears

Grady:
Shawn Spears is trying to make a name for himself by taking down a legend. He has disrespected him over and over for weeks – it is time for Rhodes to get some revenge.
Winner: Dustin Rhodes

Steve:
Was there something left of Rhodes after Archer used him as a crash test Dustin? Much love to the vet, but Spears knows when to take his shots and Rhodes might as well paint a bullseye on his face.
Winner: Shawn Spears

Richard:
Bold move on Shawn’s part calling out Dustin, especially such a short time after Dustin had his career on the line. Shawn couldn’t beat Cody – can he beat his brother and maybe find a way into a more prominent position. I think he can.
Winner: Shawn Spears

Jungle Boy vs. MJF w/ Wardlow

David:
Luchasaurus is tied up with the Casino Ladder Match, but Wardlow has nothing to do except keep watch over MJF. Not that MJF couldn’t beat Jungle Boy on his own, but I don’t think he’ll have to.
Winner: MJF

Grady:
I picked the ladder match with my head, so I’m picking this one with my heart.
Winner: Jungle Boy

Steve:
The kid will kiss the ring and his dreams goodbye.
Winner: MJF

Richard:
MJF all day! These two will meet in the ring numerous times in coming years, but at this point in time it’s the MJF show.
Winner: MJF

Note: Kris Statlander vs. Penelope Ford had not been announced at the time NZPWI Roundtable picks were made.