After an enforced hiatus due to injuries, MJF re-emerged on the All Elite Wrestling scene during AEW Double or Nothing 2024, wearing a jacket that stirred reminiscences of Triple H’s comeback in 2002 amongst the fans.
Discussing the matter with Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso, MJF confirmed that these hypotheses indeed had merit.
“The denim jacket wasn’t randomly chosen; I layered it over my usual leather jacket as a tribute to a return that had a profound impact on me as a youngster watching at Madison Square Garden,” Friedman expounded. “I assume the correlation can be deciphered by fans. Subsequently, I unveiled a video strolling around one of my grand residences in what I consider the most charming location on earth–Long Island, New York. The visual tour of my award-filled room allowed people to recollect the impressive moments I’ve crafted in a relatively brief span of time. The unforgettable dog collar contest. Iconic verbal jousts with CM Punk. The nail-biting Iron Man battle with Bryan Danielson. The hard-hitting exchanges with William Regal. My ownership of the Dynamite Diamond Ring, along with all the victories it signified. My ingenious Dinner Debonair. The explosive monologue in LA. Thrashing and whipping Cody, and not to mention the shock of landing a low blow punch on Cody after sabotaging his chance of world champion status in my domain. The arduous training I put on [with] Wardlow.”
“There’s no denying this – I’ve been instrumental in creating some of the indelible moments in the annals of this business, and that too only being part of national television for an agreeably brief duration,” MJF proclaimed. “I’ve made this statement before and will continue to back it up because it’s factual – at 28, my career can already be labeled as worthy of the Hall of Fame. There are no parallels to draw, as no one has exhibited characteristics or accomplishments compared to what I’ve done.”
Aside from these affirmations, MJF utilized the interview to shed further light on topics like his relationship with Adam Cole, contemplating the devil gimmick, considering making WWE his new wrestling home instead of sticking with AEW, acknowledging Cody Rhodes as his guide, and other topics.