WWE Hall of Famer Calls MJF ‘Underrated’ in Many Ways

MJF was making his mark in the pro wrestling world with MLW when AEW opened its doors. His entrance into All Elite Wrestling introduced the Salt of the Earth to a broader audience. Now, as a former AEW World Champion, he has left his trademark Burberry scarf behind and is venturing into a new phase for his character. Jim Ross is pleased to have him in the company.

MJF returned to AEW at AEW Double or Nothing after being sidelined for the first few months of 2023 due to injury. Since then, he has reestablished himself as one of AEW’s top stars. Jim Ross was present for that big moment and the promos that followed.

Speaking on his Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross discussed MJF’s return and what it meant for AEW. He called MJF “underrated” and noted that he generates a lot of buzz outside the company. Jim Ross is happy to have MJF on their side.

“I’m a fan of his. He’s like any other young guy, he’s just gotta mature. He’s talented as hell. Don’t know where all he’s headed, what his stops along the way are going to be, but I’m glad he’s on our team. He’s very underrated in a lot of ways, but he gets a lot of publicity, he gets a lot of credit, and for that, I’m happy for him. There’s no bigger fan in wrestling than MJF. He’s a fan of the business.”

Advertising

Advertising

“He’s a fan of the product. I know there was a lot of speculation that he was going to leave and go to WWE, and thank goodness that didn’t happen. But I’m a big fan of his. He’s like any other young kid. He’s gotta mature, he’s gotta come along. His age has gotta catch up with his experience. He’s very bright, very, very bright. Sometimes I think that he misuses his clout a little bit. I mean that he needs more patience with himself, and he needs to understand that it’s not always about him, but it is more often than not. He’s really good, he’s very talented. I just think that he’s gotta slow down sometimes and enjoy the journey, and not be…I don’t know how to put this.”

“I think sometimes he’s impatient, he needs to take a deep breath and enjoy his journey. If he did, he’d probably have a better overall experience. But he’s got a lot of ability. He’s smart. He’s an important part of our team, very important part of our team. I just think he could enjoy wrestling a little bit more than he does. He’s very cerebral, he’s a thinker. But I’m all for him. He’s a talented kid. I think sometimes he could have more fun, and sometimes he uses his judgment in a somewhat…not self-serving, but he can have more fun. He could have more fun and not take everything so seriously because he’s really, really talented. I think he’s terrific. He’s a hell of a guy. I’m all for his success. He’s very valuable, he’s one of our MVPs without a doubt. I like the kid, he’s fun to be around. Keeps you on your toes, he’s smart. He just needs to have more fun.”

MJF had the option of joining WWE but bet on himself and decided to stay with AEW. He even got a tattoo to prove it. Only time will tell where MJF will be in ten years, but he seems very loyal to Tony Khan. This is also a big win for the company.

Maxwell Jacob Friedman has already achieved a lot in the company, and it’s anyone’s guess where he will go from here. One thing is certain: if there is ever an AEW Hall of Fame, MJF has a guaranteed spot.

What’s your take on MJF’s career in AEW? Are you happy that he decided to stay with the company? Let us know in the comments section!