The landscape of AEW’s year-end pay-per-view has shifted dramatically following the return of one of its most polarizing stars.
During the Holiday Bash edition of Dynamite taped in Manchester, UK, MJF made his first appearance on AEW programming since All Out 2025. The “Salt of the Earth” interrupted a contract signing segment involving AEW World Champion Samoa Joe, Swerve Strickland, and “Hangman” Adam Page. Friedman wasted no time making his intentions clear, announcing that he was officially cashing in the Casino Gauntlet contract he won at All In to insert himself into the World Championship match at Worlds End.
Friedman delivered a scathing promo explaining his absence and his motivation. He specifically addressed “Hangman” Page, stating he needed to prove he wasn’t a “coward” by defeating Page alongside his other rivals. He also directed vitriol at Samoa Joe, reminding the champion that he still holds a grudge for Joe ending his record-breaking title reign two years ago.
MJF didn’t spare Swerve Strickland either, mocking the former champion with a controversial comparison to Sean Combs and disparaging Strickland’s previous run in WWE. He closed the segment by declaring that “rent was due,” officially turning the Worlds End main event into a Four-Way match.
The updated lineup for AEW Worlds End on Saturday, December 27, now features a chaotic main event where Samoa Joe does not have to be pinned or submitted to lose his title. In addition to the world title picture, the pay-per-view will feature the finals of the Continental Classic and a highly anticipated Women’s World Championship defense by Kris Statlander against Jamie Hayter.
