AEW Champion MJF recently discussed the topic of inter-promotional tribalism in wrestling. While speaking on the matter, the self-proclaimed generational talent claimed that stars representing major companies, such as Cody Rhodes and CM Punk, rarely bash their rival brands in real life.
For the past six years, competition between WWE and AEW has escalated considerably, as the Tony Khan-led promotion found its footing in the North American wrestling landscape. Both promotions have traded some very big names over this period of time, with the likes of Swerve Strickland, Toni Storm, Mercedes Mone and Jon Moxley, The Hurt Syndicate and Ricochet finding tremendous success in All Elite Wrestling, and stars like Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Jade Cargill, Ricky Saints, Ethan Page and Blake Monroe continuing to thrive since jumping ship to WWE.
Despite this, however, a toxic brand of inter-promotional tribalism still persists among fans and viewers of both companies. However, such hostilities do not actually exist among talent themselves, according to MJF‘s remarks during his recent interview with Rolling Stones Australia. Bringing up major names like Rhodes, Punk, Mox and Adam Copeland (who shockingly crossed over to AEW in 2023), Friedman claimed that wrestlers of their calibre are not looking to bash or undermine their former workplace in real life.
“If people knew how much professional wrestling I’ve consumed in the 29 years I’ve been on this planet, they would probably vomit… That’s how I become MJF. That’s how I become a household name when I’ve never been in the “big promotion” right? As far as Adam Copeland, Jon Moxley, CM Punk, Cody Rhodes. these guys aren’t turning around and saying “F that other company.” They’re not in real life. I’m sorry. They’re just looking for a place to hang their hat.”
The Wolf of Wrestling clarified that while some talent feel a huge degree of devotion towards their promotion, there is no “bad blood” shared between stars from different locker-rooms.
“And then you have certain guys who feel very passionate about the company they’re in, and they would never want to leave, you know? Everybody’s different. Everybody looks at professional wrestling different… What I will say is there’s no bad blood between the boys in the companies. It just doesn’t exist.” [H/T- Fightful]
MJF has an AEW title eliminator bout set for next week
Ever since he reclaimed his “Triple B” at AEW Worlds End 2025, MJF has found himself being circled by top stars like Hangman Page, Swerve Strickland, Kenny Omega and Andrade El Idolo, all of whom have set their sights on his Worlds Championship. Last week, The Salt of the Earth was even confronted by Brody King, who demanded a shot at the title for himself. Friedman ducked him, however, by asking him to pick up a meaningful singles victory first.
Earlier this Wednesday, the Hounds of Hell member once again interrupted MJF’s promo, but this time, he revealed having had a conversation backstage with Tony Khan. King stated that he had secured a World Championship Eliminator Match against Friedman, set for next week’s AEW Dynamite. Furthermore, a victory there will earn him a proper title shot at Grand Slam Australia.
It remains to be seen whether MJF will be able to survive “Big Bad” Brody King this coming Wednesday.
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Edited by Anurag Mukherjee
