MJF is unlikely to be watching Suburban Commando anytime soon.
Just before 2023 comes to a close, the AEW World Champion will cap off his historic year when the biographical movie about the Vin Eric family, The Iron Claw, hits theatres around the world. Maxwell Jacob Friedman stars in the film and has also received an executive producer credit.
Wrestlers starring in movies is nothing new. After years of playing a persona, learning lines for a promo and performing to a specific camera, stars of the squared circle have a slight advantage over other amateur actors. However, as history has shown, wrestlers’ performances in movies have been very mixed. For every Batista and John Cena, there is a Great Khali performance. According to MJF, there is one name that is even worse.
While receiving chiropractic adjustment from Dr. Beau Hightower, MJF was asked about wrestlers going into acting. The World Champion stated that there is a stigma down to Hulk Hogan’s previous performances, naming the Hall of Famer as not just the worst wrestler turned actor but the worst actor of all time:
“I think a lot of the time, when people look at wrestlers going into acting, because Hulk Hogan did such a sh*t job. He did, let’s be honest, probably one of the worst actors of all time. People were so hesitant of letting pro wrestlers into acting. Thanks to trailblazers like Cena, Rock, and Batista, absolutely massacring it every single time they are on screen, and killing it.
It’s pretty cool and unique now because when they look at wrestlers, they understand now that what we do is really difficult and it takes a lot of charisma, charm, and athleticism. So does being the top draw in Hollywood. I think it’s a pretty easy transition, I shouldn’t say that. It’s an easy transition if you’re capable of being a top guy in my sport. It’s easier. If you’re somebody that struggles in front of the red light and you’re just a really good grappler (it’s harder),”
MJF Hesitant On Being A Fan Favourite
At one point the most despised man in all of wrestling, the longest-reigning AEW World Champion is now one of the most cheered members of the roster each and every week. In an interview conducted prior to Full Gear, MJF revealed how reluctant he was to be a face in AEW, revealing that he never wanted to be liked.
During the same interview, MJF tipped 2 AEW stars as future main eventers.
H/t to Fightful.