MJF Explains His Beatdown of Bandido: ‘The Boy Needed To Be Humbled’

During a recent interview with Down Under the Ring’s Phid McAwesome for Fightful, AEW World Champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) addressed his recent beatdown on Bandido following their title bout on the Jan. 14 edition of AEW Dynamite. In the main event of the Maximum Carnage episode, MJF beat Bandido in the main event after a referee stoppage.

According to MJF, he attacked Bandido after the match because the wrestler “needed to be humbled.” MJF also shared his thoughts on potential title contenders and why fans continue supporting them even though he constantly insults and trashes them. Below are some highlights:

MJF on Why He Beat Up Bandido”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Here’s the thing. I’ve already beaten him. I already beat him in a match. What I wanted to do was give him his kudos. Hey, I do think you’re going to be a world champion one day. But there’s no way you’re getting that title from me. And to top it off, I needed to humble him a little bit. That’s why I put a beating on him. Not because I’m not cuz I’m threatened by him. I’m not threatened by anybody. Okay. But I The boy needed to be humbled. And the boy was humbled. You’re welcome.”

On the Contender Who Keeps Him Up at Night

“I think the silence answers your question. I mean, like, gun to my head, out of everybody, I’ve already beaten all the top stars there are to beat. The only person who is a mystery to me now, because I’ve never gotten in the ring with them in a singles capacity, is probably Swerve [Strickland]. I’ve beaten Kenny [Omega]. I’ve beaten Samoa Joe. I’ve beaten Hangman [Page]. Let’s not talk about the last two matches I had with him because he cheated. I’ve beaten Kyle Fletcher. I’ve beaten Jon Moxley. The thing is that people need to understand is whether they’re top guys or not; you can’t beat me. If you’re stronger than me, I’ll be faster than you. If you’re faster than me, I’ll be stronger than you. If you’re more agile than me, I’ll have more stamina than you. And if you’re actually a better wrestler than me, nobody is. I’m going to outsmart you. So, what does it matter? What does it matter?”

On Why Fans Continue to Support Him Despite How He Constantly Insults Them

“I’m a god to them. Nobody’s on the level of the devil. I get it. I get it. There are devil worshippers out there all over the world. Okay? Because there’s fear of the unknown. And the unknown is if I don’t worship MJF, is he going to rain down on me next? So, I get it. You’re going to have detractors. You’re going to have supporters. But at the end of the day, no matter what, you’re going to have people buying tickets to see MJF. And there will be plenty of people buying tickets in Sydney, Australia to see MJF at Grand Slam.”

As noted, Bandido’s tag team partner, Brody King, confronted MJF on last night’s AEW Dynamite. MJF has since denied that he’s scared of Brody King.

If using any of the above quotes, please credit Fightful/Down Under the Ring with a h/t to 411maania.com for the transcription.