Credit: WWE.com
The recent WWE Clash in Paris event marked a spectacular night for professional wrestling fans worldwide, highlighted by the high-profile bout between WWE legend John Cena and social media sensation Logan Paul. Interestingly, this WWE spectacle also caught the attention of All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) top heel Max “MJF” Jacob Friedman, who publicly credited Logan Paul for his performance while simultaneously taking a subtle jab at one of his fiercest AEW rivals.
John Cena Triumphs Over Logan Paul on Historic Paris Night
WWE Clash in Paris 2025 was a milestone event, packed with memorable matches and intense rivalries. The show’s centerpiece was the singles match where John Cena secured a hard-fought victory over Logan Paul in front of a roaring crowd of thousands. Despite his defeat, Logan Paul managed to shine with his athleticism and resilience, impressing fans and critics alike.
The bout was praised for its storytelling and intensity, with Cena’s veteran savvy prevailing ultimately but only after a spirited battle. Logan Paul’s contribution to elevating the event’s profile was noted by many in the wrestling community.
MJF’s Unexpected Praise for Logan Paul
What made the Clash in Paris even more intriguing was AEW’s MJF acknowledging Logan Paul’s performance in the match. Known for his sharp tongue and cunning promos, MJF surprised some fans by giving credit where it was due. In a recent statement, MJF remarked on Logan’s ability to hold his own against a seasoned veteran like John Cena in such a high-stakes environment.
“Logan Paul actually brought some unexpected fire to that ring. Respect where respect’s due, even if it’s on WWE’s stage,” MJF stated in an interview, signaling a rare moment of admiration for a WWE competitor.
A Backstage Take on MJF’s Comments
According to a WWE insider familiar with the situation, MJF’s praise was more than just a genuine nod; it was also a calculated move to stir the pot within AEW by indirectly taking a dig at his AEW adversaries who have criticized him for being less credible outside AEW.
“Sources close to the AEW locker room say MJF is playing the long game. By applauding Logan Paul who’s often viewed as an outsider in wrestling circles MJF is positioning himself as someone who’s willing to call things as they see them, not just toe the company line. It’s a subtle shot at AEW folks who question his legitimacy,” the insider explained.
Taking Shots at AEW Rivals
In the same breath as his praise, MJF threw a cryptic barb aimed at one of his biggest rivals in AEW, implying they could never pull off such a crossover performance with genuine impact. This dual approach of praise and provocation is classic MJF strategy, blending sincerity and sarcasm to keep fans and competitors alike on their toes.
Though he did not name the rival explicitly, wrestling analysts speculate that the remark may be aimed at wrestlers who have criticized MJF’s in-ring credibility or pushed the narrative of league superiority between AEW and WWE performers.
What This Means for AEW-WWE Dynamics
MJF’s comments underscore the increasingly fluid relationship in the wrestling world where performers and fans alike acknowledge the merits across promo wars and company loyalties. Logan Paul’s involvement in WWE events, combined with AEW’s spotlight on its own stars, is indicative of a modern wrestling scene where inter-promotional respect is more openly displayed, even if laced with rivalry undertones.
This scenario also highlights how personalities like MJF leverage moments outside their home promotion to build their own personas and narratives. It will be worth watching if this openness spurs any future cross-promotional interactions or verbal exchanges between AEW and WWE talents.
Logan Paul’s Rising Stock in WWE
Logan Paul’s performance at Clash in Paris is part of a broader trend of athletes and entertainers crossing into WWE, raising their wrestling profile while bringing new audiences with them. His bout with Cena demonstrated that with the right training and preparation, outsiders can deliver compelling matches at the highest level.
Many observers believe Logan’s match helped elevate the Clash in Paris event globally, bringing mainstream attention that only a mainstream celebrity could. This adds to WWE’s strategy of integrating popular figures to broaden appeal beyond traditional wrestling fans.
