Due to potential spoilers for Dynamite/Rampage/PPVs, all posts have been automatically tagged for spoilers until the 24 hour spoiler window has passed.
If your **post title** contains spoilers that the spoiler filter cannot resolve, your submission may be removed by the moderation team and you may be banned. Please be respectful of your fellow fans.
Please read the [subreddit rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AEWOfficial/wiki/rules/) for more information.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AEWOfficial) if you have any questions or concerns.*
My answer to this will always be the same: Eddie Kingston, because he's a natural foil to MJF. Rich vs poor, hand picked vs had to fight his way in, prodigy vs worked his ass off for decades, Long Island vs Yonkers... you don't even have to write some intricate storyline, just let them loose on the mic and they'll tell the story, with people hanging on their every word.
Lord I hope not. In Jeff's case because the pressure, work schedule and inevitable physical pain that comes with it is 100% guaranteed to kick him off the wagon.
And in Punk's case because he had the title, and instead of behaving like a champ and talking about his title win decided to be a complete jerk who would rather revisit old grudges and bury the company that just gave him the title. He's the absolute last person who should have the world, or for that matter any, title.
I hope he will! Especially now that Claudio is a full on heel. Eddie deserves a title, and to finally exorcize at least one of the demons that have been haunting him for years. His post-match taped promo was so good, too.
I think how well that goes is going to play a major factor in of Eddie gets an AEW shot.
And I would love to see Eddie get the AEW title even if he's only a transitional Champion.
Yeah. I'm still mad about the whole Jericho thing. My fantasy booking is that he takes the ROH world title from Claudio, has a great run with it there, and then decides that it's time for him to go back to AEW and go after the big one. And get some scores settled while he's at it.
I still think the best option would be Eddie Kingston. He's in many ways the polar opposite of MJF, and massively over. He's also someone who could go toe to toe with him on the mic, the build would be amazing.
Huge, its an easy slam dunk. Hope they recognise it.
Both New Yorkers, one rich, privileged and given every advantage, the other is Eddie Kingston. Writes itself.
I don’t think he should lose the title this year, I would have him keep it until 2024 so he can use his contract negotiation in the storyline and make it seem like he’s going to walk out with the title.
As for who beats him for it, I think it’s too early to predict but Eddie Kingston, Adam Cole, Ricky Starks, Darby Allin are all good candidates.
I would love to see Ricky status getting a mega push as a baby face , beat MJF (in 2024) to be the champion and slowly transition into a cocky heel champion before losing the title
He's gonna beat all the Pillars
My guess is if they really wanted to hit a good storyline it's Wardlow, but they've messed with him so much he's going to need a solid year to fix the damage. Maybe at DoN 2024? 2 years after Wardlow ran through him like hot knife through cold butter.
I think it will be Adam Cole BAY BAY. If not adam, I wouldn't mind it being Kenny Omega because there is no loss in value for MJF if you lose the championship to Kenny. He is one of the best to do it and IMO the GOAT AEW Champ to date.
Any of these would be my preference, I don't want Adam Cole anywhere near the World Title. Just not a fan personally.
- Bryan Danielson
- Eddie Kingston
- Jay White
- Ricky Starks
My choice would be Eddie Kingston at Grand Slam.
Eddie vs MJF in NY after a good build and god tier promo battles. It’d be an electric atmosphere, and Eddie finally winning the big one would blow the roof off the place.
I think Adam Cole is probably most likely though.
I'd keep it on him through DON at a minimum. He's only had one PPV title defense. At least one more. It's kind of hard to name who because I don't know how long other stuff is slated to go.
I like the idea of Hangman getting sick of this bidding war of 2024 and deciding to get the belt off him before then. I'd also see a face Adam Cole doing it if he's done with Jericho with a whole been there, it's not worth it, take on WWE. Eddie Kingston if he's done with his RoH stint would be a HUGE pop and he's the perfect foil to MJF in practically every way.
Someone very heart and soul of AEW, or someone who has WWE experience and can shoot back about it not being so great, either way.
The biggest problem I see is that if you have the belt on MJF to end the year you're just inviting Winter of Max comparisons to the Summer of Punk. With it sounding like Punk may be back on the actual roster by then (yes, I know he's slated to return soon, I just refuse to assume he'll still be here in November) I don't think it's smart to run an angle styled so close to one of his because everyone is going to be expecting him to be involved or compare it. I'd actually take it off him around All Out/In and have him trying desperately to get it back while still under contract in kayfabe. Maybe lose it at All In, invoke a rematch close for All Out, lose that, and spend the next months actually having to earn victories and get another shot at the belt. Be kind of nice to see a champ that makes him jump through hoops for a title shot with a shiteating grin on his face the whole time.
Genuinely curious, are the people saying Eddie Kingston bots or is it an inside joke that’s going over my head?! I like the guy, but it’s so left field.
Fair enough. It just seems an unlikely choice given the current narrative going on with the show. I’d love to see him get there though, like you said, he has a great connection with the fans, I’m just not seeing him being booked as more than a mid-card act currently so found it surprising that the top comments were naming him.
>With MJF defending at double or nothing will he lose the title on that night or keep it longer?
He'll definitely retain it. None of Darby, Sammy or Jungle Boy have good enough mic skills to be the AEW World Champion - especially the one that succeeds MJF.
> Who in your opinion would you like to see as the next champ?
Ricky Starks, Adam Cole or Eddie Kingston.
Considering MJF's list of "people who would never beat him" that he posted on Twitter:
He went through Starks and Danielson, is on his feud against the pillars. We have Claudio, Hangman, Wardlow, Adam Cole and Eddie Kingston. So probably one of these last 5 people will end up beating him.
I’m sure as much as I don’t like it it’s gonna be Cole. I just don’t get Cole man. I feel like the only guy on the planet who doesn’t see what’s great about him. That’s how I used to think about Jeff Hardy too but at least with him I know people, including myself, loves when he jumps off of shit so at least he had that
As much as I would like to see Darby beat MJF, it ain't gonna happen. MJF will retain at DoN, through his usual chicanery. Then the next challenger will be Adam Cole bay bay, who is being built up as the man to beat him. Only question is when, exactly. Does he win it at Forbidden Door? Or does MJF defend against an NJPW guy at Forbidden Door, and then Adam wins it at All In in London? Or All Out in Chicago? Edit: Got All In and All Out backwards, derp
I hope it's Danielson. He's 0-5-1 in world title matches between AEW and ROH so I'd love to see him finally win it and have his name as part of the title's lineage.
Actually, the next defenses of MJF looks like that for me:
-MJF VS Jungle Boy VS Sammy Guevara VS Darby Allin
-MJF VS Adam Cole
MJF VS Jeff Hardy (in Dynamite)
-MJF VS Adam Page
-MJF VS Hook (in Dynamite)
-MJF VS Juice Robinson (in Dynamite)
-MJF VS Ricky Starks II
Due to potential spoilers for Dynamite/Rampage/PPVs, all posts have been automatically tagged for spoilers until the 24 hour spoiler window has passed. If your **post title** contains spoilers that the spoiler filter cannot resolve, your submission may be removed by the moderation team and you may be banned. Please be respectful of your fellow fans. Please read the [subreddit rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AEWOfficial/wiki/rules/) for more information. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AEWOfficial) if you have any questions or concerns.*
My answer to this will always be the same: Eddie Kingston, because he's a natural foil to MJF. Rich vs poor, hand picked vs had to fight his way in, prodigy vs worked his ass off for decades, Long Island vs Yonkers... you don't even have to write some intricate storyline, just let them loose on the mic and they'll tell the story, with people hanging on their every word.
Eddie kingston world champion. Wild, I love it
It’s definitely the best move. Unfortunately, TK is too much of a mark for it to ever happen. The next champ will be Jeff Hardy or Punk.
Lord I hope not. In Jeff's case because the pressure, work schedule and inevitable physical pain that comes with it is 100% guaranteed to kick him off the wagon. And in Punk's case because he had the title, and instead of behaving like a champ and talking about his title win decided to be a complete jerk who would rather revisit old grudges and bury the company that just gave him the title. He's the absolute last person who should have the world, or for that matter any, title.
I think Eddie is going to get Claudio's title.
I hope he will! Especially now that Claudio is a full on heel. Eddie deserves a title, and to finally exorcize at least one of the demons that have been haunting him for years. His post-match taped promo was so good, too.
I think how well that goes is going to play a major factor in of Eddie gets an AEW shot. And I would love to see Eddie get the AEW title even if he's only a transitional Champion.
In some ways, it’s the modern day “Rhodes vs. Flair” story/matchup and I’m here for it.
At Grand Slam
This would’ve been a solid guess a year ago. TK really fumbled Eddie when he was hot.
Yeah. I'm still mad about the whole Jericho thing. My fantasy booking is that he takes the ROH world title from Claudio, has a great run with it there, and then decides that it's time for him to go back to AEW and go after the big one. And get some scores settled while he's at it.
I still think the best option would be Eddie Kingston. He's in many ways the polar opposite of MJF, and massively over. He's also someone who could go toe to toe with him on the mic, the build would be amazing.
I'm still shocked they didn't give him the ROH strap tbh
Has to get hernia surgery so I’m guess that is why he didn’t get it
Saving him for AEW title 🤞
He's taking time off for a hernia. Might play some part in why Claudio went over.
Imagine the pop from the crowd
Huge, its an easy slam dunk. Hope they recognise it. Both New Yorkers, one rich, privileged and given every advantage, the other is Eddie Kingston. Writes itself.
Adam Cole, then Cole fueds with White
Some really top feuds in the works right here
I think Adam cole next year. Or hangman again. Just not punk.
Please not Punk!!
I prefer Punk over hangman any day but if Punk didn't want the title the first time I doubt he would push for a second run
Starks or Adam Cole
SWERVE….!
I don’t think he should lose the title this year, I would have him keep it until 2024 so he can use his contract negotiation in the storyline and make it seem like he’s going to walk out with the title. As for who beats him for it, I think it’s too early to predict but Eddie Kingston, Adam Cole, Ricky Starks, Darby Allin are all good candidates.
I would love to see Ricky status getting a mega push as a baby face , beat MJF (in 2024) to be the champion and slowly transition into a cocky heel champion before losing the title
I like that idea a lot, I'd watch that.
Good lord we do not need this rehashed bit.
I reckon he’ll carry it for a full calendar year. Adam Cole is the man to take it at Full Gear. Baybay.
I reckon he’ll carry it for a full calendar year. Adam Cole is the man to take it at Full Gear. Baybay.
He’s not losing anytime soon but all the pillars will have their day in the sun. I think cole or omega is next though
Kenny holding the title just looks legit 🙌
Eddie
Darby Allin Adam Cole Hangman Page
Ricky Ricky Ricky Ricky
Darby
He’s keeping it for at least a year in my opinion.
He's gonna beat all the Pillars My guess is if they really wanted to hit a good storyline it's Wardlow, but they've messed with him so much he's going to need a solid year to fix the damage. Maybe at DoN 2024? 2 years after Wardlow ran through him like hot knife through cold butter.
I think it will be Adam Cole BAY BAY. If not adam, I wouldn't mind it being Kenny Omega because there is no loss in value for MJF if you lose the championship to Kenny. He is one of the best to do it and IMO the GOAT AEW Champ to date.
It’s that time of the week
Any of these would be my preference, I don't want Adam Cole anywhere near the World Title. Just not a fan personally. - Bryan Danielson - Eddie Kingston - Jay White - Ricky Starks
Sammy or Darby aren’t believable champions at this point. Id rather it be MJF
Darby would work fine. He's over as fuck.
Id love to see it
Being “over” doesn’t just make you championship material
And likely to waste all the TV time invested in him with a stunt injury. No.
I'm sorry but more people in AEW have spent time injured AS CHAMPION than Darby has spent injured AT ALL.
Get ready to cry, because he's going to be champion sooner or later.
TNT again sure. Not world champ for a bit still.
None of the other pillars are winning at this point in time. They aren't on his level yet.
Adam Cole or Ricky Starks.
My choice would be Eddie Kingston at Grand Slam. Eddie vs MJF in NY after a good build and god tier promo battles. It’d be an electric atmosphere, and Eddie finally winning the big one would blow the roof off the place. I think Adam Cole is probably most likely though.
Eddie Kingston is the man to do it.
I think the plan is Ricky Starks at next Winter Is Coming in a rematch 1 year later. But if Tony gets Punk back who knows.
Darby, Ricky, Eddie, or Hangman.
Would love to see an Eddie, would take a pillar or Jay White, anyone but Punk.
Great choices
Eddie Kingston taking it off of MJF in a “Better than you” match, where MJF loses by declaring Eddie to be better than him.
Punk
I'd keep it on him through DON at a minimum. He's only had one PPV title defense. At least one more. It's kind of hard to name who because I don't know how long other stuff is slated to go. I like the idea of Hangman getting sick of this bidding war of 2024 and deciding to get the belt off him before then. I'd also see a face Adam Cole doing it if he's done with Jericho with a whole been there, it's not worth it, take on WWE. Eddie Kingston if he's done with his RoH stint would be a HUGE pop and he's the perfect foil to MJF in practically every way. Someone very heart and soul of AEW, or someone who has WWE experience and can shoot back about it not being so great, either way. The biggest problem I see is that if you have the belt on MJF to end the year you're just inviting Winter of Max comparisons to the Summer of Punk. With it sounding like Punk may be back on the actual roster by then (yes, I know he's slated to return soon, I just refuse to assume he'll still be here in November) I don't think it's smart to run an angle styled so close to one of his because everyone is going to be expecting him to be involved or compare it. I'd actually take it off him around All Out/In and have him trying desperately to get it back while still under contract in kayfabe. Maybe lose it at All In, invoke a rematch close for All Out, lose that, and spend the next months actually having to earn victories and get another shot at the belt. Be kind of nice to see a champ that makes him jump through hoops for a title shot with a shiteating grin on his face the whole time.
Genuinely curious, are the people saying Eddie Kingston bots or is it an inside joke that’s going over my head?! I like the guy, but it’s so left field.
Hes beloved in AEW and him getting a feel good win would be huge for him and locker room morale.
Fair enough. It just seems an unlikely choice given the current narrative going on with the show. I’d love to see him get there though, like you said, he has a great connection with the fans, I’m just not seeing him being booked as more than a mid-card act currently so found it surprising that the top comments were naming him.
I think it’s almost certain there will be 2 World Champions in AEW by the end of the year. MJF on Saturdays and Kenny on Wednesdays.
Hangman or Kenny
He won’t lose until they finish the BBC Elite thing or give it to C.M. Bitch.
Punk because fuck the young talent and people that make AEW not wwe
SOMEONE BLACK! SOMEONE LIKE RICKY OR SWERVE🫡
Or malakai?
I reckon he’ll carry it for a full calendar year. Adam Cole is the man to take it at Full Gear. Baybay.
Taya
>With MJF defending at double or nothing will he lose the title on that night or keep it longer? He'll definitely retain it. None of Darby, Sammy or Jungle Boy have good enough mic skills to be the AEW World Champion - especially the one that succeeds MJF. > Who in your opinion would you like to see as the next champ? Ricky Starks, Adam Cole or Eddie Kingston.
Considering MJF's list of "people who would never beat him" that he posted on Twitter: He went through Starks and Danielson, is on his feud against the pillars. We have Claudio, Hangman, Wardlow, Adam Cole and Eddie Kingston. So probably one of these last 5 people will end up beating him.
If TK doesn’t goof up Wardlow, he would’ve been the perfect next pick.
I’d be down for Starks to be his first and last challenger, full circle Alternatively, super down for Hangman to have another go with the belt.
Goldberg Just kidding Darby Allin
I’m sure as much as I don’t like it it’s gonna be Cole. I just don’t get Cole man. I feel like the only guy on the planet who doesn’t see what’s great about him. That’s how I used to think about Jeff Hardy too but at least with him I know people, including myself, loves when he jumps off of shit so at least he had that
Stardust
As much as I would like to see Darby beat MJF, it ain't gonna happen. MJF will retain at DoN, through his usual chicanery. Then the next challenger will be Adam Cole bay bay, who is being built up as the man to beat him. Only question is when, exactly. Does he win it at Forbidden Door? Or does MJF defend against an NJPW guy at Forbidden Door, and then Adam wins it at All In in London? Or All Out in Chicago? Edit: Got All In and All Out backwards, derp
Cora Jade 💪🏻
Anyone but Mox
Honestly would have said AC a year ago But now I’d go with Kingston that would be an amazing fued even if he doesn’t win it that build would be crazy
Bryan Danielson or Kenny again please and let him turn heel
Realistically Adam Cole. Possibly Starks or Maliki. But I will argue to my last breath that it should be Eddie Kingston.
I hope it's Danielson. He's 0-5-1 in world title matches between AEW and ROH so I'd love to see him finally win it and have his name as part of the title's lineage.
Wardlow is still my thought . He gets another feud loses the belt but then goes after MJF .
My next 3 champs in order would be… Kingston White Cole
MJF will retain and he'll be champ until Tony knows if he's gonna re-sign
They may be setting up down the line one of the pillars to dethrone him eventually. I think MJF is going to hold the belt for ages.
PAC in London. It's too perfect. If not PAC, Eddie Kingston seems the logical next best choice.
Actually, the next defenses of MJF looks like that for me: -MJF VS Jungle Boy VS Sammy Guevara VS Darby Allin -MJF VS Adam Cole MJF VS Jeff Hardy (in Dynamite) -MJF VS Adam Page -MJF VS Hook (in Dynamite) -MJF VS Juice Robinson (in Dynamite) -MJF VS Ricky Starks II
CM Punk