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The AEW World Championship has become one of the most prestigious titles in all of wrestling. The first four champions were well built up and felt like the right person at the right time. Chris Jericho was the ideal inaugural title holder because of his name recognition and star power, bringing fans to a brand new product in All Elite Wrestling.
Jon Moxley was a stable force as AEW World Champion during the uncertain times of the pandemic and became the best babyface in the business. Kenny Omega had a stellar 2021 not just holding the top prize in All Elite Wrestling, but also the IMPACT World Title and AAA Mega Championship. He was the top guy for the promotion during its most successful year of their existence.
Hangman Adam Page completed a beautifully told three-year journey to the mountaintop by defeating Kenny Omega to win gold at Full Gear 2021. His first title defense was a marvelous 60-minute time limit draw, which shows what's to come. All those men set a standard for Page and any future challengers to uphold.
The promotion has one of the most star studded rosters in wrestling history. There are a litany of established headliners mixed with rising stars and up-and-comers. These competitors all have their sights on gold and may be in line for a shot next year. In this article, let's take a look at five AEW stars who must get a World Title opportunity in 2022.
5) Malakai Black - AEW
Malakai Black has come into AEW as a dark force trying to change those who oppose him. The House of Black leader has only suffered one loss to Cody Rhodes since his arrival after beating the American Nightmare twice. He has the win-loss record, character presentation and in-ring skills to be a headliner in All Elite Wrestling.
It should only be a matter of time before Malakai Black gets himself a shot at the AEW World Title. Black vs. Hangman Adam Page is a tantalizing matchup that should produce top-notch quality together. Their styles mesh very well and would be a showstealer on television or pay-per-view. Black is someone that the company can rely on and should get a chance at the top of the card.
4) Adam Cole - AEW
Another former NXT Champion that has made an immediate impact in AEW is Adam Cole. The former Undisputed Era leader has been reunited with the Young Bucks as the SuperKliq and is undefeated in singles action. Wherever Cole has competed, he has been a main eventer, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him claim the top spot in the next 12 months.
Adam Cole is the perfect heel character to be the champion of the company. He is cocky, smug and full of himself. This makes him an excellent foil for Hangman Adam Page. The history between these two Bullet Club members adds a genuine hook to what should be an AEW World Championship Match to close a major event. Cole's rise to the top will be undisputed in 2022.
3) Miro - AEW
God's Favorite Champion has been stuck in purgatory ever since losing the TNT Title to Sammy Guevara on the September 22nd episode of AEW Dynamite. Miro has evolved into a fabulous character as the Redeemer and has become so compelling with his promos.
After such an exceptional reign as TNT Champion, Miro should be aiming higher up the card. He made for a wonderful monster heel champion and that is an archetype that AEW hasn't gone to as of yet with their top title. Miro gives Hangman Page a true hurdle to overcome with his reign that adds even more fan investment. This has banger potential written all over it.
2) CM Punk - AEW
CM Punk had one of the greatest wrestling moments ever with his triumphant return to business after seven years on The First Dance special of AEW Rampage from Chicago's United Center. After a winning streak against a blend of young talent and veterans, the Second City Saint has set his sights on the AEW World Championship.
CM Punk has always been a better character when he has an achievable goal in front of him. The former WWE Champion seems to either lose or find himself when the top prize is within his grasp. This might be exactly what Punk needs to further impact the industry and AEW as a whole.
CM Punk being opposed by Hangman Adam Page might just be the matchup to be the catalyst for a Punk heel turn. He has been defined by his straight edge lifestyle which led to his memorable feuds against Jeff Hardy and Raven. Going against the anxious millennial cowboy is an intriguing direction to go. To many fans, Punk is better as a heel and Page is an impeccable babyface foil for him.
1) MJF - AEW
CM Punk enters 2022 the same way he ends 2021 amid an ongoing feud with Maxwell Jacob Friedman, better known as MJF. The Pinnacle leader has also staked his claim to the next shot at the AEW World Championship. He may just have a better argument due to his overall record and against the current champion.
It was Hangman Adam Page, who MJF defeated to win his first Dynamite Diamond Ring. The self-proclaimed Face of AEW has only suffered two pinfall losses under controversial circumstances in the first three years of the company. He received an opportunity for the title at All Out 2020, but Moxley used the banned Paradigm Shift to defeat MJF and retain the gold.
With enough time since that last shot, it seems like the right time for Friedman to be pushed to the forefront. MJF has been the best heel in AEW for quite some time. He is a brilliant talker and an underrated in-ring performer. His history with Hangman Page makes their potential showdown that much more appealing. That's why MJF is the AEW star who must get a World Title opportunity in 2022.
