MJFs name has never been far from controversy, but 2025 might be the year the Salt of the Earth turns things aroundat least backstage. After years of being involved in multiple locker room incidents, the 29-year-old AEW star is said to have worked hard on his image among peers in recent months.
According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Selects Q&A, MJFs backstage reputation has taken a major step forward over the last year, especially after a stretch when he was reportedly seen in a less-than-flattering light behind the scenes.
This comes after months of fallout from his reported backstage confrontation with Britt Baker in August 2024. The incident, which stemmed from Bakers comments about MJF and his girlfriend Alicia Atout, exploded into AEW locker room drama. MJF allegedly punched a wall in frustration backstage, leading to an internal investigation and a brief suspension for Baker.
While speaking to Cultaholic Wrestlings Jack King after the drama had circulated, MJF denied the situation happened the way it was reported.
He added that backstage friction is normal in wrestling and accused certain outlets of inflating the story for clicks.
Still, not everyone in AEW was happy. Multiple reports claimed that talent were angry MJF didnt face any real punishment, while Britt Baker returned to television without public mention of the situation.
Since then, however, it appears MJF has changed course. Once labeled difficult, the former AEW Champion is now apparently earning respect behind the curtain. Whether its maturity, awareness, or just good PR, MJF is on a mission to shift how hes viewed in the locker roomsomething his critics may not have expected this time last year.
Do you think MJF has truly changed behind the scenes in AEW? Or is this all part of managing his public image? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know what you think.
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