MJF Gives Reason To Watch ‘Worlds End’–And Support AEW

In a very non-traditional manner to sell a pay-per-view, MJF wrote an extraordinary piece for The Players’ Tribune

Is there anything Max can’t do?

Maxwell Jacob Friedman, who is best known by his initials, wrote an exceptional first-person piece that posted today on The Players’ Tribune.

This matters to me. Please Read. https://t.co/g98LauEQVy

— Maxwell Jacob Friedman™️ (@The_MJF) December 29, 2023

In a unique manner, there were times throughout the story when Friedman undersold tomorrow’s AEW title match against Samoa Joe at Worlds End. Instead, he discussed his injuries, explained “MJF fatigue”, and his devotion to AEW, as well as directed a few playful shots at CM Punk. He shared his affinity for Cody Rhodes, and wrote in a profound way about the significance of Judaism in his life–and, while he is anti-hate, explained why supporting a terrorist group like Hamas is painfully wrong.

Absolutely none of that is a blueprint for how to sell a pay-per-view. Yet, by the end of the piece, damned if you aren’t that much more invested in AEW’s today, especially concerning MJF’s title bout against Samoa Joe.

The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. As the mysterious devil storyline limps to its reveal (this should have been resolved last month at Full Gear), Friedman provided the reasoning behind his resounding faith in AEW.

The Players’ Tribune story reinforces the belief that MJF will announce in the coming weeks that he has signed a new deal to remain in AEW. But make no mistake–WWE would have relished the chance to have acquired Friedman. He is a genuine difference-maker in an industry where very few such commodities exist. Friedman is particularly close with WWE’s Bruce Prichard, a major power broker in the company and a constant sounding board since their time together years ago in MLW. But Friedman is simply too valuable for Tony Khan to lose. As an AEW original, it is imperative that he remain with the company–and he has major storylines to play out, both with the devil and Wardlow.

If the devil is not Adam Cole, then I’ll be very surprised. It makes sense to highlight Matt Taven and Mike Bennett, who are most likely the masked men who just won the Ring of Honor tag titles. Taven still has breakout star potential in AEW–while I would be wary of holding any ROH belt, as the brand has yet to find its footing in AEW, this is nevertheless a step in the right direction for Taven and Bennett, as well as Roderick Strong and Cole. Those four would make a dynamic heel stable, especially if Maria is added to the mix.

The devil storyline is not the only reason to watch Worlds End. Jon Moxley meets friend/foe Eddie Kingston. Hopefully someone in AEW advocates for a backstage interview with these two before their match–think Bret Hart/Roddy Piper at WrestleMania VIII–to further amplify the intensity and significance of what is at stake. This should mark a fitting end to the Continental Classic, which has to be considered a success for the company.

In addition to seeing Sting wrestle in an eight-man tag (can we make sure he shares the ring at least once with Konosuke Takeshita?), there is also a pivotal Swerve-Keith Lee match. If you’re like me, and believe that Swerve is in line to become AEW champion, then you need to build challengers for him. That was already accomplished in the Continental Classic with Moxley, but Keith Lee is an underutilized star who would add a tremendous presence to the world title picture. This match needs to deliver to the point where it leaves people demanding more.

Toni Storm defending her title against Riho also has the potential to be extremely compelling. And let’s not forget that Adam Copeland and Christian will lock up again… and it feels like a surprise is in store if that storyline is to continue.

This is a rare AEW pay-per-view as it does not feature The Elite. Kenny Omega is hurt, the Young Bucks are on a storyline sabbatical, and Hangman Page was also wiped out in the devil angle. I can’t shake a sneaky suspicion that, despite his over-the-type nature and overselling of his “injuries”, Roderick Strong will be a truth-teller. Strong has repeatedly stated that MJF is the devil, which would explain the whole story: in order to beat someone so sinister, Adam Cole needed to attack him at his own game.

Even without The Elite, MJF is the AEW original needed to carry this pay-per-view. And that is exactly how this is playing out: as 2023 comes to an end, MJF is the one leading the company at Worlds End–and into the new year.