2024 was packed with incredible moments that made us laugh, cry, and give the television the five-finger salute. What surprises will await us in 2025? 

As of now, we head into the new year completely in the dark, but here are five wild moments that could take place on AEW programming next year.

Ricky Starks Wins The TNT Championship

I know Ricky Starks is likely headed for WWE, but hear me out. After all, there’s no way that Tony Khan is going to pay Starks to sit on his butt for his entire contract, right? Look, I think what’s going on with Ricky Starks is an injustice as the guy is simply too darn good to be kept off television. 

Which is why I think he’ll win theTNT title. Ricky Starks is the total package: he can cut one hell of a promo and knows how to work a match. That’s why his title reign will be designed to put someone else over. Who would Tony Khan give the rub to?

I’m not too sure, but a guy like Hook, Brody King, or Shelton Benjamin are possible candidates since Tony seems to like all three. I’m not too sure about Hook’s future. To be honest, Hook going to WWE wouldn't be surprising; however, I can see him being elevated towards AEW’s upper mid-card in 2025 if he doesn’t leave. There’s a way to get some good mileage out of Starks before he leaves. If he does, of course.

Miro Joins The Death Riders

Reportedly, Miro’s contract ends in early Spring 2026; time can be added on due to injury. With Starks, it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s never seen on AEW television again, but Miro is a top talent who’s too good to be sitting at home. Plus, he’s getting paid way too much money to do nothing. I heard reports that the former WWE star wanted to feud with Jon Moxley. I feel this is a great introduction to that eventual rivalry. 

They can play off Miro’s frustration and release reports of him wanting to leave. That could be a great reason why he wants to tear down the AEW roster. However, they can slowly build towards his babyface turn by Miro objecting to Moxley’s cruel leadership. Or maybe Miro turns out to be the cruel one who wants the world to burn! So many possibilites. Miro vs. Jon Moxley could be a fantastic feud and though I don’t see anyone but Darby Allin beating the AEW World Champion, this would be an amazing gateway to get Miro back on top of the card. 

Malakai Black Wins The AEW World Championship

It genuinely surprises me that Malakai Black isn’t a former AEW World Champion. He came in so strong by dominantly beating Cody Rhodes, but then he was needlessly put into the tag team division. Malakai is a singles star and I believe that he’ll finally break away from the House of Black stuff in 2025. 

There’s nothing else for him to do in the tag team division. Sure, you can write the guy a compelling feud. Hell, one of my favorite feuds with Black was when he refused to say Velveteen Dream’s name. But I feel it’s time to establish him as a top singles competitor. 

I don’t see Black winning the belt until Wrestle Dream or beyond. As I mentioned above, Darby Allin seems to be the guy destined to beat Jon Moxley and he likely won’t win the belt until All In. A Black/Darby Allin feud could be awesome. So would an AEW World title run. 

Big Bill Puts Chris Jericho On The Injured List

What else is there for Jericho to do in AEW? He’s feuded with nearly everyone on the roster and the former AEW World Champion has been stale for quite some time. Father time gets the best of all of us and I can see him calling it a career soon. But not in 2025. Jericho is generally a wise wrestler and understands what is and isn’t working. He likely knows that the Learning Tree has a short shelf life.

I can see Jericho giving Big Bill the rub by putting him over strong with an injury angle. Or even a dominant performance in a match to really skyrocket Big Bill. That allows him to disappear from television for a long time and come up with a strong character that can get the former AEW World Champion back on track. 

Anna Jay Will Win The TBS Championship

This one feels the most obvious than anything on the list because Anna Jay has been built up since she made her AEW debut. It’s clear that Tony Khan sees something special in her and the young AEW star has risen to the occasion whenever she’s allowed to do so. I don’t see her winning the AEW Women’s World Championship yet, but I can see that happening within three years. 

However, the TBS Championship would be a great gateway into that. It’ll be a much-deserved reign as Anna has improved throughout the years; AEW just needs to give her some character development and a story she can sink her teeth into.