MJF's heartfelt article leaves all options on the table
Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) recently released a wide-ranging article in the Players' Tribune. He discussed his love for AEW, his relationship with other foundational members of the promotion and the injuries he's dealing with. What MJF doesn't do, though, is discuss his contract situation.
The AEW World Champion is reportedly set to hit free agency on Jan. 1. He will headline AEW's "Worlds End" pay-per-view on Saturday, facing Samoa Joe with the World Championship on the line. Beyond that, there's no telling what comes next for MJF.
He could re-sign with AEW and continue his run as the face of the franchise, or his head could be turned by WWE's ability to help propel him toward global stardom.
Neither choice would be the wrong one. There's a fair argument for either potential outcome. MJF's status among the best young wrestlers in the world will ensure there's ample interest in his services from WWE.
Roman Reigns is appearing on TV less and less, and outside of Cody Rhodes and LA Knight, there aren't many people within the WWE who could slide in and take his spot at the top of the mountain. MJF could do that. He's exceptionally gifted on the mic. He can wrestle with the best of them, and he's active enough on social media that he continually pushes storylines and narratives to keep interest at a high level.
MJF's article never read as a goodbye letter to fans of AEW. It didn't confirm he would be staying either. Instead, it was open to interpretation and could be viewed as why he's chosen to stay or why he's grateful for everything the company did for him.
One of the biggest names in wrestling is about to make a career-defining choice. Before that happens, he will have a huge pay-per-view match. The wrestling world is eagerly awaiting MJF's decision, as it could be a swing factor in the ongoing ratings battle between the two companies.
WWE offers a broader audience and the power to make him a superstar. AEW provides the creative freedom to continue being the character who has risen to prominence.
No matter what happens, MJF will continue to rise toward stardom, and that's a good thing for wrestling and wrestling fans around the world.
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