Former WWE star reacts after MJF gives AEW Champion a big shot at Holiday Bash

Former AEW World Champion mjf he made his surprise return to the company and was immediately inserted into the title picture. The AEW landscape changed dramatically during this week’s Holiday Bash edition of Dynamite.

Friedman had taken some time off from wrestling to focus on his acting career. Recent reports indicated that the star was away shooting for a movie, Violent Night 2. The movie is scheduled for release in December 2026. However, the star showed up in Manchester, UK this week, much to the surprise of fans and the AEW locker room.

The AEW World Champion Samoa Joe“Hangman” Adam Page and Swerve Strickland were in the ring for their contract signing segment. However, MJF showed up and interrupted the signing of the contract. He executed his Casino Gauntlet contract, making the next matchup a four-way affair. Then he criticized the other competitors. Friedman destroyed Strickland on the mic, referencing his WWE career. The star detailed that it was a good plan for Swerve to join the WWE, but he did almost nothing and played second fiddle to Top Dolla, aka AJ Francis.

Francis noticed his name being mentioned on TV and shared his reaction on social media. The former Hit Row member tweeted a “handshake” emoji acknowledging Maxwell’s promotion.

MJF spoke to Swerve Strickland about his WWE career

This week, MJF is back with some choice words for Swerve Strickland. He confided in the former AEW champion, picking up on his issues with WWE back in the day.

Friedman called Strickland a terrible rapper and compared him to P. Diddy. The star called out Swerve’s past, stating that things didn’t work out for him in WWE and that he had to dance alongside Top Dolla as part of Hit Row.

Friedman will now join Strickland, Adam Page and champion Samoa Joe in a huge fatal four way match for the AEW Championship at the World End on December 27.