For the past two years, All Elite Wrestling has given a select handful of the promotion's finest the chance of a lifetime. In the final stretch of the calendar year, eight of AEW's most exceptional competitors are given the opportunity to battle over a shot at it's top title - the AEW World Championship. However, with such a variety of talent coming into 2022, the number of entrants has been increased to sixteen! Throughout the history of this annual tournament, it has provided a sense of star-making performances, with the eventual winners, such as Kenny Omega and Bryan Danielson, have come out of it with an exceptional rise of stardom moving forward. With that said, in this booking, I've been tasked with booking this year's prominence-making moment, and adding the third winner of this illustrious tournament into the history books. Without furtherado, it's about time for 2022's AEW Eliminator Tournament! However, before we begin our story, let's take a look back on the events that take place in the months prior, all the way up to the build of the Full Gear PPV.

Hangman's Inevitable Downfall

"Hangman" Adam Page kicked off his 2022 with an AEW World Championship defense, as he attempted to knock off The American Dragon, and secure his top spot in the promotion. Only a few weeks prior, he had gone to a 60-minute draw with his opposition, and now with a second chance at redemption at his disposal, and three judges sitting at ringside, in order to keep the events that occurred at Winter Is Coming from repeating itself. Both of these competitors, once again gave it their very all against one another, as neither man wanted to kick-off the new year with a championship loss, which inevitably created quite the back-and-forth atmosphere. It seemed as either individual could've walked with AEW's top prize, but after a little over 30 minutes of intense and physical action, it came down to who simply wanted the victory more. As the conclusion was eventually seen, Danielson seemed to have the matchup in the bag, as he proceeded to back up into the nearest corner, proceeding to motion for the champion to return to his vertical base. Once his wish is granted, DANIELSON ATTEMPTS FOR A RUNNING KNEE STRIKE...BUT LUCKILY HANGMAN IS ABLE TO STEP TO HIS SIDE, CLEARLY AVOIDING THE DASTARDLY MANEUVER! As he falls directly upon the canvas, the challenger is unable to move, which gives the champion the opportunity to position himself upon the apron, and once Danielson returns to his feet, HANGMAN MANAGES TO LAND A SLINGSHOT LARIAT! 1...2...3...!

Managing to start off the new year strong, he looks to move on from The American Dragon... Initially winning the AEW World Championship back at Full Gear in November, "Hangman" Adam Page looked to continue building his reputation, especially around his title reign. Throughout the next few months, he went onto pour his heart and soul into defending the very title, that he worked incredibly hard to obtain for over two years. His first stop came at AEW Revolution, where his feud with PAC from back in 2019, would inevitably be reignited, as the two fought tooth and nail in an attempt to walk out with the AEW World Championship, which unsurprisingly turned out to be a truly competitive contest. However, in the end, the challenger seemed to be too focused on playing into the champion's past weaknesses, which eventually cost him, as Hangman proved that he's improved since their last encounter, and seemingly was able to outsmart The Death Triangle Leader. Putting him away with a Slingshot Lariat, simply carrying over the same maneuver to each defense, and continuing his title reign in the process, but unfortunately for him, it didn't get any easier for him in the near future.

With two of his most fierce rivals in the rear-view mirror, Hangman felt the need to send a message out to the entire locker-room, issuing a challenge to whoever dared to step up. A few moments began to pass, and without a presence to be revealed, it seemed as the champion's challenge would go unanswered, until it simply wasn't... In mere seconds, Jon Moxley's theme would begin to blare over the PA System, and with his old theme having returned, it seemed as his old form had too, as he marches through the crowd, proceeding to jump over the barricade, and eventually met Hangman in the center of the ring. THE DEATH RIDER HAS RETURNED TO AEW... AND HIS INTENTIONS WOULD IMMEDIATELY BE MADE CLEAR, AS HE CONNECTS WITH A PARADIGM SHIFT ON THE CHAMPION! Upon making an undeniably impactful return, he proceeds to lift up AEW's top title above his head, making it quite clear, that he's come back for one thing - the AEW World Championship. Having lost it back in December 2020, he looked to become the first ever 2x World Champion, which could only occur at the expense of Hangman. We wouldn't have to wait long, as the two would meet in early April.

With a special title defense planned for April 6th's edition of AEW Dynamite, "Hangman" Adam Page looked to successfully defend his most cherished possession against the second ever champion, but this could go down as his toughest test since reaching the top of the mountain at Full Gear. Upon the champion contest officially commencing, the aggressive attitude that once was showcased in the most recent AEW World Championship Eliminator Tournament, would be shown again. Going on to pick apart each of the champion's body parts, slowly and methodically, it was clear he always had a plan, even before his return. However, as we witnessed in both of his battles against Bryan Danielson, Hangman wasn't afraid to let out his dark side, and to go deep into a matchup to increase his chances of success. This contest turned out to be no different, as the champion proceeded to use his more vicious side, which eventually aided him to yet another successful title defense. This conclusion came when Moxley failed at AN ATTEMPT AT A PARADIGM SHIFT, AND HANGMAN WOULD COUNTER IT INTO A DEADEYE! BUSTING THAT OUT IN DESPERATION...1...2...3...! With his fourth successful title defense, he will walk into Double Or Nothing, simply put, looking for his fifth, no matter who against.

Coming into the road to the Double Or Nothing PPV, it seemed as Hangman had vanquished all viable challengers, leaving no single individual left to challenge him. Proceeding to take part in in an exclusive interview the following Wednesday night, the champion went on to state that, since dethroning arguably the greatest wrestler in the world, and then going on to defend against the distinct few that are surely in that conversation aswell. He continues, by saying that, his goal by the end of this title reign, is to leave no doubt in anyone's mind, that he deserves to be apart of that conversation aswell, but as he says this, his attention is immediately diverted, as he proceeds to stare ahead of him, before it's revealed to be... CM PUNK! He slowly begins to make his way towards the champion, and without having to say much, he begins to remind Hangman that he's looking at the Best In The World, and he better not forget it. Simply not saying another word, he instead chooses to place his pointer finger upon the center of the gold, clearly setting his sights on it for the PPV. Keeping his calmness throughout it all, Hangman simply nods, signifying that he's accepted the challenge.

With it now made official, Hangman and Punk meet at the Double Or Nothing PPV, with the AEW World Championship on the line. Following his loss to MJF at AEW Revolution, the latter has been on an absolute tear, where he has finally earned another world title shot, in the first time in a little over nine years. While both competitors have quite different arsenals, the chemistry these two shared was outstanding, which admittedly created a back-and-forth encounter, which quickly showcased the immense talent both individuals have. As this championship contest ended up lasting about 25 minutes, the champion once again attempted to use his more aggressive side, in order to gain an advantage in this Double Or Nothing main event. After a highly physical encounter between the two, it's conclusion eventually came to be shown, where Hangman WAS SUCCESSFULLY ABLE TO LAND A DEADEYE! Almost immediately after reaching his knees, he quickly charges towards the apron, WHERE HE ATTEMPTS FOR A BUCKSHOT LARIAT...BUT PUNK CATCHES HIM WITH A KNEE TO THE FACE! Right as this occurs, the champion's visual expressions suggests he's in a state of shock, which the challenger takes advantage of, AND PROCEEDS TO CONNECT WITH A GTS! 1...2...3...! Hangman's reign has finally come to an end, with The Best In The World claiming his spot on top!

As Punk is handed AEW's top title, he refuses to lift it up above his head in celebration, but instead chooses to help the challenger up to a vertical base. As he eventually finds his footing, Punk wastes no time in revealing his true intentions... AS HE SLAMS THE TITLE BELT INTO THE SKULL OF THE FORMER CHAMPION! In a shocking turn of events, Punk begins to maliciously smirk, before hoisting up Hangman one last time, before putting him back down WITH A GTS! Proceeding to stand tall over the grounded Cowboy, he now decides to raise his newly won World Championship above his head, and with an entire new demeanor to go along with it. After nine long years, Punk has finally made it back to the top of a promotion, but with that, he's become the very thing he despised for so many years, but that didn't matter to him, not in this moment. All that mattered was what he had obtained, and who he had to get through in the near future, to make sure he kept his spot on the hierarchy.

Best In The World Volume II

Moving on from Double Or Nothing, CM Punk looked to start his reign off strong, as while he was successfully able to knock off top-caliber opponents time-and-time again, his first defense came at Road Rager 2022. After overcoming a variety of opposition in this year's Casino Battle Royale, Rey Fenix comes into this special edition of AEW Dynamite, to attempt to dethrone Punk in his first defense. Coming into this championship contest, while Fenix seemed to rely on his aerial ability, Punk wasn't afraid to return fire with his new side of aggressiveness, proceeding to show no hesitation at all throughout the duration of this matchup. On several occasions, the champion decided to use his LETHAL KNEE STRIKES, which the challenger countered with his NASTY KICKS! Admittedly, after over 20 minutes of non-stop action, it seemed as the two were at a stand-still, until Fenix CONNECTED WITH A SUPERKICK, AND FROM THERE, HE ATTEMPTED FOR A BLACK FIRE DRIVER...BUT PUNK COUNTERS IT! Upon finding his footing, he begins TO SLAM HIS KNEES INTO FENIX'S SKULL... BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A GTS! 1...2...3...! With that, the self-proclaimed Best In The World has retained AEW's top title!

Similar to when he first captured the AEW World Championship, he refuses to raise up his most prized possession, bust instead decides to add insult to injury, BY LOCKING IN THE ANDOCONDA VISE! Attempting to squeeze the life out of Rey Fenix, he isn't able to get too far, BEFORE EDDIE KINGSTON BEGINS TO STORM TO THE RING! For the first time since Full Gear 2020, these two would share a ring with one another, but before anything could go further, the champion proceeded to scurry out of the ring, where he could only watch on, as Eddie looked down upon his grounded friend. Before the broadcast could come to it's conclusion, the War King positioned himself right next to Fenix, and then began to whisper into his ear, that somehow he'll avenge him, no matter what it takes, or who he has to get through, he won't sit idly by and let him suffer without any vengeance. With that said, it seemed as Punk's first AEW World title reign was kicking into first gear, with no sign of stopping him. His confidence continued to be showcased, even into the later parts of the Summer, and into early Fall, where a familiar friend and rival, came knocking onto AEW's door, issuing a challenge.

Still in the month of July, CM Punk continued to make AEW Dynamite his show, and while many had tried in the months leading up to Road Rager, including Rey Fenix, it just simply was to no avail. However, coming into the first AEW Dynamite Post-Road Rager, the champion found himself in a non-title contest against none other than, a returning Christopher Daniels! Coming back from traveling the states, he's come back to All Elite Wrestling, in an attempt to overcome the self-proclaimed Best In The World, for the first time in any capacity since 2005. From the very start of this contest, it was evident that their chemistry between eachother had never faded, and this would quickly turn into an instant classic! The battle instead lasted around 21 minutes, with neither man wanting to admit defeat, but eventually one of them had to give in, which Daniels eventually did. Having been locked into the Anaconda Vise for mere moments, he quickly began to submit, which only further showcased the clear power behind the hold, as the champion claimed a clean victory.

However, as the official attempted to raise Punk's hand in victory, he quickly realized that he had refused to let go of the hold, and proceeded to keep it locked in deep. It seemed as long as the submission hold remained locked in, Daniels' ability to breathe would continue to dwindle, but that didn't come to fruition for the champion, as an unexpected theme song blared over the PA System! As the individual behind the tune, proceeded to step from behind the curtain... it was revealed to be...SAMOA JOE! HE'S HERE, AND FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE EDDIE KINGSTON, IT SEEMED AS FEAR HAD RETURNED TO PUNK'S EYES! As he eventually made it into the ring, Punk would scurry out of the ring, as he's now made enemies with both Joe and Kingston, but most importantly, the former has made his presence known inside All Elite Wrestling. The future was unpredictable, but for now, Joe's intentions seemed pretty clear for the near future, and that's to bring what's coming to the champion, especially after all the pain he's caused these last several months, since capturing AEW's top title.

For the next month or so, it seemed as Punk and Joe would steer clear from eachother, but the same couldn't be said for their passions inside of a squared circle. Both individuals began to rack up victories, one after the other, with the latter hoping to earn himself a title shot against the Best In The World in the near future, which by the All Out PPV, his record seemed to be impeccable, that AEW officials simply couldn't leave his name out of contention. After a heated altercation between the two, and a sparring session of harsh vocal back-and-forth, the title contest was soon made official. Upon reaching the PPV, the matchup turned out how you may expect, with both men bringing out the best in one another, but also kicking it up a notch aswell. Each competitor's wrestling ability was never in question, but once they kicked into full gear, the brawling aspects of their respective arsenals were showcased aswell, which created quite the environment. In the end though, it was Punk who once again successfully retained his most prized possession, after Joe was unable to tighten his grip in a COQUINA CLUTH ATTEMPT, WHICH LED TO PUNK QUICKLY LANDING A GTS! 1...2...3...! Just barely able to keep his reign in-tact, his hands will still be full if certain individuals have anything to say about it.

While Punk's reign can only be described as 'everchanging', he can't begin to rest just yet, as he'll not only have to defend at the Full Gear PPV, but if he somehow retains his title for a third time, he will have possibly the biggest test of them all awaiting him on the other side. As the winner of 2022's AEW World Championship Eliminator Tournament, will have the right to challenge for the implied belt at this year's Winter Is Coming event, just as the previous two winners have been able to. However, before we can arrive to our destination, and kick-start this tournament with it's opening round, it's important that we analyze who will be taking part in it, and if they have had any history in it prior to this year. With each indiviudal assumably wanting to cement their legacies, let's not wait any longer. So without any more wasted time, here are the 16 participants in this year's Eliminator Tournament...

Participants

Samoa Joe – Since arriving to All Elite Wrestling back in early July, Samoa Joe has taken the company by storm, even coming up just short against CM Punk back at the All Out PPV. Being given another chance to prove himself, and with the ability to conquer yet another top-tier promotion, this tournament could be exactly what he needs to return to the promise land. Entering his first AEW Eliminator Tournament this year, it'll be quite interesting to see how he performs, especially since he's only been back inside of a ring for a couple of months, but if anyone is able to return perfect form. it's indeed none other than, Samoa Joe! He's an individual who's had a lot of rich history with the current AEW World Champion, and there is no doubt, he wants another shot at dethroning him.

Jungle Boy – Since dropping the AEW World Tag Team Championships back at All Out, specifically at the hands of Christian Cage, who viciously attacked the Jurassic Express. Ever since that unfaithful night, the 24 year old has failed forget the specific betrayal, and successfully move on from it. However, with his ability to now enter this tournament, he's got to attempt to put that all behind him, and if he can somehow achieve that, he could be looking at his second ever opportunity at the AEW World Championship. This individual has all the skills imaginable to be a top star, but if he can't put his personal setbacks aside and only focus on the task at hand, he won't get far.

Eddie Kingston – Since witnessing Rey Fenix's demise in July, he promised that he'd avenge him, no matter who he had to get through, or how long it takes. Well... it so happens, that he's been given the perfect opportunity to overcome 15 of AEW's absolute finest, and earn himself the measure of vengeance that he so clearly desires. Since Full Gear 2019, Kingston has been attempting to work his way up to the top of the card once again, but to no avail, until now. He isn't getting any younger, and by each passing day, he's simply reminded of this fact. With this possibly being one of his final chances to claim AEW's top title, he'll do whatever it takes to capture the gold.

Lio Rush – Man Of The Hour has been an interesting story in AEW thus far, especially if you look at the inconsistency in the plot throughout it. Arriving in the promotion back in May 2020, he failed to earn himself a victory in the Casino Battle Royal that evening, and quickly disappeared off to New Japan Pro Wrestling, where he honed his craft, and planned to leave the profession for good. However, as fate would have it, he would decide to return in 2021, where he quickly discovered what true betrayal feels like, which not only set him back, but damaged him emotionally aswell. As we fast-forward to the future, Rush has been on a streak of sorts, but is still seen as the wildcard of this tournament. Looking to find his first world title opportunity in AEW, this is a massive chance for him.

Pentagon Jr. – With his brother still currently out of commission, he's made the same promise as Eddie Kingston, to somehow avenge Rey Fenix, and to make sure that CM Punk's actions to go without consequences. For most of his AEW run, Pentagon has served as an outstanding tag team worker, but every so often, he showcases how much he can provide as a singles individual. Coming into this tournament, he will look to once again provide an example of this, and possibly not only earn his long-awaited revenge, but a sense of relief, if he can finally win the big one here in All Elite Wrestling.

Jay Lethal – Joining AEW last November at the Full Gear PPV, Jay Lethal seemed to have a difficult time transitioning from Ring Of Honor, but in the last few months, that has all changed. It's become clear that he's finally found his footing, and is beginning to find his place not only in the promotion, but possibly in the World's Division, where he's stated he wants to be at the moment. Similarly, to many other individuals in this tournament, each victory in it could lead to something bigger, and by the end of it all, they could be a completely bigger star than they were prior to the official start of it. For Lethal, this is about officially moving on from the past, and focusing on his future.

Kenny Omega – Since returning to his kingdom, it's been a rough ride for The Best Bout Machine, as he soon realized that much had changed since finding himself on the shelf. After failing to return to the top of AEW, the stable known as 'Paragon', seemed to have enough of Omega's slump, as Cole and his comrades decided to take matters into their own hands, and seemingly proceeded to turn on the former World Champion! Kicked out of The Elite, Omega went onto the All Out PPV, where after one entire calendar year from when he entered the forbidden door, Cole would be able to overcome his former friend, and send him into an even bigger slump, without any peers to back on now. He's won it once before, and if he can somehow do it again, he could possibly find his footing again.

X – While this tournament has a rich history, there is still some unsolved mysteries left, and that includes this year's surprise entrant, known as 'X'! Nothing has been revealed about him just yet, besides that he's been in the business for a considerable amount of time, and could truly change the landscape of this tournament altogether. With that being said, it'll certainly be interesting to see what this individual can bring to the Eliminator Tournament, along with who's being brought into AEW! We've seen the landscape of this promotion be shifted numerous times, and this could simply be another example of that, considering the array of talent that has been brought in the past.

Adam Cole – As mentioned before, over the past year or so, Adam Cole has been finding his footing outside of the WWE, and with that, he's also gotten rid of any weaknesses he has felt could be holding him down in the process. After betraying his former friend, in the form of Kenny Omega, he's not only overcome him in a PPV setting, but has kept his promise in proving his worth to the rest of the world. Now deciding to enter this specific tournament for the first time in his career, he will hope to continue proving his point, and earn his first ever opportunity at the AEW World Championship. He's conquered every promotion he's ever graced his presence with, and it seems All Elite Wrestling may be no different. That being as long as no past demons get in his way, especially Kenny Omega.

Andrade 'El Idolo' – As stated on numerous occasions, Andrade feels like his time was wasted for several years, and felt like he rotted away his potential in WWE. However, since arriving to All Elite Wrestling, he has been able to showcase his true worth, aswell as his undeniable abilities in the squared circle, which simply can't be overlooked. Having been able to pick up plenty of victories in his AEW Career thus far, that big victory still awaits him, which has to be eating away from him, and if isn't just yet, it will in the near future. So with an opportunity awaiting him, he'll look to finally accomplish the task at hand, and walk into Winter Is Coming as something he hasn't been able to call himself yet - the AEW World Championship #1 Contender. He feels the need to step up, and this is the perfect spot for him to attempt to do so, especially against the array of talent he'll have to get past.

Christian Cage – As we reminded you a bit back, Christian Cage recently revealed his true colors, as he costed Jurassic Express the opportunity to continue their dominant reign, specifically targeting none other than, Jungle Boy! A couple of months later, and it seems as no true regret has formed for the veteran, and that compassion may no longer be an emotion he truly feels. However, he's made it quite clear where his intentions lie, and it isn't on the men he betrayed, it's specifically on capturing the AEW World Championship. He only sees the former champions as a bonus, something to look forward to on the way, which could turn out to be catastrophic for him. Either way, he's certainly changed for the worse, and it doesn't look like anyone will be able to stop him, if anyone even dared to step up.

Jon Moxley – Returning back in April of this year, Moxley hasn't changed all that much, as his objective has always remained the same, and that's to carry the company to the top. He did it back in 2020, and in the darkest days of All Elite Wrestling at that, but it was clear times had changed since then. Unable to overcome Hangman Page several months ago, his frustrations have only continued to grow since then, and will most likely transfer over to this tournament aswell. He once carried this company in it's darkest days, now he will look to do it once again, this time in it's brightest period. However, before he can do that, he will have to go through whoever steps in his way, which won't be easy, especially considering the obstacles he'll have to face before reaching Winter Is Coming.

Daniel Garcia – While he's not all that new, having been signed to All Elite Wrestling in early 2021, he's indeed still decently young overall. Daniel Garcia has proven to be outstanding inside of the squared circle, especially on the technical side of things, but this could certainly be his biggest challenge to date. For a young competitor such as himself, experience is key, and he'll have no other choice but to earn that, against some of the finest competitors AEW can offer at the moment. He's a cocky individual, who will put everything on the line, including his body to secure the victories he needs to in this tournament, which is scary at the end of the day. He's another wildcard, who could end up walking out of this entire thing, as the #1 Contender to AEW's top title, if he desired to do so!

Lance Archer – Ever since arriving to AEW back in 2020, Archer has been one of the most dominant forces in the company, but has yet to win the big one, which must frustrate him to no end. It all started with his surprising defeat at the hands of Cody Rhodes back at Double Or Nothing 2020, but it only continued against each top star he encountered, which he can't stand to continue letting this happen. Failing to even make it out of the first round last year, he'll be looking for some vengeance this time around, and hopes to finally not only make it to yet another AEW World Championship opportunity, but to capture AEW's top title this time around. It's all up to him at the end of the day, and if he truly wants to be the guy, he'll have to pass all of these top-tier obstacles along the way.

Kyle O'Reilly – We mentioned the stable known as 'Paragon' before, which Kyle O'Reilly is undoubtedly apart of, but we can't forget how successful he's been in his time in All Elite Wrestling thus far as a singles competitor. Only being pinned twice in a singles outing thus far, his chances in this tournament seem high, which can't be all that big of a surprise in all honesty. He's been quite successful across the entirety of the world, and you'd have to imagine, that AEW would be yet another one that he managed to hold the keys to. However, this will be seen as a true test for him, as in NXT, he failed to capture a singles belt in his time there, which he would like to change in his new home. His opportunity is right here, as claiming victory in this tournament could change the trajectory of his career, but with only one of Paragon's members being able to do so, that could get in the way.

Bryan Danielson – Having won last year's tournament, Bryan Danielson knows what it takes to outlast the competition, but you could imagine he's still sour about failing to capture AEW's top prize...TWICE! Coming into this year's eliminator, Danielson has still only lost a handful of times, and his abilities still shouldn't be questioned, as he has showcased since arriving to All Elite Wrestling. The American Dragon looks to walk out of 2022's AEW Eliminator Tournament, by winning it back-to-back, and this time capturing the AEW World Championship in the process. It's quite obvious that he's confident in his abilities, but doubt has certainly crossed his mind before, and if it does so again, it could cost him in the long run. He will have to focus on solely walking out of the finals with the victory for the second time in a row, because if he doesn't, it may be back to the drawing board for him.