Highlights
- MJF's rumored potential to join WWE at the Royal Rumble has resulted in high betting odds for his win, despite not being confirmed as a WWE roster member.
- MJF's odds place him ahead of respected wrestlers like Sami Zayn, Solo Sikoa, and even Brock Lesnar.
- Due to uncertainties surrounding MJF's contract status with AEW and his injuries, the likelihood of him winning the Royal Rumble seems low, making it a risky bet.
Fans might be surprised to learn that MJF is not only rumored to potentially join WWE at the Royal Rumble, but BetOnline has unveiled betting odds for that to happen and the odds are quite high. With the upcoming 2024 WWE Royal Rumble just around the corner, and one of AEW's top stars, Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF), has been placed at +1000 to win the men's Rumble match.
This places MJF as the seventh most likely contender to win, sharing the spot with Drew McIntyre and Jey Uso. The fact that he's got such high odds without even being confirmed as a member of the WWE roster is quite intriguing. Even more fascinating, the odds position MJF ahead of renowned wrestlers like Sami Zayn, Solo Sikoa, and even Brock Lesnar.
The current frontrunners are CM Punk at +150, Gunther at +300, and Cody Rhodes at +400.
MJF, is the former AEW World Champion. He recently dropped his title to Samoa Joe at AEW Worlds End and with reports his contract has officially ended, fans aren't sure where he'll next show up. Although reports suggest he is supposed to take some time off, speculation surrounds his contract status with AEW and the possibility of a jump to WWE. AEW removed MJF from the roster page and AEW President and CEO Tony Khan did praise the star's contributions when asked. Some believe this is all just a work. Others think MJF is jumping ship.
If his AEW contract did, in fact, expire on January 1, depending on the non-compete clause he's signed, he could show up at the Rumble.
As of now, only five participants have been officially announced for the Royal Rumble match, including CM Punk, Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre, and former winners Cody Rhodes and Shinsuke Nakamura. The event is scheduled to take place at Tropicana Field in Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida, on January 27.
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The Royal Rumble is typically full of big surprises. This year's should be no different with three names already rumored to return.Is MJF Really A Strong Option To Win?
MJF's future with AEW remains uncertain and the fact that both CM Punk and Cody Rhodes are in the match means the odds of MJF winning, even if he shows up are low. Not to mention, he is dealing with a torn labrum in his shoulder and a hip injury, the severity of these injuries of which are not entirely clear.
At the very least, there are major questions about him making the jump and being able to compete if he's technically allowed to do so. This is probably not a wise bet, but stranger things have happened in professional wrestling.
