AEW World Champion MJF expressed his intention to remain with the promotion during an interview in El Paso, Texas, citing creative freedom as a key factor. He also criticized WWE's ticket pricing while promoting affordable AEW options ahead of Dynamite. MJF hinted at a possible title defense on the upcoming show.
AEW World Champion MJF, whose real name is Maxwell Jacob Friedman, spoke to ABC-7 sports director Adrian Ochoa on KVIA ahead of the March 4, 2026, AEW Dynamite event in El Paso, Texas. The 29-year-old, a two-time AEW World Champion and former AEW International Champion, detailed his reasons for staying with AEW, founded by Tony Khan.
MJF stated, “What keeps me in AEW is my ability to be myself; there’s no leash on me. I don’t have to worry about anyone sitting me down and telling me what I am doing right or wrong.” He added, “My boss knows I am the draw. I have the World title right now. Ratings are up, ticket sales are up. I wonder why? He lets me do my thing. So, I don’t think I’ll ever leave.”
During the same interview, MJF took aim at WWE's ticket prices, contrasting them with AEW's. He remarked, “Unlike WWE, you don’t have to sell the soul of your firstborn to buy a ticket. There are normal prices. You go to AEWtix.com or Ticketmaster.com. We don’t discriminate against poors, the same way the world champ does. I hate you people. Look, but somebody’s gotta pay daddy’s bills and that’s gonna be people like you, okay?” MJF also promoted his appearance, saying, “You pay me the big bucks, I’m coming. There is a possibility I might be wrestling on that show, who’s to say? You never know. There might be a title defense in El Paso.”
Recent rumors suggest WWE WrestleMania 42 ticket sales are declining due to high prices, though unconfirmed, with reports of discussions to boost sales and discounted offers at Allegiant Stadium. MJF is scheduled to defend his AEW World Title against Hangman Adam Page at AEW Revolution on March 15, 2026.
