Backstage Update On MJF's AEW Return

Having made his AEW return at Double or Nothing this past weekend, there's now somewhat of an update of one Maxwell Jacob Friedman.

As per Fightful Select, AEW went to "great lengths" to keep MJF's return a secret, even if many within the company were expecting the Salt of the Earth to be at Double or Nothing. In the week leading up to that PPV, the plan was made for the former AEW World Champion to fly into Phoenix rather than head directly to Las Vegas, and he was then driven from Phoenix to Vegas, where it became a little trickier to keep the surprise element intact.

This report notes that MJF was actually spotted on that Phoenix flight by a fan, with that detail being relayed to Fightful, who opted not to run that story ahead of Double or Nothing. As for Friedman's presence at the MGM Grand Arena - the venue for this most recent AEW PPV - he was brought into the backstage area in a wheelchair and covered up so that nobody would spot him.

For those wondering about the 28-year-old's contract status, MJF agreed a new deal at some point in 2022. While the exact specifics aren't known, this contract made the New Yorker one of AEW's highest-paid stars and it's a multi-year deal.

Of course, MJF is coming back from nearly five months on the shelf due to various injury issues, with a shoulder problem specifically highlighted during this absence. On that front, Fightful adds that the one-time Pinnacle man ultimately did not undergo shoulder surgery.

With the long-gestating MJF vs. Adam Cole rivalry having brewed while both men have dealt with their respective injury issues, that match is currently still "far from a reality" due to Cole not being close to being cleared to return to action. All involved parties wanted to blow that feud off in a way where they can circle back to it once Cole is able to lace up his boots again, and in the meantime, sources within AEW have heard of "out of left field" creative plans for MJF.

Following that Double or Nothing return, MJF is now advertised for next week's AEW Dynamite, with news of that announcement being followed by RUSH calling out Max, suggesting those two will be locking horns sooner rather than later.