Latest news with #MaxwellJacobFriedman
Newsweek
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
AEW's MJF Praises Unpopular WWE Business Practice
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. AEW star MJF has shared his thoughts on WWE running shows head-to-head against his home promotion. In a recent interview, MJF said that he views the practice not as a petty move, but as a savvy business decision. Speaking with TV Insider, the former AEW World Champion gave credit to WWE's leadership for their competitive tactics. He stated that if he were in their position, he would do the same thing. It's Business, Not Personal Rather than showing frustration, MJF explained that he respects the move from a business perspective. He believes that any company should do what is necessary to "stomp out" its competition. "I think it's a smart business practice," MJF said. "I give jolly old St. Nick [Khan] and Trips [Triple H] a whole lot of credit. At the end of the day, if you can stomp out your competition, you're doing what is necessary. Lord knows I would." He added that while some may view WWE's scheduling as a coincidence, he believes it is a deliberate and calculated business strategy. "They're not doing this by happenstance," he stated. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation A History Of Wrestling "Wars" The concept of "counter-programming" is deeply rooted in wrestling history. The most famous example is the "Monday Night Wars" from 1995 to 2001, when WWE's Monday Night Raw went head-to-head with WCW's Monday Nitro. The intense competition, which included tactics like giving away taped results and talent jumping between companies, is often seen as the creative and commercial peak of the industry. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 21: Wrestler Maxwell Jacob Friedman visits the SiriusXM Studios on August 21, 2023 in New York City. Friedman defends the All Elite Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship on November 18,... NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 21: Wrestler Maxwell Jacob Friedman visits the SiriusXM Studios on August 21, 2023 in New York City. Friedman defends the All Elite Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship on November 18, 2023 at AEW Full Gear. More Photo bySince AEW's launch in 2019, a new, smaller-scale war has emerged. The two promotions first went head-to-head during the "Wednesday Night War," when AEW Dynamite consistently beat WWE's NXT in the ratings, forcing NXT to move to Tuesday nights in 2021. A Timeline of Competition Since the end of the Wednesday Night War, WWE has continued to schedule programming and events opposite AEW's major shows. In October 2023, a "Supersized" episode of NXT, featuring major stars like John Cena and Cody Rhodes, went directly against Dynamite and won the ratings battle. On multiple occasions, WWE has scheduled premium live events like NXT Battleground on the same weekend as AEW's flagship Double or Nothing pay-per-view. This trend continues this coming weekend. AEW will present its massive All In: Texas stadium show on Saturday, July 12. On that same day, WWE will be airing two premium live events: Saturday Night's Main Event on NBC and The Great American Bash on Peacock. While AEW President Tony Khan has criticized these moves in the past, MJF clearly sees the competition as a sign of respect. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports
Hindustan Times
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Over 9 AEW stars were released in 2025. Check full list
More than nine top names associated with All Elite Wrestling, WWE's rival platform, have been released by the franchise, multiple reports say. While some left after their contracts with the franchise expired, others were cut off by the franchise for one reason or another. Wrestler Maxwell Jacob Friedman at the AEW. (Photo: Maxwell Jacob Friedman on X)(Twitter) Unlike Vince McMahon's WWE, AEW has refrained from releasing wrestlers under contract, as long as they continue to fulfill all legal conditions. For instance, wrestler Bear Boulder was released by the franchise in January 2025 after he was arrested for battery by strangulation. Most of the other departures have been by mutual consent. Here is a list of wrestlers who have departed the franchise in 2025. AEW Wrestlers Released In 2025: Full List -Maria Kanellis – Former WWE strong voice, left AEW in Jan 2025 after health challenges. - Ricky Starks (now Ricky Saints) – Exited in Feb 2025 and signed with WWE NXT. -Miro (a.k.a. Rusev) – Departed in Feb 2025 by mutual agreement. -Malakai Black – Contract expired in February 2025. Rejoined WWE. -Rey Fenix – Released by mutual agreement in Mar 2025. -Dutch &Vincent (The Righteous) – The duo of Dutch and Vincent were removed from the AEW roster in April 2025. Also read: Cody Rhodes wins King of the Ring tournament: Could controversial victory convert final into four-way match? -Bear Boulder – Bear Boulder was let go by tyhe franchise in January 2025 due to legal issues (battery/strangulation). -Bear Bronson- Bronson's contract was not released in June 2025, as a byproduct of Bear Boulder's arrest and release by AEW, as per a report by WhatCulture. -Saraya - She departed AEW in March 2025 by mutual consent despite her contract running through 2025. She and Tony Khan, the president of AEW, reportedly came into an agreement on her early departure. -Abadon: His contract expired at the end of May 2025. He said that it won't be renewed. WWE Star To Join AEW Former WWE Women's Tag Team Champion Isla Dawn is reportedly heading to AEW, according to a report by WrestleVotes. The report indicates that AEW has expressed strong interest in signing the recently released WWE star. Adding to the speculation, Dawn was recently seen backstage at an AEW taping, fueling rumors that a deal may be imminent.
Newsweek
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
AEW Star MJF Reportedly Involved In Scary Fan Incident
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. According to a report by Fightful Select, a fan confronted top AEW star MJF at his hotel following the historic Grand Slam: Mexico event. The incident underscores the intense heat the former world champion generated during the show. Sources within AEW claimed that a fan "went after" MJF after the event in Mexico City. The report notes that MJF was unharmed and laughed the situation off. A History Of Generating Real Heat MJF has built his entire career on being one of the most effective heels in modern professional wrestling. He consistently blurs the lines between his on-screen character and reality to provoke fans. This dedication to his craft has led to some of AEW's most memorable moments. This includes his lengthy and controversial reign as AEW World Champion and the infamous "Bidding War of 2024" storyline. This latest incident appears to be another example of his success in generating a genuine, emotional response from the audience. He was reportedly proud of the interaction. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 21: Wrestler Maxwell Jacob Friedman visits the SiriusXM Studios on August 21, 2023 in New York City. Friedman defends the All Elite Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship on November 18,... NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 21: Wrestler Maxwell Jacob Friedman visits the SiriusXM Studios on August 21, 2023 in New York City. Friedman defends the All Elite Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship on November 18, 2023 at AEW Full Gear. More Photo byThe Grand Slam: Mexico Angle The fan's anger was likely fueled by MJF's actions during the Grand Slam: Mexico show at the legendary Arena México. There, he faced off against the beloved lucha libre icon, Mistico. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation As a member of the villainous Hurt Syndicate faction, MJF used antagonistic tactics to defeat the national hero in his home country. This was designed to create maximum animosity from the passionate live crowd. AEW officials were reportedly very happy with the success of the event. His career is headlined by a historic, record-setting 406-day reign as the AEW World Champion, during which he defended the title against top stars like Bryan Danielson and Kenny Omega. A unique achievement, MJF dominated the Dynamite Diamond Ring battle royale for four consecutive years (2019-2022), using the prize as both a status symbol and a weapon. His championship collection also includes a run as the self-proclaimed "AEW American Champion" (formerly the International Championship) and an ROH World Tag Team Championship reign with Adam Cole. Beyond titles, his career is defined by critically acclaimed rivalries against legends like CM Punk and Chris Jericho, earning him multiple awards for his charisma and promo skills. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
