MJF’s future with AEW is uncertain. His contract expired on January 1st, and he’s been absent from TV and the roster page since. While Tony Khan hasn’t confirmed his status, speculation swirls about a move to WWE, a storyline return, or a long-term injury. While the official reason given for his absence is an injury, only time will tell what’s next for the Salt of the Earth. But how will his absence affect Tony Khan and AEW?

Three ways in which MJF’s absence will affect AEW

1. The biggest star of 2023: MJF was perhaps AEW’s biggest homegrown star with the potential to take the company to new heights. He was the AEW World Champion throughout all of 2023, only to lose his Championship to Samoa Joe during the last days of the year. He went on to main event many PPVs including All In and World’s End, the last show of the year. Can Tony Khan elevate someone else to that level?

2. Major stars sidelined: Tony Khan has a plethora of superstars in his roster who can be elevated to the main event scene in an instant. But a few of them are nursing their injuries or sidelined due to health issues. While Kenny Omega is battling illness, Daniel Bryan is sidelined due to injury. Who will be MJF’s replacement under Tony Khan?

3. Build in-house talent: Tony Khan may have to look for a main event-level replacement for MJF. Given his reputation in hiring talent, he may switch to some ex-WWE talent. But would that be a good idea? It will only stack up AEW’s roster with more talents creating more troubles, especially considering that most of the talent already on the roster have not been built up as much as they’d like to, like Edge.

Read more: “He’s Never Coming Back”: AEW Top Star Drops Shocking Update on MJF After Tony Khan’s Silence on His Future at Worlds End

But what’s the issue with MJF? Why will he be absent from AEW despite a ground-breaking 2023?

Rumors surround MJF’s exit from AEW

There are multiple reasons behind the exit of MJF. As per the kayfabe storyline, a surprising attack from The Devil or Adam Cole has hurt him, emotionally and physically. However, backstage reports are not too far from the kayfabe.

Renowned Wrestling Journalist Dave Meltzer said on WOR, “MJF’s shoulder is legitimately hurt. He’s either going to have to rehab the shoulder, or he may need surgery and just judging from how severe the injury was, it would put him out for quite a while.” Hence, fans can expect a small hiatus from MJF while Adam Cole and Samoa Joe occupy the top position.

What will you miss about MJF in AEW?

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