41-year-old tells top AEW star to take Tony Khan's money and rightfully stay away from WWE (Exclusive)
After weeks of absence, All Elite Wrestling put all the rumors to bed and retained one of its top stars, MJF, confirming that he wasn't headed to WWE. EC3 reacted to The Salt of The Earth continuing his stay in AEW, and the former WWE star explained why it was the right call.
Maxwell Jabob Friedman has been one of AEW's pillars and most important stars, especially in recent years. He has established himself as a legitimate world champion.
Friedman's work in AEW naturally caught WWE's attention, and reports suggested that MJF could potentially leave for the Stamford-based company after his contract expired.
MJF, however, re-signed with AEW and declared he was loyal to All Elite Wrestling. EC3 reacted to MJF's AEW status on The Wrestling Outlaws and, for starters, didn't buy into the star's "forever" claim.
EC3 believed the door was always open for MJF to work with World Wrestling Entertainment in the future, though, right now, the best option was to remain in AEW. The four-time 24/7 champion urged MJF to take Tony Khan's money while he still could and not worry about having a run in the global juggernaut, which could always happen if he was patient.
"Regardless of what forever means, there is going to be an option today; there will be an option within a year, and there will be an option within three years or four years for him. He is still a young guy. I think it's because, contract-wise, he probably got triple with AEW. Take the guy's money while it's coming! Get it, get it, get it! 'How many days in a week do I have to work? One?' Yep, yep, yep! Just pile it up!" [01:05 - 01:34]
EC3 says MJF is a "talented guy" who doesn't need to go to WWE yet
At 28 years old, MJF is still very young and already one of the best pro wrestlers in the world.
Fans and pundits have widely acknowledged his development, and even EC3 admired the former AEW World Champion's performances. The 41-year-old said MJF might still have another big run in All Elite Wrestling, which could help the promotion replicate its past success.
While MJF continues to help All Elite Wrestling grow, he can increase his bank balance before potentially making the move to WWE, according to EC3.
"He doesn't need to go yet. There is probably another version or another run of him, and then maybe he can be a catalyst for renewed optimism or better television over there. But at the same time, he doesn't need to take that risk yet, to maybe take less money for maybe a bigger goal with them. Take the money while this guy is going to give it to you. Save it up, and it will be there in a year. Young dude and a talented guy." [01:38 - 2:06]
MJF is a crucial piece of the AEW puzzle, and although he has seemingly committed his entire wrestling future to the Tony Khan-led company, a jump to WWE might just be too tempting to ignore again.
Vince Russo thinks Tony Khan does not care about AEW's TV ratings. You can check out his full comments in the exclusive video below.