In a jaw-dropping moment on the December 17, 2025 edition of AEW Dynamite & Collision: Holiday Bash, Maxwell Jacob Friedman—better known to fans as MJF—made one of the most explosive returns of the year, instantly shaking up the AEW World Championship picture and sending shockwaves through the wrestling world.
The three-hour special from Co-op Live in Manchester, England was already building steam with exciting matches and tournament action, but nothing compared to the moment when the lights dimmed and MJF’s theme hit the arena to a massive pop from the crowd. The former AEW World Champion interrupted a contract signing segment that was set up to officially announce a Triple Threat for the AEW World Championship at Worlds End.
In the ring were Samoa Joe (the reigning champion), “Hangman” Adam Page, and Swerve Strickland, each poised to compete for AEW’s top prize. Just as the contract signing seemed set to conclude, MJF strode in, Casino Gauntlet contract in hand, and dropped a bombshell—he was cashing in his guaranteed World Title shot that he earned by winning the Casino Gauntlet at All In: Texas.
That’s right — instead of waiting for a one-on-one title match, MJF made the bold decision to add himself to the main event, instantly transforming the scheduled Triple Threat into a Fatal Four-Way for the AEW World Title at Worlds End. This surprise move set the stage for one of the most unpredictable main events AEW has booked this year.
🎤 MJF’s Promo of the Night
Once in the ring, MJF grabbed the microphone and unleashed a fiery promo—classic MJF style. He explained that he chose to face three opponents instead of one not out of arrogance, but to send a clear message. In his words, he wanted to prove Hangman Page wrong after Page had previously called him a coward, and to make sure all his rivals feel his pain at once.
MJF didn’t stop there. He directly addressed Samoa Joe, reminding him (and the crowd) of their history—specifically how Joe ended MJF’s previous AEW World Title reign at Worlds End 2023. He promised revenge. He then roasted Swerve Strickland with cutting humor and character jabs, asserting this was his house and that the “rent was due.” It was classic, cocky MJF at his best—sharp, unapologetic, and utterly confident.
🤼 What This Means for AEW Worlds End
With MJF’s addition, the AEW World Title match at Worlds End 2025 is now one of the most stacked in recent memory. Samoa Joe (c) will defend against three of AEW’s brightest stars: Hangman Page, Swerve Strickland, and now MJF. Fans are left buzzing with questions:
Will MJF finally reclaim the gold and silence his doubters?
Can Hangman continue his championship run against overwhelming odds?
Will Joe’s reign survive the chaos?
This epic return has instantly become one of the standout moments of the AEW calendar, blending star power, intense rivalry, and unpredictable storytelling—exactly what fans crave. One thing’s for sure: as Worlds End approaches on December 27, 2025, the world will be watching to see who walks out as AEW World Champion. 🔥💥
