It looks like MJF is finally on his way back to AEW, and he’s not coming back empty-handed.
Bryan Alvarez dropped a major update on Wrestling Observer Live, confirming that Maxwell Jacob Friedman has wrapped up his film commitments and is expected to return as early as next week’s AEW Dynamite—just in time for the Dynamite Diamond Battle Royal at Holiday Bash in Manchester on December 17, 2025. Alvarez didn’t leave much room for doubt when it comes to MJF’s participation in the Battle Royal, where the former World Champion has been untouchable for years:
“Now, the Dynamite Diamond Battle Royal has been taking place for what, five years now. And every single year, the winner of that ends up being MJF,” Alvarez said. “Nobody else has ever won the ring. So, I can’t say 1000% that MJF is going to be in that match, but I mean, MJF’s going to be in that match. He has no film commitments at this moment.”
Even more interesting—MJF has already been spotted backstage at AEW shows. Alvarez confirmed:
“In fact, he has actually been backstage. I don’t know how many times, but he has been backstage at least once recently. And, they tried to keep it lowkey, but he has been there. So, he’s returning.”
And when it comes to the AEW World Championship picture? MJF is still very much in the mix. Alvarez reminded listeners that Friedman still holds the contract that guarantees him a future title match.
“Of course, he has the briefcase (contract) or whatever to get the championship match. So, conceivably, he could also be in that World’s End four-way main event for the title or how many people it is,” Alvarez explained. “So I presume he’ll make his return for the Battle Royal, then we’ll see what happens with the Worlds End main event.”
MJF hasn’t been seen in action since after his surprise loss to Mark Briscoe at All Out 2025, but with the Dynamite Diamond ring on the line and the Worlds End main event looming, his return could shake up AEW’s landscape fast.
Do you think MJF walks back into AEW and takes the Diamond Ring for the sixth straight year—or is he coming for that World Title next? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know where you stand.
December 11, 2025 11:10 pm
