AEW President Tony Khan recently made a comparison between MJF and WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Speaking on 103.5 KISS FM, Khan discussed why he believes MJF connects so deeply with wrestling fans.
He agreed with the idea that MJF’s persona could have a similar impact to Austin’s, but noted the difference in their characters.
“I absolutely love that and I think that’s a great point,” Khan said. “What a juxtaposition though between how Steve Austin did it as a blue-collar star and MJF as a white-collar star. Very different approaches. They dress very differently, but you’re right—two guys that can bring totally different mindsets, and they could be a popular star or they could be a villain, but they don’t have to change who they are or what they do.”
Khan also described MJF’s on-screen character in direct terms. “MJF… he’s a top villain who people hate and he’s just a completely irredeemable, terrible human being. He’s the devil.”