In an interview with Sports Illustrated, MJF discussed his contract negotiations with AEW, noting that CEO Tony Khan is “trying his hardest” to retain him.
MJF’s existing AEW contract expires next year.
You can check out some highlights from the interview below:
On his current run in AEW: “It’s just me being myself. One of the biggest indictments of this sport is that people claim professional wrestling is this archaic, one-dimensional thing. People love to throw the terms babyface and heel around, but look at the history of it. Why do we cheer the good guys? Why do we boo the bad guys? This was a progressive, very slow change. To me, that’s so much more relatable–and so much more realistic. I think people know how hard it is to change, and that’s why I’m connecting with people on the level that I am.”
On playing a babyface: “I had zero confidence in this. For the longest time, when I walked through the curtain, my only goal was to make people viscerally hate me. I never wanted people to like me. Getting liked is hard because it opens the door up to be rejected. So when the fans started chanting my name, it really shook me. There was even a wave of MJF support when I won the belt. I remember thinking to myself, ‘No.’ And that was out of fear. And I’m still scared, but it’s a lot less.”
On his match with Kenny Omega: “I wanted a match with Kenny Omega, the best in the world in a pay-per-view main event–but on free television because I’m salt of the earth. That is the best match in Collision history, and it’s one of the best matches in AEW history. It was a really big deal for the company, and it really felt like the handing of the baton of who the top dog, bell-to-bell is in AEW. I couldn’t be more grateful that Kenny gave me that opportunity.”
On his AEW contract: “Tony Khan is definitely trying his hardest to keep me here. There are a lot of things about All Elite Wrestling that I like, but there’s also a lot of things about WWE that I like. What I’m most interested in is money.”
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In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, MJF, one of the top stars in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), discussed his contract negotiations with the company and praised CEO Tony Khan for his efforts in trying to retain him. MJF’s current AEW contract is set to expire next year.
During the interview, MJF talked about his current run in AEW and how he believes it is a reflection of his true self. He highlighted the progressive nature of professional wrestling and questioned why people cheer the good guys and boo the bad guys. According to MJF, this slow change in the perception of wrestling is what makes it more relatable and realistic. He believes that his ability to connect with people on a deep level is a testament to this approach.
MJF also discussed his experience playing a babyface, or a good guy, in wrestling. He admitted that he initially had zero confidence in playing this role because his goal was always to make people hate him. However, when fans started chanting his name and showing support, it shook him. MJF acknowledged that he is still scared of being liked because it opens the door for rejection, but he has become more comfortable with it over time.
The interview also touched on MJF’s highly anticipated match with Kenny Omega, considered one of the best wrestlers in the world. MJF expressed his desire to face Omega in a pay-per-view main event but on free television because he sees himself as the “salt of the earth.” He believes that his match with Omega was one of the best in AEW history and a significant moment for the company. MJF expressed gratitude towards Omega for giving him the opportunity to showcase his skills.
When asked about his AEW contract, MJF revealed that Tony Khan is doing his best to keep him in the company. While he appreciates many aspects of AEW, he also mentioned that there are things he likes about WWE as well. Ultimately, MJF stated that his primary interest is in securing a lucrative contract.
As MJF’s contract expiration approaches, fans and wrestling enthusiasts will be eagerly awaiting news of his decision. His talent and charisma have made him one of the most captivating figures in AEW, and his future plans will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the wrestling landscape.