A new report has lifted the lid on just how far MJF went to stay out of the public eye during his recent break from AEW.
There are very few wrestlers in the world today, especially in major promotions, who “live the gimmick” like MJF. The three-time Diamond Ring winner prides himself on making it difficult to know where the wrestling character ends, and where Maxwell Friedman begins.
Never has this been clearer than when the star dropped his “pipe bomb” on the June 1st edition of AEW Dynamite and promptly disappeared from television and public view altogether. The star didn’t reappear until All Out on September 4th, while it was reported that he had dropped off the radar during his hiatus.
A new report from Fightful Select has now appeared to confirm that at least some of MJF’s bravado during recent interviews appears to be the truth. The report notes that the star dropped out of touch with close friends and those within wrestling until shortly before All Out.
Aside from being spotted at Disney during the Summer and filming for Impractical Jokers, he kept a low profile in real life and social media.
In recent interviews MJF has claimed that he has signed a new agreement with AEW for an increase in pay, although the length of the contract remains unchanged. Fightful were unable to confirm the presence of a new deal, but it was suggested by some within the company that his financial position has improved.
Several people within Warner Bros. Discovery were also pleased to see the Salt of the Earth return as he has been a consistent success in the ratings.
Following his now infamous promo back in June MJF remained in Los Angeles for a series of meetings with regard to non-wrestling opportunities. Speaking on these meetings the star expressed his desire to emulate The Rock, John Cena and Batista.