Maxwell Jacob Friedman aka MJF. Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

MJF nearing return to AEW following months out with injury

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 5/25/24

Nobody has seen MJF since he lost his AEW World Championship to Samoa Joe at "Worlds End." He has been recovering from a string of injuries. Since his title loss, speculation has been rampant regarding MJF's future within the company. Many believed that his contract had expired and that he was free to negotiate with any interested promotion.

According to recent reporting from Fightful Select, not only is MJF expected to return to AEW programming in the near future, he was also never a free agent, having signed a contract extension well in advance of his injuries.

"We can’t speak to a certain date, but discussions have happened regarding MJF making an on-screen return to All Elite Wrestling," Fightful Select reported. "MJF remains under AEW contract for quite some time. At some point following the controversial AEW Double or Nothing 2022 situation, MJF got an extension with AEW, though we’re not sure if it kicked in and effectively replaced the former deal he had that would have expired on December 31, 2023...MJF is among the highest earners in AEW as per the deal."

MJF will be walking into multiple ready-made storylines when he returns. He must address being backstabbed by Adam Cole. He will have a long-running feud with Wardlow to wrap up. And it would be wise to get him into some programming across from Will Ospreay as the two young faces go toe-to-toe.

AEW has missed MJF. His ability on the microphone is almost as good as his production in the ring. He's an elite storyteller. He's exceptional at getting the fans invested in what's happening week to week. Most importantly, though, he's the face of the company and one of the best talents on the roster.

Excitingly, MJF will be walking into a new-look locker room. Multiple new faces have joined the company in his absence, which provides additional room for factions and feuds. AEW are unlikely to let MJF return during a random show. It will likely be a major spot. A pay-per-view would make the most sense. Nevertheless, whenever he returns, he could have a major impact on the storylines being told and potentially trigger a ratings spike.

More must-reads: