Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF), one of Tony Khan’s top talents and a former AEW World Champion, has positioned himself for a major breakthrough after winning the Men’s Casino Gauntlet Match at All In 2025. This victory guarantees him a future shot at the AEW World Championship, offering a prime opportunity to eclipse Seth Rollins‘ recent memorable cash-in moment. At WWE SummerSlam 2025, Seth Rollins shocked fans by cashing in his Money in the Bank contract on CM Punk, becoming the new World Heavyweight Champion with a masterful fake knee injury, often hailed as the Ruse of the Century.
Given how fresh Rollins’s cash-in feels, Tony Khan now faces the challenge of making MJF’s upcoming cash-in even more unforgettable and impactful for AEW audiences.
Building Momentum from Existing Rivalries and Storylines
MJF is set to possibly cash in his contract soon, likely on Dynamite, with the goal of dethroning ‘Hangman’ Adam Page, the current AEW World Champion. The tension between Hangman and MJF has been steadily escalating, as Page seems to underestimate MJF’s threat. Although MJF is no longer officially part of The Hurt Syndicate—whose members include Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin, who openly dislike him—there’s speculation this discord could be a smokescreen.
Behind the scenes, The Hurt Syndicate could actually be united. A scenario that Tony Khan might exploit involves a brutal attack on Hangman by Lashley, Benjamin, MVP, and MJF during an episode of Dynamite, weakening the champion significantly. Following this devastating beatdown, MJF could then cash in effortlessly and secure the AEW World Title for the faction, amplifying the drama and shock value.
Continued Tradition of Shocking Moments in AEW
AEW has a reputation for delivering unexpected and thrilling moments, as demonstrated at WrestleDream 2024 when Jon Moxley violently ended Bryan Danielson’s AEW World Title reign, which led to Danielson’s retirement from active competition. The Death Riders’ subsequent assault on The American Dragon stunned audiences and set a tone for shocking developments.
Continuing this tradition, WrestleDream 2025 could feature MJF launching a surprise attack on Hangman Page, followed by a timely and successful cash-in of his contract to claim the AEW World Championship. This would abruptly end Hangman’s hopes for a lengthy title reign and reverberate through AEW’s storyline landscape.
What Lies Ahead at All Out 2025 in Toronto
All Out 2025 is scheduled to take place in September at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. While Hangman’s opponent has not been confirmed, it is widely expected that he will enter the event as AEW World Champion and deliver a significant match. If Hangman manages to retain his title against this mystery challenger, there remains the possibility that MJF will appear afterward to cash in and overturn the outcome, mirroring Rollins’s SummerSlam surprise.
Fans are eager for Hangman to enjoy a substantial title reign after his fierce battles, particularly against Jon Moxley. Yet, if MJF’s cash-in succeeds at All Out, Hangman’s championship run would be cut short, lasting only a few months. This scenario would undoubtedly create a shocking and memorable moment for viewers, distinguishing itself from the brief reign Seth Rollins helped orchestrate when cashing in on CM Punk.
