MJF has been making appearances on the independent scene recently, and the experience has given him a very specific — and very direct — opinion on the state of indie wrestling. Speaking to The Takedown on Sports Illustrated, the AEW World Champion didn’t sugarcoat anything.
“I think a lot of these guys suck,” MJF said bluntly. He acknowledged the wrestlers he’s sharing rings with are the hard workers making towns and doing everything right — but took direct aim at those who aren’t putting in the travel and the reps. “I think a lot of these new guys are lazy. They’re not getting in the car. Brother, when I was on the independents, I would drive to any state in North America. I did it for $20 and a can of Coke and a hot dog and a handshake. I did it because I wanted to get better.”
MJF Warns That AEW Is Not the Place for Complacency
He saved his sharpest words for wrestlers who expect a contract without doing the work. “A lot of these guys are thinking, ‘There’s AEW, there’s WWE, there’s TNA — why aren’t I signed yet?’ You’re not signed yet because you f**king suck. Get better. Apply yourself.” He closed with a clear message about what AEW expects. “If you want to be a part of AEW, you better be ready to work hard and want it. We’re not the lazy promotion. Stop resting on your laurels.”