MJF has given his thoughts on AEW being referenced on WWE TV and vice versa.
The March 31st episode of Raw saw a fiery promo exchange occur between John Cena and Cody Rhodes to continue the build to their match at WrestleMania 41. Rhodes’ time in AEW was brought up by The American Nightmare himself and later by Cena.
At the start of the war of words, Rhodes noted that he was “booed in a company he created” while listing off numerous things that Cena could make fun of him for. Later in the segment, Cena referred to AEW owner Tony Khan when commenting about how they have differed in the business:
“I make empires for billionaires. All you’ve ever done is steal money from their kids.”
The references were the latest in a series of jabs at the competition that have been seen on WWE TV in the past week. Along with CM Punk bringing up his infamous “I work with children” line, Shawn Spears referenced Ricky Saints’ [FKA Ricky Starks] exit from AEW and Drew McIntyre was slammed onto the windscreen of a car shortly before Punk walked past, a reference to the “real glass” line from Jack Perry that ultimately caused the incident that led to Punk’s AEW termination.
Also ones to bring up the opposing brand, stars from AEW such as Will Ospreay, Darby Allin and MJF have all made reference to WWE to further storylines. While some enjoy the jabs at the other company, others have found it to be unnecessary and feel that each company should concentrate on their own product.
MJF Sends Message To Fans Who “Want To Be Treated Like Children”
Taking to social media, the former World Champion stated that he doesn’t understand why some fans are so bothered by the references:
I truly don’t get why fans get up in arms when WWE mentions or references AEW.
Or when AEW mentions or references WWE.
If you want to be treated like children, watch Elmo.
Or better yet. Tell VKM to start a new promotion.
In terms of VKM [former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon], Rhodes also made reference to this in his exchange with Cena:
“They [the fans] chose me. Can you say the same, John Cena? Or was it one guy in an office who chose you who is not here anymore and we don’t talk about him?”