In a move that’s raised eyebrows across the wrestling world, AEW star Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) has publicly praised WWE for what many see as direct efforts aimed at AEW. Known for his bold personality and rare confidence, MJF surprised fans and critics same way by finishing his career with the industry, calling WWE’s plan nothing short of “smart business practice.”
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Context:
MJF didn’t cut up words. “If you can crush the competition, you do it,” he made plain. It was a rare state of transparency in a business where brand loyalty is frequently in holes like a badge of honour. While many AEW supporters and talent have taken shots at WWE for planning programming in ways that directly compete with AEW’s shows, MJF took a different approach, one that was made in an alert understanding of the business rather than an emotional reaction.
What out even more was MJF’s clear respect for WWE’s leadership. Referring to Vince McMahon as “Jolly Old St. Nick” and calling Triple H simply “Trips,” he gave praise where he observed it was due. He made it clear that these moves were not accidental or reactive, but were meant and strategic. “This isn’t an event,” he said. “This isn’t indirect. These are calculated moves made by brilliant people.”
MJF’s Perspective:
MJF’s comments are important to put in context. Wrestling fans are well aware of the so-called “Wednesday Night Wars,” where AEW’s Dynamite and WWE’s NXT went head-to-head in a weekly ratings battle that pulls out balancing to the legendary Monday Night Wars of the late ’90s. Though NXT eventually moved nights, states of programming overlap or special events still happen, and many in the AEW camp have clarified those moves as WWE attempts to undercut their increasing competition.
That’s why MJF’s unexpected. Rather than cast WWE as the villain, he views their strategy through a purely driven lens. For him, it’s not about personal flat or tribal warfare; it’s important to survive in a brutally competitive industry. “If I were in their shoes,” he seemed to hint, “I’d do the same thing.”
Coming from a top AEW star, these remarks carry weight. MJF isn’t just any talent; he’s frequently the face of AEW, someone who carries both the mic and the match with equal skill. For a talent of his worth to speak so openly about WWE’s intelligent business moves, it brings a level of shade competition between the two promotions.
It also, by accident or not, gives validation to WWE’s methods. When someone from the supposed equal camp acknowledges that the other side is playing the game well, it turns the usual “us vs. them” story on its head. It’s not about good vs. evil, it’s about smart vs. smarter, and who has the better long-term strategy.
MJF’s view may also provide a look into AEW’s internal outlook. While fans and even some performers may frame WWE as a corporate bully, MJF seems to acknowledge the reality of the marketplace. Wrestling is a business, and in business, competition is frequently met not with fairness but with wild strategy. His comments suggest that at least some within AEW understand and maybe even respect the thug nature of the environment they’re operating in.
Analysis:
And let’s not forget MJF is a master of playing both sides. His comments, while free to WWE, also increase his place as a thinking man’s wrestler, someone who isn’t caught up in blind loyalty but instead looks at the bigger picture. In many ways, this stance fits perfectly with the MJF character: confident and always a few steps ahead.
Even though or not his comments raise any internal debate within AEW remains to be seen. But one thing is sure, MJF has once again proven he’s not afraid to challenge the narrative. And in doing so, he’s opened the door for a more in-depth discussion about what competition in pro wrestling looks like.
Maybe, at the end of the day, this isn’t just about AEW versus WWE. Maybe it’s about survival, change, and smart moves. And if we take MJF at his word, there’s no shame in giving to your rival when they make the right play, especially if you’re planning your next move.
Vijay Suyal