Professional wrestling fans in Australia, get ready—because this is a story about a rising star who’s making it clear that he wants your attention, and he’s not shy about stirring a little controversy along the way. But here's where it gets intriguing: the plan isn’t just about winning matches—it's about winning over a whole new audience, and the stakes are high.
Maxwell Jacob Friedman, better known as MJF and reigning as the AEW World Champion, recently sent a compelling message specifically aimed at Australian viewers who might be on the fence about attending upcoming AEW shows in Sydney and Brisbane next month.
"If you're in Australia... and you've never experienced All Elite Wrestling live before, you really should give us a try," MJF urged. "We offer a genuine alternative to traditional wrestling. Our style—bell-to-bell—is very different, dare I say, somewhat better than WWE’s." While some might debate which promotion truly offers superior entertainment, what’s clear is that MJF’s confident claims are designed to grab attention.
Hailing from New York, MJF is recognized as one of the top performers in the industry today. He’s gearing up to be the main attraction during AEW’s Australian tour, which includes two exciting events: AEW Grand Slam in Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on February 14, and AEW House Rules at Brisbane’s Entertainment Centre on February 15.
"I’ve never performed in Australia before, but that doesn’t matter—I am MJF, and everyone knows who I am," he expressed with assuredness.
Despite his bold attitude, MJF also took a moment to acknowledge one of AEW’s local talents—Kyle Fletcher. "I don’t need to praise this guy because I’m clearly better than him by a mile. I’ve already defeated him in two matches, after all. But I’ll admit, your Aussie boy, Kyle Fletcher, has something special," he said.
"He’s got an incredible rush of aggression inside the ring. He can shift gears like hardly anyone else I’ve seen—besides myself, of course. When Fletcher gets going, he’s like a freight train—almost impossible to stop unless he's up against me. I manage to put a stop to him with just a flick of my finger, but that’s the extent of my mercy."
Off the mat, MJF has diversified his career with appearances in movies, including a role in what’s humorously referred to as "Happy Gilmore 2." "Balancing wrestling and acting isn’t easy, but if you’re passionate enough, talented enough, and truly dedicated, you can make it happen," he shared. "I’m proud of my work beyond wrestling, and it’s something I plan to continue because I genuinely love AEW, professional wrestling, and acting—each part of who I am."
