Top Star Says Signing With AEW Over WWE Was A ‘No-Brainer’

AEW/WWE

A top star has recalled his decision to sign with AEW over WWE in 2019, calling the decision a “no-brainer.”

In AEW’s seven years of existence, MJF easily ranks as one of the company’s biggest success stories – with the Long Island native arriving in the company in his early 20s, and going on to become a two-time AEW World Champion as well as achieve breakout success in Hollywood as an actor.

Before he arrived in AEW however, MJF underwent a tryout for WWE and worked as an extra in the company – with the 29-year-old recently confirming that he turned down an offer to sign with WWE before joining AEW in 2019.

During his appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, MJF further addressed his decision to join AEW, saying he felt as if he’d have had “more of a leash” in WWE:

“When I talked to Tony Khan for the first time, we were on the phone together for two hours. Two hours with a kid who was 22 turning 23 and all we did was discuss the territories and our love of territory professional wrestling.

“It was a no-brainer for me. I know I would have been successful if I went over there. I know I’d be successful if I go over there now, that’s why they’re still interested in me. I respect what they’re doing, I respect their product.

“I’m not going to take that away from them, but I knew I would have a better opportunity, and I would be given more of a leash.

“Now there’s no leash at all because I’m just stupidly over and I just do whatever the hell I want, but I know I’d be given more of a leash based on the way my now boss was talking about what his vision is for professional wrestling.”

MJF is set to defend his AEW World Championship against Brody King this Saturday at AEW Grand Slam Australia, with the winner of that match then defending the title against either “Hangman” Adam Page or Andrade El Idolo.

For more comments from MJF regarding WWE’s current interest in him follow this link here.