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Humor and Quirks
Source : (remove) : Radio Times
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Humor and Quirks
Source : (remove) : Radio Times
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AEW Star MJF Picks Side in WWE Feud Before 'SummerSlam 2025'

AEW Star MJF Picks Side in Heated Wrestling Rivalry, Sparking Fan Debate

In the ever-evolving world of professional wrestling, where alliances shift like sand and rivalries burn hotter than a summer pay-per-view main event, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) standout Maxwell Jacob Friedman, better known as MJF, has once again thrust himself into the spotlight. The self-proclaimed "Salt of the Earth" has made headlines by publicly picking a side in one of the most talked-about feuds currently gripping the industry. This decision, revealed during a fiery promo on a recent episode of AEW Dynamite, has sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, igniting debates among fans, analysts, and fellow wrestlers alike. MJF, known for his razor-sharp wit, unapologetic arrogance, and ability to blur the lines between scripted drama and real-life controversy, didn't hold back in declaring his allegiance, leaving no doubt about where he stands.

The feud in question centers around a high-stakes clash between two factions within AEW that have been building tension for months. On one side, there's the dominant group led by a veteran powerhouse, often referred to as the "old guard," who emphasize tradition, brute strength, and a no-nonsense approach to the ring. This faction has been portrayed as the gatekeepers of AEW's legacy, drawing on the promotion's roots in alternative wrestling that challenged the mainstream giants like WWE. Opposing them is a newer, more flamboyant alliance of up-and-coming stars, pushing for innovation, high-flying maneuvers, and a focus on global appeal. This group represents the future of AEW, with ambitions to expand the brand's reach through social media, international tours, and crossover events. The rivalry has escalated through a series of betrayals, surprise attacks, and verbal barbs, culminating in a series of matches that have headlined recent AEW programming.

MJF's involvement isn't entirely surprising, given his history of inserting himself into the biggest storylines. The 27-year-old Long Island native has built his career on being the ultimate heel—a villain so convincing that fans love to hate him. From his early days in independent circuits to becoming AEW World Champion, MJF has mastered the art of the microphone, often delivering promos that cut deeper than any suplex. In this particular instance, during the Dynamite broadcast, MJF grabbed the mic after a chaotic brawl between the two factions. Dressed in his signature Burberry scarf and designer suit, he paced the ring with his trademark swagger, addressing the crowd with a mix of sarcasm and intensity.

"Ladies and gentlemen, peasants and plebeians," MJF began, his voice dripping with disdain, "I've watched this little playground squabble long enough. You have the dinosaurs on one side, clinging to their glory days like a bad habit, and on the other, a bunch of flippy-dippy acrobats who think TikTok likes equal talent. Well, I've decided it's time for the real king to choose his court." The arena erupted in a mix of boos and cheers as MJF paused for dramatic effect. He then pointed emphatically toward the veteran-led faction, declaring, "I'm with the old guard. Why? Because winners don't reinvent the wheel—they crush everyone under it. These new kids? They're just fodder for my highlight reel."

This declaration marks a pivotal moment for MJF, who has often played the lone wolf in AEW storylines. His choice aligns him with established stars who have been instrumental in AEW's foundation since its inception in 2019. Figures like Chris Jericho, who has mentored younger talent while maintaining his status as a legend, or Bryan Danielson, whose technical prowess embodies the promotion's emphasis on in-ring excellence. By siding with them, MJF positions himself as a bridge between generations, using his charisma to elevate the group's narrative. Analysts speculate this could lead to a major tag-team or multi-man match at an upcoming pay-per-view, such as AEW's All Out or Full Gear, where MJF's involvement might tip the scales.

But why this side? Delving deeper into MJF's persona reveals layers of motivation. Throughout his career, MJF has emphasized authenticity and disdain for what he calls "phony" wrestling. In interviews outside the ring, he's spoken about his admiration for old-school heels like Ric Flair and Roddy Piper, who built empires on psychological warfare rather than athletic spectacle. "I'm not here to do flips and get 'this is awesome' chants," MJF once said in a podcast appearance. "I'm here to make you hate me so much that you pay to see me get beat—and then I win anyway." This philosophy resonates with the veteran faction's ethos, which prioritizes storytelling and character development over high-risk spots that could shorten careers.

Fans have reacted with a whirlwind of opinions on social media. Supporters of MJF's decision argue that it adds depth to the feud, preventing it from becoming a stale good-vs-evil trope. "MJF joining the old guard makes perfect sense," tweeted one fan. "He's always been about legacy and dominance, not flash." Critics, however, see it as a missed opportunity for MJF to lead the younger stars, potentially stifling AEW's evolution. "This feels like a step back," commented another user. "AEW thrives on fresh blood, and MJF could have been the face of that." The debate has even spilled over to wrestling forums and YouTube breakdowns, with podcasters dissecting every word of his promo for hidden meanings.

This isn't the first time MJF has stirred the pot. Remember his infamous 2022 contract dispute with AEW, where he walked out during a live event, only to return months later in a dramatic fashion? That angle blurred reality so effectively that it had fans questioning what was scripted and what was genuine. Similarly, his feuds with stars like CM Punk and Cody Rhodes have been masterclasses in long-term booking, often incorporating real-life elements to heighten drama. In the Punk rivalry, MJF delved into personal attacks, referencing Punk's past in WWE and his own Jewish heritage to create emotional stakes. With Rhodes, who has since returned to WWE, MJF's barbs about loyalty and betrayal foreshadowed Rhodes' departure, adding a meta layer to the narrative.

By picking this side, MJF could be setting the stage for even bigger things. Rumors swirl about potential cross-promotional elements, though AEW and WWE maintain a competitive distance. Some insiders suggest this faction war is a way for AEW to counter WWE's recent dominance in ratings and merchandise, by doubling down on its unique identity. MJF, as a homegrown talent, embodies that spirit—he's never wrestled for WWE, choosing instead to bet on AEW from the start. His loyalty to the promotion has been a recurring theme, often contrasted with defectors who jumped ship for bigger paychecks.

Looking ahead, the implications of MJF's choice are vast. Will this alliance hold, or is it another MJF swerve, where he betrays his new allies for personal gain? Wrestling history is rife with such twists—think Hulk Hogan's heel turn in WCW or Seth Rollins' betrayal of The Shield in WWE. MJF has the potential to pull off something equally iconic, given his track record. For now, though, his decision has injected fresh energy into AEW's programming, drawing in viewers who crave the unpredictability that made wrestling must-watch entertainment in the Attitude Era.

Beyond the ring, MJF's influence extends to pop culture. He's appeared in films, podcasts, and even political discussions, using his platform to speak on issues like antisemitism and mental health in sports entertainment. This real-world gravitas adds weight to his in-ring choices, making fans invest more deeply. As AEW continues to grow, with international expansions and media deals, stars like MJF are crucial to its success. His promo skills alone have been compared to The Rock in his prime, blending humor, menace, and relatability.

In conclusion, MJF's bold move to pick a side in this faction war isn't just a storyline development—it's a statement on the direction of professional wrestling. It reminds us why we tune in: for the drama, the surprises, and the larger-than-life characters who make it all feel real. Whether this leads to championship gold, a shocking betrayal, or something entirely unexpected, one thing is certain—MJF has once again proven he's the most must-see act in AEW. Fans will be watching closely as the feud unfolds, eager to see how the "Devil" plays his next hand. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full Athlon Sports Article at:
[ https://sports.yahoo.com/article/aew-star-mjf-picks-side-214026091.html ]