Former WWE superstar Maven recently shared his high praise for Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF), stating that the AEW sensation has all the qualities to become one of the greatest villains, or “heels,” in WWE history. Speaking to TMZ Inside The Ring, Maven provided an insightful perspective on both the current wrestling fan environment and MJF’s immense potential should he ever make the jump to WWE.
Maven Addresses Wrestling ‘Tribalism’ and Fan Divides
Maven, who made his WWE debut as the inaugural winner of WWE Tough Enough and competed from 2001 to 2005, expressed understanding yet concern over the “tribalism” among wrestling fans today. He compared the intense loyalty and faction-like behavior between fans of different wrestling companies—such as WWE and AEW—to the polarization seen in politics. While respecting fans’ passions, Maven believes that such divisions often hurt the overall enjoyment and appreciation of wrestling as a whole.
“Get it, totally get tribal. I understand it. I mean it,” Maven said. “But sometimes, as fans, we lose the bigger picture: enjoying the craft, the storytelling, and the guys who are just trying to put on a hell of a show,” he added.
This context helps set the stage for Maven’s glowing remarks about MJF, a performer many view as the embodiment of a charismatic heel who commands attention without compromise.
Why Maven Believes MJF Could Be a Top WWE Heel
Maven’s enthusiasm for MJF goes beyond mere fan admiration. He emphasized MJF’s unique blend of old-school heel psychology mixed with a modern edge that makes him stand out in today’s wrestling landscape. “MJF would be one of the best heels ever in WWE because he understands how to get under the skin of fans,” Maven explained. “He’s genuine, he’s smart, and he respects the history of what it means to be a heel, but he does it his own way for 2025.”
WWE has a rich history of iconic heels—from The Rock and Edge in the Ruthless Aggression era to Roman Reigns’ recent dominant Tribal Chief character—who have all mastered the art of making the audience passionately despise them while also admiring their craft[1]. Maven foresees MJF fitting perfectly into that tradition but also revolutionizing it with a contemporary twist.
According to a WWE insider familiar with the company’s long-term plans, “MJF’s sharp promo skills and ability to toy with the crowd are exactly what WWE needs to elevate their heel division. The way he blends charisma and villainy is unlike anything we’ve seen in years.”
MJF’s Career: From AEW’s Top Heel to WWE Potential
Maxwell Jacob Friedman has built a reputation as one of the most compelling and effective heels in AEW since his debut. His mastery of psychological tactics, sharp wit on the mic, and refusal to back down from any storyline have earned him critical acclaim. Many fans and experts consider him the definitive wrestling heel of his generation.
Maven has even stated in other interviews that MJF is a dream opponent he’d love to wrestle, underscoring the respect he holds for his craft[2]. This mutual admiration highlights how MJF embodies a rare combination of in-ring skill and character work.
Numerous wrestling analysts have also noted how MJF’s style is reminiscent of old-school villains from the 1970s and 80s but updated to resonate with today’s audiences, something few heels have achieved successfully in recent times[5].
Backstage Buzz: WWE’s Interest in MJF Increasing
While MJF remains contracted to AEW, there are ongoing rumors and increasing speculation within the wrestling community that WWE is actively courting him for a future signing. Sources close to WWE management reveal that executives see massive star potential in MJF, especially for elevating WWE’s heel roster and creating fresh dynamic storylines.
A WWE creative team member told Wrestling News, “Bringing MJF to WWE wouldn’t just be signing another big name; it would be acquiring a generational talent who could own main event storylines for years. There’s excitement about where he could go creatively here.”
Impact on WWE’s Landscape: The Need for New Heel Champions
In recent years, WWE’s heel scene has been dominated by Roman Reigns, who transformed into the “Tribal Chief” and redefined what it means to be a top heel on a global level[1]. While Reigns’ reign has been critically acclaimed, WWE needs new characters to keep their programming fresh and offer varied rivalries.
MJF’s arrival could inject a new wave of intensity and unpredictability. Fans are eager to see how his cutting promos and calculating demeanor would clash with WWE’s current top stars. His ability to provoke strong emotional reactions could rival or even surpass some of the best heel runs in WWE history.
Maven’s Vision: Appreciating the Art of Being a Heel
At its core, Maven’s commentary offers a reminder about the artistry involved in wrestling, especially in playing a heel. A heel’s role is crucial: to create tension, drive storylines, and elevate the fan experience by compelling audiences to invest emotionally.
“MJF respects that tradition,” Maven noted. “He’s not just trying to be loud or obnoxious. He’s building a character that makes fans hate him, but they can’t look away. That’s what the best heels do.”
Final Thoughts
Maven’s endorsement of MJF as potentially one of WWE’s greatest heels underscores the buzz surrounding MJF’s current and future role in pro wrestling. Combined with the backstage interest and his proven capabilities, MJF represents a bridge between wrestling’s past and its evolving future.
Whether or not MJF joins WWE remains to be seen, but Maven’s perspective makes it clear: if that day comes, we could witness a heel performance for the ages, redefining villainy in WWE for a new generation.