As AEW has grown into a key competitor to WWE, several wrestlers have moved between the two promotions, including notable names like Cody Rhodes and Adam Copeland. One standout figure is MJF, an AEW star widely recognized for his compelling in-ring skills and mic work. Despite ongoing speculation about a potential WWE move, MJF re-signed with AEW on May 26, 2024, at Double Or Nothing, extending his stay long-term. Nevertheless, WWE fans and fellow performers remain interested in the possibility of his future transition. John Cena recently expressed his respect for MJF’s professionalism and hinted at hoping to see him in WWE one day.
In a discussion with Chris Van Vliet, Cena acknowledged MJF’s talent and work ethic, emphasizing that performance is not tied to the company’s brand. Cena said,
“Just because you don’t wear the company brand doesn’t mean you’re a bad performer. So this is one of their top performers for AEW,”
followed by,
“…I shook his hand. I said, ‘Man, I’m so sorry. Excuse my ignorance.’ I didn’t know what to expect from you today. You are… a class act. I can’t believe you’re as professional as you are. And I, you know, I kind of, maybe we can get you to play for the right team one day…And there’s no denying the fact that he’s doing good work.”
MJF combines strong storytelling, crowd engagement, and elite wrestling ability, making him an ideal WWE star in the eyes of many analysts and peers.
MJF’s Previous Decisions to Decline WWE Offers
Rumors have circulated regarding WWE’s interest in signing MJF, especially throughout 2024. However, this interest isn’t new. In an interview with Ross Tucker, MJF revealed that he received contract offers from both WWE and AEW when he was just 22 years old. Ultimately, he chose AEW because of its philosophy and goals.
MJF explained,
“At the age of 22, WWE came knocking to offer me a contract, and AEW came knocking to offer me a contract,”
continuing,
“And I went with All Elite Wrestling because I believe in the mission statement of All Elite Wrestling. It’s where the best are meant to wrestle.”
This choice highlights MJF’s commitment to AEW’s vision and what the company represents in wrestling’s competitive landscape.
MJF’s Dream Match with John Cena and Other WWE Talents
During an appearance on the Insight podcast with Chris Van Vliet, MJF discussed his dream matches involving WWE talent, lamenting missing the chance to face John Cena due to Cena’s retirement. When asked about his top pick, MJF stated,
“John would have been my answer but he’s retired, so I’m gonna say Kevin Steen,”
specifying,
“I want Kevin Steen, the one that I watched in Ring of Honor. Not saying Kevin Owens isn’t spectacular. Kevin Owens is one of the best wrestlers in the world and it sucks that he’s hurt right now. It kills me. But Kevin Owens can’t exactly say some of the things that Kevin Steen was able to say back in the day. So I want Kevin Steen. That’s a dream match for me.”
Should Cena ever return to active competition, it is likely that MJF would consider him his preferred opponent, as wrestling alongside one of the greatest performers of all time remains a coveted opportunity.
The Impact of Wrestler Movements Between AEW and WWE
The ongoing exchanges of talent between AEW and WWE continue to shape the wrestling industry’s landscape. As wrestlers like Cody Rhodes and Adam Copeland have shown, crossing over provides new creative possibilities and fresh storylines for fans. MJF’s position as a top AEW star, combined with WWE’s interest in him, exemplifies how competitive dynamics influence contract negotiations and talent careers.
John Cena’s acknowledgment of AEW performers like MJF reflects a changing era in professional wrestling, where respect transcends company lines. Any future transitions involving MJF or similar talents would likely impact both promotions’ direction and audience engagement, keeping fans eagerly watching for developments.
