10 Things You Only Learn Attending AEW LIVE
2. MJF Is In Fact "HIM"
People play along with MJF because he's over, it's a sign of respect, and it's a fun thing to live. His promo on Dynamite was typically great, but there's more to his brilliance.
He is incapable of cutting merely "good" promos, even when he's selling a programme that is...less than critically acclaimed. Live, though, there's a certain magic to it. He often does the bait-and-switch, luring fans in with a babyface-leaning spiel before unleashing the insult. Every single time, he gets cheered, and then jeered with an undertone of resentment, for fooling them. How aren't fans wise to this yet, four years in?
Because live in person, MJF has the searing charisma of a cult leader. His presence is off the charts and he exerts total command of the audience. He's the star, you're the fawning rube. That is the dynamic. It is as simple and as reductive as that.
It's understandable that MJF wanted to remain a heel ahead of Full Gear 2022. He's worked tirelessly living in character, and when the time comes, he really wants it to mean something. He can't just turn whenever there's a brief push from the crowd. He's meant to be the last man to uphold kayfabe, and with a massive note of irony, he'd lose credibility if he abandoned that gimmick so easily.
When he turns face, gauging by watching him live, he'll be over to a major extent.
People are itching to get behind him.