At SummerSlam 2025, a controversy unfolded involving Seth Rollins’ alleged injury, which has sparked intense debate among wrestling fans. Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF), a top star from AEW, appeared to take a discreet dig at WWE by questioning the authenticity of Rollins’ supposed knee issue through a social media post.
The event took place on Night 1 of WWE SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium, where CM Punk ended Gunther’s title reign by winning the World Heavyweight Championship. However, Rollins swiftly cashed in his Money in the Bank contract to defeat Punk and regain the championship, creating a significant buzz around the legitimacy of storyline injuries and match outcomes.
MJF’s Response to the Controversy Surrounding Seth Rollins’ Injury
MJF’s subtle criticism came via Instagram, where he posted a picture of himself targeting Flip Gordon’s injured leg, seemingly mocking the purported injury angle involving Rollins from the previous month. This move has fueled discussions about whether The Architect’s knee problem was genuine or staged for storyline purposes.
Currently eyeing the AEW World Championship, MJF’s taunt to WWE catalyzed fan conversations about the authenticity of professional wrestling drama, especially given the long-running competition between AEW and WWE.
Respect and Tensions Between MJF and Seth Rollins
Despite these jabs, MJF has publicly acknowledged his respect for Seth Rollins. During a recent interview on Busted Open Radio to promote his upcoming project Happy Gilmore 2, he defended Rollins against disparaging remarks made by host David LaGreca. MJF criticized LaGreca for calling Rollins a “tool,” showing a mix of frustration with industry commentary and loyalty to Rollins as a fellow performer.
“I get along with Seth [Rollins]. I take issue with [David LaGreca calling him a tool]. To be honest, the only reason I haven’t put you through that wall is because I’m very tired from doing all this press.” —MJF, AEW Star
This statement revealed underlying tensions within wrestling media discussions, highlighting MJF’s protective stance toward Rollins despite their roles in rival promotions.
Upcoming Matches and Continuing Rivalries
MJF is set to face Mark Briscoe in a singles match on the upcoming episode of AEW Dynamite, maintaining his active presence in the wrestling spotlight. Meanwhile, WWE continues to build storylines around Seth Rollins’ character as the newly crowned World Heavyweight Champion, whose recent injury saga remains a hot topic.
The ongoing debate from SummerSlam 2025 over the SummerSlam 2025 Seth Rollins controversy underscores the fine line between scripted entertainment and real physical risks in professional wrestling. How this development will influence future story arcs in WWE or AEW remains to be seen, but it certainly adds another layer to the intense rivalry between the two promotions and their top stars.
