Since his last appearance at AEW’s World’s End PPV in December 2023, fans have been waiting for MJF to return. He faced Samoa Joe at the PPV for the AEW World title. Not only did he lose the title, but it was revealed that the masked figure, The Devil, was his best friend, Adam Cole. Broken and hurt, MJF had to be sidelined to recover.
While talks of him jumping ship to WWE persisted, the Salt of The Earth returned at AEW’s Double or Nothing in Las Vegas. However, fans noticed something related to WWE in his return. WWE stars like Cody Rhodes and John Cena hinted that the WWE was interested in MJF. After losing the title and being injured, fans speculated that he would jump ship.
However, he returned triumphantly, took out his old friend, and cut a passionate promo, claiming he would never leave. Unfortunately, his choice of attire for his return got more attention than his promo. Dressed in a Demin jacket with black sleeves, he looked like a spitting image of WWE’s Triple H.
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Hunter wore the same jacket when he returned after his injury in 2002. Fans were shocked when The Game’s theme hit on the RAW January 7, 2002, episode. The pop in the arena is still considered as one of the loudest in WWE’s history.
MJF is back AND HE'S GOING NOWHERE!
Order #AEWDoN on PPV right now!
💻: https://t.co/MpmTCyHt8n
🔗: https://t.co/GTkwK7GBIn@The_MJF pic.twitter.com/lrg0sliJlW— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 27, 2024
MJF’s choice of attire inspired fans to take to social media and post about the similarity. Whether this was intentional, as he namedropped WWE personnel or just luck, fans enjoyed it. MJF proceeded to cut a very passionate promo, which cleared the air that he was in AEW to stay.
Fans call out MJF for copying Triple H’s iconic look on social media
The biggest comparison was the jacket MJF chose to wear, which was similar to what HHH wore with the black sleeves and Denim vest.
MJF with the Triple H 2002 return fit#AEWDoN pic.twitter.com/5iwYF5rIYV
— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) May 27, 2024
When Hunter returned in 2002, fans were shocked to witness the drastic change in his physique, which fans considered the best he’d ever been. Similar to that, MJF looked more ripped than before.
MJF returning and rocking that Triple H 2002 jacket is CRAZY pic.twitter.com/B4ZoodUPml
— Prince 🌟👑 (@thwrestleprinxe) May 27, 2024
Meanwhile, many fans believed it was a tribute as MJF was also returning from an injury. He was last seen on AEW during World’s End event.
MJF is paying tribute to Triple H with his Jean leather jacket 😭😭😭 That man is truly a student of the game #AEWDoN pic.twitter.com/moyAVgZ885
— Public Enemies Podcast (@TheEnemiesPE3) May 27, 2024
While fans were excited to see the Salt of The Earth, the Triple H’s jacket was distracting for many. This allowed anti-AEW fans to call out the show for copying The Game’s iconic return.
MJF is back and he dresses like Triple H now! #AEWDoN pic.twitter.com/7o1u4S8WYV
— The Sportster (@WrestlingSheet) May 27, 2024
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However, hardcore wrestling fans were happy to see the callback to Hunter’s return. Whether this was planned or just a coincidence, it got fans talking.
It makes me happy to see #MJF dressed as Triple H when he came back from injury in 2002. #AEW #DoubleOrNothing pic.twitter.com/HfdaDVFcNI
— Gavin Sheehan (@TheGavinSheehan) May 27, 2024
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What did you think of MJF’s choice of attire? Did he copy Triple H or pay him a tribute? Tell us in the comments.