AEW Dynamite Features Casino Gauntlet Match with High Stakes

AEW Dynamite aired live on January 8, 2025, from the F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, Tennessee, featuring the return of the Casino Gauntlet match. The event is part of the seven-week build towards Grand Slam: Australia, scheduled for February 15. The Casino Gauntlet match, introduced in 2024 by AEW President Tony Khan, has become a fan-favorite format, with tonight’s winner earning a shot at AEW World Champion Jon Moxley at next week’s Dynamite Maximum Carnage.

The match begins with two wrestlers, with new entrants joining at timed intervals, up to a maximum of 21 participants. Unlike traditional battle royals, eliminations occur via pinfall or submission, meaning the match can end before all participants enter. Jay White, who secured the number one entry spot by defeating Swerve Strickland and Roderick Strong last week, is a strong contender. Other potential participants include Jeff Jarrett, Hangman Page, Orange Cassidy, and Darby Allin, all vying for a chance at the world title.

Will Ospreay, who won both Casino Gauntlet matches in 2024, is not expected to participate tonight due to a separate booking. Similarly, Bobby Lashley, despite being a world title threat, is also booked in a different match. The match is seen as a potential setup for Moxley to retain his title, but surprises, such as former champion Samoa Joe, could shake things up.

Next week’s Dynamite Maximum Carnage will feature a Women’s Casino Gauntlet match, with the winner challenging AEW Women’s World Champion Mariah May at Grand Slam: Australia. Tonight’s show also includes a three-way match between Toni Storm, Kris Statlander, and Willow Nightingale, with the winner securing the number one entry in next week’s gauntlet.

Other highlights of tonight’s card include Bobby Lashley vs. Mark Briscoe, Buddy Matthews vs. Will Ospreay, and the return of Kenny Omega, who is expected to address his goals for 2025. MJF is also scheduled to appear, potentially setting up a future world title challenge.

The show promises high-stakes action and surprises, as AEW continues its build towards Grand Slam: Australia. Fans can expect intense rivalries, unexpected twists, and the ever-popular Casino Gauntlet match to deliver another thrilling episode of Dynamite.