AEW World Champion MJF criticized talents who prioritize crowd reactions over building lasting star power. 'The Salt of the Earth' made his views clear during a recent interview.
On The Adam Friedland Show, MJF was asked if other wrestlers prioritize character work and promos as seriously as he does. He gave a stern response, slamming modern wrestling.
No, these guys are stupid, idiotic, scrawny little [expletive] dorks and the only thing they're concerned with is hitting cool moves so they get, you know, a round of applause," MJF said. "It's not something I can relate to at all.
Building a Brand Beyond the Ring
MJF then explained that his goals extend far beyond putting on entertaining matches. He highlighted that his focus is on becoming a major star whose name transcends wrestling itself.
I'm here to be a star. I'm here to make the most money. I'm here to be world champion. I'm here to be a draw. I'm here to start doing big movies, which I'm already starting to do. I'm here to make a name for myself and build my brand up to such a point that I become synonymous with not just All Elite Wrestling but with professional wrestling as a whole.
The 30-year-old wrestler referenced wrestling legends as his benchmark and noted how past icons became household names even outside the industry.
So in 20 years from now, you know, someone sitting down and going, 'Holy [expletive], so you're a wrestler like MJF.' Because right now when people say, 'Oh, you're a wrestler like The Rock or you're a wrestler like Stone Cold.' That's my goal.
Whether fans agree with him or not, MJF's focus on character work, promos, and building a brand outside the ring sets him apart from many of his peers.
He is set to defend his AEW World title against Kenny Omega at AEW Dynasty on April 12.
