Maxwell Jacob Friedman, better known as MJF, recently expressed gratitude towards Cody Rhodes for giving him an early boost by including him in a prominent independent wrestling event years ago. This unexpected Cody Rhodes WWE hiatus message comes at a time when Rhodes has been absent from WWE programming for several weeks following a brutal attack on SmackDown.
MJF, a former AEW World Champion, showcased his determination last month at the Forbidden Door pay-per-view by challenging AEW World Champion Adam Page. Though MJF fell short, Page successfully defended his title with his signature moves, the Deadeye and Buckshot Lariat, leaving MJF unable to reclaim the championship.
Since AEW’s founding, MJF has been one of the promotion’s standout talents under Tony Khan’s leadership. He was present on AEW‘s inaugural pay-per-view event, Double or Nothing 2019, and notably appeared on the card at All In 2018. This groundbreaking independent show, co-organized by Cody Rhodes along with The Young Bucks and supported by ROH and NJPW, helped launch the careers of multiple stars in the wrestling world.
On social media, MJF shared a screenshot of a message he sent to Rhodes, thanking him for his inclusion in the All In event, demonstrating the long-standing connection between the two performers. MJF originally fought in the opening match of All In 2018 but lost to Matt Cross. Shortly after, he signed with AEW in January 2019. Initially an ally of Cody Rhodes, their relationship famously soured after MJF betrayed him, culminating in a key victory for MJF at AEW Revolution 2020.
Cody Rhodes has been notably missing from WWE television since an ambush by Drew McIntyre several weeks prior, leading to widespread speculation about his status and future storylines within WWE.
MJF Challenges AEW Champion After Forbidden Door Setback
Despite his strategic efforts at Forbidden Door 2025, MJF was unable to dethrone Adam Page as AEW World Champion. Page’s resilience was highlighted by decisive finishing moves, which kept the title secure. Following the event, discussions on social media have compared Adam Page’s Buckshot Lariat to a similar rope-assisted lariat performed by WWE superstar Logan Paul, who recently used the move against John Cena at Clash in Paris.
MJF weighed in on the debate via Twitter, bluntly stating:
“Wayyyyyyyyy better than the crooked cowboys.”
—MJF
This comment refers to Page, nicknamed “The Cowboy,” and showcases MJF’s trademark sharp wit and confidence as he continues to stir rivalries.
Looking ahead, MJF’s next goals remain uncertain but may involve pursuing Mark Briscoe, who played a controversial role in MJF’s loss at Forbidden Door. This rivalry could unfold during the upcoming Dynamite episode, adding another crucial chapter in MJF’s quest to recover from recent setbacks.
The ongoing absence of Cody Rhodes from WWE highlights a significant void, as he remains one of the company’s key figures. MJF’s recent message serves as both a reminder of their intertwined careers and an acknowledgment of Rhodes’s influence on AEW’s growth and talent development. How Rhodes will re-enter the WWE landscape and whether this hiatus will impact his storied rivalry with MJF is yet to be revealed, keeping fans eagerly anticipating what comes next.
