After receiving mixed reviews for WrestleDream 2025, AEW has quickly shifted its focus to the upcoming pay-per-view, Full Gear 2025, which is less than a month away. The Jacksonville-based promotion has already started building momentum for Full Gear during recent episodes of Dynamite and Collision.
On the flagship show, the Women’s World Title match was confirmed for the upcoming PPV after champion Kris Statlander accepted Mercedes Mone’s challenge—originally issued at WrestleDream. Additionally, a major No. 1 Contenders’ match was scheduled to determine World Champion Hangman Page’s next challenger. This crucial match is set to take place on this week’s episode of Dynamite: Fright Night.
With Dynamite: Fright Night airing this Wednesday, AEW President Tony Khan is poised to take the next step in generating excitement for Full Gear. Fans can expect some intriguing twists and surprises on the show. Here’s a look at three potential surprises AEW might unveil on Dynamite: Fright Night.
### #3. Claudio Castagnoli Betrays Jon Moxley on AEW Dynamite: Fright Night
Jon Moxley has been facing a turbulent stretch in AEW lately. The Purveyor of Violence’s recent track record in big matches has been less than stellar—from losing the World Championship to Hangman Page, to falling in the Lights Out Steel Cage match at Forbidden Door against Will Ospreay’s team, and more recently, losing to arch-nemesis Darby Allin in an “I-Quit” match at WrestleDream 2025.
Given these setbacks, Moxley’s faction, the Death Riders, could hold a vote of no confidence in their leader during Dynamite. Leading this possible coup is former WWE United States Champion and multi-time WWE Tag Team Champion, Claudio Castagnoli (formerly Cesaro). As the Swiss Superstar and the group’s most experienced member after Moxley, Claudio might convince the faction to abandon the One True King, potentially taking over leadership of the Death Riders.
### #2. The Don Callis Family Could Implode
Tensions within the Don Callis Family have been building for some time, particularly between Konosuke Takeshita and Unified Champion Kazuchika Okada. Their dynamic took a hit after the duo failed to capture the AEW World Tag Team Championships against Brodido at WrestleDream 2025. During that match, Okada accidentally struck Takeshita, showing no remorse; instead, he grinned at the reigning IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.
Takeshita did not take this lightly and attempted to confront Okada on last week’s Dynamite, but was stopped by Don Callis and AEW TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher. In response to these internal frictions, Don Callis has called for a family summit on this week’s Dynamite: Fright Night.
While this summit aims to resolve internal disputes, it could very well backfire. The massive egos of both Takeshita and Okada might spiral out of control, causing the faction to implode. This could result in the formation of rival subgroups within the family or even result in the eviction of one of the two stars.
### #1. Cedric Alexander Joins the Hurt Syndicate
WWE released Cedric Alexander in February of this year. Although he signed with TNA shortly after, speculation has swirled among fans that the 36-year-old could reunite with his former Hurt Business allies—MVP, Bobby Lashley, and Shelton Benjamin—now rebranded as the Hurt Syndicate in AEW.
With Cedric’s contract set to expire soon, these rumors may finally come to fruition this week. Tony Khan is expected to sign Cedric Alexander and debut him on Dynamite: Fright Night.
This week’s Dynamite: Fright Night also features a pivotal four-way match where Bobby Lashley of the Hurt Syndicate will face Samoa Joe, Ricochet, and Hook for a chance to become the No. 1 Contender for Hangman Page’s AEW World Championship.
As the match unfolds, interference from the allies of each competitor is highly likely. Amid the chaos, Cedric’s debut could play a critical role in helping Lashley secure the No. 1 Contender spot—marking a major win for the Hurt Syndicate and their newest member.
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With Dynamite: Fright Night just around the corner, AEW fans have much to look forward to as the promotion ramps up toward Full Gear 2025. Whether it’s shocking betrayals, faction drama, or surprise debuts, this week’s show promises to deliver plenty of excitement.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/aew/former-wwe-champion-replace-jon-moxley-heel-faction-finally-implodes-3-major-surprises-can-happen-aew-dynamite-wednesday