As someone inside the wrestling industry, Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) understands the difference between the characters we see each week and the people who play those characters. The AEW world champion knows that fans can find it hard to differentiate between on-screen personalities and what wrestlers are like in real life.
MJF made his feelings on the subject clear during a recent appearance on Dr. Beau Hightower’s latest YouTube video during a discussion about Hulk Hogan.
“He’s a liar and a racist," MJF said, via Fightful. "It doesn’t change the fact that he was a massive draw and the professional wrestling business will never be the same because of him, for the better, but there are plenty of professional wrestlers that did great business. It doesn’t mean they’re great people...For some reason, wrestling fans kind of struggle with that. They can’t separate the two."
Hogan is undoubtedly one of the most important figures in wrestling history. He transcended the sport and became a worldwide icon.
However, since retiring, he has tarnished his image. That was the point MJF was trying to make. You don't have to be a good person with a good moral compass to be exceptional in a wrestling ring or on a microphone.
As long as you have charisma, athleticism and can work a match, you have a chance of succeeding in the industry. MJF is proving himself to have all the required skills to become a world-class professional wrestler. He's currently one of the most popular wrestlers in the world and has established himself as a face of AEW — so much so that he will have two matches at Full Gear 2023.
MJF understands what Hogan had to endure to become a legitimate global icon. It's clear he respects the wrestler but not the man, and that's perfectly fine.
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Matt LaFleur is earning the ire of several of his Green Bay Packers players early in training camp. On Tuesday, LaFleur punished offensive tackle Rasheed Walker for his altercation with defensive end Kingsley Enagbare. However, the most interesting interaction of the day came between LaFleur and tight end Tucker Kraft. Per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, LaFleur called out Kraft for two questionable fumbles during the first week of practice. Both "fumbles" came after the play was over or when the ball fell out of bounds. "Certainly, we all know what kind of player Tucker Kraft is and can be," LaFleur said. "He can’t allow Evan Williams to reach around and punch a ball out, so it is challenging everybody and hopefully that makes us that much better.” The third-year tight end took issue with LaFleur calling him out in front of the media and blamed the coaching staff for implementing practice rules that made it easy for offensive players to fumble. "I’d say a lot of the times — there’s certain rules you play with in practice, like just letting the defense punch repeatedly," Kraft said. "You’re not allowed to stiff-arm. I guess all I have are excuses. Yes, I am working on not fumbling the ball in practice." Schneidman said Kraft answered the question with a tone of sarcasm. Kraft was frustrated that he couldn't defend the ball by stiff-arming a defender trying to poke the ball from his undefended arm. Kraft acknowledged that during practice, he has to "play by the rules" LaFleur makes and is trying to work on having a "yes sir, no sir" attitude with his head coach. He then made a vague reference about a "bus fine" and accused LaFleur of throwing him under the bus in front of the media. Schneidman believes the tight end might actually be calling for Green Bay to fine LaFleur after his discouraging quote Tuesday morning. "So yes, the Packers’ third-year tight end might be calling for his head coach to be fined — not by the league, of course, but by the team — for what he perceived as throwing him under the bus," Schneidman wrote. "Is Kraft being serious about fining LaFleur? "Probably not. Is he peeved LaFleur called him out? It sure seems like it." LaFleur might do better to have a conversation with Kraft before dragging his name into news conferences with reporters. It's clear Tucker doesn't see eye-to-eye with LaFleur about fumbles. This is a good reminder to those getting overly excited or nervous reading practice reports that what happens at practice should be taken with a grain of salt. Most likely, Tucker is going to be fine.
The Boston Bruins have been under pressure to retool after a disappointing season, and now a potential blockbuster move could shake the entire NHL. A major trade proposal has surfaced that could send a star goaltender to the Edmonton Oilers, a move that would give them the elite presence they've lacked in net while forcing Boston closer to a rebuild. The deal being floated by multiple outlets would send Edmonton's current starter, Stuart Skinner, along with Matthew Savoie, Beau Akey, and a 2028 first-round pick to Boston, while the Oilers land a goaltender capable of changing their Cup window overnight. Edmonton's push for a franchise goalie could reshape the Western Conference and challenge the Dallas Stars' path to the Cup If this trade goes through, the Oilers would instantly address one of their biggest weaknesses, setting up a showdown with teams like the Dallas Stars, who already see Edmonton as one of their toughest rivals. Boston, on the other hand, would fully commit to a rebuild, pairing Joonas Korpisalo with Skinner in what could be one of the NHL's weakest tandems, likely boosting their draft lottery odds in one of the most hyped draft classes in recent memory (NHL.com). An insider noted, "They weren't the only ones who had inquired about Swayman, but yes, I was told they poked around." That comment shows just how wide the interest is for this level of goalie talent (Heavy.com). I think this kind of trade would completely shift the balance of power in the West, making Edmonton even more dangerous for teams like Dallas, who could end up facing a vastly upgraded Oilers team in the playoffs. If Boston truly embraces a rebuild, moving their top goaltender could be the first domino in a massive roster overhaul, something that could shake the market for weeks.
With less than 48 hours to go until the 2025 MLB trade deadline, the New York Yankees are still flirting with the Pittsburgh Pirates over some pitching. According to insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees and Pirates are still discussing reliever David Bednar and starter Mitch Keller on Tuesday night. But while there’s interest in both arms, the Yankees might not like the price. “Bednar is a target. Keller interests them, too, but the price tag might discourage them,” Heyman reported Tuesday. That lines up with what we’ve seen from the Yankees so far this month. They’ve been aggressive in scouting relievers but cautious about overpaying, especially for pitchers under long-term control. Bednar, who has a 4.19 ERA and 16 saves in 2025, would fill a pressing need for a club that ranks near the bottom of the league in bullpen ERA for July. His late-inning experience and high ground-ball rate make him a logical fit. Keller, meanwhile, would be a luxury at this point, especially after Luis Gil’s impending return. The right-hander is having a bounce-back year for the Pirates, with a 3.56 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and a team-leading 121 strikeouts in 125 innings. But he’s under team control through 2028, and Pittsburgh doesn’t appear eager to move him unless blown away. That’s likely where the Yankees’ caution kicks in. The team has shown a willingness to deal mid-tier prospects but has reportedly been hesitant to part with top-end talent like Cam Schlittler or Spencer Jones, especially for non-rental pieces. Still, the fact that conversations have occurred shows that even in the wake of Aaron Judge’s injury news, the Yankees remain active on both the bullpen and rotation fronts. The Yankees front office is casting a wide net. With time running out, names like Bednar and Keller remain firmly in the mix.
The latest headline at Commanders Park happened today as the Washington Commanders reported for practice and received some unfortunate news. This time, it isn't about a contract extension, but instead a player stepping away from the game of football and retiring. Commanders offensive lineman Nate Herbig was placed on the Reserve/Retired List this morning as I pulled up to Ashburn. This move took me by surprise. Commanders' backup steps away from football Herbig is retiring from football just months after signing a one-year deal with the Commanders. HC Dan Quinn addressed the media before practice on Tuesday and said that this was a personal decision by Herbig and that he was an awesome teammate for them. Quinn spoke highly of Herbig, and they had expectations for Herbig to contribute in a way this year, and he was projected to be the backup guard behind either Brandon Coleman or Sam Cosmi. Herbig is only 30 years old and would've been an excellent depth piece to step in if someone goes down. What does this mean for the team moving forward, though? A void in the roster and an open spot Herbig's retirement creates a hole that needs to be filled by someone and also opens a door of opportunity for someone to step up. Luckily, the Commanders have players who can move over in his place with veterans like Nick Allegretti, Andrew Wylie, and Trent Scott. The downside, however, is that all three of those are already slated to start or be the backups at other positions, and there's still a roster spot open. The Commanders do have Timothy McKay, who they signed to a hefty 3-year, $2.99 million undrafted rookie contract this offseason, but he's currently on the Non-Football Injury List after tearing his pectoral muscle at his pro day. They have high hopes for his upside, and they showed that with the contract they gave him despite his injury. I also wouldn't be surprised if the Commanders make a phone call for more outside help while McKay spends time rehabbing his injury. There are still a handful of veteran free agents who can report in time for camp to learn the systems, or the team can wait until roster cuts happen and land better value, and just fill in when needed with others for now. The Commanders have done an excellent job rebuilding the offensive line with higher-quality starters and depth, but now they need to go back to the drawing board and fill the void at backup guard with Herbig announcing his retirement.
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