10 Most Underrated Wrestlers Of 2023
2. MJF
Underrated or over-criticised? Whatever classification that could subjectively be applied to MJF in 2023, it simply doesn't stack up when viewing his in-ring work.
There are some hard truths about the company that ostensibly don't support his case - AEW business has been on the slide this year. The product is cold, the criticisms of the booking flood in on a weekly basis, and the Maxwell Jacob Friedman character has been subject to some of the comedic leanings that have annoyed the base. But the matches in the organisation peak higher than anywhere else in North America, and especially when 'The Salt Of The Earth' is between the ropes.
As World Heavyweight Champion for the entire calendar year, MJF's made a point of proving true his grandstanding about being a "generational" talent. Defences against Bryan Danielson, fellow "pillars" Darby Allin, Sammy Guevara and Jack Perry, Adam Cole, and Samoa Joe were best-in-class efforts, and his getting over various pandering babyface spots proves his appeal almost beyond compare.
A Shawn Michaels-in-1996 run, this will be one beloved in hindsight even if bottom lines have been used to discredit it.