Highlights
- MJF's reign as AEW World Champion was the most noteworthy and history-making in the promotion's history.
- AEW has struggled with their world champions in the past, but MJF didn't take a backseat like some previous champions.
- MJF's matches as champion were tremendous, showcasing his versatility and establishing him as one of the best in-ring talents in the world.
MJF’s time as the AEW World Champion is now over after dropping the gold to Samoa Joe at the Worlds End PPV. After a reign of over one whole year, MJF became so beaten up and tormented on multiple fronts by his enemies that it all became too much and he lost the title. With a new titleholder, it now gives fans the chance to look back on MJF’s reign with a critical eye. It might not have been all perfect, but his reign was the most noteworthy, history-making, and jam-packed out of any other world champion in AEW history. Whether it be storylines, matches, or moments, MJF has cemented himself as the best AEW World Champion to date.
MJF Felt Like AEW’s Biggest Star As Champion
AEW Have Sometimes Struggled With Their World Champions
- The likes of Adam Page, Jon Moxley, and CM Punk didn’t have great AEW World Title reigns recently
- MJF didn’t take a backseat like some former champions
There was a lot of pressure on MJF’s shoulders when he became AEW Champion. The aftermath of Brawl Out and unsatisfying reigns from Adam Page, CM Punk, and Jon Moxley was burdening the world title picture, so he had a lot to live up to. Even the first month of his reign was awkward due to the status of William Regal, who left AEW despite initially helping MJF win the belt. However, when MJF finally got going, he didn’t slow down. Unlike some other champions, AEW presented MJF as “the guy”, with him positioned in top roles on every show he was on, in prominent segments, and well built matches.
AEW’s 2023 Was Not As Bad As Fans Think
2023 saw AEW take a lot of criticism for the company's direction and booking decisions, but from MJF to Toni Storm, it was also a year of big success.The feud with Ricky Starks showed that MJF could elevate others whilst also still propping himself up, even adding unpredictability to a match that was super predictable. He only continued hitting stride after stride from there, all the while feeling like the biggest star. In a company that has more prominent names with a lot of history like Chris Jericho, Sting, Jon Moxley, and Bryan Danielson, no one in AEW surpassed MJF in 2023 in terms of star power. No other AEW World Champion has been on this level when it comes to carrying the company and being the best thing on TV each and every week.
MJF’s AEW World Title Matches Have Been Tremendous
MJF Faced The Likes Of Adam Cole, Kenny Omega, And Jay White
MJF AEW World Title Defences | Event |
|---|---|
MJF vs. Ricky Starks | Dynamite: Winter Is Coming 2022 |
MJF vs. Bryan Danielson (Iron Man) | Revolution 2023 |
MJF vs. Jack Perry vs. Darby Allin vs. Sammy Guevara | Double or Nothing 2023 |
MJF vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi | Forbidden Door 2023 |
MJF vs. Ethan Page | Collision 07/01/2023 |
MJF vs. Adam Cole | All In 2023 |
MJF vs. Samoa Joe | Dynamite: Grand Slam 2023 |
MJF vs. Kenny Omega | Collision 10/28/2023 |
MJF vs. Daniel Garcia | Dynamite 11/08/2023 |
MJF vs. Jay White | Full Gear 2023 |
MJF vs. Samoa Joe | Worlds End 2023 |
AEW’s biggest drawing point is their consistent quality in the ring, bringing the best wrestling in the world to TV and PPV all year round. MJF really stood out during his reign as someone who could work a variety of styles with different people, and it brought him the reputation of not only being one of the best characters, but also the best in-ring talents in the world today. Whether it be in his singles matches as a heel or babyface or in tag team action, MJF has continued to shock fans with what he can do between the ropes. He can get anything over, he has so much in his arsenal that he reveals gradually, and everything he does feels authentic.
TheSportster's 10 Best AEW Matches Of 2023, Ranked
While AEW had some bumps along the road in 2023, the promotion was still able to put on some excellent matches.MJF’s list of matches throughout this reign is ridiculously impressive. The Iron Man match with Bryan Danielson was arguably AEW’s best match of the year, the Four Pillars Four Way was electrifying, MJF helped to carry a struggling Hiroshi Tanahashi to a fun match, the main event of All In with Adam Cole managed to achieve its lofty expectations under intense pressure, his random TV match with Kenny Omega was incredible, and despite some criticism, his match with Jay White is underrated. Only the likes of Bryan Danielson have been able to touch how consistent MJF has been in the ring in 2023.
MJF Went From A Babyface To A Heel
MJF Survived Questionable Booking In AEW
- MJF’s transition from heel to babyface was masterful
- Storylines with Bryan Danielson, Ricky Starks, and Adam Cole delivered
As great as MJF’s wrestling skills have been, he has stood out more as a character. This title reign has seen the most despicable and hated heel in AEW become the most over and beloved babyface in the company, almost seamlessly. This is a testament to just how incredible MJF has been during his time as AEW World Champion. The friendship he shared with Adam Cole has made for some stirring television, and the rest of his feuds have all had their positives too.
Why AEW Worlds End Was The Company’s Worst PPV Ever
Despite big matches and the reveal of the Devil, Worlds End is the lowest rated and most disappointing show in AEW history.One of the biggest reasons as to why MJF’s title reign is the best of any world champion in AEW is simply due to how memorable it has been. There have been so many world-class matches, historic moments, and the development of a tremendously nuanced character. There isn’t a title reign in AEW which has been as busy, notable, and important as MJF’s.
