Since his return at All Out, fans have been eagerly awaiting the real Eddie Kingston’s arrival in AEW. Though his presence was hinted at through merchandise and entrance music, the version seen in the ring felt off — perhaps due to a year and a half away from wrestling — lacking the edge that made him special. However, on the Thanksgiving episode of “AEW Collision,” Kingston finally emerged with a passionate promo, openly addressing his absence and setting his sights on Samoa Joe, the AEW Men’s World Champion, with whom he shares a rich history.
This rivalry escalated on the December 3 episode of “AEW Dynamite,” where Kingston and Joe had a face-to-face confrontation filled with sharp words. Surprisingly, it took almost three months for AEW to realize that Kingston’s promo skills are unmatched and that allowing him a microphone was the most effective way to build excitement. Kingston refused to buy into Joe’s usual taunts, instead criticizing Joe’s current persona as all style and no substance, a far cry from the competitor Joe used to be. This challenge respects Joe’s strength while clearly establishing Eddie as a fierce contender. Eddie knows that facing the best version of Samoa Joe would be tough, but if the current Joe shows up, the champion is in serious trouble.
Though their feud is short-lived, it’s already generating high anticipation for the upcoming bout. Kingston’s ability to captivate and rile up the crowd means he’s poised to shake up Samoa Joe’s reign and energize AEW’s championship scene.
Fan Take: Eddie Kingston’s comeback promo is exactly what AEW needed to reignite excitement and storytelling depth. This feud not only promises a thrilling match but also highlights AEW’s focus on authentic characters, which is crucial for keeping fans engaged and invested in the sport.
