Surprising Status of WWE and MJF Contract Talks

Update: Ringside News has provided a new update on this story after speaking to our sources.

Original: MJF may love touting the bidding war of 2024, but it seems that he may not have the leverage he claimed. The Salt of the Earth has dropped plenty of WWE references, event on AEW programming, but that doesn’t mean the two sides are talking. Now, a new report has unearthed some very interesting information about WWE’s interest in bringing in The Devil.

Over the weekend, Maxwell Jacob Friedman experienced another big win in his career. During AEW Full Gear, he successfully retained the ROH Tag Team Championships, partnering unexpectedly with Samoa Joe, who stepped in for the injured Adam Cole. After the match, MJF faced a brutal attack from The Gunns and had to be transported out of the arena in an ambulance, vocalizing his distress.

Subsequently, the main event was altered, with Adam Cole, who couldn’t compete, defending Friedman’s title in his place. In a remarkable turn of events, MJF made a last-minute return to the arena just before the match and effectively defended the championship against Jay White.

This victory further solidified Friedman’s position as a prominent figure in the AEW landscape, a fact he openly acknowledges. In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, he emphasized the approaching expiration of his AEW contract next year and hinted at Tony Khan’s efforts to retain him. Friedman also mentioned his interest in WWE, stating that his ultimate decision will hinge on the most lucrative offer. Throughout the year, he has occasionally referred to “the bidding war of 2024” to generate excitement about his impending free agency.

Haus of Wrestling reports that, despite MJF’s claim that there is interest in WWE, it appears that WWE believes MJF already re-signed with AEW. There have been “zero talks” between the two sides.

Haus of Wrestling has heard from several WWE sources who believe Friedman has quietly re-signed with AEW. One higher-up WWE source stated that there have been “zero talks” between the two sides. They further noted that the idea Friedman is set to enter free agency imminently is a “false narrative” and that they believe he has re-signed into 2027.

“This is a completely in his head storyline,” one WWE source said.

“1000%,” another WWE source stated. “I was told a while ago he is under a long-term deal, which is why they stopped pushing the 2024 stuff.”

MJF made his next contract talks one of his favorite discussion topics over the past year. He even name-dropped Bruce Prichard during a promo on AEW Dynamite as he teased leaving Tony Khan’s company. It appears that he is not WWE bound as some fans may have hoped.

MJF was incredibly emotional after Full Gear, and it’s clear that he loves professional wrestling. AEW gave MJF his big break, and it appears that he will continue with them if WWE’s assumption of the situation is any sign of things.

What’s your take on this new story about MJF and WWE? Let us know what you think about this in the comments section!