MJF Reveals Annoying TSA Struggles With AEW World Title

Being AEW World Champion comes with perks—but for MJF, it also means one annoying routine every time he flies.

While speaking to WDW News Today on January 20, 2026, the Salt of the Earth opened up about the not-so-glamorous side of carrying the AEW World Championship through airport security.

“One of the only things about being world champion that isn’t fun is TSA. Because they always know what it is, and they smirk, and then they pull the bag.”

He said agents clearly recognize the belt, but act like it’s standard procedure. That’s where MJF draws the line. According to MJF, being upfront and blunt usually speeds up the process. But when TSA agents aren’t wrestling fans, it’s a different scene entirely.

“They want to see it, right? And I say this every time—I get it. You want to hold it. But can we not do the whole rigmarole where you’re pretending you’re looking around? Can you just pick the belt up? If you want, I’ll take a photo with you, for all I care. There are other times where people aren’t professional wrestling fans, and they’re genuinely like, ‘What? Why? How?’”

Despite the delays, MJF doesn’t shy away from traveling with the gold—it’s part of the job and part of the brand. But next time one sees a TSA agent lingering around their bag, don’t be surprised if they’re just marking out.

So, being World Champion means always being on display—even at the airport. MJF’s take gives fans a look at the daily grind of carrying that big, shiny target everywhere he goes.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.