Samoa Joe is set to once again challenge MJF for the AEW World Championship thanks to an unexpected appearance from Adam Cole! The move seemingly settles the score between the two men after Cole played a key part in MJF’s successful AEW World Championship defense at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam in September.
The situation came together during last night’s edition of AEW Rampage when Joe helped MJF fend off an attack from Bullet Club Gold. In the process, the former ROH World TV Champion finally got MJF to let him be his partner in his ROH World Tag Team Championship defense against The Gunns on the Full Gear Buy-In.
The move wasn’t purely out of the kindness of his heart though as Joe had previously made the offer to the double champion on the condition that he would get another opportunity at Friedman’s world title if they retained. MJF previously dismissed the idea but finally accepted to close out Rampage.
The Gunns versus MJF and Joe headlined the Buy-In and right away, there was tension between the two rivals. Joe attempted a Muscle Buster at one point but was thwarted by his own partner, who tagged in to attempt a Muscle Buster of his own – which was countered. Joe got payback, however, when he stopped Friedman from hitting the Kangaroo Kick. The two then attempted simultaneous Muscle Busters but The Gunns managed to fight out once more.
The match ended in shocking fashion with the surprise appearance of Adam Cole which left The Gunns stunned, allowing Joe to lock in the Coquina Clutch and get the win via submission. In a surprising show of sportsmanship, Joe shook MJF’s hand before walking off but did not reappear when The Gunns assaulted his now former partner. The two brutalized Friedman with a steel chair as a horrified Cole looked on, eventually leading to MJF being carted out of the arena into an ambulance while he pleaded for Cole to not allow Jay White to steal his world championship.