Since returning to AEW programming at WrestleDream 2024, Adam Cole has made it clear that his sole focus was getting revenge on MJF. He found an ally in this goal in the form of stablemate Roderick Strong, who also wanted a crack at The Wolf of Wrestling. The latter obliged both men, stipulating that he would face at Full Gear 2024 whichever of The Undisputed Kingdom members picked up three straight victories.
After both Cole and Strong scored two wins, it seemed like they would both face MJF in a Three-Way match. However, the former AEW World Champion's off-screen involvement cost his former friend-turned-nemesis his third victory against Konosuke Takeshita. Friedman will thus face Strong at Full Gear and is resolved to make the latter suffer to retaliate against Cole's betrayal at Worlds End 2023.
Since then, Adam Cole has seemingly accepted that he will have to wait for a shot at MJF. However, there are a few ways for him to still be involved in the pay-per-view this Saturday. Let us explore them below.
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#1. Adam Cole could approach Tony Khan to be involved at AEW Full Gear
Most All Elite Wrestling viewers were likely waiting in anticipation for Adam Cole vs. MJF at Full Gear 2024. The bout would have been an opportunity for the company to properly resolve the feud between the two stars, which began last year and was derailed considerably due to The Panama City Playboy's injury.
Instead of Cole, however, Roderick Strong will take on Friedman this Saturday. Seeing how The Salt of the Earth has already made things personal with Roddy, and considering his usual devious ways, Cole could potentially approach Tony Khan or Christopher Daniels and request them to let him play some role in MJF's match against Strong to protect his stablemate - perhaps as a special enforcer, or even as the referee.
#2. Adam Cole could interfere and cost Roderick Strong against MJF
Adam Cole and Roderick Strong have been teammates for years now. During a recent interview with 94WIP, the former NXT Champion voiced confidence in the latter's ability to deal with MJF at AEW Full Gear, stating:
"By no means will I be involved [in the match], I’m gonna let Roddy do his thing, I know he can handle himself.."
However, nobody knows the limits of Friedman's guile and preparation better than his former Better Than You Bay Bay tag partner. This could drive Cole to try and interfere on Strong's behalf during his battle with MJF and possibly cost him a massive victory against the self-proclaimed generational talent inadvertently.
#3. Adam Cole could avenge himself against MJF for Double or Nothing assault
Regardless of whether MJF defeats Roderick Strong or not, he is likely to find himself in Adam Cole's crosshairs at Full Gear. The latter has yet to exact vengeance against Friedman for destroying him at Double or Nothing 2024 with a vicious brainbuster.
After the conclusion of his PPV match against Strong, MJF could thus be blindsided by Cole backstage. The former WWE Superstar could reciprocate violence with violence and deliver a brainbuster to Friedman in the backstage area, getting somewhat even with him in the process.
#4. Adam Cole could join up with Kyle O'Reilly and The Conglomeration
Recent AEW programming has evidently been teasing a reconciliation between long-time rivals and allies Adam Cole and Kyle O'Reilly. Despite being a member of The Conglomeration, The Violent Artist came out and spoke with his former Undisputed Era stablemate on Dynamite this week, praising the latter as a leader and as a friend in contrast to MJF, and advising him to let go of his obsession with the former American Champion.
O'Reilly's words could inspire Cole to potentially ditch Roderick Strong and The Undisputed Kingdom, seeing how the group was explicitly founded to take Friedman down.
This, in turn, could lead to Cole joining The Conglomeration and possibly joining O'Reilly and company in bringing the fight to Jon Moxley and his Death Riders after his AEW World Title bout against Orange Cassidy, whom Cole also has a history with.
#5. Adam Cole could forge new All Elite alliances
In kayfabe, the AEW locker room is currently replete with factions whose members are competing for dominance across various divisions and title pictures. And few stars in the company probably understand the value of forming new and strong alliances, like Adam Cole, who has been a part of several notable groups in WWE, ROH, NJPW, and All Elite Wrestling.
Considering the faction-heavy environment in AEW as of late, Cole could forge new associations in the company and start at Full Gear by employing someone to take out MJF. The Pennsylvania native could send someone like a returning Ricky Starks to perform the task. He could also align with Daniel Garcia, who may be crowned TNT Champion at the pay-per-view and who also has unfinished business with Friedman.
It remains to be seen how Adam Cole may be featured at AEW Full Gear 2024.