Failing Up: Why Does Eddie Kingston Have a CMLL World Title Shot?
Let’s check the math on modern pro wrestling booking. One week ago, the internet was having a field day roasting Eddie “Feed Me More” Kingston for looking completely out of shape.
The backlash was loud enough that AEW pulled him right before his Continental Cup Challenge match against Claudio Castagnoli because he wasn't medically cleared. He looked like a guy who didn't even want to be in the ring.
So, what’s the reward for getting pulled from US television for conditioning and health reasons? Failing straight up.
The Forbidden Door Playbook: AEW, CMLL, and the New Japan Repeat
Out of nowhere, CMLL drops the announcement that Kingston is parachuting straight into Arena México to challenge Hechicero for the CMLL World Heavyweight Championship.
No tournament wins.
No local ranking climb.
No traditional contender's gauntlet.
Just Tony Khan’s political pipeline airdropping an out-of-shape AEW roster member into a marquee international main event. We’re supposed to treat him like a conquering hero for a promotion he's never even worked for, all while AEW continues to treat CMLL’s incredible women’s division like an afterthought.
Remember when New Japan was treated like a developmental backyard for AEW’s B-side?
History is repeating itself with CMLL.
Meanwhile, look at what WWE is doing with AAA—actually building cross-promotional heat that makes you want to tune in—while AEW treats partner promotions as a recovery ward for guys who can't even get cleared for Dynamite.
Make it make sense.
