Eddie Kingston could have a ‘Mick Foley-like’ run as AEW champion

In professional wrestling there are those talented performers that look like superstars, clearly destined to have the light shine on them throughout their careers. Then, there are the others that must grind their way to the top – some not making it close due to reasons beyond their control or due to their own destructive tendencies. Eddie Kingston is more of the latter, but he’s still an important part of the AEW roster. So much so, that he would surprise many if he were given the opportunity to stand at the top of the company, much like Mick Foley for the WWE back in 1998.

Hardcore wrestling fans are well versed in the historic moment when Mankind defeated The Rock on December 29, 1998. A flip remark about it on WCW Nitro moments before looked down on the victory, but fans did the exact opposite, turning the television to watch Foley pick up the victory. This started the momentum shift between WCW and WWE, which would eventually lead to the end of the Monday Night Wars.

Foley never had a true run as champion, holding the belt three times for a total of 47 days. But he was still an iconic figure that was an important part of professional wrestling at that time. Fans loved him and their support both then and now shows that.

Since bursting through the curtain back in July of 2020, Kingston has taken a similar position on the AEW roster. He’s frequently involved in important angles on television and continues to have big matches on PPVs. While he doesn’t always pick up the victory, viewers are never disappointed in the effort that he displays. Plus, he has the ability to make anyone feel emotion about his current storyline all through his excellent promo abilities.

AEW has a performer in Kingston that could have a run as champion much like Foley. AEW has established itself as a promotion that “values” its titles with lengthy builds and runs with the belt. While that is an understandable part of the equation of making champions feel “believable,” there’s also a story to be told in the tough rise to the top, only to have the victory be a fleeting moment in their career.

Imagine what could come of a moment with Kingston winning the title, celebrating with LAX, Jon Moxley, and more – just to have it all ripped away from him soon after. He could be the first champion to have a “disappointing” run as champion, opening the door for various directions that he could go with other performers on the roster. That is a gripping story to tell within itself and AEW has consistently shown that the company knows how to tell exceptional stories.

Every champion doesn’t need to stand on top for months on end to be important. Mick Foley held the belt in WWF but couldn’t cement himself as a long-time champion. That hasn’t hurt his legacy in professional wrestling nearly 25 years later. Eddie Kingston could play a similar role in AEW as the man who clawed his way to the top, never to stay long, but always with the fans at his back.