8 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Worlds End 2023
2. MJF Can’t Beat The Odds
Somehow, All Elite's finest weren't done with the magical storytelling after the TNT bout.
MJF and Samoa Joe were arguably in a rough spot at Worlds End, because they had to follow two red hot matches (Copeland vs. Cage and Moxley vs. Kingston) and end the night on a high. Remarkably, despite also having to weave in Max's shoulder injury, they accomplished their goal. That speaks volumes of both men.
Some will be disappointed to see MJF's record-setting World Title reign end this way, but it happened logically. Friedman fought hard. However, the shoulder pain proved too much for him against a dangerous killer like Joe. It's important to note that Max didn't tap out at the end - he passed out. There is a difference.
Seeing Joe grind MJF down and eventually take his belt with a trusty hold was stunning. Top marks go to the production team for capturing a seemingly horrified Adam Cole around ringside too. MJF's supposed "best friend" could see the title slipping away.