MJF Reveals the Real Reason He Said No to WWE—And Why AEW Won Him Over at Just 22
MJF has long been one of the most polarizing and talked-about stars in professional wrestling, and now he’s pulled back the curtain on a major crossroads moment in his career.
Before becoming the face of All Elite Wrestling, Maxwell Jacob Friedman had a legitimate offer on the table from WWE. Speaking recently on The Ross Tucker Podcast, MJF confirmed that WWE reached out to him when he was just 22 years old — at the exact same time AEW was also making its pitch.
With two major promotions courting him, MJF said the decision ultimately came down to belief, not branding.
According to Friedman, AEW’s vision and mission statement resonated with him in a way WWE’s offer did not. He explained that All Elite Wrestling sold itself as a place where the very best wrestle the very best, and that philosophy aligned perfectly with how he saw himself and his future in the business.
That belief led him to choose the then-new promotion, a move that has since paid off in historic fashion.
Despite committing to AEW, MJF has never completely closed the door on WWE in public. Over the years, he has frequently teased a potential jump, praised WWE talent, and fueled speculation with carefully crafted comments — all very on brand for “The Devil.”
Still, his actions speak loudly. MJF is currently in his second reign as AEW World Champion, and his first run with the title set the record for the longest reign in the company’s history.
Turning down WWE at 22 could have been a gamble. Instead, it helped turn MJF into one of the biggest stars of his generation — and a cornerstone of AEW’s identity.
