MJF finally opens up on choosing AEW over WWE
MJF has shed light on his decision to continue his run in AEW instead of jumping ship to WWE. The star made his return to the Jacksonville-based promotion at Double or Nothing 2024.
The Wolf of Wrestling gifted fans at the MGM Grand Garden Arena with a night to remember by making his return at the pay-per-view for the first time since losing his AEW World Championship to Samoa Joe at Worlds End 2023. Friedman laid speculations pertaining to his future in the company to rest by taking out his former friend Adam Cole and revealing to the crowd that he was not leaving the promotion.
Friedman recently appeared on an interview at Fox 5, where he was asked about the speculation regarding his potential departure from All Elite Wrestling to WWE. MJF responded by stating that staying in AEW was not a difficult choice to make, explaining that not only was Tony Khan paying him a more-than-decent salary, but also that Friedman believed in the company he is a part of, and its claim to being a place where elite wrestlers from across the globe ply their trade.
"Look, it was a very easy decision for me, mainly because Tony Khan is paying me an exorbitant amount of money. But outside of that, I also, I believe in AEW, I believe that is where the best wrestle, I believe that we have some of the most top-tier elite talent you get to see in the world today." [0:06 - 0:20]
Former AEW World Champion MJF will be in action at Forbidden Door 2024
Immediately upon returning to AEW, MJF found himself challenged by a fierce rival in RUSH. El Toro Blanco called out The Salt of the Earth for receiving, in his view, unmerited fanfare over his comeback. The mutual dislike between the two men led them to engage in in-ring and backstage brawls, and it was ultimately announced that RUSH and Friedman would settle their differences through a singles match on AEW Dynamite.
MJF and RUSH clashed on the June 19, 2024 edition of the Wednesday-night flagship show. The 28-year-old star picked up the win over the former ROH World Champion after a brutal, hard-hitting bout. Afterwards, Friedman would receive a message from Brian Cage, who revealed that the New York-native would square off against The Cage of Agony's new associate, CMLL star Hechicero, at Forbidden Door 2024.
MJF would target Hechicero later in the show when he, Cage and The Gates of Agony were beating down on Daniel Garcia and Matt Menard. Despite being overpowered by the heels' numbers advantage, Friedman would be saved by the intervention of Will Ospreay. The Aerial Assassin cleared the ring alongside MJF, before sharing a tense staredown to the delight of the crowd. Since then, the bout between Hechicero and Friedman has been made official.
It remains to be seen whether MJF will pick up the win over The Alchemist of The Ring at Forbidden Door 2024.