On day 405 of his reign, Maxwell Jacob Friedman was the AEW World Champion, had his best friend, was the biggest star in AEW, and was anticipating hoisting the world title above his head in front of his hometown Long Island, New York. On day 406, everything he held dear was lost at AEW Worlds End.
At AEW’s final event of an eventful 2023, the self-proclaimed “Scum Bag” of the AEW fans was set to defend his title against his “toughest challenge yet” in Samoa Joe. Walking into this match with a torn labrum, MJF still competed and welcomed his best friend Adam Cole ringside to watch him. The night didn’t go as planned as MJF was choked out in front of his friends and family, losing the AEW World Championship after the company’s longest reign.
But this story was a long time coming.
MJF entered AEW in 2019 as a 5’8’’ nobody who frequently wrestled on YouTube’s Major League Wrestling, had his video submission for WWE Tough Enough rejected, and his claim to fame was appearing on the Rosie O’Donnell show as a kid.
Becoming the biggest star in AEW was not an overnight sensation, but the fans grabbed onto him. Despite being one of the most despicable heels on television and at meet-and-greets, the hardcore AEW fanbase became fascinated by MJF’s youth, mic skills, and storytelling.
Yet, MJF was gone from television for a few months after a profane pipe bomb on national television begging Tony Khan to fire him. After radio silence, he returned at AEW All Out 2021 under a Devil mask to claim the #1 contender spot for the AEW World Championship. Of course, this was overshadowed by the Brawl Out that took place between CM Punk and The Elite.
In the midst of controversy and public backlash, AEW needed positive momentum. MJF was exactly what the company needed at the time.
Then finally in November at Full Gear, MJF would win the AEW World Championship. A consistent champion and the biggest story on television every week. MJF delivered every time.
2023 was the year of evolution for MJF. He proved he was more than just a promo guy. He had instant classics in the ring to prove otherwise. He defeated Bryan Danielson in a 60-minute Iron Man match. He defeated New Japan’s “ace” Hiroshi Tanahashi at Forbidden Door. He defeated the likes of former AEW World Champion Kenny Omega and Bullet Club’s Jay White. Most notably, he main evented pro wrestling’s largest attending event in Wembley Stadium against this best friend Adam Cole, and retained. I recommend you go back and watch one of these matches to understand why he became one of the best in-ring performers in the entire world at just 27 years old.
But more than his in-ring work, MJF’s character evolved. He was one of the biggest heels in the world who morphed into the most over babyface in AEW. Thanks to Adam Cole and a genuine friendship that grew on-screen, MJF let his guard down and showed a very vulnerable side. This vulnerability culminated in an article with “The Athletic” that was released the week prior to AEW Worlds End pay-per-view, being very open about his insecurities and Jewish faith.
If you followed this story for months, someone had stolen MJF’s devil mask and was haunting the world champion as Worlds End approached. There was much speculation amongst who was under the mask. Samoa Joe, CM Punk, AEW owner Tony Khan, and MJF himself were all those in question.
The Dynamite prior, Samoa Joe faked an injury and was revealed to be in cahoots with The Devil as MJF lost the ROH World Tag Team Championships he and Adam Cole won back at Wembley Stadium. These were the same titles MJF held after his partner Adam Cole shattered his ankle in a freak accident at AEW Grand Slam in September, the first time MJF wrestled Samoa Joe for the AEW World Championship.
At Worlds End, after Samoa Joe choked MJF out and took his AEW World Championship. Adam Cole pulled out the Devil mask and his help were unveiled to be MJF’s former bodyguard Wardlow, Roderick Strong, and new ROH World Team Champions, Michael Bennett and Matt Taven.
Kudos to AEW for long-term storytelling. From Adam Cole pursuing the AEW Championship, to befriending MJF, to the champion letting his guard down, and with the curveball life throws with Adam Cole’s unfortunate and legitimate injury, AEW was able to pull this off with subtle hints and detours along the way.
At Worlds End, we can say it all made sense. Yet fans are heartbroken. Their scumbag not only lost the AEW World Championship, but the fans lost one of the best tag teams and friendships 2023 brought us. Adam Cole betrayed MJF, and in doing so, betrayed the fans.
Who knows where this story goes in 2024. Who knows how long MJF and Adam Cole are out of action for their respective injuries. Who knows if MJF even re-signed with AEW and won’t go to WWE?
Only time will tell, and I’m here for the ride.
