MJF has set the record straight on recent reports.
While most wrestlers are very discreet about how long is left on their current contract and what the next steps might be, the World Champion has been the complete opposite. Referencing “the bidding war of 2024” consistently throughout the year, Maxwell Jacob Friedman stated that he would take whichever promotion offered him the most money.
As the year went on, talk of contracts and a possible jump to WWE were less frequent on Dynamite, with the World Champion only bringing it up occasionally in dark segments and media interviews. The reason behind this was seemingly because MJF had signed a new deal with AEW and there were “zero talks” between Friedman and WWE. However, according to the man himself, nothing has actually changed.
Speaking on the SI Media podcast, the World Champion stated that the reports are incorrect and he is still set to be a free agent in a matter of days:
I’ve been saying the same thing [about my contract expiration date]. I never lied. January 1st, 2024. When stuff like that gets leaked out, it makes me laugh because I remember something leaked out about Cody [Rhodes] having secretly re-signed and then he showed up [in WWE]. Something got leaked out about, you know, CM Punk and Tony Khan or you know… I think fans leak out things that they want to be true. I love AEW, I wanna stay in AEW. After this pay-per-view [Worlds End], it’s time to assess the situation for a professional setting. So… not yet [I haven’t re-signed].
Before the year comes to a close, the World Champion will put the title on the line once more against Samoa Joe.
Following the interview going to air, Haus of Wrestling reached out to sources within WWE for a comment on the World Champion’s quote. One higher-up simply responded with “storyline” while another reiterated that Friedman re-signed with AEW last year before his return at All Out 2022.
MJF Receives Prestigious Honor
Despite only being 27 years old, the generational talent has already left a lasting legacy on the wrestling industry for his work in and out of the ring. Recognised for his contributions to wrestling and the wider world, MJF was recently inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
H/t to POST Wrestling.