MJF Declares Loyalty to AEW, Taking Aim at WWE Ticket Prices
Current AEW World Champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to All Elite Wrestling, contrasting the promotion’s accessibility with what he perceives as exorbitant ticket prices in WWE. Speaking ahead of his Dynamite title defense, MJF emphasized his creative freedom within AEW as a key factor in his decision to remain with the company.
A Shot at WWE’s Pricing Strategy
During an interview with Adrian Ochoa of ABC-7 KVIA in El Paso, Texas, MJF directly addressed the cost of attending wrestling events. “Unlike WWE, you don’t have to sell the soul of your firstborn to buy a ticket,” he stated. He further elaborated, “They’re at normal prices. We don’t discriminate against poors the same way the world champ does. I hate you people, but glance, somebody’s gotta pay daddy’s bills, and that’s gonna be people like you.”
Creative Freedom as a Key Factor
MJF’s decision to re-sign with AEW in 2024, after a period of speculation regarding a potential move to WWE, appears to be rooted in the creative control he is afforded. “What keeps me in AEW is my ability to be myself; there’s no leash on me,” MJF explained to Ochoa. “I don’t have to worry about anyone sitting me down and telling me what I am doing right or wrong. My boss knows I am the draw. I have the World title right now. Ratings are up, ticket sales are up. I wonder why? He lets me do my thing. So, I don’t think I’ll ever leave.”
Upcoming Matches and Championship Defense
MJF is scheduled to defend his AEW World Championship against Kevin Knight tonight, March 4th, at AEW Dynamite in El Paso, Texas. The event will be broadcast live on TBS and simulcast on HBO Max at 8:00 pm ET. Should he prevail, MJF will then face Hangman Adam Page at AEW Revolution on March 15th in Los Angeles, California, in a Texas Deathmatch where Page’s future title opportunities are at stake.
Independent Circuit Appearances
A notable aspect of MJF’s current championship reign is his active participation on the independent wrestling circuit. He views this as a continuation of the traditions of past wrestling champions, traveling to various territories to demonstrate his dominance. Source
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