The reason MJF is not wrestling at AEW Redemption in Montreal has now been revealed.
During Thursday’s media call for the pay-per-view, Tony Khan said MJF is dealing with major injuries after wrestling through a physically demanding stretch in 2026. Khan gave the former AEW World Champion credit for continuing to compete while hurt.
Khan made it clear that MJF’s absence is injury-related, but he does not expect him to be out for a long time. He also noted that AEW’s deep roster allows the company to give injured talent time to recover without leaving major holes on the card.
Khan said MJF has worked much differently during his latest title reign compared to his previous runs, calling him a fighting champion who pushed through injuries.
“MJF isn’t a nice guy or a good person, but he’s a great wrestler. We love to have him when he’s healthy and fit to compete.”
Khan also praised MJF for staying active despite the physical issues he has been dealing with.
“I give MJF a lot of credit for fighting through some major injuries this year.”
Khan was later asked whether MJF was originally scheduled to face Kenny Omega at Redemption. The question came after a TSN commercial appeared to suggest Omega would be challenging for the AEW World Championship rather than defending it. Khan would not confirm whether MJF versus Omega had been the original plan. He then defended the changes AEW made heading into the pay-per-view.
“I have to keep some sleight of hand in these things.”
“I feel we have made the right moves.”
MJF last wrestled on the July 8 episode of AEW Dynamite: Beach Break in Clearwater, Florida, where he lost the AEW World Championship to Omega. His third title reign lasted 45 days and included successful defenses against Rush and Mark Briscoe. Omega will now defend the AEW World Championship against Kevin Knight at Redemption while MJF takes time to recover from the injuries he has been working through.
MJF may be missing one of AEW’s biggest summer events, but Khan’s comments suggest the former champion should not be gone for long. For now, AEW is moving forward without him while he gets healthy enough to return.
When do you think MJF should return to AEW television, and who should he face first? Leave your feedback in the comments.
