In an exclusive interview with WDW News Today, Maxwell Jacob Friedman, the reigning AEW World Champion, shared a hilarious anecdote about the peculiar side effects of being a champion in the wrestling world. While MJF is known for his confident and arrogant persona, he revealed a more human side when discussing the challenges he faces with airport security.
The Perks of Being a Champion, But Also the Headaches
As one of the top stars in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), MJF enjoys the luxuries that come with being a world champion, including the recognition and respect from fans and other wrestlers. However, he also mentioned that being a champion comes with its own set of problems, particularly when it comes to traveling.
“Every time I fly, I’m stopped at security,” MJF said with a chuckle. “They always think I’m a threat, whether it’s because of my championship belt or my confidence. I mean, I get it, I’m not the most likable guy, but come on, I’m just trying to get to my destination.”
MJF went on to describe the process of explaining to TSA agents that his AEW World Title is, in fact, a legitimate championship belt and not a prop. He joked that he’s had to get creative with his responses, often resorting to showing them his championship credentials or explaining the intricacies of the belt’s design.
The TSA Conundrum: A Problem of Perception
The TSA’s primary concern is ensuring the safety of passengers and crew members, which often leads to a heightened sense of scrutiny when it comes to items that could be perceived as potential threats. While MJF’s AEW World Title may seem like an unusual item to bring through security, it’s not entirely unreasonable to assume that it could be mistaken for a prop or a fake.
However, sources close to MJF indicate that the real issue lies in the perception of the championship belt, rather than its actual design or purpose. “MJF has had to deal with some pretty long lines and awkward situations at security,” said a source close to the champion. “It’s not so much that the TSA is trying to be difficult, but rather that they’re just doing their job and following protocols.”
A WWE Insider Weighs In: The Double Standard of Championship Belts
While MJF’s situation with TSA may seem unique, a WWE insider suggests that there may be a double standard at play when it comes to championship belts and airport security. “In the WWE, we’ve had our fair share of issues with security when it comes to our championship belts,” said the insider. “However, we’ve often been able to work with the TSA to come up with a solution that allows our champions to travel with their belts without too much hassle.”
The insider went on to note that the WWE’s larger size and more established relationship with the TSA may contribute to the difference in treatment. “We’ve had to work with the TSA to establish protocols for our champions and their belts, which has made the process much smoother,” the insider said. “It’s not always easy, but we’ve been able to find a balance between security concerns and the needs of our champions.”
The Verdict: MJF’s TSA Struggles Are a Problem of Perception
In the end, MJF’s struggles with TSA are a problem of perception, rather than a reflection of any real security threat. While being an AEW World Champion may come with its own set of challenges, it’s clear that MJF is taking it all in stride. As he often says, “I’m the AEW World Champion, and I’ll do whatever it takes to get to the top.”
With his quick wit and charm, MJF has been able to navigate the TSA’s security protocols with ease, even if it means getting a few extra pats down and explaining the intricacies of his championship belt. As one thing is certain, MJF will continue to be a thorn in the side of airport security, all while maintaining his confident and arrogant persona that has become synonymous with the AEW World Champion.