Seth Rollins stunned the WWE Universe at SummerSlam 2025 by unexpectedly cashing in his Money in the Bank contract on CM Punk, ending months of speculation about his supposed injury. This surprising moment, now known as the Seth Rollins Ruse of the Century, highlighted the WWE’s skillful strategy in concealing Rollins’ true intentions and successfully delivering a memorable surprise. In the wake of this momentous gaming change in WWE, fans have eagerly anticipated a similar high-profile twist within All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
Currently, AEW’s main storyline centers on MJF’s pursuit of Hangman Page’s AEW World Championship. The intrigue deepens with The Salt of the Earth holding the Casino Gauntlet contract, a counterpart to the Money in the Bank briefcase, suggesting AEW could be planning a comparable “ruse” to Rollins’ recent shock moment. Reports indicate the Jacksonville-based promotion under Tony Khan might be crafting an unexpected championship narrative involving MJF.
Strategic Separation: MJF’s Departure from The Hurt Syndicate
MJF’s recent expulsion from The Hurt Syndicate in AEW took fans by surprise, especially after their alliance enjoyed considerable success. This abrupt breakup appears more than just a simple storyline twist, potentially signaling a carefully orchestrated plan. While MJF portrays himself as isolated, the circumstances strongly suggest this isolation is part of a larger plot, where MVP’s faction could resurface to support him when least expected.
The suddenness and lack of clear rationale behind MJF’s ousting fuel speculation that AEW is crafting a layered ruse meant to mislead both Hangman Page and the audience. If the faction returns at a key moment, it could dramatically shift the championship landscape—mirroring the impact of Rollins’ MITB cash-in in WWE.
Behind the Scenes: Reasons and Timing of MJF’s Split from His Faction
MJF’s departure from The Hurt Syndicate followed a promising partnership that spanned just over two months, raising many questions among fans and industry insiders. The timing and nature of the split imply it is a deliberate tactic by Tony Khan’s AEW to convince viewers that MJF and MVP’s faction are truly at odds. This impression is essential to build suspense and create a dramatic payoff in the near future.
Adding to this theory, reports hint that dissatisfaction within the group may have been orchestrated or exaggerated. MVP’s faction is currently portrayed with ambiguous loyalties, acting as tweeners on AEW programming, which helps reinforce the idea that the group is fracturing. This narrative complexity suggests a build-up rather than a permanent separation.
MJF’s Talent for Deception Parallels Seth Rollins’ Master Stroke
MJF’s reputation for cunning and manipulation in professional wrestling positions him as the ideal talent to deliver an intricate deception akin to Rollins’ widely praised effort. The Salt of the Earth has demonstrated his capability to mislead fans and opponents before, notably during his intense feud with CM Punk in 2022.
AEW’s confidence in MJF’s ability to pull off another high-level ruse seems well-founded, as his track record offers credibility for this strategy. A surprise championship cash-in or dramatic alliance comeback involving The Hurt Syndicate could elevate MJF’s status and create a memorable moment parallel to WWE’s recent booking of Seth Rollins.
Anticipated Impact and What to Expect Next in AEW’s Championship Scene
This potential “Ruse of the Century” in AEW would mark a pivotal storyline progression, introducing an unexpected twist that heightens excitement and unpredictability within the promotion. By drawing comparisons to Seth Rollins’ successful cash-in, Tony Khan and AEW might be signaling a new era of intricate storytelling centered on MJF’s character.
If The Salt of the Earth capitalizes on this plan with support from MVP’s faction, it could realign power dynamics in AEW’s championship division and stimulate fan engagement. Observers will be watching closely for clues and surprises that confirm this developing narrative, expecting AEW to deliver a shock as impactful as WWE’s most recent landmark moment.
