AEW President Tony Khan has addressed speculation surrounding the potential departure of MJF from AEW to WWE. After MJF secured the AEW Men’s World Championship at Worlds End in late 2025, rumors about his move to WWE intensified, making Khan’s comments on the situation especially relevant to wrestling fans and the industry.
Tony Khan Expresses Pride in MJF’s Commitment to AEW
MJF, known as The Salt of the Earth, has become one of AEW’s most prominent figures, with his recent championship win marking a significant milestone in his career. Despite persistent chatter about a “bidding war” between AEW and WWE in 2024 — a storyline in AEW that highlighted MJF’s availability to the highest bidder — the company revealed he signed a long-term contract with Tony Khan, putting to rest rumors of an imminent jump to WWE.
Speaking to talkSPORT about stars like MJF who choose AEW over the sports entertainment giant WWE, Khan shared his feelings about retaining top talent:
It makes me feel incredible. I feel really great about what we’re doing at AEW right now, and I think wrestlers around the world want to be here. AEW is where the best wrestle. We’re seeing women and men across pro wrestling show that this is where so many of the greatest stars have chosen to be—and to stay—for a reason. This is where we’re wrestling at the highest level. We’re putting on tremendous shows. And with this lineup of wrestlers and the big events we have set to come, people want to be here and the fans are tuning in.
?Tony Khan, AEW President
Recent Industry Updates Reflect Ongoing Shifts
While the spotlight remains on AEW’s roster decisions, WWE continues to generate news of its own. Former WWE star Rusev openly discussed his firing during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, highlighting the challenges many wrestlers faced during that period.
Additionally, CM Punk, a key figure in wrestling, has recently praised WWE’s NXT wrestlers as future main roster talents, signaling continued faith in the development brand’s impact on the company’s long-term plans.
In other developments, Rey Mysterio provided his initial response to the release of a former WWE and UFC star from prison, emphasizing the interconnected nature of combat sports personalities.
Ongoing WWE Storylines and Wrestler Movements
Andrade El Idolo has stirred controversy by encouraging a notable WWE star to exit the company, illustrating the behind-the-scenes dynamics still active within WWE circles. Meanwhile, a recently released WWE performer expressed regret over sharing explicit photos online, opening discussions around personal decisions and public image.
Among positive news, a WWE power couple, married since 2016, shared plans to expand their family this year, adding a human interest angle to the wrestling world.
Upcoming WWE programming promises excitement with The Vision’s Bronson Reed scheduled for a significant match on next week’s RAW episode. Similarly, WWE NXT launched its recent show with Kelani Jordan securing a decisive victory over a current champion, drawing attention to fresh talent rising within the company.
Significance of MJF’s Decision for AEW and Wrestling’s Future
MJF’s decision to remain with AEW, validated by Tony Khan’s comments, symbolizes a rising shift in the wrestling landscape, where AEW continues to compete strongly against WWE for top stars. Khan’s enthusiasm about wrestling at “the highest level” promises fans thrilling performances and further elevates AEW’s position as a premier wrestling platform.
This development reassures supporters of AEW and suggests that major rivalries and storylines will continue to shape the industry’s future. As the wrestling world watches closely, the commitment of stars like MJF could set a precedent for how talent values creative opportunities and company culture over larger financial offers.
