Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) is the AEW World Champion now, having won the title from Jon Moxley at AEW Full Gear that just concluded.
The victory wasn’t clean though, as he received some major help from William Regal. Regal betrayed his friend from Blackpool Combat Club, Moxley, and turned heel in the process.
MJF returned back to action at AEW All Out PPV after a hiatus from AEW since making harsh comments against AEW President Tony Khan. At the PPV he hired The Firm to get him the victory in the Casino Ladder Match. He earned himself an opportunity for a future AEW World Championship shot any time. Friedman entered dressed as a mystery joker and they handed him the winning giant poker chip. He later revealed himself as MJF at All Out.
CM Punk wins the AEW World Championship. After the match, the Joker is revealed to be MJF. He's coming back for the championship #AEWAllOut pic.twitter.com/CsRvuy7WyP
Advertisement— Lorenzo Dozier / Team Awesome (@TeamAwesome418) September 5, 2022
After CM Punk had to relinquish the title following his injury and backstage brawl, Moxley became the World Champion again. He defeated Bryan Danielson at AEW Grand Slam to become a 3 time world champion. The opportunity that MJF had after winning the Casino Ladder match, was similar to WWE’s Money In The Bank contract. He could cash it in at any moment and people expected him to do it on a beaten and battered Moxley. However, William Regal talked him out of it and MJF announced that he will use the opportunity at Full Gear.
The main event match was intense and when the referee was knocked down, MJF wanted to use the Dynamite Diamond Ring on Moxley but Regal stopped him. Moxley locked him in a Bulldog Choke, making him tap but the second referee was out of action too. Regal asked Moxley to involve the first referee, who was regaining consciousness. As Moxley went to the referee, Regal slid his signature brass knuckles to Friedman. MJF put them on and punched Mox in the face, knocking him out and pinning him for the win.
Wait, what just happened?
Watch #AEWFullGear LIVE on PPV right now
🔗https://t.co/ufkkXQTkk6 pic.twitter.com/YnqHgrmS3JAdvertisement— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) November 20, 2022
He has become the AEW World Champion for the first time.
