Over the past few weeks, several former men’s world champions have thrown their names into this year’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament draw. Not to be outdone, last night on AEW Collision, six women- former and current champions (and one minion)- made their intentions known.
Three men and six women want to challenge for their respective world championship at All In Texas. Now, this week on Dynamite, the last show before Dynasty, AEW reveals both the men’s and women’s brackets. This year’s tournament could be the biggest and potentially most unpredictable yet.
What We Know So Far
Men’s brackets:
- Will Ospreay
- Hangman Adam Page
- Jay White
Women’s brackets:
- Mercedes Mone (TBS Champion)
- Billie Starkz
- Athena (ROH Women’s World Champion)
- Jamie Hayter
- Kris Statlander
- Thunder Rosa
Owen Hart Cup Tournament Wildcards?
Each year, the Owen Hart Cup Tournament men’s brackets have featured one wild card from New Japan Pro-Wrestling. In the inaugural tournament, it was Tomohiro Ishi. In 2023, it was Satoshi Kojima, and in 2024, it was Shingo Takagi.
We’ve already had Gabe Kidd and Clark Connors of War Dogs come to AEW in 2025. One of them could return. Or perhaps another makes the trip to North America? There would be some backstory for a kick-off match live on PPV with Will Ospreay or Jay White.
The women’s side does not usually get a wild card, but perhaps the recently signed and returning Mina Shirakawa would be a welcome surprise. Or perhaps someone else from Stardom will return like AZM.
Speculation
At their best, AEW tournaments set up more than one storyline. Ideally, we will see more build for summer 2025 and the rest of the All In card. Potentially, like last year’s tournament, it could revitalize a midcard act, like Jeff Jarrett.
Happening only weeks after The Dynasty International Championship Eliminator Tournament, the expectation will be that each match is a banger. The women’s field already gives plenty of hints without telegraphing if Toni Storm or Megan Bayne come away from Dynasty with the AEW Women’s World Championship. We are likely to get a preview or build for Athena vs. Mone.
On Dynamite, we may get more big surprises in the men’s brackets. For example, could Darby Allin return to gain his foreshadowed spot? Do MJF and The Hurt Syndicate get involved?
We can fantasy book until Wednesday, and then when the brackets are revealed, fantasy book some more.
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
Header photo – AEW – Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on the Owen Hart Cup tournament, AEW, and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world. As well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. You can catch AEW Dynamite on Wednesday nights at 8 PM ET on TBS. AEW Collision airs Saturday at 8pm Eastern on TNT. More AEW content available on their YouTube
