MJF Weighs In On Match With RUSH, Importance Of Having More Than One Person At the Top

MJF says that wrestling isn’t at its best when there’s only one person of importance at the top of the company. The AEW star is currently dealing with a crowded World Title scene, with a number of stars putting eyes on his title including Mark Briscoe, Andrade El Idolo, the Owen Hart Tournament competitors and more. Since he regained the title from Dabry Allin, the Salt of the Earth has had to deal with several would-be challengers including RUSH, who he faced on the June 3rd episode of AEW Dynamite.

MJF weighed in on his wrestling philosophies during an appearance on Shut Up and Wrestle with Brian Solomon. While talking about wrestling history, he noted that eras where there was just one person at the top and no one could get the torched passed to them were not his favorites. He pointed out the territory days when Ric Flair was facing guys in competitive matches that weren’t yet top-level guys. He noted that is one of the reasons AEW is so hot, as there are multiple people who can challenge him and that his competitive match with RUSH elevated the latter star. You can see the highlights below:

On the Importance of Talent Depth At the Top:

“I talked about this in an interview recently with Ariel Helwani. I think the best product is not a product where there’s only one figurehead and person of importance. The best product — now granted, don’t get me wrong, I am that guy, especially in this modern era. I move the needle for my company more than anybody else. However, if I’m watching a product where that ball can’t be passed, and I can’t have anyone else on top and there’s no time for anybody else, it’s boring. What am I watching for? I’m only investing in one guy? I’m only investing in the story of one guy on this, on this weekly episodic professional wrestling show? It’s boring.

“And again, that’s what made the territory so exciting. Yes, you had your 1-A guys, but you also had 1-B, 1-C, 1-D, 1-E, 1-F, 1-G. It was crazy, anyone could have been slotted in at any point. I mean, for crying out loud, some of my favorite Ric Flair matches were against guys who at that point in time had no right putting him to the limit or testing him. And those are some of the best matches I’ve ever seen in my life.”

On How That Factors In At AEW:

“Look, I knew going into my match against RUSH, I was going to get my f**king s**t kicked in. But I knew I wasn’t going to lose. I’m MJF. But am I worse for wear because I have a f**king competitive match up with this psychopath? I don’t think so. And you know what? Now when you put RUSH on TV, the next time you see him you believe in him more. Because he f**king put me to the limit. He did, he pushed me. He’s one sick bastard and he’s he’s got one nasty f**king corner dropkick that almost took my head off.

“So now the next time you put him on f**king TV, you’re going, ‘This guy could beat 1-B, 1-C, 1-D, 1-F. 1-E guy on the AEW roster. I’ve got to tune in.”

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit Shut Up and Wrestle with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.