Maxwell Jacob Friedman: The Primary Pillar of All Elite Wrestling
Maxwell Jacob Friedman: The Primary Pillar of All Elite Wrestling
Deets on Wrestling
Maxwell Jacob Friedman:
The Primary Pillar of All Elite Wrestling
Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) is one of the most electrifying and polarizing figures in professional wrestling today, and his rise to prominence in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has been nothing short of meteoric. As the self-proclaimed "Salt of the Earth" and the undisputed AEW World Champion, MJF is not only the face of AEW but also a significant pillar upon which the company's success and identity rest. His charisma, wrestling prowess, and ability to blur the lines between reality and fiction have made him a must-watch performer, establishing him as a cornerstone of AEW's future.
Early Life and Background
Born Maxwell T. Friedman on March 15, 1996, in Plainview, New York, MJF grew up in a family that was passionate about sports and entertainment. As a child, he exhibited a natural affinity for performing and was involved in musical theater, but his passion for professional wrestling eclipsed all other interests. Like many future wrestling stars, MJF was captivated by wrestling icons such as Roddy Piper, Chris Jericho, and Ric Flair. These influences would later play a critical role in shaping his unique in-ring persona.
MJF attended Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School, where he was an accomplished football player, earning accolades as an offensive lineman. Despite his prowess in football, wrestling remained his true calling. His undeniable charisma and talent for cutting promos were already evident in his teenage years, and it became clear that professional wrestling was where he belonged.
Entry into Professional Wrestling
Friedman’s formal wrestling training began at the Create-A-Pro Wrestling Academy in New York, where he was mentored by former WWE superstar Curt Hawkins (Brian Myers). His natural talent and dedication quickly became apparent, and within a few years, he began to make a name for himself on the independent wrestling circuit. MJF debuted in 2015, wrestling for Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), where he honed his craft as both a wrestler and a heel (villain) character.
His time in CZW was formative, as it allowed him to cultivate the arrogant, entitled, and unapologetically brash persona that would later define his career. MJF’s ability to generate heat (negative fan reactions) became one of his calling cards. His persona, a rich, self-obsessed elitist who looked down on fans and fellow wrestlers alike, resonated with audiences, and his work ethic in the ring helped him stand out as more than just a gimmick wrestler.
The Birth of the “Salt of the Earth”
MJF's wrestling persona draws inspiration from classic wrestling heels of the past, but with a modern twist. He blends the cockiness of Ric Flair with the cunning of Roddy Piper and the arrogance of The Miz, creating a character that fans love to hate. His microphone skills are among the best in the industry, and he has an uncanny ability to insult and belittle opponents while simultaneously captivating the audience.
The moniker “Salt of the Earth” encapsulates the character's delusional self-view as someone who believes he is better than everyone else, morally and physically. MJF embraces every aspect of being a villain, both in and out of the ring, refusing to break character even during public appearances or interviews. This commitment to kayfabe (the portrayal of scripted events as real) has made him one of the most authentic and believable performers in the modern wrestling landscape.
All Elite Wrestling and the Rise of MJF
In 2019, AEW was founded by Tony Khan, Cody Rhodes, Kenny Omega, and The Young Bucks, with the mission of providing an alternative to WWE’s mainstream dominance. AEW’s debut show, “Double or Nothing,” took place in May 2019, and MJF was one of the key signings for the new promotion. It didn’t take long for MJF to become one of AEW's most talked-about performers.
From the moment he arrived in AEW, MJF was positioned as a future star. His feud with Cody Rhodes, one of AEW’s executive vice presidents, was a masterclass in long-term storytelling. MJF’s betrayal of Cody, after months of playing the role of his loyal protege, was a defining moment in both his career and AEW’s early history. This storyline showcased MJF’s talent for manipulating emotions and generating heat, cementing him as a top heel in the company.
His in-ring work, while often overshadowed by his larger-than-life personality, has been consistently solid. MJF is a throwback to an era where character work and storytelling were as important as high-flying moves and athleticism. His technical wrestling ability and understanding of ring psychology make him a complete package, capable of delivering top-tier matches that engage the audience both emotionally and physically.
MJF and the Four Pillars of AEW
In AEW, MJF has often been associated with the concept of the “Four Pillars,” a term that refers to the four young stars believed to be the foundation upon which AEW’s future is built. Alongside MJF, the other three pillars are Jungle Boy (Jack Perry), Darby Allin, and Sammy Guevara. While all four are incredibly talented, MJF has often been considered the standout pillar due to his charisma, microphone skills, and ability to carry the company’s top storylines.
MJF’s work with the other pillars, particularly his rivalries with Jungle Boy and Darby Allin, has produced some of the most compelling matches and promos in AEW’s short history. His ability to elevate his peers while maintaining his own dominant persona is a testament to his understanding of the wrestling business. In many ways, MJF embodies the future of AEW, not just because of his age, but because of his complete grasp of what makes professional wrestling special — the combination of athleticism, storytelling, and character work. His feuds with wrestlers like CM Punk, Chris Jericho, and Bryan Danielson have been critically acclaimed, with each rivalry showcasing different facets of MJF’s character. Whether it’s his ability to outwit opponents on the microphone or his willingness to take extreme measures in the ring, MJF has proven time and again that he belongs at the top of the wrestling world.
Championship Reign and Legacy
MJF’s ascent to the top of AEW culminated in November 2022 when he won the AEW World Championship at Full Gear by defeating Jon Moxley, a fan-favorite and one of the most respected wrestlers in the world. This victory marked a significant moment in both MJF’s career and AEW’s history, as it signaled the company’s full investment in MJF as its top star. Since becoming AEW World Champion, MJF has continued to elevate his game.
Why MJF is the Primary Pillar of AEW
MJF stands out as AEW's primary pillar for several key reasons:
Unparalleled Character Work: MJF’s commitment to his character, both on and off-screen, is unmatched in modern wrestling. His refusal to break kayfabe and his dedication to being the most hated man in the room make him a unique and invaluable asset to AEW. His character work has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest heels in wrestling history, and his ability to provoke genuine emotion from fans is a rare and powerful skill.
Elite Mic Skills: In an industry where microphone skills are just as important as in-ring ability, MJF is in a league of his own. His promos are sharp, biting, and often laced with humor, but they never detract from the seriousness of his character. His ability to verbally eviscerate opponents has made him a must-watch performer, and his promos have become highlights of AEW programming.
Wrestling Ability: While his character and promo skills are often at the forefront, MJF is also an exceptional in-ring talent. His matches are methodical, psychological, and often tell compelling stories that resonate with the audience. He doesn’t rely on flashy moves or high-risk maneuvers but instead focuses on ring psychology and technical prowess, making his matches feel important and meaningful.
Long-Term Storytelling: One of AEW’s strengths as a promotion is its commitment to long-term storytelling, and MJF is one of the key players in this aspect. His feuds are carefully crafted, with layers of character development and narrative depth that unfold over months or even years. His rivalries with Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, and Jon Moxley are examples of how AEW builds meaningful stories that culminate in satisfying payoffs.
Future of the Business: At only 28 years old, MJF represents the future of professional wrestling. His ability to connect with modern audiences while still paying homage to the legends who came before him makes him a bridge between wrestling’s past and its future. He is the type of performer who can carry a company on his back for years to come, and his presence ensures that AEW has a bright future.
Cross-Over Appeal: MJF’s persona extends beyond the wrestling world. His charisma and ability to generate buzz have made him a figure who could potentially transition into other areas of entertainment, such as acting or media. This cross-over appeal makes him a valuable asset not just to AEW but to the wider world of sports and entertainment.
Maxwell Jacob Friedman is, without a doubt, the primary pillar of AEW. His combination of elite mic skills, in-ring talent, and character work makes him the embodiment of what modern professional wrestling strives to be — a blend of athletic competition, storytelling, and larger-than-life personas. MJF’s rise within AEW is a testament not only to his hard work and talent but also to AEW’s commitment to nurturing homegrown stars and allowing them to flourish.
MJF's Impact on AEW and the Wrestling Industry
One of MJF’s most significant contributions to AEW has been his role in shaping the identity of the company. While AEW is known for its focus on athletic, high-intensity wrestling matches, MJF brings a balance of character-driven, old-school storytelling to the mix. His presence adds depth and variety to the AEW product, ensuring that it appeals to both hardcore wrestling fans and casual viewers who are drawn to compelling characters and engaging narratives.
MJF’s feuds have consistently been among the most talked-about in the industry. His long-standing rivalry with Chris Jericho, which culminated in the "Labors of Jericho" storyline, was one of the most creative angles in recent wrestling history. MJF's willingness to engage in deep, psychological warfare with his opponents, combined with his sharp wit, has kept audiences glued to the screen. His ability to craft memorable moments—whether it’s with a surprise betrayal or a scathing promo—has become one of AEW’s defining characteristics.
Additionally, MJF’s impact extends beyond AEW itself. His approach to professional wrestling, rooted in the traditions of past eras while simultaneously pushing boundaries in terms of character development, has influenced how other wrestlers approach their personas and storylines. MJF's commitment to kayfabe and his refusal to break character, even in real-world settings, harkens back to a time when wrestling’s scripted nature was more protected, and this has brought a sense of nostalgia and legitimacy to his work.
Rivalries That Defined His Legacy
Cody Rhodes: The rivalry between MJF and Cody Rhodes is a cornerstone of both men's careers in AEW. MJF’s betrayal of Cody after months of being his ally was a pivotal moment, showcasing his capacity for deception and treachery. The emotional depth of this feud, coupled with the physical intensity of their match, remains one of the most iconic storylines in AEW's early history.
Jon Moxley: MJF’s pursuit of the AEW World Championship led him into a heated rivalry with Jon Moxley, one of the company’s most beloved and respected figures. MJF's use of underhanded tactics and his proclamation that he was the "real face" of AEW created a dynamic clash between the brash young star and the battle-hardened veteran. Their feud culminated in MJF capturing the AEW World Championship, solidifying his place at the top of the roster.
CM Punk: Perhaps one of the most highly anticipated rivalries in modern wrestling, MJF’s feud with CM Punk was a masterclass in storytelling. Both men are known for their sharp promo skills, and their verbal confrontations were filled with personal jabs, callbacks to wrestling history, and real-life tension positioned him as one of the few wrestlers capable of standing toe-to-toe with a legend like Punk.
Darby Allin and Jungle Boy: As two of the other "Four Pillars" of AEW, Darby Allin and Jungle Boy have served as both rivals and foils to MJF’s character. His matches with these two stars have helped elevate all three men, with MJF consistently using his cunning and experience to outwit his opponents. These rivalries have showcased MJF’s ability to work with different styles and personalities while continuing to present himself as AEW's top villain.
The Future of MJF and AEW
As AEW continues to grow and expand its presence in the wrestling world, MJF will undoubtedly play a critical role in the company’s success. His blend of in-ring ability, promo skills, and character work makes him a versatile performer who can be inserted into any storyline or feud, ensuring that he remains a central figure in AEW’s future plans.
One of the most intriguing aspects of MJF’s career has been his ability to navigate between his heel and face personas. While MJF resisted the traditional trajectory of turning face for much of his early career, he briefly embraced a more heroic role in 2023. This shift showcased his versatility and ability to connect with the audience in new ways, yet he eventually returned to his arrogant, self-serving character. This balance between villainy and occasional heroism keeps his character fresh and compelling, but it raises the question of how long he can maintain this dynamic before audiences demand a more permanent shift.
There’s also the looming possibility of MJF becoming a crossover star outside of wrestling. His charisma and quick wit make him a natural fit for other forms of entertainment, whether it’s acting, podcasting, or hosting. MJF’s potential to break into the mainstream could bring even more attention to AEW, positioning the company as not only a top wrestling promotion but also a platform for emerging talent across multiple industries.
Why MJF is the Face of AEW's Future
As AEW looks to the future, MJF stands out as the most important figure in the company’s evolution. While AEW has a deep roster filled with exceptional talent, no one encapsulates the company’s blend of wrestling and entertainment quite like MJF. His ability to balance character development with in-ring storytelling makes him indispensable, and his presence ensures that AEW will continue to grow in both popularity and influence.
In an industry where longevity is often hard to achieve, MJF has set himself up for a long and prosperous career. His understanding of wrestling psychology, combined with his natural charisma and work ethic, makes him one of the brightest stars in the business today. He has not only solidified his place in AEW’s present but also in its future, as the company continues to build upon the foundation that MJF and his fellow "pillars" have established.
Conclusion
Maxwell Jacob Friedman is far more than just a wrestler—he is a storyteller, a provocateur, and a once-in-a-generation talent. His rise in AEW has been nothing short of spectacular, and his ability to generate heat, command the spotlight, and deliver compelling matches has positioned him as the company's primary pillar. MJF’s journey from the independent circuit to becoming AEW World Champion is a testament to his dedication, skill, and understanding of the wrestling business.
As AEW continues to evolve, MJF will remain at the center of its success. His unique combination of old-school wrestling sensibilities and modern entertainment appeal ensures that he will not only shape AEW’s future but also leave a lasting legacy on the professional wrestling industry as a whole. MJF’s reign as AEW’s top star is far from over, and as long as he remains "The Salt of the Earth," wrestling fans can expect to witness greatness for years to come.