MJF looks back on a newsworthy year for AEW.
The promotion has been through an up-and-down year, to say the least. While the debut show in the UK was a huge success and their weekly presence has increased with the introduction of Collision, attendnace and ratings have been down compared to last year and multiple stars have departed for WWE. Then there is the addition of all the backstage drama that hit the headlines over the summer of 2023.
Throughout the highs and lows of AEW in 2023, MJF has remained the World Champion all year and has done everything in his power to make his segments must-see TV. Speaking with TVInsider, The World Champion admitted that a lot of things have happened over the past years and he feels a responsibility to get the brand back on track:
“Let’s face it. This has been a rebuilding year for us. A lot of crazy sh*t has happened. People have left. People have gotten injured, and there have been f*ck’in serious issues in the back. Through it all guys like me have had to steady the f*ck’in ship. I’m not asking for a pat on the back. It’s my job to do that. It’s why I’m the guy and world champion.
Continuing the interview, Maxwell Jacob Friedman touted his own individual successes and how they have led to the company doing better as a result:
As the world champion, I’ve often managed to help bring AEW million-dollar houses. I’ve sold a boatload of merchandise and done good ratings for our shows. The fact of the matter is that’s not enough. I always need to be looking to grow not just my brand but our brand. I think it’s telling that Worlds End sold out and we had to add more seats in the Nassau Coliseum.
What that proves there is a lot of interest in seeing me versus Samoa Joe, the wrestling legend. Frankly, I’m a wrestling legend in the making. I think all the crazy sh*t that has gone down this year, guys like me and Joe made it a point to be the guys you can pass the rock to and we can go and score a f*ck’in touchdown for our company.”
In a separate interview, MJF gave his honest opinion of another legendary wrestler, Chris Jericho.
MJF Looks To Improve AEW In 2024
Many fans and those within AEW are hoping that the promotion can improve in 2024 and have a year filled with much less drama. When asked how AEW could have a better year next year, MJF responded that although they are starting the rebuilding process already, he hopes that higher-ups listen to constructive criticism more in the next 12 months:
I frankly think what we are doing now. We are bettering the product. I think we lost our footing at points, but I think that’s had to do with some crazy f*ck’in sh*t that went down. Let’s face it, some of it was out of our control. Also, some of it was in our control. So, I think it’s very important when we read criticism we take it as constructive. I mean when we can. There is a difference between, “I want AEW to die. Fed is better. LOL.” That kind of tweet. And, “I miss when AEW kind of had a more sports presentation.” Or, “I miss MJF chopping it up on the stick and f*ck’in bury people.”
There are constructive things though. I think now more than ever we are the listening company. We are trying to be the listening company. I think the reason there is so much criticism online, and I’m starting to see it lessen because we are starting to give people what they are asking for, but it’s because the fans hold me and the company to a higher standard. I take that with a lot of pride. There is a reason to expect greatness from me. It’s because I’ve given it to them before. I plan on giving it to them at Worlds End.
In a separate interview, MJF acknowledged fans’ critiques of his individual work and explained why he understands their point of view.