Paul Heyman has heaped praise on MJF, explaining that he believes the two men will meet somewhere down the road.
Speaking in a recent interview, Paul Heyman revealed that he signed a new contract with WWE back in 2021. While he confirmed that the new agreement was “long term” he declined to give any further details.
During the same conversation, Heyman explained that he deliberately made sure any negotiating was done behind closed doors. An approach not favoured by AEW star MJF.
The Salt of the Earth has repeatedly courted WWE on AEW television, claiming that there will be a bidding war for his services when his contract expires in 2024. This reportedly led to frustration between the star and AEW President Tony Khan, following an interview he did with Ariel Helwani.
During his own appearance on the MMA Hour, Heyman broke down why his contractual situation was very different to that of MJF.
“I saw your show with MJF. I understand what he’s doing. It’s smart negotiating on his part at the moment, but I’m in a different position right now and was a year ago. A year ago, when my contract was coming due, it was a very easy decision. WWE made it very easy for me and they locked me in for long-term. I don’t want to discuss how long the term is. Long enough for both parties to be real happy with each other and real comfortable with each other and happy with the contributions to each other,”
WWE’s resident ‘Wise Man’ was then asked if he had been impressed with the young AEW star. After joking that he obviously was because he is Jewish, Heyman said that MJF has a very big future ahead of him.
Yeah, why wouldn’t I be? He’s very credible on the mic. Incredible is not a compliment. Incredible means he’s not credible. He’s credible. He’s very good at what he does. He’s very young and he has a big future ahead of him.”
Continuing on, Heyman elaborated further on MJF negotiating in public, breaking down why he doesn’t think it’s a bad idea.
“For his perspective, no. In his position, no. Where he’s working right now, no. Where he wants to work in the future, no. It’s not bad business at all. For what he obviously views his trajectory to be, for what he obviously views his future to be, not bad business at all. Pretty smart, I would say. Pretty smart,”
Heyman added that while he’s never met MJF, and they remain a long way away from working together, he’s sure they’ll cross paths somewhere down the line.
“Aligning myself with him? We’re a long way…right now, he’s in a very enviable spot in an upstart promotion that has tremendous financing and excellent distribution. Let’s see what the future holds for him. I’m sure, at some point in his life, we’re going to bump into each other.”
Paul Heyman is currently preparing to lead his Tribal Chief and Universal Champion Roman Reigns into battle against WWE Champion Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 38. The pair will meet on night two of the spectacular, with the winner being crowned the new Undisputed Champion.
H/t to Fightful for the transcription.