"If You Think You're Coming To AEW & Barely Put In Work, You're Out Of Your Mind" - MJF (AEW News)
MJF puts incoming WWE stars (and everyone in the wrestling world) on notice.
Everyone at AEW is currently prepping hard for this weekend's big All In Texas event on 12 July at Globe Life Field in Arlington. MJF, who will enter the men's Casino Gauntlet bout for a possible future crack at the AEW World Title, is one of them. Recently, Friedman told TV Insider's Scott Fishman that anybody coming to All Elite for an easy ride is in for a shock.
"We aren’t coming there to cash a check. We aren’t coming to give 50 percent. We’re all giving 110 percent. If you think you’re going to come into my company, and yes I said my company because I’ve been here since day one - and I’m the best professional wrestler in the world. If you think you’re going to come into my company and barely put in work, you’re out of your goddamn mind".
Never one to mince his words, MJF.
Continuing, Friedman told Fishman: "We don't want you here, so stay where you are and be miserable over there". "There" appears to be in in relation to WWE, but the former AEW World Champion (whilst abrasive) was clever with his choice of wording. He also blended kayfabe with reality by offering cutting, shoot-style comments but still maintaining character by calling himself "the biggest shark" in the company.
MJF Calls WWE Tactics "Incredibly Intelligent"
MJF was also asked to comment on suggestions that Triple H knowingly counter-programmed AEW's All In pay-per-view with a double helping of Saturday Night's Main Event and Evolution goodness. WWE will present SNME on 12 July, then run the latest all-women's division PLE on 13 July.
Friedman says anybody claiming this wasn't deliberate is "stupid", but he refuses to cry foul on Trips or WWE for doing everything in their power to undermine competition. He then called the decision "incredibly intelligent". MJF is protective of All Elite and Tony Khan's product, but he realises that WWE is the market leader for a reason.
This comes amidst reports that the all-female Evolution show hasn't sold well at the box office. At time of writing, WWE has shifted just shy of 5,000 tickets for the event. The last WWE PPV/PLE to pull those kinds of numbers was the roundly-bashed Stomping Grounds in 2019. Before that, not counting developmental wing NXT, you'd have to go all the way back to the ECW-branded December To Dismember show in 2006 for such a low pre-sale on WWE's side.
Meanwhile, SNME on 12 July is in a healthier state ticket-wise. Again at time of writing, over 10,000 briefs had been shifted for the show. There, Goldberg will work what's expected to be his retirement match against Gunther. MJF probs won't be watching - he's busy that night!