ARIEL HELWANI: AEW's MJF talks free agency | WWE | Cody Rhodes | CM Punk
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- Ariel Helwani speaks with MJF - Maxwell Jacob Friedman - one of the biggest stars in pro wrestling. AEW star MJF tells Ariel he becomes a free agent in 2024, the difference between AEW and WWE and what AEW is doing so well right now. He also discusses his influence, getting rejected by WWE early on and his appearance as a child on “Rosie.”
Maxwell Jacob Friedman is an American professional wrestler who currently wrestles for All Elite Wrestling.. At just 26 years old, MJF is considered to be one of the biggest stars in not just AEW, but all of professional wrestling.
#arielhelwani #mjf #aewmjf | Visit arielhelwani.com for Heelwani Merch and more! UNCROWNED - Powered by Ariel and Yahoo! Sports: uncrowned.com/
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Been looking forward to this chat for quite some time, and he didn't disappoint. Enjoy!
MJF is on fire but he's full of shit at the same time lol. There's a footage out there of him being an extra security guard on WWE (I think it's NXT), he didn't make the cut there but reinvent himself in MLW which was the best thing he ever did
@@jaynitty7346 he would of been watered down if he was signed by wwe
MJF is always on
@@jaynitty7346 he was an extra not in nxt
Dude should be champion instead he probably get another ring. It shame to
This is not only a great interview but MJF has incredible takes on the business and his mind is set right and is super professional already so early into his career. This guy is (obviously) gonna be talked about for the next coming decades
Agreed
whos mjf
@@bananasngrapes8814 The guy on the video that you're watching and commenting on
Meh I get it....but idk it feels like a ....well nevermind
He’s gonna end up in WWE. Sooner or later
I love MJF's commitment to his character outside the ring. That's something which is definitely missing in today's wrestling world.
An would go bye bye if went back to wwe
Goddamn, he only said a billion times that this is HIM being HIM. Pay attention!
I hate the word character
@@whatever85x probably not
If you think that's a character then you are out of your mind lol
Ariel Helwani is the perfect person to interview MJF. He gets it
1
Yeah, MJF is great but Ariel isn’t getting enough credit for being a smart, witty interviewer. A couple of times, MJF couldn’t hide his mirth
MJF knowledge of the business is very underrated. He’s not just a guy that stumbled into the business, he loves the history of it and is 100 percent in his element.
Underrated? Are you one of those people just looking for an excuse to use that term? It doesn't even make sense... his wrestling knowledge is "underrated"... who's rating wrestler's wrestling knowledge?
@@ToxicAvengerCleanYourMind enough people. I think that's one of the criticism people level at WWE's currenting hiring policies and their approach to 2.0 etc.
The whole "these people" don't get it/don't understand the industry vs the whole indie wrestlers who "obviously" must since they're putting in the work in the industry?
P.S. plus a lot of the silly comments made by WWE wrestlers "against" other promotions that are just .. well 100% inaccurate/complete fabrications/just untrue if you know the actual history of wrestling.
Who exactly is “rating” peoples knowledge? A poll?
@@ToxicAvengerCleanYourMind shut up
Under _appreciated_ , buddy
MJF even while staying in character is an incredible interview. At the 46:00 mark he gives a mini clinic on wrestling and how it is about emotionally connecting - heel or babyface - with fans. He brings it up again towards the end of the interview. He seems to be a great student of the history of wrestling and knowledgeable of the product across the board. He's the man we love to hate. Great interview from both men.
%1000
Just like Roddy was! Still miss Piper!
then why doesn't he like the term "heel" when he understands what it is and the importance of it?
@@apecentury228 a good villain believes they are the hero in their own story
This is so true. I think this is why I've lost a fair bit of interest in pro wrestling recently. Sure the spots are flashy and fun to watch, but it doesn't hook me in emotionally. I gravitated to NJPW specifically because of the genius long-term story telling (Naito, Omega, & Okada are all great examples). Pro wrestling is at it's best when it is telling a story.
“She told me I was great, I told her she was ok.” What a legend.😂
She could lose some water weight 😭😭😭
At around 3 mins or he called her fat skank too under his breath 😂😭
@@therelease7083 4:16
She was mid
He’s salt of the earth !!!!!
MJF is unquestionably the best talker in the game right now. Good stuff.
Pump the brakes. As long as Enzo is alive, he will own that title. Legends brought him to teach their kids how to cut promos.
The miz, edge, sami zayn, and kevin Owens are amazing too
@@hoax845 I miss Enzo so much he is one of the best I’ve ever heard on the mic. MJF is amazing too.
@@alexakos1223 pg sh*t
Eddie Kingston is better imo
I'm only 10 minutes in and have so much more respect for MJF than I already had. His comments about current wrestlers are spot on. This "kid" that is younger than my daughter knows what real professional wrestling is! The secret to being a legendary is to be just an amplified version of yourself.
3 months later, the world needs MJF more than ever 😭
46:30 is one of the most impressive moments I've ever seen of "being real/truthful" while also maintaining Kayfabe. Very well done, MJF.
He is 100% spot on.
kayfabe is already 100% dead to him and thats just what it is at today's wrestling especially on weekly tv basis
It just occurred to me that MJF and HHH have some interesting parallels. Two incredibly serious and devoted students of the game; possibly the two best pure heels of their eras. The sky seems the absolute limit for Mr. Friedman. Also, the way he cut a promo on Vince and Co. was pure artistry. Guys like Jericho and Taz can say what they really feel because they’ve literally been there, done that, and have no intentions of ever going back. MJF left the door, if not open, very unlocked. It was hella impressive.
@Justin Sharpe no
This interview didn't feel like an hour, it felt like 5 minutes. MJF is so good.
I could listen to MJF speak for hours. The best in the business as we speak.
MJF never breaks character once and brings back what a wrestling gimmick was back in the glory years of pro wrestling.
Bloody hell what a solid interview. Fully worked but at the same time MJF still found a way to defend the promotion without breaking kayfabe. I only boo MJF to play along now. In real terms he's a face to me
He tried to be as honest as possible without breaking character. Impressive.
It reminds me of how Ric Flair would put over other baby face workers in his promos to make JCP look big time. That’s how its done.
Just love hearing MJF in interviews. Has me completely hooked like no other pro wrestler can. And 59:55 onwards I just couldn't stop laughing 🤣🤣🤣
The dedication lol
The bit starting at 31:16 is already so f'n hilarious...
@@Darilon12 he meant it.
@@terryosinga2155 like he said, he's always shooting straight. I mean, who doesn't love a makeout competition?
Me too
I love that MJF can stay in character and still put everyone over.
Hands down one of the greatest interviews I've had the pleasure of watching recently. Of all people Ariel gets MJF to be the most human he's ever come across when the camera is on.
Kudos and can't wait for the next one!
This is one of the best pro wrestling interviews I've ever seen.
Ariel and MJF are the highest levels of their respective professions.
I love this man more and more, Jesus he’s perfect in every way. TK needs to give him anything he needs to remain in AEW.
Don't say Jesus around MJF
@@Jroc_9696 why??
MJF is not leaving AEW.
gross
@@matthewalkman386 you are!
Great interview!!! This guy is really good, shout out to Plainview!
His promo last night was nuts, I love MJF. He's a throwback to the glory days of wrestling but doing it in the 2022 world, which is probably the most impressive thing. I can't see him actually going to WWE because they'd completely ruin him, but money talks.
such a old school promo
It’s every wrestler dream to go to WWE it’s The NFL of wrestling
@@capgucci9378 it's pretty mid.
@@capgucci9378 not really anymore. Vince and Co. were keeping up because of how much they could afford to pay, but TK’s got seriously deep pockets and a work environment that, by all accounts, is miles ahead. With the acquisition of ROH which now allows the lower end of the roster a place to get some tv time and therefore awareness, I expect more and more folk are going to try to make the transition.
@@americafkyeah8695 as much as I don’t like wwe’s product these days , he’d absolutely explode if he goes to wwe . Only if they let him do his thing .
I'm honestly amazed MJF is this good already keep in mind he's 26 and that's the scary part I can guarantee that at the rate he's going he'll be looked at as one of if not the Greatest wrestler of all time
He doesn't rely on highspots which will length his career, focuses character development, and knows his value.....he is all business. Reminds me a bit of McGregor were he knew how much ppv buys he generates, media attention he brought to UFC,.....so McGregor and MJF share some parallel
@@SexMachine32301 that's very true in all honesty I wouldn't be shocked if MJF is still wrestling in 25+ years
The, for sure
This is probably the nicest I’ve ever seen MJF speak to any interviewer lol.
2 years ago MJF and Cody were friends and MJF was saying he's my best friend he's my mentor I love him too death. Now it's another story.
I love MJF character that he plays. Old school Heel that never turns it off and will die by the sword.
He reminds me of both piper and flair. Mjf is the best thing to happen to wrestling in a while
Great interview Ariel this was easily the best MJF interview
Thanks ariel for always have wrestling content on your channel 🙏
Best MJF interview 🙌
Honestly, ever since first seeing him at the AEW opening press conference, I've loved him. He is by far a GENERATIONAL talent. What a gimmick & wrestling mind, wow.
Broooo … this man may have just brought me back to wrestling!!! Brilliance at its finest.
He just delivered the best promo of the year BY FAR.
Love MJFs takes. Hope he reaches all of his goals. He has every capability in the world.
he will
This is one of the best interviews I’ve seen yet. Good job Ariel
Every time you think he's about to slip away from kayefabe, he says or implies something and falls right back into it. This is why I love MJF.
I do not use the word "Altruistic" very often, if at all.. but MJF has earned it! MJF has the core values, work ethic and pure, god given ability to mix with his selflessness and Altruism to make him the most talented and well rounded individuals In wrestling, if not the world. Thank you, sir.. if only these millennials would look to MJF for how to be a proper professional, I truly do not believe that this country would be in the shape it is in..
I like how he refuses to break kayfabe even in the face of any question but just with full commitment. He finds an answer without ever breaking no matter what.
Little did Ariel know that this interview would birth the most interesting storyline in wrestling in the last several years
The ending TRULY topped it off. Well done by the Burberry boss, himself.
this is by far the BEST MJF Interview I ever seen great job there man Ariel ! much
The greatest thing to happen to professional wrestling since the drop kick! MJF is the gift that keeps on giving. Much like a cold sore, he’s spreading and showing up everywhere! Bravo! Big Fan! 👏🏾
He’s gonna be so dangerous as time go on. I watched this entire interview straight through. Good stuff MJF!!!
Ariel is the perfect interviewer for MJF. Precisely as he said himself, he did not try to outwit MJF and for that I think he got the most out of this amazing talent. Great listen!
Best ending to an interview ever!!!
MJF loving WWE 😂 Man knows how to get heat from AEW fans!
If I’m TK, I’m giving MJF a blank check and a pen come contract expiry time.
WWE wants MJF, Wardlow, Jade Cargill and Britt baker.
@@pepesilvia7692 no, instead he's spending all his money on indy mud show guys...MJF will go to WWE in 2024 because that's the Major Leagues and MJF wants to make it to the top...all AEW has is WWE has beens and proving to be the best against washed up talent isn't as satisfying as proving to be the best in the top promotion that is WWE
@@ToxicAvengerCleanYourMind lol the fact that you think Malakai Black, Danielson, and Cole are washed up tells me your opinions are worth dick there my guy.
@@ToxicAvengerCleanYourMind ummm, all matches are predetermined. You’re not the best because you “beat top talent;” you’re the best because you can draw. Those “washed up WWE” guys are not only still massive draws (Mox, Bryan, the Hardy’s, etc), but they’re also getting new guys over, ergo the MJF/Punk feud. Meanwhile, the WWE keeps bringing back Brock and Ronda and putting wins on Oldberg. AEW let’s their guys get over and getting over draws; wins aren’t even secondary in importance.
This is the interview that made me like MJF...not dislike him like I did before. He seemed more real here than in any other interview he has ever done before. Perhaps MJF had more respect for Ariel than any other interviewer that came before?
I told myself I'll just watch like 15 mins and finish it later. I ended up watching the whole thing, MJF is too damn good at what he does!
moves don't make money. My god, MJF gets it. Of all the chair shots in ECW, the one you heard about the most was the "chair shot heard around the world". Raven said, I only needed one.
AEW need to pay him what he deserves. MJF is $$$$$$$$. He is the future of AEW and is the standout star for me in that promotion. If AEW lose him it would be a massive loss.
They won't lose him because he has no desire to leave AEW. He's a heel and this whole bidding war of 2024 is part of his heel schtick. He's working the AEW fans because he's a AEW heel.
WWE is going to throw so much money at him
MJF just casually calling Rosie a “fat skank” is just fantastic.
1:33 That's probably the most genuine laugh I've ever seen out of MJF, I'm only a minute in and I love this interview already, LET'S FUCKING GO
It's really refreshing to see mjf almost break character at something he geniuenly finds funny.
He mentioned Buddy Landel… One of the most and best underrated promo guy. He doesn’t get his respect. RIP Buddy!
This is most entertaining interview I've seen in awhile! Mjf just answering questions. This guy is the best thing to happen in wrestling! best heel in the business loved his honest, and raw takes on topics. With a sprinkle of heel promo added!
MJF is the game. He's the best part of AEW. Amazing interview, from a fellow tribesman.
He's just the best. MJF is amazing.
great interview! Respect MJF even more now. Not a lot of people would go back and watch the territory days, and he has a great mind for the business
Watching this outstanding interview, there is one thing that is crystal clear. Unless he tones it down IMMENSELY, he will never make it in the WWE...meaning MJF will hate being there. There is NO WAY Vince McMahon is going to let MJF act the way he wants to. NO WAY.
You mean the same way Tony didn’t want MJF doing this interview?
@billybatson22: There’s a chance that Vince might not be with us in a few years from now…Vince is a workaholic aged in his 70’s who could end up having a heart attack any year now. I don’t want Vince McMahon to pass away for the sake of his family, but it could happen. If MJF signed with WWE, things could change if Vince isn’t around anymore. Stephanie, Shane, Paul Levesque are all Generation X’s who may decide to let MJF do and say what he wants….as long as the crowds/viewers, etc still love what MJF does in the ring and sells out merchandise.
@@thewilfer facts
future of professional wrestling having his most realest interview till now without breaking his character is just fuckin amazing....He knws his thing man wow....untill he keeps himself safe from all social cancel culture and allegations ..he is the future
I agree with MJF about the charisma machines in NXT 2.0. It's the biggest difference compared to the black & gold. There's more character across the board on that brands, not just work rate. AEW also has more character now compared to 3 years ago, which is why I'm so tuned in rn. I also agree with WWE being a good product and good TV. AEW just hits a different sweet spot for people, especially the IWC (obviously).
Good interview by Ariel. Good shit.
He's being sarcastic you airhead
Sarcasm not your strong suite buddy 😂
@@smarkslowplay3512 i don't know whether he's sarcastic but Nxt 2.0 has Really good characters instead of no charismatic indie guys Like Adam Cole, Johnny gargano You always Draw viewers because of Stars, characters like hulk Hogan not Jobbers like Adam Cole
You know he was being sarcastic right lol
@@vincentkennedymcmahon50 Adam Coles segments are some of AEWS highest but thanks for playing.
This dude is gonna make me start watching wrestling again, sheesh his mouthpiece is as authentic and sharp as I’ve seen in a long time in wrestling.
Ariel always has the best interviews. What a talent MJF is. He is going get his bag no doubt
That little smirk when he said being on Wrestlemania and main-eventing PPV's mean nothing to him was, for me, in insight into his true feelings on the matter. MJF might be a businessman, but deep down inside I believe that little kid who loved CM Punk and WWE still exists and when 2024 arrives, so will the MJF era in WWE.
MJF already been a employee of WWE.
depending on how cody is treated in wwe this time round, I think it will have an impact on where mjf goes in 2024 since they’re good friends
PG MJF will be boring AF
@@woottdka5727 then don’t watch and if stone cold can do it mjf can
You realize that WWE would never let him just be a heel in interview and meetings with fans. That's unacceptable to them. The man berates every child that comes up to him and tells parents they should have worn a rubber. No way that will happen if he signs for WWE. I hope he's not just going for money because no way he gets to be as great as he is right now
It'll be Cody with Triple H on his side vs Seth Rollins with Vince on his side, Wrestlemania main event 🔥
I doubt MJF goes to WWE. I bet he'd consider it but wouldn't think he leaves AEW, he loves it there and is treated *very* well.
MJF and Roman are saving wrestling
I really hope MJF doesn't sign with the WWE. I understand it's big money but they'd just ruin him with their PG bullsh*t.
What I love about this interview, you can see very little of the real MJF come out, not alot, but enough to keep us wondering what's real.
MJF keeping kayfabe alive, I love it
Genuinely already top 3 wrestling interview I’ve watched/listened to
This is a fantastic interview. I'm a huge fan of MJF! He totally gets the business, and he knows how to stand out in all the right ways.
Whether ya like him or not he’s got some big money coming his way in 24. He’s a great heel man. He really is the whole package. Not to many can be verbal assassins on the mic. It’s a rare group that have top notch mic skills and MJF is in that group. Good for him man. This is the definition of chasing your dream. He did everything the way you should to be truly successful. I really hope Tony Khan keeps him.
Ever watch an interview and ask yourself, "damn I really wish the interviewer would've asked _____ and _____"?
You won't w/ this interview. Subscribed
This Guest is better than all of us and WE KNOW IT.
My favorite wrestler in AEW is MJF, he’s a great talker and makes me feel emotions in his promos! The best pro wrestler, MJF!
Mjf is probably the greatest character in pro wrestling of the past 15-20 yrs, his commitment to the character in interviews and outside at signings is awesome! The greatest heel since Piper in the 80s
LMAOOOOO
As a lifelong wrestling fan this young man gets the business and it makes me excited for the future!
that was great interview to watch .. Thank You .. 🙌🏻
One thing I do respect about him is he likes the traditional wrestling not the indie flippy shit that all the fans today think is so amazing. Not many young guys in the business today respect the old school wrestling
hmmm it's interesting then that multiples times during that interview he puts over Darby Allin a dude who IS very much a spot fest kinda wrestler right now.
Not once, multiple times he puts him over.
@@vientyoungho5907 I think because Darby is good at it. His dives look lethal, the bumps he takes are impressive. The guy is also like 150 lbs so it only makes sense that he uses these high risk moves to his advantage against bigger guys.
Him and Daniel Garcia are the entire future , great technically skills and ofoxurse great with promos
@@jackhughes7637 I think Darby is becoming a well rounded wrestler. He can do the bumps, but can also slow it down if needed.
@@fehner27 Absolutely
MJF is a American treasure.
MjF, treats his parents the way Cartman treats his mom.
This guy is fkn great as a heel.
Can not believe mjf is 26, wow, im 3years older than mjf, wow, xpac Chris Jericho cage match, no mercy 98 I believe, might be wrong with year but that was my first match and that got me hooked, mankind and undertaker hell in a cell, no wonder he wanted to become a pro wrestler :)
This guy is drawing my interest back into pro wrestling. I haven't really watched anything since the attitude era (with the exception of Punk) but he's really entertaining. He needs to stay away from WWE though as they'll wreck his character in no time.
It’s 2022 and this guy never breaks kayfabe. It’s freaking great I love it.
The biggest dirtbag heel against one of the most savvy interviewers in the game right now. This should be absolutely fun.
2 compliments i am psyched this oughta be great!
*The biggest dirtbag heel against one of the most savvy pro wrestlers in the game right now.
36vg
The banter between U two at the start , fkn brilliant, good work to both U, great interview
Good interview. MJF and Eddie Kingston are the best talkers IMO
I've watched all the MJF interviews and this one was my favorite
I can listen to MJF all day. I love the fact he can potentially have another two decades in the business.
Moves don't make money, emotions are.
What a pure old school wisdom.
Holy shit this is going to be fucking spectacular
Accidentally watched the whole thing. Perfection.
MJF is without a doubt the best out there right now and one of the GOATs. I’m so glad he’s in aew where he can shine.
Top 5 heels in the past 20 yrs . Maybe number 1 or 2 . Outta him and randy & edge I guess . I can’t think of anyone else that’s as good a heel as those guys .
I watched the territories when I was a kid aswell, this interview sold me even more on MJF
46:00 - I've agreed with this general point for years. Hulk Hogan made millions of people cheer with a moveset that seems horribly boring on paper. Now you have people doing stuff in real life that an action movie would require 10 stunt coordinators to do with wires and pads, and barely getting any reaction. It's why I still love going back to matches from ages ago like the Harts vs the Brainbusters because Bret Hart and Arn Anderson's subtle, logical moves now seem fresher to me than insane acrobatic athleticism.
Never watched one of your videos but you handled MJF well which is not easy lol
loved this interview 🔥🔥🔥
🆚🆚☯️☯️☯️🇺🇸
One of the better interviews of him where he blends real life and kayfabe in answering questions. No one does being a jerk and giving praise and respect to the industry better than MJF. 😂
MJF is my favorite part of AEW since it started in 2019
Funny how Cody know the details of all the contracts in AEW. A very valuable asset.
This was a great interview. MJF was actually cooperative in this one lol.
Never clicked faster. Thank you for getting MJF.