AEW brought back one of its most memorable championship storylines on the July 1 episode of Dynamite when MJF offered Kenny Omega a world title match with a career-altering condition.
In the process, the reigning champion also brought back a familiar Cody Rhodes reference, adding another layer to an already high-stakes confrontation.
The proposal came after MJF successfully retained the AEW World Championship against Mark Briscoe, but the champion’s night was far from over.
What followed blended AEW’s past with its present, leaving Omega with a difficult decision.
MJF revives Cody Rhodes callback with Kenny Omega challenge
After defeating Briscoe, MJF attacked his opponent with the Dynamite Diamond Ring until Kenny Omega rushed to the ring to make the save. Omega immediately challenged MJF for the AEW World Championship, only for the champion to reject the idea of wrestling again that night.
Instead, MJF proposed a title match for next week’s Beach Break edition of Dynamite under one major condition. If Kenny Omega accepts and loses, he will never be allowed to challenge for the AEW World Championship again. However, Omega is yet to accept the stipulation.
The condition echoes one of AEW’s defining storylines. Cody Rhodes famously agreed to a similar stipulation before challenging Chris Jericho for the AEW World Championship at Full Gear 2019. After losing that match, Rhodes was permanently barred from competing for the company’s top prize, a decision that became a major part of his AEW journey before his departure to WWE.
Later backstage, MJF boasted about his past victories while responding to questions about Omega’s challenge. During his remarks, he listed several former opponents he had defeated, including WWE star Cody Rhodes, referencing their Revolution 2020 meeting.
It’s a subtle callback that longtime AEW fans won’t miss. Much like Cody years ago, Omega now finds himself staring at a deal that could permanently change his championship future. Whether “The Cleaner” signs on the dotted line remains one of the biggest questions heading into Beach Break.
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