Although MJF has been considered one of AEW’s biggest stars throughout the past seven years, he hasn’t shied away from giving credit to the corporate’s essential competitor, WWE. Friedman has often complimented former stars like John Cena, and has praised Triple H prior to now, but he doesn’t buy that WWE lacks respect for AEW, as he recently explained on “Insight” with Chris Van Vliet that AEW’s biggest rival views them as a reputable threat.
“I do know I’d achieve success if I am going over there now. That is why they’re still excited by me. I respect what they’re doing. I respect their product. I do know that they respect our product because they’ve about 1,000,000 times tried to counter-program us. Slash us any way they will. Hurt us any way they will. Which by the best way, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, that is smart business. Attempt to kill me. Attempt to kill me before I kill you. It’s f*****g smart. I’m not going to take that away from them.”
MJF continued to clarify that he ultimately decided to keep on with AEW as he knew he’d be given more of a leash in the corporate based on company President Tony Khan’s vision for skilled wrestling. The AEW World Champion doubled down on WWE’s interest in him during his interview with Van Vliet, claiming that he’s the very best wrestler to never work for the Connecticut-based promotion, and revealed that he’s had previous contract negotiations with higher-ups in the corporate.
Should you use any of the quotes in this text, please credit “Insight” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.