AEW has shared a big surprise at the end of World’s End as Adam Cole, Roderick Strong, Matt Taven, Mike Bennett, and Wardlow were revealed as The Devils, with Cole as their leader. All of that led to a big moment, and it appears that it spells MJF’s exit from AEW for a while.
Maxwell lost the AEW World Title to Samoa Joe at World’s End, which was a shocking move. With the great bidding war of 2024 apparently in play, MJF’s situation with AEW seems to be very interesting.
AEW’s latest action involving MJF sparks speculations
At AEW Worlds End in Long Island, New York, MJF, the longest-reigning AEW World Champion in company history, had a tough night. He went into his AEW World Title defense against Samoa Joe with an injured left shoulder, which he supported with a black sling. Despite his valiant effort, Joe kept targeting his injured shoulder and eventually emerged victorious.
During the wrestling match between Samoa Joe and Maxwell Jacob Friedman, Joe wrapped his legs around MJF’s body and applied a hold. Although Maxwell initially resisted, he eventually submitted, resulting in Samoa becoming the new AEW World Champion. After raising MJF’s arm three times, it dropped the third time, indicating his defeat.
Following the match, Adam Cole, Maxwell’s best friend, announced that he would be taking time off to recover from his shoulder injury and other injuries he has been dealing with. Cole also revealed that he was the mysterious figure who had been torturing and attacking him for months.
MJF is no longer listed on AEW's official roster page
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 1, 2024
For several months, Maxwell Jacob Friedman teased that his contract with AEW would expire on January 1, 2024, which is today’s date. He called it the “Bidding War of 2024” and even hinted that he could move to WWE. Although Friedman used to mention WWE personalities like Chief Content Officer Triple H and WWE President Nick Khan in his promos, he has been doing that less frequently lately.
According to recent reports, MJF has parted ways with AEW after working for them for the past five years. Although Friedman could have reached a deal with AEW without announcing it publicly, Maxwell Jacob Friedman stated in mid-December that he had not yet signed with them. AEW was set to explore their options on January 1st.
MJF’s status after the AEW Worlds End
Reportedly, MJF is planning to take a break after his defeat at AEW Worlds End to recover from his injuries. He sustained a torn labrum and a dislocated hip during AEW Full Gear in November. AEW President Tony Khan was asked about the impact of Maxwell’s injuries on the build-up to the December 30 PPV during a post-Worlds End media scrum.
“I believe Max is somebody who has a great heart and somebody who loves AEW, and I think everybody read that in the article of The Players Tribune. I can’t speak to his future in 2024 here at this time, but I do think MJF has been a huge part of AEW for five years. MJF is somebody who is also welcome at AEW, wanted at AEW for life, and is also a huge part of the growth of AEW and the success of the company.”
As mentioned by Tony Khan, MJF is currently in the middle of what he previously described as “the bidding war of 2024.” This has led the wrestling community to speculate on where Maxwell Jacob Friedman may land once his AEW contract expires in early 2024.
What is your opinion on MJF’s decision to take a break from AEW? Let us know in the comments below.
