Wrestling fans, brace yourselves for a heated debate! Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) has just thrown a curveball into the AEW vs. WWE conversation, and it’s bound to ruffle some feathers. In a recent exclusive interview with the New York Post, the two-time AEW World Champion didn’t hold back when discussing the current state of All Elite Wrestling (AEW). But here’s where it gets controversial: MJF subtly called out former AEW stars—or as he tactfully put it, ‘problem children’—who left the promotion, suggesting they might have taken a step backward instead of forward.
During the interview, which coincided with the announcement of AEW Double or Nothing coming to Queens in 2026, MJF praised the current AEW roster for its competitive spirit. He described a domino effect where wrestlers like Swerve Strickland, Hangman Page, Kenny Omega, Kyle Fletcher, and Will Ospreay are constantly pushing each other to new heights. ‘We’re all biting on each other’s heels,’ he said. ‘We all want the spot. We all want the championship. And most importantly, we all care deeply about AEW.’
But this is the part most people miss: MJF’s comments weren’t just about celebrating AEW’s success—they were also a thinly veiled critique of those who left. Without naming names, he implied that some former AEW stars thought they were advancing their careers by departing, but in reality, they may have stalled or regressed. Is MJF right, or is he overstepping? That’s the million-dollar question.
For wrestling enthusiasts, especially those loyal to AEW, MJF’s words are like throwing gasoline on a fire. He’s a heel in the ring, but here, he’s playing the role of a passionate advocate for AEW—a babyface for the brand’s die-hard fans. Yet, this stance is sure to draw heat from WWE loyalists and those who prioritize wrestling as a whole over brand allegiance. MJF, ever the showman, seems perfectly fine with stirring the pot.
Now, let’s dive into the juicy part: Who exactly are these ‘problem children’ MJF is referring to? And more importantly, did leaving AEW truly hinder their careers? This is where opinions will clash. Some might argue that wrestlers like [insert name] thrived after leaving, while others could point to examples of careers losing momentum. It’s a debate with no clear winner—and that’s what makes it so fascinating.
Here’s a friendly reminder as you join the discussion: Your take won’t appeal to everyone, and it might not even be the ‘right’ one. That’s okay! Wrestling fandom is all about passionate debate, but let’s keep it civil. If a comment rubs you the wrong way, you can ignore it, engage respectfully, or flag it if it crosses the line. After all, we’re here to celebrate the sport we love—even when it gets messy.
So, what’s your take? Did MJF hit the nail on the head, or is he off base? And more importantly, who do you think he was referring to? Let’s hear it in the comments—just keep it classy, folks!
