Maxwell Jacob Friedman, better known by his ring name MJF, is one of the most captivating, controversial, and talented professional wrestlers of the modern era.
- Date of birth: 15 March, 1996
- Date of AEW debut: AEW Double or Nothing 2019
- Finishing move: Heatseeker
- Signature move: Salt of the Earth armbar
Born on March 15, 1996, in Plainview, New York, Friedman developed a passion for professional wrestling at a young age. Growing up on Long Island, he idolised legendary performers who excelled not just through athletic ability but through character work and storytelling. Unlike many modern performers who focused on athletic spectacle, Friedman became fascinated with the art of provoking emotional reactions from audiences. He studied the psychology of villains, learning how to make fans despise him while simultaneously earning their respect.
Friedman began training as a teenager at the Creative Pro Wrestling Academy under veteran wrestlers Pat Buck and Curt Hawkins. He made his professional debut in 2015 and quickly stood out on the independent wrestling scene. While many young wrestlers attempted to win over crowds with flashy moves and high-flying performances, MJF embraced a traditional heel persona. He insulted audiences, mocked his opponents, and remained in character both inside and outside the ring, creating a sense of authenticity that made him a unique presence in an era where many wrestlers openly broke character.
His reputation grew through appearances in various independent promotions, including Combat Zone Wrestling, Major League Wrestling, and other regional organisations. In MLW, MJF gained national exposure and further developed his reputation as one of wrestling’s premier villains. His feud with Jimmy Havoc and his membership in the villainous Dynasty faction showcased his ability to combine entertaining character work with impressive performances between the ropes.
MJF’s career reached a new level in 2019 when he signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a newly formed promotion created as an alternative to the wrestling establishment. Initially appearing as the loyal best friend and ally of Cody Rhodes, MJF played the role of a supportive companion while subtly displaying his selfish and manipulative tendencies. The storyline reached a dramatic turning point when MJF betrayed Cody after throwing in the towel during Cody’s match against Chris Jericho at AEW Full Gear 2019. The betrayal immediately cemented MJF as one of the company’s top villains and launched a bitter rivalry that helped establish his star power.
Throughout his AEW tenure, MJF became famous for his verbal confrontations. His ability to insult opponents with brutal honesty, personal attacks, and quick improvisation made his promos must-see television. Unlike many wrestlers who relied on catchphrases or scripted lines, MJF’s speaking style felt unpredictable and dangerous. He blended humour, cruelty, confidence, and intelligence in a way that drew comparisons to some of the greatest talkers in wrestling history.
Inside the ring, MJF proved he was much more than a talented speaker. Though he often portrayed himself as a coward willing to cheat to win, his matches displayed a deep understanding of storytelling and psychology. He prioritised character-driven battles over constant action, using every movement and expression to communicate his personality. His rivalries with wrestlers such as Jon Moxley, Darby Allin, CM Punk, and Bryan Danielson showcased his versatility, allowing him to participate in technical wrestling contests, emotional grudges, and dramatic championship matches.
One of the defining chapters of MJF’s career came in his rivalry with CM Punk between 2021 and 2022. The feud was widely praised for its emotional depth and intense verbal exchanges. MJF revealed personal stories from his childhood, including experiences of being bullied for his Jewish heritage, adding complexity and vulnerability to his normally arrogant character. The rivalry featured several memorable moments, including a brutal Dog Collar Match that demonstrated MJF’s willingness to endure extreme punishment in pursuit of a compelling story.
In November 2022, MJF achieved the greatest accomplishment of his career when he defeated Jon Moxley at AEW Full Gear to win the AEW World Championship. After years of declaring himself the future of professional wrestling, MJF finally captured the company’s most prestigious title. His championship reign further displayed his ability to evolve as a performer. While he remained egotistical and manipulative, his unexpected friendship with Adam Cole revealed a more humorous and relatable side of his character. The duo, known as Better Than You Bay Bay, became one of AEW’s most popular acts and demonstrated MJF’s ability to succeed not only as a villain but also as a beloved antihero. The two went on to headline the first All In event inside Wembley Stadium. While MJF retained the World Championship in the main event, the best friends remained together when all was said and done.
Continuing to be presented as one of the top stars in the company, MJF has had feuds with the likes of Will Ospreay, Adam Page and Samoa Joe, the latter 2 being over the top title. After seeing his second championship reign come to a shocking end after being defeated by Darby Allin, MJF won the title back at Double or Nothing. Had MJF failed to win the match, he would have seen his head shaved bald.
Outside of pro wrestling, MJF has starred in multiple hit movies such as The Iron Claw and Happy Gilmore 2.
MJF AEW Championship Record
- AEW World Championship – 3 reigns
- AEW International Championship – 1 reign
- AEW Dynamite Diamond Ring – 5 wins
Featured image: AEW