The “Devil” is back on top of All Elite Wrestling. In the main event of AEW Worlds End from the Now Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, MJF defeated Samoa Joe, Swerve Strickland, and “Hangman” Adam Page in a four-way match to become the new AEW World Champion. The victory marks a full-circle moment for the Long Island native, who exacted revenge on Joe two years after the Samoan Submission Machine ended his historic title reign at this very same event.
The match was a frantic, high-paced affair that saw all four competitors take massive risks. The complexion of the bout changed drastically in the second half when MJF’s faction, “The Opps,” interfered. Their distraction allowed Samoa Joe to isolate Hangman Page, hitting him with a devastating Muscle Buster. While Page showed incredible resilience by kicking out, the chaos continued on the outside. Swerve Strickland, who had controlled large portions of the match, found himself neutralizing potential threats Katsuyori Shibata and Powerhouse Hobbs at ringside, while Hangman Page battled Hook on the apron.
In the ring, the closing sequence was a masterclass in opportunistic wrestling. Samoa Joe managed to lock in his signature Coquina Clutch submission on Page, looking to secure a submission victory. However, Swerve Strickland saved the match with a Swerve Stomp to the champion. As Strickland attempted a second stomp to seal the deal, MJF shoved him off the top rope. Hangman Page then entered the fray, knocking MJF from the apron and delivering two Buckshot Lariats to Joe. As Page set up for a third and final lariat, MJF re-entered, shoving Joe out of the way and delivering a blatant low blow to Page. Friedman then hit the Heatseeker on Joe to secure the pinfall and the championship.
This victory makes MJF a two-time AEW World Champion, solidifying his status as the face of the company heading into 2026. His win comes amidst a wave of momentum following his return at Holiday Bash, where he cashed in his Casino Gauntlet contract. With the title back around his waist, the entire landscape of AEW has shifted, placing a target on Friedman’s back once again.
MJF is scheduled to address his championship victory this Wednesday, December 31, at AEW Dynamite: New Year’s Smash. The show will take place live from the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Fans can expect a boisterous celebration from the new champion, who has promised to usher in a new era for AEW. With challengers like Swerve Strickland and Hangman Page likely feeling aggrieved by the result, Friedman’s second reign promises to be just as controversial as his first.
