AEW: 5 possible opponents who could challenge Cody for his TNT Title

1. vs. MJF

It all seemed lined up for MJF to be Cody’s first challenger on Wednesday as the field narrowed to include himself, Wardlow, Cassidy, and Jungle Boy. Unfortunately for MJF, he tasted defeat and will have to wait to further torment his former mentor.

Whose fault is it that Cody cannot challenge for the AEW World Championship? MJF. Sure, it probably wasn’t the wisest decision for Cody to self-impose that stipulation, but to his credit, he wasn’t pinned, disqualified, counted out, nor submitted; MJF threw in the towel while Cody was in the Walls of Jericho.

We all know what happened after the match: MJF turned on Cody with a low blow. He went on to win the Dynamite Diamond Ring, which he’s used multiple times to win matches (including against Cody at Revolution). The ring is also what proved to be his downfall in the battle royal, and the moment I predicted will lead to Wardlow decimating MJF in the future.

MJF occupies a unique space as the #1 ranked singles competitor as well. World Champion Moxley is locked into a feud with #1 contender but as of yet unranked Cage, a match that will take place “sometime this summer” at Fyter Fest. That could mean any time between Jun. 1 and the end of September, really.

That really only leaves MJF to pursue the TNT Championship, held by his former mentor against whom he owns a 1-0 record. Being the smarmy and cowardly heel he is, I can see MJF refusing to wrestle and put his #1 ranking on the line until he receives what he would frame as rightfully his in either a World Championship or TNT Championship match. Cody being Cody, the honorable champion that he is, accepts MJF’s demands wanting revenge on multiple levels. That story sells itself.

The story during and after the match, however, can be even more intriguing. Is this where Wardlow decides to turn on MJF after being punched in the face with the ring and eliminated from the battle royal even as he worked at the behest of MJF? Does he tease laying out MJF only to help him defeat Cody by decimating Cody with an F10 or that drop-down knee?

If MJF wins, do we continue the story of MJF winning with leverage pins or heel maneuvers like using the ring against tougher competition, and only winning clean against jobbers and lower-card wrestlers? Does he force Cody to tap to the Salt of the Earth? Does he pin Cody clean after hitting a Double Cross or three?

What would this mean for the TNT Championship? Would MJF have Wardlow defend the TNT Championship by proxy as another weasel heel tactic, laying another act in the foundation for Wardlow’s turn? These are just some of the questions I have if MJF wins.

Cody defeating MJF evens the score somewhat, but it could also serve as the impetus for Cody to challenge MJF to another match. This time, not only will it be for the TNT Championship, but he could say it’s to regain his ability to be considered for the AEW World Championship (upon approval from Khan, of course). Cody could then vacate the championship or challenge the AEW World Champion in a Champion vs. Champion match, winner takes all.

If he loses? Well, then Cody has all the more reason to solely focus on exacting revenge for MJF. Not only would he be 0-2 against MJF, but MJF would hold the TNT Championship that Cody holds so dear.

With these two in particular, there are many potential story angles. It’s a feud we’re eventually going to see again, but I just think it would add a bit of pizzazz if it was for the TNT Championship.

What do you think of the list, and who would you like to see challenge Cody? The good news is that whomever you choose, the chances are they’ll have a decent to great match with Cody.