MJF respects the opinions of the fans.
In 2021 and 2022, the World Champion took no prisoners on the mic and in the ring. While he was despised at every show that didn’t take place in Long Island, fans could not deny that the generational talent lived up to his name. Maxwell Jacob Friedman’s rivalry with CM Punk saw some of the best promo work in modern memory and the dog collar match at Revolution saw a perfect end to the feud.
Despite losing the rivalry to Punk, MJF would end the year strong as he defeated Jon Moxley to become AEW World Champion and struck William Regal in the back of the head with brass knuckles.
Fast forward to 2023 and the World Champion is presented as one of the top babyfaces in the company. While MJF is cheered and continues to put on great matches, many have expressed that they preferred the sadistic side of Friedman.
Speaking with Comic Book, the World Champion acknowledged the criticisms from fans and admitted it is because they think highly of him based on his previous work. However, MJF promised that at Worlds End he will give the fans something to remember:
I think one big thing I want to say is for everybody who fell in love with me, I understand the criticisms. I understand the critiques. I think the reason that people criticize me more now than ever is because they hold me to a higher standard. Because they know what I’m capable of. On December 30th, I’m going to remind people exactly what the f*ck I’m capable of and I’m going to do it with a smile on my face.
MJF Explains Importance Of Worlds End
The World Champion is preparing to put the Triple B on the line against Samoa Joe once again following a victory over the Samoa Submission Machine at their first encounter at Grand Slam. The match will be taking place in Friedman’s hometown of Long Island, where the champ is expected to receive a thunderous ovation. Acknowledging the significance of his hometown, MJF recently explained why Worlds End is more important to him than All In.