The former AEW World Champion, MJF, held the title for 406 days, making him the longest-reigning champion in the promotion’s history. MJF won the title from Jon Moxley in 2022 at the AEW Full Gear. This victory elevated MJF to the forefront of the promotion, where he showcased an enhanced performance during the Brawl Out controversy.
During his championship reigns, MJF secured victories over notable names such as Ricky Starks, Bryan Danielson, Jack Perry, Darby Allin, Sammy Guevara, Kenny Omega, Adam Cole, and others. He headlined AEW’s biggest event, All In, at Wembley Stadium in London against Adam Cole. However, his reign faced a setback when a shoulder injury caused him to drop the title to Samoa Joe at World Ends in December 2023.
After losing the title, MJF was attacked by Adam Cole and his new faction, where Cole revealed himself as “The Devil,” causing turmoil within the roster. Following this attack, MJF took a hiatus to recover from his shoulder injury.
Since his return at Double or Nothing, MJF has made a dramatic comeback by confronting Adam Cole. While he has competed in multiple matches since then, MJF has yet to address his AEW World Title rematch clause, which he has not received. Fans are eagerly anticipating when the “Salt of the Earth” will pursue the AEW World Championship match.
MJF on why he won’t challenge the AEW world champion
Former AEW World Champion MJF recently revealed why he won’t challenge current champion Swerve Strickland. Strickland, who won the title from Samoa Joe, has been a dominant champion since capturing the title.
Speaking on Busted Open Radio, MJF revealed that he is still healing from the shoulder injury. He mentioned that he would choose the right time to challenge the champion. He stated, “I know how to pick my spots. Right now is not the time. I know when the time is. Right now it’s not. Swerve is on a goddamn roll … The guy is absolutely locked in. He’s next level right now. Do I want to deal with him at the moment, when he’s 100% and I am still healing from a shoulder injury? Do you think that’s bright? I’m a man that picks my spots. Everyone else in this company is dumb. Everyone in this company works hard. Working hard is for suckers. It’s stupid. I work smart.”
While MJF states that he will choose the right time to challenge Swerve Strickland, he was spotted backstage at the AEW X NJPW Forbidden Door watching Strickland’s title match against Will Ospreay. Strickland successfully defended his title against Ospreay, handing Ospreay his first loss in AEW.
