Every week, I find myself less amused by the kosher pickle jokes and increasingly skeptical of MJF’s performance.
In a recent segment on "AEW Dynamite," MJF and Mark Briscoe faced off, with Briscoe’s body shaming intertwining with MJF’s jabs at his rivals, Mumble and Bumble, culminating in the provocative mention of Boom: Dead Brother. As Briscoe approached the ring looking to confront MJF, he made yet another kosher pickle joke, eliciting forced laughter and leaving me feeling disappointed.
MJF launched into a biting tirade, belittling Briscoe’s achievements and labeling him as a beloved underdog. He expressed doubt that Briscoe could ever become a "top guy" in AEW, evoking memories of his past heel persona. For a brief moment, it felt like we were witnessing Prime MJF, the ruthless competitor who dismantles his opponents on the mic. However, he quickly resorted to the same stale dead brother quip that felt slapped together, leaving me exasperated.
While I’m not a fan of MJF, I must acknowledge his talent as a compelling figure in wrestling. His heel persona deserves recognition, yet his recent performances lack the sharpness that made him stand out. It feels as though MJF has shifted from needing to dominate storylines to merely trying to keep pace, which makes his recent decline all the more disheartening.
Although I don’t like MJF, I wish to see him at his best. Unfortunately, it’s clear he has far to go before returning to form.
Fan Take: MJF’s struggles resonate with wrestling fans as they highlight the need for creativity and authenticity in storylines. If he can reclaim his former glory, it could reinvigorate not just his character but also boost the overall excitement in AEW.
