There are a lot of performers on the AEW roster who embody what the promotion means to the business. Individuals like Swerve Strickland and Toni Storm represent how performers can bloom into top talents after leaving WWE. Jon Moxley embodies the company’s ability to do things differently in a way that stands out in a business that was over-homogenized. Then there’s Eddie Kingston, a performer who exemplifies the true heart and soul of AEW. So much so that Kingston as AEW World Champion is the move that must come sooner rather than later.
From the moment Eddie Kingston walked out to challenge Cody Rhodes for the TNT Championship in 2020, it was clear that he had something special to offer the company. In the five years since, Kingston has delivered on that potential. He’s become one of the best storytellers on the roster, with an uncanny ability to make everything he’s involved in seem especially real.
The potential behind that arc came to fruition in 2024 when Kingston climbed to hold three championships at once. Between March and May of 2024, he’d go on to capture the AEW Continental Championship, the Ring of Honor World Championship, and the NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship. Seeing him overcome obstacles that have hindered him for decades was the type of story that AEW fans live for. One that brought viewers to near tears as Kingston held the titles over his head.
Unfortunately, those good times came to an end due to a tragic leg injury that threatened Kingston’s career. He would be out of action for more than 16 months. An important 16 months, as AEW told a story with Jon Moxley and the Deathriders that would have been perfect to include Kingston. In fact, he could have been the man fans got behind to see finally unseat Moxley in his quest to structure AEW in his vision.
That moment wouldn’t come. Not only that, Kingston has returned to action, but it has mostly fallen under the radar. From his lackluster return against Big Bill at AEW All Out, to the four matches he’s had since. Those matches and development are clearly a few tiers outside of the title picture, or any singles titles for that matter. That’s the problem.
AEW’s main event scene is packed. So much so, it is hard to see where Kingston fits into the equation right now. Much of that is due to AEW’s booking. Even without hunting for the title, Kingston should be in an interesting angle that puts him close to one of the important titles, most importantly, the AEW World Championship. If AEW is truly about giving fans those moments, Kingston winning the title is one that the company can’t miss making.
AEW has some special performers on the roster. Eddie Kingston is one of those names. In 2024, he reached a career high point, and it all came crashing down in horrible fashion. Now, he’s back, and there’s hope that at some point, he will become AEW World Champion. That is the direction AEW should book for Kingston. It is what the people want to see.