10 Best Moments In AEW History

9. MJF’s Picture-Perfect Storytelling

Sting Revolution
AEW

AEW is often better in retrospect. Only when a twist unfolds deeper into a storyline do you appreciate the sheer amount of work that goes into the process. 

After Full Gear 2021, MJF cut an in-ring promo. CM Punk interrupted. It was later revealed that, for once, MJF was being sincere when he reached for a handshake. After the war erupted, MJF disclosed months later that he needed Punk as a young, bullied child. In a super-rare example of social media as a good narrative tool, it was revealed that MJF - and this was legit, it was sourced by fans within minutes - posted on Facebook several years ago. 

In this post, he was inspired to quit football and embark on a pro wrestling career after seeing a picture of Punk shaking hands with Daniel Bryan at the 2011 Royal Rumble. 

The MJF Vs. CM Punk programme was sensational from beginning to end - the references to Roddy Piper foreshadowing the Dog Collar match, the “I’m a snake” twist, Miseria Cantare, the Pepsi goddamn Plunge - but it was the beautiful detail of the photo that elevated this stunning, bold exploration of the parasocial relationship.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!