How MJF Succeeded Where Roman Reigns Failed

by Michael Sidgwick
MJF Tony Schiavone
AEW

But then, AEW's booking at its best is inspired to a level that no other promotion can match.

They didn't luck out by booking MJF Vs. Starks in Texas. This was meticulous stuff - and if there's any doubt that the most beloved, organic babyface of the 21st century won't get the crowd on side in MJF's first major programme as champion, the January 4, 2023 edition of AEW Dynamite emanates from Bryan Danielson's hometown (essentially) of Seattle, Washington.

Beyond this astute geography, AEW is the babyface promotion. MJF will line up against a veritable battalion of over, great babyfaces. While Hangman Page was jeered when cutting the promo of his life as MJF sat in the stands, the man cut an even more heart-wrenching spiel on Dynamite last week. It was impossible not to root for a man who has overcome a brain injury so severe that he forgot the name of his firstborn child. And if that was a work, even better: it's proof that AEW remains the absolute best promotion at getting babyfaces over.

Fans are getting behind Kenny Omega as a babyface to a huge extent; even those who aren't into the Elite seem happier now to separate him from the Young Bucks. Eddie Kingston, floundering in the narrative, could generate an unparalleled crowd reaction, if AEW go the sentimental route in Queens next year - and the redemption story resonates. MJF is so good at playing a d*ckhead that he can always get his heat back. WWE could never build a heel that fans hated more than Cena and Reigns.

AEW has the exact opposite to that dilemma.

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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and surefire Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!