In a recent revelation that’s sparked buzz among wrestling fans, MJF stated that John Cena actively watches AEW and has complimented his work, while also expressing deep regret about a dream match that will never occur. The news comes shortly after Cena’s retirement from in-ring competition, leaving the wrestling world reflecting on matches that now remain only in the realm of possibility.
MJF Discusses Cena’s Influence and a Missed Opportunity
John Cena, celebrated as one of WWE’s greatest stars, recently brought his iconic career to a close following his final wrestling bout at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13. With Cena now retired, speculation is swirling about the high-profile matches that fans hoped to see, but that will no longer take place.
During a candid interview on the Mostly Sports podcast, MJF—known formally as Maxwell Jacob Friedman—was asked about his thoughts on never sharing the ring with John Cena. Friedman articulated his disappointment, noting both the impact Cena had on him growing up and the mutual respect between the two wrestlers. He shared that prior to CM Punk, John Cena was his favorite wrestler, further underlining what the lost match would have meant to him personally.
“Yes, absolutely. I think that there is a different world where that match would’ve happened. Unfortunately, it’s not this one. I’ve had so many incredible run-ins with John where we’ve shot the s**t. He’s an incredible guy. He watches our product. He’s seen my stuff. He’s very complimentary. Obviously, I’m super complimentary to him. I’ve said it before in other interviews, but before CM Punk, my favorite wrestler growing up as a kid was John Cena. He was a fathead on my wall in my bedroom. So, I’d wake up, salute the OG, and then get ready for school”
John Cena’s acknowledgment of AEW and Maxwell Jacob Friedman’s performances adds another dimension to the ongoing conversation about the boundaries between wrestling’s top promotions. Cena’s retirement marks the end of an era, making these missed matchups all the more poignant for fans and wrestlers alike.
MJF Secures the AEW World Title at Worlds End 2025
Recently, MJF made a dramatic return to AEW by crashing the official contract signing for the AEW World Title. Taking advantage of his guaranteed title opportunity, he inserted himself into what became a high-stakes four-way contest for the championship.
At AEW Worlds End 2025, Samoa Joe faced a formidable lineup—defending his world title against not only MJF, but also Swerve Strickland and Hangman Adam Page. In a match that captivated fans, MJF ultimately emerged victorious, capturing his second AEW World Title in a hotly contested battle. This victory serves as a significant milestone in Friedman’s career, setting the stage for an intriguing title reign as the wrestling world speculates how long he will hold the championship this time around.
Impact of Cena’s Support and What Lies Ahead for MJF
John Cena’s admission of following AEW, and specifically showing admiration for MJF’s work, blurs the perceived divide between wrestling promotions and highlights the influence that established stars can still have on the wider industry. For MJF, the regret over a missed showdown with Cena is tempered by both his ongoing success within AEW and the recognition from one of the sport’s most iconic figures.
As MJF now enters his second reign as AEW World Champion, attention turns to who will rise to challenge him and whether he can repeat his previous successes. Cena’s supportive comments not only validate MJF’s accomplishments but also encourage further discussion among fans about the legacy of both stars within professional wrestling.
