Wardlow Finally Stands Up To MJF, Gets Slapped In Response

Mr. Mayhem also blocked Spears' post-match chair shots as bodyguard asserts independence.

By Scott Carlson /

AEW

Maxwell Jacob Friedman might have gained a firm upper hand in his feud with CM Punk on AEW Dynamite Wednesday, but he might have really stepped in it during a confrontation with his bodyguard Wardlow.

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Mr. Mayhem effortlessly defeated Cesar Bononi with a powerbomb symphony and then prevented Shawn Spears from unloading his customary post-match chair shot on him, leading to an uncomfortable staredown between the two.

Later, Spears brought MJF in, who told him that if Wardlow wins the Face of the Revolution ladder match and becomes TNT Champion, Max would let him keep the title rather than handing it over to him. But then he tossed in a snide, "It's not like you're going to win it anyway," which started the downfall. Wardlow didn't hesitate to point out that that's because he's "always busy making sure (MJF) is always winning."

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MJF stormed back and slapped Wardlow, reminding him that he isn't a wrestler, he's Friedman's bodyguard and his employee, then threatened to put him and his family out on the street.

This slow-burn situation between MJF and Wardlow has bubbled up a couple of times in recent weeks, most notably when Mr. Mayhem faced CM Punk, which is his only singles loss to date. But now, at a point when MJF is about to step into the ring with Punk in a brutal dog collar match after only winning their first encounter with Wardlow's help, Maxwell has angered the big man and threatened his livelihood.

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Things have reached a fever pitch, and we could see it boil over at AEW Revolution on Sunday.