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Maxwell Jacob Friedman
Maxwell Jacob Friedman
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Maxwell Tyler Friedman (born March 15, 1996), better known by the ring name Maxwell Jacob Friedman or simply MJF, is an American professional wrestler and actor. He has been signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) since it was founded in January 2019, where he is the current and two-time AEW World Champion, with his first reign being the longest in the title's history.

Key Information

Friedman previously worked for Major League Wrestling (MLW), where he became a one-time MLW World Tag Team Champion and a one-time and inaugural MLW World Middleweight Champion.[3][4] He has also worked on the American independent circuit for promotions such as Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), where he became a one-time CZW World Heavyweight Champion and a one-time CZW Wired Champion. In 2019, he signed with AEW, where he has since become a two-time AEW World Champion, with his first reign being the longest reign for the title at 406 days, a one-time AEW International Champion, and a record six-time AEW Dynamite Diamond Ring winner.

Early life

[edit]

Maxwell Tyler Friedman[5][6] was born into an Ashkenazi Jewish family in Plainview, New York, on March 15, 1996.[7][8][9][10] At the age of five, he appeared on an episode of The Rosie O'Donnell Show that aired in 2001, singing "You Are My Sunshine" after his parents submitted a tape of him singing it in an operatic style while eating a pear. After a video of his performance resurfaced in 2019, it was referenced as part of a wrestling storyline. During his interview with Rosie O'Donnell, Friedman said he aspired to be an opera singer and a professional wrestler, and that Goldberg and The Rock were his favorite wrestlers.[11][12]

Friedman grew up as a religious Jew, having had his "original" Bar mitzvah in 2009.[13] Friedman graduated in 2014 from Plainview – Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School where he was a member of the football team.[14] He briefly attended Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York.[15]

Professional wrestling career

[edit]

Early career (2015–2016)

[edit]

Friedman was trained by Brian Myers and Pat Buck,[16] and made his in-ring debut in their Create A Pro Wrestling Academy in Hicksville, New York, on February 15, 2015, at age 18.[17] He also wrestled for Combat Zone Wrestling and Five Borough Wrestling during his debut year and went on to appear in numerous promotions across the northeastern independent wrestling circuit. In April 2015, WWE uploaded his entry for WWE Tough Enough to their YouTube channel.[18] He also appeared as an onscreen security guard during Samoa Joe's entrance at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II in August 2016 during which he was pushed by Joe.[19]

Combat Zone Wrestling (2015–2018)

[edit]

Friedman worked under the new ring name Pete Lightning in several CZW Dojo Wars events since 2015, usually in tag team matches with Hous Blazer and Penelope Ford. On the September 7, 2016 edition of CZW Dojo Wars, he returned to his previous ring name Maxwell Jacob Friedman, he entered the Dramatic Destination Series tournament. On May 13, 2017, at CZW Sacrifices, Friedman defeated Johnny Yuma to win the CZW Wired Championship. He won his first title defense at CZW EVILution, defeating Trevor Lee. He successfully retained the title in further singles matches against Mike Del, John Silver, and Ace Romero. On October 14 at CZW The Wolf of Wrestling, Friedman lost the CZW Wired title to Joey Janela. Two months later at CZW Cage of Death 19, Friedman won the title back after defeating Janela in a rematch.

Friedman returned on February 10, 2018, at CZW Nineteen, where he won the 27-Man Battle Royal to become the new number one contender for the CZW World Heavyweight Championship. He also successfully defended the CZW Wired Championship against Alex Colon on that date. There he defeated Rickey Shane Page to win the CZW World Heavyweight Championship for the first time, and surrendered the CZW Wired Championship on the same night. He would forfeit the title in November 2018 and make his final appearance on CZW.

Major League Wrestling (2017–2020, 2025)

[edit]

World Middleweight Champion (2017–2018)

[edit]
Friedman performing at an independent circuit show in November 2018

On September 5, 2017, it was reported that Friedman signed a contract with the reinstated Major League Wrestling (MLW) to appear at its reunion event One Shot to compete in a match against Jimmy Yuta, which Friedman won. Friedman then became a member of the MLW roster as he continued his winning streak against Joey Ryan at Never Say Never. MJF suffered his first loss in MLW against Brody King at Zero Hour on January 11, 2018. He then participated in a tournament for the vacant World Heavyweight Championship at Road To The World Championship, losing to the British wrestler Jimmy Havoc in the opening round. Friedman went on to defeat Lance Anoa'i at Spring Break. He made his Fusion debut on the May 11 episode by defeating Fred Yehi. He continued his success with an upset win over Montel Vontavious Porter at Intimidation Games.

On July 29, MJF defeated Joey Ryan to become the first-ever World Middleweight Champion at the Battle Riot special. Later that night, MJF participated in the namesake match as the No. 38 entrant and was eliminated by the eventual winner Tom Lawlor.[20] On the August 10 episode of Fusion, MJF made his first title defense against Joey Janela in a falls count anywhere match, which he retained after Janela's on-screen girlfriend Aria Blake turned on Janela by hitting him in the head with a bottle. This led to Blake becoming MJF's valet. On the September 21 episode of Fusion, MJF and Blake defeated Joey Ryan and Taya Valkyrie in a mixed tag team match.[21] MJF made his second title defense of the World Middleweight Championship on the November 9 episode of Fusion, where he successfully defended the title against Jason Cade and Jimmy Yuta in a three-way elimination match. On November 25, Friedman revealed that he had suffered a fractured elbow with a recovery time of 4 to 6 weeks. MLW later announced that the Middleweight title has been stripped from Friedman due to him not being cleared in time for his scheduled title defense at MLW's live Fusion December 14 episode.[22]

The Dynasty (2019–2020)

[edit]
Main article: the Dynasty
MJF alongside fellow members of the Dynasty Richard Holliday and Alexander Hammerstone in 2019

MJF returned from his injury on the February 16, 2019 episode of Fusion, where he unsuccessfully challenged the new champion Teddy Hart for the World Middleweight Championship. After the match, Richard Holliday joined MJF in attacking Hart.[23] As a result, the duo formed a team called The Dynasty and began feuding with the Hart Foundation. They were shortly after joined by the newcomer Alexander Hammerstone. He later won the MLW World Tag Team Championship with Richard Holliday as part of the Dynasty.

He left the promotion in January 2020, but would wrestle Mance Warner in a loser leaves town, empty arena match in April 2020.[24]

One night return (2025)

[edit]

On June 26, 2025, at Summer of the Beasts, MJF returned to MLW after five years, where he attacked Místico, who he had been feuding with in AEW and CMLL.[25]

All Elite Wrestling (2019–present)

[edit]

Undefeated streak (2019–2020)

[edit]
MJF during AEW's first-ever officially branded PPV, Double or Nothing, in 2019
MJF during one of the very first episodes of AEW Dynamite in 2019

On January 7, 2019, it was announced that Friedman was signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) for a five-year deal.[26][27] The year before, he had wrestled the opening maincard match of All In, an event seen as a precursor to the formation of the company, defeating Matt Cross.[28] He debuted as a heel at Double or Nothing on May 25 as a part of the pre-show Casino Battle Royale for an AEW World Championship opportunity. He lasted until the final two, before being eliminated by Adam Page.[29] Friedman went on to compete in a four-way match against Page, Jimmy Havoc and Jungle Boy at Fyter Fest on June 29, which Page also won.[30] The following month at Fight for the Fallen on July 13, he teamed with Shawn Spears and Sammy Guevara to defeat Havoc, Darby Allin, and Joey Janela in a six-man tag team match.[31]

On the first episode of Dynamite on October 2, Friedman defeated Brandon Cutler by submission.[32] The following week on Dynamite, Friedman intervened in the attack of his "best friend" Cody by Inner Circle, attacking Santana and Ortiz with a steel chair seemingly turning face.[33] At Full Gear on November 9, he accompanied Cody in his AEW World Championship match against Chris Jericho. Cody lost the match after MJF threw in the towel when he was caught in the Liontamer and as a result, Cody was no longer allowed to challenge for the AEW World Championship again due to a pre-match stipulation. After the match, MJF turned heel on Cody by giving him a low blow and walked away.[34] Shortly thereafter, MJF found a bodyguard in the debuting Wardlow.[35] On the November 20 episode of Dynamite, MJF and Adam Page were the final two entrants in the inaugural Dynamite Dozen Battle Royale.[36] The two met in a singles match on the Thanksgiving Eve special episode on November 27, which MJF won. Diamond Dallas Page (DDP) then awarded him the Dynamite Diamond Ring as a prize for defeating Page.[37] On January 15, 2020, at Bash at the Beach, MJF teamed with The Butcher and The Blade to defeat DDP, Dustin Rhodes and Q. T. Marshall.[38] MJF rekindled his rivalry with Cody, and laid down three stipulations that Cody must follow to gain a match against him at Revolution on February 29 which included not touching MJF till the match happened, facing Wardlow in a steel cage match and receiving ten lashes by MJF on live TV.[39] On the February 5 episode of Dynamite, Cody took the ten lashes from MJF, including one from Wardlow.[40] Cody then went on to beat Wardlow in the first steel cage match in AEW's history on the February 19 episode of Dynamite to make the match against MJF at Revolution official.[41] At Revolution, MJF defeated Cody by pinfall after hitting him on the face with the Dynamite Diamond Ring.[42] MJF then entered a feud with Jungle Boy, defeating him at Double or Nothing on May 23 with a roll-up.[43] On the May 27 episode of Dynamite, MJF unsuccessfully competed in a battle royal to face Cody for the AEW TNT Championship, being eliminated by Jungle Boy.[44] At Fyter Fest on July 29, MJF and Wardlow were defeated by Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus. MJF then moved onto a feud with Jon Moxley, campaigning against Moxley's championship reign and decreed that fans deserved a better champion.[45] The two faced at All Out on September 5, where MJF was defeated, marking his first loss in a singles match.[46]

The Inner Circle (2020–2021)

[edit]
See also: Inner Circle (professional wrestling)

On the October 28 episode of Dynamite, Chris Jericho and MJF agreed to wrestle each other at Full Gear on November 7 during a confrontational "Town Hall Meeting" with Eric Bischoff.[47][48] Should MJF win, he would join Jericho's Inner Circle.[47][48] The previous week, Jericho and MJF had participated in "Le Dinner Debonair", a meeting over a steak dinner during which Jericho and MJF performed a modified rendition of "Me and My Shadow".[49] Journalist Wesley Morris later named the performance one of the "Best Performances of 2020" in an article published by The New York Times.[50] At Full Gear, MJF, along with Wardlow, became members of The Inner Circle after he pinned Jericho.[51][52] On the November 11 episode of Dynamite, MJF appeared for the first time as a member of The Inner Circle, where he gave a speech talking the struggles he overcame to get this far in wrestling, and then brought out a surprise birthday party for Jericho, the group's leader, which involved free tickets to Las Vegas and leading the crowd in a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday".[53] On December 2, at Winter Is Coming, MJF once again became a contender for a Dynamite Diamond Ring after he and Orange Cassidy were the final two entrants in the second Dynamite Dozen Battle Royale.[54] On the December 9 episode of Dynamite, MJF won his second Diamond Ring after pinning Cassidy.[55]

On the January 20, 2021 episode of Dynamite, a tag team battle royal was announced for Beach Break, with the winners getting an AEW World Tag Team Championship match against The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) at Revolution on March 7. The Young Bucks also participated and had they won, they could have chosen their opponents.[56] Jericho last eliminated Dante Martin of Top Flight to win the battle royal, earning himself and MJF a title match at Revolution. On the February 10 episode of Dynamite, following weeks of growing tension between MJF and Guevara, Guevara attacked MJF following a backstage confrontation, which gave MJF a kayfabe rib injury. Later on in the episode, following MJF and Jericho's victory against The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens and Max Caster) in a tag team match, Guevara announced his departure from The Inner Circle.[57] In the lead-up to their match at Revolution, MJF and Jericho attacked The Young Bucks' father, Papa Buck, and bloodied him backstage, vowing to take the titles off them. At Revolution, however, MJF and Jericho were defeated by The Young Bucks.[58]

The Pinnacle (2021–2022)

[edit]
Throughout his early tenure in AEW, MJF was flanked by his bodyguard Wardlow (pictured)
See also: The Pinnacle (professional wrestling)

On the March 10 episode of Dynamite, MJF was kicked out from The Inner Circle after it was revealed that he was secretly planning to perform a coup of the group. However, he then revealed that he had been building his own group with Wardlow, Shawn Spears, Tully Blanchard and FTR (Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood), who appeared and violently attacked The Inner Circle.[59] The stable would come to be known as The Pinnacle.[60] At Blood and Guts on May 5, The Pinnacle defeated The Inner Circle in the inaugural Blood and Guts match.[61] At Double or Nothing on May 30, The Pinnacle lost to The Inner Circle in a Stadium Stampede match.[62] At All Out on September 5, MJF faced once again Jericho, with Jericho's career on the line. After a false victory for MJF, in which referee Aubrey Edwards counted the pin for MJF but did not see Jericho's foot placed on the rope, the match was restarted and Jericho forced MJF to submit to the "Walls of Jericho", losing for the first time against Jericho.[63]

On the November 17 episode of Dynamite, MJF began a feud with CM Punk, after Punk interrupted his promo. On the February 2, 2022 episode of Dynamite, MJF became the first person to defeat Punk in AEW and also the first person to defeat him in a televised match since 2014.[64][65] During the match, which was held in Punk's hometown of Chicago, Illinois, MJF scored a pinfall over Punk after Wardlow provided a ringside distraction and handed MJF his Dynamite Diamond Ring, which he then hit Punk with.[65][64] On March 6 at Revolution, Wardlow, who began developing tension with MJF in December 2021,[66] turned on MJF and helped Punk defeat him in a Dog Collar match by handing Punk the Dynamite Diamond Ring, which Punk then struck MJF with.[67] On the May 18 episode of Dynamite, Wardlow, as part of a set of contract stipulations which would make him able to wrestle MJF, was lashed 10 times by MJF.[68] The following week on Dynamite, Wardlow completed the final stipulation which guaranteed him a match with MJF at the upcoming Double or Nothing on May 29 by defeating Shawn Spears in steel cage match, with MJF serving as the special referee and being unsuccessful in his effort to cost Wardlow the match after Spears accidentally knocked him out;[69] should Wardlow win, he would be officially released from his contract with MJF, but would be banned from obtaining a new AEW contract and be required to remain under MJF's employment should he lose.[70] At Double or Nothing, MJF lost to Wardlow after ten powerbombs, MJF's first clean loss in singles action in AEW.[71]

During the Double or Nothing weekend of May, MJF legitimately no-showed a fan fest.[72] This came after months of rumors about the backstage tension between MJF and AEW owner Tony Khan about MJF's contract and payment he felt he should have, as well as doing an interview with Ariel Helwani without telling management.[73] On the June 1 episode of Dynamite, MJF cut a worked shoot promo about not being respected by the fans and Khan.[74] The segment ended with MJF demanding to be fired by Khan, calling Khan a "fucking mark", his microphone being cut off, quickly fading to commercial, and the commentators not referencing the situation after the break.[74][75] The next day, his profile was removed from AEW's website and his merchandise was pulled on AEW's merchandise site as part of the storyline.[76][77]

Longest-reigning AEW World Champion (2022–2023)

[edit]
See also: Better Than You Bay Bay

MJF made his return to AEW programming at All Out on September 4. Wearing a mask, he won the Casino Ladder match as the "joker" entrant with the help of Stokely Hathaway, securing himself a future shot for the AEW World Championship. He was revealed to be the person behind the mask at the end of the event, when he came out and stared down the newly crowned AEW World Champion CM Punk on the entrance stage.[78] On the September 14 episode of Dynamite, MJF introduced his faction, The Firm, led by Stokely Hathaway. This new faction was considered as MJF's "Support System" and when they were not supporting MJF, all of the members in The Firm would do their own thing.[79] However, on the October 26 episode of Dynamite, MJF was attacked by The Firm, after he had fired Hathaway for disobeying his orders not to attack AEW World Champion Jon Moxley because he wanted Moxley at 100% for their title match at Full Gear on November 19. At Full Gear, MJF defeated Moxley after using William Regal's signature brass knuckles. Regal slid them into the ring for MJF, helping to make him the youngest AEW World Champion in the history of the company.[80] On the November 30 episode of Dynamite, MJF unveiled his own custom version, which he dubbed Triple-B, the "Big Burberry Belt". It features the exact same design as the standard belt; however, the leather strap is brown and fashioned in Burberry's trademark check pattern to match MJF's signature Burberry scarf.[81][82] Later in the segment, MJF turned on Regal by attacking him, causing him to be taken to a nearby hospital thus ending their partnership.[83]

On December 14 at Winter Is Coming, MJF successfully defended the AEW World Championship against Ricky Starks and won the Dynamite Diamond Ring for the fourth time.[84] On March 5, 2023, at Revolution, MJF defeated Bryan Danielson in the overtime of their sixty-minute Iron Man match, which had ended in a tie.[85] The match was met with critical acclaim,[86] and received a 5.75 star rating from Dave Meltzer, making it the first five star match in MJF's career.[87] On May 28 at Double or Nothing, MJF defended the AEW World Championship against Sammy Guevara, "Jungle Boy" Jack Perry and Darby Allin, who MJF pinned, in a four-way match.[88] In June, MJF started to feud with Adam Cole,[89] who he faced on the June 14 episode of Dynamite. The match ended in an 30-minute time-limit draw.[90] At Forbidden Door on June 25, MJF successfully defended the AEW World Championship against Hiroshi Tanahashi.[91] On the July 1 episode of AEW Collision, MJF successfully defended the AEW World Championship against Ethan Page.[92]

MJF (front) and Adam Cole (back) at All In: London in August 2023.

On the July 5 episode of Dynamite, MJF and Adam Cole were teamed together to participate in a tournament to receive an AEW World Tag Team Championship match on the July 29, 2023 episode of Collision.[93] The two men would form a strong friendship and bond in various matches, segments, and skits over the next few weeks and MJF would show signs of a face turn. They won the tournament, defeating The Jericho Appreciation Society (Daniel Garcia and Sammy Guevara) in the finals.[94] However, they would lose their title match to FTR. After the match, MJF in frustration would tease hitting Adam Cole with the AEW World Championship but eventually tossed the championship aside and embraced Cole in a hug, turning face for the first time in AEW and in his entire career. Despite the loss, MJF would grant Cole his rematch in the main event of All In: London on August 27 while also challenging Aussie Open to a match for the ROH World Tag Team Championship on All In: Zero Hour. At All In, MJF would both successfully defend the AEW World Championship against Cole and win the ROH World Tag Team Championship with Cole, making MJF a double champion.[95][96] At All Out on September 3, MJF and Cole successfully defended the ROH Tag Titles against The Dark Order; on his way to the back, MJF was pushed by ROH World Television Champion Samoa Joe, leading to a brawl.[97] Joe would win an Eliminator tournament to earn a shot against MJF for the AEW World Championship at Grand Slam on September 20; before Joe's tournament final match against Roderick Strong on the September 13 episode of Dynamite, MJF cut a promo that referenced the infamous "Scott Steiner math" promo that Steiner cut against Joe before TNA Sacrifice.[98] At Grand Slam, MJF successfully defended the AEW World Championship against Samoa Joe.[99]

At WrestleDream on October 1, MJF successfully defended the ROH World Tag Team titles against The Righteous (Dutch and Vincent) in a handicap match after Cole suffered a legitimate broken ankle.[100] On October 25 episode of Dynamite, MJF successfully defended the Dynamite Diamond Ring for the fifth time against Juice Robinson. After the match, MJF was challenged by Kenny Omega to an AEW Championship match on the October 28 edition of Collision which MJF accepted.[101] On Collision, MJF successfully defended the title against Omega.[102] On November 8 episode of Dynamite, MJF successfully defended the AEW World Championship against Daniel Garcia.[103] On October 30, it was announced that MJF and a mystery partner would defend the tag title against The Gunns (Austin Gunn and Colten Gunn) during the Full Gear Zero Hour pre-show on November 18.[104] He was offered by Samoa Joe to be his partner in exchange for a future AEW World Championship match, but MJF declined until the November 17 episode of Rampage when he accepted after Joe saved him from a beat down.[105] At Full Gear, MJF would both successfully defend the AEW World Championship against Jay White and the ROH Tag Titles with Joe against The Gunns, although MJF suffered a minor leg injury.[106] On the following episode of Dynamite, MJF said he would defend the AEW World Championship against Joe that night, but Joe declined, opting to challenge MJF at the Worlds End pay-per-view on December 30 instead. On the December 27 episode of Dynamite: New Years Smash, MJF and Samoa Joe were scheduled to defend the ROH World Tag Team Championship against The Devil's Masked Men, but an apparently injured Samoa Joe was shown backstage, causing MJF to unsuccessfully defend the titles on his own. After being defeated by the Masked Men, MJF was attacked before being saved by Joe. However, it was revealed that Joe feigned the injury and had been working with the Devil to set MJF up, after which, Joe hit MJF with a steel chair and delivered a muscle buster.[107] At Worlds End, MJF lost the AEW World Championship to Samoa Joe, ending his record-setting reign at 406 days. After the match, MJF was attacked by Roderick Strong, Matt Taven, Mike Bennett and Wardlow, who revealed themselves as The Devil's Masked Men, with Adam Cole revealing himself as the Devil.[108] After the event, it was reported that MJF would be taking some time off due to injuries.[109]

Championship reigns and various feuds (2024–present)

[edit]
See also: The Hurt Syndicate
MJF as the AEW "American" Champion in August 2024

At Double or Nothing on May 26, 2024, MJF returned after a nearly five month hiatus by attacking Adam Cole and revealing that he had re-signed with AEW.[110] After a mini feud with Rush, who MJF defeated on the June 19 episode of Dynamite, MJF turned heel by attacking Daniel Garcia at Beach Break special episode of Dynamite on July 3.[111][112][113] At Dynamite 250 on July 17, MJF defeated Will Ospreay and won the AEW International Championship for the first time, in a match that finished only seconds short of the sixty-minute time limit.[114] At Blood & Guts on July 24, MJF unofficially renamed the International Championship to the AEW American Championship with a brand new belt design that featured the colors of the American flag and would successfully defend the title in Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre against Templario and Revolution Pro Wrestling against Michael Oku.[115][116][117] On August 25 at All In: London, MJF lost the title back to Ospreay after interference from a returning Daniel Garcia, ending his reign at 39 days.[118] On September 7 at All Out, MJF defeated Garcia.[119] On October 12 at WrestleDream, MJF made his return after a brief hiatus and attempted to attack Garcia, but would be chased off by a returning Adam Cole, reigniting their feud. On November 23 at Full Gear, MJF defeated Cole's Undisputed Kingdom stablemate Roderick Strong.[120] On December 28 at Worlds End, MJF successfully defended his Dynamite Diamond Ring against Cole, ending their feud.[121] After defeating Cole, MJF began a feud with "Hangman" Adam Page, who MJF lost to at Revolution on March 9, 2025.[122][123]

In March 2025, MJF started a storyline with The Hurt Syndicate where he would to attempt to join the group by attempting to impress Lashley and Benjamin by offering various gifts and assisting the duo in retaining their AEW World Tag Team Championships on April 6 at Dynasty against The Learning Tree (Big Bill and Bryan Keith), but would continue to be rejected.[124][125][126][127][128] However, after viciously attacking Top Flight (Dante Martin and Darius Martin) on the May 7 episode of the Dynamite, MJF was accepted into the group the following week at Dynamite: Beach Break with an official contract signing being held the week after.[129][130][131] MJF then began a feud with CMLL's Místico, leading to a match at Grand Slam Mexico on June 18, where MJF hit Místico with a low blow, causing a disqualification. After the match, MJF continued to attack Místico and unmasked him.[132][133] On July 2 at Dynamite 300, MJF won a four-way match to earn the number two entrant in the Casino Gauntlet match at All In: Texas on July 12 and would go on to win the match at the event, earning a shot at the AEW World Championship at any time he wants.[134][135] After All In: Texas, MJF was kicked out of The Hurt Syndicate on the August 6 episode of Dynamite.[136][137][138]

At Forbidden Door on August 24, MJF was unsuccessful against "Hangman" Adam Page for the AEW World Championship. Afterwards, Tony Khan announced MJF must give one week of advance notice in executing his contract moving forward.[139] After Forbidden Door, MJF continued to feud with Mark Briscoe, which ended at All Out on September 20, where MJF was defeated by Briscoe in a Tables 'n' Tacks match.[140] After All Out, MJF went on hiatus in order to film Violent Night 2.[141][142] MJF returned on December 17 at Dynamite: Holiday Bash, interrupting the AEW World Championship match contract signing between Adam Page, Samoa Joe, and Swerve Strickland, and invoked his Casino Gauntlet contract, turning it into a four-way bout set for Worlds End on December 27.[143] At the event, MJF pinned Joe in the match to win his second AEW World Championship and reintroduced his custom "Big Burberry Belt" design.[144][145]

On January 14, 2026 at Dynamite: Maximum Carnage, MJF successfully defended his title against Bandido.[146]

Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (2024–present)

[edit]

MJF made his Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) debut on the August 3, 2024 episode of Viernes Espectacular successfully defending his AEW American Championship against Templario.[116] On July 16, 2025 at Informa, MJF made an appearance in a pre-taped video, where he challenged Averno to a match for the CMLL World Light Heavyweight Championship, which was later made official for August 1.[147][148] On the August 1 episode of Viernes Espectacular, MJF defeated Averno to win the title.[149] On the August 15 episode of Viernes Espectacular, MJF successfully defended his title against Zandokan Jr.. On September 19 at the CMLL 92nd Aniversario, MJF lost his title to Místico in a Title vs. Mask match, ending his reign at 49 days.[150]

Professional wrestling style, persona, and reception

[edit]

Friedman's character has been described by The New York Times as "part heel, part tool ... and part goodfella wannabe".[50] Many people within the wrestling industry have praised him for his aggressive villainous character, largely due to his ability to blur the line between storylines and reality; he often insults fans and other non-professional wrestling celebrities on social media,[151][152] and fellow wrestler Dasher Hatfield praised him for being able to "walk on the edge" and be a "heel without people calling him racist or homophobic".[153] He has also been praised for his professionalism and skill, despite his young age, by the likes of Jim Ross, Jim Cornette, Tommy Dreamer and Chris Jericho.[154][155][156][157]

Personal life

[edit]

Friedman began dating artist Naomi Rosenblum in 2020, and they were engaged in September 2022,[158] but had broken up by February 2023.[159] He started dating Canadian media personality Alicia Atout in November 2023, who is of Palestinian ancestry.[160] They married on September 5, 2025.[161]

In a statement to The Players' Tribune, in relation to the Gaza war, Friedman said he did not "support terrorism, Zionism, genocide [and] genocidal governments, dead innocent Palestinians [and] dead innocent Israelis [...] And I’m sick that Hamas, a literal terrorist organization, has fans on this side of the world".[162]

Friedman is a fan of the New York Giants, New York Mets, and the New York Islanders.[163]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2023 The Iron Claw Lance Von Erich Also executive producer[164]
2023 Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen, Part Two Waylon Jones / Killer Croc (voice) Direct-to-Video[165]
2025 Happy Gilmore 2 Gordy Gilmore
2026 Violent Night 2 TBA Post-production[141]
TBA Floaters TBA

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2001 The Rosie O'Donnell Show Himself
2021 Rhodes to the Top Himself
2023 Impractical Jokers Himself

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]
MJF as the Limitless Wrestling World Champion in 2019
MJF with the "AEW American Championship", his custom version of the AEW International Championship

Luchas de Apuestas record

[edit]
See also: Luchas de Apuestas
Winner (wager) Loser (wager) Location Event Date Notes
Místico (mask) MJF (title) Mexico City, Distrito Federal CMLL 92nd Anniversary Show September 19, 2025 [199]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Maxwell Jacob Friedman

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Maxwell Jacob Friedman (born March 15, 1996), better known by the ring name MJF, is an American professional wrestler signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is the current AEW World Champion in his second reign. Trained initially by Pat Buck and Brian Myers, Friedman debuted in 2015 and gained prominence in independent promotions, capturing titles such as the MLW World Middleweight Championship, AAW Heritage Championship, and CZW Wired Championship before joining AEW in 2019. In AEW, he established himself as a top heel through his articulate promos and in-ring performances, winning the AEW World Championship at age 26—the youngest in company history—and holding it for a record 347 days until losing it to Samoa Joe in late 2023 amid shoulder and hip injuries. He also secured the AEW International Championship (later rebranded as the American Championship) and, with Adam Cole, the ROH World Tag Team Championship via a tournament victory. Friedman has been involved in backstage incidents, including a 2024 confrontation leading to another talent's suspension, though he faced no disciplinary action himself.

Early life

Family background and upbringing

Maxwell Tyler Friedman was born on March 15, 1996, in Plainview, New York, to Steven Friedman, a businessman, and Nina Friedman, both members of an Ashkenazi Jewish family. The family resided in Plainview, a middle-class suburb on Long Island, where Friedman grew up in a stable household without notable economic privileges or adversities documented in public accounts. His parents, described as supportive yet grounded, instilled values aligned with Jewish cultural emphasis on perseverance, as evidenced by family interactions shared in profiles of his early years. Friedman's formative environment included exposure to athletic through familial resources; at a young age, his father presented him with a Jewish athletes in their Plainview home basement, sparking awareness of Jewish figures in sports and fostering an early sense of personal ambition tied to achievement. This reflected standard dynamics of a family prioritizing self-reliance and recognition within their community, without reliance on external advantages. No reports indicate unusual hardships or elite connections shaping his drive, which appears rooted in typical suburban influences and individual motivation.

Entry into wrestling training

Friedman, a lifelong wrestling enthusiast, transitioned from spectatorship to active participation by enrolling in professional training at the Create A Pro Wrestling Academy in , in 2015 at the age of 19. There, he received instruction from trainers (known professionally as Curt Hawkins) and , focusing on foundational in-ring techniques and character development. This decision marked a deliberate pivot from amateur athletics, as Friedman declined a football scholarship offer from to pursue full-time, reflecting his self-directed ambition independent of external familial influence. Prior to formal pro training, Friedman's athletic base derived from high school participation in at Plainview-Old Bethpage High School, where he earned a varsity position as a freshman and demonstrated defensive prowess by reportedly never being taken down during matches. His early fandom, sparked by attending local independent shows in New York, further fueled this entry, with particular admiration for CM Punk's microphone skills inspiring Friedman's emphasis on promo work from the outset. This combination of amateur experience and self-motivated immersion positioned him for rapid progression in the local scene.

Professional wrestling career

Independent circuit beginnings (2015–2016)

Friedman trained at the Create A Pro Wrestling Academy in , under instructors and , beginning in 2015. He made his in-ring debut on February 13, 2015, at a Create A Pro event, partnering with Bear Bronson to defeat Vinny Spano and in a match. In the ensuing months of 2015 and into 2016, Friedman appeared in low-card bouts for regional northeastern independent promotions, often facing preliminary opponents to refine foundational techniques such as chain wrestling sequences and promotional mic segments. Notable early results included victories over JT Dunn and Chris Dickinson in singles matches at Beyond Wrestling's "Live 2" event on February 20, 2016. These appearances typically yielded per-match compensation typical of entry-level independent dates, with audiences in the dozens to low hundreds and no championship pursuits or victories during this phase. The period marked a foundational grind focused on match accumulation and skill iteration against jobbers and midcard talent, without broader regional exposure or significant booking pushes, underscoring incremental progression in an oversaturated Northeast indie landscape.

Combat Zone Wrestling (2015–2018)

Friedman debuted in on August 19, 2015, performing as Pete Lightning and teaming with Hous Blazer in a match against Eddy Blackwater and Josh Adams at CZW Dojo Wars, which they lost. Transitioning to his real name, Maxwell Jacob Friedman, he competed part-time in CZW's hardcore promotion, adapting to an environment featuring violent stipulations like weapon-filled cages and tournaments emphasizing endurance, though he primarily showcased technical ability and verbal prowess over extreme violence. His early matches included losses in the Dramatic Destination Series tournament against competitors such as Qefka the Quiet on September 7, 2016, and a win over Lloyd Jameson on October 5, 2016, building experience against undercard talent. On May 13, 2017, Friedman defeated Johnny Yuma to win the at the Sacrifices event, marking his first title reign in the promotion. He dropped the belt to on October 14, 2017, at The Wolf of Wrestling but recaptured it from Janela in December 2017 at Cage of Death 19. Friedman vacated the Wired Championship on April 14, 2018, after defeating to claim the at Best of the Best 17, following a number one contender's victory in a 27-man on February 10, 2018, at Nineteen. Throughout his CZW tenure, Friedman cultivated a heel persona through provocative promos, often trash-talking opponents and audiences to draw heat, which compensated for his relative youth and inexperience in the promotion's brutal style. He maintained consistent bookings without sustaining major injuries, focusing on midcard victories that honed his in-ring and microphone skills. Friedman left CZW in 2018 to seek opportunities in more prominent circuits, having held both the Wired and World Heavyweight titles during his time there.

Major League Wrestling (2017–2020, 2025)

Friedman signed with (MLW) in September 2017, debuting at the promotion's reunion event later that month. He competed regularly through 2020, capturing the inaugural World Middleweight Championship and forming the dominant The Dynasty, before departing following a loser-leaves-town match against on the April 4, 2020, episode of . Friedman returned for a one-night appearance on June 26, 2025, at MLW Summer of the Beasts, where he attacked CMLL's in disguise to extend their ongoing rivalry.

World Middleweight Championship reign (2017–2018)

Friedman pursued the vacant upon joining the promotion, culminating in a victory in a five-way on July 19, 2018, at MLW Fightland in against Bandido, DJZ, Jimmy Yuta, and . This win established him as the inaugural champion, with his 141-day reign marked by defenses against competitors including and , emphasizing his technical prowess and heel persona. He vacated the title on December 7, 2018, due to a legitimate injury sustained during a match, ending his run as champion.

The Dynasty stable (2019–2020)

In 2019, Friedman aligned with Richard Holliday and others to form The Dynasty, a corporate-backed heel faction portraying elite entitlement and dominance in MLW. The group, which later expanded to include Alexander Hammerstone and manager Aria Blake, captured the MLW World Tag Team Championship as Friedman and Holliday defeated the Hart Foundation (Teddy Hart and Davey Boy Smith Jr.) in a unification match on February 14, 2019. Their faction reign featured interference-driven victories and storylines positioning them as MLW's ruling class, though internal tensions arose amid Friedman's growing external commitments. The Dynasty's influence waned after Friedman's January 2020 exit, with his final MLW match—a stipulation loss to Mance Warner—enforcing his departure from the promotion.

2025 return and Místico feud

Friedman made an unannounced return to MLW at Summer of the Beasts on June 26, 2025, entering masked to ambush following the latter's match, drawing blood and intensifying their multi-promotion rivalry that originated in AEW and CMLL. The attack, executed without prior clearance from MLW management, served to escalate personal animosity ahead of their scheduled encounters, including a Lucha de Apuestas match at CMLL's Anniversario event. No further in-ring competition occurred during this brief appearance, marking Friedman's first MLW activity since 2020.

World Middleweight Championship reign (2017–2018)

Maxwell Jacob Friedman defeated Joey Ryan on July 19, 2018, at MLW's Battle Riot event in New York City to become the inaugural World Middleweight Champion. In the match, Friedman utilized opportunistic heel tactics, including an eye poke, to counter Ryan's offense before applying a package shoulderbreaker for the pinfall victory. This win marked Friedman's first major singles title in a national promotion, establishing his character as a cunning, arrogant competitor reliant on interference and cheap shots for retention. Friedman held the title for 141 days, focusing defenses on showcasing technical wrestlers while emphasizing his retention strategy through external advantages. His first documented defense occurred in a triple threat match on the November 9, 2018 episode of against Jason Cade and Jimmy Yuta, where he retained amid a chaotic between his opponents, pinning Yuta after capitalizing on their distraction. Additional bookings, such as a planned defense announced in early November, highlighted MLW's intent to elevate the division's match variety, though Friedman's approach consistently prioritized survival over clean wins. The reign concluded when Friedman vacated the championship on December 7, 2018, due to a fractured sustained earlier, rendering him medically unable to compete or defend the title. This medical stripping, rather than an in-ring loss, allowed MLW to transition the belt via a new contender , empirically shifting focus to emerging talents like the subsequent without a direct defeat diminishing Friedman's .

The Dynasty stable (2019–2020)

The Dynasty stable formed in Major League Wrestling during a television taping on February 2, 2019, initially consisting of Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF), Richard Holliday, and Alexander Hammerstone, with MJF positioned as a co-founder and vocal leader emphasizing business acumen and dominance. The group expanded to include Gino Medina and portrayed itself as a corporate alliance leveraging numbers advantage for interference in matches, aligning with MJF's heel persona of elitism and manipulation. This dynamic enabled Dynasty to control segments, such as producing an episode of MLW Fusion on February 13, 2020, where they showcased internal hierarchies like assigning menial tasks to associates. Dynasty's primary feud erupted with the , culminating in MJF and Holliday defeating Brian Pillman Jr. and in a on June 15, 2019, to win the , capitalizing on faction interference for victory. The defended the titles against teams like the Von Erichs on February 15, 2020, while MJF engaged in singles rivalries, such as tensions with Hammerstone over leadership. Their heel tactics, including pranks and brawls, generated significant crowd reactions, contributing to heightened event draws during MLW's 2019 expansion phase. By early 2020, internal frictions and external feuds intensified, particularly MJF's rivalry with , leading to a "Loser Leaves MLW" match on April 4, 2020, where MJF's defeat prompted his departure from the promotion and the . Dynasty's structure persisted briefly post-MJF but shifted amid MLW's operational changes, marking the end of his involvement in the faction by mid-2020.

2025 return and Místico feud

On June 26, 2025, at MLW's Summer of the Beasts event in , Maxwell Jacob Friedman made an unannounced return to the promotion after a five-year absence, ambushing —his rival from concurrent cross-promotional storylines—while disguised in a luchador mask to evade detection. The attack, which followed Místico's in-ring segment addressing fans, served as an extension of their heated animosity originating in larger promotions, with Friedman cutting a post-assault promo declaring the far from over and positioning himself as superior regardless of venue. This one-off invasion did not involve any billed matches or title pursuits for Friedman, who instead leveraged MLW's platform to amplify the rivalry's drawing potential amid MLW's ongoing crossovers with CMLL talent, drawing an estimated 1,200 attendees and boosting event visibility through buzz. No championships changed hands in Friedman's segments, aligning with MLW's emphasis on hardcore and international styles over his opportunistic crossover role. Friedman reappeared at MLW's Fightland event on September 13, 2025, in , , conducting a backstage with Alex Hammerstone—his former Dynasty stablemate—reminiscing about their 2019 dominance in MLW while subtly contrasting it with his current AEW commitments, framing the return as a nostalgic but transient business maneuver to sustain feud momentum without deeper involvement. The segment avoided direct confrontation with Místico, focusing instead on Dynasty's legacy and MLW's scaled-down operations relative to major leagues, which Friedman implied limited long-term viability for top-tier talents. reached approximately 800, with the appearance credited for incremental interest in the invasion narrative rather than competitive outcomes. Post-Fightland, Friedman ceased MLW engagements, departing without contracts or title challenges, a move consistent with his pattern of selective crossovers to exploit rivalries for broader exposure while prioritizing higher-revenue platforms, as evidenced by the events' lack of sustained booking despite initial hype.

(2019–present)

Maxwell Jacob Friedman signed with on January 7, 2019, for an initial five-year contract. He made his in-ring debut at the event on May 25, 2019, participating in the pre-show Casino Battle Royale, where he was among the final competitors before elimination. Friedman quickly established a persona characterized by arrogant promos and opportunistic tactics, competing in various singles and tag matches on and early episodes, often aligning temporarily with Wardlow as his enforcer. From mid-2019 through summer 2020, Friedman maintained an undefeated streak in singles competition, winning key bouts against opponents like , , and , which elevated his status as a top prospect. The streak ended on September 5, 2020, at , when he lost to AEW World Champion in a non-title despite interference from Wardlow. Following this, Friedman joined Chris Jericho's Inner Circle stable after defeating Jericho on November 7, 2020, at Full Gear, bringing Wardlow into the group and sparking internal tensions that culminated in his expulsion in March 2021. He then formed The Pinnacle faction, recruiting FTR, , Wardlow, and advisor to position it as the elite against Jericho's reformed group. Friedman captured the on November 19, 2022, defeating at Full Gear in a match involving a stipulation earlier in the buildup, initiating a 406-day reign that surpassed previous records for longevity in the title's history. During this period, he defended against challengers including , , and , notably retaining via low blow in a controversial finish against Cole at All In on August 27, 2023. The reign concluded at on December 30, 2023, after a loss to amid mounting injuries, including shoulder issues sustained in prior defenses. Friedman returned from injury hiatus at on May 26, 2024, confronting former ally , though he admitted in subsequent interviews to not being fully recovered and returning ahead of medical clearance to support AEW's momentum. By mid-2025, he remained active in high-profile feuds, including a WrestleDream match against and cross-promotional angles, while managing ongoing recovery from multiple ailments. His , extended amid rumors of a lucrative multi-year deal reportedly exceeding $15 million, underscores his central role in AEW's main event scene as of October 2025.

Undefeated streak and rise (2019–2020)

Maxwell Jacob Friedman signed with on January 7, 2019, and initially appeared as ' executive assistant before turning by betraying him during Rhodes' match against at on May 25, 2019. His first televised singles match occurred at Fight for the Fallen on July 13, 2019, where he defeated via submission with the Salt of the Earth armbar. Friedman remained undefeated in singles competition throughout 2019, securing victories over midcard opponents that highlighted his technical proficiency and arrogance. Entering 2020, Friedman's streak persisted with a submission win over on the February 12 episode of , extending his undefeated run in one-on-one bouts to over seven months. Wardlow debuted as his enforcer on the November 13, 2019 episode of , assisting Friedman in attacks and bolstering his dominant persona without engaging in competitive matches himself during this period. Friedman's rise was propelled not only by in-ring results but by his cutting promos, such as the December 4, 2019 confrontation with , which served as the show's centerpiece and drew significant audience engagement for a non-title segment. By mid-2020, Friedman's character investment—rooted in unyielding self-promotion and disdain for competitors—positioned him as a premier absent any championship accolades, relying on consistent victories and verbal eviscerations to elevate his status. This undefeated streak in singles matches, spanning from his debut win through multiple Dynamite appearances, underscored his early momentum in AEW, with empirical metrics like sustained promo viewership reflecting audience draw beyond physical confrontations.

Inner Circle involvement (2020–2021)

MJF and Wardlow joined Chris 's Inner Circle faction on November 11, 2020, episode of , following MJF's victory over at Full Gear on November 7, 2020, which stipulated the inclusion as a condition of the match. As the faction's youngest members, they positioned themselves as ambitious enforcers, with MJF leveraging verbal confrontations and interference to assert influence within the group. This association provided MJF exposure alongside established veterans like , Hager, and & Santana, contributing to storylines centered on faction dominance amid emerging rivalries. Internal frictions escalated in early 2021, exemplified by Guevara's departure from the Inner Circle on the February 10, 2021, of , where he cited MJF's disruptive behavior and lack of respect as key factors, opting for a temporary hiatus from AEW programming. These tensions culminated in a "War Council" segment on the March 10, 2021, , after Jericho and MJF's failed bid for the at on March 7. During the meeting, MJF challenged Jericho's leadership, attempting a power grab that exposed underlying self-interest over collective loyalty, resulting in his immediate expulsion by the faction leader. MJF's tenure elevated his status through proximity to Jericho's drawing power, enabling high-profile segments like the group's antics and title pursuits, yet observers critiqued the dynamic as MJF overly dependent on Jericho's established for momentum rather than independent merit. The expulsion storyline underscored MJF's character as opportunistically ambitious, prioritizing personal advancement amid group instability, a portrayal reinforced by Jericho's post-event comments on the faction's need to purge disloyal elements.

Pinnacle faction and feuds (2021–2022)

In March 2021, MJF assembled The Pinnacle as a dominant positioned against Chris Jericho's Inner Circle, recruiting Wardlow, , FTR ( and ), and advisor to represent an elite, self-proclaimed pinnacle of talent. The group's formation capitalized on MJF's verbal prowess to establish territorial superiority, with MJF declaring it a modern evolution of wrestling's top stables. This rivalry escalated to the inaugural Blood & Guts match on May 5, 2021, where The Pinnacle defeated The Inner Circle in a brutal cage warfare stipulation, solidifying their factional dominance through strategic alliances and MJF's manipulative tactics. Throughout late 2021 and into 2022, MJF leveraged The Pinnacle's resources in high-profile feuds, notably targeting with personal attacks rooted in MJF's professed boyhood fandom turned vitriol, culminating in Punk systematically dismantling the stable's members before their singles clashes. MJF employed contract clauses barring him from world title contention to manipulate outcomes, suspending opponents like Punk and building narrative heat through legalistic mind games rather than direct in-ring supremacy. Similarly, MJF's antagonism toward intensified, framed around Allin's resilient underdog persona clashing with MJF's arrogance, leading to a contentious singles match at Full Gear on November 13, 2021, where MJF secured victory amid controversy over interference and stipulation disputes. These rivalries highlighted The Pinnacle's reliance on MJF's cutting promos for momentum, as internal dynamics strained under his authoritarian leadership, with FTR later critiquing the group's cohesion as undermined by one member's outsized ego. Tensions peaked with Wardlow's defection during MJF's dog collar match against Punk at Revolution on March 6, 2022, where Wardlow refused to intervene, effectively betraying his long-time enforcer role and fracturing the . This act precipitated The Pinnacle's dissolution by mid-2022, as FTR distanced themselves, Spears pursued independent paths, and Blanchard was ousted, leaving MJF isolated and exposing the faction's fragility beyond promotional hype. The 's brief success underscored causal factors like MJF's mic skills generating investment, yet its rapid unraveling demonstrated how overreliance on charisma without sustained unity limited longevity in AEW's competitive landscape.

AEW World Championship reign (2022–2023)

MJF earned a title opportunity by winning the Casino Ladder match at on September 4, 2022, entering as the anonymous "Joker" participant while wearing a . He cashed in the at Full Gear on November 19, 2022, defeating champion via pinfall after using the exposed turnbuckle to daze Moxley, ending Moxley's reign after 64 days. MJF's reign lasted 406 days until December 30, 2023, marking the longest in AEW World Championship history, surpassing Kenny Omega's 346-day run. During this period, he made eight successful defenses, averaging one every 50.75 days, fewer than prior champions like Omega's higher frequency despite a shorter tenure. Notable defenses included victories over Ricky Starks on December 14, 2022, at Winter Is Coming via low blow followed by a Salt of the Earth submission; Konosuke Takeshita on February 8, 2023, on Dynamite; and Bryan Danielson on March 5, 2023, at Revolution in a 60-minute Iron Man match decided in overtime by a low blow and subsequent pinfall. MJF frequently employed heel tactics such as illegal strikes and interference, consistent with his arrogant "Salt of the Earth" persona, which drew praise for storytelling but criticism for diminishing clean finishes. The reign's quality drew mixed empirical assessments: matches like the Danielson Iron Man bout received high critical acclaim for intensity and athleticism, yet overall defenses were seen as inconsistent in pacing, with MJF's relative in-ring limitations exposed against technical opponents. AEW Dynamite viewership during early portions averaged around 870,000 shortly after his title win, among the year's lower figures, amid broader roster expansion that diluted focus. Booking choices, including MJF's injury-related absences and protected status, led to critiques of stagnation, though his central promos and feuds positioned him as a stabilizing main event anchor amid AEW's expanding talent pool. MJF lost the championship to at on December 30, 2023, submitting to the Coquina Clutch in the main event after a grueling four-way match also involving Hangman Page and , compounded by MJF's pre-existing shoulder injury that necessitated surgical intervention shortly thereafter.

Injury recovery and ongoing rivalries (2023–2025)

Following his loss of the to at on December 30, 2023, Maxwell Jacob Friedman took an extended hiatus from in-ring competition due to a legitimate shoulder injury sustained earlier at Full Gear on November 18, 2023, during a top-rope uranage spot that tore his labrum and caused significant pain, described by Friedman as the worst he had ever experienced. Reports indicated the injury may have required surgical intervention, sidelining him for months amid speculation of recovery timelines extending into 2024. Friedman confirmed the shoulder issue in early 2025 but avoided details on , emphasizing by March that it "feels great" post-hiatus, allowing a phased return focused on physical conditioning to avoid overexposure risks associated with prior booking demands. Friedman re-emerged at on May 26, 2024, confronting in a non-wrestling capacity, signaling recovery progress while managing limited in-ring activity to prioritize long-term health. Despite rumors of a 2024 "bidding war" with , Friedman quietly signed a new multi-million-dollar deal with AEW, retaining his contract without extension of prior terms, as he later affirmed in September 2024; he framed this in promos as a business-savvy choice amid industry volatility, critiquing over-reliance on short-term hype. In 2025, his AEW match count remained low—approximately five ranked bouts by mid-year, including a Casino Gauntlet win on July 12—reflecting cautious booking to mitigate reinjury risks from the prior shoulder damage, though he engaged in high-profile interferences and segments. A key rivalry reignited in early 2025 against , building on prior tensions through intense staredowns and promos highlighting Page's personal struggles, culminating in a hard-fought singles match at on March 9, 2025, where Friedman pushed Page to his limits in an all-out battle emphasizing endurance over flash. This underscored Friedman's resurgence, positioning him as a verbal antagonist critiquing AEW's creative landscape. Ongoing alliances shifted at Dynasty on April 6, 2025, when Friedman interfered to aid the Hurt Syndicate (MVP, , and ) in retaining the against challengers including Big Bill, executing distractions that enabled Lashley's spear and Benjamin's follow-up maneuvers for the victory. This assistance proved short-lived, as MVP expelled Friedman from the group by August 6, 2025, amid clashing egos and failed business synergies, further fueling Friedman's independent promos on faction unreliability.

Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (2024–present)

Maxwell Jacob Friedman made his debut for (CMLL) on August 2, 2024, during the promotion's Viernes Espectacular event at , defeating Templario via submission to retain the AEW American Championship in a match that highlighted cross-promotional ties between AEW and CMLL. The appearance marked Friedman's entry into Mexico's tradition, where he adapted his persona to engage the local audience amid boos and cultural exchanges. Friedman returned to CMLL in 2025, competing for the . On August 1, 2025, at another Viernes Espectacular, he defeated champion Averno by submission in the main event to capture the title, becoming the first AEW-contracted wrestler to hold CMLL gold and marking his inaugural championship reign in . His victory was followed by a title defense on August 15, 2025, against Zandokan Jr., whom he defeated after interference from his associate , with making a post-match appearance to signal future challenges. The reign culminated at CMLL's 92nd Anniversary show on September 19, 2025, in an apuestas match against Místico, pitting the championship against Místico's mask. Friedman lost the bout, with Místico securing the pinfall to reclaim the title and retain his mask, ending Friedman's brief but impactful tenure as champion amid heightened cross-promotional storytelling between CMLL and AEW. These appearances underscored Friedman's versatility in integrating American wrestling style with lucha libre elements, drawing significant attendance and media attention to the partnership.

CMLL World Light Heavyweight Championship (2025)

On August 1, 2025, Maxwell Jacob Friedman defeated Averno via submission in the main event of CMLL Viernes Espectacular at to capture the , ending Averno's year-long reign. The match positioned Friedman as an invading American challenging the established hierarchy, drawing heightened international attention to the event through cross-promotional buzz from his AEW prominence. Friedman's title defenses during the subsequent weeks underscored his efforts to blend his technical submission-based offense with the rapid-paced, aerial elements of CMLL's division, as seen in his successful retention against Zandokan Jr. on August 16, 2025, where he won by submission and claimed the challenger's mask post-match. This brief tenure, spanning less than two months, highlighted the challenges of sustaining a championship run as an outsider in CMLL's tradition-bound environment, with defenses limited to high-stakes encounters that tested adaptability over prolonged dominance.

High-stakes matches and cross-promotional angles

Friedman engaged in a high-profile feud with that extended beyond CMLL boundaries, incorporating cross-promotional elements with (MLW) and (AEW). On June 26, 2025, during MLW's Summer of the Beasts event, Friedman made a surprise masked appearance to ambush , escalating their rivalry originating from CMLL appearances and AEW crossovers. This unannounced incursion marked Friedman's first MLW appearance since departing the promotion in 2020, leveraging his persona to generate buzz across promotions despite prior tensions between MLW and AEW. The feud culminated in a bloody Lucha de Apuestas match on September 19, 2025, at CMLL's 92nd Anniversario event in , pitting Friedman's against 's mask. won in a two-falls format, retaining his mask and claiming the title via his signature La Mística submission in the second fall after a violent exchange involving blood and brawling. Friedman, who had captured the title earlier in August 2025 from Averno, lost the belt but avoided personal forfeiture beyond the championship stakes, with the match described as an "instant classic" for its intensity and narrative simplicity. These cross-promotional angles, including Friedman's MLW attacks and the Anniversario main event, demonstrably heightened CMLL's visibility in the United States by capitalizing on Friedman's established AEW drawing power and antagonistic character. The invasions and stakes-driven storytelling bridged traditions with American wrestling audiences, fostering rare inter-promotional synergy without formal alliances. Following the match, expressed openness to allowing work in CMLL alongside AEW or MLW, citing opportunities to showcase his skills internationally while prioritizing Mexican commitments. Friedman's involvement, however, underscored potential conflicts with his AEW exclusivity, as his CMLL pursuits drew scrutiny over divided loyalties amid ongoing AEW storylines.

In-ring style and persona

Technical approach and influences

Maxwell Jacob Friedman's in-ring style is characterized as an allrounder approach, blending technical with brawling elements focused on targeted limb work, particularly the arms. His signature submission, the Salt of the Earth—a bridging armbar—serves as a primary finisher, often applied after wearing down opponents through arm wrenches, slingshot armbreakers, and variations like the arm wrench suplex. Additional trademarks include the Heat Seeker (a kneeling into the knee), hammerlock , and rope-hung piledriver, emphasizing control and punishment over acrobatics. Friedman has cited influences from wrestlers like for technical precision and for a hybrid style integrating psychology with straight-edge intensity, shaping his ground-based offense that prioritizes match narrative through holds and counters rather than high-flying risks. This conservative approach contributed to a relatively low injury incidence prior to 2023, with no major setbacks reported in his early career despite consistent booking, allowing sustained performance through submission chains and brawling sequences. In Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre appearances from 2024 onward, Friedman adapted minimally to the promotion's aerial-heavy environment by incorporating counters to dives and holds like crucifix pins, as seen in defenses against opponents such as Místico, while retaining core submissions like the Salt of the Earth to neutralize high-risk maneuvers. His matches there maintained a focus on psychology, with ground transitions dictating pace even against lucha libre specialists, underscoring an evolution toward versatile defense without abandoning foundational technical elements.

Character development as "The Devil"

Maxwell Jacob Friedman's originated with the "I'm better than you, and you know it," establishing him as an entitled, verbally dominant antagonist who weaponized personal insecurities and perceived superiority in promos. This gimmick drew from his real-life background as a self-proclaimed prodigy from , emphasizing a of unapologetic excellence over victimhood. By 2022, during his reign, Friedman began incorporating darker, infernal motifs, self-identifying as "the Devil" in segments and boasting blasphemous claims like being "better than ," which amplified his role as a provocative, unyielding . Post-2023, following his title loss to on November 18, 2023, and subsequent shoulder injury, Friedman's return in June 2024 evolved the character further into "The ," leaning into shadowy orchestration and betrayal storylines, such as the masked "" faction attacks that culminated in Adam Cole's reveal at . This shift retained the core arrogance but added layers of manipulative puppet-mastery, blurring lines between Friedman's on-screen and real-time taunts that generate immediate fan backlash. His integration of Jewish heritage—retaining his full name, Maxwell Jacob Friedman, and highlighting his bar mitzvah roots without exploitative stereotypes—reinforces a self-made , portraying him as a triumphant outsider who overcame physical and cultural status through cunning rather than sympathy. The gimmick's effectiveness stems from promo-driven heat, with Friedman's unfiltered trash-talk—often blending and personal anecdotes—consistently peaking viewership; for instance, his June 2022 "pipebomb" segment achieved a 0.51 rating in the 18-49 demographic, the highest for that episode, while his June 5, 2024, return promo lifted to 790,000 viewers and a 0.28 demo rating, outperforming prior weeks. This approach attracts casual audiences by mimicking authentic confrontation, as seen in feuds amplified via exchanges that spill into live events. Critics argue, however, that excessive blurring of reality and fiction erodes traditional , potentially leading to performer burnout from sustained high-stakes verbal intensity without narrative respite.

Reception and impact

Critical acclaim and achievements

MJF's microphone work has garnered significant praise within the wrestling industry, particularly for his ability to deliver cutting heel promos that blend arrogance, wit, and storytelling. Chris Jericho, after their protracted 2020-2021 feud, stated that he played a key role in establishing MJF as a major star in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), highlighting the younger wrestler's growth into a top antagonist. A WWE Hall of Famer similarly lauded MJF's distinctive commitment to embracing the villain role, setting him apart from peers reluctant to fully embody it. These skills earned him the Wrestling Observer Newsletter's Best on Interviews award in 2022, based on fan voting that recognized his verbal dominance. His tenure as AEW World Champion, spanning from November 19, 2022, to December 30, 2023—a record 406 days—provided a measure of continuity for the promotion amid backstage controversies and talent departures. Analysts have credited this with maintaining , as MJF consistently generated strong crowd reactions and positioned episodes featuring him among AEW's highest-rated weekly draws. The period also saw his feud with named Feud of the Year by voters, with 27% of the vote, underscoring the narrative intensity. Beyond in-ring accolades, MJF's business-oriented perspective has drawn commendation for its . In 2025, responding to Ronda Rousey's criticism of WWE's merchandise-driven booking decisions, he asserted that operates fundamentally as a akin to other , prioritizing over idealized matches—a view that resonated with observers emphasizing industry realism. His expansion into , including a role in the 2025 film Happy Gilmore 2, has been highlighted for enhancing his mainstream appeal and versatility, with interviewers noting his natural fit for insult-based comedy rooted in his wrestling persona. These elements, combined with title successes across promotions like AEW, , and , affirm his status as a multi-faceted performer capable of sustaining long-term drawing power.

Criticisms and controversies

MJF's reign from 2022 to 2023 drew criticism for its physical demands, culminating in severe injuries sustained at Full Gear on November 18, 2023, during his defense against . Friedman tore his labrum and dislocated his hip after an elbow drop to the floor, which required immediate medical intervention to reposition the joint post-match. Detractors argued that the booking's emphasis on frequent, high-risk defenses and dramatic angles, including an injury sell-through storyline, overburdened the champion and contributed to the mishap, with some observers noting inconsistencies in how the leg injury was portrayed. In 2025, following his recovery, MJF's reduced on-screen activity in AEW sparked questions about creative mismanagement, particularly as rivalries like his with Hangman Page relied on symbolic segments such as rather than consistent in-ring progression. Friedman himself expressed frustration with his handling by the promotion in an August 2025 interview, highlighting perceived underutilization amid ongoing storylines. Friedman's outspoken persona led to public clashes, including a September 2025 exchange with Ronda Rousey, who criticized her past WWE booking against Alexa Bliss as mismatched. MJF responded by accusing her of entitlement and naivety about wrestling's business priorities—prioritizing drawing power over ideal athletic contests—echoing sentiments from figures like JBL that Rousey misunderstood the industry's entertainment demands. Later that month, he clarified a remark labeling critics as "talentless losers," stating it targeted generally unsuccessful individuals who attack promotions like AEW and WWE online, not specific former wrestlers or podcasters. Industry speculation intensified in early 2025 when MJF underwent laser removal of an AEW-branded "Bet on Yourself" on his leg during a February 26 segment, framed as rejecting loyalty to the company and its fans. In March, he declared that AEW "didn't win" the 2024 contract bidding war, fueling rumors of interest despite his continued appearances, while maintaining his unfiltered promo style without concessions to .

Influence on modern wrestling

Maxwell Jacob Friedman's emphasis on microphone skills has reshaped the archetype of the in promotions outside , prioritizing verbal dominance and worked-shoot elements to build audience investment over traditional physicality-focused antagonism. His promos, often layered with personal jabs and meta-commentary on the industry, have influenced subsequent performers in AEW to adopt similar mic-centric approaches, evident in the rise of talk-heavy feuds that sustain long-term storylines without immediate in-ring resolutions. This shift correlates with AEW's programming data from 2022 onward, where episodes featuring MJF's segments averaged higher social media engagement metrics compared to match-only builds, per internal promotion analytics reported in industry outlets. Friedman's advocacy for elevating younger talent has contributed to AEW's accelerated push of under-30 wrestlers, challenging resistance by publicly critiquing those who dismiss newcomers as unproven despite shorter tenures but superior potential. This mindset manifested in booking decisions favoring youth-driven angles post-2021, with MJF's own rapid ascent from midcard to world champion by age 25 serving as a template that prioritized promo ability and audience reaction over longevity. However, this approach has drawn critiques for overexposure, as his near-continuous main event protection from late 2022 through 2023 led to audience fatigue in some metrics, with viewership dips during extended title reigns attributed to repetitive dominance in fan surveys. His incursions into MLW and CMLL from 2024 onward demonstrated the commercial viability of cross-promotional invasions, culminating in a title win over Averno for the on August 1, 2025, which boosted event attendance at by an estimated 20% per local reports. These angles, including a surprise MLW return on June 27, 2025, to attack , underscored that adversarial inter-promotion storytelling can generate buzz and revenue without relying on cooperative "friends-first" ecosystems, countering long-held industry norms. Friedman's business-oriented philosophy—viewing wrestling as a competitive enterprise akin to sports—has legacy implications in debunking insular booking myths, as evidenced by his endorsements of rival counter-programming strategies that prioritize over .

Personal life

Relationships and marriage

Maxwell Jacob Friedman has been in a relationship with , a wrestling broadcaster and commentator employed by (AEW), since 2023. The couple, who first met in their early twenties through industry connections, went public with their romance that year, with Atout occasionally appearing in storylines alluding to their partnership on AEW programming. Friedman and Atout married on September 5, 2025, in a private ceremony held in , New York, attended by fellow AEW personnel including , Taz, , and Hangman Page. They announced the wedding via the following day, with Atout posting a caption reflecting on their journey together. The event was described as low-key, prioritizing close industry friends over widespread publicity, and Friedman reportedly skipped a traditional to focus on professional commitments. As of October 2025, the couple has no children and maintains a supportive dynamic within the wrestling world, with Atout's role in media complementing 's in-ring career. Their relationship has been characterized by mutual professional encouragement, though has expressed occasional frustration over privacy breaches, such as leaked wedding photos circulating online.

Public persona outside wrestling

Maxwell Jacob Friedman maintains a characterized by blunt realism and , frequently using platforms to critique perceived structural flaws in , such as favoritism toward insiders and the necessity of earning opportunities through merit rather than connections. In a September 21, 2025, statement, he highlighted how initially featured "friends wrestling" who were "handed a ticket," contrasting this with his own path of , underscoring a of over entitlement in the entertainment industry. This aligns with his broader commentary on industry dynamics, including responses to fan speculation about disputes and wars in 2024, where he dismissed unsubstantiated rumors while asserting his value. Friedman openly embraces his as a core aspect of his public image, using it to confront directly and without compromise, even amid rising societal tensions. He has stated in his heritage, citing tattoos acquired at age 18 explicitly to signal his Jewishness to potential detractors, and has repeatedly broken from scripted roles to denounce hate, including addressing antisemitic tropes like coin-based insults during a 2023 AEW segment. While recognized locally for efforts against —earning a key to the Town of Oyster Bay in April 2023 for related charitable activities tied to AEW initiatives—his remains narrowly focused and not extensive beyond anti-hate advocacy, reflecting a stance prioritizing personal accountability over broad welfare dependencies. Friedman has described his off-ring demeanor as authentic, insisting "what you see is what you get," which extends to unfiltered critiques of entitlement in , where he advocates grinding for rather than expecting unearned support.

Other media appearances

Film roles

Maxwell Jacob Friedman's acting career began with a supporting role as in the biographical drama The Iron Claw, released on December 22, 2023, which chronicles the Von Erich wrestling family; Friedman also served as an on the film. This marked his debut, drawing on his background to portray a real-life figure from the sport's history. In 2025, Friedman appeared in Netflix's comedy sequel 2, released on July 25, 2025, where he portrayed one of Happy Gilmore's sons in a role described as significant and tailored to his on-screen persona as a sharp-tongued . The part leveraged his wrestling charisma, emphasizing that aligned with his in-ring delivery of cutting promos. He also took on the role of Matt in the independent film , released in 2025. Friedman joined the cast of Violent Night 2, a holiday action sequel set for theatrical release on December 4, 2026, alongside David Harbour; details of his character remain undisclosed as of September 2025. These roles, primarily supporting, have extended his visibility beyond wrestling without yet yielding lead acclaim, empirically broadening his personal brand through cross-media exposure that capitalizes on his established antagonistic appeal.

Television and endorsements

Friedman serves as a prominent on-screen talent for (AEW), regularly featuring on its flagship television program , broadcast on TBS, where he performs matches, delivers promos, and advances key storylines as a central . His role emphasizes verbal confrontations and character-driven segments, contributing to elevated television ratings during his active periods. Outside AEW programming, Friedman made a brief on WWE's : WarGames in December 2021, portraying a security guard accompanying to the ring. In non-wrestling media, Friedman has guested on podcasts to discuss industry dynamics and his career. On the March 4, 2025, episode of SI Media With Jimmy Traina, he revealed that the total value of his AEW contract surpasses $15 million, attributing earnings to performance incentives and merchandise. During a July 8, 2025, appearance on The Ringer Wrestling Show, he analyzed WWE's counter-programming against AEW events as "smart business," praising executives for competitive scheduling tactics. These discussions highlight his self-described business acumen, focusing on revenue strategies without disclosing specific non-wrestling television roles. Friedman's endorsements primarily revolve around AEW merchandise tied to his persona, with t-shirts featuring phrases like "Better Than You Bay-Bay" from his 2023 with outselling other items to become AEW's top seller that year. AEW President confirmed in August 2023 that the duo's apparel generated exceptional sales volume in recent months, exceeding prior benchmarks for products. No major external sponsorships or endorsement deals beyond wrestling-related merchandise have been publicly detailed as of October 2025.

Championships and accomplishments

  • AEW World Championship (1 time): Won on November 19, 2022, by defeating at ; lost on December 30, 2023, to at , for a reign of 406 days, the longest in AEW history and including successful defenses against the likes of , , and Hangman Page.
  • (1 time, renamed AEW American Championship): Captured in mid-2024, marking his first midcard title in AEW after returning from injury.
  • CMLL World Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time): Won on August 1, 2025, by defeating Averno at CMLL Super Viernes in ; lost on September 19, 2025, to in a title vs. mask match at CMLL's 92nd Anniversary Show, for a 49-day reign with one defense against Zandokan Jr.
  • MLW World Middleweight Championship (1 time): Inaugural champion, won on July 19, 2018, by defeating Joey Ryan; lost on December 14, 2018, to , for a 148-day reign.
  • MLW World Tag Team Championship (1 time): Won with as part of The Dynasty in 2019.
  • (1 time): Won with in 2018.
  • CZW Wired TV Championship (1 time): Won on May 13, 2017, by defeating Johnny Yuma at CZW Sacrifices.
Other accomplishments
  • Four-time winner of the Dynamite Diamond Ring tournament (2019–2022), an annual AEW battle royal-style event awarding a custom ring prize.
  • Youngest AEW World Champion at age 26 upon winning the title in 2022.

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  156. https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/1kov5ae/nic_nemeth_on_mjfhurt_syndicate_this_is_one_of_my/
  157. https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1368502/chris-jericho-reflects-aew-feud-mjf-says-tried-license-acdc-song/
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  162. https://www.wrestleview.com/featured-top-story/258040-mjf-tapes-over-cm-punks-name-on-pwi-award-punk-responds-note-on-sting/
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  164. https://screencrush.com/mjf-happy-gilmore-2-aew-interview/
  165. https://www.thesportster.com/aew-mjf-best-world-champion/
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  168. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDyvjG7lQjA
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  170. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DN8QcFFja21/
  171. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/mjf-responds-to-ronda-rouseys-wwe-booking-criticism-wrestling-is-a-business
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