MJF Calls Modern Wrestlers ‘Stupid’ for Chasing Applause Instead of Star Power

MJF didn’t hold back when talking about today’s wrestling scene, and his comments made it clear he believes many performers are focused on the wrong things.

During an appearance on The Adam Friedland Show, MJF was asked whether other wrestlers today take character work and promos as seriously as he does. That question quickly turned into a sharp critique of the modern wrestling style, as he explained that he feels too many wrestlers are chasing applause instead of building real star power.

According to MJF, he doesn’t see himself as someone trying to impress fans with flashy sequences. Instead, he views wrestling as a business built on creating stars who draw money, headlines, and long-term recognition beyond the ring.

“No, these guys are stupid, idiotic, scrawny little [expletive] dorks and the only thing they're concerned with is hitting cool moves so they get, you know, a round of applause. Yeah. It's not something I can relate to at all.”

MJF continued by explaining that his personal goals go far beyond just putting on entertaining matches. He made it clear that his focus is on becoming a major star, building his brand, and reaching a level where his name becomes synonymous with the wrestling industry itself.

“I'm here to be a star. I'm here to make the most money. I'm here to be world champion. I'm here to be a draw. I'm here to start doing big movies, which I'm already starting to do. I'm here to make a name for myself and build my brand up to such a point that I become synonymous with not just All Elite Wrestling but with professional wrestling as a whole.”

He also pointed to wrestling legends as the benchmark he’s chasing, referencing the way past icons became household names even outside the ring. For MJF, that type of legacy remains the ultimate target.

“So in 20 years from now, you know, someone sitting down and going, ‘Holy [expletive], so you're a wrestler like MJF.’ Because right now when people say, ‘Oh, you're a wrestler like The Rock or you're a wrestler like Stone Cold.’ That's my goal.”

MJF has built his reputation around confidence and controversy, and comments like these show he’s not afraid to challenge the current generation while putting his own ambitions front and center. Whether fans agree with him or not, his stance taps into a long-running debate about what truly makes a wrestling star — moves, personality, or lasting impact.

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