The MGM Grand in Las Vegas was the site for the second-ever AEW rally today, the first since the promotion’s announcement on January 8th. On hand for the rally were Cody & the Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), as well as All Elite Wrestling president Tony Khan.

A number of major announcements were expected at the event, and the promotion delivered in spades.

New Partnerships:

An hour prior to the official start of the rally, All Elite Wrestling and Lucha Libre AAA announced their partnership. No confirmed details were announced; however, it’s another exciting partnership after a previously-confirmed deal with OWE (Oriental Wrestling Entertainment) in China.

“Ther mission of providing the best lucha libre with the best modern stars fits perfectly with our mission of providing the best wrestling show on the damn planet,” said the Executive Vice President of AEW, Cody Rhodes. 

Appearances from the ownership group of OWE also took place later in the show, with Christopher Daniels of SoCal Uncensored challenging Cima and two OWE talents of his choice to face off with SCU at Double or Nothing.

Tickets:

One of the first confirmed pieces of news from Thursday - and the advertised reason for being in Vegas - was the official announcement on tickets for May 25th’s Double or Nothing. Early in the rally, Cody announced that a presale link for tickets could be signed up for at allelitewrestling.com, and would be open until Sunday, February 10th. General public tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, February 13th at 9:00 am.

New Talent Signed:

All Elite Wrestling promised to announce new talent on Thursday and boy, did they deliver.

A number of names were confirmed to be signed by AEW at Thursday’s rally, and all look poised to be major players for the brand in the future.

Sonny Kiss made his AEW debut first, announcing that he’ll be at the Double or Nothing event on May 25th.

Shortly after Cody’s ticket announcement, Sammy Guevara was officially announced as an AEW talent. Guevara is the current AAA Cruiserweight Champion and joins AEW by way of their newly-announced partnership with Lucha Libre AAA. Oh, and he’s got an excellent YouTube channel, too.

After rumours swirled last week about their signing, Best Friends debuted in an announcement from the Young Bucks. Both Chuck Taylor and Trent Barreta made brief comments at the rally, however, no announcements were made on any potential matches.

That all changed shortly after. As the Young Bucks left the stage following the announcement of the Best Friends, the Lucha BrothersPenta El Zero M and Rey Fenix - made their unannounced AEW debuts. After briefly facing off with the Jacksons, the two attacked the Bucks and setting up their match at Double or Nothing. Their signings were all but confirmed last weekend with a handshake agreement following a Lucha Bros/SCU match; however, Thursday’s appearance confirmed that the two talented luchadors had signed with the promotion. Now, two of the best tag teams in the world will square off on May 25th in what’s likely to be the main

Yuka Sakazaki and Aja Kong were both announced to have signed by Brandi Rhodes, and both were confirmed to be appearing at Double or Nothing.

Perhaps the biggest name announced by Rhodes at Thursday’s event was AAW Women’s Champion, Kylie Rae. The independent standout is poised to be a lynchpin of the women’s division and cut a brief promo on her signing with AEW. However, shortly into her first official appearance, Nyla Rose interrupted through the crowd and faced off with Rae. After a brief skirmish, the two made their separate ways.

However, the major news of the evening - nay, perhaps the year - was the AEW debut of Kenny Omega. Routinely touted as the best wrestler in the world, Omega more than lived up to his moniker of the Best Bout Machine through his time in New Japan Pro Wrestling. His free agency was major news across the wrestling world, and All Elite Wrestling made yet another statement in signing the Cleaner to an exclusive deal. Not only has Omega signed with the promotion, but he’s also been hired; Omega will join Cody and the Young Bucks as an executive vice president for the company. His signing can’t be understated and likely represents their biggest free agent signing to date. However, in the midst of his signing announcement, none other than Omega’s former foe Chris Jericho made an unscheduled appearance at the rally. The two exchanged a tense staredown before both throwing puches; however, the brawl was quickly broken up by Cody, Daniels et all and potentially set up yet another bout on the Double or Nothing match card.

Speaking of…

Double or Nothing Match Card:

We have our first matches for Double or Nothing, and wrestling fans look poised to be treated to some absolutely outstanding matches on May 25th.

Adam “Hangman” Page vs. PAC in official for Vegas, giving fans a match that had been rumoured since AEW’s first rally just under a month ago. While nothing was confirmed, Page has been staunch in his desire to be the first-ever All Elite Wrestling Champion, and some have suggested the match could be to award the inaugural champ.

The Young Bucks vs. the Lucha Bros also looks likely for Double or Nothing, with the match looking set to main event the show.

SCU vs. Cima/OWE talents was confirmed after the aforementioned challenge from Christopher Daniels.

While nothing was confirmed, the following matches also look likely for Double or Nothing:

Kenny Omega vs. Chris Jericho

Kylie Rae vs. Nyla Rose

That’s it, that’s all! Excited about the latest from AEW, wrestling fans?

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AEW Double or Nothing Ticket Announcement Party: What We Learned
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Spencer Love

Once stood in front of Cedric Alexander in line at a hotel. Slightly big deal.

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