MJF Secures Second Entry in AEW All In Casino Gauntlet
Source: Wrestling Inc.. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
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MJF secured the second entry into the Casino Gauntlet match at AEW All In, defeating "Speedball" Mike Bailey and Nick Wayne in a hard-fought three-way contest on the August 12 edition of AEW Dynamite. The bout determined who would follow Andrade into the gauntlet, which will crown a number one contender for the AEW World Championship. The title picture is currently set around Kenny Omega's defense against Will Ospreay, meaning the winner of the Casino Gauntlet will face the champion after that clash.
From the opening bell, MJF played a calculated game. He refused to engage directly, instead walking to the commentary table and professing his strategy to let Wayne and Bailey weaken each other so he could pick the bones. Paul Wight, seated at the desk, watched with amusement. MJF eventually returned to the ring, but was quickly sent flying back to the outside by Bailey, allowing the two younger competitors to continue their battle.
Bailey took control, landing a moonsault onto both opponents after dumping Wayne to the floor. MJF, undeterred, climbed toward Wight and asked for assistance, but the commentator took pleasure in refusing him. The action shifted back inside the ring, where Bailey nearly pinned Wayne with a Shooting Star Press, only for Wayne to kick out. Wayne responded with a Prodigy-Plex, seemingly on the verge of victory, but MJF broke the count just before three.
Bailey then delivered Ultima Weapon to Wayne, a move that should have sealed the match. But MJF, who had been lurking on the apron, shoved Bailey off the ring apron and immediately cinched in the Salt of the Earth armbar on Wayne. The submission was deep and unyielding; Wayne had no choice but to tap out, giving MJF the win.
The victory carries significant weight. In the Casino Gauntlet, the order of entry matters—the later entrants face fresher opponents, but the first entrant, Andrade, has the advantage of being in the ring from the start. MJF, entering second, will have to navigate a match that could include up to 21 participants. His cunning and willingness to manipulate the situation, as seen in this match, may prove crucial.
MJF has long positioned himself as a top contender, and this win keeps him firmly in the world title conversation. With Omega and Ospreay set to collide, the gauntlet winner will be waiting. MJF's path to the championship now runs through the Casino Gauntlet, where he will have to outlast a field of hungry competitors. His performance on Dynamite showed he is willing to do whatever it takes to reach the top.
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MJF's victory on AEW Dynamite is a textbook example of his character-driven wrestling style. He didn't need to dominate the match from bell to bell; instead, he played the role of the opportunistic heel, letting his opponents exhaust themselves before swooping in for the win. This is the same blueprint that has made MJF one of the most compelling figures in professional wrestling today—he wins by being smarter, not necessarily stronger. The decision to have MJF earn the second entry, rather than the first or a later position, is a deliberate booking choice. The Casino Gauntlet is a chaotic match where order matters. Andrade, as the first entrant, has the longest road but also the chance to set the pace. MJF, entering second, is close enough to the start that he cannot afford to wait too long, but far enough that he can observe the early action. This positions him as a threat who can adapt, which is exactly what his character needs. Mike Bailey and Nick Wayne both had strong showings, even in defeat. Bailey's aerial offense—particularly the moonsault and Ultima Weapon—reminded fans why he is considered one of the most exciting wrestlers on the independent scene. Wayne, at just 19 years old, continues to impress with his poise and technical skill. The Prodigy-Plex nearly earned him the win, and only MJF's interference stopped him. Both men will likely be featured in future storylines, and this match solidified their status as rising stars. From a narrative perspective, MJF's interaction with Paul Wight on commentary was a subtle but effective touch. Wight's refusal to help MJF reinforces the idea that MJF has few allies in the locker room. He is a loner, a schemer, and that isolation often fuels his determination. This dynamic could play into the Casino Gauntlet itself, where MJF may have to rely on his own wits without backup. Looking ahead to All In, the Casino Gauntlet will be a pivotal moment. If MJF wins, he will challenge for the world title in a match that could headline the event. The gauntlet's unpredictability means that anything can happen, but MJF's recent momentum and strategic mind make him a strong favorite. For AEW, this is a chance to build a compelling champion-contender dynamic, especially if Omega retains against Ospreay. The rivalry between Omega and MJF has history, and a rematch would draw significant interest. However, AEW must be careful not to overcomplicate the gauntlet. The match type has been used before, and fans may tire of the format if it feels repetitive. The key is to make the gauntlet feel like a legitimate pathway to the title, not just a placeholder. Having MJF win the second entry adds intrigue, but the final booking at All In will determine whether this storyline pays off. Critically, the match on Dynamite served its purpose: it advanced a story, showcased talent, and gave MJF a meaningful win. In an era where every show must deliver, AEW managed to balance character work with in-ring action. The Salt of the Earth armbar, MJF's signature submission, remains a credible finisher that can end a match at any time. That alone makes him a dangerous opponent in the gauntlet. Ultimately, MJF's path to the All In gauntlet is now set. Whether he can overcome the odds and secure a world title shot will depend on his ability to outthink and outlast a field of hungry competitors. Given his track record, betting against him would be unwise.