The ever-evolving landscape of professional wrestling thrives on compelling narratives, and few concepts ignite the collective imagination of fans and industry veterans alike quite like a full-blown invasion storyline. Recently, a seasoned voice from the wrestling world, known in different eras as Baron Corbin and now Bishop Dyer, has articulated an expansive vision for All Elite Wrestling, one that promises a monumental clash of titans centered around the formidable Don Callis Family. This isn’t merely a suggestion for a single match or a brief feud; Dyer has laid out a blueprint for a multi-faceted, long-term "turf war" culminating in an unprecedented pay-per-view spectacle featuring a staggering twenty-on-twenty showdown, harkening back to the epic, company-defining battles of wrestling’s past.
Bishop Dyer, a performer with a substantial tenure in the sports entertainment realm, offered his strategic insights during a recent appearance on Busted Open Radio. His proposal wasn’t just a fleeting thought but a detailed conceptualization for a storyline designed to fundamentally shift the power dynamics within AEW. At its core, Dyer envisions the Don Callis Family transcending its current iteration to become a dominant, almost paramilitary force—a massive "biker gang" as he described it, swelling its ranks to include upwards of twenty members, complete with "prospects" and a hierarchical structure. This expansion, he argued, would lay the groundwork for a colossal conflict that would pit the entirety of the burgeoning Callis collective against a unified front of AEW’s most beloved and formidable homegrown talents, including stalwarts like Kenny Omega, "Hangman" Adam Page, and the charismatic Swerve Strickland. The climax of this proposed saga? A four-hour pay-per-view event dedicated entirely to this grand "turf war," featuring multiple high-stakes encounters culminating in an epic twenty-man clash, a spectacle reminiscent of the historic WCW versus WWF invasion angle that captivated audiences decades ago.
To fully appreciate the scope and ambition of Dyer’s idea, one must first understand the foundation upon which it is built: the Don Callis Family. Don Callis, often dubbed "The Invisible Hand" for his manipulative influence, has carved a niche in AEW as a master strategist and a collector of exceptional, albeit often morally compromised, talent. His history in professional wrestling extends back decades, both as a competitor and, more significantly, as a manager and executive, consistently aligning himself with top-tier athletes capable of executing his often nefarious agendas. In AEW, Callis initially re-emerged as a close confidante and manager for Kenny Omega, leveraging their real-life history and Omega’s status as a generational talent to elevate "The Cleaner" to the AEW World Championship. However, Callis’s loyalties are as fleeting as the wind, and his alliances are always transactional, designed to serve his own Machiavellian ends.
The Don Callis Family, therefore, isn’t a traditional stable built on friendship or shared values, but rather a carefully curated assemblage of individuals Callis believes can further his power and influence. Over time, the composition of the Family has been fluid, reflecting Callis’s ever-changing strategies and the shifting landscape of AEW. Notable former members include the global sensation Will Ospreay, whose incredible in-ring prowess was momentarily harnessed by Callis’s cunning. Powerhouse Hobbs, a dominant force with unparalleled strength, also spent a period under Callis’s guidance, showcasing the manager’s ability to identify and exploit raw talent. Even the high-flying, often unpredictable Sammy Guevara found himself entangled in Callis’s web for a time. These departures, while impactful, have never deterred Callis; instead, they merely open doors for new acquisitions, reaffirming his role as a perpetual puppet master.
The Family’s ranks have seen recent significant additions, bolstering its numbers and perceived threat level. The enigmatic and immensely talented Andrade El Idolo, a superstar with a captivating presence and devastating in-ring ability, has recently thrown his lot in with Callis. Similarly, the powerful and imposing Jake Doyle has joined the fold, adding another layer of physical intimidation to the group. These latest recruits, alongside existing members like Konosuke Takeshita and Kyle Fletcher, bring the faction’s count to a substantial fourteen, as noted in recent reports. This growing numerical strength is precisely what fuels Bishop Dyer’s vision, suggesting that with a few more strategic recruitments, Callis could indeed command the twenty-strong force required for an epic confrontation. The "biker gang" aesthetic suggested by Dyer implies a unified, menacing appearance and a ruthless, territorial mentality that would set them apart from any other faction currently operating within AEW.
Bishop Dyer, the man behind this grand proposal, brings a unique perspective shaped by his extensive career. As Baron Corbin in WWE, he embodied a character often positioned as a corporate enforcer, a "lone wolf," or a disgruntled authority figure. He understood the dynamics of power plays, the importance of numerical advantage, and the impact of a dominant, overarching antagonist force. While never leading a stable of this magnitude himself, he was often entangled in storylines involving larger groups and political maneuvering, giving him an intimate understanding of how such angles can be constructed and maintained. His recent character shift to Bishop Dyer signals a creative renaissance, suggesting a mind actively engaged in reimagining and evolving wrestling narratives. For him to propose such an ambitious, long-form storyline for a promotion outside his primary stomping ground demonstrates a belief in AEW’s potential to execute a truly massive, impactful narrative.
The concept of an "invasion" angle holds a mythical status in professional wrestling history, often revered for its potential to deliver unprecedented excitement and sometimes criticized for its execution challenges. The most iconic example remains the "Monday Night Wars" culminating in the WWF vs. WCW invasion of 2001. While the actual payoff of that storyline is often debated by purists, the initial premise—the clash of two distinct rosters, the battle for supremacy, the unpredictable allegiances—captured the zeitgeist of the era. Prior to that, the New World Order (nWo) in WCW redefined faction warfare, growing from a trio of outsiders into an overwhelming force that threatened to dismantle the very fabric of the company, blurring lines between reality and fiction and leading to unprecedented ratings. Even more recent attempts, like The Nexus in WWE, demonstrated the immediate impact a large, unified, and menacing group can have on a promotion’s established order. These historical precedents highlight both the immense upside and the inherent complexities of such ambitious undertakings.
For AEW to embark on a "turf war" of this magnitude, the creative team would need to navigate several logistical and storytelling challenges. Expanding the Don Callis Family to twenty members, as Dyer suggests, requires careful character development for each new recruit, ensuring they aren’t just faceless enforcers but contribute to the overall narrative. Who would these "prospects" be? Would they be new signings, rising stars from AEW’s developmental system, or even established talent swayed by Callis’s influence? Each addition would need a compelling reason to join, adding layers to the Family’s motivations and making them a truly formidable, rather than simply numerous, threat. The "biker gang" imagery evokes a sense of lawlessness and rebellion, suggesting a distinct visual identity and a code of conduct that would further differentiate them from other groups in AEW.
The opposing force, the "AEW roster" side, would need to be equally compelling. Bishop Dyer specifically mentioned Kenny Omega, "Hangman" Adam Page, and Swerve Strickland as potential leaders or key figures in this resistance. Omega and Page have a deeply intertwined history with Callis, providing a personal stake in the conflict. Swerve Strickland, with his undeniable charisma, burgeoning popularity, and leadership qualities demonstrated through his own faction, The Mogul Embassy, would be an ideal choice to rally forces against Callis. Beyond these names, AEW’s roster boasts a plethora of talent capable of filling out a twenty-man counter-faction. Imagine the likes of Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Darby Allin, Sting, MJF, Orange Cassidy, Hook, and many others standing united against the encroaching influence of the Callis Family. This would be a true test of loyalty and strength, forcing individual rivalries to be put aside in the face of a common enemy.
The proposed four-hour pay-per-view dedicated to this "turf war" would be a monumental event, demanding innovative match stipulations and careful booking. It wouldn’t just be a series of singles matches; Dyer’s vision implies a diverse card featuring massive tag team encounters, multi-man brawls, and perhaps even a WarGames or Blood & Guts-style match to truly capture the essence of a territorial dispute. The progression of the storyline leading up to such a PPV would need to be meticulously crafted over several months, with weekly television programming building the tension, showcasing the Family’s growing dominance, and illustrating the desperate struggle of the AEW originals to maintain control. This would involve strategic attacks, psychological warfare, and the gradual recruitment of both sides, making every segment and every match feel like a piece of a larger, unfolding epic.
Moreover, a storyline of this magnitude offers profound opportunities for character development and reinvention. Wrestlers on both sides would be forced to adapt, form new alliances, and push their boundaries. It could be a launching pad for new stars, as "prospects" from the Callis Family or lesser-utilized AEW talent rise to prominence during the conflict. It could also provide a compelling arc for established stars, challenging their leadership, their resolve, and their place within the company. The "turf war" isn’t just about winning matches; it’s about control, identity, and the very soul of All Elite Wrestling. The stakes would need to feel existential, transcending mere championships to encompass the entire promotion’s ethos.
In conclusion, Bishop Dyer’s audacious proposition for All Elite Wrestling is far more than a casual suggestion; it is a meticulously conceived blueprint for an epic, company-defining storyline. By leveraging the manipulative genius of Don Callis and the ever-expanding ranks of his Family, Dyer envisions a "turf war" that could captivate audiences on an unprecedented scale. The idea of a twenty-member "biker gang" faction clashing with a united front of AEW’s top stars, culminating in a dedicated four-hour pay-per-view, taps into the deepest desires of wrestling fans for grand narratives and high-stakes confrontations. While such an ambitious undertaking would present significant creative and logistical challenges, the potential rewards—a long-running, emotionally resonant storyline that redefines the landscape of AEW—are immense. It’s a vision that demands bold execution, but if brought to fruition with the care and dedication it deserves, Bishop Dyer’s proposed invasion could etch itself into the annals of professional wrestling history as one of the most compelling narratives of the modern era.
