By feuding with CM Punk, MJF has the chance to fully cement himself as a top star in AEW, and he knows it.
In an interview with Justin Barrasso of Sports Ilustrated, MJF shared his thoughts on what has quickly become one of, if not the, hottest feuds in the wrestling world. While it’s easy to argue the two-time Dynamite Diamond Ring winner needs Punk to lift him up, MJF offered a different stance by noting that the best heroes have equally strong villains.
“There’s no Batman without Joker,” said MJF. “Punk needs me more than I need him.”
Eventually, the two foes will collide in what will surely be an electric match. Punk doesn’t hold a title right now, but MJF believes that pinning a competitor at Punk’s level would instantly become the most remarkable moment in his incredible career.
“It doesn’t get bigger than that,” said MJF. “I’m well aware of it. Pinning his shoulders to the mat would be the biggest highlight of my career.”
The leader of The Pinnacle also reflected on his renowned promo exchange with Punk, when the two stars traded verbal barbs for nearly 20 minutes. This exchange captivated fans around the world, and MJF went behind the curtain to confirm that he and Punk went off the cuff to deliver a segment that drew plenty of eyeballs.
“We didn’t have a script,” said MJF. “We didn’t have a time limit. Me and Punk were in that ring, just talking, on Thanksgiving Eve. That should have drawn, maximum, 700,000 viewers, and I’m being generous. That’s the greatest night to go out with your friends. It’s not a night to stay in. You’re with friends or you’re with family. But when we were in the ring, over a million people were watching.”
This past week, MJF made headlines again when he brought up Punk’s beloved dog, Larry and even AEW Women’s World Champion Britt Baker in his harsh message to “The Second City Saint.” Looking back on it, MJF made it clear that not even threatening Larry’s life crossed the line because he was just doing his job.
“There is no line,” said MJF. “People tell me I’m a habitual line-stepper. I don’t care. My job is to make you dislike me, to make you so mad that you pray someone will shut me up.
In this regard, MJF has done his job beautifully, as many AEW fans are eagerly looking forward to seeing Punk silence MJF and give him his comeuppance.
