Big stories leading up to All Elite Wrestling’s inaugural event, Double or Nothing, keep on coming. Earlier today, the latest contender in the Casino Battle Royale, which will take place during the pre-show event named “Buy-In” was announced. On the AEW Twitter account, a video of a gambling table played. A single card was given before an arm reached out to take it. “When the odds are stacked,” a familiar voice spoke. “Always bet on you.” The camera soon panned to show Shawn Spears, a 10 of diamonds in his hand.
https://twitter.com/AEWrestling/status/1130979376131133442
Spears spoke to Sports Illustrated regarding his involvement with the promotion, “I’m coming to AEW because I believe in what they are doing. I believe in providing an alternative for fans, and I really believe that the audience has wanted an alternative for quite some time. This is now the platform to give people exactly what they want, and I am really looking forward to proving myself in AEW.”
Here are the announced competitors for the Casino Battle Royale: Sonny Kiss, Brandon Cutler, Ace Romero, Glacier, Brian Pillman Jr., Sunny Daze, Maxwell Jacob Friedman, Joey Janela, Dustin Thomas, Billy Gunn, Jimmy Havoc, Michael Nakazawa, Jungle Boy, Isiah Kassidy, Marq Quen, Luchasaurus, and Shawn Spears. The remaining four competitors have yet to be announced.
Sutter’s Synopsis: At the risk of sounding cliché, with this announcement, the Casino Battle Royale has become a perfect 10. In all seriousness, this is yet another in a long line of announcements that AEW fans will be talking about. Since his departure from World Wrestling Entertainment in February, fans wondered where the former Tye Dillinger would end up. Given the buzz surrounding AEW, especially as Double or Nothing approaches, it would make sense for Spears to make an impact there.
Regardless of Spears’ success in the Casino Battle Royale, it’s safe to say that chants of a particular number will be loud and clear. Viewers can witness this match, as well as several others, when AEW Double or Nothing airs this Saturday, May 25th.
