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MJF is no doubt one of the most natural heels in professional wrestling, so to say he needs a face turn could sound ludicrous. However, with his current trajectory in AEW, and with the way his character has been presented, a babyface turn feels like the most logical and interesting direction. There is certainly an argument for and against someone as dastardly and unlikable as MJF being transitioned over to the good guy side, but if AEW does it correctly, he could become a huge babyface star in AEW, and it could even be key to keeping him signed to the company once his contract expires in 2024, with WWE eagerly awaiting the opportunity to bring him in.
MJF Has Been The Biggest Heel In AEW Since Day One
Ever since AEW began, MJF has been presented as the nastiest heel in the company, even if he hasn’t always been the number one bad guy in terms of position on the roster. Whilst the lines were blurred a little early on, with him aligned with Cody Rhodes, he quickly put any question of allegiance to bed when he turned on his friend. From there, MJF has consistently been the most vindictive, nefarious, and every other adjective with a negative connotation, person in AEW.
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Currently, he is set to go against AEW’s number one babyface, Jon Moxley, in the main event of the Full Gear PPV with the AEW World Championship on the line, in a rematch of their All Out 2020 clash. On paper, MJF cheating to win, reigning as the top heel in the promotion seems to be the easiest option. However, a clean win over Moxley should be the next step towards a definitive babyface turn for MJF, with the seeds already being planted.
AEW Has Added Incredible Depth To MJF’s Character
In MJF’s feud with CM Punk, some insight was given into why his character is the way it is. MJF was someone who was bullied when he was younger, with his solace coming when watching his hero, CM Punk. When Punk left WWE, MJF saw this as him walking out on all his fans and supporters too. This led MJF down a bad road, lighting a fire underneath him to do everything he could to make it in the business, even if that involved him being a bad person.
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Recently, some more backstory into the evil side of MJF has been explored. In a promo, he mentioned that he doesn’t necessarily like being the bad guy, but it is the only way he knows in order to achieve success. The week after, he faced off with William Regal, letting the world know a story in which Regal had promised that he would get him into WWE, only to turn around and tell him no, but for MJF to send him tapes of his work instead. After a few months, Regal sent MJF an email, telling him to only send tapes when he was a good enough performer.
MJF revealed that this email made him want to kill himself, further adding to the reasoning behind why he has become the person he is today. Less than a year ago, everything MJF has ever done and said felt indefensible, but with his recent character development, his entire persona tells a story of a broken individual who has allowed his demons to overcome someone who could potentially be a good person.
MJF Has Proven To Be Over With The AEW Fans As A Potential Babyface
Telling this story further, with MJF overcoming Jon Moxley in a clean fashion, finally earning a win, could ensure that he gains respect from the fans. It could also be the key which prompts the beginning of a major change in his outlook on life and how he carries himself. When he returned following a hiatus in 2022, the crowd welcomed him with a huge pop and a lot of support, which shows just how popular he could be as a babyface. No matter the bad things he has done, the fans can identify great work, and will show appreciation for that.
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MJF shouldn’t be a conventional babyface though, as that would be unrealistic. Anything that happens should be gradual, with MJF still carrying his attitude, but instead use it against everyone on the roster - not just babyfaces. The likes of Steve Austin weren’t pandering, and MJF can get over without being a smiling good guy who is courageous and good-willed. MJF can become his very own version of what a professional wrestling babyface looks and acts like. With him having so much momentum, AEW needs to trial him as a babyface whilst the iron is hot. Of course, it may not work, but there may be no easier individual to turn heel once again if necessary.
