AEW CEO Tony Khan recently addressed the ongoing discussions surrounding Maxwell Jacob Friedman, known as MJF, highlighting the divided opinions about the wrestler within the company. Since the founding of AEW as a notable challenger to WWE, MJF has emerged as one of its standout talents. Khan acknowledged the backstage buzz about MJF’s expanding career in the film industry, noting that few wrestlers genuinely like him, though everyone admires his achievements.
Talking about the divided feelings in the locker room, Khan said,
“A lot [of buzz backstage in AEW because MJF is getting more movie deals], yeah. I mean, MJF is not the most popular guy backstage. Most of the wrestlers don’t really like him very much,”
Tony Khan said.
“So, I would say that, among the villains in AEW, there is some camaraderie. And so, maybe a guy like Don Callis or [Kazuchika] Okada, I think those guys are probably happy for MJF. But a lot of the fan favorites in AEW don’t really like MJF very much. That being said, everybody is impressed with what he’s doing. He is a really hardworking guy.”
Insights Into MJF’s Character and Work Ethic from AEW Leadership
When reflecting on MJF’s professional qualities, Tony Khan offered a complicated perspective on the former AEW World Champion, blending praise with critique. Khan admired MJF’s natural talent and his deep knowledge of wrestling history and technique. However, he pointed out that MJF often tries to take shortcuts or cheat to advance, despite his evident skill.
Khan’s comments confirmed the company’s pride in MJF’s growing success beyond wrestling as well, especially as he pursues acting opportunities. He said,
“I am very impressed with MJF. I think he is an incredible wrestling talent. When he focuses on the wrestling, I think MJF is one of the best, but he always takes shortcuts. He’s always trying to cheat his way to the top. And I don’t think he needs to–that’s the truth. He’s a really gifted wrestler, and he is a student of the history of wrestling and technical wrestling. Also, MJF is a student of acting now, and he’s doing a great job with it. He’s filming another movie right now. And for AEW, the executives, we are proud of what MJF is doing,”
Tony Khan said.
MJF’s Growing Presence in Wrestling and Film
MJF has confirmed that his focus on acting matches his commitment to professional wrestling. His latest film role included a part in the sequel to Happy Gilmore, alongside WWE Superstar Becky Lynch and Hollywood star Adam Sandler. This move represents a significant crossover between sports entertainment and mainstream entertainment, expanding MJF’s profile beyond the ring. His ability to maintain prominence in AEW while pursuing a film career reflects his versatility and appeal both inside and outside wrestling.
What This Means for AEW and MJF’s Future
The comments from Tony Khan underscore the tense but respectful dynamic surrounding MJF within AEW. While many wrestlers may not favor him personally, they recognize his hard work and talents, which adds complexity to the backstage environment. For AEW, having a star like MJF who attracts attention beyond wrestling aligns with the company’s broader ambitions to compete with WWE and grow its brand in entertainment. The support from executives suggests that the promotion will continue backing MJF’s dual career path, which could influence future storylines and promotional directions.
