MJF Reflects on What His First AEW World Title Reign Taught Him
MJF said his first reign as AEW World Champion lasted 406 days and taught him important lessons. He recalled being betrayed by Adam Cole and said the final months of that run were isolating. He now believes trusting people in wrestling has not helped him and does not plan to open up to fans in the same way again.
MJF, a three-time former AEW World Champion, remains under 30 and holds the longest unbroken single AEW World Title reign to date. His first run lasted 406 days. He said Adam Cole's betrayal and the isolation of his final two months taught him the most.
He now argues that trusting people in wrestling has never helped anyone, saying those who lower their guard get let down. He also regrets opening up to fans, calling it a major mistake, and says he will not do so again at that level. He separates bad-faith criticism from genuine fan feedback and uses negativity as fuel.
This story may resonate with wrestling audiences who invest in performers' personal stories, as MJF's stated reluctance to open up could alter fan-performer intimacy. It could also shape how some performers view trust and criticism in a public-facing industry, potentially encouraging more guarded online engagement. For fans, it may prompt reflection on how criticism and negativity are received.