AEW World Champion MJF was doubtful about turning babyface.
Throughout his time in AEW, MJF had been the most dastardly heel on the roster. However, this past summer, he formed a powerful friendship with Adam Cole, and he gradually turned babyface. The champion started referring to himself as the fans’ scumbag, as he was still being himself in many ways.
Speaking with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, MJF discussed his new role and noted that the progressive nature of the change made it more relatable.
“It’s just me being myself,” MJF said. “One of the biggest indictments of this sport is that people claim professional wrestling is this archaic, one-dimensional thing. People love to throw the terms babyface and heel around, but look at the history of it. Why do we cheer the good guys? Why do we boo the bad guys?
“This was a progressive, very slow change. To me, that’s so much more relatable–and so much more realistic. I think people know how hard it is to change, and that’s why I’m connecting with people on the level that I am.”
MJF On Getting Cheered
Seeing MJF as a fan-favorite has been jarring for some critics, and he admitted that he had zero confidence in the shift when it began. He noted that his goal had been to make people hate him. Now, with fans chanting for him, he faces some fear, as it defies what he previously set out to do.
“I had zero confidence in this,” MJF said. “For the longest time, when I walked through the curtain, my only goal was to make people viscerally hate me. I never wanted people to like me. Getting liked is hard because it opens the door up to be rejected.
“So when the fans started chanting my name, it really shook me. There was even a wave of MJF support when I won the belt. I remember thinking to myself, ‘No.’ That was out of fear. And I’m still scared, but it’s a lot less.”
During the interview, MJF commented on his looming free agency. Click here to see what he had to say.
Catch up on our coverage of the November 15 episode of AEW Dynamite here.
WrestleZone will have coverage of AEW Full Gear as it airs on November 18.
