MJF believes WWE is strategically pushing negative narratives about AEW’s television future in an effort to redirect criticism away from its own company.
While speaking with Sports Illustrated, MJF addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding AEW’s next media rights deal and didn’t hold back when discussing where he thinks the rumors are coming from. Before taking aim at WWE directly, MJF argued that AEW remains in a strong position because live sports programming continues to dominate cable television.
“Now, let’s live in a reality where that does happen. When you think of cable, what are the only two things that are big money draws on cable right now? Live sports and news. Now, last time I checked, professional wrestling is considered a live sport, which is also why we’re in the top 10 every week in our time slot minimum. It’s also why we sell an insane amount of tickets. It’s also why we are white hot right now.”
MJF also claimed AEW currently has major momentum because fans are looking for an alternative product. After insisting executives at Warner Bros. Discovery are still extremely happy with AEW’s performance, MJF directly accused WWE/TKO of fueling the negative discussion online.
“AEW has an insane amount of momentum. There’s a paradigm shift going on similar to the paradigm shift that was happening back in 2019. People are disenfranchised at WWE right now. They want to see a different type of product. In comes AEW. We are the alternative. We are the Pepsi to the Coke. There will always be room for Pepsi. Always.”
“Well, because it’s a way to hold the competition down, right? So, when you look at how these rumors started, where did they come from? They came from WWE, TKO, right?”
MJF then explained what he believes the actual strategy behind the rumors is before by saying the tactic may be smart from a business standpoint, but he believes it is obvious what is happening.
“Which again, love Nick Khan, love him to death, but this is a business tactic.”
“Let me get people talking negatively about AEW so they stop talking negatively about my promotion.”
“It’s smart. Doesn’t mean it’s not translucent as glass and see-through. It is.”
MJF’s comments come after the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter claimed WWE-internal sources have been spreading the belief that AEW will not secure a viable next television deal and could miss out on ending up with Paramount/Skydance. The report also noted similar rumors circulated during AEW’s previous television negotiations before the company ultimately landed a major increase in rights fees.
Earlier this week, MJF also addressed the speculation while speaking with Shakiel Mahjouri and made it clear nobody inside AEW appears concerned about the situation.
“That’s fcking news to me, bro. That’s news to me, that’s news to everybody on the roster. That’s damn sure news to Tony Khan.”*
MJF also pointed toward AEW’s relationship with television executives as proof the company remains in a strong spot moving forward.
“Last time I checked, they’re fcking over the moon with us right now.”*
The public war of words surrounding AEW’s television future continues to become a larger part of the ongoing rivalry between AEW and WWE as both companies battle for momentum in the wrestling industry.
Do you think MJF is right about WWE strategically trying to shift negativity toward AEW, or are concerns about AEW’s television future fair game? Let us know your thoughts and feedback in the comments below.
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