MJF is back in AEW, and returned with a fiery promo.
Plans have been in motion for MJF's return for quite some time, with AEW Double or Nothing long being the target date. We've been told that preparations were made well ahead of time to plan out his return.
We've not heard that MJF actually underwent shoulder surgery, as he'd told some in the industry he had worn the brace to help throw people off his track in recent weeks. MJF was legitimately injured going into AEW World's End. The nature of Adam Cole's injury played a major factor in the creative last year, and the ramifications are still felt. There were plans for a major match between the two last year, but as of the spring, it didn't look like that would be possible upon MJF's immediate return, although Cole did get physical during MJF's return segment.
There have been additional MJF themes prepared by Mikey Rukus, including the orchestral version you heard on the promo, and a piano version. There have also been significant creative plans in order for MJF to be involved in a top feud.
As if MJF didn't make it clear enough, he's in AEW long term, and on a multi-million dollar per year contract.
Most of the roster believed that MJF would be returning tonight, and Fightful had reported that he'd be coming back imminently. Word was that the plan was for him to fly to another city out west and be driven to the show. Nobody we spoke with saw him ahead of the return.
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