The main event for AEW Redemption is reportedly more than just a championship clash. A new report has revealed that one absent AEW star played a significant role in shaping the match long before it became official.
Although MJF has not appeared on AEW television since losing the AEW World Championship, his creative influence is reportedly still being felt heading into the company’s next pay-per-view.
MJF’s role revealed in Kenny Omega vs. Kevin Knight at AEW Redemption
According to Fightful Select, MJF was the driving creative force behind the idea of Kenny Omega defending the AEW World Championship against the reigning TNT Champion at AEW Redemption.
The report noted that MJF had long wanted whoever held the TNT Championship to challenge Omega after defeating him for the world title.
However, the idea wasn’t tied to Kevin Knight specifically. Fightful Select reported that MJF’s vision centered on the TNT Champion filling that role. This was regardless of who held the championship at the time.
The story eventually fell into place on television. Knight captured the TNT Championship at Dynasty before turning heel at Double or Nothing and aligning himself with the Don Callis Family on the June 3 edition of Dynamite. Since then, “The Jet” has repeatedly pursued a shot at the AEW World Championship.
That opportunity arrived after Omega defeated MJF for the AEW World Championship at Beach Break 2026. Knight confronted the new champion on the following episode of Dynamite. This set the stage for their title match at Redemption on July 26.
Following his championship victory, Omega also acknowledged MJF’s reign while promising to raise the standard even further.
“MJF, I will give you credit. You never had to take this match. You never had to defend the belt as much as you did… Not only will I be the best champion I can be, but I’ll be a champion that even you are jealous of.”
MJF remains absent from AEW programming following his title loss, with no return date announced. Even so, if Fightful Select’s report is accurate, his fingerprints are still on one of AEW’s biggest matches of the summer. It seems “The Devil” may be off television, but his booking ideas are still refusing to tap out.
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