MJF isn’t buying the idea that WWE’s moves against AEW are all one big coincidence. The former AEW World Champion believes WWE is keeping a close eye on the competition—and says the company’s counterprogramming tells the real story.
During an appearance on the Sports Media Podcast with Richard Deitsch, MJF bragged about his ability to sell tickets and pointed to AEW Worlds End 2023 at Nassau Coliseum. MJF headlined the event against Samoa Joe and took credit for filling a building that wrestling hadn’t sold out in decades.
“I’m one of the only people in the modern era—prior to MJF versus Samoa Joe at the Nassau Coliseum, no professional wrestling event had sold out Nassau Coliseum, not a live event by us, WWE or anybody, since I believe the late ’80s. I took a lot of pride in that.”
One year later, WWE brought Saturday Night’s Main Event to the same venue. MJF noticed the timing and didn’t pretend otherwise.
“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.”
The conversation later turned to WWE Radio and the expectation that the channel would largely ignore AEW while still discussing companies such as TNA due to WWE’s partnership with the promotion.MJF believes the strategy goes beyond a radio channel. He pointed to WWE running a show in Chicago at the same time as AEW and said the company wouldn’t be making those moves if it didn’t view AEW as a real threat.
“Do I think it’s ridiculous that WWE is 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 at the exact same time we’re running a show in Chicago? Yeah, a little bit.”
MJF made it clear that he understands why WWE would try to protect its position. He even said he respects Nick Khan’s business practices. What he won’t accept is anyone pretending the counterprogramming isn’t deliberate.
“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.”
WWE and AEW haven’t gone head-to-head every week since the Wednesday Night War ended, but MJF believes the fight never really stopped. From Nassau Coliseum to Chicago, he sees WWE’s scheduling decisions as proof that AEW remains on its radar.
Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.
Do you think WWE is deliberately counterprogramming AEW because it views the company as a threat? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
