Adam Cole is a challenger of convenience right now. It's clearly a Battle of the Belts thing but honestly, I can't wait for him to be out of the title picture. Despite how over he is for his past work, he needed (and still needs) a feud or two to establish himself _in AEW_ over _AEW talent_ and get some credible wins to build his worth. Booking him into the title picture again for an obvious loss does neither him nor Hangman any favours. It feels like more filler, longer to wait before Hangman gets a substantial feud. I hope we get a stip on their next match, at least.
It feels to me like Hangman needs a feud that feels personal, that teaches us more about him. His run at the belt was deeply personal and effecting, I want that to continue while he's champ too. Especially for his first run with the title. The in-ring output has been fantastic without question and overall I love him as our champion, but his reign has not been as emotional as his ascent was. It might be an intentional choice, the pressure of keeping the belt is causing him to push everyone away (including us, the viewers) and become more private. Maybe this will come to a head down the road. But again, that's him feuding with someone who either knows him personally or is unafraid to get personal and bring it up.
That would be Omega, PAC or John Silver for the first category... MJF, Punk or Eddie for the second. Give me... any of that, please.
(Actually John Silver would be an amazing feud because, despite the result never being in doubt it would still have a lasting consequences. Shit, I've talked myself into wanting a Johnny Hungee world title shot now.)
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