8 Things That Could Trigger AEW’s Downfall

3. The Handling Of The MJF Saga

From a distance, the MJF/AEW contract stalemate looks relatively straightforward.

MJF likely signed a contract well below his current market value in 2019, when he had only slithers of renown as a rising independent prospect who hadn't yet broken out. His bargaining power would have been lower than most others who entered AEW around that time. Three years later, he is a cornerstone of the company's present-day and future, one of the most effective performers on the roster, and in the form of his life. MJF's 2022 so far has been two back-to-back Feud of the Year contenders (vs. CM Punk, vs. Wardlow). He will be worth considerably more to AEW than his 2019 salary reflects.

Tony Khan, meanwhile, may be waiting to know the value of his next television rights deal before extending an offer. This is as understandable as MJF's frustration at watching countless names enter the company on a higher pay grade over the past few years.

Amicably resolving the situation should be high on AEW's to-do list. Beyond how valuable MJF is and continues to become, AEW was established on the premise that it is different to WWE. This extends to business practices. Wrestlers are supposed to know that if they come to Jacksonville, they will be treated fairly, with a level of respect often absent in Stamford. Failing to appease a valuable young star who likely doesn't want to leave anyway would dent AEW's "babyface" reputation, lessening its appeal to upcoming free agents.