Watch MJF’s WWE Tough Enough Audition Video from 2015

Maxwell Jacob Friedman, now one of AEW’s top stars, once had his sights set on becoming a WWE Superstar. Years before he became the “Salt of the Earth” in AEW, MJF recorded an audition video for WWE’s Tough Enough competition, hoping to secure a spot on the reality show.

In the audition video, which has been hidden in plain sight on WWE’s YouTube account since April 2015, MJF delivers exactly what fans would expect from him—an arrogant, heel promo that shows off his natural charisma and sharp tongue. He even went as far as to call Triple H “Trip,” boldly asserting why he was “Tough Enough” for WWE.

Despite his confidence and undeniable talent, MJF didn’t make the cut for Tough Enough. At the time, he didn’t quite fit the traditional WWE Superstar mold. However, MJF’s skills on the mic and in the ring soon proved that this rejection was merely a detour. He found his place in AEW, where he has thrived as one of the company’s top heels, regularly generating heat and seemingly enjoying every minute of it.

Reflecting on how things could have been different had WWE signed him, it’s clear that the wrestling world would have missed out on the MJF we know today. His journey with AEW has allowed him to fully embrace his persona, delivering unforgettable moments—like flipping off children at meet-and-greets—that have solidified his status as a top heel in the industry.

For fans curious about MJF’s early days, the audition video offers a fascinating glimpse into the early stages of his character development. It’s clear that even then, MJF was destined to make a significant impact in the wrestling world, just not in the way WWE might have envisioned.

You can check out the audition clip, which has been on WWE’s YouTube account since 2015, to see the beginnings of the persona that has captivated AEW audiences.

How do you think MJF’s career would have evolved if he had been selected for WWE’s Tough Enough, and do you believe his current persona in AEW would have been as successful in WWE? Let us know in the comments below.