Darby’s Return Looms, But It’s Hangman’s Moment
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At Double or Nothing 2025, “Hangman” Adam Page delivered one of the biggest victories of his AEW career. He defeated Will Ospreay in the finals of the Owen Hart Cup. With that win, he not only claimed a prestigious accolade but also secured a world title shot against Jon Moxley at All In on July 12.
The question now looming large over the AEW universe is this: Will “Hangman” finally be the one to dethrone Moxley?
Allin’s Return Could Complicate the Picture
For months, speculation has swirled that AEW’s long-term plan has been for Moxley to eventually drop the world championship to Darby Allin. The narrative gained steam as Allin embarked on a well-publicized climb of Mount Everest, sidelining him from active competition. That climb has since been completed successfully, and reports indicate he’s already on his way back. Depending on weather and physical condition, the descent from Everest typically takes between three to seven days. So, Allin could be back in time to be featured at All In.
However, a lot has changed during Allin’s absence. AEW’s landscape has evolved, and no wrestler has more momentum right now than Adam Page. The crowd is firmly behind him, his matches are consistently top-tier, and his recent promos show a reinvigorated fire reminiscent of his original world title run. Simply put, it feels like Hangman’s moment.
While Allin’s return is anticipated and will no doubt spark excitement, thrusting him immediately into the world title picture may be premature—and potentially detrimental. Rather than forcing a rushed title run, AEW could benefit more by building a slow-burn story between Allin and Moxley after All In. A program built around respect, intensity, and their shared history in AEW could elevate him more organically and preserve Moxley’s aura post-title reign. Then, when the time is right, Allin can ascend in a way that feels earned and impactful.
AEW Can’t Miss With Hangman Again
On the other hand, “Hangman” is peaking right now. AEW has missed key opportunities before—notably when Swerve Strickland had momentum going into Dynasty—and making the same mistake with Page would be costly. The stars have aligned: A red-hot Hangman, a crowd hungry for change, and a storyline that writes itself. Passing on this opportunity in favor of a rigid long-term plan with Allin risks alienating fans and undermining Page’s credibility.
Tony Khan is known for playing the long game, but sometimes wrestling magic happens in the moment. This is one of those moments. If AEW wants to capitalize on its momentum, deliver a major feel-good moment at All In, and set the stage for compelling post-PPV storytelling, then the choice is clear.
It’s Hangman’s time. Everyone knows it—now it’s up to AEW to act on it.
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