Home

WWE

MJF Backs Tony Khan and Wrestling Legend While Brutally Criticising Former WWE Superstars for ‘Parachuting’ AEW

Published 12/30/2023, 10:40 AM EST

Follow Us

MJF, a prominent figure in the current generation of pro wrestlers and the AEW World Champion, is known for his outspoken nature. Despite being outspoken in his criticism of AEW and Tony Khan in the past, he’s been a staunch company man in the last few months. Many fans recognize MJF for his influential role and commitment to putting AEW above all else, even when calling out his fellow peers in the process.

Recently, he expressed strong support for Khan and another wrestling legend. Friedman also shares his thoughts on former WWE superstars joining AEW. With an outstanding run in AEW and a contract expiring in a few days, MJF reflects on the company, Khan, Chris Jericho, and Jon Moxley.

MJF criticises ex-WWE stars while taking Tony Khan’s side

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

MJF expresses his respect for AEW’s Originals by having a recent editorial for The Player Tribune. He is seen emphasizing their crucial role in the company’s success while critiquing those who view AEW as a parachute. 

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest WWE stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

He said, “The Originals — Jericho and Moxley, they’re the blueprint for established guys coming in and understanding AEW from Day One. Someone like Bryan, he’s a blueprint for coming in later and doing the same. But this won’t shock you: Not everyone has been like them. Other established dudes came in, thought of us as a parachute between forgettable WWE runs, and didn’t respect what this was built on.” He sees Danielson as a significant figure following Jericho and Moxley. MJF also takes a shot at certain ex-WWE wrestlers that have joined the company, something he’s been outspoken about in the past.

MJF considers Bryan Danielson as a guiding example for newcomers, but not all have embraced this ethos. Some established former WWE wrestlers, treating AEW as a transitional phase, fail to appreciate it’s foundation and purpose. Without naming names, MJF highlights how these attitudes manifest in their work. He also added it is leading to his lack of respect for such individuals.

AEW Top Star’s Shocking Heel Turn On MJF Unveils an Evil Alliance With the Devil on Dynamite

He also emphasizes recognizing Year One’s groundwork, pandemic resilience, and innovative ideas that define AEW’s unique identity. While MJF praises AEW, he also detailed the unlikely events that led to him making his debut in the company and the people behind it.

Khan and Rhodes gave MJF a chance to make his own luck

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

In the same interview with The Player’s Tribune, the AEW World Champion reflects on Cody Rhodes providing his initial opportunity, acknowledging the pivotal role of AEW’s inception.  He said, “Cody (Rhodes) took a chance on me and put me on the card at All In. Then Tony took a chance on me and signed me to AEW full-time.” Recalling being perceived as someone brought in to take hits from established stars, MJF credits both Cody and Tony Khan for giving him the chance to forge his path. 

Despite initial doubts, he recognized this opportunity during an infamous promo with Bret Hart, realizing he had the chance to make his luck. Since then he’s taken the ball and ran with it, becoming easily AEW’s biggest home-grown talent. Recently, he earned the awards of Male Wrestler of the Year by the NY Post and Promo Artist of the Year. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Watch This Story: 5 Deserving WWE Stars Who Never Main Evented WrestleMania

What are your thoughts on MJF siding with Khan and criticising ex-WWE stars? Let us know your thoughts below.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Sheron Singh

878Articles

One take at a time

Oh, let me tell you about myself, I'm Sheron Singh, the WWE aficionado and person behind many of trending WWE stories at EssentiallySports. My journey into the world of suplexes and powerbombs began at the age of 6, thanks to my father and I've been hooked ever since. With a postgraduate degree in clinical psychology, I have the superpower to dissect the emotions both in and outside that squared circle at ES.
Show More>

Edited by:

Anuj Jacob