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MJF relishes being AEW's first in-house star
AEW's Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF). Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

MJF relishes being AEW's first in-house star

AEW is five years old. It has rapidly risen to become a top-two promotion in the world. Its roster is arguably the most talented in professional wrestling

However, it has struggled to create its own star talents. Instead, the company's biggest names have come from New Japan Pro Wrestling, WWE and Ring of Honor. 

Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) is the lone exception. He is AEW's first in-house star. Not only is he one of the biggest names in the promotion, but he's also known by casual wrestling fans who only tune into one promotion, such as WWE. 

During a recent interview with Sports Illustrated's Justin Barrasso, he shared his thoughts on being AEW's first homemade talent. 

"Can you remember the last time someone became a household name and arenas in WWE were chanting their name when they had zero exposure elsewhere? We’re talking the Crockett era, aren’t we? I take pride in that," MJF said. "AEW is my territory. But I’m a name in every territory because I made professional wrestling my b—. MJF made MJF."

The key to AEW's long-term success is finding ways to continue creating its own star talent. Jack Perry looks set to be the next in line following a strong showing during a recent excursion to NJPW. Darby Allin has also been working toward making a bigger name for himself. 

However, no matter how many other stars begin to emerge in AEW, MJF will always be the first. He didn't receive an education in NXT or overseas. Everything he's achieved has come from the platform Tony Khan has provided him and the hard work he's put in. 

MJF is a future superstar. His ability on a microphone is a significant part of his popularity. Khan should take note and look to implement more promo segments for his rising talents. 

After all, that's how you entice a more casual crowd. MJF can begin to draw in new eyes, but it's up to AEW to keep them around. And the more homemade stars it can lean into, the quicker the company can continue to grow. 

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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