Since winning the AEW Men’s World Championship at 2025’s Worlds End, MJF has proudly worn his patented “Triple B”. Yet, once again, he has put a massive target on himself in doing so. In fact, he may be wishing he hadn’t burned bridges with the Hurt Syndicate when he did! Be it wrath, disdain, or simply the chase, plenty of stars can make the Long Island native sweat.
Standing out among peers won’t be enough for this, though. Talent facing MJF will need to have a great purpose in doing so. Furthermore, their victory must be satisfying. With my choices, I’m confident that my picks will be compelling foils for the champion.
Kenny Omega
Starting with the most obvious, Kenny Omega makes sense. He even made an excellent case for his chase the moment he addressed MJF on that titantron on the December 31, 2025, New Year’s Smash. In that promo, the Canadian had a light in his eyes he hadn’t for quite some time. Almost three years removed from their initial bout, how will it go this time?
Remember that MJF surpassed Omega’s 346-day reign at his own staggering 406 in 2023. This is all the more reason for Omega to get his lick back. Moreover, this is a chance for Omega to test himself post-diverticulitis. Can he stand toe-to-toe with a younger opponent in better health? Considering that Omega was still a top-tier performer during his illness and the major injuries from 2017-2022, he may still have “it”.
The reason I hesitate on this pick to dethrone MJF is that Omega, despite his greatness in performance and storytelling, is part-time. Spending more of his current tenure in tag and multi-man tags will likely be the most time he’ll spend competing. This could lead to fewer title defenses should he run with the gold.
