What’s next for MJF after AEW Worlds End?
According to a new report from Fightful (via Fightful Select), he might be taking some time off.
Maxwell Jacob Friedman lost the AEW World Championship to Samoa Joe at Worlds End on Saturday night. The night also ended with Adam Cole revealing himself as The Devil, along with Roderick Strong, Matt Taven, Mike Bennett and Wardlow as his accomplices.
Fightful reports that several sources they spoke with at the conclusion of the show expect MJF to be absent from AEW TV for a while. This is expected to happen “almost immediately.” MJF has been dealing with a number of injuries, and wanted to see the Devil storyline through.
It was noted that MJF is influential in his own creative details and he could always insist on staying on television, but it’s still expected internally.
As for his contract, MJF continues to maintain that his AEW contract is up at the beginning of 2024. However, many WWE sources claim they haven’t had talks with him. Several people in AEW believe he signed more than a year ago, although they don’t expect MJF would admit as much.
Looking ahead
When asked what AEW can work on in 2024 to continue to improve, MJF told Scott Fishman of TVInsider they need to better the product and respond to constructive criticism.
“I frankly think what we are doing now. We are bettering the product,” MJF said. “I think we lost our footing at points, but I think that’s had to do with some crazy f*ck’in sh*t that went down. Let’s face it, some of it was out of our control. Also, some of it was in our control. So, I think it’s very important when we read criticism we take it as constructive.
“I mean when we can. There is a difference between, ‘I want AEW to die. Fed is better. LOL.’ That kind of tweet. And, ‘I miss when AEW kind of had a more sports presentation.’ Or, ‘I miss MJF chopping it up on the stick and f*ck’in bury people.’ There are constructive things, though. I think now more than ever, we are the listening company.
“We are trying to be the listening company. I think the reason there is so much criticism online, and I’m starting to see it lessen because we are starting to give people what they are asking for, but it’s because the fans hold me and the company to a higher standard. I take that with a lot of pride. There is a reason to expect greatness from me. It’s because I’ve given it to them before. I plan on giving it to them at Worlds End.”
