Maxwell Jacob Friedman has spent the past couple of years teasing the great "bidding war of 2024" between AEW and WWE for his services, and he's finally made his choice.
The former AEW World Champion returned during last night's AEW: Double or Nothing PPV, but before we get to that, it was time for another huge return when Adam Cole made his way to the ring with the devil mask he used while attacking MJF when they were tag team partners and "friends."
Promising to "give the devil his due" once his ankle is fully healed, Cole was interrupted by a video package showing someone walking through a house before they approached MJF's ring gear and signature Burberry scarf. With that, the mystery person held up a torn-up photo of MJF and Cole before the former's music hit.
MJF made his way to the ring, looked at the devil's mask on the mat, and pulled Cole in for a hug. However, he then delivered a low blow to his old ally and hit the injured wrestler with a suplex.
In a fiery promo, MJF talked about Cole's betrayal before declaring, "I don't need a New Japan or a Vince McMahon to make MJF, because MJF made MJF."
It's a little odd that he mentioned McMahon considering the fact he's no longer part of WWE, though we can imagine him not wanting to rub Triple H up the wrong way if he's at least considering making the leap to that company somewhere down the line.
Regardless, MJF proceeded to unveil a new tattoo on his calf which reads "Always Bet On Yourself" with a poker chip and the AEW logo. Calling himself "The Wolf of Wrestling," MJF let fans know he's going nowhere.
Has he made a mistake? That remains to be seen, though opinions are divided. He could have become a household name in WWE but has chosen to remain with a company on the decline...then again, money talks!