MJF Defeats Kenny Omega In PPV-Worthy Bout; So Why Wasn’t It On PPV?
In an exceptional match, MJF defeated Kenny Omega last night on Collision.
Collision has only existed for 20 weeks, but this, by far, was its best match to date. With the victory, MJF retained the AEW world title, which he will defend against “Switchblade” Jay White at Full Gear on November 18. The title remains in White’s physical possession, which should have been a giveaway that Omega was not going to win the title last night.
Everything about this match, even Omega’s tribute to Street Fighter character Manon (the character Omega used to defeat MMA icon Demetrious Johnson in Street Fighter), was spectacular. It was also incredibly rare to see Omega pinned cleanly, especially by MJF, who typically wins his most significant matches by some sort of outside interference or bending of the rules. There was none of that here, and defeating Omega instantly places MJF on different ground as AEW champion.
With the victory, MJF will become the longest-reigning AEW champion, passing Omega’s 346-day streak by this Wednesday’s Dynamite. The 30-minute classic belonged on a pay-per-view, so it was a treat to receive this match on TNT.
By putting this on Collision, AEW owner/booker Tony Khan showed that his Saturday night show is can’t-miss. He demonstrated that by offering a prominent match like this on television, separating AEW from every other major North American pro wrestling company in an extremely competitive era. The match also further elevated MJF to a loftier status as champion; considering his reign is scheduled to extend into 2024, defeating Omega–especially in the manner he did–is a positive.
It can be debated whether this match should have aired on pay-per-view. But it cannot be argued that this bout deserved a much better, and lengthier, build, with only three days separating the day it was officially announced and the actual match. If this was advertised a month in advance, the venue at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut would have likely sold more tickets, and it is hard to imagine that the soon-to-be announced Collision rating would not have been higher.
Fortunately for AEW, it would not be difficult to schedule a rematch. Omega is one of the best in the world, and his recent string of losses have only served to benefit the roster. His current focus is an ongoing feud with Don Callis, who did make an appearance during the Collision match against MJF.
The interruption from Callis seemed gratuitous, but it was a necessity. Callis emerged as Omega was about to hit his One-Winged Angel, one of the most protected finishers in all of wrestling, so there needed to be a distraction.
It will also be interesting to see if Omega is added to New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s upcoming Wrestle Kingdom card on January 4. AEW will hold its Worlds End pay-per-view a few days before on December 30, and Omega is scheduled to wrestle, but that would still allow him a chance to make it to the Tokyo Dome–if the creative makes sense. But for Omega, the future is about building emerging stars, like Powerhouse Hobbs, into world title contenders.
For MJF, it is all systems go in his feud with White. There is also the factor of the ominous masked devil stalking him, a story that will be a priority for AEW moving forward.
