MJF was recently honored with an induction into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. SEScoops correspondent Jason Solomon was on hand and spoke with the reigning AEW World Champion.
During their interview, MJF addressed his transition to a babyface persona, admitting he initially hesitated to embrace the transformation due to concerns about rejection from the audience. The Solomonster brought up Tony Khan's labeling AEW as a "challenger brand" (to WWE) which opened up the idea of so many wrestling fans rooting against AEW online.
MJF has seen a lot of the negativity levied at AEW on social media. AEW has been required to chart a unique path in the wrestling landscape, and MJF sees some similarities to his Jewish faith.
Why do some fans hate AEW?
Yeah, well, here's why. I'm actually going to relate this to Judaism, because I'm very good at my job. When you think about why people hate us and why we constantly get attacked, it's because we're different and being different makes people uncomfortable.
I genuinely feel the reason that a lot of the time you'll find a lot of.. and don't get me wrong, there was most certainly constructive criticism online, genuinely.. but you'll find a lot of non-constructive criticism online. Just wild irredeemably messed up sh*t that people are saying that is either untrue Or just mean, you know? And I think the reason that's happening is Monday Night Raw is the longest reigning episodic television show of all time. We have only been around for what, four and a half years? That's new, that's different, and what's different.. different scares people.
So I actually do agree for once with Tony Khan's assessment [AEW being the 'challenger brand' to WWE] and I think that's the issue. I think the issue is that we're fresh. We're new. We feel dangerous to people - and I kind of get off on that, because I get to be the World Champion of that danger and that change, just like I get to be a champion of the Jewish people.
AEW has a legion of die-hard fans who will defend the company's decisions, but a vocal portion of the fan base does not make it easy for Tony Khan's company to thrive in this setting. No matter how the fans feel, MJF appears to be in AEW's corner 100% as their longest-reigning champion with the most title defenses under his belt as well.
MJF on Meeting John Cena
The Solomonster also asked MJF about his recent meeting with John Cena earlier this month at the movie premiere for The Iron Claw.
MJF has had bad things to say about virtually everybody, but not John Cena. MJF told Cena to his face that he's an inspiration and raved about Cena's work ethic to people everywhere:
What's Next For MJF In AEW
MJF asserts that he hasn't committed to a renewed contract with AEW, leaving the potential for the Bidding War of 2024 to become a reality. While this is the narrative he presents, there's a prevailing belief within WWE that MJF inked a new deal over a year ago, preceding his return at All Out in 2022.
Currently, as AEW World Champion title, MJF has transitioned into a babyface character, a shift not without its concerns. He is a complex character, but he is also not one to give up when he hits an obstacle in his way.
MJF is currently scheduled to defend the AEW World Title against Samoa Joe at Worlds End on December 30th. This is a tricky situation, because MJF will enter the match with a nagging injury. Either way, he is going to fulfill is obligations with Tony Khan's company.
