5 Possible mystery entrants in the Casino Gauntlet Match at AEW Full Gear 2025

AEW Full Gear is set to take place this weekend at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. A Casino Gauntlet match is one of the blockbuster matches set to be featured at the pay-per-view.

On previous occasions, the Casino Gauntlet match granted the winner a number-one contendership. This has mostly been for world title opportunities, but on occasion has been for a shot to challenge for other major titles within the company.

This time around, the winner will be crowned the inaugural AEW National Champion. This belt is set to be one that will bridge the gap between the company and other promotions around the world. It goes without saying that those within the Tony Khan-led promotion and other major companies may be interested in this. Here are some blockbuster names who could enter the match.

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#1. Adam Copeland

Adam Copeland has not been seen since All Out, as he has been written off-screen for the time being. In kayfabe, he has been away to focus on taking care of his family after his wife was attacked by FTR. In reality, he has been focusing on some projects of his outside the ring, including filming for several major productions.

With a match like this on the horizon, and honoring the legendary lineage of the NWA National title, Cope could make his return for this occasion. Reports have indicated that his filming could wrap up by the end of the month, so even if he were to win the title, this wouldn't completely get in the way of anything. Having a legend like him win the title, or at least vie for this, would be a fitting scenario.

#2. Chris Jericho

Chris Jericho's future with AEW remains shrouded in mystery as he has been away since April. His contract is reportedly set to expire by the end of the year, which has led to speculation that he may no longer return to the promotion.

Having him return at AEW Full Gear in the Casino Gauntlet match would be an interesting move, and one consistent with his character, who will do whatever it takes to win championship gold. This would also be a monumental way to confirm that he isn't going anywhere, if this is indeed the case. Tony Khan has hopes that he'll make a return, and this could be a great place to pull it off.

#3. Buddy Matthews

Buddy Matthews, unfortunately, had his push derailed as he suffered an ankle injury at Grand Slam: Australia back in February. However, he has continued to face setbacks in his recovery.

During his last appearances in AEW, he was part of the Hounds of Hell alongside Brody King and Julia Hart. This group has since then gone its separate ways, with Brody forming a duo with Bandido, and Hart becoming a member of the Triangle of Madness.

Should Matthews make his return, he could align with Brody King and Bandido. His chemistry in the ring with King, along with someone as talented as the luchador, could make this a trio to watch out for. With the two holding the tag team titles, he could become their representative in singles competition and go for the National Championship.

Unfortunately, this is highly unlikely because he does not seem to be close to a return and is still focusing on recovery from his injury.

#4. Matt Cardona returns to AEW

Matt Cardona shocked the world when he returned to WWE as Zack Ryder for John Cena's The Last Time is Now Tournament. Despite the appearance, it has been reported that this was only a one-off, and he is not signed to the company.

Cardona could look to make another big splash in the industry and enter himself into the Casino Gauntlet match this weekend at AEW Full Gear. Last year, he competed in two matches for the promotion, including answering a TNT Championship Open Challenge against Adam Copeland.

His being the Indy God is fitting for the National Championship, as this would be defended in promotions around the world. He could continue to push his character further should he win the belt.

#5. Mistico

Given that this belt will be defended in companies around the globe, it is to be expected that some international stars may throw their names in the hat and go for the gold.

Mistico (FKA Sin Cara) can be considered, as he was also part of the Casino Gauntlet match at All In: Texas. Being arguably the biggest attraction in CMLL, he could be the perfect choice for a man outside the company who could win the belt. This would give more exposure to the belt as it would be greatly featured in CMLL, and this could also take him to other major promotions.

This would also give a reason for the luchador to continue appearing for AEW, an arrangement that could continue to boost the partnership between the two promotions. Him being over around the world is a good indication that this move could work.

There is no telling what sort of surprises could take place this weekend at AEW Full Gear. This Casino Gauntlet match alone could showcase several big names slugging it out to win the company's newest prize. Who do you think could enter the contest?

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Edited by Enzo Curabo