MJF on Will Ospreay: ‘He’s not the complete package’
MJF and Will Ospreay are both expected to reach free agency in 2024.
But MJF believes they are a very different caliber of pro wrestler.
“Will's great, but he’s not the complete package,” said MJF, whose full name is Maxwell Jacob Friedman. “I am.”
Courtesy AEW
MJF defends the AEW world title later tonight at the Full Gear pay-per-view against “Switchblade” Jay White, a former rival of Ospreay’s in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Ospreay, 30, is a former IWGP world heavyweight champion. He is an athletic marvel in the ring, and his collection of matches this year, particularly against Kenny Omega, have been spectacular. But Friedman, who is only 27, has built an even greater following than Ospreay.
“The scary part is I haven't even hit my ceiling yet,” said MJF. “Luckily for Will, he hasn't had to step in the ring with me. If he never does, he will continue to be lucky.”
During the Full Gear pre-show, MJF teamed with Samoa Joe in a successful defense of the Ring of Honor tag titles against Austin and Colten Gunn. But the Gunns attacked MJF’s left knee in the aftermath, all in front of Adam Cole, who came to the ring on crutches to celebrate the win.
Currently embracing his new role as a babyface, MJF is also one of the most elite heels throughout the industry. If he hits free agency, he will be a prized acquisition for either AEW or WWE.
It is difficult to imagine AEW CEO Tony Khan allowing MJF the opportunity to exit the company. It is far more likely he will share a work space with Ospreay, who is another talent coveted by Khan for the AEW roster.
If that does happen, Friedman is not especially eager to work with Ospreay.
“As far as Will Ospreay goes, that guy is, as his people would say, a bellend,” said Friedman. “I would like him to stay very far away from me.”
