The world of professional wrestling is abuzz with speculation as former AEW World Champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman, known to fans as MJF, navigates a complex web of uncertainty following a string of developments centered around his injury and contractual status after his recent loss at AEW World’s End.
MJF’s encounter with Samoa Joe at the Worlds End pay-per-view showcased his trademark resilience as he valiantly fought through a torn labrum, a testament to his commitment to the sport. Despite his commendable effort, Joe’s submission victory heralded reports of a potentially severe shoulder injury that might keep MJF away from the squared circle for an extensive duration.
The severity of MJF’s condition came to light when wrestling pundit Dave Meltzer hinted at the possibility of surgery looming on the horizon. Meltzer’s insights suggested a prolonged absence for MJF, stating, “He is still debating which tact to take. I think it’s probably the best thing is for him to have the surgery, but that’s a long time off.”
Coinciding with his injury, MJF’s loss of the AEW World Title has sparked a wildfire of speculation, particularly amplified by his conspicuous absence from AEW’s official roster page. The puzzling removal from the roster page has triggered debates among insiders, with some viewing it as a strategic maneuver while others suspect it might signal potential contract negotiations or even a storyline element tied to MJF’s ongoing narrative around the “war of ’24.”
Tony Khan, the president of AEW, expressed gratitude for MJF’s contributions to the promotion during a recent media scrum, acknowledging his pivotal role in shaping the company’s trajectory. However, Khan refrained from offering clarity on MJF’s future, stating, “I right now can’t comment on the future of MJF at AEW… MJF’s been a big part of AEW now for five years. He is one of the people that helped build this place.”
Further complicating matters, reports from Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp suggested that MJF was expected to take time off after Worlds End, with WWE sources claiming no conversations with the wrestler. Speculations regarding MJF’s contractual status gained traction, with many within AEW believing he committed to the promotion over a year ago, adding layers of intrigue to the ongoing drama.
As the wrestling landscape enters the realm of uncertainty, questions persist about MJF’s recovery, contractual negotiations, and the potential impact of his return on AEW’s storylines and dynamics. The enigmatic figure of MJF continues to loom large over the wrestling world, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this captivating saga.
