MJF: AEW & WWE Locker Rooms Have No Bad Blood | Wrestling News

The often-heated rivalry between fans of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) may be largely performative, according to AEW World Champion MJF. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone Australia, MJF asserted that a significant degree of professional respect exists between wrestlers across different promotions, contradicting the intense “tribalism” frequently displayed by fans online.

Beyond the Social Media Noise

MJF specifically cited wrestlers like Adam Copeland, Jon Moxley, CM Punk, and Cody Rhodes as examples, stating they are focused on finding stable professional opportunities rather than harboring animosity toward rival companies. He directly stated, “They’re just looking for a place to hang their hat.” He emphasized that, “there’s no bad blood between the boys in the companies. It just doesn’t exist.”

A Healthier Ecosystem for Performers

While acknowledging that wrestlers may prioritize different factors – such as creative control versus financial compensation – MJF believes the increased competition within professional wrestling has ultimately benefited performers. He noted that the emergence of AEW as an alternative to WWE and other promotions like TNA and MLW has compelled those companies to increase salaries to retain talent.

Did You Know? AEW’s upcoming tour includes Grand Slam Australia 2026 in Sydney on February 14.

Expert Insight: The comments from MJF suggest a pragmatic reality within the professional wrestling industry, where performers often prioritize career stability and financial security over manufactured rivalries. This dynamic highlights the business considerations that underpin the entertainment value presented to fans.

MJF explicitly stated he “doesn’t care about the fans” in this context, but framed the increased options for wrestlers as a positive development. He believes AEW’s arrival forced established promotions to reassess their talent compensation strategies.

What Could Happen Next

If MJF’s assessment of the locker room dynamic is accurate, we could see continued movement of talent between AEW, WWE, TNA, and MLW. A possible next step is increased collaboration or cross-promotional events, though this is speculative. It is also likely that the competitive pressure will continue to drive up salaries and improve working conditions for wrestlers across all promotions. However, the intensity of fan-driven rivalries is unlikely to diminish, regardless of the relationships between performers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did MJF say about the relationship between wrestlers in different companies?

MJF stated that there is “no bad blood” between wrestlers in rival companies like AEW and WWE, and that the animosity is largely confined to fans online.

According to MJF, what are some of the factors wrestlers consider when choosing a promotion?

MJF noted that some wrestlers prioritize creative freedom, while others prioritize financial compensation.

What event was mentioned in connection with AEW’s upcoming tour?

Grand Slam Australia 2026 in Sydney on February 14 was specifically mentioned as part of AEW’s tour.

How do you think the dynamic between wrestlers and fans impacts the presentation of professional wrestling as a whole?