At the AEW World’s End pay-per-view on December 27, Samoa Joe will defend the AEW Men’s World Championship in a four-way bout against Swerve Strickland, Hangman Adam Page, and MJF, who recently regained the title under a contract he acquired at AEW All in Texas.
Strickland made a noteworthy return at Full Gear last November after Joe dethroned Page, determined to reclaim the championship he lost at AEW All in London in August 2024. Page, feeling wronged by Joe’s rise to the title, seeks revenge for being sidelined. MJF, who has spent three months filming a project, is back in peak condition and is eager to avenge the end of his record-setting title reign halted by Joe at the inaugural World’s End tournament in 2023.
Over nearly seven years, there have been a total of 73 AEW Men’s World Championship matches. Accounting for the interim title during CM Punk’s recovery in summer 2022, that number increases to 77, yet only five of those bouts have involved multiple challengers. With the upcoming match at World’s End 2025, we will soon document the sixth occurrence where the AEW Men’s World Champion faced off against several opponents.
Kenny Omega (c) vs. PAC vs. Orange Cassidy – AEW Double or Nothing 2021
AEW Double or Nothing 2021 stands out as a pivotal moment for the promotion, marking its first pay-per-view held with full attendance in the U.S. after COVID-19 restrictions eased. The electrifying atmosphere in Jacksonville, Florida, made this event unforgettable for fans eager to experience live wrestling after a prolonged absence. Notably, this marked the first time the AEW Men’s World Championship was contested in a three-way match.
PAC returned, undefeated, after travel restrictions kept him in the UK for much of 2020, while Orange Cassidy also maintained a strong record in early 2021. After a double knockout in an eliminator match meant for Omega, both PAC and Cassidy found themselves challenging the champion at Double or Nothing. The match received acclaim as one of the best three-way contests of the era, with Omega retaining his title, solidifying his status as a top star, while PAC surprisingly hasn’t contended for the AEW title again.
MJF (c) vs. Darby Allin vs. Sammy Guevara vs. Jungle Boy – AEW Double or Nothing 2023
The 2023 edition of AEW Double or Nothing featured a high-profile match among the "Four Pillars of AEW"—MJF, Darby Allin, Sammy Guevara, and Jungle Boy—who have all been identified as the company’s future. Each wrestler brought unique strengths and styles, creating a compelling showdown as they competed for the championship.
MJF’s reign began after defeating Jon Moxley; however, the trio of Pillars was determined to challenge him simultaneously. The match, though filled with intriguing moments and agile maneuvers, didn’t quite meet the fans’ high expectations, leading to mixed reviews despite a thrilling finish where MJF bested Allin once more.
Samoa Joe (c) vs. Hangman Adam Page vs. Swerve Strickland – AEW Revolution 2024
With a focus on Swerve Strickland and Adam Page always appearing in the spotlight next to Samoa Joe, the stage was set for an exciting multi-man title match at AEW Revolution 2024. Following his win over MJF, Samoa Joe reclaimed the championship, prompting him to reinstate a ranking system to ensure worthy challengers.
As both competitors showcased impressive records in early 2024, they ended up colliding for the title. The match at Revolution was acclaimed as one of AEW’s best events, though it was overshadowed by other significant matches on the card. Ultimately, Joe emerged victorious but not without a fierce struggle against the united efforts of Strickland and Page, who may join forces again moving forward.
Jon Moxley vs. Hangman Adam Page vs. Orange Cassidy vs. Jay White – AEW World’s End 2024
The latest World’s End pay-per-view will mark the consecutive year where the AEW Men’s World Championship will be defended in a multi-man match. This year, it shapes up as a significant showdown among four contenders: Jon Moxley, Hangman Adam Page, Orange Cassidy, and Jay White.
After finishing Bryan Danielson’s career, Moxley sought to dominate AEW, leading to a lackluster match against Cassidy and multiple confrontations with Page and White. As tensions rise, the focus shifts to how the competitors will adjust to the four-way format, especially given the chaotic nature and no disqualification rules in play.
Jon Moxley (c) vs. Adam Copeland vs. Christian Cage – AEW Revolution 2025
While advertised as a singles match, external elements allowed Christian Cage to interfere significantly in the main event at AEW Revolution 2025. Cage and Adam Copeland had a bitter rivalry dating back to earlier AEW events, which heightened the stakes as they faced Moxley for the championship.
Cage sought to avenge his past losses while also trying to make a name for himself outside of Copeland’s shadow. However, Moxley’s cunning secured his title once more, setting the stage for an intriguing 2026 championship race.
Fan Take: These upcoming championship matches are crucial as they not only shape the immediate future of AEW but also highlight the evolving rivalries and narratives in wrestling. With younger talent emerging and established stars vying for dominance, fans can expect thrilling storylines that keep the excitement alive in the ring.
