Tony Khan Says MJF Has Been Battling Through Injuries In 2026
Tony Khan praised MJF’s 2026 performance despite his injury struggles.
Maxwell Jacob Friedman has undeniably been one of, if not the biggest, MVPs of All Elite Wrestling in 2026 so far. However, since losing the AEW World Championship to Kenny Omega at Beach Break on July 8, the former champion has been absent from television.
During the AEW Redemption Media Call, Tony Khan implied that MJF’s absence has been planned, while also noting that he has earned some time away after dealing with injuries throughout the year.
“He’s definitely been through a lot of matches. That’s what’s tremendous about having such a strong roster of wrestlers. Being able to not have to pressure them because we want to extend these wrestlers’ careers, and in the case of an MJF, that’s somebody that I hope is wrestling for decades and decades at a very top level. He’s a very young man, and he’s had some major injuries this year that he’s been fighting through as a credit to him. I think it speaks highly of MJF. So in MJF’s case, I absolutely think he’s been one of the great things about AEW in 2026, and I’m looking forward to MJF’s return to AEW when he’s back, which he will be back very soon, I’m sure. And I’m grateful that the injuries he’s sustained are nothing that would keep him out really, really long term. Because as you know, there are other times in the sport contrary to this where people have injuries and they can alter careers sometimes. So I’m glad he’s going to be okay because he’s a very important wrestler in AEW.”
-Tony Khan
Khan’s comments suggest that MJF is recovering well from his injuries and is expected to return to AEW television soon. With AEW All In: London taking place next month and representing the biggest event on the company’s pay-per-view calendar, it would make sense for MJF to play a major role on the show.
What MJF will do at AEW All In: London remains unclear, however. He will not be challenging for the AEW World Championship, as Will Ospreay has already secured his place in the title match regardless of who holds the championship. MJF does still have an ongoing feud with Andrade El Idolo that has been put on hold, which could potentially resume at All In: London or the upcoming AEW Grand Slam: Mexico event.
Either way, MJF is expected to return to AEW television soon and will undoubtedly look to make an immediate impact after losing his third reign as AEW World Champion.
Elsewhere during the media call, Tony Khan provided an update on the current status of both Swerve Strickland and “Hangman” Adam Page. You can read more about that here.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on MJF’s absence from AEW TV as soon as we hear more.
If you use any of the quotes above, please credit the original source with a h/t and link back to WrestlePurists.com for the transcription.
