![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/MJF-and-Tony-Khan.jpeg?width=600)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/MJF-and-Tony-Khan.jpeg?width=600)
MJF is reportedly drifting away from Tony Khan’s wrestling promotion. There were several signs of him leaving AEW. One of them was his name being removed from the roster page on the website. The most obvious destination that he could have arrived at after walking out of AEW was WWE, given the rumors that there were bidding wars between the two companies to acquire Friedman.
Now, the Stamford-based company went as far as to feature MJF on a virtual display on SmackDown 05/10. The wrestler’s feature wasn’t there for in-ring action, but was interesting to spot, regardless.
MJF partners up with Tony Khan’s rivals
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WWE advertises different shows, movies, and games to draw extra revenue from its popularity. The advertisement on Friday Night SmackDown included the Silver-Tongued Devil. Although it didn’t show Friedman in his wrestling gear, he was featured in another upcoming project related to combat sports.
Along with being the executive producer of the sports biopic, MJF also placed Lance Von Erich of the Von Erich brothers in the film The Iron Claw. The movie was released in late 2023 and is now finally coming to HBO Max, which WWE was tasked with promoting during SmackDown.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/mjf-2-1.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
During the show, fans streaming from home caught a glimpse of The Iron Claw on the virtual big screen, announcing its HBO Max arrival. On the poster of the film, we could see MJF posing as Lance alongside Zac Effron, who played the lead as Kevin Von Erich.
Since the former AEW World Champion had two significant roles to play in the movie, one as an actor and another as the executive producer, fans started taking this as a hint that he may be WWE-bound after all.
Fans want MJF to leave Tony Khan behind and join WWE
The majority of the fan sentiment since the beginning of these rumors has been in support of the AEW star joining Triple H’s side. Furthermore, after this advertisement, this can be seen growing stronger. Although WWE often re-features its former employees in video packages, fans are taking this to be a sure sign of the top talent’s signing.
This fan noticed a familiar wrestler’s face on the big poster as it was uploaded to ‘X’. Although they didn’t conclude anything with it, the excitement and the inserted emojis suggest that they are trying to connect the dots.
mjf is in it👀👀👀
— The Rink General Slafer (@TRGSlafer) May 11, 2024
The advertisement took place when Carmelo Hayes and Baron Corbin’s match was on the card. We can see someone correcting the uploader’s facts to give things an interesting angle.
Sponsored by MJF’s movie.
— Erik CastiIIo (@ErikCastiIIo) May 11, 2024
In technical terms, fans are not wrong for putting this into perspective. Despite not being a gimmick appearance, it would still be called an ‘appearance’ nonetheless.
#SmackDown advertising #IronClaw. MJF technically making an appearance on #WWE tv. 👀👀👀https://t.co/5WjjEEfM49
— Justin Speece (@justinmspeece) May 11, 2024
After the popular ‘All Elite’ motto, wrestling fans have seemed to have come up with something similar for the Stamford-based company’s recruitment as well.
MJF A WWE 😱#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/dwACdD5ehG
— Pichichi (@OwenEscobar18) May 11, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
There have been many signs in the past that Tony Khan will lose MJF from his roster. As Friedman’s contract is also reportedly ending with AEW, this advertisement may also be a hint.
WWE advertising The Iron Claw on HBO Max, a movie that MJF produced, MJF to WWE confirmed #SmackDown
— connor goebel (@goebsy_goebel) May 11, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Without official announcements, it is difficult to predict whether MJF has signed with WWE or not. However, if their marketing team is strict about featuring other promotion’s faces, then it could be good news for fans.
Do you take this to be a sign of MJF’s return to the promotion? Share your thoughts below.