MJF Finds It A Little Ridiculous That WWE Is Afraid Of AEW Usurping Them

MJF discusses business practices of WWE and why he respects it.

Since AEW’s inception, WWE has tried to counterprogram the company in some way, starting with NXT going head-to-head with AEW Dynamite from the first episode.

Speaking on the Sports Media Podcast with Richard Deitsch, MJF was discussing business, noting how he is the top draw in AEW and has been the top draw for years.

“I’m one of the only people in the modern era, prior to MJF vs. Samoa Joe at the Nassau Coliseum, who sold it out; no professional wrestling event had sold out Nassau Coliseum, not a live event by us or WWE or anybody, since I believe the late 80s. I took a lot of pride in that. Then, magically, somehow, WWE decided to do Saturday Night’s Main Event in my arena after I sold it out. I thought that was interesting. That’s business, baby. You have to keep moving and shaking,” he said.

MJF and Joe headlined AEW Worlds End in December 2023. One year later, WWE held Saturday Night’s Main Event at the same venue.

Later in the interview, the conversation shifted to WWE Radio, and how the channel would largely stop covering AEW, but would still cover TNA due to the WWE-TNA partnership and maybe promotions like MLW as WWE is not worried about MLW surpassing them.

“Do I think it’s ridiculous that [WWE] are afraid of us usurping them? Yeah, a little bit. Do I think it’s a little fucking funny that you’re running a show in Chicago the exact the same time we’re running a show in Chicago? Yeah, a little bit, but as I’ve stated before, it makes sense. I understand it. It’s a business tactic. I’m not mad at it, but the last thing you’re going to do is spit in my fucking face and tell me it’s raining,” he said.

MJF said that he respects the business practices of Nick Khan.

Elsewhere during the interview, MJF commented on tribalism in wrestling. You can find his full comments here. 

If you use any of the quotes above, please credit and link to the original source with a h/t and link back to Fightful for the transcription.