WWE officials reportedly believed that All Elite Wrestling (AEW) World Champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) was open to signing with the company when his contract with AEW expired in 2024. However, it has been reported that MJF has re-signed with AEW through 2027.
While some WWE officials felt that WWE could have signed MJF away from AEW, others were not so sure. One WWE source reportedly said that MJF is “in his head storyline” about being open to signing with WWE.
Update on MJF’s AEW contract
MJF made his All Elite Wrestling (AEW) debut on May 25, 2019, at their inaugural event, Double or Nothing, in a 21-man Casino Battle Royale match for an AEW World Championship opportunity. He eliminated 12 other wrestlers before being eliminated by eventual winner “Hangman” Adam Page.
MJF is one of the most popular and talented wrestlers in AEW. He is a former AEW World Champion and has been feuding with some of the top stars in the company. In July 2023, reports emerged that he had signed a new contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) that would keep him with the company through 2027. The reported deal was said to be worth over $1 million per year.
MJF had previously stated that he would be open to signing with WWE when his AEW contract expired. However, it appears that he has decided to remain with AEW for the long term. However, there has been no official confirmation from AEW or MJF that he has signed a new contract. Although reports from multiple sources suggest that it is a done deal.
MJF legitimately injured at AEW Full Gear
Jacob reportedly suffered a hip injury during his AEW World Championship match against Jay White at Full Gear 2023 on November 19, 2023. The injury occurred during a top rope elbow drop spot to White. MJF was able to finish the match, but he was reportedly in a lot of pain afterward. He had to have his hip popped back into place after the show. It is unclear how long MJF will be out of action with this injury. However, he is expected to miss at least a few weeks.
This is a major blow to AEW, as MJF is one of the company’s top stars. He is the current AEW World Champion and is one of the most popular wrestlers in the company. AEW has not yet announced how they will handle MJF’s injury. However, it is possible that they will vacate the AEW World Championship or have a tournament to crown a new champion.
