What If Jay White Had Won the AEW World Title at Full Gear 2023?
As AEW Full Gear 2023 approaches, it’s natural for fans to ponder how different outcomes could have shaped the narrative in wrestling. For instance, Samoa Joe enters the event poised to contend for "Hangman" Adam Page’s second AEW World Championship. Yet, it was actually at Full Gear where he joined forces with MJF, the reigning AEW World Champion and ROH Tag Team Champion, to tackle the threat posed by Jay White and the Gunns. This collaboration ultimately led to MJF retaining his titles, defeating the Gunns, and overcoming White in the main event, although Joe would soon claim the World Titles from MJF at World’s End. Meanwhile, White’s pursuits since then have been lackluster, save for a short stint as a trios champion, as he reflects on what might have been had he secured a title victory that night.
MJF not only celebrated over a year of title defenses but also faced an attack post-match, leading to his temporary absence from the arena. His strong experience made White’s loss particularly disheartening for fans. What if White had chosen the less complex path and emerged victorious? Let’s explore the potential ramifications of a hypothetical title win for White at Full Gear 2023.
Continuation of the Feud with MJF and Ay Parnership with Adam Cole
If White were to win the championship, it’s likely he would have continued the rivalry with MJF, who was temporarily replaced by Adam Cole due to injury. Given Cole’s transformation into the character known as "The Devil" and his leadership over the Undisputed Kingdom—which initially included Mike Bennett, Matt Taven, Roderick Strong, and Wardlow—it raises the question: Would White have opted to lead the faction or work alongside Cole from the start?
Had he outmaneuvered Cole for the title, whether through betrayal or surprise, it might have felt more impactful than Cole’s passive leadership of a group that seems directionless. With Joe winning the title, the stakes in the "Devil" storyline diminished, and it allowed MJF a deserved break. A White victory could have shifted the story in a way that concludes before MJF’s hiatus. Also noteworthy is that Cole introduced White to AEW through their Bullet Club ties at New Japan Pro Wrestling, further complicating the narratives leading up to the match. A joint effort to dethrone MJF could have robustly established The Devil and the Undisputed Kingdom, kicking off a captivating new chapter.
A New Storyline with Kenny Omega and The Elite
With White as both the AEW World Champion and a pivotal player in the "Devil" storyline alongside Adam Cole, the opportunity for storytelling between him and Kenny Omega could have been significant. Initially, Omega was slated to team with Chris Jericho at Full Gear 2023, hoping to face the Young Bucks for a shot at the World Tag Team Championship, but he faced a hiatus due to health issues shortly after.
A rivalry between Omega and White might have been brief but compelling, especially considering Omega had recently challenged MJF’s title. White and Cole’s presence could potentially create friction between Omega and the Young Bucks, offering a layered dynamic heightened by their shared histories in ROH and New Japan. Moreover, Adam Page, who eventually faced White at Full Gear 2024, could have sought revenge sooner if the title had been involved. This could have restructured the landscape of championship titles and feuds leading up to 2024.
Fan Take
This hypothetical scenario is crucial for wrestling fans as it demonstrates how pivotal title changes can influence not just individual wrestlers but entire storylines. The potential ripple effects of Jay White’s victory could reignite rivalries and create fresh alliances, keeping the audience engaged and invested in the evolving narrative of AEW.
