AEW world champion warned against joining WWE

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

Reigning AEW world champion warned against jumping ship to WWE

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 11/11/23

MJF is about to become the biggest free agent in wrestling. The AEW world champion's current contract is expected to expire on Jan. 1, 2024. He has been vocal about the possibility of him joining the "other brand." MJF's in-ring skills match his comfort on the mic and marketability as both a heel and a baby face.

However, former WWE writer Vince Russo believes MJF should remain with WWE. Russo doesn't think the rigid leadership will suit MJF's personality and wrestling style.

"It's a double-edged sword, bro," Russo said, via the "Pounding The Mat" podcast. "Because every freaking wrestler wants to go to the big stage. And they know the big stage is not AEW. They know that. They wanna go to the WWE, bro...He will be under control. Regardless of how much money they pay him, I don't think a guy like that is going to be happy under control...I gotta be honest with you, I don't think that's the place for him."

MJF is fast becoming the star of AEW and one of the most well-known wrestlers in the world. He was part of the main event for All-In, the largest-attended wrestling event in history. AEW is proving MJF can achieve its goals with the company. Tony Khan is overseeing a rapidly growing promotion as new fans continues to latch on.

Of course, MJF will go where he feels is best for his career. Yet, leaving AEW, which is putting him over with the fan base, to start from scratch might not be good business. MJF is not Cody Rhodes. He isn't a legacy. He isn't a former WWE talent making his return to the company. If MJF is going to jump promotions, he may be better served waiting a few more years. By then, his status as a wrestling star should be firmly cemented.

Or maybe he will realize he's got a good thing going with AEW and stop believing the grass is greener elsewhere.

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