AEW Rampage: Komander earns shot at Eddie Kingston

Eddie Kingston won the ROH Championship from Claudio Castagnoli at AEW Grand Slam. He was already the NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship. Last Friday on Rampage, he defended the STRONG title against Rocky Romero. At WrestleDream, he successfully defended both titles against the ROH PURE Champion, Katsuyori Shibata.

A champion always has a target on their back and Kingston has two; Jay Lethal, for example, has made it known that he wants a shot. In a backstage interview with Renee Paquette, the double champion was interrupted by Sonjay Dutt, Jeff Jarrett, and Satnam Singh. Lethal wasn’t there, so Dutt spoke on his behalf. He spoke of the way Kingston disrespected Lethal and asked if he’d put his title on the line.

Before he could answer, he was interrupted by “Double J”. Kingston said he’ll defend the title when “he proves stuff to me. When he proves he’s the same Jay and not the one running around with you (Dutt) and this carny son of a (expletive). Then, I’ll do it. Tell him to prove it.”

To determine the next contender for the ROH World Championship, there was a four-way match on Rampage. Penta took on Johnny TV, Komander, and a debuting Lince Dorado. Komander has split time between AEW and ROH. Dorado and Kingston trained together and were rivals in CHIKARA. Of the four, Kingston was hoping to face his best friend, Penta.

Kingston was on commentary as the four men put on an incredible display of lucha libre. Several times, the champion was impressed with what he saw. Following a fun sequence between Dorado and Komander, Kingston remarked about the nimble Dorado, “Like a kitty cat. I get it” and the internet was pleased.

Komander came away with the victory and the title shot. Komander will face Kingston on this week’s Collision. Kingston has faced a variety of wrestlers over his career, but Komander will be a test for him. He’s quick and innovative. Kingston will have to keep him grounded as much as possible. It should be a very enjoyable match.

Programming note: due to postseason baseball, Collision will be live at 7 PM ET.