10 New Directions For AEW After Revolution 2023

2. MJF's Slow Burn Babyface Turn?

CM Punk AEW Double Or Nothing 2023
AEW

There will always be concerns about promoters tinkering with hot heels when they start hearing some cheers from fans. MJF has been hearing sprinkled applause for a long time now, but AEW has doubled down on his heeldom and let Friedman be the world class pr*ck he's capable of being.

That can only last so long though.

MJF was put over strong vs. Bryan Danielson in that energy-sapping 60-minute 'Iron Man' to close out Revolution. He took shortcuts, of course, but ended the bout by forcing Bryan to tap out. It was a clean finish, which few expected from a character champion this devious, and it made MJF look like the man.

He should dominate for a long time, because he's so damn good. MJF could easily hold the AEW Title for the rest of 2023 and it wouldn't get old, but Tony Khan has a decision on his hands. Does he bow to fan pressure that'll steadily build and turn Friedman babyface? Would that even work?

There's only one way to find out. Slow burn this baby, but let fans dictate it.

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.