MJF Talks AEW Backstage Drama, Upcoming Free Agency, CM Punk's Future, More - The MMA Hour

Maxwell Jacob Friedman discusses his new AEW contract, where he went during his time off, the departure of Cody Rhodes, his relationship with Tony Khan, his return in Chicago, his feud with CM Punk, his issues with Jon Moxley, Vince McMahon’s retirement, and more.
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[@Spjerdalai]

Mjf is so well spoken and can merge his "character" effortlessly with his real personality that he can basically stay in character forever if he wants to. That's actually high class method acting. He has a bright future in the business.

[@chris51ification]

Hopefully he doesn’t become ric flair and ends up living his gimmick.

[@philipcernohorsky6186]

Who else did the same. GO

[@crowns9966]

Ngl MJF is my favourite wrestler along CM Punk and Eddie Kingston during this year, honestly they can make any angle and interview stay interesting for as long as they have a mic with them

[@MarsKidd27]

Its not a charachter to him. And for most all time wrestlers, their gimmicks are their real life personalities. Guys like hbk bret triple h etc

[@VirgilZandig]

A lot of people can portray jerks, but few people can be jerks while also putting over their company and fellow talent so damn well.

[@andreweverson1304]

MJF is the best thing to have happened to professional wrestling in a decade

[@Ethan2Tone]

A decade. Lol nothings been happening for the past 20 years. Even roman was lame. Glad I got out when Cena came along and ruined everything. And I was a Cena fan.

[@Ethan2Tone]

This new fan base are droolers. Guy almost breaks character holding back his smile when he tries to convince himself of what he is saying. So cringe. Like a child copying a movie scene and trying not to laugh.

[@TraumaER]

@@Ethan2Tone enjoy your lame Damage Control and wack Bloodline BS.

[@dutchvanderlinde3635]

Ethan S. Chalifoux Smiling while convincingly talk trash is a sign of arrogance. So he's acting damn well. But try on kiddo

[@RG-lr4pk]

@@dutchvanderlinde3635 what about when he cried and hugged cm punk in the middle of the ring

[@velanvjv]

MJF has perfected the role that made alright wrestlers into Mega Stars. His character is based off his actual self, but at times magnified. This is what Stone Cold and The Rock, even John Cena could pull off that made them into legends they are right now. At 26 as well, my god MJF is truly very dedicated and is one of a kind

[@crimsonoompa7821]

A promo with MJF vs any of those guys would be epic. Him and Cena slaying each other off the top of the dome would be worth the price of admission alone.

[@marcelmeyer6857]

His line on Wednesday that we would give our wifes to him and the only reason he doesnt use them is because he has standards was an absolute masterpiece of a line. Loved it.

[@tonyh1718]

The crowd loved it

[@iliyasuddin980]

Quickest 48 minutes of my life, he’s so good at articulating himself even when it comes to the serious talk

[@Laid2Sleep]

Yeah, it felt like a 25 min video. Went by fast. Glad I watched, and I hope Helwani gets more top guys on that will be just as open.

[@andyhaney29]

I see no lies. The man is a damn good talker and comes across as extremely genuine even when he isn't.

[@nayaksavannayak340]

Mjf🦊😝

[@richardhoffman527]

Wow your Right. That felt like 20 mins it was almost a hour. Just wow!

[@azzzrey]

This dude just put over AEW, MLW, WWE, Sheamus, Mox and pretty much everything and everyone he shouldn't without skipping a beat in his own gimmick. Just wow! Masterful performance

[@besmarques]

Not triple H...

[@saktln7486]

I like how he spoke about AEW with logic.

[@ricks5876]

Things he couldn't do in WWE

[@blocboi407]

he also lowkey buried dynamite cuz he said he doesnt watch it other then when hes on

[@joseluispalacios9362]

@@blocboi407 you are not very bright mate

[@brandonr.4910]

MJF is VERY quickly establishing himself as one of the best talkers of all time. This kid is an absolute genius.

[@nayaksavannayak340]

Mjf🦊😝

[@YxngFresco]

The best part of this interview was Max talking about Tony having his back against the wall. His love for the promotion is heartwarming, regardless of what MJF says to do with deals and money.

[@nayaksavannayak340]

Mjf🦊

[@nyfolkhero]

MJF saying he doesn’t like MMA because it’s fixed and phony 🤣 dude knows how to stay in character

[@Turppa21]

He's right

[@JavierNYC423]

@@Turppa21 how so ?

[@rocklobster5074]

@@JavierNYC423 you serious? You think MMA is real and not scripted? All sports are scripted 😂

[@rocklobster5074]

@@JavierNYC423 reported you to ICE

[@Leg3ndKilla687]

“What we do is straight to the point and as real as it gets”. 😅

[@zachnotzack4]

MFJ is the messiah of modern day pro wrestling. My dad introduced me to The Rock in my youth and I hope to introduce my future kids to this guy.

[@pancho2235]

so great he stays in character dont break it greatness

[@ThePc-DjHub]

Damn that's sad

[@Ethan2Tone]

@@ThePc-DjHub 😂

[@braveinternetguy]

@@pancho2235 Qqq

[@braveinternetguy]

@@ThePc-DjHub Qq

[@allelite2754]

I'm only 14 minutes in but the fact that I can't figure out which bits are kayfabe and which are MJF talking from his heart is a testament to his ability as a professional wrestler. I love pro wrestling and I love when a performer can keep me engrossed because this is why we watch it. Thanks Ariel for all the amazing content you've provided recently, in particular this interview and the HHH one. MJF, bastard as always but he's our bastard, thank you sir for this

[@hankdatank09]

Dude, my thoughts exactly!!! MJF is the man

[@mohabalserafe3795]

That's why mjf is the best

[@nayaksavannayak340]

Mjf🦊😝

[@MrJeffreyfurlong]

I think it's 50/50

[@RhodesidesReviews]

This is what the best do

[@crashkey]

"You Called Tony Khan a f***ing mark" "At the time... At the time it felt warranted" 🤣 "So what was the state of the relationship?" "Not Good, now its great!" "What changed?" "Money" 🤣 Great stuff

[@xTheConclusionx1]

I’m a WWE mark but MJF is absolutely right! Ever since he’s come back, AEW has been constantly hitting 1 mil viewers. No CM Punk, no Young Bucks, no Kenny. MJF backs up everything he says 👏🏽

[@crowns9966]

Best young talent in the last couple years, MJF is always a must watch imo

[@saf9261]

the elite always lose viewers

[@BB-ed4om]

Danielson and Jericho have had some good matches, MJF segments are great, the acclaimed, Moxley has been consistently doing Moxley stuff which some people apparently like, etc. the show has gotten a bit better.

[@IamNortheastern]

right but before MJF appeared it was a complete shithole

[@AAAHH]

@@BB-ed4om everybody loves the acclaimed! also can’t wait for grand slam tomorrow

[@AJOrsini96Host]

"Work or shoot?" "I don't know what that means" Perfect!

[@RobJusticethelegend]

MJF is the young GOAT. He’s got that 80’s heel feel to em’. The “bidding war of 2024” is gonna be really interesting.

[@TraumaER]

He’s going to take the belt to WWE on New Years Day lol 🎉

[@drakemendez8345]

MJF in WWE is going to be fire

[@RobJusticethelegend]

@@drakemendez8345 FACTS!!! He’s gonna change the game over there. Nobody’s gonna touch him on the mic

[@ricks5876]

Big fan of MJF, it's refreshing to have a professional wrestler that's so humble and salt of the earth. Hope he gets all the wealth he deserves.

[@nayaksavannayak340]

Mjf🦊😝

[@jovanss2361]

This guy is an absolute genius. It's like he's been in the business for 40 years...

[@noicemate9111]

Extremely well spoken I’m 24 so same age about and I don’t know many people this well spoken our age

[@Chessbox09]

Very wise beyond his years. He’s truly studied his craft. Having Cody Rhoades as a friend/mentor helps as well I would imagine.

[@tonyh1718]

He dropped out of college to do this He talked constantly about studying the past

[@noicemate9111]

@@tonyh1718 lmfao I guarantee college helped more than anything. Now that I think of it, mjf looks and acts like half the frat dudes at my school just a smarter version 😂😂😂

[@LuciferMstar19]

He is

[@vert1]

MJF is the savior of wrestling

[@LuciferMstar19]

Cm punk is

[@KingFamilyReacts]

GREAT INTERVIEW. I love that MJF watches the history of pro wrestling WCCW, AWA, etc

[@JoyStickJester_]

Bro this was awesome. I don't watch AEW but MJF is gold in interviews. You have to get him on again

[@tonyh1718]

Just watch his stuff then He is a master in the ring too He is just magical

[@latejl6193]

MJF is going to single handedly make me start watching AEW lmao.

[@Richmondthefish]

well obviously lmao. AEW is terrible without him

[@randycompton9191]

Same haven't watched it yet but leaning there

[@greyygoblinn5639]

I’m not a huge aew guy but MJF is so amazingly entertaining. I watch when I can if I’m off work here and there but dude is such a stand out in the company as a character

[@TheNEOverse]

He was exactly that for me. His absence was... noticeable to say the least lol. Ricky Starks could be great if they actually give him a serious push, and Christian Cage was entertaining while it lasted.

[@kevbo1024]

I love MJF mocking internet wrestling "fans" because he's totally on point

[@LeScap]

"I don't like MMA because it's fixed and phoney but the reason I like professional wrestling it's because it's straight foward , directly to the point and it's as real as it gets." - MJF, the GOAT

[@alanheyes694]

Gotta love him 😂

[@ThatGamerLife519]

MMA is real all the time were wrestling is scripted pain selling a move but accidents do happen in MMA the punches are real no pulled there

[@nayaksavannayak340]

@@alanheyes694 mjf🦊🤣

[@SwordsmanRyan]

I wonder if my Uncle Chael would agree with that.

[@nayaksavannayak340]

@@SwordsmanRyan goat 🐐🤩🤩😝😝🖕

[@matthewreeves8738]

This guy is asking all the right questions and his comebacks with MJF are on point. These two feed off each other so well.

[@StandardUserFromEarth]

This is what professional wrestling is, the way this guy can blend reality and keyfabe effortlessly is how this sport works. Seriously the biggest star in wrestling right now and easily has potential to be in the top 5 wrestlers of all time by the end of his career.

[@SamuelDuplessis12]

He really is, and he uses that blend of kayfabe and reality to its best. He uses it to perfection and he knows how to get under fans skin so easily.

[@Skiwi685]

Relax mark

[@Shiggystardust]

do you mean top 5 aew wrestlers? cause you need your head examined otherwise

[@haggus71]

@@Skiwi685 You have a Cheeto stain on your shirt.

[@RG-lr4pk]

If he was "blending kayfabe 🤓🤓🤓" you wouldn't be typing that comment.

[@YeTism]

MJF is the best thing in wrestling today. He’s a modernised Ric Flair

[@iDaVisionEnt]

You know what I never seen ric out of character, I never noticed that till your comment

[@Mrderful]

Woah, slow down speed racer! Modernized Ric Flair?? I disagree. He's Flair adjaced but Flair didn't seem to be trying. You can tell MJF is trying to get a point across. Flair was just Flair, you can tell that was just him.

[@hankypachino3404]

I can see that he's Aew's connor McGregor 💯

[@RG-lr4pk]

That's like comparing a school play to an Oscar winner. Wrestling fans really struggle with delusion. "This current thing is like when wrestling wasn't a complete joke!!!"

[@ReallyMontana]

I mean he wear fancy suits like flair

[@wwedxecw]

10:05 MJF is exactly right . It was quiet summer without him . We needed him back .

[@sirmichaelhunt1087]

I absolutely love MJF and his incredible mic promos. He's quite possibly the greatest modern day heel in pro wrestling today. I'm a huge fan of his work after his feud with CM Punk.

[@nayaksavannayak340]

Mjf🦊🦊

[@maryal-kethairi467]

MJF is such a standup guy. He should get that big paycheck. He so deserves it. Best comeback ever. Congrats to MJF and Naomi for getting engaged. Much happiness for the both of them. Best heel in all of professional wrestling

[@anthonyabruzzo1138]

It seems MJF has a lot of respect for Ariel. He doesn’t usually act like this with others. Great interview and great insight by both guys

[@noicemate9111]

It’s because ariel is nice and that’s his interview style…. Otherwise he would act different. Also they’re both Jewish and Ariel loves supporting his fellow Jews which is fair

[@nayaksavannayak340]

Mjf😝🦊

[@Razear]

I love how much of a straight shooter he is. "All I care about is the money." Lol "Women faint, I see men reaching into the pockets of their jeans, it's a little uncomfortable." "I went to two different schools, which is why I'm twice as smart." "Right." This guy is too much, lmao.

[@thehoshangkoul]

MJF is a guy who till this date has kept himself so Mysterious that you can't even recognise whether he's in character or is he like that in real. Truly a genius 🔥 MJF as AEW World champion is what we need

[@ASCUMBAGWh0re]

* * RECOGNIZE * * LEARN to spell CORRECTLY! and I'll keep pointing out your mistakes until you improve!👇🏼

[@ASCUMBAGWh0re]

* * WETHER * * THATS TWICE 2x you messed up in a grammarly fashion. Told you I'd call you out on it!👇🏼

[@lollipopsplayland428]

@@ASCUMBAGWh0re words are spelt differently in different parts of the world.

[@Gazzi79]

He's off to WWE leaving AEW in a mess soon.

[@kardave2848]

I love, The Walk Off, when asked about Danhausen! MJF is the only true "Heel" in wrestling!

[@Sasquatch10]

Not for long, he's so good people are starting to love him.

[@moodiegreen5410]

@@Sasquatch10 Facts, but I think a lot of them will boo him in support because he's a guy you love to hate. Huge fan of his work, he truly is the future of the wrestling business. And he's not even close to his prime yet.

[@Estroogen]

@@moodiegreen5410 scary to think he ain't even at his prime yet..

[@mannyg8316]

MJF is a credit of the pro-wrestling industry, the guy is and will be a huge star! 🔥

[@onesockedbandit4468]

I love how he can say in the beginning “i dont watch anything besides my stuff” then later say “i watch everything and more” and I believe both

[@dannyboy281981]

This guy is mental. He's incredible. Playing the chatacter and himself so well. So enjoyable.

[@adrenalineunlimited3376]

How you can not identify that this guy is the present and future of pro wrestling immediately upon seeing him for the first time is beyond me

[@VanceAnthem]

36:12 his Jon Moxley impression tho 😅😅😅

[@bobball622]

Spot on 😂😂

[@mase60391]

20:48 the keyboard mark impression might be better

[@reborndrakken]

This whole interview should be shown in wrestling schools world wide, how to stay within kayfabe, side step what you need to side step, put people and whole companies over and put yourself over all of those things. An MJF masterclass

[@tonyh1718]

I agree He already is someone people should study You can stay in character and still give interviews

[@Nightmarefuel66]

Masterclass indeed. Couldn't have said it better myself mate.

[@Kolapot]

Maxwell is very well-spoken, articulate and composed each in every time he delivers a statement. This got to be the most joyous 45 minutes of an interview.

[@KeepItBasement]

I think MJF is talking about Raiders Tight End Darren Waller. He got a deal prior and then had a really good year and wasn’t paid according to his recent production as one of the top players at his position. So they had to give him more money

[@beastmode21000]

Could also be talking about Derrick Henry’s raise for this season

[@Ludzig]

Also joe flacco

[@spikelace8268]

I thought he was talking about Dak Prescott

[@jonathanwingo13]

Love MJF, best talent in wrestling today

[@SSJ2Phenom]

It is so refreshing to watch a professional wrestler on an interview that's not on a wrestling show Just be who he is on a wrestling show. Basically it's nice to watch a professional wrestler stay in character and make me wonder which bits were real and which bits were just him keeping up KAYFABE. This is brilliant. MJF is brilliant and we need more professional wrestlers like him.

[@tonyesquire5308]

This MJF one on one was outstanding.

[@DFW817]

As an old school wrestling fan, he’s awesome!

[@brettheath7127]

MJF seems like a nice young man

[@Whyzee12]

It’s stupid how amazing of a person MJF is.

[@KD_SWAGGER]

MJF is one of the best young talkers in the game if not the best. Great interview! I found out things about MJF I did not know. He understands the business and he's a student of the game.

[@scottwells8064]

The effortless way he slips in-between his character and himself is next-level. And proof that the best characters are just themselves with the could turned up.

[@ReaIistik]

Nobody with a straight face can say they don’t like MJF. This man is pure gold in every aspect.

[@holysinnerxxx]

i dont normally watch these longer wrestling interviews, but MJF is just such a captivating fellow.

[@Richiedagger87]

He really is a breath of fresh air to the professional wrestling business! I really love how he’s always on and doesn’t let you see behind the curtain!

[@JesseLeeKing]

Mjf is the man he is exactly what professional wrestling needs just an old school style of heel with the gift of gab.

[@valofalconery]

Imagine MJF in a microphone battle of words with Paul Heyman. It'd be legendary!!

[@watersandblue6001]

Would be even bigger than a Mjf vs The Rock mic battle

[@L.................1]

So heyman and Rock should work for the better Promotion. Aew.

[@kovulion7777]

MJF does interviews so perfectly he makes it look the interviewer is the one trying to not break character

[@MrGrogan02]

MJF personifies the Johnny Valentine quote, "I can't convince you that this is real, but I can convince you that I'm real."

[@joebrine1624]

Best interaction ever, kudos to both participants. MJF for life!!

[@JayCaulls]

Really looking forward to this!

[@Acyclistandhockeysnob]

I don’t normally watch a entire interview, as a matter a fact this was really the first one. MJF just captivates you with his no bs attitude in character or as himself. I see why people have a love/hate relationship with his character. He’s prob the best thing to hit the Wrestling market since the Rock on the Mic.

[@gonzo3954]

Top mic's are MJF, The Rock, John Cena...all in different ways. I get what MJF says about making the money but I think WWE would stifle him.

[@callmeavii]

He's one of the most professional people i hv seen.. he has huge respect for the business and it shows

[@sunnydey405]

He always remains in character that's the best part of him.

[@MiniLemmy]

A true pro - so well spoken and never breaks character

[@mattfischertt]

AEW is genius for letting him go out and just talk. He's GOLD.

[@peytonlong5573]

Dude just gets it 48 minutes went by quick he’s talking facts you should want AEW and WWE to both succeed

[@recklessramos3201]

15:38 MJF reaction is hilarious “16 What are you talking about”

[@SirFooplesTheThird]

God I adore MJF. The best heel along the ranks of Jericho, Edge, George and other greats. Future hall of famer. I'll bet you five thousand dollars

[@roblegault4587]

Mjf has really impressed me in this interview over his knowledge of current and prior wrestling promotions. Being a student of the game is very prevalent from this interview.

[@ShootItALBY]

MJF doesn’t disappoint 😂😂

[@jesterr7133]

It is so refreshing to see an actual PROFESSIONAL wrestler. He actually corrected Ariel and cut him off when he used backstage terms, and he never broke character once. If there were more people like him in the business, it could actually become popular again.

[@NC-ck5oj]

He's a complete one off though. Other than maybe paul heyman, Im not sure anyone else could do it

[@AestheticDelta]

Im pretty sure wrestling worldwide is doing just fine without MJFs influence. Im not sure youve checked the scene but its piping hot and no signs of stopping it tbh

[@babyamber1657]

I could definitely listen to MJF's soothing voice all day he is just so smart and so articulate it's amazing to hear him speak he definitely should be in WWE💪👊☺

[@griv310]

This video just played for me randomly and within the first 10 seconds it made me really miss MJF. Can’t wait for him to be back with wrestling, whichever promotion he ends up at.

[@IAmImprintJones]

The most lovable villain of a generation and SOON to be youngest world champ in AEW history 💍 👑 and respect to him showing love to Stokley and Page, The Firm is a dope concept and Stokley hit that promo of them out of the park

[@wesmyone9562]

Honestly, MJF is too good, he really is a breath of fresh air for the business. The man is always in character, just like back then👍🏿

[@christopherfrey7232]

Is this the girl that broke off the engagement and broke his heart and became this masterpiece. Cause he’s actually alittle happier here

[@Mistcakes]

best part for me was "you seem like a loyal guy" and watching mjf's face almost crack and freeze before settling on a smile of disbelief with "sure :)))"

[@scullyplays3992]

Seeing him live at Wembley was amazing, the guy is a megastar

[@drewturner4845]

MJF is next level.

[@L.................1]

No. No way. Next Level is MJF.

[@sofiadrosos1308]

MJF is always a fascinating interview. 👍

[@topbins1391]

Watched in full. This much charisma and comedy cannot be ignored

[@AJ-lc8xt]

I don't watch Pro wrestling but this guy had me watching the entire interview.

[@charvelgtrs]

You can actually pick up moments where he basically shows how much he cares about AEW.

[@karimmcdonald444]

Which one

[@charvelgtrs]

@@karimmcdonald444 When he talks about AEW doing extremely well and I think he kinda puts over some of the talent.

[@ayylienn]

4:52 MJF's response. "Yeah. Ariel Helwani". 😂😂

[@wikkiddeathlord7372]

Well I just sat through this whole video, I give mjf props for that entire interview, well spoken and respectful in his own way. A very interesting guy

[@thommysaraceno2862]

The "first class rocket" line had me dying

[@BP2KUNI]

This interview is worth the money that Ariel had to pay for it

[@theoutsiderjess4869]

Mjf is the biggest star in wrestling in a long time what makes this man so great is that throughout his entire career he has stayed in character the whole time and shows that kayfabe can exist in a modern era of wrestling I don't mind that wrestlers don't do that today but guys like Mjf are special

[@AdamchristianChambers2017]

Sending the love to Mjf can listen to this guy all day from 🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@mikeheadley6916]

You honestly can't hate MJF. He won't break the heel deal and it works, BUT you can tell how much passion he has for wrestling and that is always good to see. Sure you can boo the "heel" MJF but gotta respect the man

[@spudmagnum7394]

MJF did so much PR for AEW here, subtly in such a heelish way. He truly is a company guy, a professional through and through.

[@DerkaBakalakadaka]

I love the Action Bronson tag on screen for mjf while hes talking about his fiance's art on Instagram

[@bez_]

Absolutely excellent interview, probably the finest I have ever seen

[@jjhmachine]

MJF gets it. You could drop him in any territory, any era and he would draw big houses.

[@ng23242]

Listening to Maxwell speak in any form is a delight for my senses

[@sportydude9337]

This was a brilliant interview.

[@altappomaktappo7060]

He speaks well, has a good beard, dressed well, i wish MMA fighters would some of these tactics

[@yurinoworry]

I have a good beard. MJF has a little face scruff. He beats me in the best dressed category though

[@nat51543]

MJF is smart by staying out of the CM Punk controversy he said it doesn't apply to me MJF can wrestle but he speaks on things from an honest perspective and he does it in character as well that is impressive

[@himanshugaur9680]

See how he was entertaining nd putting over everybody at the same time👏👏

[@burninghammerstudios7033]

Max is so good at his job 😤

[@EricJGaming]

MJF is a future hall of famer !

[@Saulgoodman94]

Omg dude he’s literally only been around 3 years calm down time will tell

[@YeTism]

I’d love to see Cornette and MJF do a podcast