MJF says that in a fake world, he's more real than anyone, and people gravitate to that authenticity.
Especially since he signed with AEW in 2019, MJF has been renowned for his character work and his promo skills. He has become one of the company's top stars, and he often delivers memorable segments that often include cutting shots at other wrestlers. MJF is also viewed as someone who constantly lives his gimmick, even when he's not on AEW programming.
Speaking with Anne Victoria Clark of Vulture, MJF was asked whether he's ever thought about taking on another kind of on-screen character, and he emphasized that he's not a gimmick, unlike many people in the wrestling industry and beyond.
"That’s the thing. I’m not one. There’s so many people that are gimmicks — and I’m not just talking about in the wrestling industry. I’m talking about in the real world. Politicians are gimmicks, man. Some actors are. Some athletes are. Football players. Baseball players. UFC fighters. Like I said, I think the reason that I have such an animalistic magnetism to wrestling fans is because it’s very obviously me," MJF said.
When asked, MJF made it clear that he doesn't worry about being too honest, and there's not a line he won't cross. He stated that fans love him because he speaks his mind at a time when everyone else is scared to do that.
"No. Not even a little bit. I think the reason why I’m so freaking cool and super-humble and super-rad and super-beloved by everyone that comes across my path is because, right now, we live in an era in 2022 where everybody is terrified to speak their mind. I think the biggest mistake anybody can make is putting stock in what people have to say that you wouldn’t go to for an opinion. I’m not calling the guy who has an egg profile on Twitter that just tweeted out, “Oh, I don’t think I like the way MJF wears his scarfs.” There’s no part of me that’s like, Damn, I need to call @WetWillie6969 and ask him his opinion on my scarves," MJF said.
The Dynamite Diamond Ring winner noted that people tend to constantly talk about how good he is, and this frequent praise could make him egotistical if he read every one of these comments, but that's why he steps away from his phone sometimes.
"I think that’s a big issue with my generation. If I read every single positive thing people had to say about me, I would be the most egotistical person in the world, because people are nonstop talking about how I’m the greatest professional wrestler of all time, so you just have to walk away from your phone every now and then," MJF said.
When asked if he's conscious of the way that the audience might love the way his honesty can be painful, MJF emphasized that people enjoy authenticity, and it's the name of the game. He then stated that he's more real than anybody.
"Again, I just think people love authenticity, and I think the name of the game is authenticity. In a fake world, people want to see real people, and there’s nobody realer than me," he said.
MJF will challenge Jon Moxley for the AEW World Championship at AEW Full Gear. Check out the card here.
Wardlow recently stated that he doesn't think MJF has changed, and he'll need to cheat to beat Moxley. Click here to see what he had to say.
In a recent interview, MJF commented on his AEW contract status. More information is available here.
