MJF remains vocal about his issues with Adam Cole, identifying Cole’s injury as a major factor in the disruption of one of AEW’s most anticipated storylines. The AEW World Champion discussed the rise and fall of their partnership during a February 5, 2026, guest spot on Mostly Sports with Mark Titus and Brandon Walker, highlighting how their rivalry was poised to be a defining chapter for AEW fans.
Injury and Betrayal Changed the Feud’s Path
The turning point came with Adam Cole’s ankle injury at AEW Grand Slam in 2023, which forced him out of action and derailed momentum for what was shaping up to be a marquee feud. MJF and Cole, once a popular tag team that captured the ROH World Tag Team Titles, blended humor, competition, and camaraderie, captivating the AEW audience.
However, the dynamic shifted dramatically at AEW World’s End 2023, when Cole shocked fans by betraying MJF and revealing himself as the leader of the Undisputed Kingdom faction, which includes Roderick Strong, Matt Taven, Mike Bennett, and Wardlow. This betrayal sidelined MJF for a time but led to his surprise return at Double or Nothing 2024, where he launched an attack on Cole.
The Feud’s Revival and MJF’s Perspective on Its Potential
The rivalry between MJF and Adam Cole rekindled throughout 2024, culminating with MJF defeating Cole at World’s End 2024 to reclaim the Dynamite Diamond Ring. Despite the conclusion, MJF believes the original concept for their feud was substantially greater in scale—comparable to his memorable conflict with CM Punk—had it not been for the injury and the subsequent heel turn by Cole.
“The Adam Cole thing was on an even playing field with the CM Punk situation, but then it all went to s*** because Adam Cole got injured and betrayed me like a piece of s***.” – MJF, AEW World Champion
Ongoing Tension and Future Implications
MJF’s recent remarks suggest his frustration with how the storyline unfolded has not diminished, as he openly critiques what went wrong behind the scenes. His candidness signals that the bitterness from the feud with Adam Cole continues to influence his persona and narrative direction within AEW.
The impact of Cole’s injury on their feud raises debates among fans about whether the storyline lost its momentum or still delivered an engaging experience. With both wrestlers being prominent figures in AEW and the Undisputed Kingdom, the fallout from their turbulent relationship remains a significant chapter in AEW’s recent history.
